The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

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

Latest stories

How does POS software help a retail business grow?

July 3, 2025
3 Min read
H

Not all POS software helps a retail business grow, let’s put that out there right at the start. Our Tower Systems POS software is focussed on helping retail businesses grow. It has facilities embedded in the software that play into business turnover growth and net profitability that you’ll see in the business profit and loss statement.

Oh, and by growth here we are not talking about chasing scale. rather, we are talking about profitability and growth in the context of a local small retail business. For many, staying small is far more profitable than spending up chasing scale (growth).

Here are some of the ways our Tower Systems POS software helps businesses grow:

Smart loyalty. Our loyalty tools are engaging, easily understood and proven to bring shoppers back more often and nurturing them to spend more. This approach to loyalty makes shopper visits more valuable and therefore more profitable.

Time saved. Our integrated AI tools help retailers reduce rostered hours by eliminating some manual tasks. Our AI innovation has already proven to be bottom-line beneficial in plenty of local retail businesses. Using our Ai tools you can import just about any invoice, generate marketing blog posts and price compare.

Early theft detection. The smart theft mitigation tools in our software have helped many retailers capture irrefutable evidence of theft that has been used to resolve the situation through police or other means. Through data tracking and other security smarts, our software provides business owners secret insights on theft.

Cutting out of stocks. Being out of stock of a product typically costs a shop thousands of dollars a year. We have seen more than half the out of stocks caused by poor oversight on stock ordering. Our software shows the out of stocks and puts a value pin lost revenue. This focusses the attention of the business owner, which leads to resolving the problem.

Better business decisions sooner. Thanks to smart insights in our constantly curated insights dashboard retail business managers are able to make evidence-based business decisions faster than through old processes. Evidence-based business decisions tend to be better decisions for a retail business.

Targeted marketing. By reaching out to customers based on past purchases allows a business to finely target customers and this can bring them min sooner for more purchases.

Cutting keystrokes. Our POS software is tuned to eliminate some manual processes and with them unnecessary keystrokes. Every keystroke we eliminate is a possible mistake eliminated as well as a millisecond of time saved.

This is not a complete list. rather, it is a snapshot of how our Tower systems POS software can help a local small retail business grow revenue and improve net profit.

Can we help you?

Read onRead later

How important is the help desk to what you achieve with POS software?

July 2, 2025
3 Min read
H

How important is the help desk to what you achieve with POS software? This is a good question to ask when you are considering new POS software for your retail business. No matter how knowledgable you are, how confident you are, the help desk for your POS software supplier will likely play a vital role in the benefits you achieve using the software.

Good help desk people understand your type of business and will provide context beyond do this or that. Contact can be everything in your getting more value from your POS software in your business. Context and help you make better business decisions.

Here at Tower Systems our POS software help desk people have retail experience, they can provide useful and appreciated context when helping retailers use our software. We think our help desk colleagues can help you get more from using our Tower Systems POS software.

Being locally based, our help desk team members understand local retail settings and needs, this plays into the context piece we are talking about here. They don’t use scripts. A call to the help desk is a conversation. being local means we can be more aware of local situations impacting software use, such as local payments problems or other tech factors that can impact using any software.

Help desks located off shore don’t have some of the local insights.

Too often, we see help desk staff in other businesses use rigid scripts that can cause a call take way too long to resolve. You only have to call an internet service provider or a bank to experience this.

So, when it comes to the Tower Systems POS software help desks – no scripts used or allowed. let’s talk!

By having a conversation we can often understand the query and provide the appropriate advice. The customer feels better and we feel better.

A good POS software help desk person will also look beyond the question, in case there is something they can see that you are not seeing, something from which your business can benefit if you act early. We have one customer we advised of a possible theft situation based on data we saw, this early intervention could have saved them thousands. In another business we identified thousands of dollars in dead stock they were missing and not acting on.

A good POS software help desk team will be vital to the benefits you achieve in your retail business. Consider help desk services when considering new POS software.

Read onRead later

I want to switch POS software but want to keep my current data

July 1, 2025
2 Min read
I

You can switch POS software and keep your current data in most situations. It does, however, depend on a couple of things: that your current software permits access to  data it manages and that the software you are switching to can import this data so that it is meaning full for you.

Here at Tower Systems our approach to data conversion from other software is thorough. We only commit to data conversion where we know we can get the data out of other software and that it can be imported into our software. If you have any doubts or questions about data conversion, please raise it early in the sales process. It could be a mistake to assume.

We will do a trial conversion for customers concerned, to prove whether we can successfully export data and then import data, or not. This is an obligation-free service. So, for retailers with the question, I want to switch POS software but want to keep my current data, Tower Systems can help – if our POS software looks like it is good software for your business. Please let us know early if you want a trial conversion done.

Data conversion between POS software solutions is not always easy, fast and straightforward. Different software stores data in different ways. Sometimes it takes time to cross match fields or even take, for example, two files and merge them as the new software has only one file with data the old system has cross two files.

We have data conversion specialists here at Tower Systems who have done data conversion from other POS software solutions many times. We have lost count of the number of software products from which we have successfully converted data.

Sometimes, data conversion is not a good idea. Typically, this is when the data in your old software has not been respected, not well looked after. Starting fresh cold be what the business needs. We think it is helpful to assess your data and consider the quality of this before pushing ahead with data conversion. There is a rule in tech: garbage in, garbage out. Be sure to only request data conversion of the data you have is good, not garbage.

Read onRead later

How much should software for my shop cost?

June 30, 2025
3 Min read
H

There is a big difference in the cost of software for retail businesses when comparing software companies. It can be challenging to understand, too. There is the cost of the software itself, which is usually a monthly rental cost and there can be other costs for additional components required and some software companies have a mandatory cost associated with the value off each transaction you process.

Here at Tower Systems, our pricing is transparent and easy to understand. There is a single monthly rental cost, which can be cancelled at any time. There is no cost per transaction, no requirement for you to use any specific payments platform. The software itself is loaded with facilities for which some others charge extra.

How much should software for your shop cost? If your retail business us one of the ones we serve: jeweller, garden centre, bike shop, bookshop, toy shop, product business stockfeed, newsagent, music shop, mobility scooter business, gift shop, charity shop, antique business, computer shop, homewares shop, repairs shop, cleaning supplies, clothing shop, your price will range between $220.00 and $275.00 inc. GST) per month from Tower Systems. This is one price, the only price inclusive of as many registers as you want at one location.

So, a big garden centre with five register points will pay $275.00 inc. GST all up. That’s the price, the one price. That’s what you compare against.

Of course, it is vital you research POS software thoroughly and choose software that does serve your needs. Making the wrong choice can be expensive, especially through lost time and opportunity.

As part of your software assessment process, look at the pricing, be sure to fully research and understand the cost of ownership. This research should also include you understanding the contract lock-in period. Make sure you do truly understand the cost of the software for the business over one, two and three years. be sure to ask about any extra costs, add-ons, and more.

Understanding the cost of POS software for any retail business starts with you creating a shortlist of possible software to use and you then thoroughly researching the cost of the software, getting the figures in writing to be sure you know all you need to know to make an informed decision.

Too many software companies hide their price. Some even mask the actual software cost by charging a payments fee or similar. These are all costs and need to be considered.

How much should software for my shop cost? Only go with software you know will serve your needs and for which the pricing is transparent.

Read onRead later

Our newsagent software helps local Aussie newsagencies thrive

June 27, 2025
2 Min read
O

2025 is proving to be a good year for Aussie newsagency businesses, the newsagent as some refer to these shops.

The local Aussie newsagent started in the 1880s, on the goldfields of Victoria. In 2025 we have around 2,800 newsagency businesses. Plenty of these are thriving businesses. As the supplier of software to 1,800+ of these businesses Tower systems his grateful to be playing a role in helping these local businesses do well in their local communities.

The thriving local newsagency today is not the newsagent of yesterday.

The purpose of every newsagency business is different. The notion of them all being the same and having the same focus is old-school. Years ago, when newsagents were primarily agents, being a hub in the community made sense. Following deregulation and the dilution of the value of being an agent, the commercial value of being a community hub, too, diluted.

Our software is helping newsagents navigate these and related matters.

An Australian newsagency, regardless of location, can specialise in higher-margin product categories. While this requires research and investment, the payoff can be considerable, as many have already discovered. We are seeing this trend frequently. This shift towards specialisation is a key factor in the success of modern newsagencies, allowing them to move beyond traditional offerings and cater to niche markets with more profitable products.We are seeing this often.

Online, too is presenting opportunities for change – and our POS software for newsagents is helping here.

Tower Systems helps newsagency businesses beyond just software, providing valuable data insights and AI tools. These resources empower local and independent retailers to look beyond the traditional boundaries of their businesses. By leveraging these advanced tools, newsagents can make more informed decisions, identify emerging trends, and discover new avenues for growth, ensuring their continued success in the evolving retail landscape.

Our advice to newsagents is to not be constrained by the community expectations your shingle. Find a need and fill it, no matter how far away that may take you from what people see as a newsagency business. There are opportunities far away and our software and business support can help you on this path to an even brighter future.

Read onRead later

Who is our target customer here at Tower Systems, the ideal customer for our POS software?

June 26, 2025
2 Min read
W

Here at Tower Systems we are focussed on serving small, independently locally owned and run retail businesses, primarily in Australia and New Zealand.

Our purpose is to empower local, independent, and specialty retailers to truly thrive. We do this by providing them with powerful Aussie-made and supported POS software, along with the essential training and ongoing support they need to succeed.

A local independent retail business is one with, usually, no more than ten shops – most of our customers have one shop.

We believe in the power of local businesses. They are the heart of communities, fostering connection and contributing to local prosperity. When a local business is profitable, everyone benefits—from the owners and their staff to their customers and the wider community. And when they’re profitable, they’re happy too!

Our software is specifically designed for a diverse range of specialty retailers, including:

  • Jewellers
  • Garden Centres
  • Bookshops
  • Charity shops / op. shops
  • Gift shops
  • Homewares shops
  • Bike Shops
  • Toy Shops
  • Newsagents
  • Pet Shops
  • Music Shops
  • Sewing Shops
  • Clothing Shops
  • Pool Maintenance Shops
  • Garden Landscape Businesses
  • Produce Businesses
  • Stockfeed Businesses
  • Fishing and Outdoor Shops

We are passionate about working with local small businesses, whether they’re in rural areas, regional towns, or on the high street. We excel at providing personalized, one-on-one engagement within these niche retail channels.

We’re proud to say we make what we sell. We don’t just provide the tools; we also train our customers in their use and offer comprehensive support through our help desk and online knowledge base. We know our software, training, and support can make a real difference in helping these businesses flourish.

If you own or working a local small retail business, we might as well good and valuable fit for you. Check us out. If were discover we are not the right fit for you we will absolutely say so. We want you to thrive and will never get 9in the way of that.

We are dedicated to helping local retailers truly thrive. By providing our specialised Aussie-made software, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, we empower these vital small businesses to achieve profitability and happiness, knowing that their success strengthens the entire community.

Please, let us know if we can help you.

Read onRead later

Tower Systems helps small business retailers navigate change with confidence

June 25, 2025
3 Min read
T

In 2025, local small business retail is changing rapidly. Customer expectations are shifting, in-store management practices are evolving, supplier requirements are adapting, and the very nature of commerce—how, when, and where people buy—is different from even a year ago. If you’re in retail, you’re experiencing these shifts daily.

A key concept in this evolving environment is “omnichannel,” which simply means meeting your customers wherever they are: in-store, online, or a combination of both. Here at Tower Systems, we understand this need deeply. We provide local small business retailers with a comprehensive solution that supports your operations in-store, online, on the road, and at pop-ups. Our goal is to empower you to retail wherever you need to retail.

The shift towards all-in-one Point of Sale (POS) systems is driven by the need for small businesses to manage various facets of their operations—such as payments, inventory, and customer engagement—from a single, cohesive platform. By integrating these essential tools, businesses can eliminate the inefficiencies that often arise from managing separate, disconnected technologies.

The benefits of integrated POS systems are clear. Small business retailers have reported a 50% reduction in transaction times after adopting advanced POS systems. This not only speeds up sales but also significantly cuts down on customer waiting times, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased productivity.

Advanced POS systems, like our Tower Systems POS software capture valuable data, such as purchase history and preferences, enabling small business retailers to create tailored promotions and offers. Integrated loyalty programs further encourage repeat business by offering personalised rewards, ensuring a seamless experience for customers whether they’re shopping online, in-store, or through mobile channels.

To thrive in this competitive landscape, small business retailers are looking for specific features in their POS systems beyond basic payment processing:

  • Ease of use: Intuitive, user-friendly interfaces are a priority. Easy onboarding allows businesses to get up and running quickly, letting employees focus on serving customers rather than grappling with complex technology.
  • Scalability: As businesses grow, so do their needs. A scalable POS system can accommodate new features like loyalty programs, online ordering, or advanced reporting, meaning you won’t need to completely replace your system as your business expands.
  • Security and compliance: In an era of increasing cybercrime, security is paramount. Integrated systems offer built-in tools to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulations like PCI-DSS, safeguarding your business from costly breaches.
  • Support when you need / want it: Downtime can be detrimental. Round-the-clock support, whether for technical issues or guidance on system features, ensures uninterrupted business operations.

As the POS landscape continues to evolve, the expectation is for solutions that go beyond simple payment processing. Comprehensive systems, like Clover’s all-in-one system, manage transactions while also supporting vital business functions such as inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer engagement. This holistic approach streamlines operations and provides tools that foster growth and efficiency, particularly for businesses looking to scale or optimise their workflows.

By partnering with a provider like Tower Systems, local small business retailers can find comfort in a suite of tools specifically calibrated for their unique businesses, helping them to compete effectively, both locally and beyond.

Read onRead later

An alternative to Lightspeed POS software payments costs

June 24, 2025
2 Min read
A

We have been told that Lightspeed has written to its customers in Australia announcing a date by which they must switch to using the Lightspeed Payments platform for what payments taken from customers for their purchases.

Here at Tower Systems we do not charge a fee for payments, we do not charge a fee per transactions. We believe our customers are better served negotiating the lowest payment fee possible with their bank or any other provider. We have a couple of relationships offering payments fees at 1%. We know of customers getting fees lower than this.

Our view is that a POS software company is best at creating, maintaining and supporting POS software. Taking a percentage of each transaction a retailer makes is like a tax in our view, a tax on the success of the local retailer growing their business. It does to make sense to us to see a POS software company take a percentage of the value of each transaction.

If you are a Lightspeed POS software customer for your real business and you want a POS software solution that does not place payments demands and costs of your business, Tower Systems may be a solution for your Call is on 1300 662 957 or email sales@towersystems.com.au. Let’s see if our POS software is a good fit for you.

We are a no pressure business. if we’re not a good fit for your needs, we will say so. If we are a good fit we will offer a competitive solution.

Our Tower Systems POS software is a viable Lightspeed alternative. We have businesses that have switched form Lightspeed confirming this.

Tower Systems develops software locally for local retailers in Australia and New Zealand. Our customer service is local too.

Our focus is solely on local small business retailers.

We have no requirement as to the payments platform you use. We don’t charge a percentage of each transaction.

We’re not chasing big businesses. We’re not chasing massive franchise networks.

Every customer matters.

No business is too small.

We believe in human-to-human contact. You can easy call us, or email. Humans respond.

Every one of our POS software customers gets to vote of software enhancement suggestions. Our consideration process is transparent and accessible to those who care about this.

Read onRead later

EDI is dead, you can import just about any invoice into our POS software thanks to our AI tools

June 24, 2025
3 Min read
E

For years, retailers needed EDI (electronic data interchange) told to import supplier invoices. These were specialist tools that helped POS software read unique supplier invoices that were presented in a specific format. Those days are pretty much over thanks to the AI tools now embedded in the POS software from Tower Systems. Now tested on 500+ supplier invoices, the POS software from Tower Systems assesses a supplier invoice and imports it accurately and quickly – saving time, cutting mistakes and setting the retail business up for data based success.

Yes, EDI is a thing of the past thanks to the AI tools in the Tower Systems POS software.

Jewellers, garden centres, bike shops, newsagents, pet shops, music shop0s, produce businesses, stockfeed businesses, toy shops, computer shops, homewares shops, bookshops and plenty of other retailers are able to use these POS software embedded AI tools to accurately and easily import supplier invoice.

We have retailers telling us of savings of three and more hours a week. That’s actual labour cost saved. It’s money back into the business for more valuable use elsewhere. It is also a chunk of mistakes eliminated.

The power of this embedded AI lies in its ability to learn and adapt to the nuances of various invoice layouts, eliminating the rigid formatting requirements of old EDI systems. This means less time spent manually correcting entries or wrestling with incompatible file types. Instead, your team can focus on higher-value tasks, confident that your inventory and financial data are accurate and up-to-date. It’s a leap forward in efficiency, transforming a historically tedious task into a seamless, automated process that directly contributes to your bottom line and improves overall operational flow.

If you have questions about data security and privacy in the use of our POS software integrated AI tools:  the AI tools aren’t “learning” from your sensitive customer data in a way that exposes it to the public internet or shares it inappropriately. Instead, they are designed to process your supplier invoices locally and securely, within the confines of your existing software, much like how your current accounting software handles sensitive financial data.

AI is trained to recognise patterns in invoice layouts and data points, not to extract or store personal customer information for external use. It’s about enhancing efficiency through intelligent automation of a specific task, not about intrusive data collection. Tower Systems understands the critical importance of trust in retail, and our AI integration prioritises robust data protection measures, ensuring your business operates not only smarter but also with complete peace of mind.

Read onRead later

What is scanned based trading and how does it help retailers, especially small business retailers?

June 23, 2025
2 Min read
W

Scanned based trading in retail is where a supplier supplies product to a shop based on sales of the product in the shop. The POS software in the retail shop feeds sales to the supplier and the supplier triggers a top-up order based on settings agreed with the retailer.

Scanned based trading is a time saver for retailers. This is useful in today’s retail settings where retailers are time-poor.

With popular items being out of stock too often, scanned based trading can help retailers to not be out of stock of items they need.

Our Tower Systems POS software has the data feed necessary to supply suppliers with sales per store, thereby feeding into suppliers ready themselves to engage in scanned based trading with local small business retailers.

In some scanned based trading models, retailers only pay for inventory they sell.

  • Reduced inventory costs: Retailers don’t have to tie up capital in inventory that might not sell.
  • Lower financial risk: They are not stuck with unsold or expired products.
  • Increased product variety: Retailers can experiment with new products without significant upfront investment.
  • Reduced shrink (loss of inventory): While the exact split of shrink liability is negotiated, SBT can reduce losses from operational errors as suppliers have more incentive to manage their inventory effectively.
  • Improved cash flow: Payments are made only when sales occur.

These are just some of the benefits that POS software facilitates scanned based trading has delivered from our experiences in retail.

While the benefits for retailers are clear, scan-based trading offers significant advantages to suppliers, fostering a closer and more aligned relationship.

Suppliers gain real-time visibility into sales data, enabling more accurate forecasting, optimised production, and efficient inventory management. This direct insight allows them to better understand consumer demand and tailor their offerings accordingly, ultimately leading to increased sales and reduced waste from overproduction.

By taking on the inventory risk, suppliers often secure broader distribution channels as retailers become more willing to stock a wider variety of their products, even new or niche items. This collaborative approach, where both parties benefit from shared data and aligned incentives, transforms the traditional buyer-seller dynamic into a more strategic partnership focused on mutual growth and efficiency.

Retailers love scanned based trading because of less out of stocks, increased revenue and time saves.

Suppliers love scanned based trading because of increased sales and more value from retailer relationships.

Read onRead later

How do I choose the right software for my small retail business?

June 22, 2025
4 Min read
H

Choosing the right software for your retail business depends on you, since it is your business and you know now what you need. based on decades of helping small business retailers, local retailers, we have advice on how to go about choosing the right software.

Take your time. This is an important decision so treat it as such. Move at your pace and not some pace set by someone else, maybe a sales person who is chasing a monthly target. The right decision could add thousands of dollars to your bottom line every year.

Start by being clear about what you want, what you need. Create this in writing. Don’t start looking at any software until you have your list. Take your time on the list. Ensure everything on the list is a must have as this is where it best you focus your attention. This list should be with you all through the process. Share with those you engage with through the process.

Research online based on your list of needs. Again, take your timer. Doing this research yourself sees you owning the results. If you ask someone else do the work you may have to settle for something you ultimately are not happy with. Good software companies make it easy for you to compare functionality, get pricing and see a list of features without having to talk with someone. Note: companies that are not public about price are more likely to want to sell you to maximise their revenue.

Create a shortlist. For local small business retailers, a good shortlist of POS software companies to consider will be no more than 3. These three should be companies that your research indicates can serve your needs and are within your price point.

Book a demonstration. reach out to the three companies and book a demonstration with each. tell them you will give them 30 minutes. tell them the main requirements you want covered. Typically, software sales people will want longer so they can get you to like them and they can use techniques to close you. You set the time, focus on the software functions that matter most. Ask for it to be recorded with a copy of the recording provided to you. Try and do the demonstrations back to back as this makes comparison easier. Take notes too – especially of every claim made or promise given.

Review. Consider the demonstrations and the information you have gathered. By yourself, in a quiet space, consider everything. If a clear preference does not emerge, ask for another meeting. Ask that they include one of their local support people. Have questions for them as it is the local support people who will play a big role in the success you have with the software.

Make your decision. Consider everything and make the decision that feels right to you and that is backed by the evidence you have gathered. If no company feels right, that’s your decision right there. It’s okay if this is the case. You may need to go deeper with one or more of the candidate companies to consider the further.

If this process that we have outlined for choosing the right software for your small retail business seems too big or that it will take too long. Remember, the right software choice could add trees of thousands of dollars of net provide to your business each year. That right there is the return on your time investment.

Take your time, invest your time, and make the decision that feels right to you, for you, and for your business.

Once you have made your decision, get to it, follow the advice, learn how to use the software and work it hard to ensure it delivers the value you need from it in your business.

…

Tower Systems makes and supports POS software for local small business retailers. We are grateful to any who consider our software. If we think we are not a good fit, we will say so. Our POS software pricing is transparent as is the functionality in our POS software.

Read onRead later

Software for fishing and outdoor shops helps these loved local retail businesses shine

June 20, 2025
3 Min read
S

Local fishing and outdoors shops are key to people loving being outdoors and exploring local sights and feeding the family with a good catch. often, the businesses are started by people who enjoy these activities.

Here at Tower Systems we make software to help local fishing and outdoors businesses thrive. This is specialty retail software because, after all, these shops are specialty retail shops.

We are grateful to our fishing and outdoor shop community for advice and support. The latest software is out now, and it is packed with treats.

Handling subscriptions or recurring billing is easy. If you rent something, this handles it for you.

Selling by weight (yes, it’s scale integrated) and fractions is easy too, as is selling bundle packs like a rod, reel and net, for example.

Selling to club members at a special price is easy. You can also easily use the software to raise funds for the club, attracting members of the club to shop with your business.

Here are common questions we get about our software for fishing and outdoors shops:

  • Can I connect the software to a scale to sell bait by weight? Yes.
  • Can I sell products in fraction units, like 1.25? Yes.
  • Do I have to pay extra to run it on more terminals? No.
  • Do I have to pay more if my sales increase? No.
  • Can I share local fishing maps and information? Yes, you can load files, images, documents and include them on receipts.
  • Can I bundle items together like a rod, reel and line? Yes.
  • I sell at events away from the shop sometimes, can I do this with the software? Yes, using our Retailer Roam.
  • Does the software handle club member pricing? Yes, this can be a great marketing, connecting with and supporting clubs and your business.
  • Can I share local fishing and camping tips on receipts? Yes.
  • Can I set an age check on age restricted items? Yes.

This truly is specialty retail POS software made for these businesses, tuned to their needs, in service of them serving local campers and locals who love fishing.

Our Tower Systems software for fishing, Outdoors and camping businesses is Aussie made and supported. This is an ideal solution for these local businesses.

In thinking about the software you want, think about your business. Here are some headline level thoughts and suggestions.

  • If you see your business as specialist in nature, the software you choose should be specialist.
  • If part of your business pitch is to shop local, choosing locally made and supported software supports your pitch. Local software is software made and supported in Australia.
  • If you want to be known as the local specialist, you need software that helps you do this consistently and effectively.
  • If you do repairs or maintenance of any sort, you need software that can handle this.
  • If you sell items bundled such as a rod, reel and line pack, you need software that can handle this.
  • If you are in a tourist area and sell to people once, or once a year, you need software with loyalty facilities to maximise their rare visits to your shop.
  • If you sell products by weight, you need software that can do this.

Think about these things and think about what you want in software in your business to help you stand out.

Here at Tower Systems we love serving local businesses. If you think we could help you, please reach out.

Read onRead later

Bike shop software helps local bike shops compete is a rapidly changing marketplace

June 19, 2025
3 Min read
B

How bikes are sold is changing rapidly and this is challenging traditional bike shops. Those navigating the changes best are those adapting to the changing settings.

Here at Tower Systems we offer software made for bike shops, local bike shops, independent bike shops.

We only serve local small businesses. We have no interest in serving large chains of shops or massive corporations. Our focus truly is on local retail in all we do.

Our bike shop software has been tuned to the needs of local bike shops from managing sales through to pos-sales follow up and the all important service component. This is specialty retail POS software made for bike shops as we know bike retailers are specialty retailers – they need tools in their software tailored to their needs.

Generic POS software does not serve the needs of bike shops in our experience. Some software changes based on transaction value. here at Tower Systems we do not do that.

Here are some of the facilities,itieds in our bike shop software tailored to serve these businesses:

  • Trade and club pricing profiles. Set pricing rules based on customer type. Bring more club members to your shop.
  • Save time with electronic invoices from suppliers. Our embedded AI tools make importing just abut any invoice a dream!
  • Genuinely differentiating loyalty. Stand out from the crowd. Have customers coming back to you for this.
  • Easily handle special customer orders. Bring product in for a specific customer and have them notified by email or text when the goods are in.
  • Drive a deeper basket from one-time-only visiting shoppers.
  • Easily sell online with a direct to Shopify / Magento or WooCommerce link from your POS software – including image flow.
  • Offer personal customer service by tracking service and other dates by bike.
  • Use tags to get a fresh perspective, side-view, on stock performance.
  • Leverage you. If you believe your local knowledge is a differentiator, offer it through structured opportunities in the software. This helps you stand out from other places people could shop with.
  • Sell more with a direct connect and integrated with the POS buy now pay later services.
  • Offer differentiating personal bike care by tracking serial numbers.
  • Make money from pre-orders – Easily pre-sell a delivery so that when the stock arrives you can manage distribution and billing efficiently.
  • Differentiate with informative receipts. These can include product care, use and safety information based on what customers buy.
  • Differentiate with bundles. Selling items bundled together makes price comparison hard.
  • Track who sold what.
  • Market to customers based on past purchases.
  • Cut mistakes with integrated EFTPOS.
  • Cut accounting and bookkeeping fees with integration to Xero and others.

More Point of Sale (POS) software companies have shifted focus to sourcing revenue from each transaction completed in retail businesses using their software.

Some even impose a penalty on retailers who choose to use payment methods that do not provide the software company the revenue share opportunity.

We think this is what makes the approach a tax. It’s a cost of business retailers using such POS software systems are unable to avoid, unless they switch software.

The software companies imposing this charge, imposing the requirement that retailers use their payments platform, off of which the software companies profit, say they are doing it to fund software development, to make their products better.

By disconnecting the revenue from the sale or rental of the software and binding it to every customer purchase in a shop using the software, a software company shifts focus, we think.

Read onRead later

Garden centres and plant nurseries benefit from software made for them

June 18, 2025
3 Min read
G

Garden centres and plant nurseries need software that is fit for purpose, software that is made to serve their needs. Generic POS software does not help as it is, after all, generic.

Garden centres and nurseries are specialty retail businesses. Specialty POS software helps them lean into their specialisation. Here are examples of how our Tower Systems POS software helps garden centres and nurseries thrive:

  • RE-POTTING. As you re-pot products they are more valuable. Using our software you can evolve the price and the products evolve.
  • BUNDLE PRODUCTS. Sell a pot, plant and plant food in an easy bundle that is harder for people to price compare.
  • Connect to EVERGREEN CONNECT.
  • Sell by WEIGHT or LENGTH.
  • Sell by FRACTIONS.
  • FLEXIBLE PRICING FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS. You can handle retail and trade pricing.
  • HAZARDOUS GOODS MANAGEMENT.
  • Offer PLANT CARE information. Easily and automatically serve this information.
  • Offer CLUB PRICING. leverage gardening clubs and offer pricing to their members.
  • OUTDOOR LABELS: high res., customisable weatherproof.
  • SEASONAL MARKETING: leverage your local seasonal planting advice.
  • ORDER FOR SEASONS: reorder based on previous seasonal sales history.
  • SAVE TIME: Import electronic invoices and orders are a breeze thanks to our built-in AI tools.
  • SELL MORE WITH BUY NOW, PAY LATER.
  • CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS: Tight management.
  • EASIER DELIVERIES: delivery notes and picking slips.
  • SMART LOYALTY: People buy more and the return sooner. This has been a game-0changer for garden centres.
  • EASY SPECIAL ORDERS: complete tracking and notification.
  • HELP CUSTOMERS BUY ITEMS TOGETHER. Leverage your sales data.
  • EASILY SELL ONLINE, using our Shopify integration.
  • COMPREHENSIVE DELIVERY FACILITIES. Plan deliveries and handle complexities beyond the traditional.

This software made for garden centres and nurseries is fit for purpose for these specialty retail businesses. We are grateful to the hundreds of businesses using the software today. These businesses also help us enhance the software, to evolve it as opportunities emerge for the software being of even more service.

Our Tower Systems garden centre software is much more than Generic POS software, it helps garden centres lean into what makes their businesses specialist. This is vital in local small business retail today.

This is not software for your local everyday simple shop. No, this is comprehensive specialty retail software made for local garden centres and nurseries. It is made for small businesses with one through ten locations. These are our target customers.

Our pricing is easy with one cost per location regardless of the number of registers and terminals in use at that location.

There is no extra cost for more terminals, no fee based on transaction or sales volume, no high-cost EFTPOS rate.

When it comes to customer service, our approach is like what you see in loc al garden centres – personal, human based. We are a customer service business after all.

If you own or work in a local garden centre or nursery, consider our Tower Systems software. There is no obligation for a personal demonstration. We will start with wanting to understand your needs as this matters to us – we are keen to hear from you about what matters to you. If we’re not aa good fit, we will say so for sure.

Thanks for stopping by.

Read onRead later

Why software made specifically for gift shops matters to gift shops

June 17, 2025
3 Min read
W

There is POS software and then there is gift shop software. The two are very different, and this matters if you run a gift shop. Gift shops benefit from software made specifically for gift shops.

Generic POS software is usually good at transactions, you know, scan the products and take the money. Often, these products are from businesses offshore with support offshore and no direct and easy access to human help and support.

Gift shop software, like our Tower Systems gift shop software, is Aussie made and supported – by humans you can speak to. Training is one-on-one and based out of Australia.

Best of all though is that this software for gift shops comes with facilities calibrated for gift shops, facilities that help you operate efficiently, nurture more valuable baskets and guidance you to better business decisions.

  • Loyalty shoppers love. People understand $$ more than points. Our software offers $$ rewards based on rules you set. There is solid evidence that these loyalty vouchers drive shopper purchases and return visits. This facility is easy to setup and run and easy to change. You are in control.
  • Bundle for differentiation. Using our software you can easily group products together to create your own bundle that cannot be easily price-compared. We have retailers using this for packs and hampers. They love it.
  • Leverage your local community. Offer community group members a deal and the group itself a bonus., The software tracks this and helps you nurture the community relationship for mutual value.
  • Sell easily online. Our direct Shopify, Big Commerce, Woo Commerce and Magento integrations make selling online easy with accurate management of inventory levels and more. Simply tick a box and your inventory is live.
  • Reduce out of stocks. The smart tools in our software show you what you could sell if you had stock of something out of stock.
  • Reduce dead stock. Easily and quickly see what is dead stock in your business. Our evidence helps you buy better, more profitable.
  • Sell you. Include advice and product knowledge with products you sell easily, help your team members be more knowledgable.
  • Import invoices easily thanks to AI. Our built-in AI tools make it easy for you to import supplier files. We have now tested this on 500+ different invoice formats and it works a charm!
  • Price compare your products with AI. Our built-in AI tools quickly price compare for you, allowing you to make informed decisions about pricing.
  • Create SEO ready product descriptions. This is so easy. It’s effective in helping your products be found online.
  • Generate blog posts automatically. Our built in AI tools will do this for you for any product you target. It writes the blog post using the tone and spelling you want. Customers tell us this is a game changer for them.

This software made for gift shops does so much more than this short list. It is all about helping local and independent gift shops thrive. Here at Tower Systems we only serve local independent retailers, small business retailers. Every customer matters to us, every customer has an equal voice.

Read onRead later

Why our software is ideal for local pet shops

June 16, 2025
3 Min read
W

If you run a local pet shop, we urge you to consider our Tower Systems pet shop software.

First up: you should use software that works best for you. Take your time. Compare. Be sure you can see for yourself if the software does serve your needs.

If the best software for your pet shop is not our Tower Systems pet shop software, we will wish you all the best. We want happy customers. If when talking with you it is clear our software is not right for you, we will say so.

Now, why is our pet shop software ideal for local pet shops. That’s easy to answer: local pet shops will do better with software tailored for their businesses.

Generic POS software is usually not a good fit for specialty needs of a local pet shop.

Overseas made and supported POS software is unlikely to serve local needs of a local pet shop.

Software from a large corporation based overseas is unlikely to serve your local Aussie and Kiwi business needs.

Software from a company that does not provide easy human contact access will be unlikely to serve your needs as easy access to human support is key to your enjoyment of any software. We know that from many years experience.

Most of all though, our Tower Systems pet shop software is packed with facilities developed for and with pet shop owners and staff. This is specialty software made for your type of business.

Here at Tower Systems we only serve local small business retail. Your voice matters to us. All of our customers are equal.

Love your shop as much as you love your pets. Here are 6 ways this pet shop software helps you achieve this.

  • Easy small wins. The one-percenters make a business. This pet shop software is packed with one-percenters, helping you to small wins in efficiency, add-on purchases, smarter buying and more.
  • Healthier pets. Pet owners will love your reminders about a treatment that is due. They will also love that you treat their pets as a member of the family. You will love that this software makes it easy.
  • Hands off. Every keyboard click has a cost and could be a mistake. Look at your last Kongs invoice and reflect on the time it took to process. Imagine importing an accurate electronic version in seconds.
  • Standing out from the crowd. While dog breeds are judged to a set of strict standards, in retail being different matters. When it comes to loyalty, we help you stand out, be noticed and be loved.
  • You are the difference. When it comes to pet food and other items that make up the bulk of your revenue, standing out from the crowd can be a challenge. The thing is, you and your people are the difference. This software helps you shine a light on that.
  • Not every shopper will walk past your door. A smart and seamless connection between your software and a beautiful website can help you easily and with low overhead sell to people you will never meet.

If you own a local pet shop and want software that helps your specific type of business and love connecting with people who listen, please reach out to us here at Tower Systems on 1300 662 957.

Read onRead later

Jeweller software in 2025

June 14, 2025
3 Min read
J

Check out this short video highlighting some of the features of our jeweller software. From Ai to jeweller specific tools, this Aussie made and supported jeweller software is helping hundreds of local jewellers every day.

For independent jewellers, success is a delicate balance of artistry, exceptional customer service, and savvy business management. We are incredibly proud that our specialised jeweller software continues to be the platform of choice for growing businesses, and we’re thrilled to have welcomed 14 new customers to our community already this year.

They, like our many long-term partners, are discovering how the right tools can help evolve their customer mix and drive real business performance. If you’re looking to run a more valuable and enjoyable business, here’s a look at how we can help.

Our commitment is entirely to you, the local jeweller. Our software is designed from the ground up to handle the unique, intricate details of your trade.

We understand that you’re managing more than just sales. You’re managing precious inventory, detailed repairs, and lifelong customer relationships. Our software brings it all together:

  • Jeweller-Specific Inventory Control: Track everything from loose stone details to finished pieces. Manage product variants (colour, size, style), sell by fractions or by length, handle secondhand goods, and easily import supplier invoices.
  • Seamless Repairs Management: Our dedicated repairs module allows you to track and manage every job with precision, keeping your customers informed and your workshop efficient.
  • Special Orders and Lay-bys: Cater to your customers’ unique requests by selling items in advance of having the physical stock, and manage special orders with ease.
  • Dynamic Sales & Marketing Tools:
    • BOGO & Bundling: Increase your average sale value with “buy this, get that” offers.
    • Club Pricing: Attract members of local community groups with exclusive pricing.
    • Targeted Marketing: Create contact lists based on purchase history, anniversaries, birthdays, and other life events to send relevant, timely offers.

One of the features our customers love most is the highly tuneable loyalty program. You can configure it to suit the specific needs of a jewellery business, creating compelling incentives that encourage your shoppers to return sooner and build a lasting connection with your brand.

Your time is valuable. That’s why our software works seamlessly with the tools you already use to nurture productivity across your entire business:

  • Accounting: Xero
  • E-commerce: A seamless, official integration with Shopify and Big Commerce.
  • Staff Rostering: Tanda, Deputy, and Planday
  • Customer Convenience: Slyp for smart digital receipts
  • Content Creation: ChatGPT for intelligent product descriptions and RemoveBG for clean, professional product photos.

We believe in empowering business owners, not locking them in.

  • No Lock-In Contracts: Our software is provided on a simple rental basis that can be cancelled at any time. There are no annual payment commitments.
  • EFTPOS Freedom: You have the choice of EFTPOS provider. We don’t lock you in, and we don’t charge any financial penalty or per-transaction cost from our end. We also make it simple for you to add a surcharge based on the card presented.

Getting started is simple with our one-on-one training. This is backed by an awesome, searchable knowledge base and a library of training videos – both available to you.

Read onRead later

Software for mobility scooter shops

June 13, 2025
3 Min read
S

Tower Systems is a vertical market software company offering software for a diverse mix of local small business specialty retailers including mobility scooter shops. Check it out:

Running a mobility scooter business in Australia presents a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. To truly thrive, having software specifically tailored to your needs is essential. That’s where our Australian-made and supported Tower Systems mobility scooter business software comes in. Available for just a few dollars a day, it’s designed to help your business flourish.

Eight Reasons Why Australian Mobility Scooter Shops are Opting for Our Software

Mobility scooter retailers across the country are discovering the significant advantages of our Point of Sale (POS) software. Here are eight key features they appreciate:

  1. Boost Loyalty with Infrequent Visits: Mobility scooter customers often visit infrequently. Our software incorporates embedded loyalty tools that encourage shoppers to make each visit more valuable, helping you maximise every interaction.

  2. Effortless Pre-Orders: Seamlessly manage sales of products even before they’re in stock. Our software streamlines the pre-order process, allowing you to secure sales and manage customer expectations with ease.

  3. Flexible Payment Options: Provide your customers with both Buy Now, Pay Later and LayBy options directly through our software, offering greater financial flexibility and convenience.

  4. Smart Bundling and Packaging: Create unique product bundles and packages tailored to your customers’ specific needs. This feature simplifies combining items, encouraging increased spending and enhancing the overall purchasing experience.

  5. Targeted Group Marketing: Effortlessly engage with retirement villages, clubs, and other local groups through specific offers and pricing. Our software empowers you to connect effectively with these communities.

  6. Streamlined Special Orders: Save time and minimise errors by efficiently managing and tracking special customer orders. Our system also facilitates securing advance payments for these unique requests.

  7. Comprehensive Product Repairs and Servicing: Our robust repairs management facilities enable you to track parts and labour for repairs, even those performed externally. Additionally, you can easily recall customers based on activity, such as their last service date.

  8. Essential Serial Number Tracking: Maintain meticulous records for service, insurance, and other operational needs by tracking the serial numbers of your stock items. This not only optimises your business operations but also significantly enhances customer service.

Why Local Matters in Mobility Scooter Retail

We understand the importance and inherent value of local specialty retail. Our software is specifically designed to help you leverage your local presence and connections:

  • Local Businesses Contribute: Your local mobility scooter business plays a vital role in supporting local communities and families. Our software helps you amplify that local impact.
  • Your Unique Asset: Your business stands out because of you and your dedicated team. Our mobility scooter business software provides the tools to help you leverage your unique strengths and personal touch.
  • Bank on Real Loyalty: Move beyond generic points systems. Our software offers fresh, impactful loyalty toolsthat genuinely reward your customers and contribute directly to your bottom line.
  • Uncover Hidden Opportunities: Access to quality data provides the evidence you need to make better, more informed business decisions, revealing opportunities you might otherwise miss.
  • Reach More Shoppers Online: Not every potential customer will walk through your door. Our software offers a seamless connection to a beautiful website, allowing you to reach a wider audience and expand your market.

We are grateful to serve this vital local retail niche.

Read onRead later

How much is our POS software

June 12, 2025
1 Min read
H

When we made this video we didn’t think the question was all that contentious. It seems it is with some POS software companies taking a cut from every sale in shops running their software.

We don’t do that.

Read onRead later

POS software for Hi Fi businesses

June 11, 2025
2 Min read
P

We make POS software for Hi Fi businesses and here’s a new short video from us on some of the features in this software:

Our POS software simplifies day-to-day operations, empowering Hi-Fi retailers to elevate their customer service. Facilities like tracking serial numbers, handling warranty repairs, bundling products into packages, and managing special customer orders are all built in to help businesses operate smoothly.

The software also offers loyalty management tools that are perfect for businesses with infrequent shopper visits and engagement, helping to build lasting relationships with customers.

Designed for Australian Retailers
This software for Hi-Fi shops is designed to be there when you need it, smoothing the path and facilitating accurate business transactions and management without getting in the way of doing business.

Made in Australia for local independent retailers, our software is already loved by thousands of retailers across a range of specialty retail channels. By streamlining processes like inventory look-ups, special orders, and multi-component package creation, our system frees up valuable time for staff. This allows them to focus on what truly matters: engaging with customers, demonstrating products, and sharing their passion for sound.

This dedicated focus on the customer experience, supported by efficient backend management, helps Hi-Fi shops build stronger, more loyal relationships with their clientele, encouraging repeat business and fostering a community of music lovers who trust their expertise and service.

We are truly grateful to our customers for their ongoing encouragement as we continue to evolve our software to meet the needs of the Australian retail landscape.

There’s something truly special about having the perfect sound system at home. It brings music to life, filling your space with energy and love. From sophisticated Hi-Fi systems playing through streaming services to beautifully engineered setups with turntables for wonderful vinyl, these systems are at the heart of many homes.

At Tower Systems, we’re grateful to offer POS software for Hi-Fi retailers, designed to help them manage their inventory, serve customers, and put together packages that bring music to life in homes across Australia. Our software has a range of features specifically designed to help these businesses thrive.

Read onRead later

POS software made for local computer shops

June 10, 2025
3 Min read
P

We are grateful to serve local computer shops with software made for their type of retail business. here is a new video from us showing some of what this software can offer:

vo

Running a computer shop in Australia comes with unique challenges, and having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s where Tower Systems POS software comes in. Developed and made right here in Australia, our software is specifically designed to help local computer retailers streamline their operations, from the sales counter to the back office.

Our comprehensive POS software for computer shops helps with a wide array of tasks. You can track computer builds, manage special deals for computer and gamer club members, maintain accurate stock levels, and efficiently handle customer special orders. It covers everything from your retail counter management to the backroom, where computers are assembled and products are ordered, helping you efficiently manage and organise your entire business.

If you manufacture products from components, our software assists with tracking both the finished products and their individual parts.

Our software also offers valuable features like parts management for builds, assistance with repairs, programmes for infrequent shopper loyalty, and advanced AI tools to help your business excel.

For computer shops that handle special orders, our pre-order, lay-by, and customer special order facilities are incredibly useful, allowing you to secure sales even before goods arrive. Additionally, if your business frequently provides quotes, our unique quote and invoice management tools are designed to support this service.

We believe in continuous improvement. Tower Systems has a robust process for welcoming customer suggestions for software enhancements and allows other customers to vote on each suggestion. This collaborative approach ensures our computer shop software continues to evolve with the valuable insights of existing users.

We understand that many items in a computer shop are small and may not have barcodes. Drawing on our extensive experience, including with jewellers, we’ve developed alternative tracking methods to ensure you always have accurate stock-on-hand data.

While our POS software for computer shops is feature-rich and a genuinely helpful solution for many, we acknowledge it might not be a perfect fit for every single computer shop. We believe in transparency and offer a comprehensive consultation process where we openly discuss your specific needs and our software’s capabilities. If we genuinely believe our software isn’t the best fit for your business, we’ll let you know.

What’s Included in Your Monthly Rental Cost?

Our monthly rental cost provides excellent value and includes:

  • Software licences for unlimited computers at your location
  • Help desk support via phone or email, six days a week (including Saturday)
  • Access to a comprehensive support knowledge base
  • After-hours support for urgent system-down queries
  • Access to our Shopify, Xero, and other integrations
  • Access to our supplier invoice import tools

Tower Systems is Australian and New Zealand small business focused on developing and supporting POS software for niche specialty retailers like yours.

Read onRead later

How much is your POS software?

June 9, 2025
3 Min read
H

“What does it cost?” It’s a simple, straightforward question that many businesses often struggle to answer adequately. But we believe that providing a clear and immediate answer speaks volumes about a company’s commitment to customer service. That’s why, at Tower Systems, we’ve been transparent about our pricing for many years.

We understand that you want to know the investment upfront, without any hidden surprises or the need to jump through hoops. That’s precisely why you can always find our POS software pricing clearly displayed on our website at www.towersystems.com.au/pricing. You don’t need to provide any of your details; just visit the page and see for yourself, anytime.

We have a video dedicated to discussing our transparent approach to pricing, where we break down what’s included in each of our three POS software levels designed for local small business retailers.

We’re genuinely proud of our commitment to transparency, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share this philosophy with you. We’ve found that being open about pricing isn’t just helpful for potential customers; it’s also incredibly liberating for us as a company.

Our POS Software: Plans and Features
Tower Systems provides comprehensive retail management software with three distinct pricing plans: Standard, Advanced, and Ultimate. You can choose between annual or monthly billing to best suit your business’s needs.

Regardless of the plan you choose, all Tower Systems POS software includes:

  • Unlimited Terminals: No extra costs for additional checkouts.
  • 0% EFTPOS Transaction Fees: Keep more of your sales revenue.
  • No Limits: On products, customers, or turnover – your business can grow without restrictions.

Our software is packed with features designed to streamline your operations and help your business thrive:

  • AI Tools: Innovative tools to assist with various business tasks.
  • Point-of-Sale (POS): Enjoy fast transaction processing and seamless integration with major banks for EFTPOS.
  • E-commerce Integration: Easily connect with popular platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce to manage your online sales.
  • Customer Management: Build strong customer relationships with loyalty programs, gift cards, customer segmentation, and event tracking.
  • Business Management & Marketing: Benefit from direct Xero integration, advanced reporting, email and SMS marketing tools, and a comprehensive insights dashboard.
  • Inventory Management: Take control of your stock with advanced tools, variations, quick stocktaking, automated reordering, and special order management.
  • Unique Integrations: We offer innovative features like ChatGPT for generating product descriptions and convenient barcode lookup.
  • Industry-Specific Features: We provide specialised tools tailored for various sectors, such as freight invoice management for produce stores and unique functionalities for newsagencies.
  • Support and Optional Add-ons

We offer:

  • 24/7 Customer Support: Assistance is always available when you need it.
  • Dedicated Onboarding: We’ll help you get set up and running smoothly.
  • Free E-learning: Access valuable resources to maximise your software’s potential.

We also offer optional add-ons to further enhance your system, including cloud hosting, our “Roam” mobile POS, customer self-checkout kiosks, and cloud backup.Tower Systems is a POS software company dedicated to small businesses. We focus on developing and supporting POS software specifically for niche specialty retailers.

WQhgat does your software cost? We are grateful to be transparent about our pricing.

Read onRead later

Queen’s Birthday holiday

June 9, 2025
1 Min read
Q

While our offices are closed today for the Queen’s Birthday public holiday our after hours numbers are open for urgent calls. Better still, our awesome chatbot is up and running with correct answers to more than 80% of customer queries. Access to this is available 24./7 and it’s free.

Read onRead later
The POS Software Blog

Categories

Categories

Categories

Recent Comments

Monthly Archives