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Inspiration

Help merchants end the year in style

he year-end holiday season is almost here. Reminding them, for example, of the contactless capability
Some would argue that it is already upon us. that comes along with their system and helping them train
And what a hectic, hope-filled time it is. With staff on how to accept mobile wallet and contactless card
T omnichannel commerce already in place for payments might reduce friction for a key demographic –
many retailers and in development for others, shoppers and add to a merchant's positive buzz.
looking for great deals on just the right holiday gifts, deco-
rations and more have an increasing array of choices for You can also make sure merchants have sufficient POS
when, how and where they shop. functionality for the holidays, such as tablet devices
employees can use as roving POSs to keep long lines from
These eager, often stressed shoppers love convenience, and forming at stationary POSs.
they love to share their experiences with friends. They talk
about their purchases online and off, particularly the best While you're at it, find out whether merchants who have
and worst of them. This applies to the choice of products CRM functionality are actually using it. For instance,
and services, as well as to the payment options offered. merchants can send out special holiday-themed offers, as
well as personalized messages and updates on extended
Helping merchants improve their products and services hours during the season – and then watch their foot and/
didn't used to be in the ISO/MLS wheelhouse. However, or web traffic increase.
the sophisticated systems payment pros bring to
merchants today can help merchants make sound, data- And remember to ask merchants if they've checked the
based decisions and operate their businesses more status of their online reputations lately, and guide them
efficiently. For example, data might show a retailer had on addressing inaccuracies if they exist. It's a good idea
unusually strong sales Black Friday morning last year, so for merchants to ask satisfied customers to leave online
the merchant could consider opening an hour earlier on reviews, as well.
that day this year to capitalize on what might be a trend.
You probably have additional ideas that are specific to
When it comes to payment types, ISOs and MLSs are the each of your best customers. The important thing is to
established experts. It's likely you know exactly what the let them know you are there, and then follow through
systems you recommend can and can't do. And now is an with assistance when issues arise. This will dramatically
excellent time to check in with merchants to makes sure increase the likelihood the year-end holidays will be
they are taking advantage of the powerful benefits of the happy and profitable for your merchants – and for you.
system you already helped them choose.

Merchants implementing new POS systems have a lot on
their minds. And they often have limited time to get their
systems up and running. They might have only a vague
recollection of features that could serve them well now. Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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