The 9 Best Retail Traffic Counters
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in November of 2018. If you want to analyze shopping trends in your store or ensure your venue doesn't run afoul of fire regulations, one of these door traffic counters can give you the information you need. They'll help you track how many people move through your retail establishment, determine your busiest hours and days, and make staffing decisions. Some models have video capabilities to enhance security, as well. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Axis M3016
2. SmartCounter Infrared
3. PeopleCounterOnline Display
Editor's Notes
November 03, 2020:
In today’s update, a compact and highly capable camera model comes on board. The Axis M3016 is designed for easy recessed installation, and provides a wide field of view. It can be used in conjunction with the manufacturer’s software to run customer reports that include the number of visitors and what percentage of them make purchases. With the software, you can access your data via the web, and the device also features a memory slot for local storage as well. This model replaces the Axis Analytic, which is not available at this time. We also moved the SmartCounter Infrared to a more prominent position on the list, as it’s both versatile and easy to use. The transmitter and receiver can be placed up to 16 feet apart, which makes it suitable for wide entryways. Just tape the magnetic key fob to manually reset the display. It boasts a simple plug-and-play design and comes with adhesive plates for mounting. You can purchase it with confidence, thanks to a 12-month warranty. From the same manufacturer comes the SmartCounter Data, which allows you to export data collected as a CSV file that can be opened in Microsoft Excel or Google Docs.
Two digital models from PeopleCounterOnline can give you convenient tallies without much work on your part. The PeopleCounterOnline Display features a bidirectional design, so it can tell you how many have entered and exited your establishment. It’s easy to install and runs on two AA batteries. The PeopleCounterOnline Visitor is somewhat similar, but is only one-directional. Its counters can handle a wide range of up to 33 feet. A couple of basic, budget-friendly selections from Digi 1st are made for those who aren’t looking for anything fancy and who have someone on hand to manually tally customer traffic counts. The Digi 1st TC-04 features a sturdy metal housing and incorporates a side dial that you can adjust whenever someone enters. Pressing the top knob lets you reset it back to zero. With the Digi 1st TC-880, you can add or subtract from the total as people come and go. A handy lock setting ensures you won’t need to worry about accidentally pressing any of the buttons. It can be set to beep audibly when you make changes, or to remain silent.
December 07, 2018:
Those hoping for something that's a step up from the standard clicker you've seen at concerts may be disappointed in many of the lesser units, as they can be easily beat by two people walking through at the same time. Many of the best units are bidirectional, have cameras, and provide analytics, making them worth the investment if you know how to use them.
Special Honors
Spectrum 3D People Counter This overhead device uses 3D imaging technology and analytics, for a highly accurate video system of people counting. It can help you plan your operations efficiently and optimize your resources. The camera can be used in conjunction with the company’s VisiCount software to monitor traffic and generate reports. You can install more than one camera and have the software report on multiple entrances and other monitoring points. It’s available in different models designed for indoor or outdoor applications. trafsys.com
SMS Storetraffic 3D Scope II LC Designed to handle challenging foot traffic situations, this stereoscopic camera can provide the exact number of adults who enter, even if they’re side by side. It also tallies an average number of children, and is able to filter out shopping carts. This intelligent device can also report on the directions your customers turn once they come into the store, and is capable of performing in extreme lighting levels. You can schedule video uploads and review them from anywhere. storetraffic.com
4. SmartCounter Data
5. PeopleCounterOnline Visitor
6. Amaryllo AR4B
7. Seco-Larm Enforcer
8. Digi 1st TC-880
9. Digi 1st TC-04
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.