When looking for a software solution, there are many things to consider – on the top of the list should be peripheral compatibility, as implementing hardware in conjunction with your software program will inevitably increase efficiency within your operation. Utilizing various peripherals will also save you a great deal of time at the front counter – and as we all know, time is money.
You want to deliver a good customer experience for both new and existing members, so it’s important that the encounter at your front desk is a seamless one. Searching for guests at point of sale can be automatic if the right devices are implemented. A biometrics device will allow you to search for AND verify customers’ identification via their fingerprint. Not only does this make for a quick search, but also prevents your customers from attempting to allow a friend or family member to use their membership.
Introducing driver’s license scanning will speed up the new customer insert process and will also allow you to easily access your guest’s account at their next visit. Asking to see a photo ID will also provide an added layer of verification.
A good customer experience includes a seamless encounter at the front desk.
Issuing your customers’ key tags with your salon logo on them will not only enable you to instantly search for a customer with a barcode scanner but is also an inexpensive form of advertising for your business.
The best part of using hardware devices for automatic retrieval of your customers? Even if you don’t recognize them or remember them by name, they sure will think that you do!
Does the mere thought of digging through your filing cabinets to locate a customer’s release waiver or EFT contract exhaust you? If so, envision creating electronic versions of your forms that will automatically populate each individual customer’s pertinent information. Picture one of your customers signing an agreement on an electronic signature pad (rather than having to print out a hard copy for signature with a pen). Now, imagine the need to file the executed agreement as being a thing of the past as the document is saved to the customer’s account for future access at any time. And if you are a fan of being “green” within your business, you will appreciate the ability to send the customer their executed copy electronically via email. Utilizing an electronic signature pad in your salon will feel like someone threw you a life vest when you were drowning in paper!
A barcode scanner is a simple investment that can be used for processes other than searching for a guest account. After you’ve taken the time to successfully sell a customer on a product, it’s important to make sure that the sale is processed accurately and quickly to follow. A manual search for a product can allow room for error when processing a transaction at point of sale. A barcode scanner will allow you to save time by easily scanning items and associated coupons and will likely decrease the need for refunds or voids.
Not only can you welcome your guests to your salon with a pole display at the register, but you can also readily display the purchase amount due. Doing so provides confidence for the customer prior to finalizing the sale.
A robust software solution will have compatibility with a variety of hardware items. The increased efficiency of operations will certainly be visible and largely outweigh the minimal cost of peripherals.
