The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

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

CategoryFashion

POS software update delivers on user requests

December 12, 2024
2 Min read
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Here at Tower Systems, much of the content of each software update flows from feedback from customers. They can suggest enhancements and other customers can vote on these suggestions.

The latest POS software update, released a week and a half ago, delivered access to plenty of enhancements. Included in the enhancements was:

Trade Price Discount at Point of Sale
Apply the trade price as a discount directly at the point of sale — no customer account or profile will be required.

Ordering by Sales – Projected based on sale/soh
Calculate the average weekly sales and determine the number of weeks of stock on hand. You can set a target number of weeks for stock levels, and the system will automatically generate a purchase order to meet this requirement.

Variant Sorting
The ability to sort product variants alphanumerically (Default) or in a custom order. This sorting will automatically reflect on your website, ideal for displaying sizes in a specific order like XS, S, M, L, and XL without manual adjustments.

Note: Website implementation is in progress. An announcement about this option will be made as soon as it becomes available.

Notifications Priority
We’re excited to introduce a Notification Priority System in our notifications module. This enhancement is designed to help users quickly identify the importance of incoming notifications and respond accordingly.

The POS software contained much more than what is noted here, including plenty of small enhancements, almost micro enhancements. Sometimes for local small business retailers is is the small changes they love the most.

As always with our POS software, our customers get to choose if they install an update. There is no pressure on them to take on every shiny new thing.

Our POS software updates are available free to all of our customers who rent other software. It’s provided with advice on what has been enhanced and how to install the update. There is also access to training in addition to personal one-on-one help should any of our customers want this.

Our goal is to help customers maintain current and relevant POS software that is in service of profit growth for their retail businesses.

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POS software integrated EFTPOS helps local small business retailers

December 10, 2024
2 Min read
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In today’s fast-paced retail landscape, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. Tower Systems, a provider of point-of-sale (POS) solutions for a range of small business specialty retail markets, offers a powerful integrated EFTPOS software solution designed to help small business retailers save time, reduce errors, and boost their bottom line.

First released many years ago, the integrated EFTPOS solution in the Tower Systems POS software suite helps local small business in plenty of practical and valuable ways.

By seamlessly integrating with a wide range of EFTPOS providers, including Tyro, MX51, Linkly, Linkly Cloud, Quest, and more, Tower Systems eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of human error. This streamlined approach not only saves valuable time but also ensures accurate and reliable transactions.

You scan purchases by a customer and they pay on the terminal integrated with the POS. There is no double entry of data, no delay, no risk of mistakes, no opportunity for fraud. It’s faster, more accurate and easier. Customers love it. Plus, with the Tower Systems POS software you can surcharge if you wish and do so with 100% accuracy reflecting your actual business cost.

Here are some of the benefits of our Tower Systems Integrated EFTPOS POS software solution:

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Streamline sales processes and reduce wait times at the counter with efficient payment processing.
  • Improved Accuracy: Minimise errors and discrepancies by automating data entry and reconciliation.
  • Faster Access to Insights: Gain real-time insights into business performance and make informed decisions.
  • Reduced Fraud Risk: Strengthen security measures and protect your business from potential fraudulent activities. Employee theft can account for 75% and more of theft in small business retail.

By choosing Tower Systems, you’re investing in a solution that empowers your business to thrive. Experience the difference a powerful integrated EFTPOS solution can make.

Take the next step towards a more efficient and profitable retail business. Contact us today to schedule a personalised demo. Call 1300 6621 957 or email sales@towersystems.com.au If you are in New Zealand, please call 0800 444 367.

Simplify your operations, boost sales, and delight your customers with Tower Systems. Our genuinely user-friendly interface and comprehensive features are designed to make your day-to-day tasks a breeze, and to put more money in the business bank account.

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POS software for workwear, safety wear and uniform shops in Australia and New Zealand

December 3, 2024
3 Min read
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Running a uniform, workwear and safety store comes with its own set of challenges. From keeping track of all the different colours, sizes and styles to handling bulk orders and special requests, you need a reliable POS system to keep things running smoothly.

Tower Systems understands your needs. We specialise in POS solutions for niche retailers, and our software has a range of features designed to streamline your uniform, workwear and safety business.

  • Effortless Inventory Management: Track your stock levels by colour, size and style for ultimate accuracy. This detailed control lets you order just what you need, ensure products are always available, and avoid those dreaded out-of-stock situations.
  • Simplify Your Orders: Our POS system makes handling special orders a breeze, whether it’s custom embroidery or personalised safety gear.
  • Group Pricing & Bundles: Offer special discounts for bulk orders or create custom product bundles for specific industries or companies. Need a complete uniform package for a school full of students? Our software lets you create a bundle with all the necessary items in one go.
  • Enhanced Customer Service: Provide care instructions and other important product information right at the checkout. This extra touch improves customer experience and reduces the number of questions you get after a sale.
  • Streamlined Operations: Our user-friendly POS system simplifies everyday tasks, speeds up checkouts, and makes record-keeping a breeze. This means happier staff who can work more efficiently, and a more successful business for you.
  • Make data-driven decisions: Generate insightful reports to understand your sales trends, inventory levels, and customer behaviour. This valuable information helps you make informed choices about stock management, pricing strategies, and targeted marketing campaigns.

Here’s a short video on some of the features in out POS software for for workwear, safety wear and uniform shops in Australia and New Zealand:

While Tower Systems is, we think, a good fit for uniform, workwear and safety businesses, our versatile POS software can benefit a wide range of niche retailers. From jewellers and garden centres to bike shops and toy stores, we’ve got you covered!

We take the time to understand your unique business needs. Don’t just take our word for it! Watch our new video showcasing the POS features specifically designed for uniform, workwear and safety businesses.

Ready to dive deeper? Contact Tower Systems today for a free demonstration tailored to your specific needs. Our POS solution has helped many Australian small businesses unlock efficiency and boost profits.

Call us on 1300 662 957 or email sales@towersystems.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you!

P.S. See how Tower Systems benefits other niche retailers like jewellers, garden centres, bike shops, toy stores, and more! Visit us at www.towersystems.com.au

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Does your POS software company charge you a fee per transaction in your shop?

November 26, 2024
2 Min read
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If your POS software company takes a cut of your sales, read this.

If your POS software company charges a fee for every sale you make, you might want to reconsider. Here at Tower Systems, we don’t charge per-transaction fees. Our pricing is transparent, and your software cost won’t increase as your sales grow.

Not all POS software companies operate this way. Some POS software companies require you to use their payment platform, which means you pay them a percentage of every transaction. This can be a significant cost, especially for growing businesses. As your sales increase, what they make from your business increases.

Payments are a hot topic for retailers, particularly small businesses. There’s a big difference between payment platforms in terms of cost and benefits.

While there’s been a lot of hype about unified payments, the truth is, integrated payments have been around for many years. They’ve always been about streamlining the checkout process, reducing errors, and improving security.

The latest hype around unified payments or integrated payments is cover, we think, for a move by some POS software companies who want a slice of every sale you make.

Tower Systems offers integrated payments with all major banks and many other providers. We give you the freedom to choose the payment platform that best suits your business, potentially saving you up to a third on transaction fees. Some of our retailers pay as little as 0.7% per transaction.

We believe in putting our customers first. We don’t lock you into our payment platform. Instead, we focus on providing great POS software. We think it’s unfair for software companies to profit from every sale you make. It’s like a hidden tax on your hard work.

Tower Systems offers:

  • Integrated EFTPOS payments
  • Support for all major banks and financial institutions
  • Integrated buy now, pay later payments
  • Time savings
  • Fewer errors at the checkout
  • Easy record-keeping
  • Streamlined workflow

We’ve been pioneers in integrated payments since the beginning in Australia. We offer choice and focus on providing software that retailers love.

Tower Systems is proud to serve over 3,500 small businesses across Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

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How is Australian made POS software better for Australian retail businesses than overseas POS software?

August 25, 2024
3 Min read
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We were asked recently How is Australian made POS software better for Australian retail businesses than overseas POS software? Here’s our answer.

Australian made means local and local matters to local small retail businesses. The software is more likely to serve local business needs, to use terminology that is local, handle local regulatory requirements and have a local aesthetic. Offshore businesses can’t be local no matter how much money they spend trying to look, feel and sound local. Each of these points matter for ease of use, relevance and enjoyment in using the POS software.

Australian made means local access. You are more likely able to talk to someone local about the software any queries you may have about its use in your business. Offshore software companies push you to a call centre tens of thousands of kms from your business. In these call centres they follow a rigid script. Calling a local Aussie call centre means you are likely to start with a conversation. Small business retailers understand conversations.

Australian made means more competitive. A small local competitor will be more agile, smarter and capable than a large and maybe bloated offshore software company where you are barely noticed. You will be far more important to a local POS software company. Pick up the phone and ask to speak to someone from the senior management team and see for yourself. Offshore, you will struggle to get a human to answer. Locally, you can get to someone immediately. (0418 321 338 by the way)

Australian made means local economic benefit. All of us in local Aussie businesses rely on the local economy and the local economy benefits when more money is spent locally – in our businesses and local businesses like ours. Sure, a business can donate to a local charity to feel local. A local business itself, however, hires local and contributes local and this is what makes for better education, health care and infrastructure locally.

The software you choose for your retail business should be the software that best serves your specific business needs. Take your time. Consider not only functionality, consider support, ability to engage with software enhancements and how the software company helps you achieve with the software in and for your retail business.

In local small retail businesses every day local matters. Locally made and supported POS software has this advantage over offshoot POS software. It’s an easy win for the retailers.

Disclaimer: Of course we are biased. We are an Australian POS software company serving retailers in Australia and nearby.

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Catching sneaky staff: How the Tower Systems POS system can stop employee theft

July 18, 2024
3 Min read
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Running a small business is tough hard work every day. Someone stealing from the business can be heartbreaking. Employee theft is a problem for Australian small business retailers, costing them around 75% more than shoplifting!

That’s where the Tower Systems POS (point-of-sale) system comes in. It’s not just about ringing up sales – it can be a powerful tool to catch sneaky staff. While much of what our POS system does is hidden and not discussed publicly, here’s how our system helped Harry and June, who run a local shop:

Something fishy was going on

Harry and June’s accountant noticed their business wasn’t making the money it should. They called us thinking there was a problem with the software, but a deeper look revealed something shocking. Our system has hidden, encrypted records that helped us track unusual sales patterns. The data pointed straight to their niece, a trusted employee!

A difficult truth

We met Harry and June for coffee, but they were convinced it was a mistake. It took a whole year before they finally installed hidden cameras and confirmed the theft. Sadly, they never got their money back and the family rift was too big to pursue charges.

Don’t let this happen to you!

Here our advice on how to stop employee theft before it starts:

  • Track everything: Make sure all your stock is logged in the system and every sale is scanned. Don’t use department keys – they make stealing easier.
  • Employee ID: Give each employee a unique code to track their sales. Change these codes regularly.
  • Cash control: Regularly check your cash register and reconcile it with your POS data. Spot checks can catch small-time thieves.
  • Schedule shuffle: Change up your roster to make it harder for people to work together and steal.
  • Theft policy: Have a clear policy against theft and make sure all staff read and understand it.
  • Keep it clean: A tidy workspace makes it harder for people to steal and easier to spot suspicious activity.
  • No staff bags: This eliminates a hiding place for stolen cash.
  • Beware of notepads: Some staff use these to track “unrung-up” cash.
  • Police checks: Consider requiring police checks for new hires. It shows you take security seriously.
  • Lead by example: Don’t take cash out of the register in front of staff – it might seem tempting to them.

We can help!

At the start of each year, review your POS data to see if anything looks suspicious. Our team of retail experts can help you put these tips into action and keep your business safe. Don’t let employee theft eat away at your profits!

Tower Systems is committed to helping local small business retailers reduce the impact of employee theft on their business.

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Have you got stock hiding in boxes in your retail shop? It’s time to put it to work or let it go

December 7, 2023
3 Min read
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Have you got piles of stock tucked away in boxes, gathering dust in your garage or under shop tables? If so, you’re not alone. But if you’re serious about making a profit, you need to get that stock out on display where customers can see it.

It seems obvious to write, but some retailers still don’t understand this basic principle of business: stock that’s hidden away isn’t going to sell. If you’ve got stock sitting in boxes because you don’t have room to display it, it’s time to re-evaluate your purchasing decisions.

Think about it this way: every dollar you spend on stock is money you could be using to pay bills or invest in your business. So, before you buy any more stock, ask yourself:

Do I really need this stock?
Do I have room to display it?
Can I realistically sell it within a reasonable timeframe?
Is having this stock in my shop going to be valuable for the business?

If the answer to any of those questions is no, then don’t buy it.

Some retailers buy stock to impress sales reps or make their shops look busy. Others buy stock to make themselves feel better about their businesses. Some retailers buy stock because they are lonely. These are all the wrong reasons to buy stock.

There are even some sales reps who know they’re selling stock to businesses that don’t need it. Shame on them for putting their own financial gains ahead of the well-being of their customers.

If you don’t know the value of the stock in your business, it’s likely you have too much stock. A good but very basic rule of thumb or starting point of s=consideration at least is that stock should not be more than 20% of your total annual revenue from those products.

If you have boxes of stock that you haven’t opened in six months or more, you have too much stock. And if your back room, garage, or under-display table space is filled with boxes, you’ve got a big problem.

The best way to deal with an overstock of inventory is to stop buying new stock and focus on selling down what you already have. Don’t get emotional about it – just make a plan and stick to it.

If you don’t address the issue of overstocking, it will eventually overwhelm you and your business. Don’t let that happen. Take control of your inventory and watch your profits grow.

Yes, we’re a POS software company. We own and run shops, which is very rare for any of our competitors. Our daily experience in retail helps us better serve our customers in the software we make and the support we provide.

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Christmas marketing tips for local small business retailers

November 1, 2023
2 Min read
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It’s November 1. The countdown to Christmas is well and truly under way. The next 8 weeks are probably the most important weeks of trade for most retailers.

Here are some free tips to help you make the most of the opportunities, to help you separate your business from the Christmas noise.

Over the next 8 weeks most retailers will pound hard Christmas products, sales and opportunities. Many will be loud, screeching for people to look at them. In local retail businesses it’s hard to compete with the noise of national retailers.

The best advice we think we can give local retailers is to have fun, enjoy yourselves, help customers enjoy themselves.

In your social media posts, focus on having fun and sharing joyful stories.

In your window, be local, shine a light on local talents from kids to retirees. have your shop software people want to visit to see their friends and neighbours and themselves reflected.

In your shop be sure to keep it light, relaxed and fun.

We could give you a list of things to do. Not this year. This year we think you’ll get more value from a relaxed and fun-focussed Christmas season. let the others do the heavy lifting with Christmas noise. In your shop let people relax and catch their breath.

Being calm and relaxing will separate your shop, get it known for being this place rather than the shrill and bustle of Christmas retail elsewhere.

Make it easy, too. People often talk about how hard Christmas is. Be the business that makes it easy. The ways to do this are have bundled gifts ready to go, pre-bagged or wrapped, with some card selections that are relevant, offer easy payment options including buy now pay later, free wrapping, better shop floor help, guide buying advice or tips on perfect gifts no one else will think of. Consider making Christmas easy as being a key part of your messaging.

You could also help your shoppers help others. Setup a whiteboard or sheets of butcher’s paper, yes keep it simple. Get customers to write gift suggestions under different age/gender groups. For example: Girls 18 – 25, Boys 55+. Encourage your customers to help each other.

Stand out this Christmas by being different, calm, relaxed, fun. Shoppers will notice this, and appreciate what you have done.

Have an awesome run up to Christmas!

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$0 transaction fee POS software

October 6, 2023
2 Min read
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Savvy retailers are price comparing POS software and gaining a better understanding of the cost of ownership of the software as the cost of ownership includes monthly rental cost as well as fees imposed on transactions and costs associated with any required payments platform.

Here at Tower Systems you can choose the payments platform you prefer, for no cost.

Our POS software connects with Tyro, Linkly, Linkly Cloud, MX51, CentrePay, SmartPay, Quest and others. These are integrations, saving time, cutting mistakes and offering seamless engagement.

There is no payments charge when you use our POS software. Tower Systems has a $0.00 transaction fee cost.

There is no payments platform requirement when you use our POS software.

This is why the total cost of ownership of the Tower Systems POS software is less than plenty of comparable products.

If you are looking for POS software for your business, do your homework, check out pricing, all the pricing, compare and decide what is functionally and financially right for your business.

When you compare our POS software to others, ask the question about payments fee or transaction fee or any percentage surcharge on transactions.

We think software companies should make money from software and not from each transaction a retailer makes in their business.

We also think that transaction fees and payment fees are like a tax, an awful tax, and impost on your business for making sales. It’s why we have taken the approach we have and why we are so transparent about it.

We don’t have the marketing funds to match the POS software companies that do charge a transaction fee. We rely on word of mount and other grass roots marketing. we’re doing okay, too, for which we are sincerely grateful.

Now, to be very clear, Tower Systems does not charge any fee whatsoever for transactions or payments. Nothing fee for debit cards. No fee for credit cards. Tower Systems has no fee whatsoever for any form of payments put through its POS software.

Ultimately, the best POS software for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to compare the features and pricing of different POS systems before making a decision.

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Tower Systems POS Software: Designed to Help Local Clothing Shops Thrive

August 25, 2023
3 Min read
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Tower Systems makes POS software for local independent clothing shops and fashion retailers. This software is designed to help these businesses succeed by providing them with the tools they need to manage their inventory, track sales, and provide excellent customer service. It has wonderful tools for leveraging local.

Some of the features of Tower Systems POS software for local independent clothing shops and fashion retailers include:

  • Inventory management by color, size, and style
  • Management of alterations (if done in-house or outsourced)
  • Easy inclusion of clothing care instructions on receipts
  • Bundling options for shoppers who may purchase a whole outfit
  • Loyalty tools that can help businesses differentiate themselves from the competition
  • Reporting on sales by brand, in addition to tracking sales by wholesaler/supplier

Tower Systems POS software also integrates with a variety of other popular platforms, such as Shopify, Xero, Deputy, Tanda, and Slyp. This makes it easy for businesses to manage their online sales, accounting, staff schedules, shipping, and digital receipts.

There is no requirements to use a specific payments platform for EFTPOS. That choice is up to you and there is no extra cost for your choice.

The software is priced at $195 per month, and there are no extra fees for more terminals, advanced reporting, loyalty tools, or personal support. Businesses can cancel the rental at any time, so they’re not locked into a long-term contract.

To make it easy for new employees to learn how to use the software, Tower Systems provides a library of short, topic-specific videos. This ensures that everyone in the business is using the software effectively.

The monthly rental cost for Tower Systems POS software includes:

  • Software licenses for unlimited computers in the location
  • Help desk support (by phone or email) 6 days a week (including Saturday)
  • Access to a comprehensive support knowledge base
  • After-hours support call access for urgent system down queries
  • Access to Shopify, Xero, and other integrations
  • Access to supplier invoice import tools

Tower Systems POS software is a comprehensive and affordable solution for local clothing shops and fashion retailers of all sizes. It’s the perfect way to manage your inventory, track sales, and provide excellent customer service.

Here are some additional benefits of using Tower Systems POS software:

  • It can help you increase sales by providing you with insights into your customers’ buying habits.
  • It can help you improve your customer service by making it easier to track orders and provide refunds.
  • It can help you save time and money by automating tasks such as inventory management and reporting.

If you’re a local clothing shop or fashion retailer, consider the Tower Systems POS software. It could be the perfect solution for your business.

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How do I find the best POS system for my business?

August 22, 2023
2 Min read
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Don’t rush it. Take your time. Make decisions when you are ready.

Many POS software companies and sales people will want you to rush. Some will apply financial pressure. Others will say it’s easy, start today, be selling today … and they will often say this without understanding your business needs.

Take your time. Make decisions when you are ready.

The goal has to be to choose the POS software that best serves your needs. So, start there, with your needs. Think about them, what matters most to you, what’s not negotiable. Start there and cast aside any software company that is not interested in starting with your needs.

Some will offer a free trial, some will even push hard at this. That’s lazy selling. They want you to use their software to see if it is suitable, and knowing that some customers will stick because of concerns that it could be hard to switch software. We think free trials are a crock.

Some will offer you free software. There is no such thing. Software developers don’t work for free, nor dog help desk people, the accounts office in the software company, the sales team. Since they don’t work for free, the company has to make money so, no, there is no such thing as truly free software.

All the sales claims can make it challenging.

Take your time. Make decisions when you are ready. Start with your needs.

If this sound like hard work, it is. Good software can make you a lot of money, it can save businesses. Spending time getting this decision right could be worth a ton of money to your business. But the work has to come from you, not the sales person.

The best POS system for your retail business is the one that covers the most of your needs at a price you are prepared to pay.

No software company can claim theirs is the best, although plenty do. They can speak to customer numbers, of course, which is fine, but not a measure of best.

Here at Tower Systems. we start with you, and your needs. We want to understand them first. If we think our software is not right for you, we’ll say so.

How do I find the best POS system for my business? Don’t rush it. Take your time. Make decisions when you are ready.

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Aussie made and supported POS software for fabric shops helps these local businesses thrive

August 5, 2023
3 Min read
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Fabric shops help those who love sewing to make the most beautiful and functional clothing for family, friends, and customers. Local fabric shops help people express themselves.

From handling the sale of fabric by length, or weight, our POS software for fabric shops and for sewing shops helps these specialty retail businesses to leverage their specialisation, to feature what makes them different, and valuable.

Here are some of the ways our POS software for sewing shops helps fabric shops:

  1. Sell easily, including by length.
  2. Sell accurately.
  3. Know what’s working, and what’s not.
  4. Reduce time on paperwork.
  5. Get accurate insights into business performance, easily.
  6. Rare visit loyalty.  We are told that customers visit a fabric shop infrequently compared to other retail settings. Our software offers subtle loyalty tools that encourage more value from each visit.
  7. Sell online. Connect your fabric shop POS software to a beautiful Shopify website offering your fabric and other products to shoppers anywhere.
  8. Pre-orders. Easily manage selling products before you have them in-stock. Someone planning a project can order through you and pay prior to the fabric arriving in-store.
  9. Buy Now Pay Later and LayBy. Through our software you can have both.
  10. Manage browser shopping. Fabric shoppers can wander, ask you to hold an item, wander some more, bring something else back to hold and this cycle can go for a while. Our Fabric shop POS software tracks these purchases.
  11. Repairs management. If you do repairs type work, like dressmaking in house, track the project from the moment it starts.
  12. Club / collector marketing and support. Leverage clubs and collectors with offers and pricing. Nurture the love of home sewing and connecting to this community, and growing the size of the community.
  13. Special orders. With some items ordered in for a customer request, managing these types of orders helps the business to manage opportunities and to capture revenue in advance.
  14. Serve fabric care details. You can code care details by product and include this on receipts.
  15. Sell by length. This may seem basic. It’s not in some software. In the Tower software, you can sell by length, including fractions.

Our Australian made and supported fabric shop software does much more than this.

One of the biggest benefits of our fabric shop and sewing shop software is the inventory management facilities. With inventory, like fabric itself, being the biggest investment in the business, it takes time and effort to manage this well and effectively for the business to be successful.

In our fabric shop POS software we track all products that come in and go out. We can instantly report on the value of inventory, what’s working, what’s not working and show trends. All of this information can feed into better business decisions, and make the fabric shop more successful.

From managing inventory to tracking customer engagement to selling online to leveraging community groups and clubs, the fabric shop software from Tower Systems is fit for service and ready to help your business thrive.

We are grateful to serve local fabric and sewing shops and thank the owners and staff members for their advice and support.

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Specialty POS software for local small business retailers in Australia and New Zealand

June 28, 2023
2 Min read
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Here at Tower Systems we are grateful to serve a diverse mix of specialty retailers in different marketplaces. These include:

Here’s what’s included in the monthly rental cost: software licences for unlimited computers in the location, help desk support (by phone or email) 6 days a week (including Saturday), access to a comprehensive support knowledge base, after hours support call access for urgent system down queries, access to our Shopify, Xero and other integrations, access to our supplier invoice import tools.

  • NZ and Aussie based customer service by us. No call centre.
  • Humans answer our phones.
  • Email us and a retail knowledgable human responds.
  • Our office is open Monday through Saturday.
  • Month to month rental – no lock in contract.
  • No lock-in EFTPOS contract. You choose the EFTPOS that suits you.
  • Self serve training videos and knowledge base.
  • Low cost training for those who want it.
  • The listed prices are genuinely monthly – not annual paid up front.

Tower Systems currently serves more than 3,000 local small business retailers.

It may be that our software is not right for you. Let us organise a personal live demonstration by Zoom. We’ll record it with you and give you a copy so you can show colleagues and others you’d like to consult.

If we think we are not a good fit for you we will say so and wish you all the best.

Email us: sales@towersystems.com.au.

Call us: 1300 662 957 (Australia) 0800 444 367 (NZ toll free).

We have a crew of awesome software developers, caring customer service people and a business support crew skilled in serving local indie retailers.

At our website, we have easily accessible recent demonstrations of our POS software, which you can access immediately and without sharing any personal contact details whatsoever. The transparency we demonstrate on our website reflects how we operate as a company.

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It’s stocktake season and Tower Systems is helping small business retailers be ready

June 22, 2023
1 Min read
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Our advice to retailers re stocktake is first and foremost: never pay an outside party to do your stocktake and never do a stocktake outside of your POS software.

The most accurate stocktake result for any retail business is doing it yourself, using your POS software. The Tower Systems POS software offers easy to use and reliable stock facilities and workflow.

Last year (2022), we got together with one of the stocktake experts at Tower Systems to discuss this and answer common stocktake questions we are asked. Here’s the video.

Our help goes beyond this. We have written advice, and we offer personal training. We make stocktaking easy and reliable for local samall business retailers.

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Advice for local small business retailers confronted by big business competitors

June 14, 2023
4 Min read
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Small and independent retailers can sometimes feel helpless when a big national retailer opens up nearby. There is no match for their range, buying power, advertising coverage or even news coverage.

The sheer size of a national competitor is what scares many smaller retailers. It can feel overwhelming.

Here at Tower Systems, all of our customers are local small business retailers, indie retailers, because that is the community we seek out.

Here are 5 practical tips for small businesses on how to face and deal with a national retailer moving into the area:

1. Don’t compete. By not talking about the competitor, pricing against them or pitching your business in any way, you separate yourself. While they may have similar products, it is unlikely that they are targeting your specific business so why target them? Focus instead on your own business. Not competing should include not advertising price comparisons, not focusing on the competitor at staff meetings, not expanding your range to sell more of what they sell and not obsessing about them.

Know why you are different and lean more into that, and, it’s likely that price is not a significant difference in your mind.

If you know why customers shop with you, you have the opportunity of not giving up margin out of fear.

2. Run a better business. From the moment you hear about a new national retailer coming to town, look at every aspect of your business for opportunities for improvement. From the back room to the front counter fine tune your processes, employee training, stock buying and the look of the business. Dramatically improve your business from the inside out. This will improve your business health and help you weather challenges which may lie ahead.

Too often, independent retailers wait until the national retailer is open to react. This is probably a year or two too late.

3. Be unique. Look for ways to make your business unique. It could be on product range, operating hours, add-on services or something else. Embrace any opportunity to make your business unique.

Even a unique niche range of products can give you traffic a big competitor will not chase. Try and focus on products which require a level of retail skill and knowledge to sell – national retailers have challenges hiring and retaining retail employees with specialist knowledge and skills.

4. Engage the community. Like, really engage. Support local groups, speak at functions, get known as someone and a business who care deeply about the local community. Subtly make the connection that you are fortunate to be able to help because of your local business.

Being smaller and independent you are better able to personally engage with the community. You and your team are the business whereas a national chain will always be the corporate. They can throw money around locally, you can throw time, knowledge and more flexible assistance.

5. Tell your stories. Your retail narrative, your stories, connect you with the local community. Tell these through the people you contact, your own blog, a Facebook page and in the pages of the local newspaper. Tell human stories about your business, the people who work in it and the local stories which connect with it.

Your stories could be about local community connection, convenience of shopping, commitment to range, personal customer service, product niche knowledge … there are many different narratives with which an independent retailer can connect. It is important that one you have your narrative you stick to is, that it inhabits your decisions, marketing and public presentation.

Local indie retailers can compete against with any big business by not acting as a big business would. This is the key. Be yourself. Have faith in yourself. Sell yourself.

Now, why is a POS software company sharing something like this? That’s easy – we care about our customers, we care about local indie retail. We’ll embrace any opportunity to help local indie retailers shine.

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Clothing store POS software helps local independent clothing retailers shine

June 9, 2023
3 Min read
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Local indie clothing stores can rely on the clothing shop POS software from Tower Systems to help them compete with the big players in the fashion space.

Using our clothing shop POS software, retailers can:

  • Manage inventory by colour, size and style.
  • Track the performance of fashion brands in the business.
  • Analyse the sale of types of products such as shirts, dresses, trousers, belts and other category level items.
  • Track sales transacted by employees.
  • Sell online thanks to several e-commerce integrations.
  • Forecast sales based on history.
  • Track seasonal performance.
  • Manage the process of clothing alterations for customers including parts used, and labour.

This clothing shop POS software is made locally for local retail businesses. It’s designed for local independent retail, not chain stores. This is important as the needs of local independent retailers are different to the needs of chain stores, especially when it comes to clothing shop POS software.

Embedded in this software is a loyalty solution designed to serve clothing retailers in a fresh way, a way shoppers love, a way that is likely to encourage them back into the shop sooner.

This clothing shop POS software is customisable too with plenty of options for setting look and feel and other factors.

The software connects with several roster solutions as well as a digital receipt platform, Xero and other integrations that help local clothing shops shine.

A feature of the Tower Systems clothing shop POS software is the insights dashboard. This is a visual platform that curates key retail performance data and presents it in a format designed to assist decision-making.

Whether your business is a fashion boutique, a school uniform shop0, a local dressmaker shop, a kids clothing shop or a local fast fashion shops, this POS software has facilities ready for use that can assist to facilitate efficiency, accuracy and enjoyment in, with and from the business.

Easily see what’s working, and what’s not. Spot upward and downward trends early, and leverage those insights for the benefit of the business.

This software continues to evolve thanks to tight engagement between our Tower Systems software development team and our customer community. There is a transparent process for suggesting enhancements and customers voting on these suggestions.

Only you can decide if this software is right for you. Work out what’s important to you and compare your needs list with what this software offers in a personal and obligation-free demonstration. The Tower Systems sales team will not pressure you, ever.

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towwersystems.com.au. Or, check out: https://www.towersystems.com.au/fashion.html

This clothing shop POS software seeks to help local clothing shops thrive.

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How retailers are using POS software integrated ChatGPT to create more valuable product descriptions

June 2, 2023
1 Min read
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Local small business retailers are short on time and challenges in competing with well-resourced big businesses.

The ChatGPT AI integration delivered by Tower Systems in its local specialty retail POS software early this year is being used by small business retailers to create for search friendly product descriptions.

Using this optional and free facility, retailers are able to describe products faster and in search friendly terms. Here’s a short video we made for our customers to show how it works:

No, we’re not going all AI is replacing the world on our customers. Rather, we are providing access to optional time saving tools. Feedback from our local retailer community has been wonderful, for which we are thankful.

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POS software for local clothing shops

May 16, 2023
3 Min read
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We are grateful to serve local clothing / fashion / apparel shops with POS software that serves their needs.

Tracking inventory by variants (colour / size / style), reporting sales by fashion brands, managing alterations, guiding more successful product descriptions, removing image backgrounds, nurturing shopper engagement and revealing business performance data points, this POS software made for local independent clothing shops helps these businesses thrive.

Here are some of the benefits leveraged through this software developed for fashion and apparel retailers and included in our $185 a month package:

  • Easily setup your POS screen to serve your needs.
  • Quickly create your own barcodes.
  • In seconds offer gift vouchers to shoppers.
  • Offer digital or printed receipts.
  • Colour, size and style: Easily track sales at a granular level.
  • Community group pricing: Helps you attract community group members.
  • Repairs: If you do alterations, this helps manage that for you.
  • Bundle pricing: easily put a package together to encourage value shoppers.
  • LayBys. While we offer Afterpay and Zip, old fashioned LayBy is growing again.
  • Bring them back: Market to shoppers based on past purchases.
  • Sell anytime: With our Shopify / Big Commerce / Magento / Woo integrations.
  • Awesome loyalty: Guide them to spend more.
  • Seasonal reordering: Reorder inventory based on seasonal sales.

Here are answers to some of the questions we have been asked about our POS software for fashion and apparel retailers.

Does the software handle products by colour, size and style? Yes.

Can I report on sales by supplier? Yes.

Can I track product performance by brand, which may be different to supplier? Yes. Through tags in our software you have considerable reporting flexibility.

Can I track time and materials for alternations? Yes.

Can I include product care information on receipts? Yes.

Can I use the software to track and manage items we make? Yes.

Does the software let me track customers by occasion? Yes.

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

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

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

We are proud of our POS software for clothing shops and what it offers these local indie retailers.

Here’s what’s included in the $185 a month rental cost for this POS software for clothing shops / fashion retail / apparel retail: software licences for unlimited computers in the location, help desk support (by phone or email) 6 days a week (including Saturday), access to a comprehensive support knowledge base, after hours support call access for urgent system down queries, access to our Shopify, Xero and other integrations, access to our supplier invoice import tools.

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Software made for local clothing and apparel shops saves time and guides good business decisions

May 2, 2023
2 Min read
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There was a time when the only software clothing shops could use was expensive and cumbersome, made for big businesses, retail chains, software packed with ERP tools and workflow management.

We know that local clothing shops, small business clothing shops, want an easy way to manage stock by colour size and style, a successful way to report on sales by fashion brand, a certain way to track seasonal sales and a way they can trust to bring shoppers back.

The Fashion retail POS software from Tower Systems is designed to help local clothing shops do these things and more. This is software made only for local clothing shops, software designed to equip them for competition.

And, at $185 a month, this POS software for clothing shops is affordable. There is no lock in contract. This is software with facilities clothing retailers tell us they want:

  • Colour, size and style: Easily track sales at a granular level by these variants.
  • Tracking sales by brand. This is in addition to suppliers and other reporting points.
  • Quickly identify what’s working and what’s not working.
  • Community group pricing: Helps you attract community group members.
  • Repairs: If you do alterations, this helps manage that for you.
  • Bundle pricing: easily put a package together to encourage value shoppers.
  • LayBys. While we offer Afterpay and Zip, old fashioned LayBy is growing again.
  • Bring them back: Market to shoppers based on past purchases.
  • Sell anytime: With our Shopify / Big Commerce / Magento / Woo integrations.
  • Awesome loyalty: Guide them to spend more.
  • Seasonal reordering: Reorder inventory based on seasonal sales.

Made and supported by Tower Systems, this fashion shop POS software is feature rich and designed to equip local cloths shops to perform well. It’s packed with fresh tech to save time and offer opportunities:

  • ChatGPT AI integration for better product descriptions. This is a free optional feature.
  • Auto removal of image backgrounds for a better online experience.
  • International barcode look-up to auto fill inventory data points if you sell products that are also overseas.

These facilities and more a designed to help nurture data consistency, which is key to repeatable success in any business.

Tower Systems is grateful to help local fashion businesses thrive. We don’t sell to chains or big businesses. We love local and small as that is where we find and appreciate community.

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