Nothing has affected the business world more in 2020 than the COVID-19 pandemic. Admittedly, the outbreak has affected every part of human life but the effect on the business world has been particularly turbulent. Industry giants recorded record losses and many were forced to shut down altogether while most of the world was locked down.
In the last few weeks, however, many parts of the world appear to be opening up and this includes various businesses. Despite the end of global lockdown measures in some places, the business world that is opening up is vastly different from the one that shut down. To survive in a post-COVID world, businesses will need to place greater priority on certain features, one of which is a flexible point of sale system. While this might seem like a fairly insignificant feature, it will determine in many ways, which businesses thrive in the coming years.
- Contactless: While there were many measures taken across the globe to prevent the spread of COVID-19, they all had one similar theme which was reducing contact between humans and other humans as well as inanimate objects that might have the virus. From social distancing in public places to virtual working and learning, the idea was to have us touch as few people and things as possible. As businesses re-emerge, one dominant feature we can expect is contactless payments as these will allow customers to pay without having to touch pin pads or come in physical contact with salespersons.
This is why it is essential that your business deploy a point of sale system that allows for contactless payments as well as traditional swiping, punching in of PINs, and cash payments.
- Restricted Movement: Assuming your business is a brick-and-mortar location, it is essential that there be multiple locations within the store where customers can pay. As part of safety measures, many consumers are adopting a very cautious attitude towards being in physical stores. Besides social distancing form others, customers are much less likely to move around unless it is necessary.
By having a flexible point of sale system, customers can pay for their goods from whatever part of your store that they find themselves without having to move to other sectors or floors to do so. This ease of payment is sure to earn you points from those who are cautious as a result of the pandemic.
- In and Out: In the pre-pandemic days, customers could afford to browse leisurely across whatever store they found themselves before completing their business. These days, it is more common for customers to get the items they need and leave quickly to avoid unnecessary contact. As a business, it is important that you move with the times and accommodate this need for customers,
A flexible point of sale system will allow customers to pay for their goods and services very quickly, cutting their wait times and alleviating their fears.
Conclusion
The next few months will be crucial in determining what businesses will survive the pandemic and which ones will not. It is therefore important that you update your business’ processes to accommodate the changing world. Sign up with a flexible point of sale system like Lightspeed and give your customers the safe, fast, and seamless payment system they deserve.