First it was  iPhone consumer jewelry apps, now one developer has created iPad  software that will take in-store service to a new level.  The iPad  retail tool acts as a mobile point of sale for jewelry store staff,  enabling them to walk the store and complete shopper transactions  without the customer having to queue up at the register.

The software also allows shoppers to view a much larger collection of  jewelry than is available in-store. Shoppers can use the light-weight  iPad to browse, for example, all the beads available from a particular  brand, or a range of wedding ring designs. This means staff do not have  to open a display case or even have certain stock present on the sales  floor, for shoppers to view a wide range of products.

The iPad software, called "Swim," is from Octahedron, a company that  specializes in jewelry store management software covering areas such as  point of sale, inventory control, marketing campaigns, customer  management and book-keeping.

The Swim retail system on the iPad interfaces with all the other  computers within the jewelry store and can be used remotely, when  outside the store.

For example, the tool can give store staff instant access to  historical information about a customer’s previous purchases. Octahedron  manager Raeleen Kaesehagen said, “If a husband walks in and wants to  buy a present for his wife, using Swim on the iPad staff can bring up  the wife’s profile with her finger size, what she's purchased  previously, her gold preference and then the staff member can suggest  something to the husband that is in the correct size and colour  preference to match the wife’s existing collection.”

She added, “It’s really about interaction and the client feeling like they’re part of the retail process.”

Staff can also use the software to build on-the-spot quotes on custom-made designs, including costings and mark-up.

Kaesehagen believes the presence of the iPad in a retail store will  create a talking point with customers. “The iPad is something new; it  gives a good feeling to the customer and it looks stylish,” she said.

As well as improving service, the tool can be used as a portable aid  for stock counting and stock picking. Swim on the iPad also allows sales  floor staff to collect customer data such as email addresses, phone  numbers, birthdates, anniversary dates, finger sizes and other  information that can be used for marketing.

Octahedron’s jewelry retail clients are a mix of high-end independent  stores, franchise stores and larger multi-store retailers in the U.S.,  Canada, U.K. and Australia.

For further information:
<a href="https://www.octahedron.com.au/octahedron/index2.php?option=com_content&amp;id=370">Video of Swim iPad</a>

Ref: <a href="http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=32159" target="_blank">Diamonds.net</a>