Farm POS - Not Just for Markets
Overview
A Point-of-Sale (POS) makes capturing sales easy and convenient for your Farm and Buyers. The device allows you to take multiple payment options, sync your online and in-person Sales and collect tips on transactions. While Farm POS is important at Farmers Markets, there are many different occasions where the device can streamline your checkout process and attract more Sales. Try a POS built for Farmers at different venues for increased profits and added ease to each transaction.
On-Farm Store
If your Farm has a store on location, you can serve all Buyer types with a POS at checkout. Many Farmers offer on-Farm events such as field trips, tours or seasonal festivals. Others have consistent hours for their Farm store, so Buyers know when they can come and shop instead of going to a market. This allows Buyers to learn more about your operation, see how and where your products are grown, and build a personal connection with the Farm.
Within your Farm store, you can set up a POS at checkout (using a Tablet or Smartphone) to allow Buyers to pay with a variety of payment methods - credit, debit, cash or mobile wallet (e.g. ApplePay or GooglePay). If community members are on your Farm to volunteer or on a tour, they may not carry cash (in fact, 2/3 of Americans do not carry cash anymore!). This is why it is important to offer digital payment options for Buyers in every circumstance, so your Farm does not miss out on a purchase. Make it obvious with signage that Buyers can use any payment method they prefer, and that checkout will be quick and easy.
Local Pop-ups
Your town probably has many pop-up events throughout the year. Whether it’s festivals in a local park, school fundraisers or holiday events, there are many opportunities to market your Farm to potential Buyers. At these pop-up events, set up a booth or bring a few products for community members to try and/or purchase. These may be events where attendees are not always prepared to shop, so having a device that can take all payment methods, and make the checkout process quick and simple is crucial.
During in-person events, have a POS at your booth for your Farm to collect sales and capture optional tips. Successful Farms enable tipping for Buyers, and may even change the tipping language to say “cover fees” or “support your Farmer”. You may choose to offer 3%, 5% or 10% tips, or enter custom amounts, to make the experience personalized to your Farm. Signatures are not required, keeping the checkout process quick and convenient.
Listen: Veteran’s Liberty Ranch Hits 6 Figures in 1 Year with POS
Pick-ups & Deliveries (Add-on Sales)
Bring your POS to all your local pick-up spots or delivery runs. This will allow your Farm to solicit add-on purchases from Buyers for any additional products you bring, collect tips for your service or pay for a product they forgot to order. You can freely toggle between Buyer types to access different pricing sheets depending on whom you are serving at a given location (retail, wholesale or private Buyers).
Your POS will sync your Farm inventory across online and in-person sales, so there is never any confusion on what products are available, or having to go back and edit quantities after an in-person sale. Ensure your Buyers know they have options when it comes to their payment methods or adding-on a purchase with Farm POS. This will make your Farm more accessible and convenient for busy customers that want a quick and simple purchase experience from your Farm.
Conclusion
Farm POS can offer your business and Buyers an added convenience in more avenues than just the Farmers Market. Utilize your device at all locations where you may encounter potential customers to access sales. By taking multiple payment methods, allowing for tips and having live inventory sync, a Barn2Door Point-of-Sale can make the checkout process seamless for your Farm, and your customers.
Barn2Door offers software for Independent Farmers to create and promote their brand, sell online and in-person, and save time managing their business. If you’re curious to learn more, watch this 5-minute video.