With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the time to prepare your business for the busiest shopping season of the year! The fact remains - people love gift cards! So, whether you own a small retail boutique or local eatery, with a little planning you can improve your profits and expand your reach this holiday season.  

To illustrate just how much the gift giving season influences shopping trends, we've made a list - and checked it twice - to help unwrap additional sales with one of the top wish list items, gift cards!

As shopping trends and technologies continue to change, consumers expect a more personalized shopping experience. We've outlined some effective strategies for how to create a better buying experience and retain satisfied, long-term clients!

Upon entering Fort Stockton, Texas, you'll immediately come across one of the most popular drive-thru convenience stores in town - 5 O'Clock Somewhere! Serving more than 300 patrons daily, Exatouch Point of Sale helps deliver an exceptional customer experience while simplifying overall operations. 

The Electronic Payments team recently visited with some of our Exatouch merchants who are dominating the liquor store vertical in Cleveland, Ohio. We gained further insight into how they are using Exatouch Point of Sale to streamline and advance business operations. Here is what we found! 

In today's shopping and dining environments, the modern consumer expects to be guided quickly through the payment process. While the checkout is only one component of the overall customer experience, it is one of the most critical pieces. Long lines can lead to walkouts; extended wait times can deter future visits; and poor service can tarnish a brand's reputation. Exatouch^® Point of Sale enhances the checkout process with streamlined procedures and features designed to get your customers in and out fast.

A staple of Long Island’s East End for 30 years, Babinski’s is a family owned and operated farm stand that sells a variety of produce, fresh-cut flowers, pre-made salads, artisan breads and meats. From Memorial Day to late fall, the stand is bustling with local patrons and seasonal visitors looking for fresh produce and homemade treats. And now, Babinski's is operating faster and smarter with Exatouch Point of Sale! 

Most restaurateurs would agree. With so many moving parts in your daily operations, the variables to consider when selecting a POS system can oftentimes seem daunting. See how Exatouch has the payment and management technologies in place for table service establishments.

Goldenrod's has been a landmark in the greater Manchester, New Hampshire area since the early 1950's. They are famous for generous portions of ice cream, chicken fingers, fried clams, lobster rolls, and other local favorites. With delicious, homemade menu items for the entire family, Goldenrod's is a staple in the community. See how Exatouch is advancing their business with modern payments and streamlined management solutions.

It's been another incredible year of growth for Electronic Payments, and we recently received our most exciting news yet - Michael Nardy, Founder and CEO, is a Finalist in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2017 New York Awards program! Follow Michael's journey to the awards and check out some of our milestones that have elevated Electronic Payments just this year! 

With summer birthdays, graduations, and Father's Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to promote gift cards! Not only are gift cards the most requested gift item, but they create unique opportunities for boosting sales and customer loyalty. Make gift cards work for your business by trying our latest tips!