Filipino shoppers now value convenience and flexibility more than ever. Many check products online before visiting a store, use digital wallets to pay, and expect quick and hassle-free service. These shifts in behavior show that customers prefer stores that make every step of the shopping process simple.
Business owners have the opportunity to keep up with these changes, but it means upgrading their current processes and tools. Some notable upgrades include a payment terminal that lets your store accept modern payment options and digital systems that improve customer management. When you invest in these technological or digital enhancements, you’re able to streamline daily operations and ensure that customers enjoy a smooth, convenient shopping experience.
If you want your brick-and-mortar store to stay competitive, here are some practical upgrades that can help your business transition into the digital age.
1. Portable POS Devices
A portable point-of-sale (POS) device can elevate your in-store operations. The Maya Terminal, one of today’s most versatile card payment terminals, lets your business accept multiple payment options in one device. It doesn’t just process debit and credit card transactions; it also supports e-wallet and QR Ph payments. This versatility helps reduce checkout friction while ensuring your store keeps pace with the growing preference for cashless transactions.
This payment terminal device also empowers your staff to assist customers and complete purchases anywhere in the store, whether at the checkout counter, on the sales floor, or along the aisle. As a result, you enhance customer service by making every transaction faster and more convenient.
2. Digital Signage
Digital signage is another upgrade that can make your store more dynamic and engaging. It refers to electronic displays, such as LED screens or digital monitors, that showcase dynamic content like product highlights, promotions, or store announcements. Unlike printed posters, these displays can be updated instantly and can showcase multiple content types, allowing you to change visuals based on inventory, seasons, or ongoing campaigns.
In a retail setting, digital signage helps attract customer attention. You can use it to feature bestsellers, announce flash sales, or share short videos about your products. It also adds a modern, professional touch to your store.
3. E-Commerce Integration
An e-commerce platform allows your store to reach customers beyond its physical location. Many platforms now make it easy to set up a professional online store where shoppers can browse and buy anytime. They also support plugins that let you add a payment gateway for a seamless checkout experience. For Shopify and WooCommerce users, dedicated plugins make it simple to integrate Maya Checkout directly into your website, even without coding skills. This setup enables your online store to accept debit and credit cards, e-wallets, and QR Ph payments through one secure and convenient payment gateway.
4. Click-and-Collect Services
Click-and-collect services combine the best of online and in-person shopping and are worth considering as your next upgrade. With this option, customers can order items through your website and pick them up in your physical store at their convenience. This setup saves time and delivery costs while encouraging more foot traffic to your store.
It also creates opportunities for additional sales. When customers come to collect their items, they may browse other products or take advantage of in-store promotions. For many local businesses, click-and-collect is an affordable way to enhance customer convenience without overhauling existing operations.
5. Same-Day Delivery
Many shoppers value quick service and expect their purchases to arrive without delay. With same-day delivery, you can give your regular customers, who may opt to order online on some occasions, the convenience of receiving their orders on the day they make a purchase. This service is especially valuable for local retailers that want to compete with larger e-commerce platforms offering quick turnaround times.
In terms of logistics, consider employing trusted logistics providers such as Grab, Lalamove, or Angkas Padala. This allows your store to deliver products efficiently on the same day, sometimes even within just a few hours after checkout.
6. Digital Loyalty Programs
Digital loyalty programs are also a promising upgrade in lieu of traditional stamp cards with an easier, more organized system. Through solutions like mobile apps and SMS- or QR code-based loyalty programs, customers can track their rewards, earn points, and redeem exclusive perks.
You can customize these programs to suit your business. For example, a coffee shop could offer a free drink after every ten visits, while a fashion boutique might give early access to new arrivals or special birthday discounts. Personalized incentives make customers feel valued and encourage them to return more often.
7. Customer Relationship Management Tools
Successful businesses make it a priority to understand their customers, and this is where customer relationship management (CRM) tools play an important role. These systems help you organize and analyze customer data so you can communicate more effectively and personalize your marketing efforts. With access to purchase history and preferences, you can send targeted messages such as product updates, limited-time offers, or thank-you notes after a big sale.
These data-driven interactions strengthen customer relationships and make your promotions more relevant. Over time, CRM insights reveal what motivates your customers and guide you in creating a more satisfying shopping experience.
Transform Your Physical Store into a Future-Ready Business
Sign up for Maya Business to equip your physical store with some of the latest tools so need to ensure that your business can keep up with your customers' evolving needs and preferences.
When you sign up, you qualify for a no-collateral Maya Flexi Loan offer of up to PHP 2 million in just 3 months, allowing you to have another funding source to invest in upgrades and further develop your business. Just use Maya as your primary processor for all wallet and card payments. The more you use our solutions, the better the loan offer will be.
Setting up a Maya Business account also lets you open a Maya Business Deposit account and use it as your settlement account. With an industry-leading 2.5% per annum interest rate, you’ll earn PHP 25,000 in interest per year on a PHP 1 million deposit. Furthermore, you’ll be able to send money to your partners and suppliers for free via InstaPay and PESONet, letting you save more.
Sign up for Maya Business today to enjoy the benefits of Maya Business solutions.
