The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

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

CategoryJeweller software

Streamlining secondhand goods management for Australian small business retailers

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Tower Systems offers comprehensive secondhand goods management facilities as an integral feature within our specialised retail point-of-sale (POS) software.

Initially designed to meet the specific needs of jewellers, the application of these features has broadened considerably, supporting a diverse range of retail channels, including businesses exclusively dealing in secondhand items.

As the secondhand retail landscape has evolved, so too has Tower Systems’ understanding and ability to cater to the nuanced requirements of retailers in this sector.

The secondhand goods management facilities in our POS software simplify and enhance the business processes needed for success with secondhand goods. Through the integration of advanced technology and streamlined procedures, we empower retailers to navigate the complexities of the secondhand market with confidence and efficiency.

From the initial purchase or consignment of an item through to its final sale and shop floor management, our software provides precise tracking of each used product, guaranteeing robust data integrity. These facilities are instrumental in assisting retailers to meet their regulatory obligations concerning the tracking of secondhand goods, a particularly significant aspect of today’s business climate. By automating and centralising record-keeping, our specialist POS software saves valuable time for business owners, eliminating the need for cumbersome and potentially error-prone manual processes. This meticulous data integrity proves invaluable, especially in the event of potential disputes or audits.

We understand the critical importance of adhering to regulatory requirements within the secondhand goods sector. To this end, we have taken considerable care to ensure that our secondhand goods facilities meet requirements mandated by authorities such as NSW Police, widely recognised for their advanced standards and provision of integral guidance in this area. Our software is designed to facilitate seamless compliance, providing retailers with peace of mind and reducing the administrative burden associated with regulatory adherence.

Our secondhand goods management features extend beyond basic tracking and reporting. They incorporate tools to assist with valuation, condition assessment, and the management of repairs or refurbishments, catering to the diverse nature of pre-owned merchandise. The system also supports flexible pricing strategies, allowing retailers to implement discounts, markdowns, and special offers as needed to optimise sales and inventory turnover.

By leveraging the secondhand goods management facilities in our POS software, retailers can enhance operational efficiency, improve data accuracy, ensure regulatory compliance, and ultimately drive business growth within this dynamic and increasingly important sector of the retail market. Our commitment to ongoing development and customer collaboration ensures that our software will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of secondhand goods retailers across Australia.

We are grateful for mums in local small business retail

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As you’re out shopping for Mother’s Day, it’s likely you’ll encounter a mum working in or running a shop, juggling work, the business, family, home and more. Plenty of mums we see in local retail are mentors to others in their business. Plenty are champions in their local community. See them. Celebrate them. Appreciate them. #Local #SmallBusiness #retail #grateful

Small business retail advice: specialty software matters to specialty retailers

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One thing to love about local small retail businesses is their focus on being specialists, being focussed on a product or service niche. People are more likely to trust a specialty retailer for ethic rout, their uniqueness, their specialisation.

It stands to reason that the needs of specialty retailers are best met by software designed for eerie area of expertise.

Jewellers benefit from software designed for jewellers. Big shop businesses benefit from software made for bike shops. Bookshops benefit from software made for bookshops. Produce businesses benefit from software made for produce businesses. Garden centres benefit from software made for garden centres.

You can see where we are going with this.

If you want plants for your local garden a local garden centre will be more helpful than a general retail shop that sells all manner of things.

We understand and appreciate the value of the specialist.

The same is true of software.

Anyone can say they have software for this or that type of business. Only some software companies actually make software for some specialty retail channels. Take jewellers. Right now, at the time of writing this post, Tower Systems is the only company developing software in Australia for Aussie jewellers. And, yes, Aussie jewellers have unique needs, needs serves by our specialty jeweller POS software.

Specialist retail software made for your type of business is more likely to help more in the running of your business, assisting productivity and nurturing profitability.

Generic software can only go so far. It is certainly unlikely to help you shine a light on the specialty nature of your business, what makes you unique.

If being a specialty retailer matters to you, taker a moment to consider software made for your type of business.

This laser focus on specific industries allows Tower Systems to build in features and functionalities that directly address the unique challenges and opportunities within each of the retail channels we serve. For instance, a point-of-sale system designed for a jeweller might include features for managing valuations, custom orders, and intricate inventory tracking of precious metals and gemstones – functionalities that would be irrelevant and cumbersome in software designed for a bookstore. By catering to these niche requirements, specialist software empowers small retail businesses to operate more efficiently, serve their customers better, and ultimately leverage their unique expertise for greater success.

If you are a specialty retailer, we’d love to see if we can serve your needs.

Shoptalk 2025 recap: AI in retail, Waymo driverless cars and local small retail vs. big business

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In this video, Mark and Anthony share their insights and experiences from Shop Talk 2025 in Las Vegas, covering everything from personalised merchandise and TikTok’s engaging strategies to the transformative power of AI and the potential of driverless cars in the retail landscape.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover:

  • Personalised Experiences: Learn how companies are creating unique and memorable experiences for customers through custom merchandise and interactive displays.
  • AI’s Impact on Retail: Explore practical applications of AI for small businesses, including AI-driven ads and time-saving tools.
  • The Future of Transportation: Get a firsthand look at Waymo driverless cars and their potential to revolutionize transportation.
  • Adapting to Change: Understand the importance of being nimble and adaptive in the rapidly evolving retail environment.
  • Creating Unique Shopping Environments: Discover the value of crafting enjoyable and memorable shopping experiences.

This video offers valuable takeaways for retailers of all sizes, offering actionable insights and inspiration for the future of the industry.

Shoptalk is a conference for retailers about retailing, a place to discover what’s on the mind of retailers large and small. I attended conference sessions, one-on-one meetings organised by Shoptalk and a round table with 7 retailers talking tech.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the hot topic on stage and on the trade show floor.

From a retailer perspective, Shoptalk 2025 highlighted that rapid extensive change is here, standing still is not an option. Without explicitly saying it, the suppliers there, supported by so many speakers, urged change in retail from the ground up.

It is in this moment where we see opportunity for small business retail, and opportunity for us to encourage this.

Watching the revolution from the sidelines is not where you want to be.

In the context of the Tower verticals, the flexibility of our software helps retailers who want to play outside what has been traditional for their type of business. We are setup for helping them break through barriers.

Given the money being spent by tech businesses of the AI pitch, companies without such a pitch may find it challenging.

Tower Systems helps local small business retailers thrive by offering access to smart tech made for them, tech that helps them compete in this rapidly changing world.

How AI in your POS system can help your retail business

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Ever wondered how AI can actually help your retail business today? Michael, Luke, and Mark – seasoned retail pros with hands-on experience – sat down to discuss the real-world impact of AI tools in POS software. They shared practical examples of saving time and boosting profits, drawing from decades in the industry. Even though they use Tower Systems POS, the insights are gold for any small business retailer. Watch their discussion recorded April 3, 2025, to hear how AI could be a game-changer for you!

Real people talking retail from practical experience. This is the Tower Systems difference on show.

This engaging conversation provides relatable, real-life examples that illustrate the tangible benefits of AI, contrasting old methods with today’s AI-enhanced opportunities. While the discussion touches on the AI capabilities within Tower System POS software, the core business principles and strategic considerations are relevant to any small business retailer exploring the potential of AI. They also address the crucial topic of data security when using AI, offering valuable perspectives on protecting your business’s intellectual property.

This video is part of Tower Systems’ ongoing commitment to providing practical business insights for local small business retailers. It highlights their focus on developing and supporting tailored POS software for niche specialty retailers, including jewellers, garden centres, bike shops, and many more.

Discover how AI in POS software could benefit your retail business. Watch the discussion and learn more about Tower Systems at www.towersystems.com.au, call 1300 662 957, or email sales@towersystems.com.au.

Don’t get overwhelmed by the hype around AI. This discussion cuts through the noise, offering tangible examples of how AI in POS software can streamline your daily tasks, optimize inventory, and personalize customer interactions. Learn from real-world successes and see how these tools, like those in Tower Systems POS, translate to a healthier bottom line for small retailers.

Tower Systems is a small business focussed POS software company developing, and supporting POS software for niche specialty retailers. Jewellers, garden centres, bike shops, toy shops, produce businesses, farm supply businesses, fishing shops, pet shops, charity businesses, landscape gardening businesses, antique shops, sewing shops, haberdashery businesses, newsagents and more benefit from this software.

How to spot if POS software is AI enabled or is merely riding the coattails of the AI tools of others

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Plenty of the POS software companies are promoting their software using AI (Artificial Intelligence) as a keyword do not offer AI facilities embedded I their software.

Here at Tower Systems when we talk abut AI tools in our POS software we talk about direct integrations from within the software that use AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to provide direct access to, from within our software, AI insights and facilities that help local small business retailers save time making better business decisions.

You don’t have to take data from our software and plug it in somewhere else. The integration is seamless and there ready for your use right away.

If you want to leverage AI tools in managing your retail business, a good place to start is AI enabled POS software, that is, POS software with Ai tools embedded in the software without you have two underdog a bunch os steps acrid different software for AI benefits and insights.

When considering POS software, ask for a live demonstration of their AI tools.

We show what POS software integrated AI tools look like in several videos on our YouTube channel, including this one from a week or so ago.

There is nothing better than show, don’t tell. In this video we deomonstrate without editing some of our current AI enabled POS software tools.

Using our AI POS tools, retailers for:

  • Generating product names to maximise search opportunities.
  • Generating meaningful and SEO ready product descriptions to maximise search opportunities.
  • Easily loading PDF invoices from any supplier, converting them to an import ready electronic invoice.
  • Price comparing locally, outside the business, to reveal better profit and competition opportunities.
  • Generating publishing ready blog posts for products managed by the POS software, and publishing these blog posts for you if you wish.

These facilities exist today, and this list of five are only some of the AI POS software capabilities we offer our customers. We’d love to show you more in the context of your specific business.

The core advantages of our AI tools are time savings, improved decision quality, and faster decision-making. We are committed to ongoing research and development, with exciting enhancements on the horizon.

We are grateful to so many of our customers who are accompanying us on this path. Their in-store feedback from lived experience using our AI enabled POS software is helping us better serve their needs. Our beta community has been a terrific help as we have brought these AI tools too life.

Our software development team are advanced in this area of AI and POS software. We are advanced in other ways that we will talk about another time.

Tower Systems is a small business focussed POS software company developing, and supporting POS software for niche specialty retailers. Jewellers, garden centres, bike shops, toy shops, produce businesses, farm supply businesses, fishing shops, pet shops, charity businesses, landscape gardening businesses, antique shops, sewing shops, haberdashery businesses, newsagents and more benefit from this software.

Find out more at www.towersystems.com.au

30 facilities in our POS software that make it more useful to local specialty retailers.

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Here at Tower Systems we make and support POS software for specialty retailers, retailers with operational needs beyond basic retail needs, needs through which they differentiate their businesses.

This list is NOT complete. It offers a taste of what specialty retail POS software offers. Also, many retailers only use one or two of these things. We have the list here today as it speaks to the depth of diverse functionality available in our POS software.

  1. Serial number tracking.
  2. Selling by length.
  3. Scale integration for selling by weight.
  4. Sharing product care instructions with purchase.
  5. Dispatch integration, including through to delivery mapping.
  6. Managing product returns for items you can return for credit if not sold by a time.
  7. Product attribute details.
  8. Age check for selected products.
  9. Sell from on the road or anywhere including a pop-up shop.
  10. Advanced stock search making finding stock easy.
  11. AI integration enabling SEO friendly product descriptions.
  12. AI auto generation of blog posts promoting products.
  13. Tracking inventory without barcodes.
  14. International barcode database lookup for easy stock setup.
  15. Product image management for each website data feed.
  16. ID recording for products requiring this.
  17. Uploading sales data to suppliers automatically for auto replenishment.
  18. Selling units by fractions.
  19. Upgrading product pricing as a product grows, such as you can do with plants.
  20. Managing special orders for customers.
  21. Tracking repairs from the moment a repair is dropped off to when it is picked up.
  22. Club / community group pricing: easily attract and service group members.
  23. Bundle products to sell more.
  24. Security settings controlling who has access to what.
  25. Shopper loyalty: cash on receipt offering a discount off next purchase.
  26. Shopper loyalty: points accrual and redemption.
  27. Gift card sale and balance management.
  28. Helping you market to customers based on past purchases.
  29. Sell and manage services.
  30. Link to a Shopify, Big Commerce or Woo website.

If you are a specialty retailer, Tower Systems may have software that can serve your specialty retail needs. We are grateful to serve toy shops, jewellers, firearms dealers, bike shops, bookshops, fashion shops, newsagencies, garden centres, fishing and outdoors shops, music shops, produce businesses, stockfeed businesses, gift shops, homewares shops, trophy shops, charity businesses and plenty more.

Specialty small business retail is our jam. We’d love to discover if we could help your local retail business.

5 ways small business retailers can use AI in POS software today

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Here are 5 ways that small business retailers are using AI tools in POS software from Tower Systems today:

  1. Generating product names to maximise search opportunities.
  2. Generating meaningful and SEO ready product descriptions.
  3. Easily loading PDF invoices from any supplier.
  4. Price comparing locally, outside the business, to reveal better profit opportunities.
  5. Generating publishing ready blog posts.

The AI tools in POS software from Tower Systems go way beyond these five features though. Tower has been delivering AI tools and AI integrations since mid 2022, helping local small business retailers compete.

These POS software AI tools from Tower Systems help local small business retailers more effectively, efficiently and profitably compete. Best of all, our customers get to choose if and when they use the tools. They are always in control.

Saving time, improving the quality of business decisions and speeding p decision making are three key benefits of the AI tools in our POS software already delivered. What comes next is even more enhancement and we are excited for the research and development being undertaken for this.

As an early adopter in the field of AI-powered POS solutions, Tower Systems has developed valuable experience. This is used in service of our community of small business retailers and guiding them towards greater success.

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.

We are here for a win for local small business retailers and AI is playing a terrific role in this. It all started for us when we owned shops ourselves and wanted to deliver efficiency in them. We researched, experimented and evolved our POS software. Now, years on, we are grateful to be helping so many of our customers in this space.

If you run a local small retail business. AI is key to success in 2025 and beyond in-store as well as online. Tower Systems is here to help you with this with software equipped in this area.

Plenty of software companies are talking about AI, few have usage experience like us in our marketplaces.

The benefits of the Best POS Software for any retail business will be more beneficial than any price difference

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There’s POS software, and then there’s the right POS software for your business. The difference between the two can be huge.

Writing POS software is easy. Writing POS software that delivers on specialty retail needs is more complex.

It’s not about price you pay for the software, it’s about the commercial benefits to your business.

Even though plenty of companies want you to think it is about price of the software. They want you to believe it’s all about price because that’s how they compete. Competing on price is easy – and lazy – as any retailer knows.

People who buy based on price aren’t loyal. And loyalty matters when it comes to POS software.

  • You want your POS software company to invest in their software – the software you’re using.
  • You want them to focus on serving you, not chasing customers who only want the cheapest option.
  • You want more from the software for your business than just a quick dopamine hit from a low price.

It’s not about price because that’s the least of the costs of POS software.

The best POS software saves you time. It helps you make better decisions. It helps you stand out from the competition and attract loyal customers. It helps you nurture better employees and reduce your stress levels. Ultimately, the best POS software is about money because of all these things. It will help you run a more enjoyable and valuable retail business.

Take your time. Make the right decision.

Too often, POS software companies pressure small business retailers into making a quick decision. They chase sales and apply unnecessary pressure. Don’t succumb to this. Make the decision you feel best about, when you’re ready.

Get this right, and you can tap into some awesome benefits from the right POS software for your retail business. Here are some of the benefits we offer retailers we partner with:

  • Save time with electronic invoices from suppliers.
  • Offer personal customer service by tracking dates that are important to your customers.
  • Use tags to get a fresh perspective on stock performance.
  • Leverage your knowledge. If you believe your expertise is a differentiator, offer it through structured opportunities in the software.
  • Easily handle special customer orders. Bring product in for a specific customer and have them notified automatically by email or text when the goods arrive.
  • Build business-differentiating loyalty. Stand out from the crowd and have customers coming back to you for this. We’re told it’s a game-changer.
  • Maximise the basket with easy-to-use one-time shopper loyalty tools.
  • Trade and club pricing profiles. Set pricing rules based on customer type.
  • Leverage your local community with an awesome two-way benefits package.
  • Make money from pre-orders. Easily pre-sell a delivery so that when the stock arrives, you can manage distribution and billing efficiently.
  • Differentiate with informative receipts. These can include product care, use and safety information based on what customers buy.
  • Differentiate with bundles. Selling items bundled together makes price comparison difficult.
  • Track who sold what.
  • Say goodbye to LayBy (if you want) with buy now, pay later options.
  • Market to customers based on past purchases.
  • Save time by importing electronic invoices.
  • Sell more with a direct connection to buy now, pay later services.
  • Cut mistakes with integrated EFTPOS.
  • Cut accounting and bookkeeping fees with integration to Xero and others.
  • Easily sell online with a direct link to Shopify, Magento or WooCommerce from your POS software.

These are tangible deliverables, and the list is incomplete. Using our POS software, you can expect even more benefits than these.

Remember: Choosing the right POS software is an investment in your business’s future. Take your time, research your options, and select the system that best meets your needs and supports your growth.

How does Tower Systems POS software compare to EPOS Now?

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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.

The best jeweller software for independent jewellery shops?

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Tower Systems is proud to support hundreds of local Australian jewellers with our Aussie-made and supported Point of Sale (POS) jeweller software. We develop and support POS software for niche specialty retailers, like jewellers in Australia and New Zealand. With hundreds current users, our jeweller software is proving its value in helping local independent jewellers run valuable and enjoyable businesses, evolving their customer mix and growing business performance.

We believe in our product and don’t pay anyone to recommend us. We’re independent and focused on delivering the best possible service and software.

Our jeweller software handles a comprehensive range of tasks, from jeweller-specific inventory tracking (including stone details) and importing supplier invoices, to repairs management, second-hand goods, and even selling by fractions or length. We’ve got you covered for special customer orders, tracking customer purchase history, and reducing employee and customer theft. Plus, our software helps you target market to customers based on past purchases, maximising your marketing efforts.

If you want to know the best jeweller software for your jewellery shop, consider Tower Systems, compare us to other software companies, compare our software. We’d be glad for a function by function comparison.

Only you can know if our Tower Systems jeweller POS software is the best for your business though.

We integrate seamlessly with other industry-leading platforms to boost your productivity. Think Xero for accounting, Tanda, Deputy and Planday for rostering, Slyp for digital receipts, Shopify and Big Commerce for online sales, ChatGPT for smart product descriptions, and RemoveBG for photo background removal. One of our most popular features is our flexible loyalty program, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs and encourage repeat business. We also offer EFTPOS choice, with no financial penalty or per transaction cost from us, and the ability to easily add surcharges.

We understand that flexibility is key. That’s why our rental agreements can be cancelled at any time, and you’re free to choose the EFTPOS provider that best suits your business. We offer one-on-one training, backed by a comprehensive library of training videos and a 24/7 accessible knowledge base.

Our jeweller software boasts a range of benefits designed to streamline your operations and boost your bottom line. These include club pricing, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers, warranty tracking, our Retailer Roam™ app for selling anywhere, and seasonal reordering. You’ll also have access to powerful tools like loyalty facilities, seamless Shopify integration, special orders, repair facilities, second-hand goods management, colour/size/style inventory tracking, and event marketing based on customer milestones.

Local Aussie jewellers are vital to their communities. They live and work locally, hiring locally and contributing to the local economy. Tower Systems is grateful to play a part in supporting these businesses with our Aussie-made and supported POS software.

See for yourself why so many jewellers choose Tower Systems. Visit our YouTube channel to watch a product demonstration (no contact details required). For more information or to discuss your specific business needs, call us on 1300 662 957 or email us at sales@towersystems.com.au.

Let us make a beautiful Shopify website for your business

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

How POS software embedded AI tools from Tower Systems help small business retailers

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Back in mid 2022, Tower Systems released the first embedded AI tools in its POS software that serves local small business retailers. In the time since, we have further enhanced our embedded AI tools facilities, expanding the assistances delivered to our indie retailer customer base.

Being an early-adopter in the AI within POS software space has helped it win new customers. More important that this is the help we have delivered to our POS software customers.

The AI tools embedded in our POS software, which our customers can choose to use or not, focus on saving time, improving the speed and quality of decision making, revealing hitherto unknown insights about the business and increasing sales.

Making these POS software AI tools available for small business retailers positioned Tower Systems well back in 2022, a position maintained as we have delivered more AI assist tools within the software and without additional cost tour customers.

From auto generation of product descriptions to auto population of product data and images to discovering decisions that can be taken that will absolutely make more money for the business – these AI tools in the Tower Systems POS software have tangible commercial value.

One retailer told us that they have reduced allocated time for some tasks by 12 hours a month thanks to the tools. Another retailer told us that they can track thousands of dollars of additional revenue directly back to using the AI tool in the POS software.

2025 will see significant enhancements of the AI tools embedded in the Tower Systems POS software with the first of these just a few weeks away. This update, which is already in testing, delivers extraordinary benefits that will help local small business retailers compete beyond what has been possible until now.

Tower Systems has been a pioneer in leveraging the power of AI to empower local small business retailers. By proactively integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities within our POS software, we’ve not only differentiated ourselves in the market but also provided invaluable support to our customers. These AI-driven tools deliver real, measurable results, from increased efficiency and reduced workload to significant revenue growth.

As we continue to innovate and expand our AI offerings, Tower Systems remains committed to equipping independent retailers with the technology and insights they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Software made for jewellers in Australia and New Zealand

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Tower Systems is grateful to serve hundreds of jewellers in Australia and New Zealand with POS software made specifically for them.

In the rapidly changing landscape of Australian retail, independent jewellers occupy a special place. They bring a unique blend of passion, expertise, and customer service to the communities they serve. But in today’s competitive market, it’s crucial for these businesses to have the right tools at their disposal to flourish.

Tower Systems understands the specific needs of Australian jewellers. Their software is designed to streamline operations, boost sales, and enhance customer loyalty, allowing jewellers to focus on what they do best: creating beautiful pieces and providing exceptional service.

Streamlined operations for efficiency and accuracy

Tower Systems’ software goes beyond traditional point-of-sale systems. It offers a comprehensive suite of features specifically designed for jewellery stores, including:

  • Jeweller-specific stock management: Track inventory down to the finest detail, including stone details, weight, and grading.
  • Seamless integrations: Connect with Xero for accounting, Shopify and BigCommerce for online sales, and EFTPOS terminals for secure payments.
  • Second-hand goods management: Simplify the buying and selling of pre-owned jewellery with dedicated features.
  • Repair management: Track repairs both in-house and with external vendors.
  • Event marketing tools: Create targeted marketing campaigns based on customer anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Boosting Sales and Customer Satisfaction

Tower Systems empowers jewellers to not only manage their stores efficiently but also to grow their sales and cultivate stronger customer relationships. Here’s how:

  • Loyalty programs: Design and implement loyalty programs tailored to your clientele, encouraging repeat business and referrals.
  • Sell by weight and fractions: Cater to customers who want to purchase specific gold or gemstone quantities.
  • Sell anywhere: Use the Retailer Roam™ app to process sales from anywhere on the shop floor, enhancing customer service.
  • Special order tools: Take pre-orders for items you don’t have in stock, capitalising on customer demand.
  • Data-driven insights: Gain valuable insights into sales trends and customer behaviour to make informed business decisions.

Empowerment through training and support

Tower Systems prioritises customer success. They provide a structured onboarding process, including:

  • Pre-installation training and information packs
  • Personalised one-on-one training delivered remotely or on-site
  • Unlimited follow-up training
  • Data conversion assistance
  • Access to a comprehensive knowledge base and video library

Tower Systems’ commitment goes beyond initial setup. They offer ongoing support through their local help desk, ensuring that jewellers have the resources they need to get the most out of the software.

The Tower Systems difference

Tower Systems stands out from the competition in several key ways:

  • Focus on independent jewellers: Their software is designed specifically for the needs of Australian jewellery stores, not generic retailers.
  • No lock-in contracts: Jewellers are free to cancel their subscription at any time.
  • EFTPOS choice: Tower Systems integrates with various EFTPOS providers, allowing jewellers to choose the one that best suits their business.
  • Australian-made and supported: Tower Systems is a local company that understands the Australian jewellery market and provides local support.

By partnering with Tower Systems, Australian jewellers can leverage locally made and supported POS software that is tuned for their type of business.  With their user-friendly software, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, Tower Systems empowers jewellers to thrive in the competitive retail landscape.

3 ways any local small business retailer can improve their profit

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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

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

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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.

POS software update delivers on user requests

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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.

POS software integrated EFTPOS helps local small business retailers

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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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