The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

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

ArchiveMarch 2015

POS software company helps small business retailers connect with the community

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Screen Shot 2015-03-26 at 1.08.19 pmTower Systems has released additional marketing collateral for free use by any small business retailer. Available from the company’s website without the need for a log-in or password, this latest collateral reinforces the local community connection of independent small businesses.

Developed in hour by our own designer, this collateral is designed to offer retailers options through which they can better connect with their local community – through social media, online, in print and elsewhere.

The marketing collateral is offered without strings and for free.

This is another way POS software Tower Systems helps businesses and lives its motto: We’re here to help.

POS software company helps retailers respect Easter

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Easter is an unusual season in retail in Australia. There are religious observances to respect, the fun for kids with which to engage and chocolate to sell for people who love Easter chocolate.

Thanks to terrific analysis tools, retailers using the Tower Systems POS software are able to serve a variety of needs. Messages on receipts can be tailored to customers based on the items being purchased. This allows for different messaging appropriate to products purchased.

Another assistance for retailers relating to Easter is the ability to easily compare Easter seasons year on year. Thanks to date flexibility in reporting it is easy to compare Easters even though the season occurs at different times in the year. Easter is one season where past behavior can guide planning for the next year. At Tower Systems we help with this analysis for any customer wanting us to.

Sunday retail management advice: cut keystrokes, cut mistakes

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Every keystroke using POS software at the counter is a possible mistake. Eliminating keystrokes at the retail counter ought to be mission critical for retailers.

The fastest way to sell is to scan a barcode. If that is not appropriate for a product, you need alternatives appropriate to the product, the frequency of sale and the traffic flow of the business.

Our retail management software offers options via which you can sell for the fewest number of keystrokes possible. Whether the items are high end jewellery selling for tens of thousands of dollars, a collectible piece, a magazine or pet food, we have rapid and accurate sales recording options to suit.

In one case recently we showed a retailer how they could eliminate close to 1,000 keystrokes. That is 1,000 possible mistakes eliminated, time sale and business performance and efficiency approved.

Look at your keystrokes on any given day and consider whether you could benefit your business by eliminating keystrokes.

POS software offers small business retailers choice on loyalty

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There is loyalty software and then there is loyalty software. The Tower Systems approach to loyalty software in its POS software for small business retailers is broad, flexible and shopper-focussed.

With options from the more traditional points based approach through to an immediate benefit engagement offer and the ability to blend the two, the Tower Systems software provides retailers with tools they can use appropriate to local needs.

Feedback from retailers using the Tower Systems loyalty facilities is thrilling. Stories of growth, shopper engagement and terrific bottom line results. This really excites us.

While many businesses like points based programs, evidence indicates the immediate benefit engagement offer is more valuable in many retail situations. The results on a P&L and elsewhere in business reporting are compelling.

Beyond the software, Tower Systems is engaged with its retail partners to help them choose the right mix of loyalty offers which work best in their circumstances.

Advice on newspaper price increases for newsagents

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Tower Systems is helping newsagents handle a cover price increase scheduled for The Australian Financial Review  and Sun-Herald newspapers commencing April 7, 2015 and April 5, 2015 respectively. Price changes are easy for newsagents using our software.

Using POS software to help small business retailers and their suppliers help each other

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Tower Systems has commenced another project to help a group of small business retailers to connect electronically with a supplier – through our POS software.

Building stronger ties between retailers and suppliers is a key objective for Tower Systems as through this it can help small business retailers save time and reduce inventory investment. Suppliers benefit through reduced labour costs for serving their retailers.

The Tower technology plays several roles. These roles are tailored to the needs of partnering suppliers and retailers. The detail is usually quite unique as experience has shown that connecting suppliers and retailers is not a one size fits all approach.

We have been able to draw on experiences from one particularly engaged retail channel to help in others. Having the runs on the board helps us to show what can be achieved for all stakeholders.

We are not being specific about this latest project here for commercial reasons.

POS software helps small business retailers with cloud backup option

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bupThe cloud backup service launched last year by small business retail management software company Tower Systems is proving to be popular with retailers. The backup process is seamless, not taking any noticeable time thanks to the smart technology engaged. The result is double protection offering peace of mind to small business retailers.

While Tower Systems has supported external and automated backup services for years, this new even more hands-off cloud-based backup service that offers excellent protection to participating small retail businesses users of our POS software.

Run on a subscription basis and backing up to the cloud real-time through the day, this is a comprehensive replacement of the old end of shift backup approach for small and independent retailers.

Free roster software for small business retailers

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Screen Shot 2015-03-26 at 3.07.02 pmTower Systems has launched free roster cloud-based roster software developed specifically for small business retailers.

This easy to use platform is serves single location and multi location retailers. It offers a variety of tools and helps retailers with budgeting to drive a better labour cost outcome.

The new employee roster software for retailers is another enhancement from Tower Systems, delivered at no cost to its customers – demonstrating innovation in a practical and no cost way.

This is another way we live up to our motto: We’re here to help.

Why retailers replace VEND with POS software from Tower Systems

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We love replacing the VEND software in a retail business with our POS software. While people make the switch for a range of reasons, the key benefits we offer are a depth of engagement with selected specific retail channels, the ability to deal direct deeply within our business, excellent mature reporting and a lower total cost of ownership.

While we see a place for VEND in some retail businesses, in our specialist retail markets there is no substitute for channel specific software backed with channel specific knowledgable support.

Discussing the future of retail

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touchThe CEO of Tower Systems is today participating in a retail forum in Sydney hosted by Touch and featuring a range of speakers from around the the world and representing businesses such as 7-Eleven, Amazon and others.

In addition to gaining retail insights from presentations we are tapping into valuable networking opportunities with others engaged in supporting retailers. the case studies so far are fascinating.

Tower Systems is a partner of Touch and offers its suite through the Tower software.

More free POS software training helps small business retailers leverage technology

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Small business retailers are loving the consistency of our free live training workshops. That they can participate interactively in the sessions without having to leave home or their business is a bonus.

The investment by Tower Systems in regular professional training is further evidence of the practical help we provide week in week out for our community of small business retailer customers.

Here are some of the POS software training topics we will be covering in coming weeks:

  • Using Targeting Marketing in Retailer
  • Reports that will change your business
  • Getting Ready for EOFY
  • Stocktaking Made Easy
  • Retailer software settings you will be shocked you have access to.
  • Using the Honeywell PDE Scanner
  • Free Up Cash in Your Business Today
  • Getting Ready for EOFY

This training is in addition to the free one on one training we offer our customers at times to suit their schedules.

Training is vital in valuable use of POS software. Tower Systems provides access to this training long after the software is installed.

The difference between small business POS software companies

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POS software companies which focus on the small and independent retail sector are different in many ways. From the software itself through to customer service, differences abound.

Retailers considering POS software need to compare carefully, they need to compare for themselves. Don’t believe what you are told – ask for proof, especially if it a claim about a competitor.

One POS software company recently made a claim which was not true and had the retailer not sought out information for themselves they could have made a purchase decision based on a lie.

Here at Tower Systems we are transparent and open business. We prove our customer service commitment through these touchpoint which we have offered and supported for years:

  1. An online library of more than 130 training videos.
  2. A searchable knowledge base with hundreds of articles.
  3. Weekly free training workshops.
  4. Free one on one training.
  5. Regional user meetings.
  6. Saturday office-based support.
  7. Local capital city phone number support.
  8. A documented escalation process.
  9. Easy access to senior management.
  10. Everyday help for independent small business retail.

We love opportunities to show what we can do on the table next to any other software. Such a function by function comparison is valuable to all concerned.

POS software company supports local retailers and local communities

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TOWERShopLocal_Page_6-1POS software company Tower Systems is releasing a range of promotional collateral for use by any small local retail business in promoting the shop local message. This collateral has been created for any type of retail situation where local connection with the local community is important to the business and the community.

This artwork is available at no cost to any retailer. The company has not included it’s logo on the artwork so as to not pull focus.

What does this have to do with POS software? Plenty. Tower Systems believes in helping in any way it can to encourage, guide and facilitate stronger and more valuable locally owned retail businesses.

While Tower Systems invests in enhancing its POS software for its customers and in its support team to provide timely and professional advice, it also invests outside the squall to help its customers in a more whole of business way.

Sunday retail management advice: don’t pay too much for POS software support

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Here at Tower Systems, paying annual software support is optional. We want our POS software customers to pay to access support because they value it rather than because it is a tax imposed which must be paid for them to access the software.

Our support fees are transparent and consistent.

If you use other POS software, before you pay your bill check what others are paying. In one case recently one business was paying around $1,000 while another nearby using exactly the same software purchased at the same time was paying over $3,000. The second business was being grossly overcharged.

One way you can save money on POS software support is by shopping around.

POS Software customer: I couldn’t have done it without you

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A retailer on winning a major award in their retail channel called out to Tower Systems people at the event when receiving the award saying:

I couldn’t have done it without you.

Then, to the room they said:

When I needed help, Tower was there. When I need to understand my business Tower was there.

We take helping our customers seriously. from providing useful and valued software to wonderful and practical support to business advice and guidance. We’re more than your average software company because we’re here to help.

POS software drives retail sales

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One of our POS software team members this week saw first hand the value of the latest loyalty facilities in ur software in a business which switched from MYOB to us and from a points based loyalty system to our $$$ based front end loyalty solution. Here is their story:

I popped in to see a client who swapped to our software late last year from MYOB, they were doing a points based loyalty system before, and changed to our discount vouchers on launch of our software.  The result is excellent sales growth. This is a good report to show you can still get engagement of vouchers, even at low customer numbers and low values.  Average voucher issued was $2.06.

We love hearing stories like this as they reflect on our value proposition of helping our customers. While we help in many ways, it is through the loyalty offer where we see excellent business growth results.

Retailers love FREE POS software training

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Retailers love the free training opportunities from Tower Systems. They book out sessions. We add more. They book those out. The business management sessions are very popular – sessions where we offer business management training outside what is usual for a POS software company.

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This is the message we love – FULLY BOOKED. The training on loyalty options will excite those attending we are sure.

New POS software stock files available

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Tower Systems has tested and loaded the following stock files for its customers:

POS Software company supports shop local promotion for small business retailers

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LocalPosters2015_Page_3POS Software company Tower Systems is helping small and independent retailers to promote the support of local retailers through an innovative campaign of collateral created by the company for its retailers.

We are thrilled to be investing our creative resources in support of our retailer partners in this way.

This latest artwork is part of a series we have developed in-house through our amazingly creative marketing team to give our retailers different voices and platforms through which to pitch their shop local credentials.

This is another Tower AdvantageTM.

The free marketing collateral will be released next week.

Tower Systems helping newsagents and their suppliers

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Tower Systems is in the middle of hosting a series of newsagency supplier forums up the eastern Seaboard of Australia – to provide suppliers with an opportunity to discuss the newsagency channel and to explore how to list the level of engagement.

These free sessions are running well with plenty of supplier engagement among a diverse group of industry suppliers.

This is another way Tower Systems is investing in the newsagency channel.

Jeweller software company on why local jewellers matter

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Jeweller software company Tower Systems is supporting local and independent jewellers with a campaign of encouragement which taps into the real value of small business retailers, like jewellers. This campaign is another way Tower Systems invests in the jewellery retail channel outside of creating excellent jewellery business management software.

Right here, in this campaign, is another example of the Tower AdvantageTM evidence of how we invest in making a difference in and for our small business customers like jewellers.

Local jewellers matter.

Choosing the right jewellery relies on professional advice and there is no better place for professional advice on jewellery than your local independent jeweller.

While the mass retailers spend a lot of money pitching deals, local jewellers have a bigger, deeper and more valuable connection with the local community. Their specialist knowledge and careful buying gives you access to products and services you can trust.

When it really matters, the local specialist services of a good local jeweller beat big businesses or online businesses every time.

Your local jeweller employs local people. Those people have local knowledge. You can build a relationship with them and shop with them through a range of life occasions. You can trust their advice. You’re a friend, not another shopping basket through the door.

Buying from a local jeweller, someone whom you can trust, is better for the customer, better for the community and better for your loved-ones.

This is why local jewellers matter.

Local jewellers employ people who love jewellery. They can enhance the experience with advice and other services. They share your passion. Your purchase is part of their passion.

Big businesses and online businesses probably don’t know who you are. Your local jeweller staff will know you and your area. They can tell you where they products.

At your local jeweller you are greeted with a smile and a handshake. Personal service means a lot, especially if your purchase is important to you.

Here at Tower Systems we are proud to support local jewellers with local Australian software designed specifically for them to help them provide a more valuable shopper experience. We encourage you to shop local when buying jewellery.

The Tower Systems jeweller software is now the most widely used jeweller specific software in Australia.

How the Tower Systems Toy Shop Software helps toy retailers

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Toy retailers can rely on the Tower systems Toy Shop Software to help increase sales, cut costs and drive business value. That’s the boring business pitch which can often send toy retailers to sleep. Here are some of the practical ways Tower Systems helps, ways that should not put you to sleep:

  1. Electronic invoices. Stop manually checking and processing invoices for stock – we work with your suppliers to import electronic files.
  2. Less mistakes. With fewer keystrokes at the counter there are fewer mistakes.
  3. Less dead stock. With you ordering based in your own data rather than gut feel you have the power to say no to suppliers and to focus on what works.
  4. Shoppers spend more. Thanks to a fresh approach to loyalty you get shoppers spending more this visit. We have stores reporting 10% growth based on this effective tool.
  5. Shoppers come back more often. We show how using everyday business touchpoint you can entice shoppers back ore often.
  6. Cut employee theft. Using excellent hidden tracking tools you are assisted to spot patterns which could be employee theft.
  7. Better serving customers. You can share care instructions and other information to show off your knowledge and customer care in ways that help you beat bi businesses.

These are just some of the innovations on which toy retailers can rely in this Australian software to build more valuable toy shop businesses.

Tower Systems will work with you, help you, to go beyond the technology to use the software in genuinely valuable and meaningful ways.

Sunday retail management advice: inspiration retail management success stories

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While some retailers gravitate to stories of doom and gloom, others are chase and enjoy success large and small.

Through our work with our POS software we get to meet with plenty of retailers and look at many businesses.

We are certain that success is not an accident.

Success is planned for and chased. It is the goal reflected in every business decision. It comes from refusing to let the business run you.

We’d like to share three real-world stories with you.

The small shop turning over $380,000 a year and growing 28%

Talking with a gift shop owner about their 28% increase in sales in the financial year just ended.

Yes, you read right, a 28% lift in sales in the 2012/13 year. This is on the back of a 17% increase the year before. This is a business that is more than ten years old.

This is no accident. They planned for it by carefully looking at their business data and shedding products that were not working. They adjusted opening hours too as they discovered business later in the day that they had not realised was there. This knowledge opened them to opportunities for last minute shoppers.

The owner of the business decided to chase success because the turnover was barely enough to cover rent, wages and the loan taken out to fund the business. It was grow or bust.

They planned for success by using their business data. The first year – 17% up from a low turnover base – was encouraging. The 28% increase this past financial year proves value of paying attention to business data.

Sales data guided them as to the suppliers of the best to focus on. One employee was eased out of the business for failing to achieve minimum sales targets.

The owner spent more time on the shop floor selling to achieve minimum margin dollars per sale rather than just chatting with shoppers.

The result shows what can happen when you focus on being a retailer, the owner said to me with a huge smile.

A gift shop reengineers and saves itself

Another gift shop we have been working with was in trouble. Shops nearby were closing and the small shopping strip had a dark feeling. For a while they were sucked into the cloud of doom and gloom.

Checking their data we saw that several special interest items sold well and provided an above-average margin. They used this knowledge as the basis for small expansion.

Over six months they increased their range of the special interest items and they connected with community groups to share knowledge.

Over six months sales grew, not into double-digit growth but they were happy to have at least stopped the decline.

In the second six months sales grew further. Now they were into double digit growth territory. Shoppers happy with their specialisation were telling others. Word of mouth was driving extra traffic.

That was a year ago. Today, this business is very different. People travel for up to two hours to see their range. The average sale value has more than doubled, margins are up 15% and customer traffic is up 25%. Combine these three and you can see why the owner is very happy.

They did not plan to become a product specialist. The survival of their business demanded it.

How a product category drove sales and profit

This gift shop owner came to us because they were in trouble. Sales were falling. Together, we took an in-depth look at their data.

The category performing best in terms of return on investment and return on floor-space was plush, teddy bears and some soft toys. That can’t be right, said the owner, it’s stuck in the back of the shop.

Data does not lie. It revealed that their small selection of plush was selling well despite the owner and the employees not being all that interested in it.

Fast forward six months and this business has turned around. They are now a plush shop at the front with other gifts. Sales are up 65% and climbing. They have increased their margin too – because they have products others nearby don’t have.

Turning this business around was easy as the data offered the guide. The changes took a week to complete and initially required only a $5,000 capital investment in additional stock.

Own your success

Small and independent retail businesses can achieve growth in any economic situation.

People don’t stop shopping in tough times – they just change what they buy.

By taking a fresh look at business data gift shop owners can change focus, attract new shoppers and get existing shoppers spending more.

We’re happy to help.

More Plants Plus garden centres switch to Tower Systems

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Tower Systems is thrilled to welcome more Plants Plus businesses to our user Garden Centre Software user community. Our work in serving loyalty software requirement needs specific to the Plants Plus group positions us well as well as the many garden centre and nursery businesses already dealing with us.

Our newest Plants Plus locations help us tell and even better story to this group and to garden centre operators more beardy.

Our Garden Centre Software grows in users and grows in function as our user community of experts guide us on how to make it more useful and valuable to our business partners.

Happy stories from the POS software help desk

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For years now we have ended our help desk team meetings with everyone sharing a good story – something good which has happened in a call or visit with a customer. We did it again today.

It’s a thrill hearing positive stories about our customers and their interaction with the software. This is a well-established tradition we will continue as it reminds us of why we do what we do.

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