"Clicks To Bricks": Syncing In-Person Payments & Online Sales

Online stores offer a number of advantages for both owners as well ascustomers. In-person purchases have amazing benefits, too, and there are certain situations where your customers might need to shop in person. As you're about to see, now there's a way to successfully merge eCommerce with shopping in person.

It's called 'click to bricks.' This strategy blends two of the most popular options: in-person and online shopping.

If you are an eCommerce business that wants to offer their products in person at events such as farmer's market and flea markets, or who accept orders online, but deliver and accept payments in person, online clicks to bricks are the most effective method to serve your customers.

We'll introduce you to the concept of clicking to bricks. Look at the reasons how it can be a smart way to upgrade your business, and then see what you can do to make it happen.

What are clicks to bricks?

Clicks to bricks gives online shoppers the option to visit a store or in-person market, or to pre-order online, and then complete their shopping or purchase experience on the spot. All this happens while seamlessly managing your sales process and stock.

This is a kind of service to customers. The purchase of things such as clothes, furniture, tools, and even food can be much more pleasurable and reassuring by being able to see how, feel, and test on the item prior to purchasing it.

Plus, it's more personal and enjoyable to get to know the maker of certain goods. That's half the appeal of market events in person.

Clicks to bricks is also an opportunity to boost profit. Certain customers prefer the physical store or the in-person shopping experience so if you do not offer that option, they won't purchase from your store. The well-known eCommerce seller Warby Parker, for example is now generating around half of its profits from its growing number of shops.

"Clicks to Bricks" has become a trend over the last few years, as more shoppers and retailers struggle to overcome the limitations of online shopping. At one point, people were predicting the doom of brick-and-mortar shops and the death of malls, because the online marketplace is, so much faster and more convenient.

There was a twist along the way to turn out that the in-person shopping experiences can be better than online shopping. Some predictions about the future of retail in person were a bit premature.

Physical markets are appealing to certain customers who like local products, and also supporting small enterprises. Plus, they're more green.

Five good reasons to include a clicks to bricks strategy in your business model

What does the clicks to bricks approach enhance your customer service and boost profits? Let's take a look at some ways.

1. It offers a smoother customer experience

Some of the biggest pains associated with shopping online are alleviated with an in-person option. Many customers find that being physically present at a place makes it simpler to return their purchases. It is easier to discuss a problem when you place an order in person instead of contacting support via email.

And, sometimes, it's more efficient if you want the item right now. Simply drive to a market or store to purchase the item. The item is available the very same day you wanted it. At the same time.

There are many advantages of bothonline and physical shopping as well as combining both allows you to better provide your customer.

2. Customers can pre-order

The biggest flaw of a poorly executed Clicks to Bricks method is in the event that a buyer sees a product online and comes to the shop or the market but is disappointed to discover that it's not in stock. There's nothing more frustrating than that. But it's not always possible to carry your entire collection at an event or other in-person display. But what do you have to do?

The solution is offering customers the option to pre-order their items online before they pick up their purchase and pay it back in person.

Plus, by using software that syncs inventory information with the payment and order processing, the product availability information displayed to customers in your store online is up-to-date.

3. It boosts sales and increases profit

In an earlier research that was conducted, 57% of shoppers later shopped in-store after making purchases from the same online retailer. The reverse is also true, 68% of shoppers who first bought in person later went to the online store of the same company and made a purchase again.

If you offer both choices, you're giving shoppers the option of buying in a variety of ways. And as that study revealed that the vast majority of your customers will use each option. Only offer one option which means you will make less revenue.

According to the Wall Street Journal reported that Untuckit is a former solely online retailer of clothing, sees an increase of web-based business within 10-mile area of any store that they launch. Consider that for a second. Their CEO claims that their stores "are similar to a billboard that is inexpensive."

If you're selling at local markets, you can aim for the same outcome.

4. This increases the conversion rate

Your online storefront will help shoppers browse through your inventory to find out if you have what they're looking for. If they know that the product they're looking for is in stock it is possible to select either delivery or pickup in person. They could also just drive to your location to purchase it on the spot.

In any case, buyers arrive ready to buy. When your inventory syncs properly between your online and physical location, you will reduce the number of shoppers that leave with nothing and are frustrated.

5. You get higher average order values

Why is it beneficial when customers show up to buy in person? Because they spend more.

A study discovered that 70% of shoppers are more likely to make an impulse purchase at the store than online.

In a store, street market or even a home delivery situation it is possible to introduce customers to all kinds of products, great and small ones, which they would never see in your retailer. When they're out and about you, they'll come across something they'll realize they require. Then, they'll see something to give to someone else as a present, or enjoy as a treat. That doesn't happen quite so easily on the internet.

You need the right tool for a successful clicks to bricks purchasing experience

Moving from a business that is solely online to one that offers an in-person experience is not a one-step process. It could be necessary to deal with layouts and shelving as well as managing inventory in an innovative way, having employees who are in person experience design, many more.

The right tools could assist in making things happen more quickly regardless of whether you're making a temporary display at a major event or designing a huge physical retail space from the ground up.

 A POS system which integrates inventory as well as payments is essential.

When you are selling it is necessary to have a means to take the payment. Online, customers buy from one checkout page. But in person how do they pay curbside? Or what if they have the order delivered directly to their residence and pay on delivery?

It's a must to use a physical device that accepts payments.

• The M2 card reader is the physical device that accepts payment. It's an extremely lightweight device that connects seamlessly with the Mobile App. It's speedy and secure thanks to complete encryption.
• Customers are able to tap, swipe or use a chip or use contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay -- whatever service you want to provide them.

Purchases made in person now sync with your store's online site, ensuring that inventory is always current.

That way, if someone purchases something from you and pays through the M2 card reader your store's online will display the transaction. If that customer bought the final item of the item in question, the online store will not show the item as being in stock. That almost eliminates the possibility that a different customer will show up hoping to purchase the same item.

With the In-Person Payments option, you can create an order, then pay for it right there and then, and process that cash payment. You can also perform this at any point of sale, even if you're at a farmer's market or delivering it to a guest staying in an hotel.