If you're in a retail business, cash
registers, credit card readers, bar code scanners, kiosks, promotional
bags, and magazine racks are some of the things that you may have to
invest in as part of the equipment. You have to create conditions in
your shop that attract more customers and give a happy shopping
experience to those who come to your retail shop. You can use things
like mannequins and display cases to showcase the products that you have
in your shop.
POS Equipment
Points of Sale Equipments (POS) are devices that are similar to
electronic cash registers. This equipment helps you complete sales
transactions efficiently and quickly. POS equipment has a computer
monitor, receipt printer, drawer, scanner, and keyboard.
Postage Scales
Postage scales are a type of weight scale that is used to find out
the weight of the outgoing mail. There are two types of postage scales,
namely manual and digital postage scale. You can use these scales to
reduce overpayment on outgoing mail. Based on the weight of the mail,
you can estimate the postage cost.
Bar Codes
Machine-readable identification tags that are made up of vertical
bars are known as bar codes. They are generally used to sort and track
products and to make an inventory. There are different types of bar
codes. The various zones or parts of the bar code are start character,
data character, stop character, and the quiet zone.
Bar Code Scanners
Bar code scanners are used to read bar codes that are found on
products. These scanners can be used to keep track of inventories and
make transactions in the retail outlet. You can go in for a bar code
scanner that is compatible with POS software and equipment. So, using
these scanners you can automatically update products that are being
purchased and make account of the transactions.
Cash Registers
Cash registers are used to record, store, and calculate sales
transactions. These box-like registers are very important in any retail
outlet. They are of two types of cash registers: mechanical and
electronic. An electronic cash register can be used along with a bar
code scanner; while in a mechanical one, the clerk manually enters the
product code or price.
Credit Card Readers
Since many people prefer paying for their purchases using a credit
card, it would be useful to invest in a credit card reader. These
devices are used to read and process credit card payments. ID Tech,
Pos-X, and Magtek are some of the major manufacturers of credit card
readers.
Display Cases
You can use a display case to showcase promotional items for sale or
advertising. A beautifully arranged display case is likely to attract
lots of customers to your retail outlet. It also gives an idea to the
customers about what you sell in your shop. Based on the amount of space
that you have in your shop, you can go in for mounted display cases or
standalone display cases. You can also add a glass door to a shelf and
convert it to a display case.
Kiosks
Instead of renting a store that may be a little costly, you can go in
for a kiosk which can be set up anywhere. You can set up kiosks in a
mall or on sidewalks. Newspaper and hot dog stands are also types of
kiosks. There are certain types of kiosks that are not used for sale but
to give information about a particular service or product.
Magazine Racks
You can set up magazine racks in your retail outlet to professionally
present your company's magazines, pamphlets, and brochures. If you have
a waiting room for your customers, you can then put up magazines on a
magazine rack that visitors can go through as they wait.
Mannequins
If your retail outlet deals with clothing, you can surely buy
mannequins. These human like statues can be used to display clothing and
help showcase the cut, fit, and fabric of the garment. They are
generally made of fiberglass, which is light and durable and looks
lifelike. Depending on the type of garment you want to showcase, you can
choose a full sized mannequin or go in for bust mannequins.
RFID System
Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID,) is a technology that identifies
products using radio waves. There are many advantages in using RFID when
compared to bar codes. To read bar codes, you need a bar code scanner,
though this is not required for a RFID. Though they are costly when you
install them, they are cost effective in the long run.
Promotional Plastic Bags
You can have promotional bags printed with the name and logo of your
store in which customers can carry their purchases. They are eye-catchy
and advertise your store or retail outlet. You can also go in for
biodegradable bags instead of plastic bags.
