You can’t control the economy, but you can control what you do next. Higher costs, staffing issues, and unpredictable traffic are affecting restaurants and retailers. Luckily, there are things you can do to stack small wins. With a Florida local POS and 24/7 support behind you, you can protect margin, keep customers loyal, and stay in business.
1) Reward employees in ways that actually move the needle
Turn your staff into enthusiastic promoters with small, repeatable rewards. Run daily competitions for upsells and let the winner choose their schedule. Offer a small bonus incentive like a gift card for 5-star reviews that name employees. Recognition lands fast, spreads good habits, and cuts turnover with employees.
2) Build grab-and-go gift baskets that sell themselves
People buy when the decision is easy. Prepack bundles or baskets for holidays or occasions and place them at the register and door. Restaurants can bundle sauces, wine, and family pasta kits. Retailers can create a Florida weekend pack, a game night kit, or a candle and coffee set. Keep price tiers simple like 25, 50, 75, and 100. A QR code to a video showing how to use it can be a final nudge for customers on the edge.
3) Sell more gift cards and structure the offer to boost checks
Gift cards are an easy no-brainer for business owners as well as customers. When redeemed, customers spend more than the value of the gift card on average. About 6% of gift cards are never used at all and about 15% of balances remain untouched according to oXYGen Financial, essentially resulting in thousands of dollars in free revenue.
4) Launch a loyalty program that actually pays
Create a simple system that customers can easily understand. Let guests earn points based on how much they spend, and set levels at which they can earn rewards. Make it easy for them to sign up on-site with your POS or online ordering, and send a signup offer that expires to get a quick return. Tailor offers based on their purchase history to make them feel comfortable and likely to spend more.
5) Offer thank you packs to corporate buyers and HOAs
Florida has a lot of corporate offices and HOA communities that need gifts throughout the year. Selling gift cards and baskets in bulk can be an easy way to rack up consistent revenue. Include an option to include a personalized message card with your logo for brand awareness. Organize set delivery days and times to simplify fulfillment.
6) Simplify your menu or assortment
Quality should not suffer due to complexity. Restaurants can remove low volume dishes and standardize their options to speed up the service. Retailers can favor their best sellers by profit and volume and place them in the best spots in the store. Analyze weekly results, change one thing, and analyze again after the week is up to optimize as best as possible. PR Newswire states that simplifying customer decision-making increase purchase rates by 85%.
7) Collect payments everywhere your customer is
Make it as easy as possible for customers to pay in-store, online, or in the field. Special orders and catering can use text-to-pay if the customer is not present. Wait staff can use handheld devices to take orders and payments, resulting in turning tables faster. Enable tap-to-pay so people can use their phones in case they forget their wallet. ACH can be an option for large order or B2B invoices to lower processing costs.
8) Prep for Florida’s busy and storm seasons
Create a storm checklist so you can quickly reopen after a storm and not have to stay closed due to damaged equipment or inventory. Use a point-of-sale with backup battery and backup internet options. Stock up on extra gift cards and basket supplies before it’s too late. Implement seasonal promos and sales based on holidays, snow birds, spring break, and sports events.
9) Get Florida local POS help with 24/7 support
Don’t get left on hold when it matters most. You need support from real locals who actually pick up the phone and show up when needed. Card Systems is based in Florida and provides local 24/7 support with onsite help. That matters big time when you have staff changes, menu changes, or faulty equipment.
“Hands down, the absolute best! My company started with Card Systems, Inc 16+ years ago. One year, early on I switched to my own bank as I thought I would save money for my company. Biggest mistake ever, a huge costly mistake. Needless to say, I went back to Card Systems asap. They are always-always there when I have a question or are in need of anything technical. My company started out small and has grown exponentially over the years and I’ve had the same excellent service from Card Systems from my start to now. 5+ stars!!!!”
— JoAnne Jenkins
Card Systems holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating from happy customers.
How Card Systems helps you execute
- Florida local POS setup with onsite training
- 24/7 local POS support when you need a real human
- Gift cards, loyalty, text-to-pay, tap-to-pay, handhelds, and online ordering that all tie together
Ready to take the next step? Call 239-549-5055 or book a demo. Talk with a Florida local POS pro, get straight answers, and see how gift cards, loyalty, and grab-and-go baskets plug into your store. We can get you moving this week.
