The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

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

CategoryGarden centre software

How does Tower Systems POS software compare to EPOS Now?

February 27, 2025
2 Min read
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If you are considering the EPOS Now POS software for your retail business, we’d love the opportunity to show you our Tower Systems POS software. We’d be grateful for an opportunity to put our POS software on the counter next to EPOS Now so you can compare function by function.

We welcome an opportunity for a direct comparison with EPOS Now.

It’s possible you’ll find EPOS Now software is better for your needs. We’re thank you for considering Tower Systems and cheerfully wish you all the best.

You can only decide how Tower Systems compares to EPOS Now by putting the two software products side by side, on the counter, comparing function for function.

Deeper than the software itself is a comparison of doing business. Here at Tower Systems:

  • There is no lock-in contract. You can cancel at any time and your payments end that month.
  • Customer service is local in Australia. There is no offshore call centre.
  • Most customer service staff at Tower Systems have worked in retail and they have themselves used the Tower Systems POS software in retail.
  • You can call, and a human answers the phone. They are locally based.
  • Our software training people are local.
  • You get to vote on software enhancement suggestions.
  • You get to suggest software enhancements.
  • You can easily escalate any query to the leadership team of Tower Systems.
  • When you call for support you get to set your own call priority.

Tower Systems is a unique POS software company.

If you are considering EPOS Now POS software for your retail business, consider Tower Systems. We’re a very different company, with different software.

Choosing the right POS software is a critical decision for any retail business. It’s about more than just the features; it’s about the partnership you build with your software provider.

At Tower Systems, we believe in providing a truly different experience.

We’re proud of our flexible, no lock-in contracts, our locally-based Australian customer service team, and our commitment to putting the customer first. From local support and training to a direct line to our leadership team, we’re dedicated to helping your business thrive.

If you’re exploring POS options like EPOS Now, we encourage you to consider Tower Systems. We’d be delighted to offer a side-by-side comparison, demonstrating how our software and our approach can make a real difference for your business.

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Let us make a beautiful Shopify website for your business

February 24, 2025
3 Min read
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Expand your customer base and boost your bottom line by venturing beyond your physical shop. Leverage your existing space and staff resources to unlock new revenue streams, and explore the potential of products you never thought possible within your current retail model. Imagine reaching customers across Australia, all from your current location.

A seamless online presence is vital in retail today. With a Shopify-integrated website from Tower Systems, you can sell your products online and in-store, all while maintaining accurate, real-time stock data. Our point-of-sale (POS) software ensures your inventory is always up-to-date, preventing frustrating stock discrepancies and streamlining your operations.

We’ve partnered with hundreds of local small business retailers, crafting successful websites that drive online sales as well as in-store visits. Our experienced sales team can showcase a portfolio of stunning websites, each a testament to our expertise in e-commerce solutions. These examples demonstrate how we’ve helped businesses like yours expand their reach and maximise their profits.

Our Shopify website development service is done here in Melbourne Australia. It’s local, for local Aussie retailers.

Our fixed-price Shopify website development package is popular with retailers. We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your specific needs and goals. From there, our expert designers will create a visually appealing and user-friendly website tailored to your brand. We’ll seamlessly integrate it with your Retailer POS system, ensuring smooth inventory management and order processing. And, importantly, we’ll provide comprehensive training, empowering you to manage your website and attract new customers effectively.

Contact our sales team at sales@towersystems.com.au or call us on 1300 662 957 to learn more and explore our portfolio of successful retail websites.

One small shop in suburban Melbourne, which launched a Tower Systems-developed website in May of last year, has generated over $70,000 in online sales in six months. Remarkably, this impressive figure was achieved without increasing labour costs, expanding product range or engaging in expensive marketing. This demonstrates the power of a well-designed online store integrated with your existing retail operations.

In addition to selling on your website, Tower customers have free access to www.findit.com.au, a terrific marketp[lace that supports small local retail businesses. It helps them, and their websites, be found.

Beyond website development, we offer valuable business consultations, guiding you on how to maximise your online potential, even without technical expertise. We’ll share strategies and insights to help you achieve similar success stories.

And, coming soon in our next Retailer software update, we’re excited to introduce an AI-powered blog post generator. This innovative tool will automatically create engaging content about your stock items, further boosting your online visibility and driving sales.

Tower Systems is dedicated to helping small and independent retailers thrive in the digital age. Let us help you win online in 2025. Contact us today to begin your e-commerce journey.

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POS software connected Shopify websites help small business retailers thrive in 2025

February 17, 2025
3 Min read
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A growing number of retailers are establishing online presences to reach new customers. These businesses are utilising Tower Systems to create websites integrated with their point-of-sale (POS) software. Examples of some of these newly connected websites include:

Significantly, none of these websites explicitly identify the businesses as traditional retailers. This strategic decision aims to attract customers based on their purchasing needs rather than preconceived notions about the business type.

In today’s retail landscape, a strong online presence is more critical than ever. It provides the most effective means of attracting new customers, leveraging existing inventory, retail space, and staff, and establishing a fresh and profitable direction for the business.

Tower Systems leverages wonderful POS software and SHopify skilled people to bring these opportunities to life. This local expertise is a key advantage, as many web development companies outsource this work overseas.

We offer a comprehensive service, providing both specialised retail POS software and professionally designed Shopify websites that seamlessly integrate with the POS system. This integration is secure, fast, and efficient. The Shopify websites we develop are tailored to each individual retailer’s specific needs and requirements, populated with data collected through the integrated POS software.

As both a Shopify website developer and a POS software developer, and as an Australian-based business, Tower Systems is ideally positioned to serve the needs of local retailers. Our extensive experience within the retail sector has enabled us to assist numerous businesses in attracting new customers through their online platforms.

Tower Systems’ Shopify website development service for small business retailers is offered at a fixed price.

By embracing e-commerce and leveraging Tower Systems’ expertise in retail and web development, retailers can unlock a wealth of new opportunities. From seamless website integration to a focus on targeted customer acquisition, Tower Systems empowers retailers to thrive in the digital age. Is your business ready to join the growing number of successful online retailers? Contact Tower Systems today to discuss how we can help you achieve a prosperous future.

The websites listed above, all operated by retail businesses, showcase unique, engaging, and relevant online presences. They present a contemporary image for these businesses, which is essential in 2025 and beyond.

The websites listed here, all operated by local retail businesses, showcase unique, engaging, and relevant online presences. They present a contemporary image for these businesses. This demonstrates the power of strategic online positioning and the importance of partnering with a provider like Tower Systems, who understands the nuances of both retail operations and effective e-commerce strategies.

We are committed to helping retailers navigate the digital landscape and achieve sustainable growth through integrated POS and website solutions.

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POS software for Garden Centres helps the locally loved businesses thrive

February 13, 2025
3 Min read
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Tower Systems offers industry-standard Garden Centre POS software, proudly made and supported in Australia and New Zealand. Serving over 200 garden centre customers, Tower Systems values client feedback, using it to continually evolve the software to meet the changing needs of the industry. A recent software release includes time-saving AI tools, subscription facilities and significantly expanded quote and invoice management tools.

Tower Systems’ software empowers independent garden centre owners to run profitable and enjoyable businesses, assisting them in evolving their customer mix and boosting business performance. The software manages numerous aspects of garden centre operations, including integration with Evergreen Connect, garden centre-specific inventory tracking, price change management for repotted plants, weatherproof product sticker creation, supplier invoice importing, flexible selling options (by fraction, weight, and/or length), product variant tracking, special customer orders, customer purchase history tracking, and theft reduction. It also facilitates targeted marketing based on past customer purchases.

Tower Systems’ software has been refined through close collaboration with over 200 garden centre customers. Key features developed based on this feedback include:

  1. Evergreen Connect link: Seamless integration and synchronisation with Evergreen.
  2. Dispatch management tools: Effective management of multiple trucks and deliveries, with Allotrac integration for enhanced functionality.
  3. Loyalty marketing: Customised loyalty programs for customer engagement and retention.
  4. Bulk material tracking: Easy tracking of raw material purchases and in-house product mixing and packaging.
  5. Local plant care information: Plant care details printed on receipts for improved customer service.
  6. Flexible selling options: Sales by weight, length, and fractions.
  7. Weatherproof product labels.
  8. Integrated roster options: Seamless integration with platforms like Deputy, Tanda, and Planday.
  9. Digital receipts: Convenient digital receipts via Slyp.
  10. Comprehensive quote and invoice management.

Additional benefits of Tower Systems’ software include software access for unlimited computers, Monday to Saturday help desk support, a knowledge base, and integrations with Shopify, Big Commerce, Xero, and other leading platforms. Supplier invoice import tools are also provided.

Further enhancements based on customer feedback include:

  • ChatGPT and Google Gemini integration: Automated product description generation.
  • International barcode database lookup: Streamlined product entry.
  • Automatic photo background removal: Simplified image use for online platforms.
  • Free integration with FindIt.com.au: Increased local customer reach.
  • Shopper self-checkout version.
  • Portable “sell from anywhere” solution: Ideal for large properties, markets, and pop-up events.

Tower Systems offers a 30-minute demo via a QR code (no details required). Personalised demonstrations can be arranged by contacting the team on 1300 662 957 or sales@towersystems.com.au.

Flexible training options are available, including a training library with short video tutorials.

Integrations with Xero (accounting), Tanda, Deputy and Planday (rostering), Slyp (digital receipts), Shopify and Big Commerce (online sales), ChatGPT (product descriptions), and RemoveBG (photo background removal) enhance productivity. The recent additions of ChatGPT integration for product description generation, international barcode database lookup, automatic photo background removal, free FindIt.com.au integration, shopper self-checkout, and a portable sales solution have been well-received by customers.

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AI tools in POS software help local retailers save time and make more money

January 29, 2025
2 Min read
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AI-Powered Retail: Empowering Small Businesses with Tower Systems

Tower Systems pioneered the integration of AI tools into our Point of Sale (POS) software approximately two and a half years ago. Since then, these AI capabilities have undergone significant evolution, becoming increasingly sophisticated and delivering unparalleled value to our customers.

From streamlining manual processes and enriching product descriptions to providing instant, profit-driving insights and automating previously intractable tasks, our AI-enhanced POS software for specialty retailers stands at the forefront of innovation. It’s a testament to our commitment to equipping small businesses with the most advanced, intelligent, and powerful retail technology available.

As an early adopter in the burgeoning field of AI-powered POS solutions, Tower Systems has amassed invaluable experience in serving retailers and guiding them towards greater success. This expertise is particularly crucial for small businesses operating within resource-constrained environments. In today’s fiercely competitive landscape, where direct-to-consumer sales from suppliers are on the rise and larger businesses leverage cutting-edge technology to gain an edge, these AI-driven tools provide a vital competitive advantage.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by local small businesses within the Tower Systems community, we have meticulously tailored our AI tools specifically for the retail sector. These tools are not generic; they are designed to address the specific needs and priorities of our customers.

Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to continuous evolution. As AI technology advances, we will continue to refine and expand our AI capabilities, leveraging the valuable insights and feedback provided by our customers to unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.

There are plenty of benefits of our AI-powered POS software, including:

  • Enhanced efficiency: Automates repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time for staff to focus on customer service and other critical areas.
  • Data-Driven decisions: Provides real-time insights into sales trends, customer behaviour, and inventory levels, enabling informed business decisions.
  • Improved customer experience: In so many ways in the software.
  • Increased profitability: reduces losses, mitigates bad behaviour, nurtures good decisions and reveals money-making opportunities.
  • Competitive Advantage: Levels the playing field for Tower Systems small business retailers by providing access to powerful, AI-driven tools previously available only to larger enterprises.

By embracing AI and continuously innovating our POS software, Tower Systems empowers small businesses to thrive in the digital age. We are confident that our AI-powered solutions will continue to play a pivotal role in the success of our customers in the years to come.

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3 ways any local small business retailer can improve their profit

January 7, 2025
3 Min read
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Growing a retail business is all about building on success. Each step forward paves the way for the next, creating a snowball effect for your profits. Here are three easy ti implement strategies any small business retailer can implement to achieve this compounding effect.

These are easy strategies. You can remember and use them in many different business decisions you make. We’ve gone with 3 because it’s easy to remember them and use them.

1. Attract New Customers: go beyond your usual base

It’s fantastic to have returning customers, but relying solely on them limits your growth. Every single day, dedicate some effort to attracting fresh faces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Create eye-catching window displays. Think unique, vibrant, and relevant to your products. You want people to stop when they notice the window from the corner of their eye.
  • Be active on social media. Share engaging posts, stories, and promotions that resonate with your target audience. Be personal. Give of yourself.
  • Partner with local community groups. Sponsor events, offer discounts to members, and build connections within the community. Be local.
  • Support local club member fundraisers. This not only helps a good cause, but gets your brand in front of a new group of potential customers.

2. Maximise Your Gross Profit Percentage: be smart about buying and pricing

The price you pay for your products and how you price them directly impacts your profit margin. Here’s a two-pronged approach:

  • Negotiate the best deals possible with your suppliers. Every cent saved on your end translates to more profit in your pocket.
  • Focus on offering value and price accordingly. Don’t simply race to the bottom by constantly undercutting competitors. Highlight the benefits and unique selling points of your products and price them fairly. Add value in your service and price products accordingly. If people shop with you because you are convenient, price that in when you can.

3. Encourage Customers to Spend More: the art of the “bigger basket”

Strategic product placement can significantly increase the average amount customers spend per visit. Consider these tactics:

  • Place impulse buys near counters and high-traffic areas. Small, attractive items like phone cases, chocolates, or accessories can easily be added to a customer’s final purchase.
  • Learn from past buying patterns. Analyse what people tend to buy together and use this data to guide product placement. For example, if socks are frequently bought with shoes, consider positioning them nearby.
  • Utilise loyalty programs strategically. Loyalty programs can encourage repeat business and incentivise higher spending. Make sure your loyalty program is easily understood and quick for shoppers to engage with.

Tower Systems: your partner in profitable retail

At Tower Systems, our Australian-made POS software can help you implement these strategies and more. We’re not your average POS company – we serve local specialty retail, small business retail, independent retail. We are retail experienced and can empathise with local retailers in practical ways.

We understand the unique challenges faced by local Aussie retailers. For over 26 years, we’ve been helping our 3,000+ customers run more successful, enjoyable, and profitable businesses. Beyond our software, we offer ongoing support, data-driven insights, and expert business analysis to keep your retail dreams thriving.

We’d love to find out about your needs: 

Website: www.towersystems.com.au
Phone Australia: 1300 662 957
Phone New Zealand: 0800 444 367
Email: sales@towersystems.com.au

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New Year, New Business: Resolutions for small business retailers for 2025

December 27, 2024
2 Min read
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As we prepare for the  new year, it’s an ideal time to reflect on your business and set goals for the future. Here are some actionable resolutions to help local small business retailers leverage technology and data to improve your business and make it more profitable:

Data-driven decision making

  • Prioritise data quality: Ensure your business data is accurate and up-to-date. High-quality data is the foundation for informed decision-making. A common attribute of businesses that fail is poor data management.
  • Sales-driven inventory: Use sales data to guide your inventory decisions. Avoid unnecessary stock purchases by analysing past performance and future trends.
  • Remote management: Utilise technology to manage your business remotely. This allows you to spend more time away from the shop floor while staying connected to your operations.

Streamline operations

  • Automate processes: Identify manual tasks that can be automated to save time and reduce errors.
  • Combat theft: Implement security measures and utilise technology to deter and detect theft. Our software can help.
  • Declutter your space: Organise your shop floor based on data-driven insights to optimise layout and improve customer experience.

Delegate and learn

  • Empower your team: Delegate tasks to your team members and use software to streamline workflows.
  • Set SMART Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals to track progress and measure success.
  • Continuous Learning: Dedicate time to learning new features and functionalities of your POS software to maximise its potential. We offer free training resources.

Strengthen supplier relationships

  • Strategic partnerships: Focus on building relationships with suppliers who offer efficient and reliable services.
  • Leverage free resources: Take advantage of free training and support offered by us.
  • Data-driven insights: Use the business insights our POS software serves you.

A shared commitment to success At Tower Systems, we’re more than just a POS software provider. We are committed to helping our customers achieve their business goals. By implementing these resolutions and leveraging the power of our software, you can elevate your retail business to new heights.

We do hope your 2025 is wonderful and profitable. Our software can help and we can help. Together, let’s make your 2025 a terrific year for your business and all who rely on it.

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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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See how a POS software-integrated Shopify website is helping a local shop thrive

December 9, 2024
1 Min read
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A few months ago, we embarked on a small experiment: building a website for a local suburban Melbourne shop on a tight budget. The goal was to test the waters and see what could be achieved with minimal investment.

Starting with a modest product range, the website quickly began generating sales. In just the past seven weeks, this simple online store has raked in over $18,000 without any additional marketing spend or inventory investment. This new video from us takes you behind the scenes on what we have been able to do through the Hugs and Love website integration with our POS software.

The Hugs and Love website (www.hugsandlove.com.au) is a prime example of how seamlessly integrating Tower Systems POS software with Shopify can streamline online sales and fulfilment processes for local businesses. This powerful combination allows businesses to efficiently manage their inventory, process orders, and fulfill purchases both in-store and online.

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Are you giving your POS software company a percentage of each sale in your shop?

November 28, 2024
2 Min read
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A growing trend among some Point of Sale (POS) software companies is to charge retailers not only for access to their software but also a percentage of each sale. They often justify this practice as a fee for their payment processing services. However, many retailers suspect these companies are profiting from the difference between the rates they pay their payment providers and the rates they charge to merchants.

This business model allows POS software companies to generate significant revenue, essentially taking a cut of every sale a retailer makes. While some retailers may be content with this arrangement, others are concerned about the impact on their bottom line.

Do you want your POS software company to take a slice of profit from every sale you make?

For businesses focused on maximising profits, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate POS software options. Not all POS providers impose these additional fees. Many offer straightforward pricing models, such as monthly or annual subscriptions, without taking a percentage of sales. By choosing a POS system that doesn’t profit from your transactions, retailers can retain more of their hard-earned revenue.

At Tower Systems, we believe in transparency and fairness. We do not charge our customers per transaction or take a share of their profits. Our pricing model is simple: a modest monthly rental fee. This straightforward approach allows retailers to focus on running their businesses without worrying about hidden costs.

By avoiding these additional fees, retailers can improve their profit margins and reinvest in their businesses. Whether it’s hiring new staff, expanding inventory, or upgrading equipment, every dollar saved on POS fees can make a significant difference.

As a retailer, it’s important to be aware of these hidden costs and to choose a POS software provider that aligns with your business goals. By selecting a transparent and affordable solution, you can optimize your operations and maximize your profits.

Here at Tower Systems we do not charge our customers per transaction, were do not take a share of your profit. The only cost for using our POS software is the modest monthly POS software rental fee, our pricing is transparent. Again, there is no per transaction cost, no slicing into your profits.

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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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Shopify POS software integrated solution helps small business retailers win online sales

November 24, 2024
3 Min read
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In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential for small businesses. Here at Tower Systems we are grateful to help many local small business retailers win online thanks to a beautiful and robust POS software integration with Shopify, the leading ecommerce platform used the world over.

Not all POS software integrates with Shopify. Some connect, but not direct. Some have come to the Shopify party late. We were here early and have enhanced the SHopify POS software direct integration to make the most of enhancements on both sides, including smart use of AI for retailers keen for fast and AI charged text to help capture eyeballs in the search world.

Everything we do in this POS software / Shopify integration space is about maximising profit for the local small business retailers we are grateful to serve. Our innovation with Shopify is part of this.

Using the Tower Systems POS software Shopify integration you manage your inventory through our software and this inventory data, including images, flows to Shopify, and sales achieved through Shopify flow back to the Tower Systems POS software.

The seamless integration of Shopify with our POS software, a two-way integration, help local small business retailers to manage both physical and online sales.

Here is why we think considering the Tower Systems POS software Shopify solution is a good and worthy move:

  • Seamless integration: Our POS software seamlessly integrates with Shopify, ensuring a smooth flow of data between your physical store and online shop.
  • Centralised inventory management: Keep track of your inventory in one place, regardless of where it’s sold. It is completely managed in the POS software.
  • Enhanced online presence: Our team of experienced web developers can create stunning Shopify websites tailored to your specific needs.
  • Expert guidance: Benefit from our consultative approach to help you discover new online opportunities and attract more customers.
  • Fast-track website development: Get your online store up and running quickly with our expedited website development process.

Now, here is how it works:

  1. Data synchronisation: Sales data, inventory information, and product images are automatically synchronised between your POS and Shopify.
  2. Centralised inventory management: Manage your inventory from a single platform, ensuring accurate stock levels across all sales channels.
  3. Seamless checkout experience: Provide a consistent and convenient shopping experience for your customers, whether they’re in-store or online.
  4. Enhanced online marketing: Leverage our expertise in keyword research and SEO to optimise your online store for search engines.

The Power of Shopify and Tower Systems

By combining the power of Shopify’s e-commerce platform with Tower Systems’ POS software, you can:

  • Expand your reach: Attract new customers from around the world.
  • Increase sales: Drive sales through both your physical store and online shop.
  • Improve efficiency: Streamline your operations and reduce manual tasks.
  • Make data-driven decisions: Gain valuable insights into your business performance.

If you’re a small business owner looking to enhance your online presence, Tower Systems can help. Our team of experts will work with you to create a customised solution that meets your unique needs. We can demonstrate our POS software and demonstrate integrations we have done with Shopify for many of our customers.

Contact us today to learn more about how our Shopify integration can benefit your business.

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How our POS software helps small business retailers avoid expensive out of stocks

October 30, 2024
2 Min read
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Being out of stock can be expensive for a small business retailer. Not only do they lead to lost sales, but they can also damage customer trust and reputation.

Our Tower Systems POS software proactively helps small business retailers avoid out of stocks. Fu=irst though, let’s look at the real costs of being out of stock:

  • Lost Sales: The loss of revenue from missed sales. Customers who can’t find the products they’re looking for may simply go elsewhere.
  • Customer Dissatisfaction: Out of stocks can lead to frustrated and disappointed customers. This can damage customer loyalty and lead to negative reviews and word-of-mouth.
  • Increased Operational Costs: Dealing with out of stocks can be time-consuming and costly. Retailers may need to spend resources on expediting orders, providing refunds, or addressing customer complaints.

By proactively showing retailers out of stocks without having to go look for this can save considerable time. Using the POS software to order based on sales and tracking low in stocks can have a business ready prior to being out of stock.

There are indirect costs of out of stocks for small business retailers:

  • Damaged Reputation: Repeated out of stocks can tarnish a retailer’s reputation. Customers may perceive the business as unreliable or poorly managed.
  • Missed Marketing Opportunities: Out of stocks can disrupt marketing campaigns and promotional activities. For example, a retailer may be unable to capitalise on seasonal trends or limited-time offers.
  • Reduced Customer Lifetime Value: Customers who experience out of stocks may be less likely to make future purchases. This can lead to a decrease in customer lifetime value.

Tower Systems can also work with your suppliers, helping you to provide a sales data feed, which can leverage auto replenishment making the most of just in time inventory management to your benefit as well as to the benefit of your partner supplier.

These are some of the ways we help small business retailers eliminate the costs of out of stocks.

Here at Tower Systems we are focussed on helping local small business retailers thrive. We make smart POS software that helps our independent retailer customers run efficient and valuable retail businesses in-store as well as online.

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An important reminder about backup from one of our POS software customers

October 29, 2024
3 Min read
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Thank you to Jeff and Jenny Rodick of Lumpy’s Nursery and Landscape Yard for their comments published on their business blog about our service and the importance of cloud backup. Their words are a reminder to all of us in business about the importance of having a safe and secure backup, and processes for recovery: 

The Critical Role of a Reliable Cloud Management Service: When Talk Isn’t Enough

In today’s fast-paced business environment, cloud backup is more than just a safety net—it’s a lifeline. But all too often, businesses learn the hard way that not all cloud services are created equal. Some providers may boast impressive offerings, but when it comes to the crunch, they don’t deliver.

I recently experienced firsthand how important it is to have a truly reliable cloud management service. The cloud service provider we had entrusted for years let us down when we needed them most. Following a server failure, I discovered that not only had our backups been incomplete for over a year and a half, but the response time and support offered by the provider were unacceptably slow. We were expected to check the backups ourselves—a ludicrous proposition given that we had engaged them specifically to avoid this burden.

This is why businesses must invest in a service that not only provides the platform but also takes full responsibility for monitoring and ensuring the integrity of your data. Our retail software provider, Tower Systems, has now stepped in to manage our cloud backups. Their approach is what we had hoped for from the start: if data isn’t received within 24 hours, they act immediately, troubleshooting and resolving the issue. Not only that, but they’ve implemented an onsite storage system to ensure data is retrievable quickly and easily in case of a crisis.

Be sure to check out their blog. It’s packed with awesome garden care advice, like their post about Daphne Odora: The Fragrant Wonder of the Garden. This is an example of good and useful content that demonstrates their knowledge and passion, and helps get them found online.

Have you ever encountered a plant that can turn your garden into a fragrant paradise?

Meet Daphne Odora, a captivating evergreen shrub that delights the senses with its sweet, intoxicating scent.

Aromatic Beauty:

Daphne is renowned for its exquisite flowers, which bloom in a stunning array of colours, including white, cream, yellow, and pink. These fragrant blooms are a feast for the senses, filling the air with a delightful aroma that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.

Low-Maintenance Charm:

Despite its beauty, Daphne is surprisingly easy to care for. It thrives in cool, temperate climates and prefers full sun to light shade. With proper planting and care, this elegant shrub can flourish in your garden for years to come.

Blog posts are a terrific way any business with a website can be found through online searches. It starts with you sharing your knowledge. Original content works better than content harvested via AI. The blog for Lumpy’s Nursery and Landscape Yard is terrific.

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Cat Protection Society of NSW uses our portable POS Software for Cat Lovers festival

October 28, 2024
2 Min read
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We share here with permission details of how The Cat Protection Society of NSW used our Retailer Roam portable POS software at the recent Cat Lover’s festival at Olympic Park in Sydney:

We had a large stall for the Cat Lover’s Festival at Olympic Park last month.

We’d set up 3 counters, with a mini netbook, a laptop, and a Samsung tablet, each running Retailer Roam.

The netbook and laptop had Bluetooth scanners and the tablet was used for cash only purchases.

All the Roam sessions were linked to our Marrickville Rd retail store, which was closed for the festival weekend.

Staff were all very impressed with Roam, the last time we attended Cat Lover’s, we had one laptop accessing Retailer via a Remote Desktop Tunnel. It was a slower process with no scanner.

It all worked really well; people’s sales were processed promptly. We made over $20,000.00 over the two days and generated new membership and adoption inquiries.

We will definitely keep using Roam at future festivals.

We love hearing from customers and how they use our POS software.

The Retailer Roam product used by the Cat Protection Society of NSW is truly portable POS software, ideal for on the road selling, market selling and pop-up retail. We first released it five or so years ago. It has just gone through a major refresh with many new facilities and benefits added, helping retailers achieve more from their shop.

Retail is changing so much and rapidly. Retailer Roam is one of several opportunities we provide retailers to lean into these changes, to reach customers closer to where they are, rather than relying solely on business at a fixed location, like your shop.

Using retailer Roam, retailers can do more than transact sales (while online as well as while offline). They can also:

  1. Take product photos for use in an online store.
  2. Do a stock take.
  3. Order products.
  4. Process invoices for stock received.

Retailer Roam is a web service from Tower Systems. It’s smart, fresh and easy to use, a perfect tool for local small business retailers keen for expansion opportunities in and outside of their shops.

Tower Systems makes and supports POS software for local independent small business retailers across a range of retail channels.

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Small business POS software Q&A

October 24, 2024
4 Min read
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Here are answers to questions we are often asked:

Are you Australian based? Yes.

Do you make your POS software? Yes.

How do I contact your help desk? By phone or email. Our help desk is Australian based with one team member working from New Zealand.

When can I contact you for help? Weekdays: 7am through 6PM AEST, Saturdays 7:30am through 3PM AEST. After hours for urgent calls: 24/7.

Do you have a knowledge base I can search? Yes.

Do you have training videos? Yes

How up to date are your training videos? Very – we add content regularly – many new videos in the last three months.

Can I ask support questions without having to speak to someone? Yes, we offer a closed network AI tool that relies solely on our own intellectual property. This is free and available 24/7.

What if I am unhappy with support? You can escalate to our Chief Operating Officer or our Managing Director – every customer is given their direct numbers and email addresses.

Can I run the software in the cloud? Yes.

Can I run the software on my desktop? Yes.

Can I backup to the cloud? Yes.

How long am I locked in with software rental? There is no lock-in. You can cancel rental at any time and billing stops immediately – once the current month is completed, there is no further charge.

Can we offer a special price to members of a club or some other group? Yes.

Can we market to members of clubs or teachers or schools? Yes.

Can we track sales to club or school members to rebate as a fundraising opportunity? Yes.

Can you pass on product care manuals and other documentation? Yes, you can load files, images, documents or PDFs for products (information sheets, advice, notices) and have them automatically included in emailed receipts.

Can we promote things on receipts? Yes.

Can we use the software to manage repairs? Yes. You can track jobs, parts and labour. Plus, communication with customers is streamlined.

Can we remind customers about servicing or similar? Yes.

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

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

Can we create a quote for a customer? Yes.

Can we track / manage quotes? Yes.

Can we track using parts from our shop and labour to make a product? Yes.

Can the software track special or one-off orders for customers? Yes, from the moment the order is placed.

Can we manage buying and selling second-hand items? Yes.

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

Does the software track product serial numbers? Yes. You have a couple of different ways you can do this.

Can we integrate the software with our suppliers? Yes. We have many customers importing stock files and invoices. If you want to provide a supplier a data feed of sales of their product, our software can do this too.

Does the software connect with our website? We partner with Shopify, Big Commerce, Magento and WooCommerce and offer direct links to these.

Can we email receipts? Yes.

Can we track where our customers come from? Yes.

Do we have to pay for software on additional computers in our business? No.

Does the software handle LayBys? Yes.

Can we connect with our EFTPOS terminal? Yes. We have a direct link to Tyro and through Linkly we connect to all major banks.

Can we use our existing hardware? Yes, as long as your hardware meets our minimum standards.

Can we use our existing data with the software? Yes. We’d like to check your data to be sure. We will advise what can be safely brought across.

Does it integrate with Xero? Yes.

Can the software age check on certain products? Yes.

Do you offer a business insights platform? Yes.

Can I use the software for a pop-up shop? Yes, our retailer Roam does this.

Do you offer a self checkout option? Yes.

Do you push software updates on me? No. You choose if and when to update.

Can I suggest changes for an update? Yes. Customers transparently vote on these.

These are some of the questions we have been asked by retailers considering our POS software. We hope our responses are helpful.

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Free POS software commented marketplace find.com.au helps local retailers attract local shoppers

October 14, 2024
3 Min read
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FindIt is a free marketplace made for local independent retailers. It helps then be found by local shoppers.

This free platform, made here in Australia by Tower Systems, seamlessly connects local businesses with consumers seeking a unique and personalised shopping experience. It links with the Tower Systems POS software for a data feed.

Already local retailers are grateful for new shoppers arriving in their shops thanks to a free listing of their products on FindIt.com.au.

  • Retailers can effortlessly showcase products to a wider audience through a user-friendly online platform.
  • No website development or management required – FindIt takes care of everything. Linking is easy and fast.
  • Leverage the power of SEO expertise to ensure your products rank prominently in Google searches.

Streamlined local shopping for local customers: 

  • FindIt acts as a comprehensive online catalogue, allowing customers to discover from their phone, tablet or computer a diverse range of products from local retailers.
  • Enjoy the convenience of adding items from multiple stores to a single basket for a seamless research.
  • FindIt facilitates a direct connection between customers and retailers, fostering a sense of community and personalised service.

A free and sweet fit for Tower Systems POS software customers:

  • Retailers who utilise the Tower Systems POS software, automatically gain access to FindIt, extending your reach at no cost.
  • FindIt seamlessly integrates with your existing Tower Systems POS solution, streamlining your operations.

Supporting local Aussie retail businesses:

  • FindIt is a proud advocate for independent Australian retailers, empowering them to compete in the digital landscape. It was built to serve this purpose.
  • Together, we champion the values of local businesses – community engagement, personalised service, and unique product offerings.

FindIt is unique in that it is not about making money for Tower. Retailers can list products at no cost whatsoever. The goal is to encourage shoppers to find shops near them that have products being sought out. This really is all about nurturing local in-store shopper traffic. We think we’re pretty unique in that regard.

Learn More:

  • Explore the capabilities of Tower Systems POS software at https://www.towersystems.com.au/.
  • See FindIt here: www.findit.com.au.
  • Witness the user-friendly interface and comprehensive features through readily available online demonstrations.
  • Tower Systems exclusively caters to local independent retailers in a range of specialty retail , fostering a strong partnership with the local business community.

FindIt is evidence of the practical support Tower systems offers local independent retailers in Australia and New Zealand. We are grateful to have the resources to deliver this for our customers.

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Kitchen docket printing now available in Tower Systems POS software for small business retailers

October 1, 2024
1 Min read
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With more retailers moving into hospitality in one form or another, Tower Systems is making the change easy thanks to the release of support for kitchen docket printing from within its well-established POS software for local small business retailers.

Here’s a new video from our COO on how retailers can engage with this:

Cafes, garden centres, produce / farm supply businesses, bike shops and plenty of other retailers have a business case for this kitchen docket printing solution as it enables printing the dockets in a place other than or in addition to the usual sales counter.

Developed with retailers already using our POS softwares the kitchen docket printing tools are another enhancement delivered by our awesome POS software development team.

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Empowering Retail Team Members: Seamless POS Software Training with Tower Systems

September 27, 2024
2 Min read
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At Tower Systems, we understand the importance of a skilled and confident retail team. That’s why we’ve designed our POS software with user-friendliness at its core, complemented by a comprehensive and easy-to-access training resources. This empowers local small business retail staff to become POS software experts quickly, maximising its potential to streamline your retail operations.

It also helps retail staff remind themselves of parts of the POS software easily.

Our training resources offer flexible learning options tailored to individual needs and preferences. Staff can access a library of up-to-date video tutorials covering a wide range of topics, from core functionalities to advanced features. This allows them to learn at their own pace, regardless of prior experience and regardless of their situation.

This easy access to POS software training for retail staff is vital for any retail business, especially so in local independent small retail businesses where staff have to multi-task, where they need to help the business be efficient so the it may compete with bigger and better resourced retailers.

For those seeking a structured approach, we offer a subject-matter focussed curriculum that guides them through the software functionalities step-by-step. Alternatively, staff can dive right into specific topics by choosing individual video tutorials or in-depth articles from our extensive and up to date POS software knowledge base.

All these resources from Tower Systems are freely available and accessible 24/7, making them a valuable addition to your existing training regime. Additionally, they seamlessly integrate with our POS software help desk service, which provides further support for any questions or challenges your staff might encounter.

Helping local retailers thrive is core to what we offer at Tower Systems, through our POS software, and through the training resources provided with our POS software. The training assets are enhanced regularly, to ensure genuine value for our small business retail customers.

With Tower Systems, you can rest assured that your retail team is equipped with the necessary skills to leverage the full potential of our POS software. This translates to increased efficiency, improved customer service, and ultimately, a competitive edge for your business.

To learn more about Tower Systems’ POS software and our comprehensive training resources, visit our website at www.towersystems.com.au.

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Local Small Business Retailers Get Weekly and Monthly Business Insights Delivered Straight to Your Inbox

September 10, 2024
2 Min read
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This video showcases how the Tower Systems POS software empowers small business retailers with valuable insights into their business performance. Through a weekly or monthly email, retailers receive a comprehensive overview of key metrics such as gross profit, revenue, average basket value, year-on-year trends, day-by-day performance, customer foot traffic, busiest times, top-selling departments, and product trends. This user-friendly approach eliminates the need for manual report generation and provides retailers with actionable information to make informed decisions and improve their businesses.

The email is all about data, represented visually, to guide better business decisions.

  • Where You Stand Today: Get a quick overview of your current sales and liabilities.
  • Identifying Underperformers: Easily see which products aren’t selling well (dead stock). This empowers you to make strategic decisions, such as discounts or stock reductions, to free up tied-up capital.
  • Missed Opportunities: Pinpoint instances where popular items have sold out, potentially leading to lost sales.Restocking strategies based on these insights can ensure you capture future revenue.
  • Unlocking Upsell Potential: Gain valuable insights into customer basket analysis. See which products frequently sell together, allowing you to develop targeted upsell strategies, co-location opportunities, and promotions.
  • Addressing Theft Concerns: The dashboard provides a visual overview of staff audit logs, helping you identify potential theft or training issues that require attention.
  • Optimise Your Staffing: Understand your busiest and quietest times with visual data displayed by hour and week.This allows for optimised staff scheduling to ensure you’re adequately prepared for customer influxes.

The Tower Systems insights from this weekly and monthly email is a game-changer for local small business retailers. It has been built with real local retailers, to ensure it is of service to them and all who rely on their business.

In addition to the email sent automatically, Tower POS software customers can access these and more insights from the Insights Dash card in the software as well as from the cloud based Visual Deck product includes with access to the POS software.

This is Tower Systems delivering to retailers tools and facilities in its software for no extra cost, making the Tower solution cost competitive for many local specialty retailers.

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Tower Systems: POS Software Designed for Local Garden Centres and Nurseries, Australian Made, Australian Supported

September 6, 2024
3 Min read
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Here at Tower Systems, we’re proud to support hundreds of thriving garden centres and local plant nurseries across Australia with POS software built specifically for their needs.

We understand that garden centres and nurseries aren’t your everyday retail businesses. You have unique requirements that go beyond standard Garden Centre POS systems. That’s why we’ve worked closely with our valued garden centre customers to develop a suite of features that will make your life easier and your business more successful.

Here’s a taste of what Tower Systems Garden Centre POS Software can offer your garden centre or nursery:

  • Evergreen Connect integration.
  • International Barcode Lookup.
  • Streamlined Dispatch Management: Manage multiple trucks and deliveries efficiently with our dispatch tools.Integrate with Allotrac for next-level dispatch control.
  • Loyalty Programs Made Easy: Implement a loyalty program that truly rewards your customers and keeps them coming back for more.
  • Bulk Buying and Customised Products: Track raw materials you buy in bulk and manage the creation of your own unique plant mixes.
  • Local Plant Care Tips: Offer valuable plant care information right on your receipts, adding an extra touch and promoting your expertise.
  • Flexible Sales Options: Sell by weight, length, fractions, colour, size, and style – all catered for in our system.
  • Durable Product Labels: Our labels can handle the elements, so your product information stays clear and crisp.
  • Seasonal Sales Forecasting: Easily plan your stock based on past seasonal performance and ensure you have the right plants in stock at the right time.
  • Sell Anywhere: Take your business mobile with our integrated tablet-based platform.
  • Dynamic Pricing: Easily report on and adjust plant prices as needed.
  • Integrated Rostering: Simplify staff scheduling with seamless integration with Deputy, Tanda, or Planday.
  • Digital Receipts: Offer eco-friendly digital receipts through Slyp.
  • Quote and Invoice Management: Generate and manage quotes and invoices with ease.

And that’s not all! We’ve recently added even more features to make your life easier:

  • Effortless Product Descriptions: Generate compelling product descriptions with the help of our ChatGPT integration.
  • Faster Product Setup: Add new products quickly and accurately with our international barcode database lookup tool.
  • Professional Product Images: Enhance your website and online presence with automatic background removal for uploaded photos (perfect for linking to Shopify, BigCommerce, and other platforms).
  • Local Customer Reach: Get listed for free on FindIt.com.au and attract customers searching for local garden centres in their area.
  • Self-Checkout for Customers: Offer a faster and more convenient checkout experience with our self-checkout option.
  • Portable Selling: Take your sales on the go with our portable solution – perfect for large properties, local markets,and pop-up shops.
  • Self checkout.
  • Remote pop-up sales.
  • Business Intelligence insights.

At Tower Systems, we understand the importance of having POS software that caters to your specific business needs. Our system is designed and developed with Australian garden centres and nurseries in mind, helping you thrive in the competitive retail landscape.

We believe in the power of local businesses, especially those with a unique and specialised offering. When you choose Tower Systems, you’re not just getting software – you’re partnering with a team who understands and values your business.

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