Not Just for Lockdowns
Launched in January 2021 in the height of the pandemic, the XPOS Caddie app offered pro shops a lifeline when traditional sales channels were closed. Ten months on, retailers are discovering the benefits of the app’s latest features and how it is delivering on its promise of increasing revenue for the business.
“Signing up for online lesson booking within the app has been a game changer for us. It was like a pressure valve being released.”
Peter Roberts is Head PGA Professional at Surbiton Golf Club and took over the position in October 2019, just a few months before the country locked down. “This has been my first ‘normal’ season at the club and it’s been great, although very hard work. Until this month, it’s been pretty much 100% attendance on the course and we’re just starting to see some gaps in the tee sheet with the change in the weather. I’ve really enjoyed being able to see members face to face over the last few months to talk to them about what we’re doing in the pro shop”.
In-App Time Saving
The pro shop team has been using the app for online lesson bookings since July when Peter signed up to ProAgenda.com. “Before we put it in place, I used to have to cross out an afternoon each week to do admin, but now I keep that time free. Members used to send me emails, WhatsApp messages, texts, or they’d come in the shop and want to book lessons face to face. Now I just ask them to download the XPOS Caddie app”.
“Before Covid, QR codes seemed to have disappeared but during the pandemic, people had to get comfortable using them in bars or restaurants. We have posters in the shop with a QR code which makes it quick to get started with the app and book their lessons”.
“Signing up for online lesson booking within the app has been a game changer for us. It was like a pressure valve being released.”
Peter insists the whole team has seen an improvement. “At first, the guys were hesitant as there are other online booking systems that, admittedly, are cheaper, but they don’t work as well. The ProAgenda.com integration in the app looks professional and works brilliantly”.
Feature-Rich
Initially, the app offered 3 main features, including the Reserve & Collect store which is linked to the shop’s XPOS system; a real-time view of customer account balances; and push notifications which send a quick SMS to update golfers on new product ranges, events or other news from the pro shop.
Despite wanting members to use all the features in the XPOS Caddie app, Peter admits he hasn’t had time to do much promotion over the Summer. “We have about 160 members on the app, which was a good start, but I want to see everyone on it. Our plan is to get up to date with stock taking so the in-app Reserve & Collect store will give a true picture of our products, and really push the app over the Winter to our membership. Around 85% of my customers on the app are using it to check their account balances, which is another great time-saver for us, and I want to build in the push notifications as a key communications tool”.
Customer Choice
If you still want to be convinced about an app for golfers that enables customers to view and reserve up to date stock information, take a look at what your golfers are wearing. Did they buy every item from you? Did they buy every bit of equipment from your shop?
Probably not.
When your golfers visit the pro shop, they’ll buy a snack before a round or pick up a card because they’re rushing off to the first tee. Very often, they won’t have the time to check out the outerwear range that arrived last week, or take advantage of your new 3 for 2 offers on balls.
“When customers shop online, not only do they spend more time looking for what they want than they would in a shop, but they go on to spend more money with you”
Over the last year, we’ve talked a lot about the changing face of retail and how important it is to offer customers different opportunities to buy from you. While the majority of apparel purchases are still made in-store, it is changing.
“When customers shop online, not only do they spend more time looking for what they want than they would in a shop, but they go on to spend more money with you”, retail expert and XPOS Business Development Director, Mark Hopkins, insists golf professionals shouldn’t miss out.
“If they’re visiting your shop regularly, customers can become “product blind”. We’re creatures of habit and if we’re often in the shop to buy confectionary or sign in, it’s very hard to get us to do anything else. It’s one of the reasons why you should merchandise your shop on a regular basis. Instead, we tend to make purchasing decisions throughout the day - when we’re watching TV or during a break at work.
SIGN UP TO THE XPOS CADDIE HERE
Like marketing, successful selling is about the number of places you can reach your customers - “touch points”. Try to reach out to your customer base as many times as possible to make sure that your business is always front of mind. The XPOS Caddie app gives customers a 24/7 window into your shop. By adding elements such as viewing, or topping up, account balances, booking lessons and purchasing gift vouchers, customers have more reasons to use the app and, therefore, more opportunity to see what you have in stock.”
Short Supply
With nationwide shortages potentially becoming more common place, the XPOS Caddie app is a great way for customers to see what you have in the shop, and reserve items via the app to ensure they don’t miss out on stock that may be in short supply.
“The push notifications feature is such a valuable tool to remind users to go to the app. It’s a fast way to alert members to new stock. Golfers are competitive and they don’t want to miss out”, says Hopkins.
Another benefit of the app is that it forces retailers to keep their stock taking up to scratch. “You want the app to show a fully stocked shop with accurate quantities. Regular stocktakes will also mean your XPOS Performance Dashboard makes sense and your reports show you what’s really going on in the business,” stresses Hopkins, “Stock supply issues are going to be here for a while yet, so there are many reasons to stay ahead of stock taking”.
Secondary Sales
The Development Team at XPOS continues to add exciting, new features to the XPOS Caddie app with more promised - in time to help retailers optimise Christmas sales.
With the addition of new features and benefits, the team believes it really is bringing golf together and is pleased to see new retailers signing up every week.
“We’ve seen an uptick over recent weeks, as summer draws to a close, and I’ve spoken to several Pro’s who are planning to allocate time during the winter to ensure their customers are enjoying it and using it to browse stock. I’d just say to any golf retailer who isn’t using the XPOS Caddie app already, to use the quieter months to your benefit. Familiarise yourself with the app and use the time to market it to your customer base. If members can get used to using the app over the Winter, you’ll see an uplift in sales, year-round”.
What’s New?
ONLINE LESSON BOOKING
- Golf Professionals can add their own lesson booking URL, including Foremost’s Online Booking System for the buying group’s members
- XPOS has linked up with ProAgenda.com for a seamless experience and single sign in for users
PAYMENTS ONLINE
- Golfers can now top up their account via the app, or pay off outstanding debts
- Users can purchase pro shop gift vouchers which can then be ‘gifted’ to members OR golfers not on your customers database
What’s Next?
CADDIE PROMOTIONS
Quickly set up promotions (eg, 3 for 2, or Autumn deals) for your shop and XPOS Caddie app, including automated campaigns within the app itself. Another powerful touch point to help drive sales.
SIGN UP TO THE XPOS CADDIE HERE
EXPERT TIP FOR THE MONTH
Mark Hopkins, XPOS Business Development Director
When your customers ask you for an update on their account balance, ask them to download the XPOS Caddie app where they can view it anytime. They’ll also be able to see a statement for the last 12 months. It’s a sure way to get your customer base using the app regularly and checking out your online store at the same time.
FREE WINTER WORKSHOPS
The retail experts at XPOS are going on the road and planning to offer free workshops to help retailers upgrade their XPOS skills. Come along to discover tips and tricks to save you time; meet new golf Pro’s; and enjoy lunch on XPOS. Starting in October. Follow our socials and check the website for dates and venues.
To book a Business Health Review with Mark Hopkins, email mark.hopkins@crossovertec.co.uk. For more information on the XPOS Caddie app, visit crossovertec.co.uk