Drive Up & Entice Customers with a Retail Counter

Incorporating a retail counter is an integral component of business success.  This is where shoppers become customers and will give you the opportunity to increase sales.  If you commit to setting up a retail counter, it will be one of the most beneficial decisions you will make.

Choosing the Right Merchandise:

Your point-of-sale merchandise must be small, easy to look through, and affordable.  This will enable your customers to pick up several of these smaller items and add them to their shopping carts without questioning the purchase.  Merchandise can be many different things such as accessories if you sell clothing or items that most customers overlook but need and this counter will remind them. 

Keep in mind, these items must be quite reasonable in price so your customers do not have to spend time trying to make a decision.  On average, $5 is a good starting price for these items.  Also, you can easily test different prices until you hit an amount that seems a good deal to customers.

Pay Attention to The Layout & Design:

It's really important you pay attention to the layout and design of your counter. Your point of sale items should not take up excess counter space, blocking space for customers to place their purchases on. 

You might want to think about adding shelves, tables, or bins at the front of the checkout counter.  Having merchandise tables and bins running along the checkout queue will help shoppers browse while waiting to check out.

Target Your Customers With Display Signs:

Display signs are great for impulsive buyers or to attract customers to a promotion they should take advantage of.  If you want buyers to sign up for your loyalty program or you are offering a credit card, display signs will catch their attention.

It's a good idea to use bright colours and interesting shapes on the sign to capture their attention. Use text that will let them know your offers are time-sensitive such as “For A Limited Time Only”.

Make Sure Your Counter & Signs Are Current:

If you are using a point-of-sales system, find ways to make the most out of your promotions with your customers.  If you are dealing with return customers, using your point-of-sales system will allow you to pull up information about their past purchases and ask them if it was a good purchase for them.  It's a great way to build a good relationship with your customers.  It also tells your customer that you remember them and you have something similar to offer them.

Always Ensure Your Check Out Is Visible & Easy To Access:

It's really important that customers can easily find the cash register area and have easy access.  Make sure they have a very clear path so they can make their purchases.  Make sure you have enough cash registers to accommodate the flow of customers.  The amount of traffic you receive should be accompanied by a service line that will quickly and easily help your customers purchase their items in a timely manner and then move on.