The challenge
One of the most crucial challenges facing retailers during times of peak and high demand is the long queues at checkout. Many customers are abandoning their cart when they realize that there is a long checkout queue, resulting in stores losing sales. This increased in-store traffic, was the exact challenge for Kotsovolos, one of the leading electric and electronics’ retailer in Greece.
The retailer sought the solution to this challenge in cooperation with Cardlink, Transaction Systems and Novidea, using the state-of-the-art hardware from PAX Technology. The goal was the reduction of queues at store cash registers during peak times such as Black Friday, so that customers would be encouraged to continue purchases.
The Solution
In order for the sales personnel to be able to complete the transaction from anywhere in the store, Cardlink’s solution offered the possibility of payments by card, mobile wallet or wearable.
For the solution, the retailer chose PAX Technology’s D200, a flexible, miniPOS, suitable for on-the-go transactions. The wireless POS is connected via Bluetooth with Cardlink’s POSsible application installed in the sales consultant’s Android device (phone or tablet), therefore transactions are enabled from anywhere in the store. The payment is completed with exceptional speed, while the receipt is sent immediately via email or sms. The Pay Express service is active in all Kotsovolos stores, improving the experience of both customers and sales consultants.
The Implementation
The implementation was based on two pillars, meeting the requirements and specifications provided by Kotsovolos: the software, already available in Cardlink’s Android ecosystem, capable on running on any Android device (phone or tablet), and the hardware specifications, where the D200 miniPOS was recognized as the most suitable device due to its design, size and flexibility. The combination via Bluetooth wireless connection was chosen as the most suitable. The implementation of the final solution was made possible due to Cardlink’s previous experience in the field of mobile POS (since 2013), which proved capable so that all parts, as well as the required functionality, will be combined in one easy-to-use solution: download the application in the mobile phone, connect to the D200 via Bluetooth… and then simply start accepting payments with the use of cards and mobile wallets!
The solutions stability and flexibility proved to be appropriate both during demanding peak times -such as Black Friday- as well as during the Covid-19 pandemic, where stores operate under unprecedented conditions. The Pay Express solution which was used to help customers pay quickly in-store, now serves the online orders and those who choose the collect@store or click away services.
The Pay Express solution of Kotsovolos has received the GOLD award in the “New Technological Trends in mobile applications and services”, and two SILVER awards in the “Automation and Support of Sales” & “Marketing and Customer Experience Digital Transformation” categories of the BITE Awards 2020.
The Benefits
Upgraded buying experience: Fast service, eliminating queues and delays
Increased revenues and productivity: increased checkout experience and service automation. Improved operational efficiencies
Effective sales: better equipped sales consultants become more efficient
Innovative brand image: Providing alternative checkout experience through the use of a small flexible Android device with an easy-to-use interface
Pressure relief during high peak days and hours
