Most businesses only analyze 37 to 40% of their data, which is a much higher percentage than a few years ago. As technology advances, small pet shop owners now have an incredible opportunity to unleash the potential of their pet store customer data.
But if you’re managing everything yourself, figuring out how to collect, interpret, and use that data can be intimidating.
When running a pet store, you may find yourself asking, “How do I know if my marketing is really working?” or “How do I decide what to stock on the shelves?” Do you even know who’s walking through your door? If you’re not using your pet store customer data, you’re missing out on opportunities to grow your business.
That promotion you ran on large-breed dog food may have cleared the shelves, but how do you know if it helped your bottom line? You might have slashed your margins too much to see any real profit. But don’t worry — you don’t need a data analyst to figure this out. With the right point of sale (POS) system, you can tap into the insights you need to make smarter decisions and boost sales.
Let’s jump in.
Not knowing the ins and outs of your business and data means you’re leaving a lot on the table — like new customers, increased sales, and higher profits. We know you care about your customers and their pets, but paying attention to the data is important. It helps you make more informed decisions that drive growth.
Understanding your customers’ buying habits, needs, and preferences helps you build stronger relationships. It also allows you to streamline operations and provide a more personalized experience. Customer data helps you:
Essentially, collecting pet store customer data is about understanding your current sales — and using the insights from those sales — to make smarter decisions that grow your store and customer loyalty. Now, let’s explore how to put this data in practice.
You now know why customer data is important, so here are 10 actionable tips. Learn how to use your data to increase sales at your pet store with the help from a specialized POS system.
Your POS system captures valuable information from every transaction, including:
Example: If a customer consistently buys hypoallergenic dog food, your POS system can flag this, which allows you to send promotions for new allergy-friendly pet products.
Once you’ve gathered data, start building customer profiles that include:
Example: With detailed profiles, you can personalize communications and offers. If a customer’s pet has a specific dietary need, you can send them targeted emails about related products or discounts.
Related Read: How To Manage a Pet Store: 7 Tips & Tools
By categorizing your customers, you can send the right message to the right group. Segment based on:
Example: If your data shows that a group of customers prefers premium pet food, send them exclusive offers on new premium brands to drive more sales.
Personalized offers keep customers coming back. Your POS system can create:
Example: If a customer’s dog’s birthday is coming up, you can send them a coupon for a discount on birthday treats or toys, increasing the chance they’ll shop with you again.
Related Read: A Guide to Loyalty Rewards for Pet Stores
Analyzing sales data through your POS system helps you:
Example: If your POS system shows that certain seasonal products (like flea and tick treatments) sell out quickly in spring, you can plan ahead and stock up before demand peaks.
With detailed data from your POS, you can:
Example: If a large number of customers are purchasing pet training services, target them with a special discount for training tools and accessories through email or social media ads.
Customer satisfaction is crucial to repeat business. With a modern POS system, you can:
Example: If a customer leaves a positive review for your grooming service, you can follow up with a thank-you email and offer them a discount on their next grooming session, which encourages them to return.
Your POS system should be equipped with:
Example: When a customer makes a purchase using their credit card, your system’s data encryption keeps their information secure. You can also reassure them with your store’s compliance to PCI regulations, building trust in your business.
A POS system integrated with your customer relationship management (CRM) system creates a centralized customer profile that tracks every interaction across all channels. This allows you to:
Example: If a customer purchases pet food frequently, your CRM integration helps you follow up with personalized suggestions on other products they might need — like treats or supplements.
Data isn’t just for marketing — use it to make smarter business decisions. With this information, you can:
Example: If sales data shows that local pet parents are buying more natural pet care products, consider expanding that section in your store to meet growing demand.
With these insights, you stay ahead of trends, build stronger relationships with your customers, and increase sales.
eTailPet is a POS system designed specifically for pet store owners. Our software offers real-time insights, seamless CRM integration, and secure data management to maximize the potential of your customer data. By leveraging eTailPet’s tools, you can gather the right customer data and use it in ways that make a real difference for your store.
eTailPet automatically collects customer data with every transaction — like purchase history, pet-specific preferences, and contact information. This data helps you create detailed customer profiles. With these profiles, you can tailor your marketing efforts, personalize recommendations, and offer promotions that meet individual customers’ needs.
And with smart ordering, you can use the insights collected from your sales data to manage your inventory efficiently. This ensures you stay stocked on top-selling items and avoid overstocking.
eTailPet also integrates with Astro Loyalty to manage customer loyalty programs, encouraging repeat purchases by rewarding customers for their loyalty. Plus, its automated marketing tools streamline email campaigns and social media promotions, which drives engagement and increases your store’s visibility.
Ready to see how eTailPet puts your customer data to work? Schedule a free demo today.