ShelfPerks is the best turnkey retail solution to run a Convenience Store

ShelfPerks keeps your Skateboard store on track to success

ShelfPerks for Home Decor & Gardening Stores

ShelfPerks is the ideal setup for your Furniture Store

ShelfPerks Store OS gives “A to Z” for Bookstores

ShelfPerks helps your Jewelry Store to shine

ShelfPerks nurtures your plant store’s growth

How ShelfPerks Store OS is helping Fabric store owners to be successful

ShelfPerks Redefines Clothing Retail Excellence with Inventory Mastery, Payment Versatility, and Standout Promotions

Harvesting Success with ShelfPerks: Your Path to a Fruitful Produce Shop Business!

Turn a profit & Sprint to Success with ShelfPerks - The ultimate Store Operating System for your shoe store

ShelfPerks makes running your Cheese & Deli store delectable

ShelfPerks is made for hobby, book and toy stores to thrive

Empowering Your Local Computer Hardware Store

Spirits Soar with ShelfPerks: Elevate Your Liquor Store's Operations!

Pedal towards prosperity: Revolutionize your bike store with ShelfPerks Store OS

Game-Changer Alert: Level up your Sporting goods store with ShelfPerks Store OS!

ShelfPerks Store Operating makes a huge difference in the success of running a Grocery Store


### Getting started with ShelfPerks

#### What is ShelfPerks?

ShelfPerks is an easy-to-adopt yet powerful **Store Operating System** built for store owners. It is a feature-rich system that combines all the **day-to-day** business operations such as point of sale, payment processing, inventory management, customer management and **additional business** functions such as promotions, role management, reports, taxes and more in one setup.
                        
ShelfPerks equips the store owners with:
                        
- *Cloud-based Merchant Portal*
- *ShelfPerks Merchant App*
                                            
The cloud-based *Merchant Portal* is the main control center for the merchant’s entire commerce. After registration, the *Merchant Portal* will be created with a unique Merchant Portal Address (URL). The merchant can configure one or more stores or warehouse locations under the *Merchant Portal*

*Merchant Portal* can be accessed anytime anywhere over the internet via computer browsers, iPads and Android tablets with screen size of minimum 9.7”.

*ShelfPerks Merchant App* is designed to provide the merchant portability and flexibility to do day-to-day operations. For example, using the ShelfPerks Merchant App, merchants can ring up the customer’s purchase anywhere on the shop floor, automatically validate and receive the purchase order (PO), check on the quantity of a product in real-time and many more tasks

*ShelfPerks Merchant App* can run on iPhones, iPads, Android phones and Android tablets. It can be downloaded from Google Play Store and from Apple App Store.

What is ShelfPerks?


Pop-up stores are powered by passion. They are niche, creative and often cheerful trial before a store owner gets into the big leagues. In some cases, store owners set up pop-up stores to build awareness and induce trials to a specific group of audience. People who run them have 99 things to worry about, but thanks to ShelfPerks, store operations isn't one of them. 

Running a successful pop-up store requires careful planning and execution. Let's explore the best practices for setting up a pop-up store and how utilizing a store operating system like ShelfPerks can greatly benefit entrepreneurs.

1. **Choosing the Right Location:**

Select a location that aligns with your target audience. High foot traffic areas or trendy neighborhoods can attract more visitors to your pop-up store.

2. **Strategic Timing:**

Timing is crucial. Consider seasonal trends, holidays, or local events when planning your pop-up. This can significantly impact the success of your store.

3. **Eye-Catching Visual Merchandising:**

Create an attractive and cohesive visual display to grab attention. Organize and showcase your products effectively.

4. **Utilize ShelfPerks Store Operating System:**

Take advantage of ShelfPerks, a store operating system designed for pop-up shops. Its free plan offers essential features like inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement tools.

5. **Apple Tap to Pay Integration:**

Incorporate Apple Tap to Pay to streamline the checkout process. This feature not only enhances customer experience but also caters to the growing trend of contactless payments.

6. **Payment Processors Integration - Stripe and Stax:**

ShelfPerks simplifies transactions with integrated payment processors like Stripe and Stax. Entrepreneurs can choose the processor that aligns with their business needs, ensuring secure and efficient payment handling.

7. **Engage Customers Digitally:**

Leverage ShelfPerks' customer engagement tools to build a digital connection. Collect email addresses for future marketing, offer loyalty rewards, and keep customers informed about upcoming events.

8. **Limited-Time Offers and Exclusives:**

Create a sense of urgency with exclusive offers available only during the pop-up. Limited-time discounts or exclusive products can drive sales and attract more visitors.

9. **Social Media Promotion:**

Utilize social media platforms to generate buzz before, during, and after the pop-up event. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, teasers, and exclusive promotions to create excitement.

10. **Gather Customer Feedback:**

Use ShelfPerks to gather feedback from customers. Understand what worked well and areas for improvement. This valuable information can enhance future pop-up experiences.

11. **Dual Impact on Brick-and-Mortar and E-Commerce:**

A noteworthy advantage of incorporating pop-up stores, especially with the support of ShelfPerks, is the dual impact they can have on both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce aspects of your business. The physical presence attracts local customers, while the integrated e-commerce features seamlessly bridge the gap between offline and online shopping experiences. This approach can significantly expand your customer reach and enhance overall store growth.

 

**[Sign up with ShelfPerks](https://grow.shelfperks.com/)** for a free trail and **[Book a demo](https://shelfperks.com/book-a-demo)**.

 Pop-up stores done Right with ShelfPerks.

In recent years, specialty foods have carved out a significant niche in the culinary world. From artisanal cheeses to exotic spices, the specialty food industry offers a wealth of opportunities for passionate entrepreneurs. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast looking to share your creations or an entrepreneur with an eye for curating exceptional products, the specialty food retail sector presents a promising avenue for business success.

 

**What Defines Specialty Foods?**

Specialty foods distinguish themselves through uniqueness and superior quality, setting them apart from mainstream products. These often include:

1. Artisan cheeses and expertly cured meats

2. Locally harvested honey and authentic maple syrup

3. Premium gourmet seafood

4. Exquisite, handcrafted confections

5. Authentic ethnic delicacies and imported specialties

 

As a producer or curator of these delights, you play a crucial role in the dynamic specialty food retail ecosystem.

 

**Starting Your Specialty Food Business at Home**

Many successful specialty food businesses begin in the comfort of home kitchens. Here's how to set yourself up for success:

1. Equip Your Space: Transform your home into a compliant production area. This may involve upgrading your kitchen equipment, ensuring proper storage facilities, and creating dedicated work areas.

2. Navigate Regulations and Licensing: Research and comply with local and federal food safety laws. Obtain all necessary permits and licenses to operate legally from your home.

3. Build Community Engagement: Leverage social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to create buzz around your products. Encourage friends and family to spread the word and build your initial customer base.

4. Embrace E-commerce: Utilize user-friendly platforms to set up an efficient online store. This allows you to manage orders, track inventory, and handle fulfillment seamlessly from the start.


![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/guide/shelfperks_storeos_specialtyfoodretailtwo.webp)

 

**Exploring Pop-Up Retail Models**

Pop-up stores offer a low-risk way to gauge market interest and refine your offerings:

1. Customer Interaction: Use pop-ups as a living laboratory to gather real-time feedback on your products and pricing.

2. Brand Visibility: Create buzz and excitement around your brand with unique, limited-time experiences.

3. Operational Flexibility: Take advantage of tools to manage pop-up operations efficiently, from point-of-sale to inventory tracking.

 

**Establishing a Permanent Retail Store**

When you're ready to put down roots, consider these crucial factors:

1. Strategic Location: Choose a spot that balances visibility, foot traffic, and affordability.

2. Financial Planning: Secure adequate funding and develop a solid financial strategy to support your growth.

3. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all aspects of your business meet local and national regulations.

4. Scalable Solutions: Implement robust retail management systems to handle complex operations as you grow.

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/guide/shelfperks_storeos_specialtyfoodretailthree.webp)


 

**Scaling Up: Production and Distribution**

As your business grows, you'll need to scale up production and explore broader distribution channels:

Production Options:

- Upgrade your home kitchen

- Rent a commercial kitchen space

- Invest in your own production facility

 

Distribution Strategies:

- Develop a strong e-commerce presence

- Partner with local retailers

- Explore wholesale opportunities

- Consider working with distribution partners


 

**Alternative Roles:**

Even if you don't produce your own products, you can still thrive in this industry as a distributor or wholesaler of specialty foods.

 
**Building a Robust Business Infrastructure**

Success in specialty food retail requires thorough planning and a solid operational foundation:

1. Business Structure: Choose the most suitable format (e.g., LLC, corporation) based on your goals and legal requirements.

2. Legal Compliance: Handle all necessary permits, licenses, and insurance to protect your business.

3. Operational Excellence: Implement comprehensive retail software to streamline everything from inventory management to employee scheduling.


 

**Market Research and Development**

Understanding your market and standing out is crucial:

1. Analyze Competitors: Identify what works and what doesn't in your chosen market segment.

2. Track Market Trends: Stay ahead of consumer preferences and industry shifts.

3. Develop Your USP: Clearly define and communicate what makes your products or store unique to attract and retain customers.


 

**Financial Strategies for Growth**

Managing finances for long-term success is critical:

1. Explore Funding Options: Consider loans, investors, or crowdfunding to support your expansion.

2. Maintain Financial Health: Keep a close eye on cash flow, profitability, and credit scores.

3. Plan for the Future: Create detailed business plans and financial forecasts to guide your decisions.

 

**Marketing and Branding**

Building your brand and expanding your reach is essential:

1. Digital Marketing: Leverage SEO, content marketing, and social media to attract and engage customers online.

2. Traditional Advertising: Don't overlook the power of local media, press releases, and community engagement.

3. Brand Storytelling: Share your passion and the unique story behind your products to create emotional connections with customers.


 
 

**Conclusion**

Starting and thriving in the specialty food retail business is a journey that combines culinary passion with entrepreneurial skill. By following this guide and leveraging powerful tools, you can build a successful business that not only meets but exceeds your customers' expectations. Remember, the key to long-term success lies in offering exceptional products, providing outstanding customer experiences, and continuously adapting to market trends and consumer preferences.

 

Are you ready to embark on your specialty food retail adventure? With careful planning, dedication, and the right resources, your journey from home kitchen to thriving retail business can become a reality.



**Further Research into Specialty Foods Retail business -**

**Books**

- Creating a thriving business: How to build an immensely profitable business in 7 easy steps - George Horrigan

- The daily entrepreneur: 33 success habits for small business owners, freelancers and aspiring 9-to-5 escape artists - S.J.Scott and Rebecca Livermore

- From Kitchen to Market - Stephen F.Hall

- Start your own Specialty food business - The staff of Entrepreneur Media Inc. & Cheryl Kimball	

 

**Magazines**

- <a target="_blank" href="https://www.specialityfoodmagazine.com">Specialty Food Magazine</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bakingbusiness.com">Baking Business</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cookscountry.com">Cook's Country</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foodandwine.com">Food and Wine</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="https://farmandtablenm.com">Farm & Table</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.Saveur.com">Saveur</a>

 

**Retail Tech**

- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.shelfperks.com ">Shelfperks</a>


 

**Organizations**

- <a target="_blank" href="https://www.specialtyfood.com">Specialty Food Association</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="https://snacintl.org">SNAC International</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ota.com">Organic Trade Association</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fda.gov">FDA</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nrf.com">National Retail Federation</a>

- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhb.org">National Honey Board </a>

- <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cheesesociety.org">American Cheese Society </a>

How to Start & Thrive in the Specialty Food Retail Business


### How to sign up for ShelfPerks Store Operating System?

#### Merchant Registration

A Merchant is the owner of a retail business. To use ShelfPerks, the merchant needs to register for a merchant account.

To set up your merchant account, follow the steps below:
  1. Launch [https://grow.shelfperks.com/#/register](https://grow.shelfperks.com/#/register)
  2. In the first step, fill the registration form.
  3. Check ***I'm not a robot*** and Click ***Register*** button.
  4. In the next step, enter the invite code that was sent to the email address you submitted in step 1.
  5. Enter a unique name in the field provided to create your Merchant Portal Address. In the same step, enter
  a username and a password that consists of: 
    - Minimum 8 characters.
    - At least one digit, one lowercase letter and one uppercase letter. 
  6. Once the form is submitted, you will be redirected to the ***Merchant Portal Ready*** step.
  7. You are all set! Your Merchant Account has been created on ShelfPerks platform. Click on Let’s Get Started button to launch your Merchant Portal.

#### How to register for a ShelfPerks Merchant Account from Mobile/Tablet

  1. Launch the ***ShelfPerks Merchant App*** in your Mobile/Tablet.
  1. If you are new to the ***ShelfPerks Merchant App***, tap the ***Next*** button in the ***Welcome page.***
  1. To register your ShelfPerks Merchant account, tap ***Next*** button in the current screen.
  1. Specify your email address and tap on the ***Send me the link*** button.
  1. Go to the inbox of your registered email address and find the email with the subject ***ShelfPerks™ Registration Link.***
  1. Click registration link to open merchant sign-up form.

How to sign up for ShelfPerks Store Operating System?

### How to sign-in to ShelfPerks as an Admin?

#### Admin Sign-in to Merchant Portal

ShelfPerks Merchant Portal can be accessed through a web browser from a computer or tablet with the minimum screen size of 9.7” connected to the internet.
 
1. Type the Merchant Portal Address in the browser window.
1. Enter your ***Username*** and ***Password*** on the login page.
1. Click ***Login*** button.

### Admin Sign-in to iOS ShelfPerks App (iPad/iPhone)

#### Onboarding Screen:

1. Launch ***ShelfPerks Merchant App*** on your mobile or tablet.
1. If the ***ShelfPerks Merchant App*** is downloaded for the first time or re-installed, a ***Welcome*** screen will appear with the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy popup.
1. Tap on the ***Accept*** button to proceed.
1. On the Introduction page, tap on the ***Skip*** button to skip the introduction tour.
1. On the Introduction page, tap on the ***Next*** button if you are new to the ShelfPerks App.
1. If you are not registered to the ShelfPerks account, tap on the ***Next*** button.
1. Specify the email address to get the registration link and tap on the ***Get Link*** button.
1. Tap on the ***Registration*** link, to view the registration form.
1. If you are already registered to the ShelfPerks account, tap on the ***Login*** button.
1. Once the Merchant Sign-In page is displayed, follow the steps of Merchant Sign-In. 

#### Merchant Sign in:
1. After going through the welcome screens, specify the ***Merchant ID*** and tap on the ***Submit*** button.
1. ***App*** Location Permission pop-up is displayed after ***Submit*** Merchant ID.
1. System Location Permission pop-up is displayed when the ***App Location permission*** pop-up is closed.
1. ***App Bluetooth Permission*** pop-up is displayed when the ***System Location Permission*** is Closed/Allowed.
1. ***System Bluetooth Permission*** pop-up is displayed when the ***App Bluetooth Permission*** is Closed/Allowed.
1. ***App Network Permission*** pop-up is displayed when the ***System Bluetooth Permission*** is Closed/Allowed.
1. ***System Network Permission*** pop-up is displayed when the ***App Network Permission*** is Closed/Allowed.
1. Login Screen is displayed when the System Network Permission is Closed/Allowed.
1. On the login screen, enter your ***Username*** and ***Password.***
1. Select the ***Store (Locations)*** from the dropdown list. Tap on the ***Login button.***
 
### Admin Sign-in to ShelfPerks Android App (Tablet/Phone)

#### Onboarding Screen:

1. Launch ***ShelfPerks Merchant App*** on your mobile or tablet.
1. If the ***ShelfPerks Merchant App*** is downloaded for the first time or re-installed, a ***Welcome*** screen will appear with the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy popup.
1. Tap on the ***Accept*** button to proceed.
1. On the Introduction page, tap on the ***Skip*** button to skip the introduction tour.
1. On the Introduction page, tap on the ***Next*** button if you are new to the ShelfPerks App.
1. If you are not registered to the ShelfPerks account, tap on the ***Next*** button.
1. Specify the email address to get the registration link and tap on the ***Get Link*** button.
1. Tap on the ***Registration*** link, to view the registration form.
1. If you are already registered to the ShelfPerks account, tap on the ***Login*** button.
1. Once the Merchant Sign-In page is displayed, follow the steps of Merchant Sign-In. 

#### Merchant Sign in on the ShelfPerks Android App(Tablet/Phone):

1. After going through the welcome screens, specify the ***Merchant ID*** and tap on the ***Submit*** button.
1. ***App*** Location Permission pop-up is displayed after ***Submit*** Merchant ID.
1. System Location Permission _pop-up is displayed when the ***App Location permission*** pop-up is closed.
1. ***App Network Permission*** pop-up is displayed when the ***System Bluetooth Permission*** is Closed/Allowed.
1. ***System Network Permission*** pop-up is displayed when the ***App Network Permission*** is Closed/Allowed.
1. Login Screen is displayed when the System Network Permission is Closed/Allowed.
1. On the login screen, enter your ***Username*** and ***Password.***
1. Select the ***Store (Locations)*** from the dropdown list. Tap on the ***Login button.***

#### Login on the ShelfPerks Android App(Tablet/Phone):

1. Launch ***ShelfPerks Merchant App*** on your mobile or tablet.
1. If the ***ShelfPerks Merchant App*** is downloaded for the first time or re-installed, a ***Welcome*** screen will appear with the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy popup. Tap on the ACCEPT button to proceed.
1. After going through the welcome screens, specify the Merchant ID and tap on the SUBMIT button.
1. On the login screen, enter your ***Username*** and ***Password***.
1. Select the ***Store (Locations)*** from the dropdown list. Tap on the LOGIN button.

#### Release 2.0

#### Admin Sign-in to Merchant Portal

ShelfPerks Merchant Portal can be accessed through a web browser from a computer or tablet with the minimum screen size of 9.7” connected to the internet.
 
1. Type the Merchant Portal Address in the browser window.
1. Enter your ***Username*** and ***Password*** on the login page.
1. Click ***Login*** button.
 
#### Admin Sign-in to ShelfPerks Merchant App (Mobile/Tablet)

1. Launch ***ShelfPerks Merchant App*** on your mobile or tablet.
1. If the ***ShelfPerks Merchant App*** is downloaded for the first time or re-installed, a ***Welcome*** screen will appear with the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy popup. Tap on the ACCEPT button to proceed.
1. After going through the welcome screens, specify the Merchant ID and tap on the SUBMIT button.
1. On the login screen, enter your ***Username*** and ***Password***.
1. Select the ***Store (Locations)*** from the dropdown list. Tap on the LOGIN button.

How to log in to ShelfPerks?


ShelfPerks is committed to leveling the playing field by making store operational and technological advantages accessible to all store owners. They offer a range of subscription plans, starting from free options that cater to fundamental needs, to premium plans that encompass all the functions and advantages any store owner could dream of.

For instance, the free ShelfPerks subscription equips stores with a Point of Sale (POS) system, real-time inventory management, unlimited product listing, and a single-user license for use in a single location.

Choosing a subscription can depend on several factors such as your budget, the features or benefits you want, and the number of locations. Here are some steps that can help you choose a [subscription.](https://shelfperks.com/pricing)
                            
1. **Determine your needs** - Consider what you need from the subscription. For example, if you are looking for a customer loyalty program, do you want more than one terminal in your store? Delivery app integration, Self Checkout or Real-time Product Expiration Alerts?
1. **Research the options** - Look at the options available and compare them based on your needs. Check the pricing, subscription length, and features included.
1. **Check for free trials** - Many subscription services offer a free trial. Take advantage of this to test out the service and see if it is right for you. ShelfPerks encourages store owners with a 90-day free trial of the  [premium subscription.](https://grow.shelfperks.com/#/register)
1. **Evaluate costs** - Consider the cost of the subscription and whether it fits your budget. If your resources are limited, consider cheaper alternatives or find ways to save money such as opting for an annual subscription instead of a monthly one.
1. **Consider cancelation policy** - Check the cancelation policy, in case you don't like the service, or you won't be able to use it anymore. You wouldn't want to be locked into a lengthy contract or continue paying for unused services.

By following these steps, you should be able to choose a subscription that meets your needs and fits your budget, operational needs and ambitions.

How to choose a ShelfPerks Store OS Subscription?


The most effective way to train employees is to stick to the fundamental reason of “why you need employees?”. As said by all the successful store owners we have interviewed, employees are essential to a store to achieve efficiency, scale-up, and improve the profitability. 

Your employees need to be trained from fundamental functions to value-adding tasks, depending on the role you want them to perform. 

**Fundamental functional training** includes store up-keeping tasks such as cleaning, security, inventory management, basic bookkeeping and record keeping. The fundamental training gives the employees the objective and the set of instructions to follow and the goal is to achieve functional efficiency and consistency.

Store owners prioritize the fundamental training on:
                            
- **Customer Assistance** - Employees provide personalized assistance to customers, helping them find products, answering questions, and offering recommendations. Their presence enhances the shopping experience and fosters customer loyalty. With ShelfPerks Store OS, the employees can easily look up for the products, provide necessary details and transact to give your customers the best shopping experience. The ShelfPerks App enables your employees to be equipped with all the tools through their smartphones and work error-free. 

- **Product Management** - Employees are responsible for stocking shelves, organizing displays, and ensuring that products are well-presented and easily accessible. They help maintain a visually appealing and organized store layout.

- **Cash Handling and Transactions** - Employees operate cash registers and process transactions accurately, ensuring that customers can pay for their purchases smoothly. This also involves handling returns, exchanges, and providing receipts. Being device-friendly, ShelfPerks Store OS enables the store owner and their employees to turn their smartphones, laptops, or tablets into a transaction terminal and can be connected with any cash drawer. 

- **Safety and Security** - Employees help enforce safety protocols and maintain a secure shopping environment. They monitor for theft, handle any emergencies that may arise, and assist in evacuations if necessary.

Knowledge bases such as store policies, and federal or government regulations can be provided in the form of physical and digital documents to the employees for easy and accurate reference. 

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/guide/emp-train-1.webp)

**Value-adding role training** is aimed at giving the store a winning edge and helping the store to grow in revenue and scale up. This is a crucial phase where the store owner treats their employees as the vital factor for the store’s success and is geared to give the employees the autonomous power that should result in revenue-related metrics such as:

1. Increasing the average purchase value

2. Increase the number of repeat customers

3. Improve customer satisfaction

4. Build thought leadership

The employees are trained to:

- Observe customer behavior and create standardized scenarios that will help them service faster and more accurate

- Manage vendors for better deals, and product mix and reduce the errors and delays. A healthy vendor relationship is essential for optimal supply chain and product management  

- Conflict Resolution: Teaching employees how to handle conflicts or challenging situations with customers or coworkers in a professional manner

- Product recommendation 

- Running promotions, cross-selling and upselling 

An effective training schedule or practice starts with hands-on training and shadowing over a period of 3 to 4 weeks. Store owners insist that successful employee training should be a dynamic and ongoing process to ensure that all of them are well-prepared and confident in their roles. Adapt the training program based on feedback and evolving needs within the store.

As the employees get familiar with value-added functions, they need to be trained in using their skills to achieve greater responsibilities such as:

- **Merchandising and Promotions:** Employees help execute marketing strategies, such as setting up promotional displays and ensuring that pricing is accurate and consistent with ongoing offers.

- **Freshness and Quality:** In departments like produce, bakery, and deli, employees assess the quality and freshness of items. They remove expired products and ensure that only high-quality goods are available for purchase.

- **Cultural Sensitivity:** In diverse communities, employees with cultural awareness can cater to the preferences and needs of different customer groups, contributing to a more inclusive shopping experience

- **Community Connection:** Employees often become familiar faces in the community, building relationships with regular customers and contributing to the store's locality

In essence, employees are the heart of a store, providing a range of services and support that contribute to the overall success of the business and the satisfaction of its customers. And with ShelfPerks Store OS, you can streamline the functions, standardize all the processes and access all the relevant information to empower your employees to make the right decision and work efficiently without any stress.

Employee training at your store


Store owners want to know everything about their store. Most importantly they want knowledge and insights in a glance, they need more time making decisions and reacting than comprehending the data. 

They typically want to know a variety of data to help them run their businesses more effectively. Some of the most common types of data that store owners are interested in:
                            
1. **Sales data** - This must includes information about the number of items sold, best selling categories, store busy hours over a period of time
1. **Inventory data** - This includes information about the product stock levels, sales velocity, and reorder timings. 
1. **Customer Analytics** -This includes information about customer demographics, buying habits, and preferences.
1. **Financial data** - This includes information about expenses, profits, and other financial metrics that can help store owners make pivotal business decisions.

By analyzing this data, store owners can make data-driven decisions to improve their business operations, optimize their product offerings, and increase sales and revenue.

Enter the **ShelfPerks Store OS dashboard – a beacon of clarity.** Unveiling sales, product, and customer insights, this intuitive dashboard empowers store owners with real-time data access, anytime, anywhere.

**For Sales:**

- Total Revenue: At a glance, discern total earnings.

- Transaction Tally: Evaluate the volume of completed transactions.

- Gross Profit Snapshot: Capture the gross profit achieved.

**Pertaining to Products:**

- Inventory Overview: Instantly view owned inventory quantum.

- Inventory Age Analysis: Visualize the age composition of inventory.

- Bestselling Products: Identify top-performing product champions.

- Returns Overview: Monitor product returns count.

**In the realm of Customer Data:**
- Footfall Count: Gauge foot traffic with total store visits.

- Coupon Utilization: Track coupon redemption frequency.

- Optimal Shopping Periods: Unearth peak shopping hours.

The ShelfPerks Store OS dashboard seamlessly transforms data into actionable insights, equipping store owners to steer their businesses toward prosperity.

Dashboard Made for Store Owners


Every store owner wants to expand their business and make more profit. Today’s Store owners face looming inflation, skyrocketing energy costs, increasing labor costs, growing customer demands,
and complex order fulfillments. Many operations are manual and labor intensive. Growing the business could become expensive without proper tools. Many solutions and tools out there are
fragmented or inaccessible. 

Digitizing all store functions from product sales, inventory, shipment management to customer management will increase the store’s efficiency by many folds. The main advantage of a
Store Operating System is that this digitalization can be accomplished with a fraction of cost and in a short time.

Today’s store owners need smart and easy to use system for all their day-to-day operations such as point of sale, inventory management, product promotion management, supplier management,
sales tax management and expense tracking. ShelfPerks Store Operating System exactly does that without a need for additional integrations.

ShelfPerks Store Operating System utilizes analytics-driven functions to work efficiently, make smart decisions in digitizing the inventory, merchandising, managing employees,
engaging with customers and much more. Increased efficiency results in the increased profitability of the store.

ShelfPerks Store Operating System can be operated through web browsers or app on Mac/PC/Chromebook, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Create Virtual Point of Sale register at any time.
Serve the weekend rush or holiday rush with ease and Sell More.

With the built-in Roles and Permissions feature, digitize the employee onboarding, role assignment, internal access, and operational controls.  Whether there are 2 employees or 200 employees,
the store owner can handle any complex roles and permissions without breaking a sweat. Spend less time on laborious tasks and more time with your customers. The ability to scale store
operations to greater volumes and many store locations is easy with ShelfPerks’ revolutionary approach even with limited human resources.

Store owners need to know what is going on in their stores all the time. ShelfPerks provides store owners with real-time dashboards, and reports on inventory, sales, customers,
registers, product expirations and so on. This information can be accessed anytime from any device, anywhere.

Digitizing store operations helps store owners to set up standard or custom practices that will give them operational fluency of the big-box retail giants thus leveling the playing field.
In a battle of David versus Goliath, the David of store owners, can finally have a winning chance against the Goliath.

Why digitizing a store is a must? How ShelfPerks can help?


Stores serve many different types of customers, from travelers to locals. But one thing that nearly all customers have in common is that they prefer a clean store over a dirty one.

**Consumers enter stores because they want to shop.**

Retailers should prioritize facilitating a clean browsing experience for consumers, allowing them to explore products effortlessly and make purchases with ease. Ensuring a pleasant shopping environment and easy item discovery should take precedence. Relying on attractions like food, entertainment, or “cool” experiences is putting the cart before the horse.

**Customers prefer to buy food from clean stores**

Customers not only tend to spend more time browsing a clean store, but they’re also more likely to make food purchases in a location they’re comfortable visiting. On the other hand, a dirty store discourages customers from spending any more time in the area than what’s absolutely necessary. Adherence to strict sanitation schedules can increase convenience store profits quite effectively.

**Nice stores leads to a nicer bottom line.**

- 86% of respondents tend to spend more time in nice stores.
- Consumers are 2x more likely to make big purchases ($101-$250) in stores vs. online.
- Consumers are 3x more likely to make an impulse purchase in-store vs. online.
- Serendipity - unplanned purchases are a huge opportunity.
- Nearly 1 out of 5 of all purchases are unplanned, meaning potentially more than $558 billion up for grabs.
- 3 out of 5 consumers said their primary location for making impulse buys was “in person in a store”.
- 4 out of 5 impulse purchases are made in a brick-and-mortar store.
- 40% of in-store shopping trips result in 3 items being purchased on impulse.

**Neat & simple layouts make finding products simple.**

A clean store with neat, organized shelves and a simple layout makes it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for. Customers have more positive experiences in stores when products are arranged in ways that make sense and encourage more browsing.

Owners and managers can almost effortlessly increase customer retention and sales by emphasizing custodial practices among convenience store staff. Promotions, loyalty programs, and excellent customer service are beneficial, but few of these steps will be effective if customers are driven away from poorly-cleaned stores.

**Consumers care greatly about consistency**

Get it wrong and it will affect your brand. One bad experience can really hurt your bottom line. After one bad experience:
- 40% of shoppers spend less money in a store.
- 52% of shoppers will leave without making a purchase.
- 69% of shoppers are less likely to return.

**The higher the income, the higher the expectations.**

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/cleanliness/cleanliness-store.webp)

- Consumers making more than $100k (USD) have higher expectations and the strongest reactions to poor in-store experiences.
- 80% of high-income shoppers like stores less after they have a bad experience (average: 71%).
- 79% of high-income shoppers spend less time in a store if they have a negative experience (average: 76%).
- 71% of high-income shoppers have walked out of a store because of physical appearance(average 64%).

Increasingly, if a consumer has a bad experience, you can count on bad word-of-mouth:
- Half of those 55 and older say they would tell a salesperson or call customer service if they had a bad experience in a store, but only 31% of those 18-24 would.
- Nearly half of respondents (49%) said they would tell a friend if they had a negative experience at a store
(Source: [The Brick and Mortar Retail Report | Service Channel](https://servicechannel.com/reports/the-brick-and-mortar-retail-report/))

**Cleanliness can extend the life of your business assets.**

Over time, normal wear-and-tear can break down these surfaces through the buildup of dirt, debris and other grime, resulting in excessive scuffs, scratches and shabbiness that will require items to be replaced more frequently.

Regular retail cleaning can extend the life of your valuable assets. By removing small contaminants on a consistent basis, particles don’t have a chance to accumulate to the same levels. Not only will your retail space look and smell fresher, it will also save you money by extending the amount of time between replacements for expensive purchases like new furniture or carpeting.

Retail stores present their own set of challenges when it comes to ensuring the best environment for guests. With so many frequently used areas, there are several key hotspots that need to be properly cleaned on a regular basis for health, safety and aesthetic reasons.

Everyday general cleaning should include dusting, disinfecting, wiping, vacuuming and mopping to ensure day-to-day cleanliness of frequently used areas. However, retailers should also include occasional deep cleaning and preventative maintenance tasks as part of their cleaning schedule.

It's good for business, it's good for employees, it's good for customers and great for the neighborhood.

Why Cleanliness is Important for Stores


Technology enables efficient operation and convenience of conducting business. In current times the evolution of retail technologies such as a Store Operating System provides comprehensive data & intelligence that helps the store owner to make the right decision and also automate complex processes for an error-free practice. They save on labor costs, make better use of resources and optimize opportunity cost. 

Store owners know the benefits of technology but find it challenging to get it right or arrive at the perfect budgeting practice to accommodate the desirable technologies in their store. 

**Yes, It is simple:**

Technology budgeting is based on the principle of “paying less for more”. That means paying less for a solution that does bulk of the work and is very easy to maintain, upgrade, and migrate from. 

**Prioritize Opportunity over Task:**

Store operations were conventionally divided into “customer-facing tasks” and “operational tasks”. This division is a bit flawed. Successful store owners say that customer-facing tasks and operations are intertwined, and both influence each other. Hence while budgeting for technology, prioritizing the requirement for one set of tasks over the other may not deliver the end result of profitability and growth. 

### Budgeting will be easy when you -
  1. **Have as little as possible:**

  It is better to employ fewer solutions that do maximum work. This reduces the maintenance, implementation & upgrading cost. This means that, while it is essential to have a Point of Sale (POS) to collect payments, it is also important to evaluate what more can it do -

  Does your Point of Sale (POS) also manage inventory?

  Does your Point of Sale (POS) with inventory management also manage vendors?

  Does your Point of Sale (POS) that manages vendors & inventory, also be device agnostic and possess CRM capabilities?

  You get the drift. As a store owner start evaluating technologies that go the distance. When you have a lean technology setup, it saves on employee training, saves on operation cost and makes it easy to scale enabling growth in revenue and in efficiency. 

  2. **Try before you buy:**

  The good news is that the business-to-business retail technology market is very competitive. As such, many services and products offer quite generous trial periods, which can allow you to see how a tool works firsthand.

  “Try before you buy” arrangements give you a practical window into whether a piece of tech works for your business. It can help you avoid getting tied into years of subscription costs for things that won’t work for you.
 

  3. **Think around the tech:**

  Think about your teams, employees and customers. What is it that they need from the tool? What will they need to help them use the tool?

  Your product or service needs to solve your business needs but also work for those who will be using it. Your business might also lack the necessary skills and manpower required to make a technology work. These shortcomings can be rectified, but only if you plan ahead. Often the fix can be quite simple, like upskilling employees or hiring the right people.

### What to consider when you budget?
1. **Categorize Expenses:** Divide your technology expenses into categories such as hardware, software, subscriptions, maintenance, payment surcharges, transaction fee and upgrades. This will help you allocate funds more effectively.

2. **Hardware and Software Costs:** Estimate the costs of hardware such as computers, tablets, Point of Sale (POS) terminals, barcode scanners, and receipt printers. For software, consider expenses related to POS software, inventory management software, accounting software, etc.

3. **Subscription Services:** Factor in subscription costs for cloud-based software and services. Examples include Point of Sale (POS) subscriptions, email marketing platforms, e-commerce platforms, and more.

4. **Cloud Storage and Backups:** Include expenses for cloud storage solutions to store important business data securely. Budget for backup solutions to prevent data loss.

5. **Marketing and Online Presence:** Equipping your store to be accessible or searchable across social media, Search engines and other online platforms. 

Remember to tailor your technology budget to match your store's size, location, and target market. Reviewing regularly and adjusting your budget to stay up to date with industry trends can be avoided with a Store Operating System. 

Technology budgeting to run your store


Accept contactless payments with only an iPhone.

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/tap-to-pay/apple-pay-payment.webp)

With **Tap to Pay on iPhone and ShelfPerks Store OS**, you can accept in-person contactless payments with only an iPhone — from physical debit and credit cards to Apple Pay and other digital wallets — no extra terminals, readers or hardware needed. It’s easy, secure, and private.

Happy customers & Happier Store Owners.

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/tap-to-pay/apple-pay-transaction.webp)

Now customers can pay how they want and can make the payment at the counter, aisle or anywhere they can reach. Your customers have more choice and you have the freedom to collect payments with just your iPhone. 

Integrated with ShelfPerks Store OS, the tap-to-pay payments automatically updates your inventory, manages vendor relations, updates the expense report, profitability, and everything else essential for store operation. 

**Tap to Pay on iPhone is great with ShelfPerks StoreOS.**

ShelfPerks | Tap & Done:  Business made easy | For you and your customers

Tap & Done:  Business made easy | For you and your customers


The Small Business Saturday movement has been around for years—but it's wonderful to see so many people making conscious choices about where to spend their money. And why not? The benefits of supporting small businesses are clear - They provide more jobs per dollar of revenue than their bigger counterparts, they invest more in local nonprofits, and they create an overall stronger economy in our cities, towns and villages. 

**Here are some more reasons you should shop small 365 days a year -**

When you shop at a small, local business, you’re helping build the community that raised you. You are keeping your money in your own backyard. Some occasions you could expect to pay slightly more for an item than if it were purchased from a big box store or online retailer—but when those extra dollars and pennies stay in town, they stay in your community! When local businesses thrive, so does everything else around them: schools, parks, and recreation facilities…and even other businesses that benefit from having nearby customers spend their money here instead of somewhere else. 

Shopping small saves resources by reducing pollution caused by shipping products across state lines or overseas. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They employ approximately half of the private sector. 

Small businesses often have a greater connection to their customers than large corporations do because they know them personally, understand their needs, and are more responsive to them. This helps build strong communities where everyone knows each other—and isn't afraid to give back when they have more than they need themselves! Small businesses are often more willing to support their community, local events, and sports teams. Small businesses are mostly locally owned, so they're part of your community too. Plus, when you shop small—whether it's through an online local marketplace or a visit to your local store — you're helping to keep those businesses afloat and thriving in your high streets, main streets and your entire neighborhood. 

Shopping small means supporting the local economy, fostering creativity, and promoting entrepreneurship in your community. Small businesses are more likely to be creative: They have fewer employees and more of them are owners or managers. This means that there’s less bureaucracy and red tape to get in the way of ideas as they come up. Small businesses are more likely to hire locally.

Shop at local stores and eat at local restaurants whenever possible. Chances are, you'll discover something new that you love! The next time you're out buying gifts for loved ones this holiday season, or buying a toy for someone you love, think about shopping small. A strong local economy is where everyone wins!

Shop Small


The purpose of a point-of-sale solution is to make sure the store owner has it **easy to collect payments.** It's all about making payments effortless for your customers, no matter their preferred method - cash, check, invoice, gift cards, debit, credit, digital wallets, or even a swift swipe of their smartwatch. And that's where ShelfPerks comes into play, embodying this unwritten rule of modern retail - **No Payment Failures.**

ShelfPerks comes with a built-in POS and is also equipped with Apple Tap to Pay and is continuously updated in the background with emerging technologies. The influencing benefit of ShelfPerks POS is its versatility, making it a preferred choice for many businesses of any size (small to medium to large).

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/pos/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_Blog1.webp)


Some of the reasons why ShelfPerks POS is considered good:
1. **Simplicity and Ease of Use:** ShelfPerks is known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. Setting up the system, processing transactions, and managing inventory are intuitive processes that don't require extensive training.

1. **Payment acceptance:** ShelfPerks doesn't discriminate when it comes to payments. Whether it's Visa, Mastercard, American Express, INTERAC debit, or the latest in mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, ShelfPerks has you covered. Send custom invoices, process refunds, and accept every form of payment - it's that flexible.

1. **Self-Checkout Kiosks:** Self-checkout kiosks can reduce the labor cost, reduce checkout wait times and improve the overall shopping experience. They are particularly useful during busy periods. Put power in the hands of your customers to browse, scan, pay, and go. 

1. **Affordable Pricing:** ShelfPerks offers transparent and competitive pricing, often with no monthly subscription fees. This can be cost-effective for small businesses that want to minimize upfront costs and ongoing expenses.

1. **Hardware Integration:** ShelfPerks can work on any device. You can run on your smartphone, laptop, desktop or tablet. Store owners need to buy expensive hardware just for POS function. ShelfPerks is compatible with their POS system, including card readers, receipt printers, and cash drawers. This integration streamlines the checkout process and creates a cohesive system.

1. **Mobile Compatibility:** ShelfPerks mobile app allows you to turn smartphones or tablets into point-of-sale devices. This is especially useful for businesses that operate in mobile or temporary locations, such as farmers market, food trucks or pop-up shops.

1. **Inventory Management:** Point of Sale (POS) is automatically connected with best-in-class inventory management features, allowing businesses to track their products, variations, and stock levels. This helps with restocking and preventing stockouts.

1. **Analytics and Reporting:** ShelfPerks provides insights into sales data, customer behavior, and trends. These analytics can help businesses make informed decisions about pricing, promotions, and inventory management.

1. **Customization:** We also offer some degree of customization. This allows businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs and branding.

1. **Security and Compliance:** Protect customer data and reduce the risk of fraud with ShelfPerks' robust security measures, including encryption and market leading compliances. 

1. **Ecosystem of Services:** ShelfPerks is more than just a POS system. It is a store operating system that has inbuilt features that provide various other business services, such as invoicing, employee roll management, shipment management, creating promotions, gift cards , and more. This ecosystem can be convenient for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.

1. **Offline & Online Ready:** Seamlessly Take Your Store Online and Offline. With ShelfPerks, you can effortlessly launch your online store while maintaining a unified back-office system with your physical store. Simplify Point of Sale (POS), inventory management, supplier relationships, and promotions, and access crucial reports for both your online and offline outlets. Empower your store to thrive in an omnichannel environment, meeting customers where they shop, whether it's on your website, through social selling, or online marketplace.

**ShelfPerks is where flexibility meets scalability.**

It’s simple to add new locations, team members and devices. It’s all synced to one account so you can see what’s happening everywhere, from anywhere. 

**Additional features include itemized refunds, customizable receipts, automatic discounts, and location management for businesses with multiple branches.**

**Itemized Refunds:** Refund specific items from a transaction. The amount being refunded will reflect any applicable taxes and discounts for the selected item(s).

**Receipts:** Provide customers with digital (text message or email) or printed receipts. Receipts reflect an itemized breakdown of whole number and decimal quantities, discounts and applicable taxes. Adjust the appearance of your receipts from your online ShelfPerks Dashboard. If you have multiple locations, you can create custom receipts for each location.

**Automatic discounts:** Create automatic discounts for specific items, categories, quantities, daily specials or limited time offers.

**Location management:** If your business has multiple locations, you can manage all of them, anywhere, and anytime. 

With ShelfPerks Store Operating System, you don't just get the essential POS features; you get an integrated system that helps you scale your business and achieve profitability.

ShelfPerks Store OS Point of Sale (POS) - True retail revolution for your business evolution


Self-checkout has been in the headlines for mixed reasons. Big retailers and industry stalwarts, once the champions of self-checkout have recently been seen losing confidence in the system. But for small businesses, it has been a path to progress. The reason that big box are too big to balance the pros and cons of Self-checkout, while rest are agile enough to make it a multiplying success. 

**Challenges with self-checkout for big box:**

The convenience of self-checkout is evident as patrons can swiftly scan and pay for items, reducing queues and wait times, and leading to heightened customer satisfaction.

Yet, the boon of self-checkout is not without its hurdles. Technical glitches and errors in item recognition may frustrate users, necessitating interventions from store staff. 

 

Moreover, concerns about potential job losses loom large as these systems become more prevalent, raising questions about the impact on employment in the retail. Proponents argue that self-checkout allows employees to focus on more complex tasks, customer facing tasks, enhancing job satisfaction and offering opportunities for skill development. 

 

The neutrality of the self-checkout debate extends to issues of theft and loss prevention. While some studies suggest increased susceptibility to theft due to reduced surveillance, others argue that the overall impact is nuanced.

 

**…and why do some businesses benefit from self-checkout?**

Self-checkout works differently in a some business setup. It supports the store operations by sharing the work load on customer engagement. 

**Let us explain:**

A small, efficiently designed store, managed by one or two employees, offers enough space for smooth movement of goods and customers while remaining compact for easy supervision, support, and service. By using ShelfPerks at the checkout and on a mobile device or kiosk, owners can seamlessly engage with customers, facilitate self-checkout, and assist with product lookups, price checks, and quick billing.

 

**Spot billing (or) Spot Service revolutionizes the checkout experience.** Picture this: store owners armed with mobile devices or tablets, ready to swiftly bill items and collect payments on the spot, right in the heart of the store where they engage with customers. No more tedious queues or detours to the checkout counter. Instead, seamless transactions happen in the aisle, as store personnel assist customers, locate products, and seal the deal in real time. It's the epitome of efficiency – zero wait time, and maximum satisfaction. Store owners adore it for its convenience, and customers? They can't get enough of the instant gratification.

**So, how does ShelfPerks make self-checkout better for small businesses?**

With a focus on efficiency gains and mitigating potential drawbacks, ShelfPerks minimizes technical challenges by helping merchant to set up self-checkout point of sale with few clicks on PC or MAC or iOS or Android or other kiosk devices (coming soon). ShelfPerks offers an easy experience for shoppers and empowers store employees by allowing them to focus on more meaningful tasks, shop-floor customer engagement, thereby enhancing job satisfaction and skill development.

Learn how to setup ShelfPerks self-checkout **[here](https://support.shelfperks.com/)**

**[Sign up](https://grow.shelfperks.com/)** for a free trail and **[Book a demo](https://shelfperks.com/book-a-demo)**.

Self-Checkout - Boon or Bane. Let's find out!


The retail landscape is in a perpetual state of flux, demanding adaptation to remain competitive and profitable. Embracing technology becomes imperative, as it not only optimizes operations but also frees up resources for improved customer service.

**Don't waste time on manually doing inventory management:**

The key to success lies in realizing that time equates to money. Manual inventory management is a prime example of an inefficient process that can be automated with precision. With precise automation, you can optimize inventory management, ensuring you never overstock or under-stock products, ultimately saving valuable hours and resources. Rather than squandering valuable hours, consider harnessing software solutions like ShelfPerks Store Operating System. This empowers you to optimize your resources and concentrate on business growth.

**Get Organized and Streamline Sales with Point of Sale (POS) Software:**

Efficiency in retail necessitates the adoption of Point of Sale (POS) software, which offers a multitude of benefits:

- Accelerate sales transactions

- Manage customer loyalty programs, promotions

- Monitor and control cash registers remotely via smartphones, tablets, or computers

- Boost sales by introducing store gift cards, discounts

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/revolutionize/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_Blog4.webp)

Also, Unlock the power of Tap to Pay on your iPhone, seamlessly integrated with the ShelfPerks Store OS. Accept contactless payments in-person, effortlessly handling physical debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets - all without the need for extra terminals, readers, or hardware. Enjoy the simplicity, security, and privacy it offers. Delight your customers and elevate store owner satisfaction. With ShelfPerks Store OS integration, our tap-to-pay solution automates inventory updates, streamlines vendor relations, keeps expense reports current, maximizes profitability, and covers all other critical aspects of seamless store operation.

**Stay in the know with Employee Management:**

Employee Management software streamlines workforce organization, allowing you to effortlessly:

- Create and manage employee schedules

- Monitor employee performance across all levels, promoting merit-based advancement over favoritism.

- Give or deny permissions to your employees to view balance cash, verify sales, send purchase orders and much more

**Harnessing the Cloud Advantage:**

Cloud solutions like ShelfPerks grant real-time store operation monitoring from anywhere, enabling efficiency, cost savings, and flexibility.

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/revolutionize/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_Blog5.webp)

The retail industry is a competitive one, which means you need to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to getting the most out of your business. You can use technology to improve customer service and satisfaction, employee efficiency and productivity, inventory management, asset tracking and more. Luckily, with ShelfPerks, world first Store Operating System, there are plenty of ways that technology can save time, and money in your business.

Revolutionizing the Store Operations: A tech-driven path to efficiency & profitability


Personalizing the shopping experience of your store can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Our guide reveals versatile methods applicable across various businesses.

- **Gather Insights** - Use loyalty programs, surveys, and purchase tracking to amass customer data, uncovering preferences and habits.
 
- **Create customized product bundles** - Leverage data to personalize product recommendations and create bundled products based on purchasing history, restrictions, and other demographic preferences.

- **Provide personalized offers**  Individualized discounts on frequently bought items, creating more value for customers. 

- **Loyalty Programs** - Implement a loyalty program that aligns with customers’ shopping habits and offers personalized deals and discounts. This can include customized coupons based on past purchases, or a points program that rewards frequent shoppers.

- **Optimize the store layout** - Arrange the store layout based on the customer's preferences. For example, if a customer frequently purchases organic produce, place those items in a prominent location in the store.

- **Personalize in-store experiences** - Train employees to recognize regular customers and provide personalized service. 

- **Customize the Receipts** - Something as simple as a customized receipts, with messages relevant to customers, neighborhood or any occasion would add a delight to their shopping experience. 

By personalizing the shopping experience, stores can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to repeat business and increased revenue. ShelfPerks Store OS makes it easy and efficient for small and medium businesses to practice these initiatives and scale their profitability. 

The unsaid advantage of using ShelfPerks Store OS is that all the above-mentioned activities are integrated. A transaction through a promotion coupon updates the inventory notifies the vendor if the stock goes low, updates the sales data and can be monitored through the dashboard. Being centralized, any update on these customized product bundles or promotion coupons, and customized receipts will reflect in real-time at the store. 

Sign up with [ShelfPerks Store OS](https://grow.shelfperks.com/#/register) and give your customers a personalized shopping experience.

ShelfPerks | Personalizing shopping experience

Personalizing shopping experience


In the face of rising interest rates and inflation, small and medium-sized stores find themselves in a challenging position. But, it can still stay relevant and even act as a refuge for its customers and weather the storm. It's crucial to emphasize that your store is invested in their well-being, not just their wallets.

Even if your store was never designed specifically to deal with these kinds of challenges, you can continue to focus on all the other areas where your customers need support. If nothing else, this ensures they recognize you’re invested in their interests as people and don’t merely see them as a series of transactions that become part of your bottom line.

**How Do Customers React to Inflation?**

When inflation rears its head, customers are the first to feel the pinch. They have to bear the increasing prices for many products and services. Here are the common ways customers respond to inflation: 

1. **Cutting Back on Non-Essentials:** With prices soaring, customers tighten their belts by reducing spending on non-essential items like hobbies, vacations, and dining out. The focus shifts to meeting the rising costs of basic necessities such as food, rent, utilities, and transportation.

1. **Seeking Cost-Efficient Alternatives:** Price-conscious consumers become savvier shoppers. They often opt for generic brands, bulk items as they are usually less expensive. They scrutinize prices, compare offers, and look for cheaper alternatives. Exploring new stores that cater to their budget constraints is also on the table. 

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/customer-relation/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_Blog7.webp)

**The fundamentals of retaining customers during inflation**

Successful store owners have distilled the fundamentals of retaining customers during inflation down to three key attributes: 

Transparency, 

Loyalty, 

and value creation. 

To put it in practical terms, these are the various **steps store owners need to take** to build strong customer relations, especially during inflation and tougher times:

1. **Transparent pricing:** Show the change in price. Be transparent about pricing changes due to inflation. Avoid sudden price hikes, and if necessary, explain the reasons for any adjustments. Offering advance notice of price changes can help build trust with your customers.

1. **Loyalty Programs:** Seasoned store owners keep emphasizing on the importance of running loyalty programs. It is the most efficient source of a captive audience and a secure 1:1 channel to engage with your customers. During inflation or times of price fluctuations, enhance or introduce loyalty programs that reward customers for their continued patronage. Offer discounts, exclusive offers, or points that can be redeemed for future purchases. This can provide an incentive for customers to stick with your store.

1. **Quality Assurance:** Maintain the quality of your products or services. Customers are more likely to continue buying from you if they can trust that the quality remains consistent, even if prices change.

1. **Bundle Deals:** Offer bundled products or services at a discounted rate. This can create a perception of value for customers while encouraging them to spend more with your business.

1. **Help Customers Find Alternatives:** Being there for customers also means helping them find alternatives that allow them to save money or have access to the products they need even if prices have increased. If you offer cheaper, but still quality, alternatives, customers are more likely to continue shopping at your store. Do not hesitate to make promotional campaigns to make these products known to your customers and encourage them to buy them.

1. **Flexible Payment Options:** Introduce flexible payment options such as installment plans, layaway programs, or subscription services. These options can help customers manage their budgets better during times of inflation.

1. **Implement Price Tiers and New Sales Models:** To avoid making customers weary with a price increase, it is possible to implement price tiers and thus reach several subgroups of customers and maximize your reach. Price tiers accommodate more customers; there are some who are willing to pay a higher price for additional features or higher quality products, while there are other customers who prefer to have a more affordable option.

1. **Spend more time with your customers, let technology do the rest:** Spend less time doing monotonous tasks. Adopt ShelfPerks Store Operating System, which can improve customer service and satisfaction, employee efficiency, payments, productivity, inventory management, purchase order, asset tracking and much more. Giving more time for revenue generating activities.

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/customer-relation/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_Blog8.webp)
 

**Diversifying Product Offering vs. Reducing Product Offering**

During inflation, consider two contrasting strategies regarding your product range:

1. **Diversify the Product Offering:** Diversifying the product offering by offering cheaper alternatives or lesser-known brands helps mitigate the impact of inflation by providing more affordable options to customers. 

1. **Reduce Product Offering:** Streamline your product range to focus on best-sellers and cost-efficient offerings, optimizing your inventory management.

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/customer-relation/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_Blog9.webp)

The key is to adapt your strategies based on your specific store, customer base, and the severity of inflation. Regularly assess the effectiveness of your efforts and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.

**Remember, in times of economic uncertainty, your commitment to customers as people, not just transactions, is what sets you apart and ensures your long-term success.**

Customer relation during inflation


“Yes, we do have it. It’s in aisle 3”

“Yes, we have the one you are asking for and we also have the other one you had asked for”

“Sorry, we are sold out on that. But will inform you when we restock in 7 days”

These statements are melody to the ears for customers quizzing about products in a store. It takes an ace store owner or a start employee with up-to-date knowledge of their inventory to give such delightful confident assurance. An even better scenario is when they say, “Let me check, give me a minute.” and actually get back to you with the inventory details “in a minute” and not disappear into oblivion.

In many stores without digitized inventory, the above happy scenarios are laborious to attain.

A typical day in a traditional store looks like this –

Morning before opening – go around the store to make a list of products to refill. Then go to stockroom with that list, look for the products, pull what is found, bring them to the shopfloor, refill the shelves, take the extra products back to the stockroom.

Afternoon – repeat the same routine to refill the products.

While checking the products in the stockroom to refill the shopfloor, realize that many products need to be ordered more from the suppliers.  Placing purchase orders involve going through the current purchase orders, calculating or estimating the order quantity and calling or emailing the suppliers to place the orders. With many purchase orders to keep track, duplicate ordering happen many times.

During the day – suppliers deliveries come. Run to the office to look for the purchase order or just receive what is delivered. Discrepancies cannot be spotted until later when purchase orders and invoices are being matched up.

During the day – accept the customer orders thinking that products are in store. When the time to pick the products, find out that the products are not there.

During the day – find out that some products have expired. You wish you know about this sooner so that you can put these products on sale.

During the day – run around the shopfloor and stockroom to look for products customers are asking about.

The list goes on.

Just imagine the number of labor hours spent on these activities and the amount of money lost due to wastage, errors, and loss sales.

The point we are trying to make is that inventory management and real-time information on inventory is not only essential for efficient operation but also for an exceptional customer experience. Digitizing inventory at your store is the best way to master your inventory game.

While digitizing inventory is a wide spoken prophecy, ShelfPerks Store Operating System makes it a practical solution for stores of all shapes and sizes. With ShelfPerks, you can easily and securely keep track of all the product information such as price, cost, location in the store, quantity in stockroom, quantity in shopfloor, quantity on order, quantity sold, and supplier details.

The immediate advantages of digital inventory management include:

- Automation. Reducing manual tasks minimizes the burden of administrative work on your team, frees them up for other tasks that may have gone under-attended, and allows everyone to focus on their areas of expertise. Automation also reduces human error, which means gaining back revenue lost from fixing those errors. Automation also speeds up processes. For example, automated inventory alerts allow you to place orders well in advance.

- Keeping things cohesive and connected. If you are still relying on manual intervention on taking stock and tallying with your off-takes, you will have many slips between your notes and shelves. ShelfPerks digitized inventory system is orchestrated with other functions such as point of sale, shipments, and purchase orders. It enables the overall efficient store operating process that was only available to global giants.

- Leveraging data for decision-making. Inventory takes up valuable capital. Digitized inventory helps the storeowner to determine the right amount of inventory to carry. With ShelfPerks Store Operating System, you can leverage real-time analytical inventory data to make decisions that impact the profitability and scalability of your store.

- Better customer service. With the visibility and traceability of your products at your fingertip, fulfilling customer orders and responding to the customer inquiries are speedy and accurate. Happy customers bring more sales!
 
                            
In summary, your inventory management has a big impact on your business bottom line. Using a digitized inventory management solution reduces. It makes your business more efficient and more profitable. It equips you to serve your customers better and faster.

Designed for storeowners, ShelfPerks inventory management feature is built to fit your business and not the other way around. It is our conviction to make your business more successful.

Digitizing Inventory - Why does this matter to stay competitive?


For the store owners, the store is a manifestation of their passion, dreams, and hard work. They started their own business because they want to be in control of their own schedule and achieve financial independence. In reality, they found that the business is taking up all their time, energy, and money.

Many store owners wonder why they cannot grow their one-store business into multi-store chain. The right operation tools are out of reach -- too costly that only the big box chains can afford.

If there’s a will, then there must be a way!

ShelfPerks Store Operating System was created to democratize retail solutions so that individual store owners can pursue their ambition to stay profitable and scale to new heights. ShelfPerks addresses the challenges faced by individual store owners in adopting smart and digitally enabled business processes otherwise reserved for multinational and well-funded retail chains.

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/blogThree/democratizing-retail-solutions-1.webp)

ShelfPerks Store Operating System is designed to digitize all the essential store operations. It is smart to operate with robust analytical functions under one platform. True democratization is in lowering the time and cost for every store owner to access such platform. ShelfPerks Store Operating System is easy to adopt and requires no technical skills to use. ShelfPerks offers affordable subscription plans for all sizes of retailers. It even has the free plans to support small volume retailers – No retailer left behind!

All the fundamental functions of store operations to manage point of sale, inventory, suppliers, customers, expenses, employees are made to be smart and easy for store owners to operate. ShelfPerks Store Operating System can be used via web browser or app. This means any store owner with a laptop, PC, tablet, or smartphone can use ShelfPerks Store Operating System to run their store better from anywhere at any time. Storeowners can also use any payment provider they want – no restrictions!

Storeowners are always finding ways to make their store operations more efficient. Many storeowners have adopted different solutions offered by different providers. In a store, all the essential operation functions need to be efficient as well as in sync. Using fragmented solutions work against the goal of improving efficiency. ShelfPerks Store Operating System is the only system equipping the storeowners with all the capabilities from store operations, payment solutions, eCommerce to Omni-channel solutions.

With ShelfPerks, when it comes to running a single store or scaling up to multiple stores, storeowner can do it with ease. By democratizing the access, cost and capabilities, ShelfPerks Store Operating System delivers all the features under one operating system for all retailers – One for All!

Democratizing Retail Solutions - One for All


It is not about second-guessing your customer, but continuously building your store’s narrative by communicating and displaying what is interesting about your products and services. When store owners communicate what is is interesting about their stores, customers walk in to check it out. It could be a new product, design, a product with an interesting name or an offer. 

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/creating-reasons/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_BlogImage_2.webp) 

**What’s New Vs What’s Good Vs What people love.**

The observation by successful store owners on what has worked for them could be summarized to a formula of promoting:

🌟 Shine a Spotlight: Dedicate 20% of your efforts to flaunting the freshest arrivals. Showcase them in captivating window displays and in-store presentations.

🚀 Elevate Excellence: Allocate 30% to championing what's extraordinary in your inventory. Highlight trending items and premium products to let customers know what's in vogue.

❤️ Cherish Customer Favorites: The remaining 50% revolves around what people adore. Shape your store's identity around these beloved gems, ensuring top-notch quality, unbeatable value, and an enticing variety.

To illustrate:

- 20% of your marketing expense in showcasing the new products in the form of window merchandise, in-store product display and messaging around the product to make a consumer connect. 

- 30% of your budget and efforts needs to be spent in promoting what is trending and what are the top-quality products in your store. You can have dedicated space to display the popular products, you can display or mention “What’s Hot” on your shop window, educate your staff on that products that are absolutely amazing. Promoting “What’s Good” on your shop window, in-store communication (on a black board or a digital display or a simple pin-up notice bord) and in your social media builds thought leadership and attracts customers seeking a store that consistently delivers quality. 

- 50% of your efforts would be dedicated in promoting value. The products your store is known for. Reassuring that the quality, value and variety are maintained. This also includes any bundle offers or deals that increases value of purchase by your regulars, helps you clear stock and most importantly protects your store from competition. 

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/creating-reasons/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_BlogImage_3.webp) 

While the above mentioned strategy is a fundamental formula for success, we have also compiled a brief list of popular promotions tactics store owners use to improve the walk-ins:

1. Market to existing customers:
  - Tell them how much you miss them through an SMS, Email or in store
  - The key to making this work is to figure out how often your products are re-purchased. If you’re selling cosmetics, for example, you need to know how long a bottle of foundation typically lasts. From there, you can set up an outreach schedule where you contact customers to remind them to come back and repurchase.

2. Go beyond selling products:
  - Sell how you can help find the right product
  - Sell how are you open to hear out your customers and willing to spend time with them and be patient in knowing what they are looking for 
  - For example: “We will help you find the most interesting cheese in the market.” or “Got a question about ramen, we could answer with examples.” or “Let find your next amazing specs”. You get the idea. 

3. Make it a social experience:

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/creating-reasons/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_BlogImage_4.webp) 

Shopping, in many ways, is a social activity. People head down to retail stores with friends and family because it’s fun to shop with their loved ones. In some cases, shoppers choose to visit physical stores because they want to interact with real people and have back and forth conversations about products. It is a good idea to make socialization a bigger part of your store experience. 

You could 

- Host sampling events. 

- Group activity such as exercise sessions, planting hacks, cooking tips, interior decoration tricks, etc., small activities that has a wow factor that suits your store theme. 

- Encourage social sharing. Create social sharing opportunities within your store to get people to talk you up on social media. An easy way to do this is to display a branded hashtag and your store’s social handles like Instagram, X, Tik Tok in certain parts of your shop.

The other common trends in trying to increase the store walk-ins are to be contextual to the season or local events or consumer trends. 

![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/creating-reasons/ShelfPerks_StoreOS_BlogImage_5.webp)

Elevating foot traffic and revenue is within reach—just create irresistible reasons for people to visit your store. Embrace these tactics, rally your entire team, and get ready for a thriving store. This practice needs to be top-down and is better if it involves everyone working in the store. With **[ShelfPerks OS](https://grow.shelfperks.com/)**, customer interaction is a breeze, giving you quick access to all your products through a smartphone app. Get set to welcome a bustling crowd!

Creating reasons to visit your store - Proven tactics to drive store traffic and sales


Real-time inventory information offers several substantial advantages for retailers, enhancing both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

 

Here are the key benefits:

 1. **Improved Stock Management:** Real-time inventory tracking helps retailers avoid overstocking and understocking situations, ensuring optimal inventory levels are maintained. This reduces costs associated with excess inventory and minimizes lost sales due to out-of-stock items. By having a precise, up-to-the-minute view of stock levels, retailers can make data-driven decisions about when to reorder, how much to order, and which products to prioritize.

 


 2. **Enhanced Customer Experience:** By having accurate inventory data, retailers can provide real-time stock information to customers, both in-store and online. This transparency increases customer satisfaction as it allows customers to check product availability instantly and make informed purchasing decisions. For instance, online shoppers can see if an item is in stock before placing an order, while in-store customers can be directed to alternative locations if a product is unavailable at their preferred store.


 

 3. **Increased Sales and Revenue:** With accurate inventory data, retailers can quickly identify which items are selling well and adjust procurement accordingly. This responsiveness can boost sales by ensuring popular items are always in stock. Additionally, real-time data can help in identifying and promoting slow-moving items, potentially increasing turnover. By analyzing sales patterns in real-time, retailers can also implement dynamic pricing strategies to maximize revenue.

 


 4. **Efficient Order Fulfillment:** Real-time inventory enables more efficient order processing and fulfillment, particularly for online sales. Retailers can process orders faster and more accurately, reducing the time between order placement and shipment. This efficiency not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces operational costs associated with order management and fulfillment.

 


 5. **Better Supply Chain Management:** Real-time data provides insights into inventory trends and usage patterns, allowing retailers to optimize their supply chain. Retailers can adjust orders based on current demand rather than forecasts, which can reduce costs and improve supplier relationships. This approach enables a more agile and responsive supply chain, capable of adapting to sudden changes in demand or supply disruptions.

 


 6. **Reduced Inventory Shrinkage:** Monitoring inventory in real-time helps in quickly identifying discrepancies caused by theft, damage, or administrative errors, thus reducing inventory shrinkage. Immediate action can be taken to address these issues, which safeguards profits. Real-time tracking also enables retailers to implement more effective loss prevention strategies and conduct more accurate and timely inventory audits.

 


 7. **Strategic Decision Making:** Access to real-time inventory information allows retailers to make informed strategic decisions about product placements, promotions, and pricing strategies based on current market trends and consumer preferences. This data-driven approach can lead to more effective merchandising, targeted marketing campaigns, and optimized store layouts.

 


 8. **Integration with Other Systems:** Real-time inventory systems integrate seamlessly with essential business tools like CRM and ERP, providing a comprehensive overview of operations. This integration enables coordinated workflows across departments. For example, sales data can trigger automatic inventory replenishment, while customer purchase history informs personalized marketing. Businesses can manage these integrations independently or use ShelfPerks store operating system, all-in-one platform that consolidates these functions, simplifying operations and boosting efficiency.

 


 9. **Agility in Market Response:** Real-time inventory information empowers retailers to react swiftly to market changes, such as sudden shifts in consumer demand or supply chain disruptions. This agility can provide a competitive edge in dynamic retail environments. For instance, retailers can quickly adjust their inventory strategy in response to unexpected events like pandemic, weather changes, viral trends, or competitor actions.

 


 10. **Improved Forecasting and Planning:** While not mentioned in the original text, it's worth noting that real-time inventory data significantly enhances a retailer's ability to forecast future demand. By analyzing up-to-the-minute sales data and inventory levels, retailers can create more accurate demand forecasts, leading to better inventory planning and reduced carrying costs.

 


The adoption of real-time inventory systems represents a pivotal advancement for retailers seeking operational excellence and sustained growth. Whether managing independently or through integrated solutions like ShelfPerks, which consolidates these capabilities into a unified platform, retailers can confidently navigate the complexities of modern retail environments with agility and foresight. 

 

**[Get started for free.](https://grow.shelfperks.com/#/register) Your premium plan is on us or [book a demo.](https://shelfperks.com/book-a-demo)**

The advantages of real time inventory information for retailers


**Understanding Business Failures** 

The journey of entrepreneurship is both exhilarating and daunting. While statistics may initially appear discouraging, grasping their significance is essential for anyone entering the realm of business ownership. In 2022, 79.1% of businesses survived their first year, although sectors such as information faced higher failure rates. The reasons behind these outcomes are multifaceted, spanning from misjudged market needs to inadequate financial management. But what if these challenges could be transformed into opportunities for success? This is where ShelfPerks steps in—a revolutionary Store Operating System meticulously crafted to empower retail businesses of all sizes.



**The Common Pitfalls of Businesses**

Financial Management: A significant 44% of businesses fail because they run out of cash. Financial mismanagement, including poor capital management and under-capitalization, are substantial hurdles.

Understanding the Market: 42% of failures occur because businesses don't meet a market need. Misreading the market can lead to disappointing results.

Operational Inefficiencies: From lack of the right team to poor customer understanding, operational inefficiencies are a common cause of business failures.

Technology Adoption: In an age dominated by technology, 86% of companies recognize the need for technological solutions to enhance productivity and customer engagement.


![blog](https://asuygevbfkdyukgvsuledvf.shelfperks.com/spmktpr/assets/img/blog/beating-the-odds/shelfperks_storeos_beatingodds_blog2.webp)

How ShelfPerks Can Transform Your Business 

ShelfPerks store operating system is more than just software; it is built to be a lifeline for businesses navigating the challenging waters of retail. 


Here's how it addresses the core issues faced by businesses:

 1. Enhanced Financial Management: ShelfPerks offers integrated tools that help business owners manage their sales and profit/loss with precision, avoid cash flow problems, and make informed decisions about investments and expenses.

 2. Market Alignment: Through advanced analytics and market trend monitoring, ShelfPerks enables businesses to understand and adapt to market demands effectively, ensuring they offer products and services that are in demand.

 3. Operational Efficiency: ShelfPerks automates various aspects of business operations, from inventory management to customer relations, allowing owners to focus on strategic growth rather than getting bogged down by day-to-day tasks.

 4. Technological Edge: With ShelfPerks, businesses can leverage the latest technology, from mobile connectivity to integrated payment processing, point of sale, and e-commerce, enhancing the customer experience and opening up new avenues for revenue.




**Thriving in Uncertainty** 

The unpredictable economic environment requires business owners to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. ShelfPerks provides a sturdy framework that not only aids businesses in efficiently managing their current operations but also facilitates scaling and adjusting to fluctuations. Whether optimizing resource management, leveraging built-in AI for automation, or fostering deeper customer engagement, ShelfPerks equips businesses with essential tools for thriving rather than merely surviving.

 



**A New Dawn for Businesses** 

While statistics can be daunting, they also tell a story of opportunity—for those equipped with the right tools and insights. Embrace the future with confidence with ShelfPerks. Take the step today and transform your business trajectory. 

 

[Start your free trial](https://grow.shelfperks.com/#/register) today or [book a demo.](https://shelfperks.com/book-a-demo) to see our premium features in action - no cost, no obligation.
