The future of jewellery store service?

3.2 k views | Posted August 17, 2010 | By Lorna Goodyer

First it was iPhone consumer jewellery apps, now one developer has created iPad software that will take in-store service to a new level.

The iPad retail tool acts as a mobile point of sale for jewellery store staff, enabling them to walk the store and complete shopper transactions without the customer having to queue up at the till.

The web-based software also allows shoppers to view a much larger collection of jewellery than is available in-store. Shoppers can use the light-weight iPad to browse, for example, all the beads available from a particular brand, or a range of wedding ring designs. This means staff do not have to open a display case or even have certain stock present on the sales floor, for shoppers to view a wide range of products.

The iPad tool is designed to integrate with Swim software from Octahedron – a company that specialises in jewellery store management software covering areas such as point of sale, inventory control, marketing campaigns, customer management and book-keeping.

The Swim retail system is web-based, so the iPad software can interface with a jewellery store’s Swim management system and access information remotely.

For example, the tool can give store staff instant access to historical information about a customer’s previous purchases. Octahedron manager Raeleen Kaesehagen said, “If a husband walks in and wants to buy a present for his wife, using Swim on the iPad staff can bring up the wife’s profile with her finger size, what she's purchased previously, her gold preference and then the staff member can suggest something to the husband that is in the correct size and colour preference to match the wife’s existing collection.”

She added, “It’s really about interaction and the client feeling like they’re part of the retail process.”

Staff can also use the software to build on-the-spot quotes on custom-made designs, including costings and mark-up.

Kaesehagen believes the presence of the iPad in a retail store will create a talking point with customers. “The iPad is something new; it gives a good feeling to the customer and it looks stylish,” she said.

As well as improving service, the tool can be used as a portable aid for stock counting and stock picking. The link-up between the iPad and the store’s retail system also allows salesfloor staff to collect customer data such as email addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, anniversary dates, finger sizes and other information that can be used for marketing.

Octahedron’s jewellery retail clients are a mix of high-end independent stores, franchise stores and larger multi-store retailers across Australia.