Rising inflation is pushing up the prices of necessities such as groceries and clothing. This might start impacting “luxury” purchases of pools, spas, and outdoor living products. To help ensure their companies and stores maximize their profits and make data-driven decisions, this is the year savvy pool and spa professionals are embracing technology and various business software solutions to improve their business practices and combat possible uncertainty next season. Here are a few of the latest trends emerging in the industry.
Number one: E-commerce for all
Today, every brick-and-mortar store should have an online presence—it is expected. Luckily, there are integrated pool and spa business software packages that make it easy to set up an online store. The e-commerce site should be ready to receive customers and their businesses. Retailers have discovered the importance of re-training customers to use online shopping for pool and spa supplies. It is good for the customer, and it is good for the business. If one’s business is not online, it is time to start dedicating resources to the enhancement of an online store.
Remember, when clients go to a business’s online store, they should be able to order, pay, and arrange for delivery or pickup of their products and more. Pool and spa shop owners should be sure the business software supports the company’s online store and has pool industry integrations, so inventory and delivery dates are accurate. To further eliminate mistakes and ensure the correct end-of-day tally, a business should also be able to easily process credit cards on their e-commerce site directly through their business software system. Additionally, they should make online sales seamless by using an online bill pay system which creates a reliable billing process to make it easier and more convenient for customers to pay bills.
Number two: Go mobile or bust
The use of mobile applications has exploded, to the point where one cannot live without using the applications on their phone daily. Observing modern-day habits, a business should be capitalizing on the power of applications to alleviate the stress of labour shortages while improving their customers’ experiences with the company. Businesses should use mobile applications to make transactions and to stay in communication with their customers. Many applications are available through business software packages or as stand-alone tools.
The post Must-watch pool and spa business trends appeared first on Pool & Spa Marketing.
