There is nothing wrong with being comfortable, in fact I urge everyone to strive for it. Take this chair I’m sitting in for example, super comfortable. The problem is, while being comfortable is great when it comes to chairs, clothing, friendships, etc… it’s deadly for your business. One of the greatest lessons in life is that the world doesn’t wait for anybody. So how do you make sure your business doesn’t get left in the dust?

This quick fact sheet addresses some of the top reasons why it’s important to stay on the cutting-edge and how SaaS (Software as a Service) can help you do so. Not only does SaaS and the cloud make your life easier by saving you time and money with customers, inventory, and employee management, but having an online presence as well is crucial to bringing in new customers. Tech-savvy entrepreneurs are open to adopting new retail technologies and stay ahead of the curve, while below are some arguments against retail technology adoption:

Objection

“I’ve run my shop this way for 20 years. Why would I change now?”

Response

Anyone that has been around for 20 years is obviously very business savvy and understands what needs to be done to be successful. One thing that has changed though, is the way people access their information- especially when it comes to today’s generation. If they aren’t able to search for something on their smartphone, then they aren’t interested in it. By getting your store online, you open your small business up to countless new avenues for potential customers, resulting in a significant influx of cash flow. Otherwise, you risk being outdated and your store not being around for the next 20 years.

Objection

“The cloud? I don’t want my info floating in cyberspace for everyone to see.”

Response

This is a common misconception about the cloud. The only people who will have access to your data are you and the people who you allow to access it. In fact, not only is your data secure on the cloud, in most cases your data will be more secure than on the current computer in which it sits. Take for instance the case of a virus, if your computer is infected with a virus, there is a chance your data can be lost or stolen because there is no encryption to protect you on a PC. On the cloud however, your data is far less vulnerable, and stored in data centers with redundancies and encryptions built in to ensure the utmost security. At companies like Bindo, the security levels are above that of most banks, allowing merchants to rest assured that their information is safe and sound.

Objection

“I’m still not too sure… what happens if my internet goes down?”

Response

While there’s no way to prevent the internet going down in your area, you can find solace in a number of things. First of all, if there is a power outage in your area, you’re not the only store in the dark. However, you can be the only one back up and running in a matter of seconds. With the purchase of a simple hotspot, you can connect to the internet and your store will be “business as usual” in no time. Basically, you will be the only store still open and you’ll be able to turn a disaster into your advantage. After all, opportunity comes to those who are prepared for it. Secondly, the great thing about SaaS is that even if the internet was out in one location, you can simply move to another location and continue working seamlessly. Since your data is stored on the cloud, you’re not tied down to a physical location. Lastly, in the case of a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy, you risk the potential to instantly lose all of your data. If you’re using a SaaS cloud-based system however, the data centers where your info is stored are backed up automatically, allowing you to pick up from where you left off without any fear of data loss.

Objection

“I’m not very tech savvy. What if something happens and I can’t fix it? How will I run my shop?”

Response

Most of your standard POS companies only provide the typical 9 to 5 support with support outsourced to countries with cheaper labor. One of the great things about SaaS companies (like us!) is the 24/7 support from a U.S. based tech team. This means that in the case that something does go wrong, someone will be there around the clock, either on the phone or in-person to walk you through the issue.

How have you used tech to grow your business? Do let us know in the comments.

Image Credits: Sheftsoff/Shutterstock, Wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock, Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock