With a wave of retail stores planning to reopen in the next few months, many businesses are preparing their stores to open with a whole new level of security, efficiency and safety precautions. The increased level of communication radios allow retailers to aid in the protection of staff and customers from the recent outbreak, including the minimisation of face-to-face contact.
To help you through this challenging time, we are also offering you a 10% discount on all of our products and services. Simply quote the code below when you enquire…
TAKE10
Two Way Radios in Retail
Two way radios have always played a vital role in the retail industry, but in recent years their role has gone beyond just being used in larger chain and department stores. They are now vital pieces of equipment for smaller shops and boutiques alike. The presence of two way radios in retail allows for seamless communication between management, shop floor staff and security.
Radio Earpiece
With the expansion of two way radios in retail, two way radio producers have created radios that are specifically designed for this application. One of the main reasons two way radio earpieces are s frequently used in retail is because of their ability to provide discrete and covert communication.
Discrete communication: Working in retail involves communicating effectively with other members of staff without halting the flow of work or disrupting the customer. This is where radio earpieces particularly shine.
Covert communication: Security in retails requires covert communication. This is where ear pieces can be used to communicate with other members of security to protect stock, increase efficiency and safety of staff and visitors.
To provide you with the most suitable form of discrete and covert communication in retail, here at Wall to Wall Communications we have a wide range to choose from. We can provide your business with…
Earpieces and audio adapters: A popular earpiece for two way radios in retail are small earpieces that wrap around and cover the ear. They also include a push to talk button to provide easy communication whilst working, ideal for staying connected on the shop floor.
Headsets: Headsets are a two way radio earpiece that typically sit over the head with an extended microphone, allowing for hands free communication. These are ideal for working in retail stores as you can maintain contact whilst still being able to work. At Wall to Wall we stock Single-sided headset with boom mic, Heavy-duty headset with boom mic and a Noise cancelling headset with boom mic
Wireless radio earpieces: Wireless earpieces are ideal for covert communication, particularly useful for security in retail. They can even be provided in flesh colour to be extra discreet.
You can read more on two way radios in retail here.
How to Clean and Disinfect Your Radio and Earpiece
With the recent outbreak of COVID-19 it is important now more than ever to regularly and thoroughly clean and disinfect your two way radios and earpieces. They both should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Here is how…
Thoroughly wash your hands, ensuring they are cleaned with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This prevents you from potentially re-contaminating the radios after cleaning.
Unplug the radio charging station, turn off the radios and remove the earpiece if it is connected to the radio.
Remove any batteries
Use a rubbing alcohol that has at least 70% concentration. Thoroughly wipe down the radio screens, buttons, antenna, the ear piece and any wires. It is also important to do this to the charging station and radio cases as well.
Wait for the rubbing alcohol to be fully evaporated and both the radio and earpiece are dry. Do not speed this process up by using an external heat source.
Replace any batteries
Finish by thoroughly washing your hands once again.
There are a variety of radios from licence-free, POC, ATEX to digital radios. At Wall to Wall Communications we are a proud supplier of a wide range of radios designed for each purpose and price point. For help choosing your perfect radio you can read our blog post “Which Radio Is Best For You and Your Business” to get some ideas, or contact us here.
2) Set up
When you either rent or purchase a two way radio through Wall to Wall Communications, you will have an experienced team that will help you set it up. If you are using a licence-free radio, you will be able to begin using your walkie talkies straight away by tuning every radio into the same frequency. This can be done by turning the dial, usually at the top or on the side of the radio that says “channel” or “frequency”. Alternatively you can choose your frequency by navigating on the LCD display. Repeat this with every radio you plan on using, setting them all to the same channel or frequency. However, if your radio isn’t licence-free, you will need a licence from OFCOM. You can learn about these on our blog post “OFCOM Licence: All You Need To Know”. If you have any additional questions about OFCOM licences you can either call us on 0208 770 1007 or email us at info@charlotter5.sg-host.com.
3) Test your radios
Before you start using your radios, it is important to test them before splitting them up. Start by turning the volume up on all the radios and press the “push to talk” (PTT) button. As you hold the button down, wait 1 to 2 seconds and then speak into the radio that you are holding 0.5 to 2 inches away from your face. Wait for the sound to come out of the other radios to confirm they are working. The “push to talk” button is typically the large button on the side of the radio. After the radios are working fine in close proximity, test them again once they are where you will be using them. This will allow you to test the signal strength and the radios range. If you are having any issues with this, do not hesitate to contact the Wall to Wall team as there are many ways we can help boost signal and voice clarity.
4) Sending and receiving messages
Use the radios in the same way you tested them, repeating every time you want to send a message. After sending your message via walkie talkie ensure you release the PTT button to prevent it picking up cross-talk or white noise.
5) After use
After using your radios it is important to turn them off and re-charge them ready for the next use. This is particularly important if you are planning on using your radios daily.
During this turbulent time, with the recent outbreak of COVID-19, being adaptable is key. This is something we at Wall to Wall Communications are practicing and supporting. As suppliers of two way radios for over 40 years, we understand their importance and value, now more than ever. Not only do two way radios improve security, efficiency and safety, but they also provide seamless communication whilst minimising face-to-face contact. This is something Tulleys Farm is demonstrating first hand…
Located in Turners Hill, West Sussex, Tulleys farm is adapting to the new normal. The latest government advice is to stay at home and only leave home for exercise, medical reasons, work and for groceries in a bid to slow the spread of Coronavirus. To minimise contact whilst venturing out to do the latter, Tulleys Farm has come up with the perfect solution… drive through groceries!
With Tulleys Farm closing its grocery business in favour of events six years ago, they have recently reopened their doors to help supply fresh veg and meat to the surrounding communities without face-to-face contact. Opening a new way of conducting business posed many challenges, of which Tulleys Farm and Wall to Wall were up for the challenge. Tulley’s needed a fast and reliable two way radio supplier to help them deal with increased business and a fast paced environment. This is where Wall to Wall Communications came in.
So what are Tulleys Farm doing that is so unique, and how have two way radios helped them?
Step 1: Drive to Tulleys Farm
Step 2: View their menu from the comfort of your car
Step 3: Read out your order from your car
Step 4: Pay using contactless
Step 5: Stay in your car whilst your order is packed
Step 6: Pop the boot of your car and your groceries will be loaded
Step 7: Drive home!
The two way radios we have supplied help the workers carry out this operation seamlessly. Instantaneous communication is vital for the staff to be able to relay orders to the runners, who then bag up the shopping, as well as allowing management to coordinate staff, all whilst allowing staff to maintain distance whilst working. The two way radios are portable, durable and easily cleaned (you can read our blog ‘How to Effectively Clean and Disinfect Radios’ here).
If you are looking for fresh meat and a wide range of vegetables and dairy products, Tulleys Farm is open 10am to 5pm every day where you can queue in your car.
With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, two way radios have become even more invaluable than they were before. Two way radios offer a method of communicating quickly, reliably and without face-to-face contact. They also allow for seamless communication in densely populated areas such as London, where mobile signal is near maximum capacity.
However, just as much as we should be washing our hands thoroughly and regularly, our radios require the same attention. Two way radios are durable and last a long time. This time allows for dust and small particles to build up around the buttons and control knobs. In addition to this, if two way radios are being used by multiple people, and particularly in vulnerable areas such as hospitals, care homes and isolation wards, they can also spread germs and bacteria. So what can you do to help keep the public and staff safe from the outbreak?
How to Clean Your Two Way Radio
Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before cleaning the radio
Turn off the radio, unplug the charger, and remove from the charging station
Using a dry lint-free brush or cloth, wipe down the radio and charging station to remove fine particles and dust
With a non-woven fabric and a neutral cleanser clean the antenna, buttons, control knobs, keys and case
Allow the radio to thoroughly air dry without using an external heat source before using or replacing the radios back into the charging station
Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after cleaning the radios
How to Disinfect Your Two Way Radio
Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before cleaning the radio
Turn off the radio, unplug the charger, and remove from the charging station
Remove the battery
Using a rubbing alcohol of at least 70% concentration, wipe down the radios screen, case, buttons, control knobs, antenna and charging station
Wait for the alcohol to evaporate and the radio to completely dry without using an external heat source
Replace the battery
Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after cleaning the radios
Please note:
Do not disinfect in a confined space
Whilst disinfecting, stay away from static electricity and flames
At Wall to Wall we know the importance of staying safe and well during this turbulent time. This is why we are also offering easy wipe-clean radio covers that can be disinfected quickly and efficiently to keep all staff and the public safe.
error: Unfortunately, our content is protected, thank you.
