Regardless of your retail service needs as a retailer or supplier, you’ll always need to pick the best service. For example, if you need merchandising retail services, you’d choose the best company specializing in that type of service. Likewise, if you’re looking for category management services, you need an expert to help you.
Of course, looking for and getting this help is made that much harder when your decision-making is contaminated by the many myths about these retail services.
That’s why it’s important to debunk them for you.
Data Scripting and Processing Services myth: You don’t need human analysis
Regardless of how big or small your retail business is, data plays an integral part in it. That said, there is a myth around the idea that data is the final product. That is, of course, not true. Data is unprocessed raw material which is of no use unless it’s translated.
The above myth also results in another myth: you don’t need human analysis. Again, that is not true. To translate data, you need a human element. You’ll always need a human since translating the data involves data management processes such as storage, validation of data, and processing.
Considering the rate at which technology is evolving, it’s easy to understand why this myth is around. People tend to trust science and technology more than human beings when people are the key to every business.
The reality is that you need the right combination of machine algorithms and human intelligence to increase data processing efficiency. While machines and servers can provide you with answers, data scientists are necessary to provide you with explanations.
Thus, the presence of the human element in data processing is key to providing real insights.
Merchandising Services myth: It’s only about the ‘footprint’
A big myth that we’ve come across while working in this industry relates to merchandising. More specifically, it’s about how merchandising is all about the ‘footprint.’
By footprint, we are referring to how many employees a merchandising firm has in various locations across the country. Retailers often purchase merchandising services based on a large footprint instead of the strategy or brains behind the merchandising itself. You need people to implement in-store but without a comprehensive merchandising strategy, what are you implementing?
We believe this myth stems from a mindset around a lack of effective use of retail data and mobile technology. That was, of course, 10-plus years ago so it’s easy to understand why it came about. The effective use of retail data and mobile technology didn’t exist.
Today, it’s completely different. Retailers and suppliers who invest in the brains behind merchandising strategy (think data-driven planograms, localized assortment planning, floor planning, and so on) and the in-store execution thereof, will compete in the long run and win.
Category Management Services myth: Quality service needs face-to-face interaction
When it comes to supplying retailers with category management services, one of the biggest myths is that you must be physically present to provide a quality service.
While not true, such a perception does make sense if you look at it from a certain perspective.
10 to 15 years ago, technology wasn’t that reliable. At least if you compare it with what we have today. Thus, back then face-to-face meetings were necessary, and especially so if you needed to explain something complex to a client. Fortunately, the technology available today means that face-to-face interaction can now take place even if you’re in a different country, let alone a different part of the city.
For example, at DotActiv, we deliver services (and software) to customers worldwide and rely on video calling and screen sharing. We’ve also found that the many retailers and suppliers that we interact with actually prefer to receive their retail services like that. And that’s even if they are less than an hour’s drive away since it’s both convenient and can save them time.
Field Marketing Services [and Software] myth: It can’t be delivered at a high standard
Field Marketing software is relatively new considering mobile hasn't been around long. That’s if you compare it to other technology available to retailers and suppliers.
The result of it being relatively new is that there is a myth saying field marketing services can be delivered to the highest possible quality standard without mobile field marketing software. That is far from the case. If you manage a team of 100 reps visiting multiple stores daily, you can’t argue that you manage them efficiently without a mobile solution.
The reality is that field marketing, in a retail context, is a serious opportunity for brands to ensure maximum brand representation in-store. At the same time, it’s a great opportunity to gather information about your competitor’s products in-store as well, while also getting to know their strengths and weaknesses. We’ve even written about reasons why you need field marketing software and the consequences of not using it.
Retail Training Services myth: Online training isn’t of value
In the past, if you wanted a good and solid tertiary education, you’d need to attend university or college in person. There was no such thing as online classes or distance learning.
10 years ago, if you ever came across a ‘learning institute’ that said they offered you a certificate online, you’d most likely be skeptical. And with good reason. Many of these so-called learning institutes were either fake or provided very little value.
Times have, of course, changed. That also means that the myth that you can’t receive quality education online has since been debunked. You don’t have to look further than your reputable universities branching off and offering courses online.
Also, it needs to be pointed out that if you do work in retail, getting some form of training for your staff (if you own the business) is a must. Knowing that an online course can be of the same high standard as a course at a university should put your mind at ease.
Conclusion
At DotActiv, we provide specialist advisory and outsourcing services. We invest heavily in our technology, training, and processes so that our customers can reach their goals as efficiently as possible. Want to learn more? Book an explore meeting with a DotActiv expert.
