ZOHO What Is It: A CRM platform designed to help businesses of all sizes manage their sales, marketing and customer support processes in one integrated system. How It’s Helpful: The platform helps orga nize, track and nurture leads with detailed customer profiles and interaction histories. From scheduling service reminders for instrument maintenance to assigning follow-up calls after a sale, automation keeps staff organized and reduces missed opportunities. Whether someone shows interest in a new instrument, books a lesson or schedules a repair, Zoho tracks the lead from first contact through to sale. Retailers can even send targeted email campaigns to promote seasonal sales, new arrivals, music lessons or in-store events. Why Retailers Love It: “I started logging all calls, emails, and visits in 2003 for every contact with our company,” said Robert Estrin, owner of Living Pianos in Cleveland. “Every single interaction is notated with the date, the person who handled the interaction and what transpired. So, when we receive calls, emails, or texts, all previous interactions are right there. We also add follow-ups with calendar appointments and tasks in the integrated modules.” More Info: zoho.com/crm
SQUARE What Is It: A free mobile-based app and system that allows businesses to accept payments, track sales, manage inventory and streamline customer transactions. How It’s Helpful: Square POS offers fast check outs that speed up transactions, a unified inventory that helps keep track of instruments, accessories and merch — all-in- one system and even across multiple locations or online. It also offers lesson payments that collect payment for lessons or rentals on the spot. This platform also offers the flexibility to sell at shows using just a phone or tablet. Over time, it builds a database of customers and purchase histories to enable loyalty programs. Why Retailers Love It: “Overall, we’re pretty happy with this solution,” said Michelle Daut, owner of Mad Music in Chandler, Arizona. “Like most software, they each have their strengths and a few quirks when it comes to user experience, but they meet our needs well at this stage of our business.” More Info: squareup.com
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