Whether you’re a hardware store owner coaching a homeowner through their first DIY project or a boutique owner helping a shopper pick out the perfect dress, building a relationship with your customers is one of the most rewarding parts of running a small business.
But maintaining these connections and growing your customer base requires more than expert product recommendations and a customer-oriented attitude.
You need a way to stay in touch with your shoppers, learn about their wants and needs, and craft a personalized experience for them each time they visit your brick-and-mortar or online store.
That’s where customer relationship management (CRM) software comes in.
This powerful tool gives you insights into customers’ preferences and habits, tracks their contact information, and helps you provide service that goes above and beyond their expectations.
In this blog, we’ll explore what CRM for retail is, what it can do for your store, and a list of the best CRM for retail options on the market.
A CRM system helps you make the most of every interaction with your customers.
It stores and organizes their contact information, turns their purchase history into actionable insights, and gives you opportunities to turn one-time shoppers into loyal fans of your store. Let’s explore a few specific functions of CRM for retail software:
In short, a CRM is a must-have tool if you want to build a thriving customer base. Let’s explore how you can put it to work for your business.
You’re ready to invest in CRM for retail, but where should you start?
There are two decisions to make before you start your journey.
First, it’s time to set some goals. Whether you’re reorganizing your customer database, launching a new loyalty program, or overhauling your marketing strategies, you need a CRM for retail that can help you meet your objectives.
Next, you’ll need to choose between a software tool designed specifically to manage your customer interactions, or an all-in-one point of sale (POS) system with built-in CRM functionality. We’ll take a closer look at these two options and share the top providers in each category.
Your first option is to invest in an all-in-one POS solution with CRM functionality baked in. This type of system processes your sales transactions, manages your inventory, and helps you build a relationship with your customers.
We recommend an all-in-one system for a few reasons, including:
For most retailers, a POS system with built-in CRM will offer more than enough features to keep you connected with your customers. Let’s take a look at some providers to check out if this option seems right for you:
You can also opt for software specifically built to meet your CRM needs.
These solutions might be a good fit if you’re a retailer selling high-value, low-volume products, have a team of sales representatives, or need to communicate directly with your customers.
For example, if you’re a large appliance retailer, you need a specialized tool to stay in touch with your customers and guide them through their major purchase decisions.
Let’s explore a few CRM solutions you can use in addition to your POS software:
One of these CRM solutions might be the right choice if you’re hoping to transform your store’s marketing strategy and provide exceptional support to your customers.
Ready to reap the rewards of a powerful CRM for retail? Your best bet is an all-in-one system like Comcash.
Comcash is a POS and CRM solution designed specifically to meet the needs of small retailers just like you. Our software helps you keep checkout lines short, earn repeat business through a loyalty program, and expand your customer base through marketing and e-commerce integrations.
See Comcash in action by scheduling your live demo today.