The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

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

Latest stories

How AI in your POS system can help your retail business

April 4, 2025
2 Min read
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Ever wondered how AI can actually help your retail business today? Michael, Luke, and Mark – seasoned retail pros with hands-on experience – sat down to discuss the real-world impact of AI tools in POS software. They shared practical examples of saving time and boosting profits, drawing from decades in the industry. Even though they use Tower Systems POS, the insights are gold for any small business retailer. Watch their discussion recorded April 3, 2025, to hear how AI could be a game-changer for you!

Real people talking retail from practical experience. This is the Tower Systems difference on show.

This engaging conversation provides relatable, real-life examples that illustrate the tangible benefits of AI, contrasting old methods with today’s AI-enhanced opportunities. While the discussion touches on the AI capabilities within Tower System POS software, the core business principles and strategic considerations are relevant to any small business retailer exploring the potential of AI. They also address the crucial topic of data security when using AI, offering valuable perspectives on protecting your business’s intellectual property.

This video is part of Tower Systems’ ongoing commitment to providing practical business insights for local small business retailers. It highlights their focus on developing and supporting tailored POS software for niche specialty retailers, including jewellers, garden centres, bike shops, and many more.

Discover how AI in POS software could benefit your retail business. Watch the discussion and learn more about Tower Systems at www.towersystems.com.au, call 1300 662 957, or email sales@towersystems.com.au.

Don’t get overwhelmed by the hype around AI. This discussion cuts through the noise, offering tangible examples of how AI in POS software can streamline your daily tasks, optimize inventory, and personalize customer interactions. Learn from real-world successes and see how these tools, like those in Tower Systems POS, translate to a healthier bottom line for small retailers.

Tower Systems is a small business focussed POS software company developing, and supporting POS software for niche specialty retailers. Jewellers, garden centres, bike shops, toy shops, produce businesses, farm supply businesses, fishing shops, pet shops, charity businesses, landscape gardening businesses, antique shops, sewing shops, haberdashery businesses, newsagents and more benefit from this software.

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Specialised POS software supports local knitting shops

April 3, 2025
5 Min read
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Running a thriving knitting shop involves a unique set of needs, and our specialty retail POS software is thoughtfully designed to help you manage them with ease.

Tower Systems is a software company that only serves local independent specialty retailers, like knitting shops. No big businesses here. We love helping local retailers thrive locally.

We are grateful to serve many businesses in the knitting, sewing, haberdashery, fabric and related specialty retail spaces.

We understand the intricacies of local knitting business. Our knitting shop software offers features such as:

  • Effortless sales by weight: Accurately charge for yarns sold by their weight if you want.
  • Convenient sales by length: Easily manage sales of anything by length.
  • Inspiring project bundles: Create and sell curated bundles of materials for specific knitting projects.
  • Seamless special order tracking: Keep on top of individual customer requests from start to finish.
  • Valued club member discounts: Effortlessly offer special pricing to your loyal club members. You could help raise funds for a knitting club while giving members a deal thereby attracting more of them to your shop.
  • Engaging loyalty rewards: Encourage repeat visits and reward your valued customers. Shopper visits for you are likely to be patchy. Use a loyalty program that Ann be calibrated to your needs.
  • Automatic product information sharing: Provide customers with helpful details and inspiration related to their purchases.
  • Integrated online presence: Seamlessly feed product information and images to your connected website.
  • Flexibility with market sales: Take your shop on the road with a facility to sell anywhere, anytime.

This software offers all this and much more, providing a comprehensive solution tailored to the specific needs of knitting shops.

We deeply value the contribution of local specialty retail businesses like yours.

Local knitting shops are the heart of vibrant communities, fostering connection and creativity. Our software is designed to help you leverage your unique local presence.

Your individuality is your strength.

Your business is special because of you and your dedicated team. Our knitting shop software provides features that empower you to highlight your unique strengths and expertise.

Building genuine loyalty you can count on.

Forget generic points systems. Our software offers fresh and meaningful tools to cultivate true customer loyalty and build lasting relationships.

Unlocking opportunities hidden in your data.

Gain valuable insights from your business data, empowering you to make informed decisions and identify new avenues for growth.

Reaching customers beyond your doorstep.

Connect seamlessly with a wider audience through a beautiful website integrated with your knitting shop POS software, ensuring you don’t miss out on potential customers.

Our Knitting Shop Software: Investing in Your Success

For modest monthly rental cost, you gain access to our comprehensive software from all the computers within your business. To ensure a smooth start, we also offer a small on-boarding fee which includes personalised one-on-one training and setup support.

Have Questions? We Have Answers:

Here are some common questions we receive about our knitting shop POS software:

  • Can I promote local clubs and groups on receipts? Yes, absolutely.
  • Can I share patterns, manuals, and other documentation with customers? Yes, you can easily upload files (images, documents, PDFs) to products and have them automatically included in emailed receipts. Perfect for sharing information sheets and helpful advice.
  • Can I remind customers about upcoming opportunities and events? Yes, you can keep your customers informed.
  • Can I send these reminders via text or email? Yes, we support both options for your convenience.
  • Can I easily access past purchase records for a specific customer? Yes, historical data is readily available.
  • Can I create and manage quotes for customers? Yes, you can easily generate and track quotes within the software.
  • Can the software keep track of special or one-off customer orders? Yes, you can monitor these orders from the moment they are placed.
  • Is it easy to create and sell product packs or bundles? Yes, our software makes creating bundles a simple process.
  • I sell items with variations like colour, size, and style – can the software handle this? Yes, our software is equipped to manage product variations.
  • Can I integrate the software with my suppliers? Yes, many of our customers import stock files and invoices. We can also facilitate providing suppliers with data feeds of their product sales.
  • Does the software connect with my existing website? We partner with popular platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, offering direct integration.
  • Can I email receipts to customers? Yes, this is a standard feature.
  • Can I track the origin of my customers? Yes, you can gain insights into where your customers are coming from.
  • Do I need to pay extra for software access on multiple computers within my business? No, the rental fee covers access from all your business computers.

If you’re looking for a way to streamline your workflow, efficiently manage sales and stock, and cultivate growth in your knitting shop, our specialised software could be a valuable asset.

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Reflecting on Shoptalk 2025

April 2, 2025
3 Min read
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I am grateful to the organisers of Shoptalk for the invitation to attend the conference in Las Vegas this year. It was a challenging, inspiring and confronting event checkin in with so many retailers, tech experts and others on the state of retail and how tech is helping retailers evolve rapidly.

From a retailer perspective, Shoptalk 2025 highlighted that rapid extensive change is here, standing still is not an option. Without explicitly saying it, the suppliers there, supported by so many speakers, urged change in retail from the ground up.

It was encouraging hearing some claim that retail specialisation is for many a thing of the past, that a shingle should not define what a business sells. I have thought this for a long time.

Plenty of the GenAI discussions were around using this tech to take you beyond your boundaries as they relate to your business, to see new possibilities.

In the context of the Tower verticals, the flexibility of our software helps retailers who want to play outside what has been traditional for their type of business. We are setup for helping them break through barriers.

I was reminded last week that we are in a moment of extraordinary change driven by AI, whether we like it or not. I expect history will compare the extent of disruption of this moment to that of the Industrial Revolution. While I’m no expert, I suspect it will deliver a bigger impact than the Industrial Revolution.

The AI and related tech advances we see at the moment favour small businesses because they are small, nimble and faster to make decisions.

It is in this moment where I see opportunity for small business retail, and opportunity for us to encourage this.

Watching the revolution from the sidelines is not where you want to be.

The one on one sessions organised y Shoptalk were terrific. I got to meet plenty of vendors with cool products. Better still was the business discussions, learning how retailers are evolving rapidly.

Shoptalk 2025 attracted around 10,000 retail and tech/retail attendees and featured 200+ and 900+ suppliers.

Shoptalk is a conference for retailers about retailing, a place to discover what’s on the mind of retailers large and small. I attended conference sessions, one-on-one meetings organised by Shoptalk and a round table with 7 retailers talking tech.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the hot topic on stage and on the trade show floor.

Comparing the AI focus at Shoptalk with what I saw at the NRF Big Show in New York in January, there has been a shift. At Shoptalk the focus was more specific with vendors being clear as outcomes available for retailers from embedded AI tools.

Key contexts for embracing AI are heightened competition and the speed of change inside and outside retail. I heard examples like reducing underperforming inventory, cutting the cost of analysis and generating marketing text for inventory.

It’s good to know Tower Systems already offers access to these AI tools within the POS software. Within is the key word here. While so many pitch AI, plenty don’t offer it themselves.

I have no doubt that competing against software without AI tools is an easy win for any company with AI tools.

Given the money being spent by tech businesses of the AI pitch, companies without such a pitch may find it challenging.

There were around 50 Australians at Shoptalk. I’m sure they found it valuable.

Now, it’s time for working on the action items.

Mark Fetcher. 0418 321 338. mark@towersystems.com.au.

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There’s software for Bike Shops, and then there’s Bike Shop Software

April 2, 2025
3 Min read
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Tower Systems is grateful to serve hundreds of local and independent bike shops with bike shop software, specialty software made for bike shops and enhanced thanks to the support of many bike shop owners and staff.

In the world of retail software, there’s a distinction worth noting: general software used by bike shops, and software crafted specifically for bike shops – that is, solutions designed and refined in close consultation with those who live and breathe bicycles every day.

At Tower Systems, we focus firmly on the latter. We’re proud to support hundreds of local, independent bike shops with our purpose-built software, and we’re thrilled to see it continue to evolve and meet the unique demands of your industry.

Our bike shop software is packed with the specialised functions you rely on:

  • Repairs management
  • Handling special orders
  • Integration with Bike Exchange
  • Managing electronic invoices from suppliers
  • Warranty tracking
  • Service reminders
  • Loyalty programs to engage your customers
  • Serial number tracking
  • Spare parts management
  • Labour management
  • Customer delivery management

Unlike generic point-of-sale (POS) systems, Tower Systems understands the intricacies of running a bike shop. We’ve been a dedicated partner to this marketplace for decades. Our software offers features specifically tailored to your needs, including:

Streamlined repair management: Efficiently track labour, parts, and detailed information for all repairs and maintenance work, keeping your workshop humming.

Inventory management: Wave goodbye to unexpected out-of-stock situations. Tower Systems helps you meticulously manage your inventory of bikes, parts, and accessories, ensuring you always have what your cycling customers require.

Customer loyalty programs: Transform first-time buyers into lifelong cycling enthusiasts. Our software empowers you to create engaging loyalty programs that encourage repeat business for parts, servicing, and upgrades.

Integration with online platforms: Seamlessly connect your Tower Systems software with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Big Commerce, Woo Commerce and Magento, simplifying the management of your online and physical store inventory.

The bike shop software from Tower Systems extends beyond mere stock management. It’s designed to help you cultivate stronger, lasting relationships with your customers through:

Targeted marketing: Leverage cyclist clubs and precise marketing tools to boost sales and promote special offers effectively.

Data-driven insights: Gain valuable understanding of your customers’ behaviour and purchasing patterns, enabling you to tailor your offerings and promotions for maximum impact.

Improved customer service: Deliver a superior customer experience with quicker checkout processes and a centralised view of each customer’s purchase history.

Tower Systems operates on a transparent and predictable pricing model. We don’t charge any per-transaction fees or costs. Instead, we offer a flat, low-cost rental for the software. As your business flourishes, your software costs remain consistent. There are no escalating fees or taxes tied to your success.

The Tower Systems team is committed to understanding the needs of local bike shops as they continue to evolve. We provide responsive, locally-based customer support to ensure you can leverage the full potential of our software. We are here to help local retailers thrive and that’s what we love to top with and for local bike shops. How can we help you?

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Serving New Zealand independent retailers with POS software

April 1, 2025
3 Min read
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At Tower Systems, we are grateful and proud to support local small business retailers right across New Zealand. We offer specialised point-of-sale (POS) software that’s been carefully tailored for a diverse range of specialty retail businesses. Whether you’re a jeweller, run a bike shop or bookshop, operate a dairy or gift shop, manage a homeware store or farm supply business, or perhaps you’re in toys, collectable coins, craft supplies, and more – we’ve got you covered.

With years of experience working alongside Kiwi businesses, we’ve built a strong network of happy customers throughout the country. Our software is designed specifically with the needs of small businesses in mind, offering a variety of features to help you save valuable time and improve your bottom line.

We understand how important local support is. Our dedicated customer service team is available toll-free, providing prompt and professional assistance. We do have some team members based in New Zealand. Our New Zealand POS software customers have access to a toll-free number to call.

Our POS software integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Big Commerce, Magento, and WooCommerce, allowing you to manage both your online and in-store sales effortlessly. It also integrates smoothly with Xero accounting software for streamlined financial management.

Our years of hands-on experience within the retail sector give us a deep understanding of the unique challenges and exciting opportunities faced by local retailers. We develop our software with your specific needs front of mind, ensuring it provides the functionalities you require to truly succeed.

Tower Systems’ POS software offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance your retail operations:

  • Detailed Sales Tracking: Keep track of your sales by colour, size, style, or any other attribute that matters to your business.
  • Age Checking: Easily manage the sale of age-restricted products.
  • Club Pricing: Attract and retain loyal customers within your local community groups with targeted pricing.
  • Repair Management: Simplify the process of tracking repairs, communicating with customers, and managing invoicing.
  • Flexible Sales Options: Sell products by weight, fractions, or create your own custom units.
  • Advanced Loyalty Programs: Go beyond standard points systems with our innovative loyalty solutions.
  • Promotional Tools: Boost sales with effective buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offers and other engaging promotions.
  • Warranty Tracking: Enhance your customer service by easily managing product warranties.
  • Targeted Marketing: Re-engage your customers with personalised campaigns for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
  • Mobile Sales: Take your sales anywhere with our convenient Retailer Roam mobile app.
  • Special Order Management: Manage customer special orders efficiently and effectively.
  • Customisable Labels: Design product and receipt labels that perfectly reflect your brand identity.

Our trusted monthly rental fee provides you with a comprehensive POS solution, support and plenty more. This includes unlimited computer licences for your store location, ongoing software updates, access to valuable integrations and support resources, and personalised one-on-one training to get you started.

If you’re a local independent retailer in New Zealand looking for a reliable and feature-rich POS software solution, Tower Systems is here to be your trusted partner. We’re genuinely committed to helping your business thrive. Contact us today on 0800 444 367 or email sales@towersystems.com.au to discover more about how our software can benefit your unique operations. We’ll start by taking the time to understand your specific business needs.

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How to spot if POS software is AI enabled or is merely riding the coattails of the AI tools of others

March 31, 2025
3 Min read
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Plenty of the POS software companies are promoting their software using AI (Artificial Intelligence) as a keyword do not offer AI facilities embedded I their software.

Here at Tower Systems when we talk abut AI tools in our POS software we talk about direct integrations from within the software that use AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to provide direct access to, from within our software, AI insights and facilities that help local small business retailers save time making better business decisions.

You don’t have to take data from our software and plug it in somewhere else. The integration is seamless and there ready for your use right away.

If you want to leverage AI tools in managing your retail business, a good place to start is AI enabled POS software, that is, POS software with Ai tools embedded in the software without you have two underdog a bunch os steps acrid different software for AI benefits and insights.

When considering POS software, ask for a live demonstration of their AI tools.

We show what POS software integrated AI tools look like in several videos on our YouTube channel, including this one from a week or so ago.

There is nothing better than show, don’t tell. In this video we deomonstrate without editing some of our current AI enabled POS software tools.

Using our AI POS tools, retailers for:

  • Generating product names to maximise search opportunities.
  • Generating meaningful and SEO ready product descriptions to maximise search opportunities.
  • Easily loading PDF invoices from any supplier, converting them to an import ready electronic invoice.
  • Price comparing locally, outside the business, to reveal better profit and competition opportunities.
  • Generating publishing ready blog posts for products managed by the POS software, and publishing these blog posts for you if you wish.

These facilities exist today, and this list of five are only some of the AI POS software capabilities we offer our customers. We’d love to show you more in the context of your specific business.

The core advantages of our AI tools are time savings, improved decision quality, and faster decision-making. We are committed to ongoing research and development, with exciting enhancements on the horizon.

We are grateful to so many of our customers who are accompanying us on this path. Their in-store feedback from lived experience using our AI enabled POS software is helping us better serve their needs. Our beta community has been a terrific help as we have brought these AI tools too life.

Our software development team are advanced in this area of AI and POS software. We are advanced in other ways that we will talk about another time.

Tower Systems is a small business focussed POS software company developing, and supporting POS software for niche specialty retailers. Jewellers, garden centres, bike shops, toy shops, produce businesses, farm supply businesses, fishing shops, pet shops, charity businesses, landscape gardening businesses, antique shops, sewing shops, haberdashery businesses, newsagents and more benefit from this software.

Find out more at www.towersystems.com.au

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How Tower Systems helps retailers be more easily found online

March 31, 2025
3 Min read
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How people search online has changed fundamentally over the last few months. It is among the fastest change relates to consumer action and intersected with tech that we have seen. Here at Tower Systems we help retailers navigate these and other changes, too be relevant and to be more easily found in this changing world.

Our POS software helps local small business retailers to be smart in their engagement with data about what they sell, when they sell and to whom they sell such that them being found in online searches and conversations is more certain than is often the case elsewhere.

The place where customers seek information has undergone a rapid transformation in recent months. The scope of change is a fundamental shift in how consumers behave online, driven by technological advancements and impacting every aspect of their journey, from initial curiosity to final purchase. For small business retailers, staying ahead of this curve isn’t just advantageous – it’s essential for survival and growth.

At Tower Systems, we understand the challenges these evolving search patterns present. We’re dedicated to equipping local retailers with the tools and insights needed to not only navigate these changes but to thrive within them. Our approach goes beyond simply acknowledging the shift; we actively empower you to become more visible, more relevant, and ultimately, more successful in this dynamic environment.

You only have to look at our early and continues AI innovation to see the extent of accessibility we offer to smart help.

Our POS software is designed with this new reality in mind. We recognise that in today’s world, simply having a physical storefront isn’t enough. Consumers are online, actively searching for products, services, and information. They’re engaging in conversations, reading reviews, and making decisions based on their digital experiences.

This is where the power of data comes in. Our POS system acts as your central intelligence hub, meticulously capturing crucial information about your sales. It reveals not just what you sell, but when you sell it and, perhaps most importantly, to whom you sell it. This granular understanding of your customer base and their purchasing habits is the key to unlocking more effective online visibility.

Imagine being able to identify your most popular products, the times of year they see the highest demand, and the demographic profiles of your loyal customers. With this knowledge at your fingertips, you can craft more targeted online content, optimize your website and social media presence with relevant keywords, and even engage in more personalized online conversations.

Our software helps you move beyond guesswork and into a realm of data-driven decisions. Through understanding you can strategically position your business to be found more easily in online searches. You can participate in relevant online conversations, offer solutions that directly address customer needs, and build a stronger online presence that attracts and retains customers in this ever-changing digital world. We’re here to ensure that your local small business not only keeps pace with these fundamental shifts but leverages them to gain a competitive edge.

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Inspiring retail: The Potting Shed by Carlisle, Orange County, CA

March 30, 2025
1 Min read
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What a thrill to see this wonderful local garden centre a few days ago:

The Potting Shed by Carlisle in Orange County, California, offers a truly inspiring experience for any retailer seeking fresh ideas. The exceptional visual merchandising immediately captures your attention, seamlessly guiding you through a thoughtfully curated selection of products. The dedication to fostering positive shopper experiences is palpable, underpinned by a genuine commitment to supporting and celebrating the local community.

Discovering such an inspiring business unexpectedly was a delightful highlight, reinforcing the value of exploring local retail landscapes.

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Cutting through the AI hype: how smart POS is helping Aussie retailers thrive

March 28, 2025
3 Min read
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Let’s face it, the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can feel like a whirlwind. Every day, there’s another headline, another social media trend, another “expert” opinion. But amidst all the noise, something genuinely useful is happening for small business retailers right here in Australia.

The statement actions speak louder than words is so true. Let’s explain. But first, let’s show you there AI tools in our POS software in action:

Forget the science fiction; we’re talking about practical, down-to-earth AI tools that are saving time, cutting costs, and helping retailers make smarter decisions, faster. At Tower Systems, we’ve been working with AI in our POS solutions since mid-2022, and we’ve seen firsthand the real-world benefits for our customers.

Think of AI as a helpful assistant, one that can take on some of the tedious but crucial tasks that eat up valuable time. Our AI-powered POS software, designed specifically for Australian specialty retailers, offers a range of features that make a real difference:

  • Boost your online presence: Need compelling product names and SEO-friendly descriptions? Our AI can generate them in seconds, helping you get noticed in online searches.
  • Simplify paperwork: Say goodbye to manual data entry. Our AI can convert PDF supplier invoices into import-ready electronic files, saving you hours of admin.
  • Stay competitive: Want to know how your prices stack up? Our AI can compare prices locally, helping you identify opportunities to improve your profit margins.
  • Engage your customers: Create fresh, relevant blog content with just a few clicks. Our AI can generate publishable blog posts based on your product data, and even publish them for you.

These are just a few examples of how AI is making a tangible difference for retailers. We’re not talking about futuristic promises; these features are available right now.

The real power of AI lies in its ability to save time, improve decision-making, and accelerate your business. We’re constantly exploring new ways to enhance our AI capabilities, and we’re excited about the future.

At Tower Systems, we’re passionate about supporting local small businesses. We understand the challenges you face, because we’ve been in your shoes. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the tools you need to succeed.

If you’re looking for a POS solution that leverages the power of AI, we encourage you to do your research. Don’t just take a company’s word for it; ask for a demonstration and see the AI features in action.

We’re confident that our AI-powered POS software can make a real difference for many local small retail businesses. If you’d like to learn more, please reach our: sales@towersystems.com.au. We’d be happy to show you how AI can help you thrive in today’s competitive retail landscape.

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Reports are dead in smart POS software

March 27, 2025
3 Min read
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Okay, that headline Reports are dead in smart POS software does sound dramatic. Our POS software for special small business retailers has more than one hundred reports. The thing is though, there is more immediate and profitable value delivered from our insights, a smart time-efficient approach to helping local small business retailers thrive.

While some POS software companies say go run this report, read that and gain this knowledge, or insights, in our Tower Systems POS software we have our Insights Dashboard that provides insights at your fingertips without you having to run reports.

Better still, our retailers have access to our Tower Systems POS software Visual Deck, a go anywhere on any device platform with up to the moment insights on your business performance. Again, no reports required.

This is smart retail management, time saving retail management, profit-focussed retail management. This is the Tower Systems POS software solution.

We first released our visual insights solutions years ago. We have regularly enhanced these ever since. Today, what we offer in this space of reports-free retail; business insights is best-practice, smart and, again, profit-focussed.

Gone are the days of spending hours wading through reports. Who has the time?

Some POS software companies push reports so they can push their business coaching services, for which they charge. Others push reports because the software is designed boy software people rooted in the past.

Our approach to small business retail insights forms from our lived experiences working in retail, being on the shop floor, being short on time, being in local retail competitive situations. We saw the need and delivered solutions.

The Insights Dashboard in our Tower Systems POS software, one of the report-free solutions, instantly displays business performance insights and retailer will find valuable.

There is no report to run. No work to collate and interpret data. The insights are there, immediately, answering 6 key business questions:

1. What’s working?
2. What’s not working?
3. What am I missing out on?
4. Is theft an issue?
5. What sells with what?
6. When am I busiest?

Retailers love these insights, especially that they don’t haver to run a report to access them.

Our Visual deck offers Instant Insights, Anywhere You Go

  1. Real-Time Updates – Sales data is refreshed within minutes, keeping you up to date with the latest trends.
  2. Cloud-Based Access – Monitor your store’s performance from any device, no matter where you are.
  3. Customisable Dashboard – Track what’s important to you with personalised tiles displaying key business insights.
  4. Data-Driven Decision Making

With the Visual Deck, you get clear, visualised data to help drive smarter business decisions, including but not limited to: Month-on-Month Performance – Compare sales trends from recent months to the same period last year. ABC Inventory Analysis – Identify your most and least valuable stock with intuitive grading. Trending & Declining Products – Spot hot sellers and underperforming items at a glance.

So, yes, reports are a thing of the past for small business retailers. If your POS software company is promoting reports, ask why they are rooted in the past when there are smarter, time-saving, profit-focussed solutions available today.

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Retailers can easily manage subscriptions and recurring billing with POS software from Tower Systems

March 26, 2025
3 Min read
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Our Tower Systems POS software efficiently manages subscriptions and recurring billing. The system can handle subscription schedules on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, configurable per individual stock item and customer.

Retailers can use this for rental of software licences like Microsoft products in a computer shop or the billing or a monthly gift subscription box in a gift shop or the regular shipment of flea or other treatment products in a pet store.

There is no extra charge for our customers to access the subscription tools in the Tower Systems POS software.

Customers can hold multiple subscriptions concurrently. The software allows for the establishment of varied subscription prices for a single product, tailored to individual customers. This pricing flexibility within our integrated POS subscription solution offers significant advantages.

The subscription management features in the Tower Systems POS software are beneficial for firearms dealers, pet shops, gift shops, produce supply businesses, garden centres, computer retailers offering anti-virus, Office 365, and similar subscriptions, as well as any business engaged in regular, committed customer billing.

Subscription management software assists businesses in tracking and managing the sale of subscription-based products. While Software as a Service (SaaS) is a prevalent subscription model, numerous businesses also offer digital and physical goods via subscription. The new subscription sale functionalities within Tower Systems support retailers in this domain.

A common subscription model involves the sale of samples and curated boxes dispatched to customers monthly or quarterly. Tower Systems can accommodate this, simplifying the process for businesses to offer such services and thereby expand their market reach.

The subscription functionalities within the Tower Systems POS software are included at no additional cost.

Building on the company’s extensive history of managing regular customer orders through its POS software, these new subscription management tools offer enhanced capabilities for unique products. Their development has been driven by the growth of the Tower Systems user community into new specialist retail sectors.

Managing subscriptions and various forms of recurring billing can present operational challenges for retail businesses seeking to streamline processes and control associated labour expenses. These new subscription management features in the Tower Systems POS software have undergone testing with retailers in this sector, receiving strong positive feedback.

The ability to manage subscriptions using POS software without incurring extra charges for supplementary software features represents a considerable benefit for local small business retailers. Tower Systems is pleased to support these retailers.

The new subscription management functionalities were introduced as part of a standard software update in early 2024, following thorough in-house testing and comprehensive beta trials.

We are grateful to help local small business retailers more easily manage subscriptions and recurring billing.

Tower Systems specialises in point-of-sale (POS) solutions for small and independent retail businesses. With decades of experience in the Australian and New Zealand markets, we have developed comprehensive on premise and cloud based POS software solutions designed to streamline retail operations, from sales and inventory management to customer relationship management and reporting. Our software is known for its user-friendly interface and tailored features that cater to the specific needs of various retail industries across Australia.

Local support, regular updates and listening to our customers are cornerstones of our ever evolving Tower Systems story.

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Software for craft shops helps these local businesses thrive

March 26, 2025
2 Min read
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Our Tower Systems software for craft shops has been created with facilities to serve the unique needs of these local specialty shop.

Here is what some of our software for craft shops offers:

  1. Rare visit loyalty facilities.  We are told that customers often visit a craft shop infrequently. Our software offers subtle loyalty tools that encourage more value from each visit. Our unique approach to loyalty serves infrequent visits to facilitate deeper baskets each visit.
  2. Pre-orders. Easily manage selling products before you have them in-stock. Collectors love these facilities. You can sell craft suppliers as they launch, ahead of when you might receive them in-store.
  3. Buy Now Pay Later and LayBy. Through our software you can have both. To be honest, LayBy is having a moment in the sun right now.
  4. Repairs management. If you do repairs of crafting tools, track them from the moment they arrive – for repairs done in-house and externally. Track parts and labour and easily advise customers when the repair is complete.
  5. Club / collector marketing and support. Leverage craft clubs, craft schools, craft teachers and collectors with offers and pricing. Nurture the love of home crafting and connecting to this community, and growing the size of the community.
  6. Special orders. With some items ordered in for a customer request, managing these types of orders helps the business to manage opportunities and to capture revenue in advance.
  7. Serial number tracking.  Tracking serial numbers for items can help with warranty and insurance claims. This is useful for more expensive items you may sell.
  8. Sell by length. This may seem basic. It’s not in some software. In the Tower software, you can sell by length, including fractions. If you sell fabric or other craft supplies by length, this functionality is for you.

Boost your independent craft shop with our Australian-made POS software for craft shops. We streamline everything from special orders and lay-bys to seasonal catalogues, freeing you to focus on what you do best. Plus, our integrated AI tools deliver instant insights, helping you make smarter decisions and grow your business. Experience the power of software designed specifically for Australian toy retailers.

The AI tools in our software for craft shops today really duo help you save time. They also support your decision making in pursuit of a more successful and valuable business.

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We welcome Epos Now customers to our Tower Systems community

March 25, 2025
3 Min read
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We appreciate the opportunity to welcome Epos Now customers to the Tower Systems POS software and our valued customer community.

We believe our Tower Systems POS software offers a compelling alternative to Epos Now, particularly for Australian businesses. Here’s why:

  • Australian focus: Our software is developed and supported in Australia, incorporating retail terminology familiar to local businesses.
  • Comprehensive functionality: We are confident that a detailed comparison of features will demonstrate the extensive benefits offered by Tower Systems.
  • Local specialty retail expertise: Our software is tailored to the unique needs of Australian local specialty retail channels, providing targeted functionality rather than generalised features.
  • E-commerce integration: Tower Systems integrates seamlessly with popular platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Magento.
  • Flexible terms: There is no lock-in contract. In this area alone we feel we are a good alternative to Epos Now.
  • Direct engagement: We do not employ commission-based sales agents, ensuring a direct and transparent relationship.
  • Respectful approach: We prioritise a respectful and informative approach, allowing retailers to explore our software at their own pace. We will not engage in spam or persistent follow-ups.
  • Real-world insights: While we haven’t used Epos Now directly, we can connect you with verified retailers who have transitioned to Tower Systems, allowing for open and honest peer-to-peer discussions.
  • Informed decision-making: If you are considering Epos Now, we encourage you to thoroughly compare software functionality and carefully review the contract to ensure it aligns with your business needs. Take your time and explore other POS solutions to make an informed decision.
  • Established and trusted: Tower Systems is proud to serve over 3,000 independent retailers across various specialty retail sectors. We are a stable and established company dedicated to supporting local businesses.
  • Transparent comparison: We welcome a detailed, function-by-function comparison with Epos Now. This type of analysis is crucial for determining the best fit for your business. We understand that our software may not be suitable for every retailer.

We are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of Tower Systems POS software as an alternative to Epos Now and assist you in making the right choice for your business.

If you are looking for an alternative to Epos Now, consider Tower Systems. We’d love to find out if we could serve your needs.

If you are a happy Epos Now customer, keep using it. If you are looking for an alternative, Tower Systems is ready to expose with you your business needs.

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Why greeting card retailers love POS software from Tower Systems

March 25, 2025
2 Min read
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We are grateful here at Tower Systems to serve hundreds of greeting card retailers with POS software made to serve their unique needs. From tracking sales to managing returns to understanding product categories to nurturing greeting card shoppers to return sooner, our POS software for greeting card shops is made for this.

Greeting card retail is not your everyday retail. It can be seasonal. Then there are product returns to manage. Plus there are special occasions to leverage, And, there are many suppliers often blending into a cohesive card department to work on.

Our POS software for greeting card shops is made for this and plenty more, of in-store sales to online sales, to help your business maximise the greeting card opportunity for the business.

Flowing from our legendary newsagency software, our greeting cards software has years of experience, and it is enhanced regularly as marketplace opportunities evolve. It is important to us to help our card retail customers have options in their software to grow their businesses.

Take our approach to shopper loyalty. The loyalty tools in our greeting card shop software go beyond the average points based solution. It’s a whole of business approach that we see time and again serve retail businesses with deeper baskets, shoppers returning sooner and plenty more. The loyal tools are smart and the benefits delivered to shoppers pay through increased sales.

It’s a loyalty approach big businesses are unable to replicate.

We have helped greeting card retailers sell online through our seamless Shopify integration as well, helping these retailers reach shoppers located far away from their shops.

Our POS software works with many card company suppliers supporting electronic stock files, electronic invoices, sales based replenishment and other opportunities where card company tech is enabling.

Whether you are newsagent selling cards, a gift shop selling cards, a garden centre selling cards or a card shop selling cards, our Tower Systems POS software can help you maximise the performance of cards, leverage supplier relationships to your value and drive business performance that underpins growing value of the business.

This is what good POS software does: it helps you nurture greater value from your business.

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Nursery software helps nurseries and garden centres flourish

March 24, 2025
2 Min read
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Tower Systems is grateful to serve hundreds of nurseries with our nursery management software. Whether you run a traditional nursery or something broader in focus, our nursery software is packed with facilities in service of your business needs, and the facilities in our software continue to evolve.

Here is some of what our nursery software offers nursery businesses and garden centres:

  1. Special customer orders – get a sale today, before you order the stock.
  2. Loyalty rewards customers love. Encourage return visits and purchases.
  3. Sell you. Extended product descriptions help you offer plant care info.
  4. Sell local. Share local information your customers will appreciate.
  5. Bagging up. Bag bulk products smaller packs, with accurate stock data.
  6. Genuinely informative receipts. Share information that sets you apart.
  7. Quote and invoice management. Strong, flexible, fit for purpose.
  8. Trade pricing profiles supporting pricing flexibility for your customers.
  9. Customer account management: Professional and accurate control.
  10. Catalogues. Easily manage special pricing for a date range.
  11. Pricing profiles. You can set pricing rules based on types of customers.
  12. Sell by weight, including fractions.
  13. Seasonal reordering. Easily reorder inventory based on seasonal sales.
  14. Weatherproof labels.
  15. Stock write offs – done in a structured way feeding into your accounts.

Here is what we think really matters about what we do and what we offer Australian garden centres like yours:

  • Evergreen Connect ready.
  • Our nursery software is developed in Australia.
  • Garden Centre and nursery owners and staff have a direct say in software enhancements.
  • It has been designed specifically for nurseries and garden centres.
  • Our customer service team is Australian based. If you call, email, text, Facebook message or visit us, a human, with a real name, responds.
  • Our software is regularly enhanced, based on user suggestions.
  • You have easy access to one-on-one training.
  • We offer business growth training, providing business context for cool things you can do with the software.
  • Easy access to a fantastic knowledge base – like a searchable manual.
  • Easily link with your website to sell online.
  • Easily link to Xero – save time, cut mistakes and cut accounting costs.

By choosing our nursery software, you’ll also benefit from additional features, including software for unlimited computers, help desk support from Monday to Saturday, access to a knowledge base, and integrations with leading platforms such as Shopify, Big Commerce, Xero, and more. Plus, we provide access to our supplier invoice import tools, making inventory management a breeze.

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30 facilities in our POS software that make it more useful to local specialty retailers.

March 21, 2025
2 Min read
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Here at Tower Systems we make and support POS software for specialty retailers, retailers with operational needs beyond basic retail needs, needs through which they differentiate their businesses.

This list is NOT complete. It offers a taste of what specialty retail POS software offers. Also, many retailers only use one or two of these things. We have the list here today as it speaks to the depth of diverse functionality available in our POS software.

  1. Serial number tracking.
  2. Selling by length.
  3. Scale integration for selling by weight.
  4. Sharing product care instructions with purchase.
  5. Dispatch integration, including through to delivery mapping.
  6. Managing product returns for items you can return for credit if not sold by a time.
  7. Product attribute details.
  8. Age check for selected products.
  9. Sell from on the road or anywhere including a pop-up shop.
  10. Advanced stock search making finding stock easy.
  11. AI integration enabling SEO friendly product descriptions.
  12. AI auto generation of blog posts promoting products.
  13. Tracking inventory without barcodes.
  14. International barcode database lookup for easy stock setup.
  15. Product image management for each website data feed.
  16. ID recording for products requiring this.
  17. Uploading sales data to suppliers automatically for auto replenishment.
  18. Selling units by fractions.
  19. Upgrading product pricing as a product grows, such as you can do with plants.
  20. Managing special orders for customers.
  21. Tracking repairs from the moment a repair is dropped off to when it is picked up.
  22. Club / community group pricing: easily attract and service group members.
  23. Bundle products to sell more.
  24. Security settings controlling who has access to what.
  25. Shopper loyalty: cash on receipt offering a discount off next purchase.
  26. Shopper loyalty: points accrual and redemption.
  27. Gift card sale and balance management.
  28. Helping you market to customers based on past purchases.
  29. Sell and manage services.
  30. Link to a Shopify, Big Commerce or Woo website.

If you are a specialty retailer, Tower Systems may have software that can serve your specialty retail needs. We are grateful to serve toy shops, jewellers, firearms dealers, bike shops, bookshops, fashion shops, newsagencies, garden centres, fishing and outdoors shops, music shops, produce businesses, stockfeed businesses, gift shops, homewares shops, trophy shops, charity businesses and plenty more.

Specialty small business retail is our jam. We’d love to discover if we could help your local retail business.

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Live demo: AI tools in POS software

March 20, 2025
1 Min read
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Here is a video of another session recorded a few days ago in which we demonstrate AI tools in our POS software:

We are grateful to our POS software development team for providing us with software at the forefront of AI engagement for small business retailers.

When it comes to AI in POS software, actions speak louder than words.

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POS software for equestrian businesses

March 20, 2025
3 Min read
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Tower Systems makes POS software for equestrian businesses and we are grateful to serve wonderful shops in this specialty retail space. Using our equestrian businesses software you can rely on software to save time, increase sales and nurture business value.

Here is some of what our equestrian businesses POS software offers:

  1. Bagging up feed. Bag feed into smaller packs, with accurate stock data.
  2. Bulk material tracking: Easily track purchasing raw materials in bulk and the mixing and packaging of your own end products.
  3. Sell by weight, including fractions.
  4. Quote and invoice management. Strong, flexible, fit for purpose. Streamline quote processes and nurture accuracy and efficiency.
  5. Local produce use and care information: Enhance customer experience by providing care information.
  6. Trade pricing profiles supporting pricing flexibility for your customers.
  7. Customer account management: Professional and accurate control.
  8. Pricing profiles. You can set pricing rules based on types of customers.
  9. Colour / size / style. Track what you sell at a granular level.
  10. Genuinely informative receipts. You control design and detail.
  11. Pre-orders – pre-sell stock and be ahead of the game.
  12. Special orders – easily manage special customer orders.
  13. Awesome loyalty through which you can easily differentiate.
  14. Seasonal reordering. Easily reorder inventory based on seasonal sales.
  15. Weatherproof labels.
  16. Electronic supplier invoice support – cut mistakes and save time.
  17. Dispatch management tools: Effectively manage multiple trucks and deliveries per truck, ensuring smooth logistics for your business. Integration with Allotrac takes dispatch management to the next level.
  18. Loyalty marketing: Engage and retain customers with a loyalty program that helps you build lasting relationships and increase sales.
  19. Flexible selling options: Sell products by weight, length, and even fractions, accommodating the diverse needs of your customers.
  20. Integrated roster options: Seamlessly integrate with Deputy, Tanda, and Planday, simplifying employee scheduling and management.
  21. Digital receipts: Offer your customers the convenience of digital receipts through Slyp, reducing paper waste and enhancing the experience.

This is just some of what our equestrian businesses POS software  offers in this specialty retail space in addition to the ability to sell anywhere, including an on the road sale option. Plus, there are integrations to Shopify, Woo Commerce, Big Commerce, Xero and more.

We also offer other opportunities:

  • ChatGPT and Google Gemini AI integration: Generate compelling product descriptions with our integrated ChatGPT, helping you showcase your products effectively. Generate product promoting blog posts. price compare with other businesses around you
  • International barcode database lookup: Add new products quickly and accurately with our integrated barcode database lookup, streamlining your inventory management.
  • Auto background removal of photos: Save time by automatically removing backgrounds from your uploaded photos, making them more suitable for use on websites like Shopify, Big Commerce, and others.
  • Free integration with FindIt.com.au: Drive local shopper traffic to your business with our free integration with FindIt.com.au.
  • Shopper self-checkout version: Enhance the shopping experience by offering a shopper self-checkout option, providing convenience and efficiency to your customers.
  • Portable sell from anywhere solution: Do business anywhere with our portable POS transactor solution.

Our Tower Systems equestrian businesses POS software is made for local independent equestrian businesses, to help them operate efficiently and profitable.

We love helping local businesses thrive.

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Software for local music instrument shops helps nurture engagement with music

March 19, 2025
2 Min read
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Our Tower Systems music shop POS software help music shops, music instrument shops and music instrument repair businesses grow their business. Whether you sell instruments, sheet music, or offer lessons we have the tools to support your success. If you repair musical instruments, our software can help there too.

Our software supports the variety of music shops we see locally and we help these businesses in their area of specialisation.

Our music shop software offers facilities on which you can rely such as:

  • 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.

The club / school / teacher grouping is interesting in that you can leverage members of the groups to encourage them to shop with you and, if you want, you can track purchases by the group and reward the group as a result.

We offer more than our music shop software. For example, Every Tower customer has free access to our FindIt online marketplace, helping attract more in-store shoppers.

Now, here are some questions we get asked about us and our music shop POS software:

  • How do I contact your support team? You can reach our Australian-based support team by phone or email. Call us and a human answers.
  • Can I run the software in the cloud or on my desktop? Yes, we offer both cloud-based and on-premise options.
  • Is there a lock-in contract? No, you can cancel your rental at any time with no long-term commitment.
  • Can I offer discounts to specific groups or customers? Yes, our software allows you to create custom discounts and promotions.
  • Can I track sales for fundraising purposes? Absolutely, you can track sales to specific groups or organisations to support fundraising initiatives.

Join the many Australian music shops that trust Tower Systems. Contact us today to learn more about how our software can help you streamline your operations and grow your business. We’re on 1300 662 957 or sales@towersystems.com.au.

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Fixed price POS software integrated Shopify website development for small business retailers

March 18, 2025
2 Min read
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For years now here at Tower Systems we have offered fixed price POS software integrated Shopify website development for small business retailers.

This is a service we offer retailers using our POS software, specialty retail POS software made for jewellers, garden centres, music shops, bike shops, newsagencies, bookshops, toy shops, fishing shops, camping businesses, produce businesses stockfeed businesses and more.

Our Shopify website development services are cone here in Melbourne and offered for a fixed price. It starts with us understanding your needs. If they match what we know we can deliver we’ll offer a contract that lays out everything we will do for you in developing your Shopify website, connecting it to our POS software and helping you make the website live so your shop can be found by so many more people.

Here are three reasons why to choose Tower Systems for your Shopify website development:

  1. Expertise in Retail: With years of experience in retail solutions, we understand the unique challenges faced by retail businesses.
  2. Custom Solutions: Our POS-integrated websites are tailored to meet the specific needs of your business.
  3. Local Support: Our in-house team in ensures no disconnect between your needs and the delivered solution.

Being based in Australia is a huge difference for us and for our customers. This is key, we think, to the high level of satisfaction from retailers for whom we have developed websites.

We believe in delivering value and fair pricing. Our websites are developed entirely in Australia, ensuring clear communication and a deep understanding of your local market needs. This approach may cost slightly more than outsourced options, but it guarantees a higher quality product and a development team invested in your success.

Tower Systems takes pride in helping local small businesses succeed online.

By combining the features of Shopify with our POS software solution coupled with our retail expertise, you can unlock a world of benefits for your business:

  • Expand your reach: Attract new customers from a wider geographic area.
  • Drive sales growth: Increase sales through both your physical store and online shop.

We’d love to help you take your local retail business online with a beautiful Shopify website.

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Free workshops this week: AI in POS software for small business retailers

March 17, 2025
2 Min read
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This week we are hosting two AI in POS software Zoom sessions on in which we will demonstrate current AI tools in our software. Bring your questions too. We will offer examples of how AI Is saving time, feeding better business decisions and helping retailers make more money.

  • Monday March 17 2pm (Melbourne time). https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82996597162?pwd=UC9fiZ5EXbJpf1QMzpaX6poacNb6Hh.1 Meeting ID: 829 9659 7162 Passcode: 687889
  • Wednesday March 19 2pm (Melbourne time). https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83348801103?pwd=PWmU98sP132o4x4cQIpaxRqkbhdWNz.1 Meeting ID: 833 4880 1103 Passcode: 308206

Anyone is welcome. The sessions will be recorded.

The openness of these sessions speak to our transparency as a company. We don’t like to put up roadblocks for access to us and what we offer our customers and prospective customers.

The use of AI in small business retail is evolving rapidly. Having offered our first AI innovation in mid 2022, Tower Systems is a genuine innovator in service of small business retail in Australia.

Housing these sessions is another example of our approach of show, don’t tell. By demonstration what our software offers today we are showing using anonymised real retail data how our the Ai integrations in our POS software serve the needs of our customers.

You’re welcome to join us.

Call 1300 662 957 (0800 444 367 – NZ) or email sales@towersystems.com.au to arrange your own one-on-one demonstration.

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Advice on reducing employee theft in your retail business

March 14, 2025
2 Min read
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Employee theft can severely impact your retail business, both financially and emotionally. We have helped many retailers over decades to uncover and deal with employee theft / employee fraud. The advice we provide here is based on these years of experience helping retailers, working with police and working with prosecutors. Wee have been called to provide expert witness evidence in employee theft trials.

Here’s how to minimise the risk of employee theft:

  • Establish Clear Policies and Procedures:
    • Create comprehensive policies outlining expected employee conduct, especially regarding cash handling, stock management, and customer data.
    • Ensure all staff fully understand and acknowledge these policies.
    • Establish a clear reporting process for suspected theft.
  • Implement Robust Inventory and Sales Tracking:
    • Use a reliable system to accurately track inventory and sales.
    • Regularly monitor for discrepancies or unusual patterns that might indicate theft.
    • Utilise your POS software’s data tracking features to identify anomalies.
  • Conduct Regular Audits:
    • Perform routine audits of inventory, sales, and financial records.
    • This allows for early detection of potential issues.
  • Utilise Security Measures:
    • Install security cameras and alarms.
    • Implement locked storage areas for valuable items.
  • Provide Employee Training and Support:
    • Educate employees on the importance of honesty and integrity.
    • Foster a positive and trustworthy work environment.
  • Leverage POS Software:
    • Utilise the data tracking capabilities of your POS software, such as Tower Systems’, to monitor for signs of theft.
    • Recognise that this software can provide evidence that can be used in legal proceedings.

Remember: 

  • Proactive measures are crucial in preventing employee theft.
  • Clear policies, accurate tracking, and regular audits are essential.
  • Utilising technology, such as your POS system, can significantly aid in detection.
  • Creating a culture of honesty and integrity will also assist in reducing the risk.

Reducing employee theft relies on the business owners being proactive from the outset and being transparent with all who work in the business.

By implementing the strategies we have shred here you can significantly reduce the risk of employee theft, protecting your business from financial loss and fostering a more secure and trustworthy work environment.

Consistent vigilance, combined with the effective use of technology like comprehensive POS systems, empowers business owners to safeguard their assets and maintain the integrity of their operations, ensuring long-term stability and success.

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