The retail industry is big business. And with consumers today preferring to shop from the comfort of their homes via mail-order catalogues or via internet shopping, it’s more important than ever for retailers to ensure their communications systems are up to scratch.
No longer do buyers expect to have to pop into their local store for advice and customer service, they expect to be able to pick up the phone or logon onto the internet and have their query answered in no time at all.
In this blog, we look at business telephone systems and IT solutions for retailers which will help them to gain an edge in today’s competitive marketplace.
Business Telephone Systems for Retailers
Despite the increasing trend towards internet shopping and communication by text message and email, consumers still like to get in touch by phone. In the event of a query or the need to verify some information, a friendly voice at the end of the phone provides the comfort and reassurance that customers need.
Helping retailers stay in touch with their customers and provide a professional and personable service, a professionally designed and installed business telephone system is the key to success. Whatever the size, type and geographical spread of your business, a state-of-the-art business phone system can be tailored to your specific business needs.
For central and head office locations where you’re dealing with both customers and suppliers, it may be a good idea to install multiple phone lines. By providing customers and suppliers with a dedicated phone line each, they will have a direct route through to their main contacts without the need to go through a central switchboard or reception desk.
In addition, by taking advantage of features such as auto attendant and call forwarding, inbound calls from customers can be instantly routed to the correct destination with no frustrating delays or confusion.
For store locations, a direct line will undoubtedly be required. Enabling customers to get in touch to enquire about opening times and stock availability, a direct dial-in (DDI) number can easily be installed.
Another key feature of business phone systems that retailers may find useful is call recording. Particularly in customer service departments, a call recording system can log interactions with callers which may prove invaluable in the event of a dispute.
A call recording system can also be useful in helping to train staff. Listening back to their own and others’ calls can give them guidance on how to best approach certain situations and improve their overall telephone technique.
By installing a business telephone system using equipment from leading manufacturers such as Alcatel-Lucent, Avaya and Panasonic, retailers can be sure they are benefiting from the best communications systems on the market today.
IT Systems for Retailers
With an increasing proportion of retail sales being made online, it’s more important than ever for retailers to ensure their IT systems are up to standard.
Not only are product orders being placed via ecommerce websites, but many customer services queries are also being submitted online.
From fast Ethernet networks, to 1GB connections, Wireless LAN and Wide Area Networks (WAN), a fast and robust computer network can be designed and installed to enable all your staff to do their jobs effectively. Whether it’s answering customer queries or managing product information on your website, a fast and reliable network will help your business succeed.
Business Telephone and IT System Maintenance
Once your new business telephones and IT system has been installed in your business, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s maintained and that you’re covered in case of any future technical problems.
It’s a good idea to consider taking out a maintenance agreement with your telecommunications provider which will give you support in the event of any technical issues or programming query. You will have the reassurance of backup in the form of a remote help desk and a call-out service in the event of any major technical fault or breakdown.
For IT system installations, a support package will not only help you look after and maintain your hardware but will also help take care of your software, reminding you when software licenses need renewing or upgrading.
In Summary
Business telephones and IT systems are important tools for retailers today. Facilitating communications with customers and suppliers, a professionally designed and installed phones and IT system can really help your retail business succeed.
For more information on Business Telephone Systems and IT Solutions for retailers, contact Direct Voice and Data on 0800 84 999 84 or visit our Website.
