In an industry where trust, expertise, and personalized service are essential, pool and spa retailers have a unique edge over big-box competitors. However, in today’s digital-first world, there is a growing demand to provide customers with a seamless experience – whether browsing a website for pool chemicals, walking into a store for water testing, scheduling service or searching for products to pick up immediately. This is where today’s modern retail technology can ensure your business retains its edge over the competition.
The rapid evolution in retail expectations and technology has made it essential for pool and spa retailers to “meet” customers wherever they are. The good news is that there are technology tools that empower pool and spa retailers to stay ahead of competitors and thrive. From Mobile POS, anytime access to inventory, customer data, instant communication tools and seamless payments—these digital tools will allow pool and spa businesses to adapt, gain efficiency, loyalty, and profitability.
The rise of mobile POS and mobile service
Mobile POS is a game-changing technology tool for pool and spa retailers. It allows your team to process sales from anywhere within or outside of the store, eliminating lines and providing incredible convenience to customers. Your staff can help the customer answer questions, select products, check inventory, ring up the sale and email the receipt without leaving the customer’s side. Additionally, your staff has real-time-access to customer data that allows them to make other product recommendations and more.
Mobile Service helps techs in the field and is a big time-saver back at the office. Service techs can easily view Scheduled Jobs along with the Customer’s Information including equipment profiles, job notes, directions and pictures on record. With RB Mobile Live Service techs have immediate access to all updates done at the office and the office is instantly updated with a tech’s work in the field. Mobile Live eliminates service forms, allows techs to record pool or spa water test results, take payments at the job site, look up inventory and do physical inventory on their truck, all on a phone or tablet. Mobile Live Service also gives techs the ability to leave an electronic “door hanger” for clients with before and after pictures of their services and water test results. Best of all, the integrated software keeps track of all service and customer information that can be accessed anytime from anywhere.
Communication tools that meet modern expectations
Outdated communication is quickly being replaced by new digital tools. These messaging tools should be integrated into your business software. Look for a solution that offers:
- Text Messaging: provides real-time updates and reminders to customers and staff
- DocuSign Iintegration: provides digital contracts and waivers to clients
- Email receipts and contracts: provides paperless, efficient, and professional communication documents
These features enhance the professionalism of your business and help build customer trust. By using the latest digital communication tools integrated within your business software, you can track all communication by all staff, all in one place.
Seamless payments: ACH, cards on file, and more.
Like all other digital tools, seamless payment expectations for fast, secure, and repeat-friendly payments are required in today’s business environment. Ideally, payment features should:
- Store ACH and credit card info securely
- Automate recurring billing for services
- Process payments in the field via mobile devices
These digital payment tools help you streamline billing, improve cash flow, reduced admin time and overdue balances while reducing your workload.
Are you ready?
The digital future of retail is already here. Businesses that adapt will gain efficiency, loyalty, and profitability. RB pool and spa software is ready to support pool and spa businesses every step of the way. Designed specifically for our industry, RB’s fully-integrated software has been trusted for over 20 years and will get your pool and spa business ready for 2026.
If you are ready to future-proof your business, schedule a demo with RB Retail & Service Solutions today!
