Hello Rodinhooders,
Introducing myself, this is Huzefa from Mumbai. I have started a new venture to bring shopify POS system to India.
Shopify POS is iPad based retail software that automatically sync all your products, customers, orders and inventory with your online shopify store.
The advantages over traditional PC based software:
- Instantly transform your iPad in to a point of sale device by installing Shopify POS app.
- Low initial software cost. $49 per location per month. You can have as many registers per location as you need at no extra charges. Thats about Rs 100 per day.
- Sync all data with ecommerce store. All data is securely backed up in cloud.
- Send email receipts. Gather customer email addresses with each sale.
- Easy to add other accessories like cash drawer, receipt printer and barcode scanner.
- Easy to use; saves many hours in training staff.
- Manage your inventory in one place.
- Consolidate your reporting in to one place.
- Makes POS exciting and cool experience for the customer.
The hardware compatibility in India, particularly the availability of iPad stands, turns out to be the bottleneck. I have been waiting for shopify to launch this India. After getting no confirmation from Shopify on this, I decided to take matters in my own hand and bring the Shopify POS compatible hardware to India. I am sure there are other entrepreneurs in India who share my excitement about this.
We are offering complete hardware packages, support with setting up the hardware, training staff, after sales service. We also offer Shopify development stores which give clients unlimited set up time at no extra fees.
Visit us at GetSetSell.in and please share your thoughts on the new venture. As fellow entrepreneurs, do you think the retail industry is ready for this idea?
Thanks,
huzefasid@gmail.com
Past: In 2012, I started importing Google Nexus devices in India. Sold over 500+ pcs. Read about it here.
Other projects in development:
1. High altitude insulated clothing company.
2. Delicious, junk free, Ready to eat snacks and meals.
asha chaudhry
hey huzefa,
alok has shared your link on his social network – fb & twitter.
can you pls respond to the comments on fb?
asha chaudhry
on twitter –
@rodinhood Good discussion point. Will make a lot of sense for Luxury retailers. Seen a lot of this being used in myriad ways outside.from Jersey City, NJ
Darshan Bhambiru
If this is an Import, you need to check the Demand Supply in Relative terms in Context to the Indian Customers and the Reach too for the same, would be a Good idea to associate or have someone from the Modern Trade business or related to have with you in the core Group to manage the Progress for the Idea / Business Planned, with respect to the Competition and the learning curve for the Actual Clientele that you are targeting for your Sales, also if the Threat of someone else Importing the same HARD ware or cheaper alternatives made Locally for the market you create needs to be safeguarded as well. For BAR code Scanner / Printers, Receipt and and other Local hardware additions you can explore and check if those work out cheaper too for the requirement with a TEST / Pilot done for the purpose as well rather than import specifics for the same
Since you are located around Bhendi Bazaar exploring many things becomes easier too 🙂
I would say Tread Carefully and Do a Thorough Survey and research in the vertical / Domain. Also look at providing VAS in terms of Software for the same too to Indianize the requirements as well in association with other in Similar trade or Related fields catering to the Same Industry would make your Product and service Customizeable with a better USP too. You can also connect with CCAVENUE they have recently updated the Site with a lot of new Things of interest maybe to check, Pramod Ganji is an RH who takes care of Payment Gateway requirements on behalf of Ccavenue and has already helped a lot of RH’s too Hope this Helps!
While you are still at it and I see 2 Other Projects in Development, read through this information I read a few days back too Might of your interest Using Your Smartphone as Your Hotel Room Key
A Current Debate / Discussion to explore on similar lines could also give you more ideas and maybe you can go ahead to include a few things from the same too here.
You can explore possibilities or collaborating and associating or Working TOGETHER with RH Bijumon Janardhanan
SmartGARDTab: How to get Manufacturing and Marketing Partners for Android Tablet based Home Automation and Security System
Wishing You Good Luck!! Cheers!!!
Sriram
Huzefa
An ipad as a POS device could work in luxury high end retail outlets. However, not sure how many of these guys would invest in an I-PAD.
Additionally, unlike the US, one cannot plug in and start accepting card payments in India. A terminal needs to connect to an acquirer (either a bank or an aggregator).
It might help your cause if you showcase your solution to these banks and merchant aggregators who could help you with their informed insights into the business.
Sriram
Huzefa Siamwala
Hi Darshan,
Thanks for your reply.
I am sorry for the late reply. I have been travelling and didn’t have internet since last 3 days.
You bring up some very important points.
We do import stands from USA. We don’t have an exclusive deal, so anyone can import the same. But I have 2 advantages:
1) I have over 2 years of experience of importing stuff from USA. I built a business around it. This is my speciality. That’s why I am able to offer the products at lowest import cost. It will be very difficult for anyone to match the prices.
2) I am first in India to offer this. So I have a head start.
I hadn’t considered the threat of cheaper local hardware since none is available. May be I can look into manufacturing this myself once I get some feedback from retailers.
I am definitely interested in some collaboration or partnership with an industry insider. Any rodinhooders interested in the same can contact me.
Right now I am doing some inbound marketing by posting information about Shopify POS through quora, forums, Google Adwords. There is minimal investment in this. Those specifically looking for shopify pos should be able to locate us easily.
I am also in touch with shopify team. I am planning to host meet ups across India where we plan to invite potential and existing clients to see the hardware. I will be working with Shopify closely by providing them with feedback and ensuring the best possible experience for our clients.
I believe this going to be the next big thing in retail pos space. It’s going to change how small retailers manage their business. Keep watching this closely.
Also have you seen the new Shopify app for iPhone? It allows you to manage your Shopify store from your phone. Android app coming soon. It complements the shopify POS well.
Thanks again for sharing your feedback.
Huzefa Siamwala
Hi Sriram,
I agree that high end retail outlets would definitely be a good target. Some else too mentioned that on twitter in response to Alok’s tweet.
It’s true that shopify payments (card reader for shopify pos) is not available outside USA. But a external card terminal can be used with shopify Pos. I believe Shopify is working on bringing it to other countries.
I am not sure about integrating a 3rd party solution into shopify pos but I will look into this.
Thanks for your feedback.