The Best SaaS Platforms For Retail In 2021
By Devin Partida, ReHack.com
Retail is a changing industry. Stores today must embrace technology to stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace. More often than not, that means taking advantage of the latest software as a service (SaaS) solutions.
SaaS has overtaken the software market as the dominant business model, and understandably so. Subscription-based, cloud-based services ensure you always have the latest version of the tools in question and make it easy to scale up as your business grows.
Retailers of any size and niche should be using SaaS solutions. But which specific tools you need will vary depending on your specific needs. Here are six of the best SaaS platforms for retailers in 2021.
1. Salesforce
Salesforce is one of the most popular SaaS solutions for businesses across industries. It’s a consumer relationship management (CRM) platform that connects data across the customer journey to help engage consumers more effectively. While it’s perhaps most useful as an e-commerce tool, you can use it to manage your brick-and-mortar store’s marketing, too.
This SaaS platform features multiple third-party integrations and intelligent tools, too, making it one of the most versatile options available. Its pricing can be complicated and quickly grows expensive, so it may not be ideal for smaller businesses.
2. Microsoft Dynamics 365
Another popular SaaS platform among retailers is Microsoft Dynamics 365. Dynamics 365 is an all-in-one solution, including omni-channel marketing and sales support, e-commerce site building, AI-driven insights, and more. The Dynamics 365 cloud also boasts 99.9% uptime, preventing disruptions and improving security.
Dynamics 365 also includes a POS solution that runs across Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Regardless of your specific goals for your SaaS investment or current assets, Dynamics likely has a relevant, useful solution.
3. ShipStation
As e-commerce continues to account for more of the retail sector, shipping becomes a crucial business operation. ShipStation is an SaaS platform focused exclusively on managing orders and shipments, helping you reduce related costs and streamline the process. More than 100,000 e-commerce merchants use this service, making it one of the most popular options.
With ShipStation, you can import orders from more than 100 channels, then connect to the fastest or lowest-cost carrier service. This enables you to ship online orders faster and more affordably, helping you compete in the increasingly crowded e-commerce space.
4. Shopify
Virtually every retailer today needs an e-commerce store, and Shopify helps create and manage these sites. Shopify has helped more than 1,700,000 businesses optimize their e-commerce presence through design tools, marketing support, and customer analytics. The platform also includes shipping and payment services.
One of Shopify’s most valuable features is its mobile support. Studies show that 73% of e-commerce customers will switch websites if one has a poorly designed mobile experience. Shopify can help you ensure your site doesn’t make you lose potential customers.
5. Lightspeed
It’s hard to overstate the value of a reliable POS system in retail. Lightspeed is a cloud-based omni-channel POS system that helps manage sales and inventory across both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores. Consolidating data across these different channels will help ensure you don’t oversell any products and remain transparent with customers.
Lightspeed also includes an appointment booking system for retailers who need to meet with customers. Its built-in contactless payment solution further helps meet the needs of a broader consumer base.
6. Square
One of the most familiar retail SaaS solutions, Square is another POS and inventory management solution. What makes Square unique is its hundreds of third-party integrations, free payment tier, and ability to track vendor contact information, enabling streamlined reordering.
Square is ideal for small retailers, given its low cost of service and provided credit card scanners. The company is also rapidly expanding, adding new integrations and services regularly.
Find The Best SaaS Platform For Your Business
Success in retail often depends on uniqueness, meaning retailers are a remarkably diverse group. Thankfully, retail SaaS platforms are likewise growing, diverse, and versatile, so there is a relevant solution no matter your specific situation. Understanding what’s available can help you find the best tools to optimize your business this year.
About The Author
Devin Partida is a writer and blogger interested in retail technologies and business solutions. To read more from Devin, visit ReHack.com, where she is the Editor-in-Chief.