The past two summers have been extremely challenging and intense. From creating new business offerings like curbside service and home delivery to expanding online store options and redesigning retail stores, every pool and spa retailer has had to adjust.

As we move into the winter and the intensity of this past season tapers off, it’s time to ask how your business software supported your business. Pool and spa professionals agree that today’s most essential software technology solutions include e-commerce, mobile apps, and vendor integrations.

For those businesses in the pool and spa industry that were not originally equipped with an online e-commerce option, look for software designed for the pool industry with a shopping cart feature that can be added to existing websites. Providing a fully equipped, easy check-out and curbside pickup or delivery option is critical in today’s marketplace. E-commerce has become standard for all consumers, so pool and spa professionals need to embrace and implement an e-commerce solution to make pool sales management easier during this surge in demand for all things pool, spa, and outdoor living.

Many in our industry report they have already begun selling more through their online store. This is definitely a trend with pool and spa professionals pouring additional resources into their online stores — some report they are even adding Shopify features to do a better job of marketing to customers. Additionally, online stores allow retailers to physically open up valuable space in their brick-and-mortar stores by offering lower-margin products online only. Having a robust, integrated business software that integrates with a powerful e-commerce store gives pool and spa professionals the ability to plan better and help smooth out supply chain issues. With an integrated online store, retailers can operate more proactively, reduce stress, and sell more.

The past two seasons also emphasized the importance of having mobile software solutions to thrive in today’s business environment. With resources stretched thin, business software should be accessible on any mobile device to both support your staff and to provide better customer service. Be sure to select industry-specific software that includes these in-demand mobile technology solutions:

Mobile Live for Retail

You can provide better and faster service with the retail Line Buster feature using a mobile device. Look up inventory in real-time, get instant access to customer history and profiles from any location. Staff can use a tablet, integrated magnetic strip reader, or a pocket barcode scanner to complete sales transactions, process credit cards, and email receipts from anywhere in your retail store operation. Consumers are beginning to expect mobile shopping. This mobile application allows staff to perform inventory searches and instantly access customer history and profiles to increase customer service levels and ultimately close more sales.

Mobile Payment Option

This feature offers the convenience of paying online or from a mobile device, perfect for touch-free business transactions. Pool and spa professionals are investing in online bill pay systems that allow them to send bills by email not only to save on the cost of envelopes, stamps, labels, paper, and ink, but also because it saves money on labor costs and reduces the amount of time it takes to bill and collect payments.

Incorporating pool industry software that integrates systems within your business as well as with business vendors and partners is critical to running your business more efficiently. Be sure to look for business software that has the following industry-specific integrations:

Water Testing Station Integration

These integrations connect business software with industry water testing software for fast purchasing recommendations in person or from your online store. Additionally, by removing the need to do redundant typing, employees can now spend time speaking with customers and exploring potential upsell opportunities while their water is being tested. RB Retail & Service software integrates seamlessly with the leading industry water analysis software systems with Waterlink, BioGuard Alex Pro, and more.

In fact, many specialty retailers report that the time saved by eliminating double data entry helps them immediately sell more chemicals at higher prices because they now have the time to educate customers on how their water testing results can be improved. Giving employees that time back to spend with customers helps retailers distinguish themselves as valuable resources above competitors, especially big-box stores. This ultimately allows retailers to charge more and profit more when selling water treatment products. Taking the time to guide the customer through the options available is another way you and your staff will set your retail store apart as an expert.

Pool Industry Vendor Integration

This feature eliminates duplicate purchase orders and input of inventory. Pool industry software directly integrates with pool and spa vendors and distributors with pre-programmed SKUs. It saves staff hours of work simply because the software will automatically update pricing and inventory imports/updates.

Industry-specific software programs offer complete, pre-programmed inventory control systems that communicate inventory levels in real-time using these vendor integrations. Pool and spa businesses are able to check vendor orders, status, and available inventory before placing orders. There is no better way to provide outstanding customer service and stay ahead of the competition than to have business software fully integrated with pool and spa vendors and suppliers.

Implementing software specific to the pool and spa industry will immediately reduce or eliminate stressors currently confronting our industry. Designed for pool and spa retailers, service professionals, and builders, RB’s pool industry software provides an all-in-one solution that integrates with vendors, distributors, and water-testing software. It is designed to manage inventory all the way down to the service truck level, and immediately helps you generate more revenue, saves time, improves business operations, and lets you take advantage of market opportunities. Don’t wait — get started while this past season is still fresh in your mind. Upgrade to a new system and get ready to knock it out of the ballpark in 2022 with RB pool industry software.