Omni-channel: A customer-friendly concept comes of age

In the past, it was enough to have an additional web store to generate sales. Today, the trend is toward omni-channel. Here, the various sales channels, stationary and online, are merging. Only solutions that can offer the customer a comprehensive shopping experience at any time and any place are up to date. For example, customers want to order goods online and pick them up in the store (Click & Collect), exchange them or return them (Click & Return). This not only boosts sales, but also increases customer satisfaction. And with the Endless Aisle option, goods not in stock in the store can simply be ordered online directly on site. Either by means of mobile devices or via an info kiosk by which the customer clicks through the web store. Likewise, a prospective customer could photograph a product from a poster or scan the relevant QR code and order it online right away via app or at home.The challengeSelling across different channels and also merging these channels into a holistic sales experience are promising for customers. For retailers, the balance between customer proximity and operational efficiency is a challenge. Many processes - from merchandise logistics to payment - have to be taken into account. All channels must be set up and maintained professionally. Payment providers like SIX offer merchants the right cross-channel payment solution. This means that a wide range of use cases can be rolled out efficiently on a broad basis - regardless of whether it's a highly specialized web store or a retail chain.Together for more success Optimally, a payment provider offers all components - card acceptance, payment terminal, web solution - from a single source and is available as a central contact for all concerns. SIX customers benefit from decades of experience, coordinated processes and flexible integration into any environment. This allows the retailer to stay as close as possible to the customer with the least possible effort and to focus on its core business. The numbers prove: omni-channel customers are loyal and spend up to 300 % more. Payment service providers such as SIX Payment Services can make a significant contribution to an individual omni-channel strategy with expert know-how and modular solutions.Experience omni-channel live at dmexcoSIX Payment Services will be showing a Click & Reserve and Click & Collect showcase live on site at dmexco. Learn more and visit us at our booth at dmexco in Cologne (Hall 7, Aisle B, Booth 069) on September 13 and 14, 2017. SIX is a leading provider of payment solutions for retailers and banks across Europe and market leader in Switzerland.