Retailing is one of the lucrative levels of business that most people venture into. However, owning a retail store can be difficult sometimes, especially when you have many workers working in the store.
Communication is very necessary for this situation as you will have to communicate with the workers. Although these workers might be grouped into sections and departments, it might still not be very easy to communicate. And this brought about the use of communication radios.
Walkie talkies help store owners manage and control their retail stores efficiently. It allows them to communicate and give orders to workers to ensure their productivity and efficiency.
Table of Contents
15 Best Walkie Talkies for Retail Stores
1. Midland – LXT500VP3
If you are looking for an ideal walkie talkie, the Midland LXT500VP3 (2 pack) is your best bet. The two-way radios are portable and easy to use, and this makes it good for business. The radios feature 22 FRS channels and allow 24- mile range communication, so you can use them to pass information effectively in stores and stalls. With the belt clip, your radios can stay attached to you while you work. The radios also have dual power options: you can use either the rechargeable batteries or the AAA alkaline batteries to power the radios.
PROS
- The LCD screen helps the user see everything on the screen at a glance.
CONS
- The radio does not have the VOX hands-free function.
2. Retevis RT18
Retevis RT18 (10 pack) two-way radios are good walkie talkies for business. With an extended range of 1.5km in closed areas, communication is smooth and effective among customers in stores. The radios come with headsets that have an adjustable knob, and this enhances sound quality. The radios have the VOX function, and this way, you can have conversations while you go about your business. The 1000mAh rechargeable batteries provide a battery life of up to 24 hours, so you use the device while you are at work and recharge when you get home. The 10 pack allows you to have conversations with a large group of people.
PROS
- The metal belt clip of the radio lasts longer than plastic belt clips.
- It has a double PTT design that you can easily press to answer a call.
CONS
- The headsets do not last long.
3. Motorola CLS1110 Walkie Talkie
Motorola CLS1110 (6 pack) handheld radios are small and lightweight, perfect for your business. With a high power output of 1 watt, the two-way radios cover up to 15 floors, more than enough ground to cover in stores and supermarkets. The headsets come in handy while you are working, as you can use them to have private conversations while you work and take orders. The lithium battery provides 18hours of communication. The radios work on UHF frequencies.
PROS
- The small size makes it easy to carry about.
- The radio comes at an affordable price.
- The radio comes with good customer services.
CONS
- The radio has just 1 channel, so private conversations are impossible.
4. Ansoko Radios
Ansoko (10 pack) walkie talkies can be used with other Ansoko 2 way radios as long as they are on the same channel. The radios have a range of 0.6 miles in a packed environment and a range of 3.5 miles in open areas so that they can be used in buildings and offices, including stores.
The frequency range is UHF: 400-470mHz. With its small and compact size, you can carry this device everywhere. This ensures smooth customer interactions anytime, anywhere. The belt clip also makes it easier for business owners to take them anywhere. It uses the 1500mAh Li-ion battery for its operation lasting up to 12 hours
PROS
- It boasts of a high audio sound quality.
CONS
- Earpieces are not durable and may not last long.
5. Midland – X-TALKER T77VP5
Midland-x-Talker (2 pack) two-way radios feature a communication range of 38 miles with 36 channels and 121 privacy codes, all these for effective communication among customers and workers. The walkie talkie comes with some really special features that make it an ideal device for business. The walkie talkie doubles as a weather radio, having the NOAA weather alert feature that keeps you updated on weather emergencies. It also features dual power options; rechargeable battery packs or AA batteries.
PROS
- With this radio, you can connect to other FRS/GMRS radios on the same channel and frequency.
- It comes with some special accessories such as headsets and a carrying case.
CONS
- The radio has poor reception.
6. Retevis RT45 Walkie Talkie
If you are looking for a walkie talkie to use in your outlet, Retevis RT45 (6 pack) 2-way radios are one you should consider. The device is very easy to operate, and you can use it for communications in built-up areas.
It has 11 NOAA weather channels that allow you to know of weather emergencies. Some other features of the radio are: VOX function, busy channel lockout, call tones, led torch, squelch function, battery saving mode and FM radio. A pack comes with the following accessories: 1000mAh rechargeable battery, belt clip and sling, headset and charger cable.
PROS
- RETEVIS RT16 provides the best service for family and businesses.
CONS
- The range can be affected by other factors.
7. Cobra CXY800 Walkie Talkies
Cobra CXY800 (2 pack) two-way radios are power walkie talkies. Employees can make use of these radio handsets to communicate with employers and customers in businesses.
The weather alert helps you know if there is severe weather in your environment. The battery life of this device can be extended with the power safe mode feature. With 22 channels and a 35-mile range of communications, users can communicate anywhere in the retail store.
PROS
- One of the benefits of using this device is that you get to know about weather emergencies.
- The radio is waterproof and dustproof so that it can survive in wet and dusty areas.
CONS
- Poor sound quality.
8. BaoFeng BF-888s 2 Way Radio
Every retail store should have Baofeng BF-888s two way radio. The walkie talkie comes with so many features and functions. Businesses need it for smooth operation and communication. Customers and employees can use any of the 16 channels and 50 CTCSS/105 CDCSS to communicate with anyone in the retail environment. It has the VOX hands-free function, PC programming, channel lock, noise reduction and a whole lot of other functions, all to provide you the best of services. The 1500mAh rechargeable Li-ion batteries provide the walkie talkies with adequate power for a long time.
Other accessories that come with the radio are an antenna, earpiece, wrist strap, belt clip and program cable.
PROS
- The radio provides an extended range of communication of about 3 miles.
CONS
- The batteries do not last as long as it should.
9. Motorola RMV2080
Motorola RMV2080 Business two-way radios are typical walkie talkies for every retail environment. They are VHF radios with a range that covers ten floors. The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, swivel carry holsters, desktop battery chargers and speaker mics come with the radios. With this radio’s features, you might want to consider it while making a choice of walkie talkies to use in your retail store. The product also has good customer service.
PROS
- The radios also feature NOAA weather channels that alert you when there is the severe weather condition in your area.
CONS
- It does not have as many channels as most two way radios.
10. Rivins RV-7 Radios
RIVINS RV-7 (6 pack) two way radios are easy to use and can be used to communicate anywhere, including a retail store. Communications are supported up to 5 miles in built-up areas. There are 22 channels on the walkie talkies, with 99 privacy codes. The device supports VOX hands-free operation and channel scan. The UHF radios use both AAA rechargeable batteries and AAA alkaline batteries.
PROS
- The product comes with great customer service.
- It comes at an affordable price.
- The radio has clear coverage, even at a distance.
CONS
- The radios are not durable and may not last as long as other walkie talkies.
11. Retevis RT22 Radios
Retevis RT22 (10 pack) 2-way radio is slim, small and lightweight, easy to carry and operate. The radio is a good fit business and will work fine in a retail store. The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries will last up to 24 hours. With the USB charging design, you can charge your radio anywhere. The walkie talkies have 16 channels and VOX function, enabling employees and customers to have easy communication. The two-way radio has a wide coverage so that you can communicate within and outside the store. Other features include a squelch feature and an emergency alarm.
PROS
- The device is dustproof and shock-resistant.
CONS
- The belt clips are not strong and will break easily.
12. Greaval Two-Way Radios
Greaval Long Range Walkie Talkies operate on 16 channel UHF tuner technology with batteries that last up to 12 hours. The light-weight feature helps you have the best shopping experience while you are in the store. In built-up areas, like the retail store, the device provides you with about 1.5 miles of communication range. One of the features that provide the best customer experience is the VOX function that allows hands-free operation. The Push to Talk button is easily accessible in case you do not want to use the VOX function.
PROS
- Orders of the two way radios come with great customer service.
- It has high power output.
CONS
- The earpieces are of poor quality.
13. DEWALT DXFRS800
The two-pack DEWALT DXFRS800 walkie talkies are massive duty radios that will work perfectly well in your retail store. With a high power output of 2 Watts and 2000Man rechargeable battery, the two-way radio is a choice radio for business managers, employees and workers. The device has 22 channels with a range covering 25 floors so that you can communicate anywhere within the store. The auto squelch function blocks out background noise, and with earphone speakers, you can enjoy hands-free operation.
PROS
- The radio is shock resistant.
- Its anti-slip design prevents it from accidentally slipping off.
- You can have the best customer experience with the radio.
CONS
- The antennas are flimsy and might break off.
14. Kenwood TK-3400U16P
Kenwood TK-3400UI6P is a UHF two-way radio with a communication range of about 6 miles. With these radios, employees and workers can hold conversations within the retail store. It has 16 channels with the Li-Ion Battery providing 22 hours of operation. It has the VOX hands free function and wireless cloning. It features 90 frequencies and 122 privacy codes that help reduce interference and encourage smooth communication.
PROS
- It has a high power output of 2 watts.
- The 2-way radios are sold at an affordable price.
CONS
- The range of the radio can be affected by many factors such as weather conditions and terrains.
15. Motorola CLS1410
The Motorola CLS1410 6 pack walkie talkie is part of the CLS series. These radios have four channels and high power output of 1 watt. They can be used for communication outdoors and indoors, including a retail store. Accessories include a charger, earpiece, swivel belt holster and 18-hour lithium-ion battery. It has the VOX function that supports hands-free operation, and the radio boasts of high productivity. It also has the channel scan feature, VibraCall alert feature and keypad lock.
PROS
- The LED Screen helps you see everything you need to see at a glance.
CONS
- Compared to other walkie talkies, this two-way radio is quite expensive.
Overall Best Buy
The Motorola CLS1410 is a compelling two-way radio that is suitable for retail store uses. It has a large range and a very powerful battery life. It also has a 6-bank charger that makes charging easier. It comes with different accessories that make it very useful and suitable for the purpose.
Best Budget Buy
The Greaval long-range two-way radio is very affordable and offers high quality and efficiency. It can cover long distances as well as penetrate through walls and concrete. It has multiple channels and a very powerful battery that ensures a high battery life.
Consideration for Choosing Best Walkie Talkies for Retail Stores
Knowing the importance of a communications radio to a business outlet, the owner needs to get one. Getting a radio is very easy, but getting the right walkie talkie for retail store can be difficult. Two-way radios are vital to a retail store, so you should ensure you get the right one.
To get the right radio, you should consider some factors. These factors will give you an insight on what type or model of two-way radio you should go for. Here are some factors to consider while choosing the best radio for your store.
Size
The size of your radio matters a lot in your daily activities in the store. As much as you want a functional and efficient transceiver, you should also consider the radio’s size. The dimensions of the radio tell a lot about its appearance and handiness.
As a retailer, you would want a corporate look for your workers, and large radios can be a spoiler. Smaller transceivers look smart on workers as they can hook it to their body without any problem. The smaller the radio, the easier it is to conceal them, and that might be the exact feature you want as you wouldn’t want it to grab too much attention.
The size of the radio also determines how handy it can come. Handy radios are very easy to carry around; retail workers have a lot to do, and taking a large transceiver can be a setback. Small size radios are the best for your retail stores.
Range
The range of a retail walkie talkie is an essential factor to consider when choosing because it is the radio’s distance during communication. Although retail stores do not need to cover long distance making radios with a low range suitable for the task, you must also consider it.
There is not much distance to cover in an outlet because every worker is right inside the building. It means that most radios will work conveniently in the store. Nevertheless, you still have to check out the radio range as it is better to go for a transceiver with a higher range as you have nothing to lose.
Two-way radios with a large range are the best type. Ensure you get them because you might need to expand your outlet to a larger size where smaller range radios won’t work efficiently. Always ensure to go for the transceivers with a larger range than those with a lower range.
Durability
Durability also matters when getting a radio for your retail stores. In the retail business, stores are always in a warehouse where the ground is mostly made of concrete or hard materials. It would be best if you always had provisions for little hazards that can happen to the radio.
The durability of the radio is how much the radio can withstand these hazards and still keep working. You have to consider this carefully as you won’t want your radio to stop working abruptly. The radios will work for several hours in a month and accidentally drop against hard objects, fall into the water, etc. It is why you have to get a radio that can survive these strains.
If you get a very durable radio, you will be able to overcome these problems with ease. When choosing a durable radio, you should look out for radios with shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof abilities. They are probably the best for your retail stores.
Battery Life
Another crucial factor to consider is the battery life of the radio. Most people try to overlook this factor for a few reasons, but it is essential to consider this factor. The radio battery life determines how long the radio can work while there is no connection to an external power source.
The battery life of a radio depends on the quality of its battery. A battery with low quality will provide a short battery life. In contrast, batteries with high quality will provide a high battery life. When a transceiver is suffering from low battery life, it won’t function for an extended period without connection to an external power source.
In the outlet, workers have to move around, and they might not have the time to keep their radios charging. You have to go for walkie talkies with a high battery life that will work for multiple shifts with just a full charge. This way, your retailing activity maintains its high productivity and efficiency.
For good battery quality, you should go for li-ion batteries. They offer high-quality power and also charge fast. They also do not damage easily, and they ensure a high battery life. Make sure you get a radio with a high battery life for your outlet.
Channels
You must check the number of channels a radio has before getting it. The channel is the means of communication on walkie talkies. The radio transmits and receives messages from fellow users on the same channel.
Having multiple channels means you can speak with different groups of people on the same transceiver. It only requires the admin, the store owner, to switch from one channel to another while communicating with other people. The channels allow the admin to send messages to the appropriate set of people and ensure quicker reactions.
Your outlet needs to have radios with multiple channels. These make it easy to communicate with workers and also ensure high efficiency and productivity.
Other Features
There are other features to look out for when choosing the best walkie talkie for your outlet. One of the vital features is the frequency band of the radio. It is crucial to consider the radio frequency band because it determines the strength of the radio signal.
There are two frequency bands; the VHF and UHF. The former is suitable for long-distance and outdoor use because of its low penetration power. The latter is suitable for indoor and warehouse use because of its high penetrating power. The UHF is suitable for your outlet, so you should go for them; combining the two frequency band is not a bad idea.
Retail Stores Walkie Talkies FAQs
Where to Buy Best Ham Radios For Beginners
You can buy radios at online and physical stores. You can get them at affordable prices. It only requires you to know the specification of the radio you need and have provision for its cost.
You can get the radio at an affordable price at online stores like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and several other stores. You can also visit the nearest electronic shop for your radio.
