Finding the right software tools for your growing small business can be overwhelming.
To achieve retail business growth this year, an investment in best-in-class retail software systems is an absolute must. Used independently or combined, industry-leading retail software solutions are designed to support the unique needs of your growing business, whether it be inventory management, marketing, or sales.
We’ll help you get your retail business off on the right foot.
As an industry-leading point of sale (POS) provider, we’re well-acquainted with the systems and software features you need to succeed this year (and beyond)! Here is a list of the best retail software solutions you need to invest in to maximize your chances for small business success.
Essential Retail Software Tools for Small Business in 2021
Today, business moves at a rapid pace. Unless you’re running a one-person operation, the benefits of investing in modern retail software tools cannot be overstated.
You can choose from cloud-based software, subscription-based service models, software as a service plans (SaaS), or even computer-based hardware systems. The retail solutions available today are almost endless.
Check out our breakdown of the three major software groups to look into, including retail management, marketing, and POS software systems.
Retail Management System Software (RMS)
Retail management system software (RMS) is an all-inclusive tool that a retailer can utilize to shape customer experiences and manage daily business operations. A great RMS can handle software, hardware, digital and landline telecommunications, databases, applications, and the POS platform from one program.
RMS serves these focus areas:
- Manage multiple aspects of your business from one hub
- Keep track of inventory, employees, and finances seamlessly
- Analyze different aspects of your business
- Consolidate multiple software solutions into one system
According to G2, a sound RMS system should include inventory management, POS support, customer loyalty programs, analytics, mobile punctuality, marketing features, and employee management integration.
Software Features & Benefits
Every retail business owner needs a management platform for staying on top of their sales, inventory, and customers. RMS is an all-in-one small business platform that will help keep your business organized. Without this tool, you may struggle to keep track of tasks and goals for your business, manage your employees, or stay engaged with your customer base.
Retail Management Software Options
Vend is one example, as a cloud-based POS and retail platform for small and medium retailers. Other options include Springboard Retail (a cloud-hosted RMS with POS software) and Qmetrix (also cloud-based and ideal for multiple retail locations).
Retail Marketing Software
From simple, free marketing software tools to fully integrated customer engagement software platforms, retail marketing software fits many business sizes and needs. It’s great to have a retail marketing strategy; however, if you don’t have a way to track, develop, and maintain it consistently, it may be a useless exercise. Retail marketing software helps retailers spearhead customer engagement and grow their online presence with just a few clicks.
Software Features & Benefits
Are you spending too much time struggling to keep up with all leads and current customers? Without a retail marketing software system to organize, automate, and handle this vital part of your company, it’s easy to fail. You can try to keep up with a marketing strategy the old-fashioned way, but using digital marketing software designed for your retail business is straightforward and simple.
Retail Marketing Software Options
Did you know there are even artificial intelligence (AI) marketing platforms available on the market? They come equipped with predictive analytics, intelligent omnichannel engagement, optimization, and other advanced, time-saving features. Consider Emarsys, Active Campaign, HubSpot, or ConvertKit.
Retail POS Software
Every retail business requires some kind of sales processing system, whether it be an advanced POS software system or simple cash register. POS software systems should be easy to use, feature-rich, and scalable. Ideally, the POS system should come equipped with inventory management, marketing, promotions, and employee management tools.
A POS software platform is a “must-have” for certain kinds of retailers. If your business is primarily customer-facing or maintains a fast-moving inventory, investing in a system that keeps all of that organized, tracked, and even anticipated is invaluable. Being able to quickly scan product barcodes, handle fast-moving lines, or keep track of inventory and multiple employees cashiering are just some of the perks that come with a retail POS software system.
Features & Benefits
The more organized and efficient you are as a retailer, the better customer service you can provide and the higher your profits. In general, a POS system can help you reduce customer impatience, anticipate needs, and keep track of your inventory down to the last barcode. Without it, your customer base may eventually be turned off by long lines, low stock, glitchy website checkouts, and overall stressful shopping experiences.
POS Software Options
A POS system should facilitate and improve, not hinder, your business operations. Since it is such a critical, central facet of a retail business, it’s important to weigh options and choose wisely. Today, there are many options on the market, but those consistently ranking highly include POS Nation, Square, Clover, Vend, and Shopify.
How to Know Which Retail Software Tool is Right for Your Business
Ideally, your retail software system should have all of the tools right at your fingertips in one streamlined system. At POS Nation, we’ve listened to retail business owners and their needs and used that feedback to develop an integrated, powerful retail POS software system.
Our entire focus is making sure that business owners like you have the powerful, stress-reducing tools they need for their business to thrive and grow. Whether you need retail business hardware or a top-of-the-line software system, we’ve got you covered, and your business will be in good hands.
If you’re in the market for a retail POS system, download our free guide: The Retail POS System Buyers’ Guide. Inside, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions to make the very best investment for your growing retail small business or organization.
