Learn about the options available to you when considering a locator system for your business, website or call centre.
There is a lot to juggle when running a business, so many things to do, set in place, cost, budget, etc. There is never enough time. The solution is often to delegate tasks / outsource. There are costs and benefits to doing this and only you can decide what’s most appropriate for you. Here are some available store locator system options to think through, including their pros and cons…
1. USE A SIMPLE LIST
If you only have a dozen or so locations in your data set, then perhaps the simplest way to get started is to have a basic list of locations. The locations could be grouped by type or by State to make it easier to narrow down the choices.
Pros and cons
Very quick and easy to implement and manage
Inexpensive
Awkward to ‘use’
Not flexible or scaleable
Only good for a small number of locations
Reveals the scope of your network to competitors
2. INSTALL AN EXISTING PLUGIN / SOFTWARE ONTO YOUR SERVER
There are a variety of plugins for content management systems like WordPress that can be used if your needs are not too demanding. They tend to be reasonably priced and even free but the results flowing out of them can leave something to be desired. Approach this option with caution and test thoroughly.
Pros and cons
Relatively easy to setup
Usually inexpensive
Protects your network
Often patchy quality of results
Difficult to add new features as your needs evolve
3. BUILD YOUR OWN FROM SCRATCH OR USING AN API
If you’re ambitious, have solid tech skills and adequate time on your hands then building you own is possible. The usual development cycle of scoping, design, code and test apply. Such a project is a hoot if you succeed, and a nightmare if you find it only kind-of works. You will be responsible for everything and if problems arise they could be daunting to resolve.
Pros and cons
Better quality than a plugin
Protects your network if security considered
More expensive in the long run if not properly designed
Time consuming and complicated to implement and test
Difficult to add new features as needs change
4. FULLY HOSTED / CLOUD SOLUTIONS
These systems are professionally designed by companies that are specialists. They are fast, accurate and versatile. They run on high performance servers using very well engineered and tested software that work on all platforms. Installation usually requires just a few lines of javascript or HTML added to your site and they integrate with all content management systems.
StoreFinder is a fully hosted cloud solution. It has been carefully designed to make it simple for both administrators to upload and maintain locations. It’s also easy for the end users to perform searches and get accurate, relevant results.
StoreFinder has been around for more than a decade and has a proven track record. With excellent Aussie based personal tech support, this service represents excellent value and flexibility.
Pros and cons
Fast and easy to implement and manage
Very accurate results
Protects your network
High levels of professional tech support
Automatic and free updates to the technology
Flexible / scaleable
Good for huge number of locations
Higher fees
CONCLUSION
Think through what your needs are and what it is you’re trying to achieve. If you have the time and skills a custom implementation could work, otherwise a fully hosted system is hard to compete with.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or sign up for our free trial.