The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

News from Tower Systems about locally made POS software for specialty local retailers.

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“Hooking” Your Customers: how our Tower Systems POS Software helps your fishing business thrive

January 22, 2025
3 Min read
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In the competitive world of fishing and outdoor retail, it’s not just about selling gear – it’s about hooking your customers and keeping them coming back for more. This is where Stickiness truly matters.

Retailer, the locally made and supported POS software from Tower Systems, is designed specifically for fishing and outdoors businesses, bait and tackle businesses,  offering features that enhance customer engagement and drive long-term loyalty.

Here’s how Retailer helps you build that “Stickiness”:

  • Instant Rewards: Capture those impulse purchases and encourage repeat business with instant loyalty rewards. Offer vouchers for the next purchase, redeemable within a timeframe you set. This is particularly effective for seasonal shoppers, common in our industry.

    • Did you know? 19% of vouchers are typically redeemed, with a surprising number used the same day, especially by male shoppers!

  • Smart Receipts: Go beyond a simple transaction. Include valuable information on your receipts:

    • Product Care Instructions: Extend the life of their purchases and demonstrate your expertise.
    • Local Fishing Tips: Share insider knowledge on hot spots, fishing times, and techniques. This valuable information will make you the go-to resource for local anglers.

  • Community Power: Foster a sense of community and attract new customers with club and group discounts.

    • Think outside the box! A “club” could be as simple as a group of friends who fish together regularly.

  • Creative Bundling: Increase average order value and make your store unique with bundled goods.

    • Examples: “The Ultimate Bass Combo” (rod, reel, lures), “The Weekend Angler Pack” (rod, reel, tackle box, cooler). Retailer’s features make it easy to manage bundles and track inventory effectively.

  • Beyond the Sale:

    • Repair Services: Track repairs efficiently and keep customers informed, building trust and encouraging future business.
    • Special Orders: Personalise the experience by ordering items specifically for customers and notifying them upon arrival.

  • Marketing Made Easy:

    • Targeted Campaigns: Leverage customer data to send timely offers based on purchase history, birthdays, and more.
    • BOGO Offers: Easily manage Buy One Get One Free promotions at the register for a consistent customer experience.
    • Catalogue Support: Seamlessly integrate catalogue pricing and promotions into your point-of-sale system.

  • Customer Focus:

    • Serial Number Tracking: Provide customers with peace of mind by including serial numbers on receipts for high-value items.
    • Gift Vouchers: Offer a convenient gift option for those who are unsure what to buy.

  • Business Efficiency:

    • Supplier Comparison: Analyse supplier performance to optimise your purchasing decisions.
    • Flexible Payment Options: Offer Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) for customer convenience and improve cash flow.
    • Remote Management: Stay connected to your business from anywhere with Retailer’s powerful remote access features.

Retailer is more than just POS software; it’s a tool to build a thriving, customer-centric fishing business. By leveraging its features, you can increase customer loyalty, drive sales, and solidify your position as the go-to destination for anglers in your community.

Contact Tower Systems today to learn more about how Retailer can help you “hook” and retain more customers. 1300 662 957. sales@towersystems.com.au

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Vela APX Announces the Acquisition of Tower Systems

January 21, 2025
3 Min read
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January 21st, 2024 – Melbourne, Australia – Vela APX, a division of Vela Software Group and Constellation Software Inc (CSI), is pleased to announce the formation of Tower Systems, following the acquisition of assets from Tower Systems International Pty Ltd. This acquisition strengthens Vela’s portfolio and enhances its capabilities across independent retail in Australia and New Zealand.

Tower Systems provides Australian-made and supported Point of Sale (POS) software designed specifically for independent and specialty retailers. With tailored solutions for sectors such as jewelers, garden centres, bike shops, pet stores, and more, Tower Systems empowers local businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and grow sustainably. The company also offers integrated services such as eCommerce website development, inventory management, and accounting integrations, ensuring a comprehensive solution for retailers. Backed by a dedicated support team and decades of industry expertise, Tower Systems is a trusted partner for small businesses across Australia and New Zealand.

Mark Fletcher, founder of Tower Systems commented: “I am grateful to have found a happy and strong home for the Tower Systems community of team members and customers and to have done this at a time of my choosing. I am also thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve the business as it evolves in its service of local independent small businesses. Our mission remains: to help local indie retailers thrive.”

Gavin Williams, General Manager of Tower Systems, expressed excitement about joining the Vela Software Group, “We’re excited to join the Vela Software Group, a move that builds on the dedication and talent of our team. This partnership will help us grow, innovate, and continue providing practical solutions that make a real difference for the Retail businesses we are proud to serve.”

Mark Schmutter, Group Director at Vela APX, echoed this sentiment in saying “We are thrilled to welcome Gavin, Mark and the Tower Systems team to the Vela Group. Their expertise in providing real solutions for independent retailers helps to strengthen our position in these markets both in Australia/New Zealand and with our other business unit servicing similar customers in the UK. Tower’s agility, innovation and flexibility, combined with Vela’s network of expertise and resources, will allow them to thrive and continue evolving with their customers.”

This acquisition reinforces Vela’s “connected autonomy” model, providing Tower Systems with the agility to innovate while benefiting from the broader support and resources available within the Vela Group.

For more information on Tower Systems and Vela APX, please visit velaapx.com or contact us at vela_m&a@velaapx.com.

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We learnt plenty attending the National Retail Federation Big Show in New York last week

January 21, 2025
4 Min read
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While the real gold of what we learnt at the NRF Big Show, the largest retail / tech conference and trade show in the world, is being kept close for our internal use, we do have some takeaways to share.

The NRF Big Show 2025, organised by the National Retail Federation, attracted around 40,000 attendees and featured around 450 speakers across 200 sessions. The trade show hosted around 1,000 companies. It was a conference and trade show about tech in retail, for retailers.

This year’s theme, “Game Changer,” highlighted the pressing challenges and transformations within retail and urgent need for innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the hot topic in presentations and on vendor stands. Only a few companies on the trade show flow did not include AI in their key pitch. From the small and niche to the large, AI was the headline. Those without it felt out of date.

Key discussions at the event focused on the integration of AI across a range of businesses and covering a variety of uses:

  1. In retail:
    1. Migrating back off functions to the shop floor.
    2. Faster and better-quality decision making.
    3. Elimination of complete manual tasks.
    4. New monetisation opportunities.
  2. In software businesses:
    1. Faster development time, lower development costs.
    2. Faster, lower cost and more accessible customer service.

Conference sessions.

Workshops were packed, standing room only, often with 1,000 in attendance to hear from retailers and tech companies about their collaborative innovation and how it benefited the retailer.

AI driven inventory management was an often-covered topic. I sat in sessions on several different businesses (Dicks Sporting Goods, GAP clothing, Freedom Furniture (Australia), Men’s Warehouse, Academy Sports & Outdoors and more.

They covered how AI tools helped them cut inventory management labour costs, improve stock turn, make beneficial dynamic pricing decisions, have less out of stocks and increase sales by giving in-store associates easy access to information.

Most presentations talked about how third-party AI products were key to delivering these benefits, with the POS providing one of the data sources for the AI led innovation. On the trade show floor plenty of mid-tier POS software companies pitched embedded AI tools to help drive inventory related profitability. However, when asked two of these could not answer beyond a bland, canned, sales pitch.

The AI pitch from POS software companies to retailers in 2025 is reminiscent of the cloud pitch in the early 2000s except that the financial benefits of AI are tangible for all retailers, large and small – especially small given their limited resources and the easy access to the power of AI.

AI is more interesting to retailers today than cloud was (and maybe is) because it is ubiquitous, we see ourselves interacting with it daily.

A cohesive omnichannel solution pitch was common among all POS vendors. It was clear that integrations are key here, offering flexibility.

Ease of staff learning was also covered in several presentations with retailers noting that onboarding new staff had been dramatically reduced. At Dicks, for example, their goal was a POS UX facilitating training taking < 10 minutes compared to the previous 6 hours experience.

It was interesting hearing questions from retailers in the conference sessions. Most related to AI. These were usually from mid-size retail staff:

  • What’s the labour cost saving from AI?
  • How long does it take to experience saving from using AI?
  • What’s the transactional cost of the AI tools?
  • How hard is it to use the AI tools?

Each question has positive answers available. There was little contention or controversy. It left me with a feeling that for most AI was not a matter of if but more one of how soon can I.

…

Tower Systems was an early adopter in the AI space for small business retail. In 2022 we delivered terrific innovation and have enhanced this since. Our retailers are loving the time they save thanks to our Ai tools and the quality business decisions they can make with speed as well.

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POS software made for local independent bookshops

January 20, 2025
2 Min read
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Our Tower Systems POS software is tailored to the unique needs of local independent bookshops in Australia and New Zealand.

Developed and supported locally and in consultation with local bookshop owners and staff, it provides a comprehensive suite of features to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.

The bookshop software is not set in stone. It continues to evolve as the needs and opportunities for local bookshops evolve. Here’s how it looks today:

Key features of our bookshop POS software for local independent bookshops include:

  • AI tools to help you be efficient.
  • Book Club Management: Easily manage book club memberships, track rewards, and streamline fundraising efforts. This helps you connect with readers, serve them and win business from them.
  • Efficient Special Order Handling: Seamlessly process special orders, track their status, and notify customers of their arrival.
  • Advanced Inventory Search: Quickly find books by author name, part of author name, or title.
  • International Barcode Integration: Directly connect to international barcode databases for efficient lookups.
  • AI-Powered Product Descriptions: Leverage ChatGPT integration to generate compelling product descriptions that boost customer search results.
  • Intelligent Returns Management: Identify slow-moving titles and streamline the return process, optimising inventory and maximising returns.
  • PacStream Connectivity: Access the powerful PacStream platform directly from our software, enabling streamlined supply chain management and cost savings.

Our software is designed to empower independent booksellers and help them thrive. Whether you prefer cloud-based or desktop solutions, we offer flexible deployment options and expert support to ensure a smooth transition.

Sell online. Choose the online platform that suits your needs and interests: Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce. You are not locked in.

By choosing our bookshop POS software, you’re investing in a tool that supports your community and strengthens your business. We’re committed to helping you create a vibrant and engaging space for your customers.

You can rely on this POS software for bookshops:

  • Easy and accurate selling.
  • Search products by title or author.
  • Special orders for customers.
  • Club / group pricing to win more sales.
  • Free integration with FindIt local marketplace.
  • Easy online selling.
  • TitlePage integration.
  • PacStream integration.
  • Locally made software.
  • Local help desk support.
  • Awesome training resources.

We are grateful to bookshop software customers who help us be relevant in this rapidly changing marketplace.

This software is made for local independent bookshop businesses. It is not for chains or big businesses.

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Software made for jewellers in Australia and New Zealand

January 16, 2025
3 Min read
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Tower Systems is grateful to serve hundreds of jewellers in Australia and New Zealand with POS software made specifically for them.

In the rapidly changing landscape of Australian retail, independent jewellers occupy a special place. They bring a unique blend of passion, expertise, and customer service to the communities they serve. But in today’s competitive market, it’s crucial for these businesses to have the right tools at their disposal to flourish.

Tower Systems understands the specific needs of Australian jewellers. Their software is designed to streamline operations, boost sales, and enhance customer loyalty, allowing jewellers to focus on what they do best: creating beautiful pieces and providing exceptional service.

Streamlined operations for efficiency and accuracy

Tower Systems’ software goes beyond traditional point-of-sale systems. It offers a comprehensive suite of features specifically designed for jewellery stores, including:

  • Jeweller-specific stock management: Track inventory down to the finest detail, including stone details, weight, and grading.
  • Seamless integrations: Connect with Xero for accounting, Shopify and BigCommerce for online sales, and EFTPOS terminals for secure payments.
  • Second-hand goods management: Simplify the buying and selling of pre-owned jewellery with dedicated features.
  • Repair management: Track repairs both in-house and with external vendors.
  • Event marketing tools: Create targeted marketing campaigns based on customer anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Boosting Sales and Customer Satisfaction

Tower Systems empowers jewellers to not only manage their stores efficiently but also to grow their sales and cultivate stronger customer relationships. Here’s how:

  • Loyalty programs: Design and implement loyalty programs tailored to your clientele, encouraging repeat business and referrals.
  • Sell by weight and fractions: Cater to customers who want to purchase specific gold or gemstone quantities.
  • Sell anywhere: Use the Retailer Roam™ app to process sales from anywhere on the shop floor, enhancing customer service.
  • Special order tools: Take pre-orders for items you don’t have in stock, capitalising on customer demand.
  • Data-driven insights: Gain valuable insights into sales trends and customer behaviour to make informed business decisions.

Empowerment through training and support

Tower Systems prioritises customer success. They provide a structured onboarding process, including:

  • Pre-installation training and information packs
  • Personalised one-on-one training delivered remotely or on-site
  • Unlimited follow-up training
  • Data conversion assistance
  • Access to a comprehensive knowledge base and video library

Tower Systems’ commitment goes beyond initial setup. They offer ongoing support through their local help desk, ensuring that jewellers have the resources they need to get the most out of the software.

The Tower Systems difference

Tower Systems stands out from the competition in several key ways:

  • Focus on independent jewellers: Their software is designed specifically for the needs of Australian jewellery stores, not generic retailers.
  • No lock-in contracts: Jewellers are free to cancel their subscription at any time.
  • EFTPOS choice: Tower Systems integrates with various EFTPOS providers, allowing jewellers to choose the one that best suits their business.
  • Australian-made and supported: Tower Systems is a local company that understands the Australian jewellery market and provides local support.

By partnering with Tower Systems, Australian jewellers can leverage locally made and supported POS software that is tuned for their type of business.  With their user-friendly software, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, Tower Systems empowers jewellers to thrive in the competitive retail landscape.

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POS software helping Bathroom Supplies businesses thrive

January 15, 2025
3 Min read
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We are grateful to help local bathroom suppliers businesses thrive with POS software that serves their needs. Here are easy in which our Tower Systems POS software can help bathroom supplies businesses:

The customer account management, variable pricing, inventory management, serial number tracking, product care, services tracking, chemical product note management, customer reminder and other tools work well for people in bathroom suppliers businesses. On top of these features you have Xero accounting integration, Shopify integration and plenty more.

Using this software, bathroom supplies businesses are able to track inventory, track labour, render invoices, create quotes and do much more to have a better handle on the business day to day and to spot trends that can be leveraged into the future.

There is also an option for using the POS software for bathroom supplies businesses out on the road, away from the business shop or office. It’s terrific for transacting on the road business.

Within the bathroom suppliers software, you can remember use and care instructions for each product. While this is optional, it offers the business the ability to be more than a seller of products. Selling products with information, intellectual property, can differentiate the business and this is key to return business.

Can I use the software to manage repairs? Yes. You can track jobs, parts and labour. Plus, communication with customers is streamlined.

Can I remind customers about servicing? Yes.

Can I do this by text or email? Either, we support both.

Can I look-up historical servicing records for a specific customer? Yes.

Can I create a quote for a customer and manage this? Yes.

Can I track / manage quotes? Yes.

Can I track using parts from my shop and labour to make other products? Yes.

Can the software track special or one-off orders for customers? Yes, from the moment the order is placed.

Can I manage selling second-hand items? Yes.

Can I group items together to sell in a pack or bundle? Yes, it’s easy to create packs using the software.

Does the software track product serial numbers? Yes. You have a couple of different ways you can do this.

Can I sell some items by colour, size and style? Yes.

Can I sell some items by weight or measure? Yes.

Can I integrate the software with my suppliers? Yes. We have many customers importing stock files and invoices. If you want to provide a supplier a data feed of sales of their product, our software can do this too.

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POS software for AIRR / Tuckers and other pet and produce and farm supply businesses

January 14, 2025
3 Min read
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Tower Systems: empowering AIRR & Tuckers pet & produce members and unaffiliated pet stores and produce / farm supply businesses

At Tower Systems, we’re proud to provide Point of Sale (POS) software to a significant number of AIRR and Tuckers Pet & Produce members as well as to many unaffiliated pet stores and farm supply businesses. We understand the unique needs of these businesses and offer a robust POS system is essential for success.

Why Tower Systems?

  • Profitability:

    • Boost customer spend per visit.
    • Reward customers in a way they understand and respond to.
    • Increase customer loyalty and repeat business.
    • Reduce costs associated with slow-moving or obsolete stock.
    • Minimise errors and improve operational efficiency.
    • Gain valuable insights for informed business decisions.

  • Group benefits:

    • Leverage consistent stock files and electronic invoicing.
    • Simplify business-to-business comparisons.
    • Access enhanced business development support.
    • Maintain complete control and security within your own business.

  • Key features:

    • Fast & Accurate Sales: Streamline transactions.
    • Easy Integration: Seamlessly connect with Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks.
    • Customer Management: Track customer accounts and loyalty programs.
    • Inventory Control: Monitor stock movement, identify theft, and manage multiple price levels.
    • Reporting & Analytics: Gain valuable insights into sales performance, supplier performance, and key business metrics.
    • Enhanced Security: Protect your business data and control system settings.
    • Peace of Mind: Establish consistent processes for efficient business operations.

What makes Tower Systems worthy of consideration?

  • Australian Operated: We understand the Australian market and provide localised support.
  • Personalised service: Direct human interaction, no automated systems.
  • Whole-of-company support: Access to all levels of the Tower Systems team for prompt assistance.
  • Focus on software, not consulting: Our primary focus is providing you with powerful software, not driving up costs through consulting services.
  • On-Site support: We provide in-person installation and training, working closely with your team.
  • Extensive features: Offer unparalleled flexibility and customisation options to meet your unique business needs.
  • Employee theft prevention: Built-in tools to monitor employee activity and reduce theft.
  • Retail-focused solutions: Powerful reporting and analytics to uncover hidden opportunities and drive growth.

At Tower Systems, we are committed to empowering businesses with the tools and support needed to thrive. We believe our comprehensive POS solution, combined with our exceptional local service and unwavering focus on your success, makes us the ideal partner for AIRR and Tuckers Pet & Produce members as well as to independent pet, produce and farm supply businesses. Contact us today to learn more about how Tower Systems can help you achieve your business goals. 1300 662 957 or sales@towersystems.com.au.

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Aussie made and supported software for building and landscape supply businesses

January 13, 2025
3 Min read
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We are grateful to help local building and landscape supply businesses thrive with POS software that serves their needs. Our interest in these building and landscape supply businesses grew from our work for years with Garden centres. There is a crossover of need between these businesses.

Here are easy in which our Tower Systems POS software can help building and landscape supplybusinesses:

The selling by weight or volume including support for fractions, creating quotations and converting these to invoices, customer account management, variable pricing, inventory management, serial number tracking, product care, services tracking, chemical product note management, customer reminder and other tools work well for people in bathroom suppliers businesses. On top of these features you have Xero accounting integration, Shopify integration and plenty more.

Using this software, building and landscape supply businesses are able to track inventory, track labour, render invoices, create quotes and do much more to have a better handle on the business day to day and to spot trends that can be leveraged into the future.

There is also an option for using the POS software for building and landscape supply businesses out on the road, away from the business shop or office. It’s terrific for transacting on the road business.

Within the building and landscape supply software, you can remember use and care instructions for each product. While this is optional, it offers the business the ability to be more than a seller of products. Selling products with information, intellectual property, can differentiate the business and this is key to return business.

Can I use the software to track jobs? Yes. You can track jobs, parts and labour. Plus, communication with customers is streamlined.

Can I remind customers about servicing for follow up? Yes.

Can I do this by text or email? Either, we support both.

Can I look-up historical servicing records for a specific customer? Yes.

Can I create a quote for a customer and manage this? Yes.

Can I track / manage quotes? Yes.

Can I track using parts from my shop and labour to make other products? Yes.

Can the software track special or one-off orders for customers? Yes, from the moment the order is placed.

Can I manage selling second-hand items? Yes.

Can I group items together to sell in a pack or bundle? Yes, it’s easy to create packs using the software.

Does the software track product serial numbers? Yes. You have a couple of different ways you can do this.

Can I sell some items by colour, size and style? Yes.

Can I sell some items by weight or measure? Yes.

Can I integrate the software with my suppliers? Yes. We have many customers importing stock files and invoices. If you want to provide a supplier a data feed of sales of their product, our software can do this too.

Our Tower Systems POS is designed to empower building and landscape supply businesses with the tools they need to succeed. By streamlining operations, improving customer relationships, and providing valuable insights, our software helps businesses increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately grow their bottom line. We invite you to explore the full range of features and discover how Tower Systems POS can help your business today.

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Aussie made and supported POS software for Christmas shops

January 10, 2025
3 Min read
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Here at Tower Systems we are grateful to serve several local Christmas shops with POS software. Our software works well for the needs of Christmas shops.

Handling customer special orders is easy as is handling pre-orders and pre-sales. We also have a wonderful option for selling at a market or in a pop up shop situation.

Selling online is a dream too thanks to our Shopify integration as well as integrations to other online platforms.

With seasonal traffic peaks and troughs, our smart loyalty tools help Christmas shop retailers to maximise the less frequent shopper visit.

Our software for Christmas shops helps these local and niche retail businesses thrive, to play into their specialisation and to stand out against big business competitors.

Our smart tools help Christmas shop owners see opportunities way faster than manual processes. Our AI tools push actionable insights that can help these businesses act faster and more profitable. This matters in a Christmas shop in that they are on a tight schedule and have a shorter than usual for retail window for driving business success.

A seasonal business like a Christmas shop needs to be able to deal with sale opportunities quickly and efficiently. Our Tower Systems POS software helps with this. Boxing Day sales, for example, are a breeze.

Running on the desktop or in the cloud, this POS software from Tower Systems for Christmas shops is a good solution for these local small business retailers. Packed with benefits, this software helps local specialty retailers shine.

  • A ChatGPT integration that generates product descriptions for your consideration. This can help create more compelling descriptions.
  • An international barcode database lookup integration that makes adding new products faster and more accurate.
  • Auto background removal of photos you load, making them more useful for links to websites: Shopify, Big Commerce and others.
  • Free integration with the FindIt.com.au marketplace, designed to help drive local shopper traffic.
  • Shopper self-checkout version.
  • A portable sell from anywhere / anytime solution for large properties, local markets and pop-up retail.

Tower Systems offers benefits on which you can rely:

  • Managing special orders for customers.
  • Tracking repairs.
  • Club / school / music teacher grouping pricing: easily attract and service group members.
  • Bundle products to sell more.
  • Record product serial numbers.
  • Shopper loyalty tools tuned for your type of business.
  • Helping you market to customers based on past purchases.
  • Sell and manage services.
  • Link to a Shopify, Big Commerce or Woo website.
  • Low cost EFTPOS option.
  • No cost EFTPOS option.
  • Easily link to Xero for accounting.

If you are considering new software for your Christmas shop, call 1300 662 957 or email sales@towersystems.com.au.

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Aussie made and supported POS software for coin dealers

January 9, 2025
3 Min read
A

Tower Systems makes point-of-sale (POS) software for a range of specialty retail channels, including coin dealers.

We’ve found our POS software has features that perfectly suit the needs of coin dealers, such as:

  • Serial number tracking: Keep meticulous records of every coin that comes with a serial number.
  • Enhanced security levels: Protect your valuable inventory and customer data.
  • Age verification: Ensure compliance with age restrictions for certain coin purchases.
  • Online store integration: Seamlessly connect your physical and online sales channels.
  • Detailed product descriptions: Capture rich information about each coin, including historical and numismatic details.
  • Free access to international barcode lookup: Easily find and manage barcodes for your inventory.

The Tower Systems coin dealer POS software also allows you to:

  • Use extended product descriptions: Record comprehensive details about each coin, including its history, condition, and any unique features.
  • Track sales by mint: Analyse the performance of different mints and identify sales trends.

A significant benefit of Tower Systems POS software for coin dealers is the streamlined handling of secondhand goods:

  • Track secondhand goods: Monitor the journey of each secondhand coin from the moment it enters your store.
  • Manage consignment items: Easily track coins held on consignment for other collectors.

Selling at local markets is a breeze with our Retailer Roam option:

  • Sell from anywhere: Process sales effortlessly at markets and other off-site locations.

Check out www.mintconshop.com.au to see a Shopify site we created that is connected to our Tower POS software.  We help make managing online sales easy.

See how our coin dealer POS software can benefit your business. We offer personalised demonstrations to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs. There’s no obligation and no pressure – we understand that every coin dealership is unique.

Here are some of the ways our POS software can help you leverage the unique aspects of your coin dealership:

  • Rare visit loyalty: Nurture relationships with collectors who may visit infrequently by offering targeted loyalty programs.
  • Pre-orders: Easily manage pre-orders for coins that are not yet in stock, securing sales and fulfilling customer requests.
  • Professional valuations: Generate professional-looking valuation certificates for your customers.
  • Second-hand goods management: Track and manage secondhand goods with ease, ensuring accurate records and efficient inventory control.
  • Connecting buyers and sellers: Leverage your database to connect collectors with specific interests.
  • Buy Now Pay Later and Lay-By options: Offer flexible payment options to your customers.
  • Repairs management: Track labour and parts for repairs, ensuring efficient and transparent service for your customers.
  • Group marketing and support: Easily target specific groups and clubs with tailored offers and pricing.
  • Product care information: Share valuable product care knowledge with your customers to enhance their collecting experience.
  • Serial number tracking: Maintain accurate records of coins with serial numbers.
  • Anniversary marketing: Celebrate collector anniversaries with personalised offers and promotions to foster long-term relationships.

Our Australian-made and supported coin dealer shop POS software offers much more.

Schedule a free, no-obligation demonstration today and discover how it can help you streamline your operations and grow your business. Call 1300 662 957 or email sales@towersystems.com.au.

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From the trenches: the outlook for local small business retail in Australia in 2025

January 8, 2025
3 Min read
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We’ve read stories published news outlets about the economic outlook for 2025. Often, they quote either organisations representing big business or the work from think tanks that are distanced from everyday local retail.

Our outlook for local small business retail in 2025 is based on conversations with local retailers, small business retailers. these are typically retailers on the high street across a range of business types and in different settings: city, country and remote.

The thing is, there is no one outlook. It does vary by geographic situation, business type retail setting (mall versus high street) and, most important of all, the skills and resources of the retailer.

The news outlets publishing these general outlooks are filling their pages and pixels with fodder. Okay they do have data to backup their reports. It’s blended data though. The differences across sectors and geographical situations does differ considerably.

Now to our outlook for 2025 for local small business retail in Australia.

The outlook is good. We see growth for retailers engaged with running efficient customer-focussed businesses. Typically, these are retail shops not constrained by the expectations for their type of business. They are flexible businesses prepared to tread away from expectations in pursuit of sales.

Here’s what we mean.

Garden centres with the best outlook for 2025 are those that are not your traditional garden centre.

Bike shops with the best outlook fort 2025 are those that trade outside of what is expected for a bike shop.

Bookshops with the best outlook for 2025 are those that are not traditional bookshops.

Newsagents with the best outlook for 2025 are those that don’t run traditional newsagency businesses.

The common attributes for the local retail businesses with the best outlook for 2025 are:

Staff efficiency. Managing labour cost as a percentage of revenue to be as low as practical.

Shopper efficiency. These are businesses getting shoppers to spend more each visit and to come back more often.

Gross profit value. These are businesses setting prices based on value delivered rather than obsessing offer what others may charge for the same products.

Return on floorspace. These are businesses focussed on using space well and not leaving things to sit for too long.

Return on inventory investment. These are businesses tracking stock turn and buying to maximise this.

While national economic forecasts often paint a broad and sometimes misleading picture, the reality for local small businesses in 2025 is far more nuanced. Success hinges on a combination of factors, including adaptability, efficiency, and a customer-centric approach. Those retailers who embrace innovation, challenge traditional business models, and prioritise value over conformity are poised to thrive. By focusing on optimising staff and shopper efficiency, maximising gross profit margins, and ensuring efficient use of space and inventory, local businesses can navigate the complexities of the market and secure a prosperous future.

2025 is a year of opportunity in local small business retail. the opportunity is there for the taking. Having success to share in December this year depends on decisions and actions of each local small business retailer. No matter your size, budget or resources, there are decisions you can make today that mean your story by December this year will be one of which you are proud.

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3 ways any local small business retailer can improve their profit

January 7, 2025
3 Min read
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Growing a retail business is all about building on success. Each step forward paves the way for the next, creating a snowball effect for your profits. Here are three easy ti implement strategies any small business retailer can implement to achieve this compounding effect.

These are easy strategies. You can remember and use them in many different business decisions you make. We’ve gone with 3 because it’s easy to remember them and use them.

1. Attract New Customers: go beyond your usual base

It’s fantastic to have returning customers, but relying solely on them limits your growth. Every single day, dedicate some effort to attracting fresh faces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Create eye-catching window displays. Think unique, vibrant, and relevant to your products. You want people to stop when they notice the window from the corner of their eye.
  • Be active on social media. Share engaging posts, stories, and promotions that resonate with your target audience. Be personal. Give of yourself.
  • Partner with local community groups. Sponsor events, offer discounts to members, and build connections within the community. Be local.
  • Support local club member fundraisers. This not only helps a good cause, but gets your brand in front of a new group of potential customers.

2. Maximise Your Gross Profit Percentage: be smart about buying and pricing

The price you pay for your products and how you price them directly impacts your profit margin. Here’s a two-pronged approach:

  • Negotiate the best deals possible with your suppliers. Every cent saved on your end translates to more profit in your pocket.
  • Focus on offering value and price accordingly. Don’t simply race to the bottom by constantly undercutting competitors. Highlight the benefits and unique selling points of your products and price them fairly. Add value in your service and price products accordingly. If people shop with you because you are convenient, price that in when you can.

3. Encourage Customers to Spend More: the art of the “bigger basket”

Strategic product placement can significantly increase the average amount customers spend per visit. Consider these tactics:

  • Place impulse buys near counters and high-traffic areas. Small, attractive items like phone cases, chocolates, or accessories can easily be added to a customer’s final purchase.
  • Learn from past buying patterns. Analyse what people tend to buy together and use this data to guide product placement. For example, if socks are frequently bought with shoes, consider positioning them nearby.
  • Utilise loyalty programs strategically. Loyalty programs can encourage repeat business and incentivise higher spending. Make sure your loyalty program is easily understood and quick for shoppers to engage with.

Tower Systems: your partner in profitable retail

At Tower Systems, our Australian-made POS software can help you implement these strategies and more. We’re not your average POS company – we serve local specialty retail, small business retail, independent retail. We are retail experienced and can empathise with local retailers in practical ways.

We understand the unique challenges faced by local Aussie retailers. For over 26 years, we’ve been helping our 3,000+ customers run more successful, enjoyable, and profitable businesses. Beyond our software, we offer ongoing support, data-driven insights, and expert business analysis to keep your retail dreams thriving.

We’d love to find out about your needs: 

Website: www.towersystems.com.au
Phone Australia: 1300 662 957
Phone New Zealand: 0800 444 367
Email: sales@towersystems.com.au

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5 easy tips for small business retail sales people

January 6, 2025
2 Min read
5

Retail isn’t just a job; it’s an art form. Okay, working is literally is a job, we gat that. The thing is though, it can be more for you and for the business for which you work and making it more can make it more useful to you and your future and more valuable for them, which benefits you.

Working in retail, especially local small business retail, demands skill, stamina, and a dash of creativity. And while it’s often undervalued, smart retailers recognise the power of a skilled sales team.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these five tips can help you level up your retail game:

1. Connect, don’t just sell. People buy from people they like. Build genuine connections with your customers. Listen attentively, respond thoughtfully, and show genuine care. A personal touch can be the difference between a one-time sale and a loyal customer.

2. Know your stuff. Knowledge is your superpower. Dive deep into your products. Understand their features, benefits, and how they can solve your customers’ problems. The more you know, the more confident and helpful you’ll be. Be helpful, but not a smart-ass.

3. Spread positivity A positive attitude is contagious. Smile, laugh, and let your enthusiasm shine. Happy salespeople create happy customers, and happy customers spend more. Enjoy the products you sell.

4. Know when to step back Not every customer needs a sales pitch. Some prefer to browse and make their own decisions. Be patient, be available, and offer assistance when it’s genuinely needed. Read the room. Let people shop how they want.

5. Service, not sales Shift your mindset from pushing products to providing exceptional service. Treat every customer with respect and attention. A service-oriented approach can transform your retail experience.

Why does this matter? By following these tips, you’ll create a unique and memorable shopping experience. In today’s world of online shopping and generic retail chains, personalised service is a rare and valuable commodity.

How much you enjoy working in retail can be adjusted by how you go about your job, how much you lean into opportunities you see and how you bring to life the connections you can have with shoppers.

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Why is local retail important to the local community?

January 3, 2025
2 Min read
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Local retail matters to local shoppers for plenty of reasons with the most important being the shared interests of those living in and relying on the local community. The cliché is right: we are all in this together.

Local retailers are a terrific source of jobs for locals. For many, working in a local shop is their first ever job.

Local retailers are well-positioned to offer locally made products.

Local retailers are more likely to share locally relevant information about the use of their products locally.

Local retailers are more community-connected.

Local retailers are local storytellers.

Local retailers shop locally.

Why is local retail important to the local community? It matters for these reasons and plenty more too. It all comes down to what matters to you and those you care about.

If local matters to you, shopping with local retailers will do more to assist and support locally than you are likely to see from a national retailer with a branch or outlet for local sales. For try as they might to pitch local, the majority of the value they get from locals shopping with them ships away from the local area.

Here at Tower Systems, we are a POS software company serving the needs of local specialty retailers with locally made and supported POS software. In our POS software, we help local retailers embrace and serve the local community.

By local retailers, we mean independent retailers, specialty retailers, and small business retailers. We believe in local. We know local matters to locals and that local is where community flourishes.

At its heart, local retail embodies the local community.

Local retail is important to the local community because local retail is local. In plenty of local communities, this is vital for the economic sustenance of the community and its people. Local businesses engage in practical ways big businesses can’t. This is the difference between the two.

If we think about where we live, what we like about it, and what matters, local retail will be an important factor, one to consider when asking ourselves where we wish to shop. Your decision where to shop can make a big difference to local businesses, those who work in them, and those locally that the businesses help along the way.

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Sitting still is not an option for independent retailers in 2025

January 2, 2025
2 Min read
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2025 will bring higher labour and retail occupancy costs. Indie retailers will have to do more to cover these costs. Then there are the challenges of evolving consumer behaviours, the impact of technological advancements and smarter big business competitors with resources to leverage AI.

The interplay between inflationary pressures and shifting consumer expectations around quality and affordability poses complex hurdles. Consumer sentiment has shown volatility, particularly influenced by economic uncertainty, which necessitates a strategic response from small retailers to foster consumer confidence and enhance shopping experiences.

Let’s look at the shift in consumer behaviour. The definition of value is evolving among consumers, particularly as they become more discerning in their expectations for discounts and affordability. Today’s shoppers are not just looking for lower prices; they expect a hybrid approach that combines quality and affordability, presenting a unique opportunity for retailers who can innovate in their pricing strategies. This shift requires businesses to rethink their value propositions and enhance the customer experience to meet the changing demands.

Sustainability has become a core priority for consumers. Smart retailers already have eco-friendly practices and products. Small business retailers that embrace sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly packaging can meet customer demand but also enhance loyalty and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape

Sitting still is not an option for independent retailers in 2025.

There are significant opportunities for growth and innovation. AI in smart retail software will help with labour costs, speed and value of decision making and facilitate business flexibility for those who embrace it. Embracing sustainability will attract more shoppers. Offering in-store experiences will nurture a love of the business. Being smarter online will help retailers reach more shoppers.

Ultimately, the path forward for Australian small business retailers in 2025 will be shaped by their (our) willingness and ability to adapt, and the speed with which we do this.

Sitting still is not an option for independent retailers in 2025.

Here at Tower Systems we help local small business retailers innovate by providing access to smart software loaded with time-saving and money-making tools. We love helping local retailers thrive in-store as well as online. We only serve local small business retailers.

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New Year, New Business: Resolutions for small business retailers for 2025

December 27, 2024
2 Min read
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As we prepare for the  new year, it’s an ideal time to reflect on your business and set goals for the future. Here are some actionable resolutions to help local small business retailers leverage technology and data to improve your business and make it more profitable:

Data-driven decision making

  • Prioritise data quality: Ensure your business data is accurate and up-to-date. High-quality data is the foundation for informed decision-making. A common attribute of businesses that fail is poor data management.
  • Sales-driven inventory: Use sales data to guide your inventory decisions. Avoid unnecessary stock purchases by analysing past performance and future trends.
  • Remote management: Utilise technology to manage your business remotely. This allows you to spend more time away from the shop floor while staying connected to your operations.

Streamline operations

  • Automate processes: Identify manual tasks that can be automated to save time and reduce errors.
  • Combat theft: Implement security measures and utilise technology to deter and detect theft. Our software can help.
  • Declutter your space: Organise your shop floor based on data-driven insights to optimise layout and improve customer experience.

Delegate and learn

  • Empower your team: Delegate tasks to your team members and use software to streamline workflows.
  • Set SMART Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals to track progress and measure success.
  • Continuous Learning: Dedicate time to learning new features and functionalities of your POS software to maximise its potential. We offer free training resources.

Strengthen supplier relationships

  • Strategic partnerships: Focus on building relationships with suppliers who offer efficient and reliable services.
  • Leverage free resources: Take advantage of free training and support offered by us.
  • Data-driven insights: Use the business insights our POS software serves you.

A shared commitment to success At Tower Systems, we’re more than just a POS software provider. We are committed to helping our customers achieve their business goals. By implementing these resolutions and leveraging the power of our software, you can elevate your retail business to new heights.

We do hope your 2025 is wonderful and profitable. Our software can help and we can help. Together, let’s make your 2025 a terrific year for your business and all who rely on it.

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Our advice on the Boxing Day Sale opportunity for local small business retailers

December 26, 2024
2 Min read
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Here are 5 reasons why we think local small business retailers should embrace the Boxing Day Sale opportunity, even if Boxing Day Sales aren’t a big thing where you are:

  1. Free marketing: You can piggyback on the big retailers’ Boxing Day Sale promotions without spending a cent.
  2. Clear out old stock: Get rid of items you no longer want to sell.
  3. Free up cash: Reclaim money tied up in old stock.
  4. Customer love a bargain: Customers are always on the lookout for a good deal.
  5. Retail reset: A successful sale can give your shop a fresh, motivated, and decluttered look.

There are no strict rules for a Boxing Day Sale. The only rule, my made-up rule, is about value. Make sure your prices offer genuine savings that are easy for customers to understand. The sale can start any time from the 26th through to the first week of January if you like.

Fill the front of your shop with deals, no matter what type of business you run.

Don’t waste money on fancy promotions. Simply email your customers, post on social media, and put up signs in your window. Keep it simple.

Keep your pricing simple too. Use terms your customers understand. Some might prefer half-price, while others might like fixed-price tables ($10, $25, $50, etc.) with items priced at twice the table price.

If you’re closed on Boxing Day, start your sale the next day. Don’t worry about the technicalities. Jump on the bandwagon, declutter, clean up, and make some money.

Our POS software makes it easy to run a Boxing Day Sale. It can help you:

  • Create a sale catalogue with special prices.
  • Track the success of your sale.
  • Offer vouchers to new and infrequent customers to encourage repeat business.

A Boxing Day Sale is a great opportunity to attract new customers and boost your sales. So why not give it a go?

Here at Tower Systems we have helped plenty of our customers setup for Boxing Day this year with advice on creating and running a catalogue for the sale as well as other advice, including running a sale online through a POS software connected Shopify website – our catalogue sale settings can flow through to this.

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