Small retail shop owners can use iPads and iPad stands to run and improve their small businesses in several ways.
Information centers
iPad kiosks can serve as information centres for walk in visitors. A retail shop owner does not have to be distracted from another buyer and the visitor too can get the information he wants from iPads that are enclosed in free floor standing units inside the door or in wall mount enclosures. The iPad can be loaded with information about products available and their prices besides deals, offers and loyalty programs that visitors can sign up for. A visitor can view the product, its specifications and even a demo. This frees up the retail shop owner who can focus on other important things.
Digital signage
One or a couple of iPads can be used as digital signage to display videos and product demos that will certainly engage visitors and possibly convert them to buyers. The effect is best achieved when such devices are enclosed in suitable enclosures that can be fitted on top of counters or on the wall. There is no doubt that videos and moving images are far more eye-catching compared to printed posters and do engage attention of visitors.
Payment processing
By offering card payment or bank transfers through iPads enclosed in stands on counters, retail shop owners can save valuable time and effort as well as offer greater convenience of shopping. Not every customer likes to pay in cash and when card payment is available they may even buy more. Restaurant owners can have a separate section where walk in buyers can view a menu, place order and make payment using the iPad. The same device can have a feature that requests buyer feedback that will help a retailer or restaurant owner improve services. Taking it a bit further payments so received can be ported to accounting systems. Small business owners need not employ assistants and they can save money too.
Shop windows
Retail businesses can have tablets in the shop windows that display deals of the day and this could encourage passers by to walk in and make impulsive purchases. The same tablet can display messages about the weather and other general information too as a public service. This helps improve the shop's branding.
Entertainment
Families shop or go to restaurants along with kids and kids need to be kept engaged. A tablet loaded with games is just the thing for kids. Keeping the tablets safely secured in stands and enclosures will prevent any inadvertent damage besides making it easy to use. Even adults can play or surf the internet while they wait their turn.
Software developers are coming up with more apps that help small businesses and iPads will help them save costs and improve customer services but what is an iPad without an iPad stand?