[{"_id":"project-settings","settings":{"translateMetaTags":true,"translateAriaLabels":true,"translateTitle":true,"showWidget":true,"isFeedbackEnabled":false,"fv":1,"customWidget":{"theme":"dark","font":"rgb(255, 255, 255)","header":"rgb(0, 0, 0)","background":"rgba(0, 0, 0,0.8)","position":"right","positionVertical":"bottom","border":"","borderRequired":false,"widgetCompact":true,"isWidgetPositionRelative":false},"widgetLanguages":[{"code":"es-LA","name":"Español (América Latina)"},{"code":"fr-CA","name":"Français (Canada)"}],"activeLanguages":{"fr-CA":"Français (Canada)","es-LA":"Español (América Latina)","de":"Deutsch","en":"English"},"enabledLanguages":["de","en","es-LA","fr-CA"],"debugInfo":false,"displayBranding":true,"displayBrandingName":true,"localizeImages":false,"localizeUrls":false,"localizeImagesLimit":false,"localizeUrlsLimit":true,"localizeAudio":false,"localizeAudioLimit":false,"localizeDates":false,"disabledPages":[],"regexPhrases":[],"allowComplexCssSelectors":false,"blockedClasses":false,"blockedIds":false,"phraseDetection":true,"customDomainSettings":[],"seoSetting":[],"translateSource":false,"overage":false,"detectPhraseFromAllLanguage":false,"googleAnalytics":false,"mixpanel":false,"heap":false,"disableDateLocalization":false,"ignoreCurrencyInTranslation":false,"blockedComplexSelectors":[]},"version":3766},{"_id":"en","source":"en","pluralFn":"return n != 1 ? 1 : 0;","pluralForm":2,"dictionary":{},"version":3766},{"_id":"outdated","outdated":{"#The pandemic highlighted the value of in-store experiences for shoppers, driving <a ljsid-1=\"\">an <span ljsid-1-1=\"\">8</span>% increase in bricks-and-mortar shopping</a> between <span ljsid-3=\"\">2021</span> and <span ljsid-5=\"\">2022</span>. However, the ongoing labor shortage in retail has left many retailers struggling to keep up with the staffing needed to meet increased customer expectations — in early <span ljsid-7=\"\">2023</span>, <span ljsid-9=\"\">63</span>% of retailers were operating with a <a ljsid-11=\"\">deficit of frontline employees</a>!":1,"#Regional finalists move on to the national platform where the final winners making up Canada’s Best Managed Companies are announced in March and are honored at a gala event to be held in April <span ljsid-1=\"\">2018</span>.":1,"#Established in <span ljsid-1=\"\">1993</span>, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is the country’s leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $<span ljsid-3=\"\">15</span> million. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the caliber of their management abilities and practices.":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Beth Wanner</span> on Nov. <span ljsid-3=\"\">28</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2017</span>":1,"#iQmetrix was announced as a regional finalist for the prestigious Canada's Best Managed Companies award.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Vancouver, November <span ljsid-0-1=\"\">27</span>, <span ljsid-0-3=\"\">2017</span> </strong>- Deloitte celebrated the best of B.C. at Canada’s Best Managed Companies Finalists event last week on Thursday, November <span ljsid-2=\"\">23</span> in Vancouver. At the event, iQmetrix was announced as a regional finalist for the prestigious award.":1,"#Canada's Best Managed Companies Selects iQmetrix as B.C. Regional…":1,"#iQmetrix is a privately-held software as a service (SaaS) company that leads the way for simplifying complicated industries and helping businesses deliver great experiences. We specialize in POS, retail management, endless aisle, drop ship, e-commerce, interactive menus, and integrated payment solutions to deliver a complete experience from start to finish of any transaction. You can find our offices in Canada and the U.S. Learn more about us at <a ljsid-1=\"\">www.iQmetrix.com</a>, <a ljsid-3=\"\">www.covasoftware.com</a>, and <a ljsid-5=\"\">www.ReadyToPay.com</a>.":1,"#iQmetrix | Canada's Best Managed Companies Selects iQmetrix as B.C.…":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Joannah Connolly</span> on Apr. <span ljsid-3=\"\">10</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2024</span>":1,"#Definitions of terms are <a ljsid-1=\"\">defined here.</a>":1,"#These terms are pursuant to the Master Services Agreement and Merchant Agreement or Payment Solution Schedule between you and iQmetrix.":1,"#Habib added, <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>At iQmetrix, we’re using AI to understand which customers to engage with, what products and services are important to them, what offers and discounts are required, what the right channel is, and what the optimal call to action is. All to create those special moments at every stage of the customer lifecycle.”":1,"#In future, we may see an explosion in smart AI kiosks or interactive displays, powered by natural language processing and machine learning, acting as digital concierges. Customers will be able to ask specific questions such as, <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>What’s the best phone for photography under $<span ljsid-5=\"\">800</span>?” and instantly receive curated suggestions based on real-time product specs, customer reviews, and inventory availability.":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Courtney Miller, Market Research and Intelligence Analyst</span> on Feb. <span ljsid-3=\"\">27</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2025</span> in <a ljsid-7=\"\"> Wireless Trends </a>":1,"#US Tier 1 Carrier Report Highlights: Wireless Customers Still Hanging…":1,"#upgrade rates":1,"#US Tier 1 Carrier postpaid churn":1,"#Innovation (especially as it pertains to AI) remains an area of interest, and technology solutions that harness AI will be increasingly leveraged.":1,"#Faster activations and an easy-to-use, easy-to-train-on POS are essential for improving employee and customer experiences.":1,"#Enhancing customer experience to increase customer retention":1,"#While Q<span ljsid-1=\"\">4</span> promos drive higher upgrade rates, the average upgrade rate is still down YoY, indicating we are still seeing longer device lifecycles. Tracking upgrade cycles, optimizing promotions, and managing trade-in programs to counteract declining upgrade frequencies remains a priority. Real-time analytics can also plug-in here to help retailers increase attachment rates, average basket sizes, and the number of services and devices per account.":1,"#Addressing declining upgrades to increase device and accessory sales":1,"#Q<span ljsid-1=\"\">4</span> typically boosts sales but hurts margins. Real-time analytics can help retailers adjust pricing and promotions for profitability":1,"#Maximizing promotional ROI, and adjusting to increased competition":1,"#Since Q<span ljsid-1=\"\">2</span> consistently has the lowest churn and Q<span ljsid-3=\"\">4</span> the highest, carriers need robust inventory forecasting and optimized POS operations to handle seasonal fluctuations, i.e. adjusting stock levels, managing promotions, and streamlining transactions.":1,"#Seasonal inventory optimization":1,"#Increasing revenue and reducing costs":1,"#The carriers’ subscriber results and business priorities tell us they are focused on:":1,"#T-Mobile was <span ljsid-1=\"\">2024</span><span ljsid-2=\"\"></span><span ljsid-4=\"\">’</span>s industry leader in <strong ljsid-6=\"\">postpaid net account adds and net line adds</strong>.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Verizon saw positive prepaid net adds</strong> YoY for the first time since the TracFone acquisition.":1,"#Despite the rise in quarter-over-quarter upgrades (which is typical for Q<span ljsid-1=\"\">4</span>), <strong ljsid-3=\"\">upgrade rates as a yearly average remain down</strong>, indicating that customers continue to hold onto their devices longer (likely due to economic pressures).":1,"#However, in Q<span ljsid-1=\"\">4</span> <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</span>, higher promo spending also led to <strong ljsid-5=\"\">slight quarter-over-quarter declines in postpaid phone-only average revenue per user </strong>for carriers that report it.":1,"#The seasonal rise in Q<span ljsid-1=\"\">4</span> churn each year aligns with higher promotional spending aimed at customer acquisition and increasing device sales, driving stronger upgrade activity for the quarter.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Q<span ljsid-0-1=\"\">4</span> usually sees the highest churn due to seasonal factors</strong>, whereas Q<span ljsid-2=\"\">2</span> tends to experience the lowest churn.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Postpaid phone churn</strong> remained stable year-over-year for AT&amp;T and Verizon and decreased slightly for T-Mobile.":1,"#Leverage AI to drive efficiencies and unlock new revenue through our fiber and edge compute assets":1,"#Execute on our capital allocation model":1,"#Focus on operational excellence, customer experience, and financial discipline":1,"#Accelerate mobility momentum and broadband growth, and scale private networks":1,"#Grow wireless service revenue, expand adjusted EBITDA and general strong free cash flow":1,"#Technology leadership":1,"#Customer centricity":1,"#Best assets":1,"#- Extend overall network lead with:":1,"#- Translate industry-leading customer growth into industry-leading financial performance":1,"#Best experience":1,"#Best value":1,"#Best network":1,"#- Achieve industry-leading customer growth fueled by combination of:":1,"#Deliberate capital allocation":1,"#Effective and efficient in everything we do":1,"#Grow durable <span ljsid-1=\"\">5</span>G and Fiber relationships":1,"#Each of the three Tier <span ljsid-1=\"\">1</span> carriers stated their <span ljsid-3=\"\">2025</span> business priorities in their respective reports, as follows:":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">2025</span> Business Priorities":1,"#All three Tier <span ljsid-1=\"\">1</span> US carriers have now submitted their Q<span ljsid-3=\"\">4</span> <span ljsid-5=\"\">2024</span> reports, so let’s take a look at some of the key highlights from Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&amp;T.":1,"#Axessorize":1,"#Manager, Marketing & Public Relations | iQmetrix":1,"#DISCLAIMER:":1,"#The content for the FrontRunners quadrant is derived from actual end-user reviews and ratings as well as vendor-supplied and publicly available product and company information that gets applied against a documented methodology; the results neither represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Gartner or any of its affiliates.":1,"#iQmetrix | Software Advice Once Again Names iQmetrix in FrontRunners…":1,"#Software Advice Once Again Names iQmetrix in FrontRunners Quadrant…":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Beth Wanner</span> on Feb. <span ljsid-3=\"\">12</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2018</span>":1,"#RQ is a full-suite <a ljsid-1=\"\">cell phone store POS</a> and retail management system designed specifically for cellphone stores to give wireless retailers all the tools they need to successfully run and grow their business.":1,"#iQmetrix is proud to announce it has placed on the FrontRunners quadrant for retail software for the second year in a row.":1,"#<a ljsid-0=\"\">FrontRunners</a> is published on Software Advice, a trusted resource for software buyers. FrontRunners evaluates verified product data and end-user reviews from softwareadvice.com, capterra.com, and getapp.com, positioning the top scoring products based on capability and value for small businesses.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">VANCOUVER, BC </strong>–<strong ljsid-2=\"\"> February <span ljsid-2-1=\"\">12</span>, <span ljsid-2-3=\"\">2018</span></strong> – iQmetrix is proud to announce it has placed on the FrontRunners quadrant for retail software for its POS and Retail Management Software, RQ, for the second year in a row.":1,"#iQmetrix FrontRunners-Retail-Quadrant-2018":1,"#www.samsung.com/us/support/samsung-care-plus":1,"#tienda Samsung Experience Store":1,"#Soporte <span ljsid-1=\"\">experto</span> <span ljsid-3=\"\">24/7</span>":1,"#Soluciones <span ljsid-1=\"\">2</span> GO Partners with iQmetrix to Offer Accessories via VMI and Dropship Services":1,"#Learn More About Avalara":1,"#a one-on-one consultation with an Avalara sales tax professional":1,"#create a better customer experience":1,"#Powered by Avalara, Tax Management is an end-to-end sales tax integration that manages tax calculation, filing, and remittance — significantly easing the burden of tax compliance. Tax Management helps your business to:":1,"#Whether you’re in Canada or the United States, tax compliance and accurate sales tax calculations can be a major headache for telecom retailers.":1,"#Vancouver, BC—April 10, 2024—Whether you’re in Canada or the United States, tax compliance and accurate sales tax calculations can be a major headache for…":1,"#Avalara makes tax compliance faster, easier, more accurate, and more reliable for <span ljsid-1=\"\">41</span>,<span ljsid-3=\"\">000</span>+ business and government customers in over <span ljsid-5=\"\">75</span> countries. Tax compliance automation software solutions from Avalara leverage <span ljsid-7=\"\">1</span>,<span ljsid-9=\"\">200</span>+ signed partner integrations across leading ecommerce, ERP, and other billing systems to power tax calculations, document management, tax return filing, and tax content access. Visit <a ljsid-11=\"\">avalara.com</a> to improve your compliance journey.":1,"#streamline tax rate management across multiple locations and channels":1,"#To celebrate this new integration, Avalara is offering iQmetrix clients a free Sales Tax Risk Assessment, which includes:":1,"#Vancouver, BC — April <span ljsid-1=\"\">10</span>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</span>—":1,"#improve sales tax compliance, no matter where you are":1,"#That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that iQmetrix — North America’s only provider of Interconnected Commerce solutions for telecom retail — has partnered with cloud-based tax compliance automation provider Avalara to deliver an all-new Tax Management integration. Tax Management is now available directly within iQmetrix’s industry-leading point of sale and retail management solution, RQ.":1,"#Tax Headaches Eased with All-New iQmetrix Tax Management Integration,…":1,"#More About Tax Management":1,"#eliminate manual processes for updating tax rates":1,"#To learn more about this new integration, click below to go the Tax Management page and our Avalara integrated partner page.":1,"#a guided nexus questionnaire":1,"#iQmetrix | Tax Headaches Eased with All-New iQmetrix Tax Management…":1,"#an in-depth analysis of economic and physical nexus tax obligations":1,"#file tax returns much more easily and efficiently":1,"#Canada, for example, has both federal and provincial sales tax, plus a patchwork of provinces with and without harmonized sales tax — all of which can make compliance tricky. In the United States, retailers are presented with <a ljsid-1=\"\">an even more complex scenario</a>, with more than <span ljsid-3=\"\">13</span>,<span ljsid-5=\"\">000</span> sales tax jurisdictions across the country, each with its own set of rates and rules that can fluctuate frequently. This makes it extremely important to ensure your sales tax footprint is properly tracked to promote accuracy of rates and the highest level of tax compliance — but it’s a real challenge to do so.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Enhance Your Terminal Look:</strong> Deploy on-brand payment prompt screens and enhance your idle terminal display with custom promotional screens.":1,"#Share one device between multiple RQ or RQmobile workstations and save hundreds of dollars on hardware costs.":1,"#See how Terminal Solutions can transform your payment devices.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Real-Time Device Data: </strong>View all device data from one central spot, including their latest software configuration, serial number, transaction history, trends, and much more.":1,"#Save on hardware costs by removing your dependency on a <span ljsid-1=\"\">1</span>-to-<span ljsid-3=\"\">1</span> device to workstation ratio.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Optimize Your Terminals:</strong> Turn bottom-line breakers into money makers by ensuring your brand look and promotions reach every customer as they checkout on the terminal.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Schedule Your Promotions: </strong>Our simple scheduling tool lets you easily queue up new promotional screens ensuring your terminals are always on-message. Screens can be added to one location, a region or your entire operation.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">PCI Compliant: </strong>Maintain DSS <span ljsid-2=\"\">9</span>.<span ljsid-4=\"\">9</span>.<span ljsid-6=\"\">1</span> PCI compliance by easily exporting an up-to-date list of your terminal inventory from our online Hub platform.":1,"#Reporting Features":1,"#Optimize devices by running more transactions through your existing certified hardware.":1,"#Share devices across any of our certified EMV <a ljsid-1=\"\">payment terminals</a>, including our mobile devices, and any desktop or tablet workstation.":1,"#Branding Features":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Device Agnostic:</strong> Capture all device data in your operations no matter the make or model.":1,"#Terminal Reporting & Branding":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Troubleshoot With Ease:</strong> Identify problem devices by filtering your device list by region, location, or active vs. non-active and view KSN and firmware information.":1,"#Improve the checkout process by ensuring your customers never wait in line to pay":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Keep Up to Date:</strong> With EMV firmware updates delivered remotely to your device, you can rest assured that you and your business are always compliant.":1,"#Key Results from the <span ljsid-1=\"\">2023</span> Encuesta sobre tendencias en el comercio minorista de telecomunicaciones":1,"#Technology is key to overcoming retail labor challenges.":1,"#Workers who haven’t left retail have had a hard time during the pandemic. Half (<span ljsid-1=\"\">50</span>%) of frontline retail employees surveyed said that <a ljsid-3=\"\">employee staffing was either worse or much worse</a> since the pandemic, and nearly half (<span ljsid-5=\"\">43</span>%) said that the demands of the job and/or their amount of work was worse since the pandemic.":1,"#The vicious cycle: Low staffing creates poor experiences for employees and customers, causing high employee turnover.":1,"#When customers are purchasing and activating new devices, it’s common for sales reps to have to swivel-chair between multiple systems that require separate data entry — creating a long transaction time that is frustrating for the agent as well as the customer. These disparate systems also require a lot training and can be overwhelming for new employees, which further compounds the frustration for everyone.":1,"#Overall, frontline retail workers:":1,"#It’s not too surprising that <a ljsid-1=\"\"><span ljsid-1-0=\"\">74</span>% of retail workers</a> say they’re either already searching for a new job or are thinking about it in <span ljsid-3=\"\">2023</span>.":1,"#Use omnichannel solutions to combine online convenience with in-store experience.":1,"#Many retailers are turning to technology to fill the gaps by improving workflows and offering improved options for customer experience — research from Forrester shows that in early <span ljsid-1=\"\">2023</span> <span ljsid-3=\"\">80</span>% of retailers planned to use technology to <a ljsid-5=\"\">improve in-store experience for customers and employees</a>.":1,"#The shortage of retail labor isn’t going to abate any time soon. According to the <a ljsid-1=\"\">U.S. Chamber of commerce</a>, <span ljsid-3=\"\">50</span> million people quit their jobs in <span ljsid-5=\"\">2022</span>, and <span ljsid-7=\"\">1</span>.<span ljsid-9=\"\">9</span> million workers have left the workforce entirely since <span ljsid-11=\"\">2020</span>.":1,"#One key area where technology can be a game-changer is getting rid of these clunky processes that eat up valuable time and resources. A unified activation platform, such as iQmetrix’s Carrier Connect, solves these pain points by integrating disparate processes into one seamless flow, leading to a smoother and more efficient activation experience.":1,"#In the face of labor challenges, economic disruption, and ever-evolving customer expectations, staying ahead of the game requires investing in technologies that streamline workflows, reduce transaction times, and empower agents.":1,"#The labor shortage in retail remains one of the top challenges for retailers in <span ljsid-1=\"\">2023</span>.":1,"#BOPIS can also be used in tandem with solutions such as queue management and appointment booking to make sure that sales reps aren’t slammed with a lot of customers wanting to pick up and activate devices all at once.":1,"#Consumers are increasingly <a ljsid-1=\"\">beginning their shopping journeys online</a>, so why not meet your customers where they are? Omnichannel solutions like BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store), can take the pressure off store associates by letting customers compare product offerings and make purchase decisions online. When integrated with inventory management systems, this can also eliminate the disappointment of finding out that that the product they want isn’t in-store by letting them know what <em ljsid-3=\"\">is</em> in stock.":1,"#With fewer manual tasks, agents can focus on engaging with customers and providing top-notch customer service, thereby improving job satisfaction and retention. And the improved operational efficiency allows store operators to alleviate the workload on already stretched staff. This will allow you to not only attract top talent, but also to reduce training costs by both cutting time to competency and boosting retention of experienced team members.":1,"#Get rid of clunky processes that force reps to enter data in multiple systems.":1,"#Technology to the rescue: using retail solutions to overcome gaps and improve both employee and customer experience.":1,"#iQmetrix | Overcoming Telecom Retail’s Labor Shortage with Technology":1,"#feel exhausted after shifts":1,"#BOPIS also delivers additional profits to retailers both through increased sales and reduced costs. <a ljsid-1=\"\"><strong ljsid-1-0=\"\">Eighty-five percent of consumers</strong></a> who have used BOPIS say they have made additional unplanned in-store purchases when picking up orders!":1,"#feel undervalued and disconnected: Only <span ljsid-1=\"\">16</span>% felt their organization <a ljsid-3=\"\">highly valued their roles</a>, and only <span ljsid-5=\"\">38</span>% feel well-connected to their organization’s management.":1,"#% of frontline workers":1,"#So, what technology should wireless retailers be implementing to meet these challenges to provide superior customer and employee experience?":1,"#to the point that they have trouble enjoying time outside of work.":1,"#are struggling with exhaustion and burnout:":1,"#The ongoing labor shortage in retail has left many businesses struggling to keep up with the staffing needed to meet increased customer expectations. This…":1,"#Interested in learning more about how to overcome labor shortage challenges while providing superior activation experiences for customers and employees?":1,"#Learn more about Carrier Connect":1,"#So what’s an embattled retailer to do?":1,"#With our POS and retail management solutions found in over <span ljsid-1=\"\">19</span>,<span ljsid-3=\"\">000</span> stores, iQmetrix is the largest retail software provider for the North American wireless industry. Beyond our POS, we offer powerful business intelligence, endless aisle, drop ship, e-commerce, and payment solutions, as well as an integrated network of over <span ljsid-5=\"\">35</span> partners – enabling us to be the single solution to multiple retail challenges. For nearly <span ljsid-7=\"\">20</span> years, we’ve proven our ability to be the #<span ljsid-9=\"\">1</span> company for supporting wireless retail growth; helping carriers, dealers, and repair providers invest in software that reduces costly inefficiencies, increases profitability, and speeds up transaction times to create great customer experiences. Learn more at <a ljsid-11=\"\">www.iQmetrix.com</a>.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">AI-powered sales and service tools</strong> that guide sales associates in real time with smart recommendations and next-best actions that boost confidence and conversion.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">A unified customer view</strong> that gives staff a complete picture of each customer’s history, preferences, and activity to deliver personalized experiences.":1,"#However, AI-powered in-store assistance is helping to eliminate these friction points in several ways:":1,"#For a customer, walking into a cellphone store can sometimes feel overwhelming, with numerous models and complex plans to navigate. On the sales associate side, it can be almost impossible for them to remember all the options, promotions, rate plans, accessories, add-ons, and upselling opportunities they should be discussing with the customer — especially in a retail sector that sees a high turnover of staff that constantly need new training.":1,"#Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer in this sector, transforming the customer journey from the moment they consider a new device to long after their purchase.":1,"#Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer in the telecom retail sector, transforming the customer journey with personalized service and…":1,"#This is especially true for cellphone stores where customers expect a consultative approach, with informed service and personalized recommendations.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Keep on top of rapidly changing industry trends and how t</strong>echnology is responding to them by subscribing to The Overview monthly newsletter.":1,"#AI is fundamentally reshaping the wireless retail industry, in almost every aspect of retail operations. By embracing AI, wireless retailers can go beyond just selling devices — they can create tailored, frictionless experiences that keep customers coming back.":1,"#The power of AI… embedded in iQmetrix solutions":1,"#Furthermore, these kinds of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are enhancing online and hybrid customer service and streamlining e-commerce operations in wireless retail. These tools provide real-time support and personalized recommendations without the need for human intervention, improving efficiency and convenience.":1,"#We can expect to see stores integrating these AI assistants with mobile apps or QR codes on display units, allowing customers to compare models side-by-side, see hands-on videos, or check compatibility with their current carrier plan. This empowers the customer to make confident choices independently.":1,"#The next phase of AI in wireless retail?":1,"#In today’s fast-paced digital world, delivering a seamless and engaging customer experience is no longer optional — it’s essential.":1,"#AI-powered workflows are another significant way this technology is revolutionizing the sales associate and customer experience. In addition to recommending devices, accessories, or add-ons, the AI assistant could remind the sales rep to carry out certain tasks as part of the transaction flow, such as those fraud-prevention steps and credit checks. This means that all the bases are covered without the store associate having to pull their attention away from giving the customer a great, engaged experience.":1,"#AI-powered sales workflows":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Photo ID verification</strong>: Use computer vision to validate the authenticity of submitted identification documents.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Unusual purchase behavior</strong>: Detect multiple purchases by the same individual across locations in a short timeframe.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Payment pattern analysis</strong>: Identifying high-risk behaviors like excessive gift card usage, which may indicate fraud.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Address validation</strong>: Using AI to verify that the submitted address is legitimate and not an abandoned or invalid location.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Proximity verification</strong>: Calculating the distance between the applicant’s address and the store to flag suspicious discrepancies.":1,"#When it is time to activate the device with a carrier’s rate plan, AI can help the sales associate with many fraud-prevention practices that are often done manually at present, taking up valuable time in the customer’s journey and causing transaction friction points. These include:":1,"#Fraud-prevention tools":1,"#by <span ljsid-1=\"\">Joannah Connolly</span> on Apr. <span ljsid-3=\"\">21</span>, <span ljsid-5=\"\">2025</span>":1,"#This personalization extends beyond the phone itself to compatible cases, insurance plans, screen protectors, data packages, and promotions. AI can suggest relevant add-ons, ensuring customers feel the recommendations are thoughtful and relevant, building trust and driving loyalty. This also helps in increasing basket size and conversion rates.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Value-conscious recommendations</strong>: If a customer is price-sensitive and tends to prefer mid-range devices, AI can proactively surface trade-in offers, current promotions, and high-value devices that balance performance with affordability.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Device and accessory suggestions: </strong>Customers have a wide range of needs and desires when it comes to buying smartphones and accessories, which AI can help narrow down. For example, if a customer profile suggests that they value phones with high-resolution cameras, AI can recommend some, plus appropriate accessories from durable cases to tripods. If the customer travels often, it could recommend phones with dual SIM support or global compatibility.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Plan optimization: </strong>Analyze the customer’s current plan, usage patterns, and market offerings to recommend the best-fit device and plan for their needs.":1,"#By analyzing a customer’s browsing behavior (both online and in-store), purchase history, and even current device usage patterns, AI can build a customer profile that goes beyond surface-level needs. Some examples where this would help are:":1,"#Personalization and recommendations":1,"#Cellphone shopping is rarely one-size-fits-all. Armed with the right technology that has AI assistant tools integrated, staff can access real-time insights about customer preferences or browsing history, enabling them to jump into the conversation already understanding the customer’s needs. This allows for more efficient and personalized recommendations.":1,"#Today’s reality: the point-of-sale AI assistant":1,"#Let’s dig further into how AI is transforming these areas.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Seamless self-serve options</strong> that empower customers to explore, compare, and take action on their own, both in-store and online.":1,"#Completing its seamlessly integrated network of Interconnected Commerce solutions, Tom Harris has also added both <u ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">Dropship</a></u> and <u ljsid-3=\"\"><a ljsid-3-0=\"\">Payments</a></u> solutions.":1,"#iQmetrix | Payment Terminal Solutions":1,"#Payment Terminal Solutions":1,"#Optimize your fleet with powerful terminal reporting, branding and sharing tools developed exclusively for the wireless industry.":1,"#Email:":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">3</span>. Microsoft Edge WebView<span ljsid-2=\"\">2</span> Runtime is required to run RQ <span ljsid-4=\"\">6</span>.<span ljsid-6=\"\">73</span> and newer. In most cases, this is automatically installed Windows <span ljsid-8=\"\">10</span>+ workstations by Windows Update, but can be manually downloaded <a ljsid-10=\"\">here</a>.":1,"#Windows <span ljsid-1=\"\">10</span> version <span ljsid-3=\"\">1803</span>+":1,"#iQmetrix | How Wireless Retailers Can Compensate for Seasonal Lulls":1,"#Tom Harris Cellular is Canada’s largest TELUS and Koodo authorized retailer, with <span ljsid-1=\"\">67</span> stores across Western Canada.":1,"#iQmetrix | Samsung Care+ USA":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>Without the services from iQmetrix, we would not have been able to grow our business to what it is today. But the biggest technological highlight is something that’s taken for granted. It is the reliability and robustness of iQmetrix services. We can count on them to work all day, every day.“":1,"#• <u ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">Hitfar</a></u>: a Canadian distributor of wireless accessories":1,"#Tom Harris has been with iQmetrix since <span ljsid-1=\"\">2002</span>, and we<u ljsid-3=\"\"><a ljsid-3-0=\"\"> celebrated the <span ljsid-3-0-1=\"\">20</span><sup ljsid-3-0-2=\"\">th</sup> anniversary of our partnership</a></u> with them back in <span ljsid-5=\"\">2022</span>. For <span ljsid-7=\"\">22</span> years now, this highly successful telecom retailer has relied on iQmetrix’s <u ljsid-9=\"\"><a ljsid-9-0=\"\">Point of Sale</a></u> and <u ljsid-11=\"\"><a ljsid-11-0=\"\">Retail Management System</a></u>, RQ, to scale and optimize operations across its wireless stores.":1,"#• <u ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">AppleCare</a></u>: device protection for Apple devices":1,"#Tom Harris stores are also seeing increased revenues from several members our <u ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">partner ecosystem</a></u>, using the frictionless integrations from RQ into:":1,"#• <u ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">Samsung Care+ Canada</a></u>: device protection for Samsung Galaxy devices":1,"#Why Canada’s Biggest TELUS Retailer Relies on iQmetrix for Growth and…":1,"#• <u ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">Cesium</a></u>: a Canadian supplier of wireless and electronics accessories":1,"#• <u ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">Axessorize</a></u>: a Canadian mobile accessories and dropship supplier":1,"#The team at Tom Harris says RQ has allowed them to make dead stock virtually non-existent by effectively manage purchasing and relocating slow-moving products to keep inventory flowing. RQ has also enabled Tom Harris to track sales performance and attachment results, and providing instant feedback for coaching, training, and marketing.":1,"#Executive Vice President and Dealer Principal, Tom Harris Cellular":1,"#• <u ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">Statflo</a></u>: a text-based sales enablement solution":1,"#• <u ljsid-1=\"\"><a ljsid-1-0=\"\">TracPoint</a></u>: a digital business card and marketing platform":1,"#Tax Headaches Eased with All-New iQmetrix Tax Management Integration, Powered by Avalara":1,"#iQmetrix recognized with the Deloitte Technology Fast <span ljsid-1=\"\">50</span>™ Leadership Award":1,"#iQmetrix | Local Inventory Solutions for Telecom":1,"#Long-term (<span ljsid-1=\"\">2025</span> & Beyond)":1,"#Join us for an insightful webinar on optimizing your software stack to align with your business needs and technological advancements. Whether you’re facing operational challenges, considering software consolidation, or aiming to enhance software adoption and performance, this session will equip you with practical strategies and proven methodologies.":1,"#Driving Operational Efficiencies with Intelocate":1,"#Canadian Authorized Retail Solutions":1,"#Find out more about iQmetrix’s Interconnected Commerce solutions, designed for telecom retail":1,"#About Avalara":1,"#For <span ljsid-1=\"\">25</span> years, we’ve been passionate about helping the leading brands in telecom to grow by providing best-in-class software, services, and expertise that enables them to adapt and thrive. Our solutions powered $<span ljsid-3=\"\">17</span>BN in sales last year, handling nearly <span ljsid-5=\"\">60</span> million invoices and more than <span ljsid-7=\"\">28</span> million activations, and are used by more than <span ljsid-9=\"\">370</span>,<span ljsid-11=\"\">000</span> telecom retail professionals across almost <span ljsid-13=\"\">1</span>,<span ljsid-15=\"\">000</span> clients. iQmetrix is a privately held software-as-a-service (SaaS) company with employees in Canada, the U.S., India, and Europe. For more information, please visit <a ljsid-17=\"\">www.iqmetrix.com</a>.":1,"#Manager, Marketing & Public Relations":1,"#iQmetrix | How AI is Transforming the Customer Experience in Wireless…":1,"#iQmetrix | Security, Stability, Scalability: iQmetrix’s…":1,"#Benefits":1,"#Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?":1,"#It all sounds very slick, and there are many benefits to retailers and shoppers alike. For instance, eliminating friction at checkout Amazon Go stores earn <a ljsid-1=\"\"><span ljsid-1-0=\"\">50</span>% more revenue</a> than an average convenience store, and according to their estimates, the average Go store makes an estimated $<span ljsid-3=\"\">1</span>.<span ljsid-5=\"\">5</span> million a year.":1,"#After selecting items the customer wants to purchase, the last thing they want to do is wait in line. They just want to leave.":1,"#In this post, I’m going to take a look at how one technological advancement is making waves.":1,"#Furthermore, staff can be present to help sell product or answer questions about the products, meaning the retailer is investing in the associates who help to help further enhance the shopping experience.":1,"#Cashierless Technology: More Pros Than Cons":1,"#Smart Carts at Sobeys Canada":1,"#Read the Whitepaper The Next-Gen Store of the Future":1,"#Cashierless technology benefits both the customer and the retailer. Smart Carts and <span ljsid-1=\"\"></span><span ljsid-3=\"\">“</span>just walk out” technology will gather the shopping habits of its consumers, providing you with valuable data that will <a ljsid-5=\"\">help you understand</a> consumer psychology, optimize inventory levels, and reduce clutter in grocery stores. Naturally, technologies designed to track your every move in the store must protect the shoppers and their children’s identities. The trouble lies with trusting any one system too much, and the hurdle that retailers wanting to leverage this technology face is that they must first convince customers that the system is trustworthy enough to use it.":1,"#iQmetrix | What You Need to Know About \"Just Walk Out\" Technology":1,"#Retailers must be willing to invest heavily on innovations, <a ljsid-1=\"\">which can be costly</a>. For example, the first cashierless Amazon Go location brought in <span ljsid-3=\"\">50</span> percent more revenue on average than the traditional convenience stores, but needed more than $<span ljsid-5=\"\">1</span> million investment in hardware alone. As Morgan Stanley estimates, Amazon would need to spend $<span ljsid-7=\"\">3</span> billion to open <span ljsid-9=\"\">3</span>,<span ljsid-11=\"\">000</span> stores. Investments are needed to make disruptive technology happen, but it is unlikely that customers will see the same savings they did in the first Amazon Go store, since so much money is needed to make these <span ljsid-13=\"\">3</span>,<span ljsid-15=\"\">000</span> stores happen.":1,"#Other minor concerns are issues with <a ljsid-1=\"\">false accusations of shoplifting</a>, accidental purchases, and children picking up items, but there are easy ways to alleviate these concerns. Similar to how self-checkouts have associates stationed at the cluster of checkouts, you can have an employee at the store exit, upon or prior to charging for items, to resolve any issues the customer may be experiencing. The employee would be ready if the customer had a purchase dispute or requires additional assistance.":1,"#In October, <a ljsid-1=\"\">Sobeys Canada introduced <span ljsid-1-1=\"\">10</span> Smart Carts</a> to its Glen Abbey location in Oakville, Ontario, designed to reduce time spent at the checkout line. The Canadian grocery chain partnered with American company, Caper, to launch <span ljsid-3=\"\">10</span> carts equipped with a barcode scanner and a touchscreen display that shows the tally of the costs of the items in the cart, along with a payment terminal, so that consumers can skip the line when they’re finished shopping. To further personalize the customer’s trip to the store, the touch screen displays suggested recipes, flyer sales, and a GPS so shoppers can quickly find items in the store.":1,"#What You Need to Know About \"Just Walk Out\" Technology":1,"#Since this is an <a ljsid-1=\"\">emerging technological</a> trend, there’s bound to be factors that could make consumers second guess their next trip to a just-walk-out store.":1,"#With forward-looking retailers investing in cashierless technology, more and more companies should be looking at how they too can advance the customer experience. After selecting items the customer wants to purchase, the last thing they want to do is wait in line. They just want to leave. Which is the main benefit of automated retail technology: a faster, more efficient shopping experience.":1,"#<span ljsid-0=\"\">“</span>AI won’t cut jobs, won’t kill jobs. I actually do think that companies, including grocers, will require probably the same amount of employees with different skill sets.”":1,"#For instance, one widespread concern of the innovations in automated retail is the elimination of jobs for cashiers and other floor staff. While this means it could eliminate low wage, low skill jobs, it’s also likely that new retail purchase technology could create high-wage, high-skill jobs. Sylvain Charlebois, a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University in Halifax, <a ljsid-1=\"\">doesn’t believe jobs will be lost, </a>saying:":1,"#Sobeys is far from the first major retailer to launch automation technology in retail. <a ljsid-1=\"\">Amazon Go</a> has been investing in Deep Learning, Computer Vision, and IoT technology in an effort to replace the traditional checkout-with-a-cashier experience. It’s much different from self-checkout stations. Shoppers log into their Amazon Go app, walk into the store, pick up what they want, and <strong ljsid-3=\"\">just walk out</strong>. No lines, no checkout counters, and no registers.":1,"#Advancements in technology have been true game-changers for the retail industry, and they show no signs of slowing down. From Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and <a ljsid-1=\"\"><span ljsid-1-0=\"\">5</span>G connections</a>, the future of retail is full of potential as more and more new technologies emerge. In a time of steep competition by ecommerce retailers, these technologies are designed to enhance the retailer’s ability to effectively deliver a seamless, personalized shopping experience.":1,"#Interested in learning more content about the future of retail? Check out our whitepaper, <em ljsid-1=\"\">The Next-Gen Store of the Future</em>, to get a forward-thinking perspective on how retail store technology will evolve, and what steps to take in the short and long term to become future-ready.":1,"#In fact, economists view new technological innovation as a good transition for the economy in the long run as workers get better jobs.":1,"#Click here to get your free Sales Tax Risk Assessment":1,"#Want to stay on top of industry news and trends? Subscribe to monthly The Overview newsletter.":1,"#What Does All This Mean?":1,"#Q<span ljsid-1=\"\">4</span> <span ljsid-3=\"\">2024</span> Subscriber Metric Key Takeaways":1,"#Breathe easy with unlimited repairs including batteries and same day $":1,"#Visit <a ljsid-1=\"\">Samsung.com</a>, a <a ljsid-3=\"\">Samsung Experience Store</a>, or <a ljsid-5=\"\">SamsungCarePlus.com</a> to learn more.":1,"#Samsung Genuine Parts and Certified Technicians:":1,"#Next Business Day Replacements:":1,"#+ Samsung authorized locations.":1,"#Powerful protection for your Galaxy life covers Unlimited Drops, Spills, and Mechanical Breakdowns, enabling customers to use their phone with confidence while avoiding costly repairs.":1,"#Get immediate answers from a Samsung Care+ expert":1,"#Don’t worry. We’ll replace your Phone as soon as the next business day and help set it up.":1,"#cracked screen repairs at":1,"#Rest assured your Phone will be repaired by a Samsung Certified Technician using Samsung Genuine Parts.":1,"#<sup ljsid-0=\"\">²</sup>Unlimited Accidental Damage from Handling. Additional restrictions may apply. Repair eligibility is subject to change. Service fees may apply. Unlimited claims for mechanical failure. Please see plan <a ljsid-2=\"\">terms and conditions</a> for full coverage details.":1,"#Expert Support:":1},"version":3766}]