Looking for a top-notch point of sale (POS) system to take your farmers market to the next level?
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. So, how do you know which one is the best fit for your business?
Let’s explore five of the most important features to look for when choosing the perfect POS system for farmers markets.
1. Exceptional Grocery Inventory Management
Farmers markets carry a variety of items, like fruits, vegetables, bread, and meat — and they frequently rotate their offerings based on the season. Look for a POS solution that allows you to create custom hotkeys and use advanced filtering options to reflect your unique inventory, so you can easily streamline your operations and make the most of busy seasons.
Consider an integrated label printer, too. This allows you to craft custom barcodes to better track items that may not already have barcodes, like locally sourced honey jars.
2. Cloud-Based Access
Remember to look for a cloud-based system. This way, you can access your POS from any where, at any time — as long as you have access to a mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet. You can scan products, adjust prices, and change quantities from anywhere you have access to the internet — which is especially beneficial for outdoor markets where stable WiFi connectivity can be a challenge.
3. Scale Integrations
A solid POS system for farmers markets should also include different scale integrations, so you can efficiently and accurately handle random-weight items like fresh produce or loose grains.
Depending on your market’s unique needs, you may need an integrated scanner scale to quickly weigh items, which speeds up the checkout process. If you sell specialized items like fresh cuts of meat, you might consider a deli scale integration. These standalone scales include weighing platforms, barcode label printers, and keypads that simplify the checkout process by printing scannable labels for your POS system.
4. Customer Loyalty Programs
Your farmers market is an integral part of your community — and engaging customers via loyalty programs plays an essential role in building local relationships. In fact, a slight five percent increase in customer retention could increase your profits by up to 95 percent.
Invest in a farmers market POS system that seamlessly integrates with customer loyalty programs. Try a points-based program, in which points per dollar spent by customers can be redeemed for attractive discounts or other rewards (like a 10 percent discount for every $100 spent).
Satisfied customers are likely to frequent your market and recommend it to others, which will significantly boost your bottom line.
5. Online Sales Support
You can easily expand your sales by offering online ordering opportunities, and a POS system for farmers markets will help you do just that. Look for a solution that has a robust e-commerce integration, so you can extend your selling window beyond traditional market hours, ensuring your products remain accessible for purchase 24/7.
Remember to offer your customers the option of delivery or pickup for their online orders. For smaller markets, a personalized door-to-door delivery service could set you apart. Larger markets can strike a partnership with third-party delivery services for wider reach.
Get Started With the Perfect POS System for Farmers Markets
Choosing the right POS system for your farmers market can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Start with the features you know you need, and go from there.
Need a helping hand?
Schedule a demo with one of our Markt POS specialists to explore the benefits of a cutting-edge POS solution made just for farmers markets! And if you’re ready to take the leap, create your custom quote with our build and price tool.
