Published • 8 Oct 2024
As the unattended retail industry continues to grow, the decision of who you partner with can make or break your business. You want to work with a provider that meets your current needs and also has the flexibility to grow with you over time. A strong technology partner isn’t the cheapest one – it's the company that will offer solutions that keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently, while helping your business stay competitive long-term.
Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing your partner.
1. Can the Technology Scale with My Business?
One of the first things operators should look for in a technology partner is scalability. Your partner should offer solutions that can grow with your business, from a single location to multiple sites across various industries. Technology like a VMS should optimize your business as you grow from dozens to hundreds or thousands of points of sale. More importantly, your technology partner should make it easy to add new locations or integrate with other systems as your business expands.
2. Are They Staying Ahead of the Game?
The right partner should always be thinking ahead. You don’t want technology that feels outdated after just a few years. Operators should look for partners who are continually improving and adding features that help businesses run better.
Take smart stores, for example. This recent innovation combines the security of a vending machine with the product diversity of a micro market, allowing operators to find a sweet spot and open their business to new locations. Smart stores like PicoCooler Vision, are versatile enough to adapt to different settings, from corporate campuses to hospitality environments. Instead of being satisfied with the status quo, you want a partner who pushes the envelope in devolping new technology that you can utilize for success.
3. Is It a Transaction or a Partnership?
Support matters as much as the tech itself. You don’t just want a transaction; you need a technology partner. Whether it’s a quick question or a more complex problem, a good technology partner will offer ongoing support, so you’re never left to figure things out on your own. This is especially important as your business grows and your needs change over time. Look for a partner that prioritizes relationships and sees your success as their own.
4. Hardware, Software, or Both?
Does your technology provider have powerful hardware? Or are they more focused on providing insightful software? Why not both? Your technology partner should pair reliable hardware with actionable data – giving you access to information that helps you make impactful decisions. Creating a kiosk with a smooth checkout experience is half of the equation; access to real-time data can make a huge difference in how you run your business. The right technology partner will offer tools that give you insights into everything from sales trends to customer preferences. With these insights, you can adjust pricing, manage inventory, and improve the customer experience—all while keeping costs under control.
5. Will They Deliver a Strong Return on Investment?
The partner you choose should not only meet your immediate needs but also provide long-term value. Buying equipment is not as simple as looking at the cheapest price. Instead, ask yourself what value you’re getting out of your purchase. Automating routine tasks like managing inventory, updating menus, or handling transactions helps you save on labor costs and boost your bottom line. Whether it's a smart store like Stockwell or a micro market kiosk like the MM6, the right partner helps you maximize your return on investment.
Expand Your Business with the Right Partner
Expanding your business means making smart decisions today that set you up for success tomorrow. The right technology partner provides scalability, innovation, support, and a strong ROI that empowers you to grow your business with confidence.
By choosing a partner that offers all of these, like 365 Retail Markets, you’ll not only be prepared for what’s next—you’ll be leading the way.
Want to learn more about partnering with 365 Retail Markets? Submit the form below and a team member will meet with you to see how we can grow your business.