The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

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

CategoryWebstore POS integration

Seamless POS software Shopify integration helps more small business retailers easily sell online

January 7, 2021
2 Min read
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Tower Systems offers seamless integration of its POS software with Shopify, sharing sales data, inventory data and inventory images. The flow of data from the POS to Shopify and from Shopify to the POS software means that small business retailers can deliver a whole of business approach to data management for physical and online sales.

Better still, Tower Systems developed Shopify websites for customers, in addition to developing POS software for specialty retailers.

Our POS software development team and our web development team are separate in our POS software company but they do collaborate, to ensure that the Shopify POS software integration is seamless, robust and to the standards expected by Shopify.

As a Shopify partner, we are grateful to have delivered for our customers in this area, providing a seamless two-way data link between Shopify and our POS software.

Last year, we helped many retailers sell online through our Shopify POS software integration. In 2021 we are set to help even more.

We offer a fixed price Shopify site development solution, guiding our customers through product selection, design, editorial, theme selection and go-live. Our approach is comprehensive. It is assisted by a strong and direct link to Shopify from our POS software, built to the standards set by Shopify.

We go further…

Through a consultative process, the web specialists at Tower help retailers discover how they can genuinely differentiate online to attract new shoppers, especially shoppers who are not local, shoppers who may otherwise not know the business exists.

By researching current search engine data as to what people are searching for, Tower Systems has been able to help retailers pivot online while using the existing business for labour and other overheads.

While the temptation is for retailers to represent their existing business online, the most success is had by retailers who treat their website as a start-up, a new business. This is where the comprehensive keyword research by Tower can help unlock commercially valuable opportunities.

Selling online is hard work made easier if you get the technical foundations right first. This is where Tower Systems can help, it is where our POS software / Shopify integrated solution helps small business retailers – to get online, sell online and through this to find new shoppers who might otherwise never have discovered the retail business.

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Shopify POS software solution for small business retailers

December 6, 2020
2 Min read
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Aussie POS software company Tower Systems is grateful to offer a Shopify POS software solution for small business retailers.

As a Shopify partner, the Tower Systems Shopify POS software solution it seamless between the in-store POS snd the online store, with one central dataset for inventory as well as for managing sales – in-store and online.

It’s a complete solution, a proven solution in stores across many different retail niches.

Developed in Australia and delivered first years ago and enhanced regularly since, the Shopify POS software solution is robust and first for purpose for gift shops, jewellers, bike shops, toy shops, newsagents, games shops, pet shops, garden centres and plenty more. This is a robust solution for a range of vertical market businesses.

The Shopify POS software solution from Tower Systems works beautifully both at the sales counter as well as  through the online shopper experience. Tower Systems is grateful to own retail businesses with strong online sales where this Shopify POS software solution has been tested by the business itself.

By walking in the shoes of our retailers we have been able to fine-tune the Shopify POS software solution to ensure it genuinely is a solution. We bring together both sides – the POS software side and all it manages for the retail business and the Shopify side, through beautiful websites that we develop to capture online sales. By building both for our small business retail customers we are able to deliver a wholistic Shopify POS software solution.

As one of the world’s most popular eCommerce platform, Shopify is the perfect tool for selling online. With a customisable template that can be edited with ease, and a powerful backend allowing monitoring of store data, Shopify is optimal for the growth of your business.

Through the Tower Systems Shopify POS software solution link, your business can sell online with very little additional effort. The website becomes a reflection of your physical store, allowing online sales with no change in everyday trading.

We are grateful too be able to help small business retailers transact online in a seamless and data safe way, with one data set, one place to manage critical business data. This ihas been brought about through our Shopify POS software solution, something that is Australian made, for Australian businesses.

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AC/DC box coin set from the Royal Australian Mint going off!

October 8, 2020
1 Min read
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We built the Mint Coin Shop for newsXpress to sell coins from the Royal Australian Mint online. Today, they launched a very special AC/DC commemorative box set, which includes an exclusive mint coin. here is a video showing off what is in this AC/DC coin box set.

We are grateful for the role we have played in bringing the AC/DC coin set to Aussie AC/DC fans and to do so through a Shopify site connected with our POS software.

newsXpress partners with the Royal Australian Mint with more than 100 locally owned newsXpress stores selling coins, including the AC/DC box set.

Tower Systems serves 3,500+ small business retailers with specialty POS software.

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Practical advice for small business retailers in going online with a POS software connected website

October 7, 2020
3 Min read
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We received an online order recently in one of our shops at 1:33pm worth $800.00. It was one of 12 online orders for that business that totalling $1,800 in value.

Each one of these orders was a pre-order – fully paid for up front for stock that is another week away from arriving in-store and two months away from being paid for by us.

The specific products are not relevant as what we share below could apply to plenty of products and product categories. What we have done in this two and a half year old suburban high street business is what anyone could do and what we know some retailer colleagues are doing to win online sales.

  1. Create your online presence as a start-up business. Our recommendation is that you not take your existing shop online under your existing shop’s branding.
  2. Choose a product niche or category that is sought after, that is being searched for. This could be a brand, a licence, an end use or some other segmentation that makes sense to the shopper.
  3. Look for brands and categories people could be loyal to for some time.
  4. Source key suppliers. Preference suppliers who might work with you on geographically exclusive items.
  5. Register a domain and business name that speaks to the shopper for the chosen category.
  6. Develop your approach to packaging and shipping, remembering that this process has to be delivered as a brand extension. Add value here and you will bring them back.
  7. Create a site that serves the shopper.
  8. Include on the website unique knowledge / information that lifts you up as an expert in the product category field.
  9. Include a chat facility on the site, so you can answer questions from people who do not want to email or call with their queries.
  10. Create a separate Facebook page to support the website. Regularly feed contact to that page, content specifically for that page.
  11. Ask your suppliers to link to your website and appreciate them for any promotion they offer on their social media pages.
  12. Search out other social media pages that reach your target shopper and engage with those communities.
  13. Email shoppers, appreciating their business. Find ways to remain connected with them as this connection can help bring them back.

The first step revenue goal with online for any business entering that space has to be 5% (or less) of total revenue. Once there, the next goal is 10%, then 15% and so on. Goals are important.

Treat your online business as a start up. Manage it as such. Embrace mistakes and failures as they are the foundation bricks to success – cliché yes, but true.

  • Do you have to stock in your shop products you sell online? No. We say this as many retailers think the answer is yes. Seriously, think of your online business as a start up – doing this frees you to be more open to what you sell.
  • Can I put my existing shop online though? Of course. It’s 100% up to you.
  • Isn’t shipping hard? Offer what enough people want and shipping can be resolved by building it into the price or you looking at online as cream sales, sales from which you can give up some margin.

Our POS  software company develops websites for small business retailers. While what we have written here does relate to the online success at my high street shop, it is the same advice we provide all retailers who contact Tower Systems querying about website development.

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Small business website Q&A

September 11, 2020
1 Min read
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Today @ 10:30am AEST we are hosting a free workshop and Q&A for small business retailers considering a POS software connected website. This is another in our series of sessions where the content is driven by attendee questions.

We will have web developers and web / POS integration support folk there to take any questions.

Free workshop: Web link Q&A.
Today, Friday, we host a website Q&A @ 10.30am AEST. We’ll answer all your questions about the link as well as Shopify and related questions as much as we are able. Whether you have a website or are considering one, this could be a beneficial session to attend. Here are the details to join:

https://zoom.us/j/97341499988?pwd=R0UyQ3o2V1VDaEpTcGcwM1lQMUpIZz09
Meeting ID: 973 4149 9988 Passcode: 514210

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Helping small business retailers pivot online

August 28, 2020
1 Min read
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All through Corona we have been helping retailers pivot online thanks to our fixed price Shopify website development. We continue to run open, transparent and interactive online workshops for retailers, where we answer questions and provide plenty of examples. Here is a video of one of our recent sessions.

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Shopify website development in Australia

August 27, 2020
2 Min read
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Tower Systems continues to develop beautiful Shopify websites for small business retailers in Australia.

Our Shopify development work is 100% done in Australia, by developers who work for our company, in Australia.  This matters because our team members understand Australian retail. They also understand how to connect the Shopify websites to POS software, like our own POS software.

Our Shopify website development is done on a fixed price basis. We do this in service our our retail business customers, specialty retailers with specialty needs. We provide a comprehensive plan as well as a terrific hand over document that outlines how any retailer can get the most from the Shopify site.

As a partner of Shopify, we bring the latest insights and tools to life in each website that we develop for our our customers. As Shopify evolves, so do we. we participate in Shopify conferences, face to face in Las Vegas and Toronto as well as online, to ensure we are up to date and reflecting the opportunities of their platforms.

Our POS software connected Shopify websites that we develop offer easy access to AfterPay, ZipPay, Humm, PayPal, click and collect, Sendle and more in terms of seamless integrations. These, plus social media integrations, offer true connectivity between our Shopify websites and the retail businesses they bring to life online.

Designed to serve your needs, the Shopify websites we develop are done in collaboration, with regular communication, offering our customers opportunities to learn with us so as to make using and adjusting the site in the future easy and smart of the retail business.

Tower Systems undertakes Shopify website development primarily for small and independent retail businesses. These customers are at the core of our business. The work is done 100% in our website development team, which is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. We have a separate development team for our POS software.  But … both teams work together to deliver seamless connectivity from which our small business retail customers can benefit.

Our fixed price approach to Shopify website development is clear, transparent and thorough. we have a wonderful portfolio of sites delivered already. we’d be glad to share details with anyone interested in Shopify website development for their retail business.

To find our more, please reach out to our sales team at sales@towersystems.com.au.

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NEW: Online workshop for small business retailers on getting online successfully

August 3, 2020
1 Min read
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Tuesday August 4, at 12:30pm, please join us for an open workshop on selling online. Everyone is welcome. Bring your questions as they will guide where the discussion flows. We’d love to explore what to sell, how to sell, how to ship and what to consider in going online. Here is the link to join:

https://zoom.us/j/99337852843?pwd=UVRxcjJyQ0J6WG5WTlRkdFA3bCs4Zz09
Meeting ID: 993 3785 2843 Passcode: 071157

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More advice for small business retailers connecting POS software to a Shopify website

August 2, 2020
2 Min read
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What you get out of having a Shopify site or any website created for your retail business is up to you. This is important to consider because we see retailers sometimes think that turning on a website drives success. That alone does not.

Here in this article we seek to provide an example of some advice we share with retailers considering a website created by us. This information, along with other comprehensive information and advice we provide, is intended to educate and guide small business retailers in getting online and getting online through us.

A Shopify site, like any website, is a hungry beast. By this we mean that it  needs to be fed, with new content and changes, regularly.

  1. Continue to add products and ensure they are named and described how people would search for them. For example, if you sell a Mickey Mouse teacup, in your POS software you might call it teacup – Mickey. From a search perspective, it needs to be called: Disney Mickey Mouse teacup.
  2. Refresh your landing page descriptions. A landing page is a collection page on which you have items for that collection. Write 3 or 4 crisp sentences of 15 or 20 words each with the sentences punching keywords people are likely to search for. Remember, you are writing more for the search engines than humans.
  3. The best photos are those you take, of single products. A photo of a display is not easily understood by humans or Google.
  4. Add articles. Your knowledge could be what differentiates your business from any competitor. Indeed, non-product content will most likely drive more traffic than product content. Write articles about what you sell and your business more broadly. Fresh text-based content helps drive the authority of your website. Each article should these rules to engage with Google:
    1. Be at least 350 words.
    2. Use a keyword or key phrase at 5+ times through the article.
    3. Be your own written fresh content.
    4. Cover a single topic or focus.
  5. Get suppliers and others to link to you. The more the better.
  6. Sell products on additional channels: Facebook, Instagram & eBay.
  7. Regularly pitch your site on social media.
  8. Use Shopify’s abandoned cart feature to push sales.
  9. Pitch promotional discounts to draw in new customers.

This is not everything. It is designed to be a guide, to get indie retailers thinking early.

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Advice for retailers considering establishing a POS software connected website

August 1, 2020
2 Min read
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With so many small business retailers implementing POS software connected websites, we are leaning into providing fresh and useful advice for for retailers early for them to consider this prior to making plans for their website.

We have developed this advice based on years of experience in creating Shopify sites for small business retailers.

This is written for people who think they want a Shopify website for their business but don’t know where to start, don’t know which option to go with, can’t see how you can make money, worry that you won’t have the time. If any of these is you, please start here.

You are not alone. These concerns, feelings, are common.

The reality is that a Shopify site will take more time than you can imagine. It most likely will not obviously make money, most don’t. We say obviously because there are ways websites make money beyond direct sales.

We suggest you approach launching a website as a start-up business. Sure, it may sell some or all of what you sell in your shop. However, it is different, it is its own thing with different needs and different opportunities. Seeing it as a start-up can help. Also, seeing it as a start-up could take you on a fresh path.

You need to love your website. If you don’t it will not get the attention and support it needs from you. By lovewe mean love what it sells, how it does this and how it represents you.

This brings us to what you sell online. That can only be resolved by you. It needs to be something, or a category of things, that people are searching for because if they are not looking, finding shoppers is much harder, something you feel good about.

Starting is key. In our experience, where people land with a website a year on, 2 years on and more is different to where they start. They would not have got there if they had not started. That is key in our view – starting, gaining experience, maybe stumbling or falling before moving on.

Think carefully about what you would like to sell, research it. Take your time. Make the move once you know. Starting before you know what you want to do could be a mistake.

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Beautiful POS software connected Shopify websites from Tower Systems

July 27, 2020
2 Min read
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We have delivered more beautiful and commercially engaged Shopify websites connected to our POS software for small business retailers. Here are some of the recent new websites launched by our partner retailers:

We have close to fifty new websites currently under development.

Our web development experts are skilled in development using Magento, Shopify and WooCommerce. This is in addition to us developing in native mode using multiple such tech platforms.

From the simple to the complex, the single store to multiple group businesses, we can deliver web based solutions to small business retailers to help them sell online locally, nationally and internationally -in local currency as well as through overseas currency.

Web development here at Tower Systems follows a structured process that is driven by the outcomes sought by the client retail business. We work to serve these needs from the outset, whether it is an information site, an e-commerce site, offering click and collect, delivery or other fulfilment of online orders.

Through consultation, our small business retail clients can imagine their needs and we can help them fulfil these needs and do so on a platform that can evolve as the online experiences of the business evolves. It is an iterative process that works beautifully for small business retailers and their team members.

Click here to access a quick questionnaire that helps you determine your own business needs for a website. Many of our customers have found completing this questionnaire helpful and informative.

To find out more, please speak with one of our experts: Please call our sales team at 1300 662 957 or email them at sales@towersystems.com.au.

Buying Australian developed and supported POS software for your business and having your business website developed in Australia is good for the Aussie tech sector. The more we all shop local the better.

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Launching December Diamonds mermen Christmas ornaments in Australia

July 2, 2020
2 Min read
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We have developed a Christmas ornaments website for selling awesome Christmas ornaments to Australian shoppers. In addition to the awesome Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, this Christmas ornaments website has just launched the December Diamonds Ornaments into the Australian marketplace.

This website is connected to our POS software that is running at newsXpress Mount Waverley.

December Diamonds is a respected collectible ornament brand around the world. The December Diamonds mermen and mermaid ornaments are fun, raunchy and suitable for Christmas trees, in the car, at work and at home. They bring brightness and joy to any Christmas celebration. They also work as ornaments all through the year.

The December Diamonds Ornaments are collector items for many as they look for fresh and interesting Christmas ornament opportunities.

Designed by December Diamonds themselves, we are grateful to have a large shipment about to arrive in Australia ready for Christmas 2020 as we get to celebrate Christmas this year. The December Diamonds mermen are a fun celebration for what has been a messy 2020, and the year is only half way through yet.

All the December Diamonds being brought to Australia are on the website right now and available for purchase. From now until when the stock arrives, which will be mid August 2020, all the mermen, mermaids and more are available for certain pre-order.  With supply fixed and not being expanded, collectors can buy now and know for sure that they will receive the stock as soon as the stock is available in-store for safe shipping to customers.

These ornaments are a fresh and unique pre-Christmas celebration gift and we are pleased to have brought the website to life, to offer the December Diamonds range here in Australia for fans and those yet to discover this colourful Christmas ornament range. As the MyOrnaments website notes…

December Diamonds merman ornaments are perfect for all year and perfect for Christmas. These cute December Diamonds Christmas ornaments are an ideal gift or keepsake. They bring joy, colour and life wherever they are placed. We are thrilled to bring December Diamond mermen ornaments to Australia for your pleasure. Now, let’s make 2020 bright with December Diamonds ornaments.

We think Christmas 2020 will be about fun, relaxing and appreciating family. These ornaments and the other ornaments that are at the site we created will help do this. We are ready for Christmas with this awesome website.

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What percentage of revenue should a retail business achieve from online in 2020?

May 24, 2020
2 Min read
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How much of your retail business revenue should come from online?

This is a big question in 2020.

We have thoughts on this based on our work with over 3,000 small business retailers using our Point of Sale software, many of whom also connect to Shopify, Magento or WooCommerce websites for online sales.

Our advice is that small business retailers should have a goal of 10% of revenue coming from online. That is a starting point goal. Our advice is work hard and do everything possible in pursuit of this goal.

Once you reach the 10% goal, the goal should be 20%. With plenty of majors already at 20%, small businesses need to catch up.

This is urgent.

Yes, you need a good website. However, you need more than that. The site needs to sell what people want. It needs to be easily found. You need to actively and regularly pro mote the site. You need payment options and a sweet shipping offer. 

It’s hard work, but critical work if you want to reach the goal of online revenue for your business.

Here at our POS software and web development company we help small business retailers win more online business.  We do it though terrific software, which is backed by knowledgable training and support.

A big challenge faces by small business retailers pursuing online sales is that online is not high street. The two beasts are quite different. Whereas in a high street or physical store situation you know who is walking past or stepping inside, online you don’;t have the same insights. You have no idea who might be out there and looking. But, and it is a   b I g   but … you can find out. There are tools that can help you understand who is out there and what they are looking for.

Sometimes, the best online business is not one that is a copy of your physical shop. This is where research matters.

So, have a goal. We say start with 10% of revenue. Research it and once you have a plan, pursue it relentlessly, while at the same time remaining focussed on your physical shop.

Tower Systems helps in all of these areas.

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Live POS software connected Shopify websites

April 2, 2020
1 Min read
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We are offering more of our successful free live Q&A sessions on Shopify websites connected to POS software.

The reaction has been terrific so far with many joining live and others watching the videos we have done of the sessions.

We are grateful for existing POS software customers joining as well as those new to Tower Systems. The online web conferencing we started offering more than 10 years ago has certainly helped position us to serve in this way today.

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Why businesses should be carful about using offshore web developers

February 4, 2020
3 Min read
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Web developers have no professional standard to meet to be able to call themselves that. Web developer companies have no obligation to say where the actual tech work is done.

In Australia right now there are plenty of businesses selling web development skills where the work itself is done overseas, in India, China, Vietnam and Indonesia. While we do not begrudge people in these countries seeking work, there are challenges with offshore web development beyond the loss of local jobs.

Offshore developers understand local Aussie business practices less. We have seen situations where they struggle to create commercial useful websites because oif their lack of understanding. There are terminology missteps as well as cultural challenges.

Small business retailers want people to shop locally. One way to help drive that is for these local small businesses to shop locally as much as possible.

We helped a small business retailer who engaged what they thought were a local Australian web development company. In fact, they engaged a local company for sure, which was a front for an offshore developer.

We were brought in because the website delivered was broken, not working and not to the requirements of the business. The paperwork signed, in the fine print, showed that the local business the small business owner they thought they were contracting was in fact a sales agent with no contractual responsibility.

If a web development proposal is cheap it is probably cheap because of corners being cut. Offshore developers cost significantly less than Australian developers. There is a reason for this,. This is what we say to small business retailers – beware, be careful, m understand what you are buying, understand for sure what the outcomes will be.

Here at Tower Systems we take web development seriously. We offer a 100% local service backed up by local support. We understand retail. Especially the type of retail channels in which we service. We have many websites we can share as reference sites, showing the wonderful commercial outcomes we have delivered to our customers.

Our POS software integrated websites serve a single inventory database between physical store and online store.

The Tower Systems web development team is skilled in WooCommerce, Magento and Shopify. The company has plenty of sites it can show in a live portfolio of successful e-commerce sites, serving shoppers in Australia and internationally.

But best of all, Tower Systems provides professional advice and guidance to small business retailers keen to build their online presence. Our commitment is honest transparent advice on which any small business retailer can rely.

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Tips and advice about POS software connected websites for small business retailers

December 19, 2019
2 Min read
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Small business retailers are open prey for web developers, especially offshore web developers who pitch low costs and don’t have the same accountability as a local Australian business.

Too many small business retailers paying for cheap websites get what they pay for, an inadequate website that does not serve the needs of their retail business.

Tower Systems is a Melbourne Australia based POS software company with a local web team. Our people are retail and POS software skilled. We have a wonderful portfolio of successful web development, having delivered wonderful solutions to our customers in a broad variety of retail stores.

We have development skills and experience through partnership with Shopify, Magento and WooCommerce. We can develop solutions for businesses in a variety of situations and to a broad scope of need.

Since we develop locally we work your hours, speak your language, have a local design aesthetic and understand local retail. These points are critical if you want a website that works for your business.

Being retailers ourselves with a range of consumer facing websites we understand what is needed for a successful web store that attracts new shoppers and connects seamlessly to your POS software.  In-house, we have professional design skills as well as a broad range of tech skills. Plus, we can help you do the work necessary to help people find your website.

We are full service website development company specialising on websites for indie small business retailers. Being retailer focussed is important in that we bring to each project specialist skills that retailers need and appreciate to make the most of their web related investments.

Getting your website investment right is business critical for indie small business retailers. Chasing a cheap solution from offshoot is usually false economy as ,many retailers have found. That does not mean we are expensive. Like so many things in business and the world generally, you get what you pay for. Paying once for an awesome website is better then paying several times.

Offering fixed price contracts, Tower Systems backs itself when it comes to POS software connected website development for small business retailers.

If you are looking for a website for your retail business, consider Tower Systems.

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Shopify connects POS software solution for small business retailers

October 26, 2019
2 Min read
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Here at tower Systems we develop POS software and we develop websites. Our web development is done in Magento, WooCommerce and Shopify. In each case, our websites are seamlessly connected to our indie retail focusses POS software.

We offer fixed price quotes for web development, for beautiful sites for any type of retail business connected to our POS software.

Quoting on web development can be inexact as changes to the requirements can develop over the course of a project. In any proposal from us, we seek to mitigate risk and provide certainty on which you can rely for us to deliver the specific outcomes noted. However, the proposal is based on our understanding of your needs.

If any customer feels we have missed anything in a proposal, please advise as it will impact the quoted price.

We provide a complete written proposal that addresses all the questions we are usually asked and questions we asked ourselves when developing our own websites for our businesses and businesses in which we have a share.

While much web development for Australian businesses is done either by individuals working from home or outsourced overseas, our web development work is undertaken by our team, working full time for us, here in Australia. The challenge is, this makes it more expensive.

A web developer in an outsource location can cost as little as 10% of professional Australian developer costs. Australian developed websites are more expensive. It is why our quote comes in at the price it does. In our experience using outsource people ourselves on unrelated projects – you do get what you pay for.

Senior management of Tower Systems oversees all our web development work.

  1. Our in-house web team is led by an experienced IT professional who also has retail experience out of our head office. They are a skilled IT professional who has worked with us for three years. They come from a help desk and retail background and understands the software and how a website connected to a POS should be implemented. You will have direct access to them through this development process.
  1. Our leadership team, COO and CEO, personally oversee the web development projects for clients as we want to ensure that we deliver on our promises and that we provide our customers with a commercially valuable outcome.
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