Physical shopping retains a unique charm, even in an era dominated by e-commerce. The tactile experience of handling products, the immediate gratification of taking purchases home, and the sensory engagement of sight, sound, and smell remain irreplicable in digital spaces. Given this, it’s unsurprising that despite the convenience of online shopping, many customers still cherish the in-person retail experience.
In a brick-and-mortar setting, a diverse array of customers walks through the doors. Each customer type has distinct preferences and shopping behaviors, and many benefits await businesses that make the time and effort to study these nuances. Any kind of customer will be much more likely to return to your physical store and recommend it to others if they feel that you understand their needs and provide a shopping experience that meets these needs directly. And once you manage to secure their loyalty, their sustained support afterward can help ensure that your business will thrive well into the future.
Maya Business offers cutting-edge solutions and expert advice to help retailers meet the diverse needs of modern consumers. Our card swipe machine and digital payments POS device Maya Terminal and the more lightweight Maya Terminal Lite in particular, are designed to streamline transactions and improve the overall buying experience for every shopper. In this feature, we’ll explore common types of physical retail customers, provide strategies for appealing to each one effectively, and offer suggestions about how to use Maya Business solutions to the fullest:
Sure Buyers
Sure buyers are a retailer’s dream: they enter the store with a clear purpose and a specific product in mind. These customers value efficiency and expect a quick, hassle-free shopping experience. They are often pressed for time and appreciate stores that respect their need for speed.
To cater to sure buyers, create an efficient store layout with clear signage that guides them directly to popular items. Fast checkout processes, including self-checkout options and express lanes, can significantly enhance their shopping experience. Maya Terminal is the perfect digital payments and card terminal solution you can leverage to expedite transactions and improve the overall experience at your point of sale. This powerful portable POS device is more than just a credit card machine, taking all popular forms of digital payment available today, including QR Ph payments and e-wallets like Maya, GCash, GrabPay, and ShopeePay, in addition to traditional card payments. It’s also simple and straightforward to operate, which means your staff will be able to complete transactions in just a matter of seconds instead of wasting precious time fiddling with the controls.
If you operate a stall, pop-up store, or other similar establishment with limited space, then chances are, sure buyers will be even more eager to be in and out with what they need in hand. In these cases, a lighter, handier credit card terminal or POS device may serve your business well. Maya Terminal Lite promises almost all the features and functionalities that make Maya Terminal great in a pocket-sized package. Its compact design allows for easy movement and setup, so it’s likewise an ideal solution if your business frequently participates in events or fairs, or otherwise offers services on the go.
Window Shoppers
Window shoppers frequent stores without the immediate intention to buy, seeking inspiration or simply enjoying the browsing experience. They might be looking for ideas, exploring new products, or just passing time. While they may not always make a purchase, they hold potential for future sales if you manage to engage them effectively.
Appealing to window shoppers entails creating attractive window displays and an engaging store layout that draws them in. Once these customers come through the door, friendly, approachable staff can make a positive impact by offering information and engaging conversations that convert interest into sales. Lastly, strategically placed impulse buy opportunities and in-store promotions can encourage spontaneous purchases. Whatever you do, never approach window shoppers with condescension, thinking that wouldn’t be buying anything anyway or they couldn’t afford your wares. Treat them with respect and they might just come back as new customers.
Researchers
Researchers are thorough and methodical shoppers who take their time to gather detailed information and compare options before buying anything. They value knowledge and will often ask numerous questions about products, specifications, and features. This type of customer appreciates comprehensive and reliable information.
Knowledgeable staff who can provide detailed answers and insights about products are one of your best bets for attracting researchers. Offering product demonstrations and samples, meanwhile, can help these customers make informed decisions. You might provide educational content through brochures, informative signage, and digital displays to further assist researchers in their decision-making process. Overall, creating an environment where they feel supported in their quest for information can lead to increased trust and eventual purchases.
Bargain Hunters
Bargain hunters are a staple denizen of the Philippine retail scene, and they are driven by the quest for the best deals and discounts. These customers are highly price-sensitive and enjoy the thrill of finding a good bargain. They often compare prices across different stores and are quick to take advantage of promotions and sales.
Make it easy for bargain hunters to find the best deals and you’ll see your foot traffic and sales grow by a large margin. You can accomplish this in a number of ways, such as by prominently displaying discounted items, special offers, and limited-time deals with clear signage. Implementing loyalty programs that reward frequent purchases and offering exclusive discounts to members can keep them coming back.
Chatters
Chatters are customers who enjoy engaging in conversation and building relationships with store staff. They value the social aspect of shopping and often have a lot to share, from personal stories to detailed questions about products. For chatters, the shopping experience is as much about interaction as it is about purchasing.
Employing friendly, personable staff who enjoy engaging with customers is your best way to draw in chatters. Train your team to recognize regular customers and remember their preferences, as these practices can make the shopping experience feel more personal. Community-building events, workshops, and social gatherings can also provide chatters with opportunities to connect and feel valued.
Provide an In-Store Experience to Remember with Maya Business Solutions
With Maya Business solutions, you’ll be well-equipped to provide every customer who walks through your doors with a shopping experience they’ll remember and come back for. Sign up for Maya Business to avail yourself of our suite of cutting-edge in-store payment solutions, as well as a wealth of other payment, disbursement, and business banking products that can get your retail business working like a well-oiled machine.
One of the best things about your Maya Business account is that it will allow you to 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. You’ll also get to send money to your partners and suppliers for free via InstaPay and PESONet, which cuts out bothersome transaction fees and lets you save more.
Signing up also qualifies you for a no-collateral Maya Flexi Loan offer of up to PHP 2 million in just 3 months, which you can funnel toward further improving operations at your brick-and-mortar store. 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.
Open your Maya Business account today and you’ll gain access to all these helpful benefits and more.
