Retailers beware – there are some awful POS software webstore / website integrations out there

We just switched another local retailer to our POS software because they wanted a website integration that worked. They were using a POS software solution that linked to an obscure webstore platform recommended by that POS software company.

After more than a year of problems and minimal sales, the retailer gave up.

They switched to our POS software and to a beautiful Shopify website directly connected to our POS software.

As a Shopify partner, the connection is true and secure, fast and easy to use.

The Shopify website offers better facilities and more elegant customer interface than what they paid too much for previously. We are grateful to be of service, to help this local retail business get POS software they love and get live with a website they are proud to promote.

If you are choosing POS software, go with one that supports mainstream website platforms rather than an obscure platform. Go with one that is a partner of well known and loved webstore platforms.

We support several but prefer Shopify.

Shopify is an ideal platform for sites that do not have out of the ordinary requirements.  It is hosted securely by Shopify, reducing your reliance on, and costs associated with, web hosting.  Linking the site to our Retailer POS software is also easy. Shopify is easy to modify and change pages, products, look and plenty more.

For ease of reference and transparency, below is a numbered list of all work and tasks included in our fixed price Shopify website development. This is the complete list.

1. Shopify account. We would use our development account until such time, as we deliver the live site to you. Once this has occurred you will need your own Shopify account and we will transfer the site to you.  We can help you get your own account.
2. Template / theme selection. We will guide you through template / theme selection options. You will have free choice over any theme available at themes.shopify.com. Many templates have no cost while some have a cost, paid to Shopify. We will also fund the purchase of a paid-for theme up to US$250.00 in value if that is the theme you want.
3. Overall design to be applied to the template selected to customise the look and feel of the site. While there is back and forth involved, the design process is not priced to be an extended back and forth process. Please be clear and concise in articulating our needs. We will listen to your brief and provide a design for your consideration. Adjustments can be made within the quote but any major diversion from the original brief may add to the cost.
4. The setup of loading of products into the site via a live link to the Retailer software. We would need you to have this data in Retailer ready for export.
5. Interfacing to payment gateways: Shopify Pay, Apple Pay, Stripe and Paypal.
6. Training: over the phone and usually around two hours. We’d like 2 people from the business there as we have found this helps the business get the most from it.
7. The site we create will have the following elements:
   1. 1. Including text and images (which you provide through the Tower POS software), and site navigation. We would also include a business location map.
      2. Social media links to any business accounts you have for: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
      3. About page. Your text, describing you and your business. This will need to be between 150 and 350 words. Well written, clear as to what you and your business are about.
      4. Legal / Privacy Policy. We can use yours or you can edit ours and use it.
      5. Terms and conditions page: terms and conditions that you can modify.
      6. Contact us page showing your contact details as well as an enquiry form.
      7. Configured Product Page showing the images and details about products.
      8. Shopify Chat setup, if you want chat turned on.
      9. Blog feed. A blog allows you to publish your own news stories. These can be critical for helping people find the site through Google.

When it comes to choosing a POS software and website software company, take your time, do your research, ensure that what you are buying is right for what you want. If you’re not sure, ask for reference customers from your type of business.