Over the last few years, a lot has changed in retail. New technologies, savvier buyers, and attention to health and safety have all forced businesses to change how they operate. Unattended payments are one area that has seen a lot of growth and innovation in recent years, as customers become more comfortable with using self-service options.
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to self-service, as customers looked for ways to avoid contact with others. But even before the pandemic, unattended payments were growing in popularity, thanks to their convenience and efficiency.
As a result, there are many opportunities for VARs and ISVs who can provide solutions that enable unattended payments. Here are six opportunities for VARS and ISVs to explore in the world of unattended payments:
1 – Retail
One of the most prominent applications for unattended payments is retail operations.
Self-service checkouts have been around for a while, but they’re becoming more and more common as retailers look for ways to streamline the shopping experience.
Customers are demanding quick and convenient experiences, and self-service checkouts offer just that. They also free up staff to assist elsewhere in the store, which can help during busy periods. More time on the floor often equates to more sales. The retail team can upsell and cross-sell customers before entering the register lane.
For VARs and ISVs, retailers are a key target market for unattended payment solutions. Retailers of all sizes are looking for ways to improve the customer experience, and self-service checkouts can be a big part of that. If you’re working with retailers, it’s worth considering how you can help them take advantage of unattended payments. Are there solutions you can offer to make it easier for them to implement self-service checkouts? Can you help them integrate their existing systems with new payment technology?
These questions can help you position yourself as a valuable partner for retailers looking to adopt unattended payments.
2 – Food & Beverage – Restaurants
Another promising opportunity for VARs and ISVs is the food industry.
Diners and patrons have grown accustomed to self-service kiosks in restaurants. Because of social distancing requirements and the need for contactless payment options, we’ve seen an uptick in the use of self-service kiosks in restaurants.
While the checkout experience is a great way to implement unattended kiosks, it’s not the only way restaurants can take advantage. Some restaurants are using kiosks for ordering. Diners can place their orders electronically, which can help reduce mistakes and speed up the ordering process. This is particularly beneficial when restaurant staff is under much pressure during busy times. Fewer mistakes, shorter wait times, and more efficiency for your staff mean happier customers and improved sales for the restaurant.
3 – Hotels
While still less prevalent than restaurants and retail locations, hotels adopt unattended payment terminals. There are several ways hotels can use unattended payments to improve the guest experience. Hotels can use kiosks for check-in and checkout, saving time for both guests and hotel staff. Another way hotels are using kiosks is for room service orders. Guests can place their orders electronically and have them delivered to their room without ever picking up the phone. You know how incredible this can be if you’ve ever been bounced around a call tree after a long day of travel. Having refreshments at your fingertips is a significant upgrade over the phone.
This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding how hotels can use unattended payments. As technology evolves, we’re likely to see even more innovation in this space. VARs and ISVs that work with hotels should explore ways to help them take advantage of unattended payments. You can help your customers innovate their solutions and expand their use cases.
4 – Cannabis
The cannabis industry is another promising area for VARs and ISVs working with unattended payments. There are many reasons for this. First, the cannabis industry is still relatively new. This means there are many opportunities for innovation. It is still early enough for you and your team to pioneer incredible solutions for dispensaries and clinics.
Second, the industry is highly regulated. This creates a need for solutions that can help businesses comply with regulations. Efficiency and accuracy are of utmost importance in the cannabis industry. By implementing technology, your customers can improve their compliance posture while increasing their efficiency.
And third, the industry is growing rapidly. As more states legalize cannabis, the industry is expected to continue growing. The legal cannabis market is expected to reach $73.6 billion by 2027. This presents a massive opportunity for businesses to help dispensaries scale quickly and efficiently.
If you’re working with the cannabis industry, now is the time to start exploring how unattended payments can help your customers grow.
5 – Events and Theaters
The next growth opportunity for VARs and ISVs is the events and theater industry.
This industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. However, there are a number of ways businesses in this space can use unattended payments to improve their operations.
First, businesses can use kiosks for ticketing. This contactless solution can help reduce lines and improve the customer experience.
Second, businesses can use kiosks for concessions. This contactless solution can help reduce lines and get refreshments and merchandise to patrons more quickly. In an on-demand world, delivering purchases rapidly is crucial. Attendees can order food and drinks from their seats and deliver them right where they sit.
And third, businesses can use kiosks for merchandise. This solution can help reduce lines and get merchandise to patrons more quickly.
These are just a few ways businesses in the events and theater industry can use unattended payments to improve their operations. VARs and ISVs that work with these
6 – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The final growth opportunity we’ll explore is Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations.
As the world moves away from fossil fuels, the demand for EV charging stations is expected to increase. Public EV charging stations are expected to grow from approximately 2.6 million in 2020 to 7.2 million by 2025.
The charging stations will require interactive displays to provide information to users. The displays will need to be highly visible and easy to use. They will also need to be able to accept mobile payments – to provide the easiest experience possible.
And it’s not just paying for charging. With this growth, EV charging stations will become the next generation of fill-up stations. Merchandisers and retailers can use them to sell snacks, drinks, and other items to drivers while they charge their vehicles.
The Future is Unattended Payments
These are just a few of the many opportunities for VARs and ISVs to take advantage of unattended payments. The future is contactless and automated. By offering solutions that enable these capabilities, you can help your customers stay ahead of the curve.
Have questions about unattended payment solutions? Talk to our team! We’re ready to help you find the perfect hardware for your customers.
