Maybe it’s too early to think about warm cozy fires, holiday cheer, and family gatherings, but it’s never too early to think about the booming holiday season for retailers and consumers. November and December pack a large punch for retail sales, projected to exceed $1.1 trillion1 this holiday season alone.
For most businesses the holiday season can represent as much as 30% of total annual sales2. Before you panic and begin to plan, we put together a holiday season checklist to make sure you are prepared:
1. Make sure you aren’t overpaying to accept payments
Businesses have so many moving parts it can be natural to choose a payment provider and stick with that provider for the long haul. It’s important to make sure you are checking in regularly to make sure you have the best rates possible! It’s highly probable that there is a lower cost option available for your specific business needs.
Before you dive into the holiday season, make sure you have the right plan and the right provider with a no-cost no-obligation rate check. If your rates are fair, then you know you’re with the right provider, and if Sphere can beat your rates, you’ve found a better option and start to save money.
2. Don’t stick with faulty malfunctioning equipment
Having modern, easy-to-use equipment to accept payments is no longer an option – it’s what customers demand! Why make it more difficult on yourself and your staff this holiday season to accept all payment types. Make sure your equipment is working for your business not against it and you are adequately prepared to handle the holiday rush.
Getting new equipment doesn’t have to cost and arm and a leg. If you need new equipment but are worried about the up-front cost, consider leasing the equipment for a low monthly fee.
3. Adopt a system that works in every payment environment
Most businesses operate in multiple payment environments. Make sure you are giving customers the option to pay the way they want – don’t miss out on sales due to lack of payment technology. Your payment provider should support all payment environments: in-person, via mobile, online, and over the phone/key-entered.
4. Update your technology recovery plan to prepare for down-time
During the holidays you should expect the unexpected. Make sure your payment provider is reachable no matter what time you need support. Sphere’s support line is open 24/7/365 by phone. We want to make sure any issues you encounter are solved efficiently and that you speak to a real person any time you call in. You don’t have to settle for second rate email-only customer service, especially in the most important time of year for your business.
Click here for more information on choosing Sphere as your merchant processor.
1 https://www.inc.com/anna-meyer/retail-holiday-sales-season-growth-2019-christmas.html
2 https://nrf.com/insights/holiday-and-seasonal-trends/winter-holidays/winter-holiday-faqs
