Common misconceptions of Electronic Shelf Labels
Misconception 1: The technology is getting cheaper
Over the years the capabilities of electronic tags are improving, with increased battery life, screen resolution, software capabilities etc. And, like with most things nowadays, the cost to produce the labels is also increasing. This means that the longer you wait the more expensive the solution will be. If there is a business case established for this technology, each month/year you wait, you will be paying the price in opportunity cost.
Misconception 2: You’re buying an independent piece of hardware
Buying Electronic Shelf Labels is not like selecting a new phone or printer. As with any popular technology, you will now find cheaper alternatives, to the main players in the market. However, be wary of these products, electronic labels are not the sort of hardware you can just plug and play. The labels, as well as the software running them, must be comprehensive, user-friendly, and have the ability to integrate with your existing business systems. For this reason it’s important to purchase from a partner, who can support the entire system set up and integration, as well as, provide ongoing technical support and strategic advice. Being local is a must, as that ensures that there is no language barrier or time difference to worry about.
Misconception 3: I can do the integration and servicing myself
The Electronic Shelf Label industry is quite specialised. We always recommend that you let someone with experience set up the system to ensure system reliability, data security and to ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment.
In terms of ongoing support, you wouldn’t buy a car and service it yourself, unless you were an experienced mechanic, with a workshop of tools at your disposal. Electronic pricing is no different. You need to work with a team who has the experience, infrastructure and network of support required to ensure continual functionality, as well as to keep your system optimised and secure.
Misconception 4: You still have to add shelf talkers for each promotion
Understandably this would be off-putting, as if you’re still adding shelf talkers to products on promotion, then you might as well put a new price tag onto the product at the same time. Modern digital price tags (electronic shelf labels), have a flexible screen design so you can configure eye catching templates for all kinds of different promotions. There’s no limit to the number you can have, therefore just like shelf talkers, you can develop different designs for ‘Special’, verses ‘20% off’, verses ‘Local produce’, verses ‘Organic’ etc, the list could go on.
The screens come in either, red/white/black or yellow/white/black, so with either option you have a strong colour to work with, in order to grab your customers’ attention.
