CategoryPOS Software

Pop-up shops are an established and thriving segment of retail in Australia, and globally. They offer businesses a unique opportunity to engage with customers in a temporary, often limited-time, setting. Aussie POS software company Tower Systems offers a comprehensive and user-friendly pos-up shop POS software solution tailored to the needs of pop-up shops.

In developing its pop-up POS software solution, the team at Tower Systems considered:

• Flexibility and Scalability: Pop-up shops are often characterised by their temporary nature and varying product offerings. Tower Systems’ POS software is designed to accommodate these dynamic requirements. Its flexible features allow you to easily add or remove products, adjust pricing, and manage inventory levels as needed.
• Inventory Management: Accurate inventory tracking is crucial for pop-up shops to avoid stockouts or overstocking. Tower Systems provides robust inventory management tools, including barcode scanning,stocktaking, and real-time inventory updates. This ensures that you always have a clear picture of your product availability and can make informed decisions about replenishment.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Building a loyal customer base is essential for the success of any business, including pop-up shops. Tower Systems helps retailers capture vital data for valuable decision making.
• Payment Processing: Efficient payment processing is vital for a smooth customer experience. Tower Systems supports a wide range of payment methods, including cash, card, and digital wallets. This flexibility ensures that you can accommodate the preferences of your customers and streamline the checkout process.
• Reporting and Analytics: To make data-driven decisions and optimise pop-up performance, having access to comprehensive reporting and analytics is essential. Tower Systems offers insights and tools.
• Cloud-Based: Our pop-up shop POS software solution is cloud-based, you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection. This provides flexibility and convenience for pop-up shops that may operate in multiple locations or have remote staff.
• Australian-Based Support: Tower Systems offers local support and expertise, ensuring that you have access to assistance when you need it.

Choosing the right POS software is essential for the success with pop-up retail. Tower Systems welcomes talking with sales prospects, to discover needs and explore if we may be the right solution. It starts here: sales@towersystems.com.au or 1300 662 957.

Is Cash Out Day a misdirected focus? Maybe, we think.

Cash Out Day, a campaign designed to highlight the use of cash in retail and other transactions, often falls short of its intended goal. By focusing solely on a single day and targeting banks, it presents a simplistic view of the decline in cash usage.

While the campaign aims to engage people with cash, it’s essentially a one-day media stunt. The emphasis on withdrawing cash from ATMs suggests that banks are somehow responsible for the shift towards electronic payments. This oversimplification overlooks the broader societal and technological factors driving this change.

Perhaps more effective campaigns could focus on highlighting the unique benefits of cash. For example, many retailers are currently offering the NAIDOC 50 cent piece as change. This sought-after coin appeals to collectors and underscores the tangible nature of physical currency.

The process of collecting and holding coins is a tactile experience that sets cash apart from digital transactions. By circulating the NAIDOC coin through cash registers, retailers are participating in a more subtle yet meaningful campaign.

While this approach might not garner the same media attention as Cash Out Day, it offers a more nuanced and sustainable way to promote cash usage. It emphasizes the value and collectability of physical currency, without placing blame on banks or resorting to short-term media stunts.

By focusing on a single day and placing blame on banks, it fails to address the underlying reasons for the decline in cash usage.

More effective campaigns could highlight the unique benefits of cash, such as its tangible nature and collectability. The NAIDOC 50 cent piece, for example, offers a tangible incentive for people to use cash and appreciate its value.

By promoting cash in a more nuanced and sustainable way, we can encourage its continued use without resorting to short-term media stunts or placing blame on specific institutions.

Tower Systems is grateful to be working with many retailers offering the NAIDOC 50c coin as change through their cash registers, helping Australians across the country access this sought after coin and thereby to engage with the joy of holding physical currency in their hands. Our POS software reaches many, in varied ways.

Tower Systems does not have any hidden fees associated with use of its POS software.

With Tower Systems:

• There is no fee per transactions.
• There is no requirement to use a specific payments gateway.
• There is no additional fee to use loyalty, access smart reports or to handle customer accounts.
• There is no additional fee associated with the value of sales, the number of stock items or the number of customers.
• There is no extra fee to access the Xero link, Shopify link or other third party links.
• There is no extra fee to access the customer service help desk.

Anyone considering POS software needs to thoroughly research costs associated with any POS software they are considering.

In our experience, too many POS software companies do have hidden fees and additional costs associated with their POS software.

Transaction Fees

• Payment Processing: Some POS systems charge a percentage of each transaction, often combined with a fixed fee.  One company charges the retailer an additional fee if they use a payments gateway other than their own.
• Card Types: Some systems may charge higher fees for certain card types.

Monthly Subscription Fees

• Software Access: Many POS systems require a monthly subscription fee to access the software and its features.   
• Additional Modules: If you need specialised features like inventory management, employee scheduling, or customer loyalty programs, you may face additional subscription costs. Do your homework.

Integration Costs

• Third-Party Apps: If you want to integrate your POS system with other software, such as accounting or e-commerce platforms, you may incur integration fees.

Support and Training

• Technical Support: Many providers offer technical support, but it may come at an additional cost, especially for premium services.
• Training: Training your staff on how to use the POS system effectively can also be expensive.

Data Migration and Setup Fees

• Moving Data: If you’re switching from another POS system, you may need to pay for data migration services.
• Setup Costs: Setting up the POS system, including hardware installation and configuration, can involve one-time fees. Be sure to get the details up front.

To avoid surprises, it’s crucial to:

• Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the POS software agreement.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about any potential hidden fees or recurring costs.

Tower Systems does not have any hidden fees associated with use of its POS software.

Tower Systems is a leading provider of POS software for small business retailers in Australia. We’re proud of that and grateful to our 3,750+ local retail;l business customers.

We are proud to offer a seamless integration with Tyro EFTPOS, providing our customers with an easy-to-use, safe, secure, and business-beneficial solution for taking card payments in-store.

Tower Systems was an early adopter of POS software integration with Tyro. We are grateful to count many hundreds of small business retailer customers using this specific solution today.

The Tower POS software Tyro integration means less keystrokes at the sales counter. This saves time and reduces mistakes. Best of all, it reduces the opportunity for employee theft. This is a single touch POS / EFTPOS solution for retailers, and it has been around for many years, helping retail businesses of all sizes, including garden centres, jewellers, bike shops, newsagents, pet shops, toy shops, music shops, produce businesses, outdoors businesses, bookshops, and more.

Benefits of the seamless and smart Tower Systems Tyro Integration

• Easy to use: The Tower POS software Tyro integration is simple to set up and use. There is no need for additional training or support.
• Safe and secure: Tyro is a PCI DSS Level 1 compliant payment processor. This means that your customer’s card data is always safe and secure.
• Business beneficial: The Tower POS software Tyro integration can help you save time and money. It can also help you reduce the risk of employee theft.
• Reliable: Tyro has a proven track record of reliability. You can count on Tyro to provide you with a high-quality EFTPOS service.

Get Started Here:

If you are a small business retailer in Australia, we encourage you to learn more about the Tower Systems Tyro integration. You can visit our website or contact us directly on 1300 662 957 or sales@towersystems.com.au to request a demo.

Okay, we’re going to toot our own horn: we think that our Tower Systems Tyro integration is the best POS / EFTPOS solution for small business specialty retailers in Australia. We are confident that you will be happy with our product and service. If we think we are not right for you, we will say so.

Let’s recap:

• Tower Systems is a proud partner of Tyro.
• The Tower POS software Tyro integration is available to all small business retailers in Australia.
• Tyro is a PCI DSS Level 1 compliant payment processor.
• The Tower POS software Tyro integration can help you save time and money.
• The Tower POS software Tyro integration can help you reduce the risk of employee theft.

We are a local Aussie POS software company serving local Aussie retail businesses. Our focus is on small businesses. Each one of our customers has a voice. Our direction as a software company is not controlled by a big loud and demanding customer. Small businesses rock!!!

Thank you for reading!

The retail industry is undergoing a major shift, similar to what happened with traditional media. With the rise of streaming services and on-demand content, consumers are no longer tied to appointment TV, radio, and print schedules. Instead,they can access the content they want, when they want, and on any device. This same trend is now happening in retail.

In the past, retailers dictated when and how customers could shop. Stores had specific opening hours, and customers had to physically visit the store to make a purchase. However, with the growth of e-commerce, consumers can now shop online 24/7. This gives them greater flexibility and convenience, and it’s forcing retailers to adapt.

Tower Systems argues that retailers who fail to embrace this shift will miss out on a huge opportunity. By offering online shopping, retailers can reach a wider audience and sell to customers who may not be able to visit their physical store.Additionally, online shopping can provide valuable data about customer behavior, which can be used to improve the overall customer experience.

If you’re a retailer, it’s important to consider how you can adapt to this changing landscape. One option is to create a website or online store where customers can browse and purchase your products. You can also use social media to connect with customers and promote your business.

Ultimately, the key to success in the retail industry is to put the customer first. By offering convenience, flexibility, and a great shopping experience, you can attract and retain customers in today’s competitive market.

This transformation is not just about the shift from physical to digital stores. It’s also about creating a seamless omnichannel experience. Consumers expect to be able to shop anytime, anywhere, and on any device. They want to research products online, then try them on in-store, and potentially purchase them through their mobile phone. Retailers must integrate their online and offline channels to meet these evolving expectations. This includes offering services like click-and-collect, buy online, pick-up in-store, and returns to physical stores. Tower Systems can help with this.

Smart POS software and other tech is enabling new retail models. Subscription boxes, personalised recommendations, and augmented reality shopping experiences are becoming increasingly common. These innovations are changing the way consumers discover and purchase products. Retailers must stay ahead of the curve by adopting new technologies and experimenting with different retail formats. Ultimately, the future of retail belongs to those who can create engaging and evolving customer experiences across all touch points.

Naturally, as an Australian POS software company, we advocate for the success of Australian businesses over international competitors. This is particularly relevant when considering the tax implications for everyday Australians. However, this article focuses on the broader benefits of Australian-made POS software for local retail businesses and the wider community.

Software is essentially a narrative tool for retail businesses. It helps them craft and communicate their brand story.Australian businesses often have a unique story to tell, and Australian-made software is specifically designed to effectively convey this. Overseas software, while potentially functional, may lack the nuanced understanding of the Australian retail landscape.

Our POS software helps local Aussie businesses pitch local.

Australia’s retail sector, particularly small businesses, has distinct characteristics. A large, multinational software company may not prioritise the specific needs of a $300,000 to $500,000 turnover business. In contrast, a locally focused company like Tower Systems specialises in supporting this segment and understands the importance of personal service.

Transparency and accessibility are crucial. Tower Systems offers direct access to our leadership team, a rarity in the POS software industry, especially among larger international companies.

The retail industry is constantly evolving, and these changes vary between countries. Australian retailers require software solutions tailored to their unique challenges and opportunities.

By choosing a local software provider, retailers contribute to the development of local skills and expertise. Australian software companies offer valuable real-world experience for programmers. Moreover, supporting local businesses helps to maintain essential government services funded by Australian taxes.

Ultimately, the decision to use Australian-made software is a reflection of a business’s commitment to supporting the local community. While Tower Systems specialises in specific retail niches, we respect the diverse needs of the industry. We offer our expertise where it aligns with a business’s goals and always provide honest recommendations.

By investing in Australian-made software, retailers contribute to the growth of the local economy, support job creation,and ultimately enhance their ability to compete and thrive in the Australian market.

We are proud to be an Australian POS software company supporting Australian retailers.

With a deep-rooted understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Australian businesses, we offer tailored solutions that empower our clients to thrive. Our focus on specialty retail, combined with our dedication to exceptional customer service and ongoing software development, sets us apart. By choosing Tower Systems, retailers not only invest in their business’s success but also contribute to the strength of the Australian economy.  

We are grateful for the new customers won at the Melbourne Gift Fair over the last four days and the many existing customers we got to chat with.

Our stand was part of the Reed Gift Fair. There is also the lesser known AGHA Gift Fair.

As the only POS software company with a stand we made the most of the opportunity, talking with retailers keen to consider other software, retailers keen for more modern software.

Being at trade shows like the Reed Gift Fair demonstrates a commitment to the retailers who attend and to the suppliers exhibiting at the fair. Most are important groups to a POS software business like ours.

Each year we are surprised that other POS software companies don’t support the trade show by taking a stand and making themselves available to customers and sales prospects.

This year on our stand at Reed Gift Fair we demonstrated:

• Cloud based POS solution.
• Retail business insights dashboard.
• POS software self checkout for small business retail.
• Smart loyalty tools.
• How to convert from other POS software.

We had a great time over the four busy days. The trade show ended yesterday.

As retailers ourselves we use this and other trade shows as opportunities to discover new products. We look at the trade show from multiple perspectives. We’re unique like that.

We have a deep understanding of the Australian retail landscape. We’ve been proudly serving local businesses for years, and our software is tailored specifically to their needs.

From managing complex inventory to streamlining sales, we’ve got you covered. Our POS system is more than just a cash register; it’s a powerful tool designed to help you make informed decisions, increase sales, and build customer loyalty. With features like advanced reporting, integrated loyalty programs, and seamless integration with other business systems, Tower Systems empowers you to take control of your business.   

The Reed Gift Fair in Melbourne was terrific. We are grateful for the opportunity to actively participate from our stand at the trade show as well as at the range of supplier engagement opportunities presented at the fair.

Now we get ready for our next trade show, which is in three weeks time.

Retailer Roam is another tool in our Tower Systems POS software solution suite. It is cloud based POS software that lets retailers work where needed: on the road, at a market, in a pop-up shop, from a truck, from home, while at a supplier warehouse.

This is truly portable POS software. We have customers using it at local markets, in pop-up shops and from trucks on the road all day selling.

It is cloud based POS software. In the cloud, and working when net access is not available.

This is POS software for businesses on the move. Transact anywhere, any time.

Retailer Roam is available to all Tower Systems POS software customers. This is a proven solution bringing flexibility and remote access to retail businesses in ways that serve their portable and flexible POS software access needs.

The latest version, out now, is even more comprehensive and beneficial.

Behind the scenes, seamlessly, data is synchronised in 3 phases in serving of the needs of our retail business customers. Here is how this happens:

1. Phase One is an initial transfer that contains the base stock. This is done on start-up. It sets Retailer Roam up to be able to sell.
2. Phase Two is to receive product updates – on hand levels or pricing changes.
3. Phase Three is to send sales and customer, inventory and sales data to Retailer. Sales data is identified by each Roam terminal, allowing you to view the terminal sales.

Sales (Phase 3) will be stored in a ‘Queue’ on the device, which will be cleared periodically to sync sales with the Roam server (and then sent to Retailer). There is an option to force a sale to be sent to Retailer again (incase it was missed for whatever reason).

Retailer Roam can work where there is no internet access, making the storage and sharing of data back to the base of the business flexible and accurate to the needs of the business.

Retailer Roam offers retailers on the go a range of facilities including…

• Cash/EFTPOS Sales
• Invoice Sales
• Create a LayBy
• Sell stock with Serial Numbers
• Loyalty Point Redemption & Acrrual
• Customised POS Screens
• Variants
• Refunds
• Basic End of Shift
• Stocktaking
• Re-ordering
• Integrated EFTPOS

Retailer Roam is a solution for retail businesses that need to be able to conduct business on the go, from a variety of situations, from multiple terminals of iPads at once. It is easy to use and secure in service of the needs of retail businesses.

Join us on a quick walk through one of the retail shops we own, where we play with the POS software we make, to help us provide better software to our small business retail customers.

We bought our first shop in February 1996, to provide practical experience to all in our POS software company.  We’ve owned newsagencies ever since. It’s been wonderfully useful, and enjoyable.

Filmed June 19, 2024, this video is a walk through newsXpress Mount Waverley, a small format high street shop focussed on gifts.

This business used to identify as a newsagency. Not any more. Today, it’s a place where people can find hugs and celebrate those they love. What it offers is covered in the website we built for the shop: www.hugsandlove.com.au.

From Squishmallows to Jellycat to ravensberger jigsaws to awesome blind boxes to Nee Doh, this shop is packed with many categories of adorable and fun items people can buy for themselves and for others.

We have used this shop as a test bed for developing a range of software enhancements designed to help local independent small business retailers run more successful businesses.

We use our POS software in this Mount Waverley business to guide the evolution of the business, picking trends, guiding product adjacencies, determine floorspace allocation, selling online and plenty more. This everyday use of the software ourselves helps inform software development decisions – not to replace user guidance and feedback though. Our own shop sometimes helps us see first-hand what others describe and this can speed the path of enhancement.

Lots of POS software companies claim to have bene started because there was not software there to serve a need. While it’s a nice story, there is usually little evidence of the search undertaken.

Our approach of entering retail ourselves started in 1996 and continues today, beneficially for us and for our customers. We have three physical shops today and seven online businesses. Each of these helps us create better software, provide more meaningful customer service and serve our local communities.

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 Call 1300 662 957 or email sales@towersystems.com.au

We are grateful to have been accepted into the Auckland Gift Fair in August this year. We are looking forward to catching up with existing customers and making new connections.

This is not our first Gift Fair in Auckland. It’s been a good trade show for us over the years and New Zealand is home to many retail businesses we are grateful to serve.

This year at the Auckland Gift Fair we will be showing off new tech solutions for retailers:

• The sell anywhere anytime POS solution.
• An awesome self checkout solution.
• Our new business insights platform.
• Our new quote and invoice management tools.
• Our new POS software.

These facilities and more will feature on our stand and in our discussions with New Zealand retailers who visit the Auckland Gift Fair.

We are thankful to our New Zealand based POS software customers for their advice, and for their active participation in the constant evolution of our POS software.

From online POS software user meetings to local New Zealand user meet-ups, to trade show catch-ups (like the Auckland gift fair), to one on one contact, we offer many connection opportunities with retailers using our POS software.

And while we are an Australian company, our service of our NZ retailer customers is the same as it is everywhere. This is thanks to our extended operating hours and the comprehensive kit of resources we offer our POS software customers for learning, suggesting enhancements and  connecting with our help desk team.

We have done New Zealand specific integrations to enable our POS software to better serve New Zealand business needs. The Smart Pay EFTPOS integration was one such project. This was delivered free to our customers once we passed the rigorous certification and in-field testing. There are other examples like this – New Zealand retailer let integrations with our POS software.

If you are a New Zealand retailer keen to find a POS solution for your retail business, we’re here for you. Our toll free number is 0800 444 367.