SpotOn has been recognized by CIOReview Magazine as the recipient of “Top 10 Retail Tech Solutions Companies - 2022,” based on our proprietary methodology, reflecting its position in the industry. This profile has been developed by the CIOReview research and editorial team based on insights from an interview with Doron Friedman, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer.

SpotOn
Empowering Local Businesses with Omnichannel Retail Solutions

Doron Friedman, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer

In a world of mass commercialization, a personalized experience is what helps businesses stand apart. And that is where local businesses thrive. A recent Harris poll conducted with SpotOn, a leading software and payments company, revealed that nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of Americans would choose an independent store over a big-box retailer if the experience were equally reliable and convenient. So, how can small and medium businesses (SMBs) continue to provide the personalized service that their customers want while competing with the convenience of mega-retailers? Technology.

Enter, SpotOn. Committed to helping independent business owners compete and win, SpotOn’s cutting-edge omnichannel retail point-of-sale (POS) solution—SpotOn Retail—equips SMBs with the ability to reach more customers both in-store and online while maintaining the level of personalization that makes them stand out. For those who are just dipping their toes into ecommerce, SpotOn’s local support and personal service provide an added layer of comfort as they open up an entirely new revenue stream.

So, how does it work? SpotOn Retail helps retailers set up cloud-based catalogs that are updated in real-time so they can have an accurate view of the products they have available, whether they are selling in-store, online, at a flea market, farmers market, or all of the above. With SpotOn Retail, merchants can build their online store, configure a slick POS device for in-store and on-thego transactions, plus offer multiple payment methods, including Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and gift cards, to provide a seamless customer experience. The platform can also keep track of inventory and send updates about items that might soon be out of stock, helping retail merchants efficiently track and manage supplies.

SpotOn Retail also includes nationwide shipping, next-day delivery, and same-day delivery through Shippo and DoorDash. Merchants can note lead times as well as days and times of availability for shoppers who want to buy their products online and pick them up in stores. This is crucial when you consider that 40 percent of Americans said they would be more motivated to purchase from an independent retailer over a larger, national retailer based on the availability of a “buy online pick up in-store” (BOPIS) option, according to the aforementioned Harris Poll survey. That same survey revealed that 78 percent of Americans would be more likely to purchase from a store offering both in-person and online purchase options over a store that offers only one purchase option. Providing independent retailers with the tools to deliver on a big-box experience like Buy Online Pickup in Store (BOPIS) or delivery makes it easier to compete and win.

Implementing a technology solution like SpotOn Retail helps relieve some of the burdens business owners are facing amidst the current labor shortage where they have to do a lot more with a lot less. “Leveraging our robust, highly intuitive POS system, businesses can save time, reduce expenses, and significantly improve their revenues,” says Doron Friedman, SpotOn’s Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer. Case in point, one of SpotOn’s Retail customers, Dagon Produce, reported a 47 percent increase in revenues, a 23 percent reduction in expenses, and a whopping 96 percent increase in conversion rates after adopting SpotOn Retail.

In addition to empowering its clients with the tools to attract new customers, SpotOn offers highly effective solutions to help retain them. Customer insights are an essential marketing tool. SpotOn’s clients have access to a gold mine of data through a unified, integrated dashboard that includes customer history, transaction data, hourly and channel sales trends, and much more.

The dashboard insights allow retailers to understand their customers better and help them design specific messaging for targeted marketing, digital coupons, and loyalty campaigns. With the built-in loyalty program, SpotOn Retail enables retailers to meaningfully engage with their customers with personalized incentives that drive repeat business.

Ensuring customers are satisfied (and course-correcting when they are not) by managing your online reputation is essential in a world where consumers rely on reviews to inform where and how they spend their money. SpotOn’s dashboard also makes it easy for retailers to monitor customer reviews across multiple online portals, such as Yelp, Facebook, Tripadvisor, and Google, plus quickly address concerns and proactively manage their online reputation.

Omnichannel retail solutions are in high demand, and even large players are desperately trying to get into the space. While many are scrambling to merge retail and ecommerce platforms to deliver an omnichannel experience, SpotOn Retail clearly stands out. SpotOn built its retail technology solutions from the ground up to address the evolving needs of retailers and consumers who need to be omnipresent in-store, online, and anywhere else consumers want to shop. This offers a seamless and simplified experience for both retailers and their customers. This, combined with the company’s personalized customer support, presents a very attractive proposition for local businesses.

SpotOn solutions extend beyond the retail world into the restaurant business as well. In addition to point-of-sale and payments, the company’s world-class integrated restaurant management platform includes the tools and resources restaurateurs need to create exceptional guest and employee experiences, including reservation and waitlisting capabilities and complex tip pooling and staff scheduling. With SpotOn, operators have access to the robust software and hardware they need to streamline operations and grow their business, including tableside ordering and pay, digital marketing tools, and commission-free online ordering. SpotOn technology helps restaurant owners boost efficiency, increase sales, and create a better guest experience. In addition to the user-friendly ordering features, the platform can be configured to send orders directly to the point-of-sale system and send text messages for delivery and curbside pickup. Here, too, SpotOn is helping harried restaurant owners grappling with labor shortages and shifts in consumer expectations amidst pandemic closures.

Leveraging our robust, highly intuitive POS system, businesses can save time, reduce expenses, and significantly improve their revenues

The pandemic has fundamentally changed human behavior and reemphasized the need for compassion and creativity in business. The restaurant industry saw dining rooms close, and owners had to invest in and pivot to other sources of revenue. The public health emergency also changed the way consumers look to dine and their expectations around the dining experience. When the pandemic hit, the SpotOn team put in their best efforts to develop innovative solutions, from curbside pickup to online ordering via QR code, to ensure that the businesses could survive. SpotOn’s solutions have already helped multiple clients get phenomenal returns on their investments— bringing in more customers and revenues faster than ever. “Restaurants with SpotOn Online Ordering serve 28 percent more guests and earn 34 percent more revenue on average. Without paying commission,” mentions Friedman.

As it enters the next stage of its evolution, SpotOn is now focused on devising solutions that can help retailers build and nurture customer relationships faster and more profitably. Combining top-notch technology with a unique understanding of the challenges that SMBs face in scaling up, SpotOn is on a journey to become an ideal growth partner for local businesses today.

SpotOn

SpotOn Restaurant Operator Survey Highlights the Connection Between Technology and Profitability

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

SpotOn, a software and payments partner for restaurants and small businesses, revealed the details of its Restaurant Operator Intelligence Report, which further solidifies the connection between technology and restaurant profitability. Known for operating on notoriously thin profit margins, the restaurant industry now faces a triple threat of rising costs, increasing regulations, and reduced consumer spending, requiring restaurants to leverage effective industry-specific technology. SpotOn found that 61% of operators say online ordering platforms provide them a way to drive greater customer loyalty and repeat visits.

In the survey of more than 300 restaurant owners and operators, 63% of respondents said their profitability increased in 2023. When asked about the benefits of technology used in their restaurants, many directly correlated new efficiencies and higher profits with the use of technology. Operators noted faster customer service, better loyalty engagement, increased check averages, and decreased labor costs as major contributors to their bottom line.

“In today’s tight economy, technology can be the key difference between a restaurant barely making ends meet and thriving,” said Kevin Bryla, Chief Marketing Officer at SpotOn. “Restaurants that utilize an integrated tech stack, which includes handheld devices, online ordering, order kiosks, QR codes, and more, will be turning over more tables, pushing through more orders, and making life easier for staff. Restaurant technology that is designed to enhance the experience for both staff and guests has a positive bottom-line impact -- and the results of this survey prove it.”

Technology That’s Moving The Needle

Over the past 12–18 months, restaurants have seen significant fluctuations in cost and labor. With reduced consumer spending, operators must focus on repackaging menus, supplementing labor, and streamlining operations to ensure sustainable growth. SpotOn is committed to helping operators find innovative ways to maintain profitability, whether by reducing labor costs or increasing average order value.

According to the survey, a majority (51%) of independent restaurants reported increased profit margins, with small restaurant chains (79%) seeing the greatest increase in profit margins during the survey period. Survey respondents pointed to the benefits of technology in several key areas, including faster service, greater customer loyalty, higher check averages, and overall higher profits:

• Online Ordering: 61% of operators reported that having an online ordering platform led to greater customer loyalty and repeat visits, and 55% said it also contributed to higher check averages. It was also the top-ranked tech tool for increasing profits among respondents.

• Handheld devices: 58% of operators said that handheld devices provided faster service, and 48% reported that they led to higher average check sizes.

• QR codes: 61% of operators stated that QR codes provided faster customer service, which in turn led to more tables turned, more guests served, and higher profitability

• Order Kiosks: 70% of operators reported that order kiosks provided faster customer service, which resulted in more customer transactions and higher customer check averages. 57% also said that the technology helped lower labor costs.

Employee Retention

Outside of the operational benefits of technology, respondents indicated that digital systems play an integral role in employee retention, which is a priority considering that:

56% of operators said that employee engagement is moderate or low in their restaurants;

20% of operators state that staff turnover is one of the biggest challenges in the first half of 2024.

Respondents indicated that increasing employee earning potential is the key to retention. With increased check sizes and faster table turnover, servers equipped with tech like handheld point-of-sale devices can net larger tips and serve more customers, increasing their take-home pay while making their shifts run smoother. In research among SpotOn clients, restaurant operators found a 4.2% average increase in tables served when using SpotOn handhelds.

Technology Adoption is increasing.

The use of technology in the restaurant industry is becoming more widespread, and a majority of operators surveyed expect to increase their investment in technology in 2024. Specific priority areas for investment include online ordering capabilities on owned websites and apps. Only 22% of respondents report that they currently use a point-of-sale system that offers delivery integration, but one in four say they plan on investing in owned delivery technology in the next year. These findings point to a shift away from third-party platforms and toward integration with existing systems.

With most third-party delivery apps taking 30% or more in commissions on online orders as well as critical guest data, technology that allows restaurants to take control of online orders can be crucial to increasing profits. SpotOn’s zero-commission online ordering solution, SpotOn Order, lets guests place online orders directly from the restaurant's website or Google and works seamlessly with SpotOn’s point-of-sale and loyalty program to keep guests coming back each time. SpotOn is committed to providing integrated restaurant systems with flexible, easy-to-use technology at a transparent price. SpotOn users can access 24/7 customer support from real people, saving restaurant operators valuable time, as one-third report communicating with technology partners at least once a week. As restaurants continue to lean on technology to increase profitability and streamline operations, SpotOn will be there to support them in their success.

SpotOn Recognized for Best Support & Highest User Adoption in G2’s Summer 2024 Grid Report for Restaurant Point-of-Sale

Wednesday, August 07, 2024

Idustry Leader Excels in Ease of Use and User Adoption Among Top Competitors

● According to user reviews, SpotOn was awarded Best Support and Highest User Adoption in Small Business Restaurant POS

● SpotOn received the highest marks among its competition across categories, including quality of support, ease of use, and user adoption

SAN FRANCISCO--SpotOn, a leading provider of cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) systems, received significant accolades in the Summer 2024 Grid® Report for Restaurant POS.

Most notably, SpotOn was awarded Best Support and Highest User Adoption among its restaurant competitors, solidifying its position as a premier choice for restaurant owners and operators.

The comprehensive G2 report compares SpotOn against its top competitors, revealing that SpotOn ranks equally or higher in most major categories. Among the newly recognized "Big 4" cloud-based POS systems for restaurants — Toast, Square, Clover, and SpotOn — SpotOn is the undisputed leader in Quality of Support and Ease of Use. The 2024 Summer G2 Restaurant Grid places SpotOn Restaurant as number 3 out of 27 competitors, demonstrating its superior performance and customer satisfaction.

SpotOn’s hands-on service and support, including custom menu builds, and on-site implementation, make it the preferred choice for time-strapped restaurants looking to upgrade their point-of-sale technology quickly and painlessly.

“SpotOn support was a huge factor in making the switch because you call in, you speak to a human in minutes or sometimes less than a minute, and 9/10 times your problem is solved very quickly so you can get back to running your restaurant. SpotOn support is always available, and when they say they will call you back, they actually do. Time to time, they even call a few days after to ensure the problem is still fixed.” - Connor Perry, Tuscano's Italian Kitchen

“SpotOn's customer service helpdesk has the ability to connect quickly and resolve any issues that arise. Everyone I have spoken with at SpotOn genuinely seems happy and eager to help make my business thrive.“ - Tony Grimes, Figueroa Mountain Brewing

G2 shows SpotOn outperforming competitors in average user ratings across key areas, including:

● Industry Best Support: SpotOn outperforms Toast, Square for Restaurants, and Clover in Quality of Support.

● Usability: SpotOn outperforms Toast, Square for Restaurants, and Clover in Ease of Use.

● Implementation and Adoption: SpotOn outperforms Toast in Ease of Setup and outperforms Toast, Square for Restaurants, and Clover in User Adoption.

As it steadily climbed the charts to the top spot, SpotOn continued to support operators working to manage rising costs, grow their revenue, and improve both employee and guest experiences. The company attributes its success to its commitment to helping restaurateurs tackle an ever-growing list of challenges needed to thrive.

● Earlier this year, SpotOn released Marketing Assist, the first automated, AI-enabled restaurant marketing solution for email and social media campaigns.

● SpotOn was named to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies List recognized for transforming the restaurant industry with profit-driving solutions.

● Last week, SpotOn became the newest addition to the US Foods® CHECK® Business Tools Program, bringing restaurants the technology they need with a personal touch.

“Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and their success is our success. The G2 recognition for Best Support and Best Adoption reflects our unwavering dedication to providing solutions that truly meet the needs of today’s restaurant owner and operator,” said Kevin Bryla, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience at SpotOn. “Knowing that our efforts are valued and appreciated by our clients inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for the future of restaurant technology.”

To ensure their clients’ success, SpotOn provides industry-leading, personalized service to support owners and operators throughout the partnership and ensure the restaurant is able to make the best use of its tech stack. Throughout the onboarding and activation phases, SpotOn empowers clients with in-depth training and procedures, including in-person and live, online training, webinars, and an extensive portfolio of documentation and videos. Throughout the life of the partnership, support is available 24/7 with real-time phone support, automated help desk and email assistance, and an archive of product-specific FAQs, forums, and articles.

Company
SpotOn

Management
Doron Friedman, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer

Description
Committed to helping independent business owners compete and win, SpotOn’s cutting-edge omnichannel retail point-of-sale (POS) solution—SpotOn Retail—equips SMBs with the ability to reach more customers both in-store and online while maintaining the level of personalization that makes them stand out. For those who are just dipping their toes into ecommerce, SpotOn’s local support and personal service provide an added layer of comfort as they open up an entirely new revenue stream.With SpotOn Retail, merchants can build their online store, configure a slick POS device for in-store and on-the-go transactions, plus offer multiple payment methods, including Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and gift cards, to provide a seamless customer experience.

Top 10 Retail Tech Solutions Companies - 2022

SpotOn Empowering Local Businesses with Omnichannel Retail Solutions