Retail is changing fast.
Modern e-commerce tools pave the way for online shopping. Social media opens new doors for marketing. Customer relationship management (CRM) tools allow businesses to boost customer loyalty.
To effectively compete in the jewelry industry now and prepare your store for the future, you need to embrace these new technologies — luckily, you can get them all in a cloud-based point of sale (POS) system. In this blog, we’ll explain how upgrading to a cloud-based system prepares your jewelry store for a successful future.
You may be using a “legacy” POS software. This refers to a closed system that uses on-site servers to store data. Although this is a start, a cloud-based POS system, which connects to Wi-Fi, is your best bet for competing in the industry.
We get it, change can be difficult. But while it may cause stress for you and your employees in the short term, taking steps to improve your business sets you up for long-term success.
Here are some of the most common concerns with implementing a new POS system, along with tips to overcome these challenges.
If you’ve used a legacy POS software for a while, you’ve likely collected a lot of data.
This might include:
Maybe you’ve spent years curating a blend of inventory you know your customers love — including diamond rings, tennis bracelets, pearl necklaces, and other popular accessories.
You might (understandably) worry that moving to a new system could erase your inventory information, which could lead to lost sales for the business. Cloud-based POS providers are aware of this concern and have reliable processes in place for migrating your data to your new system.
They also work to resolve any issues that arise, like duplicates and incomplete data, so key information isn’t missed. This way, you have the expanded features of your new system, with all the essential data you rely on.
Another common concern is training your staff on a new POS system. Employees may feel overwhelmed by the new system and want to stick with the old one.
The key to resolving this issue is to start training long before your new system actually goes live — this way, you and your staff are confident with the system before you fully implement it. Look for a POS provider who provides 24/7 extensive training to you and your employees.
Assure your team members that although it may be an adjustment at first, the cloud-based system will ultimately make their jobs easier.
As you and your employees learn the new system, try these strategies:
Following these tips will make the training process much easier. Over time, you and your staff will get used to the new system and enjoy the expanded features it offers.
Related Read: The Jewelry Skills Crisis: How To Find and Keep Talented Staff in 2025
You might be concerned a new system will disrupt the way you interact with customers. Don’t worry: Customer data can be easily transferred to a cloud-based system, and you’ll have expanded CRM tools for tracking purchases, work order histories, and customer service data.
You can then use this data to make catered recommendations, send relevant promotions and discounts, and better resolve customer service issues.
For example, if a customer previously purchased sapphire earrings, send them a promotional email when you stock a new sapphire necklace. When marketing is more specifically catered to a customer, it tends to be more effective.
Related Read: Communicating With Customers: 5 Tips for Jewelry Stores
Here’s a bonus: A modern, cloud-based POS system makes you better positioned to pass your jewelry store on to a new owner if and when the time comes — whether it’s a family member, colleague, or buyer.
Odds are that a new owner will eventually implement a cloud-based system, so doing so before transferring ownership makes the transition easier for the business and its customers. Having reliable processes and consistent data across the entire business prevents oversights and confusion that come with new ownership.
Meghan Proctor is the owner of Hubbell Proctor Design, a jewelry store that specializes in custom work, which is all done in house.
Meghan used to start every job with tedious, hand-written tickets. Eventually, she looked for software to make this process easier for herself and her employees. She found Jewel360, a cloud-based POS system with custom work order features that can record and track each task.
With a modern POS system implemented, Meghan can now organize her work orders and automate tasks she used to do by hand, using the automatic reordering feature that always keeps her shelves stocked.
Because Meghan embraced modern digital tools, her business is better positioned to both compete and grow.
Related Read: How To Run a Custom Jewelry Consultation: 5 Steps From Start to Finish
Incorporating modern technology into your business’ processes prepares it for the future. If you’re keeping track of sales and work orders on paper or using a legacy POS, a cloud-based system’s expanded features will help you take your business to the next level.
To successfully implement a new system, you need to migrate your data and thoroughly train your staff. This process requires you to clean up your data and refine your process, making you better prepared to pass your business to a new owner when the time comes. Remember: As you search for the right POS, look for an industry-specific solution.
Jewel360 is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for jewelry stores. With features for inventory management, e-commerce, marketing, and work orders, plus comprehensive access to jewelry suppliers, you have everything you need to run your business — all in one place.
To see what Jewel360 can do for your jewelry store, schedule a demo today!