The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

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

Latest stories

Bookshop software serves local independent bookshops

October 7, 2024
3 Min read
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This software made for local independent bookshops, to help them thrive instore as well as online. It has facilities specifically to serve the needs of bookshops.

  • TitlePage integration.
  • PacStream integration.
  • Club pricing for book clubs and other local groups.
  • Search products by title or author Easy and accurate selling.
  • Tracking and managing special orders for customers.
  • Club / group pricing to win more sales.
  • Free integration with FindIt local marketplace.
  • Easy online selling.
  • Locally made software.
  • Local help desk support.
  • Awesome training resources.

Our Tower Systems bookshop POS software has been fine-tuned to serve the needs of local independent bookshops. It is software for bookshops developed and supported in Australia.

Using our bookshop POS software / bookstore POS software local bookshops can leverage a range of facilities designed to help the run efficient and enjoyable businesses. Facilities in the POS software made for bookshops include:

  • Book Club support – rewarding members, fundraising for the club and more.
  • Structured handling of special orders for customers. Place the order and have it tracked when it comes into the store with the customer easily notified of arrival.
  • TitlePage integration for easy lookup.
  • Easy searching by book inventory by author name or part of author name.
  • International barcode direct connect for easy lookup.
  • ChatGPT integration for smart product descriptions designed to help with customer searching.
  • Returns management. Returning unsold books can be time consuming. Using our bookshop software, booksellers can identify titles that can be returned based on arrival in-store, sales and current quantity on hand. We provide the insight and the structured approach for handling the return, in a publisher friendly way. The approach in our software has been tested with booksellers, to ensure it is genuinely useful and in line with what is required from suppliers.
  • PacStream connectivity. From within our bookshop software you have access to Pacstream integration. Ask us to demonstrate this to you, so you can see how it works live and in person. The PacStream platform is robust and commercially beneficial to retailers. Indeed, PacStream access is critical for book retailers.
  • Easy searching of book inventory by title or part of a title.

We serve local independent booksellers with bookshop software made to help them win new business.

This bookshop POS software is made for independent retailers. You can run it in the cloud or on your desktop – you decide what’s right for you.

We support book retailers with specialty training and support too. We make it easy for bookshop owners and staff to learn the software so that they can help the business get the most from the software.

Independent book retailers are the lifeblood of the community, often at the heart of discussion, gathering and learning. Our bookshop software supports this role for bookshops in a range of ways, helping bookshop owners to serve community groups while strengthening their businesses.

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A website for your retail business could be a perfect plan b

October 4, 2024
3 Min read
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Too often retailers think a website connected with their shop needs to reflect what they sell in the shop. While this can often work, it is not essential.

There are plenty of retailers, including local small business retailers, who run websites from the back of their shop, using the resources of the shop without additional overheads.

There are retailers who started this way, with a website as a completely different business, who then discovered that the products sold through this other business could also sell in their shop.

We know of one retailer who stumbled across the opportunity when unpacking goods for the website they ran from the back office. A customer noticed the items being unpacked, items you’d never expect to see even in an innovative retail business. Soon enough this retailer had a section for these products in the shop and attracted a whole new range of shoppers as a result.

We know of another retailer who let a friend use spare space at the back of the shop to run a new online business. Soon enough the two were working together offering the online products in the shop once they discovered that something they never considered would work worked a treat.

A website connected with your retail business could be a perfect way to explore what you could sell. That a website can easily reach many more times the people your shop reaches, it is easier to experiment. That it is new means you can experiment outside any boundaries you impose upon yourself in your shop.

This approach of experimenting completely outside what you do in your shop today is what we call a plan b., It’s you experimenting in pursuit of fresh traffic and revenue for your business, through which you might find a financially rewarding path beyond what the physical shop currently offers.

Websites are easy to setup and run, they can evolve too, as you learn more of what can sell.

By all means offer what you have in your shop online. Think, too, about the opportunities of playing completely outside what you do today and through this attracting revenue from shoppers you will never see and from products you thought you would never carry.

Connecting your website to your retail business software is easy, offering one place for managing all inventory and all sales. This is time and labour efficient. It also protects against theft.

Tower Systems creates beautiful POS software connected websites for retailers in all sorts of local retail situations.

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Tower Systems helps small business retailers leverage lower EFTPOS fees

October 3, 2024
2 Min read
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When choosing an EFTPOS provider, retailers should make an informed decision based on their specific needs. They need to choose based on the financial and operational needs of their business.

Good POS software seamlessly integrates with a range of EFTPOS solutions, making it easy for retailers to select the best option. This flexibility allows retailers to choose an EFTPOS payments processor that aligns with their business requirements.

Tower Systems does not require retailers using its POS software to deal with any specific bank or EFTPOS payments processor. Tower Systems customers can freely choose the bank for EFTPOS that best suits their needs. There are no additional charges levied against customers for business transactions.

Processing EFTPOS payments through CBA, NAB, Westpac, ANZ, Suncorp, Tyro, and other providers is straightforward with the integrated EFTPOS solution available to retailers using Tower Systems POS software.

The integrated EFTPOS solution from Tower Systems offers a range of benefits:

  • Few keystrokes = fast, fewer mistakes.
  • Simplified accounting and transaction reconciliation.
  • Retailers choose what’s right for their business.

When selecting POS software for your business, it’s crucial to inquire about integrated EFTPOS capabilities and whether there are any associated fees. It’s important that your POS software company generates revenue from the software itself,rather than from transaction fees. This ensures that your business growth and success are yours to enjoy.

When choosing an EFTPOS payments processor, consider the following factors:

  • Specific needs and budget of your business.
  • Business size and transaction volume.
  • POS software compatibility.

Tower Systems offers excellent compatibility with its POS software when it comes to EFTPOS payments processing.

Tower Systems provides local small business retailers with many benefits including:

  • Easy surcharging. Easily and accurately pass on EFTPOS costs to your customers.
  • Fast checkout: Eliminates manual data entry, streamlining transactions and reducing queues.
  • Reduced errors: No manual keying, minimizing human error and ensuring accurate transactions.
  • Improved staff productivity: Staff can focus on customer service rather than manual payment entry.
  • Seamless payment experience: Customers can tap, swipe, or insert their card directly at the EFTPOS terminal,providing a smooth and intuitive experience.
  • Reduced contact: Minimizes physical contact between customers and staff, enhancing hygiene and potentially aiding social distancing efforts.
  • Enhanced security: Data transfers directly between POS and EFTPOS, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

Tower Systems is committed to offering retailers choice and flexibility when it comes to EFTPOS payments processing,without any additional costs.

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

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

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

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

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

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Small business retail marketing advice: discount vouchers help local small business retailers

September 30, 2024
3 Min read
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Loyalty points have different values in different businesses. They are an old-school approach to shopper loyalty. Tired. Out of date. Of questionable value.

Everyone understands the value of cash and cash is at the heart of the discount vouchers offered through POS software from Tower Systems for local small business retailers. Supermarkets have ruined the understanding of value of loyalty points for sure.

Here at Tower Systems, we know years serving thousands of local independent retailers that a good loyalty program is key to business success. We see it in our work every day. In our software we serve the need with our Discount Voucher tools.

Discount vouchers can be setup in a minute or two. No additional tech is needed. No plastic cards are needed. No customer sign up is needed. This makes Discount Vouchers an easy, low cost, low overhead loyalty solution.

The Discount Voucher settings can be changed easily too, making this loyalty solution for small business retailers a breeze.

Retailers can call Discount Vouchers  what they want! We’ve got customers calling them “Thank You Gifts,” “Bonus Bucks,” or even “Customer Rewards.” The beauty is, it’s your program, your name!

One retailer saw a whopping 20% sales lift in the first quarter in which they offered vouchers, especially driving impulse near the sales counter purchases. Even years after implementation Discount Vouchers deliver bankable results for retailers.

Through the settings you can ensure that using the vouchers is P&L positive for the retail business.

Discount Vouchers are all about instant gratification for guys – they tend to use their vouchers straight away, while girls tend to save them for a later treat (but before they expire, of course!). Oh, and retailers control when these vouchers expire.

Setting up your voucher program is a breeze! Our retail-experienced support team can have you up and running in minutes, and making changes is just as easy. Plus, you get fantastic control over your program and clear reports to see how your customers are engaging.

Here’s why discount vouchers are a game-changer in our experience:

  • You’re the boss! Name your vouchers anything you like, and change it whenever you fancy.
  • Set the rules! Decide how much the voucher’s worth, what it can be used on, and when it expires.
  • Transparency is key! Unlike confusing points systems, customers see the voucher as cash-in-hand. They love the simplicity and feel valued with a direct reward.

We’ve seen it work firsthand! In our own shops. Customers tell us they love the vouchers. We have seen them used. We see the impact in the business, the happiness experienced by customers.

With Tower Systems’ discount vouchers, you can:

  • Get one time shoppers spending more in their one and only visit.
  • Boost spending per visit – Customers love a good deal, and vouchers encourage them to splurge a little more.
  • Bring back those loyal customers – Vouchers are a great way to entice customers to return sooner and keep them coming back for more.
  • Attract new faces – Stand out from the crowd and grab the attention of new shoppers with enticing voucher offers.
  • Spark impulse buys – Vouchers at the counter can turn a browse into a purchase easily.

Our discount voucher solution is exclusive to us, the settings opportunities, the control levers you have, the benefits you can leverage in your business.

Discount vouchers are one of the most recommended facilities in our small business retail POS software.

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Shops near me: Tower Systems helps local retailers attract people looking for local shops

September 28, 2024
3 Min read
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FindIt.com.au, the free marketplace from Tower Systems, shines a light on amazing local, independent retailers. We built FindIt as a free platform for our local retail business community that uses our POS software. They have free access to FindIt for listing what they have in their shops. As we note at the FindIt website:

FindIt is a marketplace platform created by Tower Systems for the thousands of local small business retailers using its POS software.

It’s a place where you can find a broad range of items from many different retailers, all local, all keen to serve local shoppers.

Some retailers will use FindIt to list products that they sell in-store while others will use FindIt to sell directly online.

What’s unique about FindIt is that it only lists products from local retailers, small business retailers, and it shows products in-stock. You can be confident as to availability.

FindIt is new and as such we will learn over time, and adjust accordingly.

Thank you for stopping by.

Think of FindIt as a treasure chest overflowing with goodies from independent retailers across Australia. It’s a marketplace offering anything and everything.

For the Shopper:

  • Support Local! FindIt makes it easy to find and support businesses in your neighbourhood. You’ll be pumpin’ money back into your community and helpin’ it thrive.
  • Discover Unique Finds! Unearth a world of special products you won’t find on the big online stores. From handcrafted jewellery to locally-grown produce, there’s somethin’ for everyone on FindIt.
  • Know who you’re buying from! FindIt gives you the details on each shop, including their location and contact details.

For Local Retailers:

  • Free to join! If you use Tower Systems POS software, you can sign up for FindIt at no cost. This saves you the hassle (and expense) of setting up your own online store if you want, making it easier to compete in the digital world.
  • Reach new customers! FindIt exposes your products to a wider audience of people who are looking to shop local.
  • Sell smarter, not harder! The platform works seamlessly with Tower Systems POS, makin’ sales a breeze and saving time on admin.

FindIt’s a win-win for everyone!

You get fantastic local products, and retailers gain a platform to showcase their goodies and reach new customers. It’s a brilliant initiative that strengthens Aussie communities and supports the backbone of our commerce – our amazing independent retailers.

Gettin’ your product info (text and images) onto FindIt is a walk in the park thanks to the Tower Systems POS software integration. Tower even helps retailers with advice, training, and support to get connected.

The ultimate goal of FindIt is to make it easy for local to shop locally, to get more people like you walking through the front doors of our fantastic local shops!

This is an exclusive marketing benefit provided by Tower Systems for its local retail business community.

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Yes, it’s AFL Grand Final public holiday!

September 27, 2024
1 Min read
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It’s a public holiday here in Melbourne today, where our head office is based. No matter, our help desk is open today 8:30am through 5pm for those not having the day to prep for tomorrow’s AFL Grand Final.

No matter what you’re up to today, we hope it’s wonderful, and may the best team … win!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Retail business advice: not all website traffic is useful traffic

September 26, 2024
3 Min read
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Oh wow, look at the huge traffic to my website, aren’t we amazing to achieve this!

We see too many small business retailers fall into the trap of chasing website traffic to achieve a big number. They think traffic is what matters. Okay, it may make one feel good. You can’t bank traffic though. All you can bank is business transacted.

The internet is a transparent place. Plenty of us can see the traffic websites get if we pay to access the price professional data access services. This access to data helps us understand traffic value, not only for our website but for others … for clients for whom we build websites, for competitors, for any website we like.

Business owners should analyse their website traffic carefully, to understand what brings visitors to their website. They need to track the traffic through to transactions for the business as it is these transactions that matter.

A website we were looking at recently achieved a significant spike in traffic. 30% of their traffic is now coming from outside Australia. They only sell to Australia. 66% of their Australian traffic is for keywords they have targeted solely for traffic, keywords that have nothing to do with what they sell.

The first keyword relates to their business accounts for 3% of their total Australian online search traffic. The traffic count itself has not changed in a year.

The website traffic growth they have chased and won appears to have no actual commercial value for the business.

Our advice to local small business retailers is to chase valuable traffic over volume every day. Five visitors spending moment with you is far more important that five hundreds visitors and only one spending with you. While the five hundred may give you bragging rights to anyone who cares to listen, those five hundred visitors do not put food on the table.

Understand what brings people to your website and tune the content of your website to achieve what you want for your business. Tune is a good word here since you can tune your website to achieve what you want.l Anyone can.

Online, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to content curation in pursuit of commercially valuable website traffic. You can bank on it.

…

Tower Systems builds beautiful websites, Shopify websites, Big Commerce Websites, connected to POS software, for local small business retailers. Here are some we have delivered recently:

We have built hundreds of live websites for many different retailers. This experience, and the experience with our own websites helps us create there advice we provide in blog posts like this.

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Half price POS software for op. shops. charity shops and community enterprises

September 26, 2024
3 Min read
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Op. shops, charity shops and community run shops benefit from software made for their needs and software priced in a way that reflects the good they do in the community.

Tower Systems is grateful to serve these not for profit retail; businesses with a 50% discount off our usual pricing while providing access to the software and full kit of support service.

Op. shops, charity shops and other community run retail businesses have unique needs such as easy to learn for volunteers, the ability to track and sell items that are not barcoded, the opportunity to price by different categories and the ability to serve community members with discounted or free product while still tracking product movement.

Our charity shop softwares op. shop software and community enterprise software manage this for these organisations. Plus, the software can connect to deputy and others for rostering, Xero and others for accounting and many different banks for easy to use and manage EFTPOS.

It also offers the opportunity of different pricing for members of the community group as well as offering fund raising opportunities from within the software.

Here at Tower Systems we are grateful to serve many charity related businesses with our op. shop and related POS software.

Our offer of a half price solution is genuine, it’s part of our giving back commitment.

Here is some of what our charity shop, op. shop and community enterprise software offers:

  1. Easy shopper loyalty.  While the software offers a loyalty points system, we have found the cash-off approach in our loyalty tools works better in local retail. People understand money. A receipt showing an amount they can save on their next purchase gets, usually, at least 20% of people spending more that visit.
  2. Manage inventory your way. You can sell by barcode, products code, department, category within department, price point. You can sell, measure and report at the level point appropriate to your needs.
  3. Easy to learn. We have found that in community enterprises easy to learn / easy to use really does matter. Volunteer turnover makes this essential. We can record training specific to your needs and make these videos available for future volunteers.
  4. Secure. You can lock down parts of the software to secure them for management access only.
  5. Check and balances. This software guides processes. It also provides hidden tracking so you can investigate should the need arise.
  6. Club / group marketing and support. Leverage clubs and community groups with offers and pricing just for them.

Let us know about your needs. We’ll be sure to let you know if we are not a good fit.

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See our Tower Systems POS software for produce and rural supply businesses

September 25, 2024
3 Min read
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The needs of produce and rural supply businesses are not the same needs of many traditional retailers. Traditional POS software is unlikely to suit their needs.

The Tower Systems POS software for rural supply and produce businesses is widely used in these types of businesses. This considerable customer base helps to continue to evolve the software to meet the ever emerging needs of the channel.

We have collaborated closely with many businesses like yours, who have helped us refine and enhance our software. Here is some of what we have developed based on their valuable feedback:

1. Dispatch management tools: Effectively manage multiple trucks and deliveries per truck, ensuring smooth logistics for your business. Integration with Allotrac takes dispatch management to the next level.

2. Loyalty marketing: Engage and retain customers with a loyalty program that helps you build lasting relationships and increase sales.

3. Bulk material tracking: Easily track purchasing raw materials in bulk and the mixing and packaging of your own end products.

4. Local produce use and care information: Enhance customer experience by providing care information.

5. Flexible selling options: Sell products by weight, length, and even fractions, accommodating the diverse needs of your customers.

6. Weatherproof product labels: Ensure your product labels withstand outdoor conditions, providing clear and legible details for customers.

7. Integrated roster options: Seamlessly integrate with Deputy, Tanda, and Planday, simplifying employee scheduling and management.

8. Digital receipts: Offer your customers the convenience of digital receipts through Slyp, reducing paper waste and enhancing the experience.

9. Comprehensive quote and invoice management (refreshed in January 2024): Streamline quote processes and nurture accuracy and efficiency.

Using the Tower Systems POS software, AIRR members need never enter an invoice again. Our POS software accepts AIRR and other major supplier electronic invoices. We offer plenty of other time saving integrations too.

Thanks to support from close to 200 produce / farm supply / stockfeed businesses using our software, we have released a major update with significant enhancements in the quotation area of business.

This is on the back of a huge update months ago in dispatch management.

Our software handles so much: tracking inventory in ways unique to produce / farm supply businesses, managing delivery within the software or integrated with Allotrac, importing supplier invoices, repairs management for those that organise this, sell by fractions, sell by length or weight, track product variants, special customer orders, tracking customers purchase history, reducing employee and customer theft and more.

We help you target market to customers based on past purchases.

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Aussie made and supported POS software for fabric and haberdashery shops enhanced

September 24, 2024
3 Min read
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Fabric shops are more than just retail spaces; they’re havens for those who love to sew. Whether you’re crafting beautiful clothes for family and friends or building a thriving business, a well-equipped fabric shop can provide the tools and inspiration you need.

Our Tower Systems POS software for fabric and haberdashery shops is designed specifically for fabric and sewing shops, offering features that cater to the unique needs of these businesses. From managing fabric sales by length or weight to tracking customer loyalty, our software helps you streamline operations and grow your customer base.

These businesses are local, often small and typically family owned. This describes our customer base – we specialise on local family owned and run businesses. We are grateful to 3,500+ of these businesses for being our customers. Our localness and their localness combine to be of mutual service.

Here are some of the features of our software for sewing, fabric and haberdashery shops:

  • Accurate and Efficient Sales: Sell fabric by length, track inventory, and ensure accurate pricing to avoid errors.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Gain valuable insights into your business performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
  • Customer Loyalty: Encourage repeat business with subtle loyalty programs and personalised offers.
  • Online Sales: Expand your reach by integrating your POS with a Shopify website and selling fabric online. We have excellent examples of delivering this.
  • Pre-Orders and Layby: Offer flexible payment options to accommodate customer preferences.
  • Repair Management: Track and manage repairs to ensure customer satisfaction. Whether you repair in-house or externally.
  • Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community by supporting clubs and collectors.
  • Special Orders: Handle special requests efficiently and capture revenue in advance.
  • Fabric Care Information: Provide customers with essential fabric care details on receipts.
  • Serial number tracking – useful if you sell sewing magazines.

Inventory is a significant investment for fabric shops. Our software helps you manage it effectively by tracking products from the moment they arrive to the time they’re sold. With detailed inventory reports, you can monitor stock levels, identify slow-moving items, and optimise your purchasing decisions.

Here at Tower Systems, we’re committed to providing tailored solutions for fabric and sewing shops. Our software is designed to enhance your business operations, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.

We’re proud to support local businesses and appreciate the valuable feedback we’ve received from our customers. If you’re looking for a POS system that understands the unique needs of your fabric or sewing shop, we invite you to learn more about Tower Systems.

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New features in major POS software release from Tower Systems

September 23, 2024
2 Min read
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We are grateful to our customers for their support through the beta release of a major software update that is out now. here are some of the many features in this awesome update:

Tagged/Kitchen Dockets

We’ve introduced new dockets that can be printed to designated printers for specific items, perfect for specialized areas like Kitchens, Baristas or bulk landscape supplies. Additionally, you now have the option to require an order number for each sale, which will then be printed on all receipts. To Setup the Tagged docket printing please follow the advice.

POS Picking Slips

This new feature allows you to generate Picking Slips directly from the POS screen for sales. This enhancement simplifies the order fulfillment process, streamlining your operations.  Once a sale is completed, using the previous sales screen simply click the Pick Slip Button.  To enable this feature you will need to update your mapping.

POS Notes per line item

You can now add specific notes to individual line items in the POS screen. Whether it’s a reason for a discount or details of an alteration, these notes will appear in the POS grid and on customer receipts, providing better clarity and documentation. This new functionality works brilliantly with the new tagged dockets/kitchen printing allowing you to record an alteration to a item, like removing beetroot from a burger.  To add notes to items please follow instruction in our knowledge base.

Quote & Invoice Management – Proforma Payments

Proforma Invoices: We’ve enhanced the Proforma Invoices to provide detailed itemisation of customer payments. The report now includes the current outstanding balance at the time of printing, giving you a clearer view of payment status.

Rich Text Web Descriptions

Introducing an easy-to-use visual editor for your web descriptions! Now, you can effortlessly add bold text, underlines, numbering, bullet points, colours, and even insert tables. All your formatting choices will seamlessly translate to your web platform, giving you greater control over how your content is presented online.

Visual Deck

We’re thrilled to introduce a new near real-time sales reporting platform! With Visual Deck, you can monitor your store’s sales data from anywhere, without needing to remote into your store. Customize your dashboard tiles to focus on the key metrics that matter most to your business. Additionally, you can now generate weekly and monthly review reports, ensuring you’re always up-to-date on your business performance.

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Tower Systems supports Australian music instrument retailers and repairers

September 20, 2024
3 Min read
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At Tower Systems, we understand the unique needs of Australian music shops thank to the insights from existing customer sin this space. Their expertise has been a terrific help.

Our music shop POS software is designed to streamline operations and help retailers grow their business. Whether you sell instruments, sheet music, or offer lessons we have the tools to support your success.

Here are some of the features of our music shop POS software:

  • Easy to use and capable stock management: Track instruments, accessories, and sheet music with ease. Manage serial numbers, secondhand goods, and special orders.
  • Customer Relationship Management: Nurture customer loyalty with features like loyalty programs, service reminders, and personalised communications. You can capture details to make targeted marketing easier.
  • Point of Sale (POS) Solutions: Streamline sales processes with our user-friendly POS system, including integrated EFTPOS and Xero integration.
  • Online Sales Integration: Sell your products online through Shopify integration, expanding your reach to a wider customer base.
  • Repair and Service Management: Efficiently manage instrument repairs and servicing, including quotes, tracking,and customer communications.
  • Flexible Deployment Options: Choose between cloud-based or on-premise solutions to suit your business needs.

Here’s why we think we are worth considering:

  • Our software is developed and supported locally, ensuring a deep understanding of your business needs.
  • Our dedicated support team is available to assist you with any questions or issues.
  • We only serve local small businesses. No one big business dominates us.
  • Customise your software to match your specific workflows and preferences.

Now, here are some questions we get asked about us and our music shop POS software:

  • How do I contact your support team? You can reach our Australian-based support team by phone or email. Call us and a human answers.
  • Can I run the software in the cloud or on my desktop? Yes, we offer both cloud-based and on-premise options.
  • Is there a lock-in contract? No, you can cancel your rental at any time with no long-term commitment.
  • Can I offer discounts to specific groups or customers? Yes, our software allows you to create custom discounts and promotions.
  • Can I track sales for fundraising purposes? Absolutely, you can track sales to specific groups or organisations to support fundraising initiatives.

Join the many Australian music shops that trust Tower Systems. Contact us today to learn more about how our software can help you streamline your operations and grow your business. We’re on 1300 662 957 or sales@towersystems.com.au.

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Firearms dealer software can help firearms dealers capture and manage data for a national firearms register

September 19, 2024
2 Min read
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Tower Systems has lobbied federal and state governments about using local Aussie made Firearms dealer POS software as a data capture point for the proposed national firearms database.

Being well established in serving Australian firearms dealers with or POS software and already working the compliance space when it comes to tobacco products, other age check products and integrated lottery transaction sales, we are well versed in compliance work.

Back in 2022 we did work on the national firearms register proposals, writing to politicians.

We support the creation of a National Firearms Register.

We make software for small business authorised firearms dealers and a key challenge we have encountered over the years is the differences in states and territories as to gathering and maintaining records of firearms and ammunition purchases.

A national database that software like ours and that made by other software companies could link to would significantly improve efficiency in local firearms businesses. It would also provide accurate data from the point of purchase.

While we collect the data today, what happens with it from there is broken because of the broken approach in states and territories.

I have written to federal, state and territory ministers several times over the years about this and have failed to progress the matter.

Action on this would be most welcome.

We have also been in contact with many organisations that have an interest in the establishment of a national firearms registry.

We are grateful to our existing community of firearms dealer customers who have helped us with a swag of enhancements for your type of business.

  • Easier record keeping with serial number tracking of items sold.
  • Ensure compliance with structured age checking.
  • Easily handle special, one-off, customer orders.
  • Sell accurately by weight or measure – by whole numbers or fractions.
  • Leverage your knowledge, pass it on through structured opportunities.
  • A shopper loyalty program that works for your type of business.
  • Club pricing profiles. Set pricing rules based on customer type.
  • Differentiate with informative receipts.
  • Selling items bundled together makes price comparison hard.
  • Track who sold what.
  • Save time by importing electronic invoices.
  • Cut mistakes with integrated EFTPOS.
  • Cut accounting and bookkeeping fees with the Xero integration.
  • Sell online with a direct e-com links.

Our Aussie made and supported POS software for firearms dealers is well established and widely used in retail businesses as well as sports shooter organisations.

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Surge in newsagency software customers for Tower Systems

September 18, 2024
3 Min read
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The Australian newsagency industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer habits. At the forefront of this evolution is Tower Systems, a leading provider of point-of-sale (POS) software tailored specifically for newsagents.   And boy, are we having a year.

In 2024, Tower Systems has witnessed a surge in the number of Australian newsagents adopting its industry-standard software. This significant growth is a testament to the software’s ability to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by modern newsagents.

Most of our new customers have switched from other software. There is certainly a consolidation going on in the newsagency software space.

Tower Systems’ newsagency software offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency:

  • POS Functionality: The software provides robust POS capabilities, including sales transactions, customer management, inventory control, and reporting.
  • Magazine Retail Sales: Tower Systems excels in managing magazine retail sales, from stock control to customer loyalty programs to supplier integrations.
  • Magazine Putaways: The software supports magazine putaways, allowing newsagents to sell in-store subscriptions.
  • Online Sales: Tower Systems integrates seamlessly with online platforms, enabling newsagents to expand their reach and offer convenient online shopping options.
  • Product Returns: The software handles product returns efficiently, ensuring accurate tracking and refunds.

As the Australian newsagency industry continues to evolve, Tower Systems is committed to providing solutions that meet the changing needs of its customers. Some of the key trends driving the demand for Tower Systems’ software include:

  • Digital Transformation: Newsagents are increasingly embracing digital technologies to improve their operations and customer experience. Tower Systems’ software offers features such as online ordering, e-commerce integration (Shopify, Bg Commerce, Magento, Woo), and digital marketing tools to support this trend.
  • Customer Experience: Providing exceptional customer service is a top priority for newsagents. Tower Systems’ software helps newsagents build stronger customer relationships through loyalty programs, personalised recommendations, and efficient service.
  • Inventory Management: Effective inventory management is crucial for maximising profits and minimising losses. Tower Systems’ software offers advanced inventory tracking and forecasting tools to help newsagents optimise their stock levels.
  • Compliance: Tower Systems’ software ensures compliance by providing built-in features for managing GST, reporting requirements, and other industry-specific obligations.

With over 1,800 newsagency businesses in Australia now using Tower Systems’ software, the company has built a strong reputation for reliability, innovation, and exceptional customer support. Satisfied customers consistently praise the software’s ease of use, comprehensive features, and ongoing support services.

As the Australian newsagency industry continues to evolve, Tower Systems remains committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that empower newsagents to thrive in a competitive market. By investing in Tower Systems’ software, newsagents can improve their efficiency, enhance their customer experience, and drive growth in their businesses.

We are so grateful to so many newsagents for their support.

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Pet Shop Software on show at AusPet Expo Today in Melbourne

September 17, 2024
2 Min read
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Tower Systems is grateful to be the only pet shop software company exhibiting at and supporting the AusPet Expo this week. We are setup here at the Hyatt exhibition facility in Essendon with a range of other pet shop suppliers.

It’s engagement at industry events like this over the years that positions us as the industry standard software for pet shops.

From tracking pet care treatment timing like worming to celebrating pet birthdays to sharing specialty care and use information relating to products you sell, out pet shop software is a perfect front of store and back office tool that helps you serve your pet loving customers.

  • Save time with electronic invoices from suppliers.
  • Differentiate with you. Share your product use and care information.
  • Track pet microchip numbers.
  • Track worming and other date-based treatments for customer reminders.
  • Easy special customer orders. Smart track and notify of orders.
  • Club and group pricing. Set pricing rules based on customer type.
  • Use tags to get a fresh perspective, side-view, on stock performance.
  • Business differentiating loyalty. Stand out from the crowd. Drive sales.
  • Multi buy pricing – like a coffee card – to drive loyalty.
  • Make money from pre-orders – Easily pre-sell before release.
  • Differentiate with bundles. Make price comparison hard.
  • Track who sold what.
  • Say goodbye to LayBy – with integrated buy now pay later options.
  • Market to customers based on past purchases.
  • Cut accounting and bookkeeping fees with integration to Xero and others.
  • Easily sell online with a direct to Shopify link from your POS software.

The Tower Systems pet shop software continues to evolve, with regular updates based on user suggestions. The latest update was released last week and it is delivering terrific enhancements that help pet retailers expand the reach of their businesses.

I am with AIRR, can I load their catalogue into the software? Yes.

I am with Indepet, can I load their catalogue into the software? Yes.

Can I record the microchip numbers for family pets? Yes.

Does the software work with and easily load supplier provided electronic invoices? Yes, including: Airr, Eastern Distributors, Premier Pet, Master Pet, Kongs and Pet Pacific.

If you are visiting AusPet in Melbourne this week, say g’day.

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POS software for retailers in Papua New Guinea

September 16, 2024
2 Min read
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We’re proud to serve retailers in Papua New Guinea with our cutting-edge Point of Sale (POS) software. As an Australian company, we here at Tower Systems understand the unique needs of businesses in Papua New Guinea and have tailored our software to meet their specific requirements.

Our POS solution is designed to cater to a wide range of industries, including jewellers, garden centres, bike shops,bookshops, pet shops, toy shops, fabric shops, and more. With our user-friendly interface and comprehensive features,businesses can streamline their operations, enhance customer service, and drive sales growth.

One of the key advantages of choosing our POS software is our dedicated support team. With time zones that align closely with Papua New Guinea, we are able to provide timely assistance and resolve any issues promptly. Our team has extensive experience working with local businesses, ensuring that we understand the nuances of the Papua New Guinea market and can offer tailored advice.

Call us and a human answers.

To ensure that our clients get the most out of our software, we provide comprehensive training. Our one-on-one live training sessions are customized to meet the specific needs of each business, ensuring that retailers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to use the POS software effectively. In addition to live training, we offer a vast library of video tutorials and text-based articles in our knowledge base, providing 24/7 access to support resources.

Our POS software users in Papua New Guinea have access to a wide range of features, including [list of key features].This comprehensive suite of tools enables businesses to manage their operations efficiently, from inventory control and sales tracking to customer relationship management and reporting.

We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that our clients’ needs are met. To facilitate the sales process, we offer personalized demonstrations of our POS software. These demonstrations are recorded and can be shared within the retail business, allowing all stakeholders to evaluate the software’s suitability before making a decision.

By choosing our Tower Systems POS software, Papua New Guinea retailers can benefit from a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly solution that is designed to help them succeed in today’s competitive market.

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Self Checkout Made for Local Independent Small Business Retailers

September 13, 2024
2 Min read
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The self checkout POS software solution from Tower Systems helps local small business retailers offer a labour, time and space efficient solution to many different types of specialty retailers.

This software is designed to help small business retailers provide a more efficient and convenient checkout experience for their customers. The software is easy to use and can be installed on a variety of hardware platforms. Tower Systems is a company that has been providing POS solutions to small businesses for over 20 years. They are committed to providing their customers with the best possible products and services.

The self checkout POS software from Tower Systems is a complete solution that includes everything you need to set up and operate a self checkout station. The software is based on the company’s popular POS software solution.

It’s easy to use. Customers simply scan their items and then tap their card to pay. The software automatically calculates the total and prints a receipt. The software can also be used to issue loyalty points and coupons.

There are many benefits to using the self checkout POS software from Tower Systems. Some of the benefits include:

  • Increased efficiency: Self checkout stations can help you reduce checkout lines and improve the overall customer experience.
  • Reduced labor costs: Self checkout stations can help you reduce your labor costs by freeing up your employees to focus on other tasks.
  • Increased sales: Self checkout stations can help you increase your sales by making it easier for customers to shop and pay.
  • Improved customer satisfaction: Self checkout stations can help you improve customer satisfaction by providing a more convenient and efficient checkout experience.

The self checkout POS software from Tower Systems is a great solution for small business retailers who want to provide a more efficient and convenient checkout experience for their customers. The software is easy to use and can be installed on a variety of hardware platforms.

Tower Systems is grateful to serve more than 3,750 local small business retailers in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and elsewhere. We are committed to providing local small business retailers with the best possible products and services.=

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Analysing Retail Trends: Insights for local small business retailers the Remainder of 2024 and Beyond

September 11, 2024
3 Min read
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Analysing data from numerous retailers across various settings, we’ve identified several trends that may be beneficial to others as we navigate the final four months of 2024 and beyond. Tower Systems is pleased to share these local small business retail insights.

Product Trends

  • Relaxing Products: The jigsaw surge from during the pandemic has resurfaced. Sales are up and smart retailers are doing well. Likewise, there is growth in other brain related products and activities such as: adult colouring, art and craft, journaling, cross-stitch, knitting, games, and art. Smart retailers are not only selling these items but also providing opportunities for customers to connect with others engaged in these activities.
  • Nesting: This category has experienced a valuable uptick this year. Nesting products include candles, diffusers, essential oils, rugs, cushions, homewares, pets, cooking items, and related products.
  • Tactile Products: We’ve observed a surge in cuddly products, such as plush toys, pets, rugs, blankets, pillows, and similar items. Fitting under the sensory category this year, these products placed for impulse engagement are proving to be a value hit for retailers, extending the value of the basket.
  • Easy Shopping: Retailers are gaining sales by simplifying the shopping experience through packaging frequently purchased items together and placing them prominently at the front of the store and at the counter.
  • Postable Gifts: People appreciate the convenience of easily sending gifts to loved ones they can’t see in person.

Operational

  • Working from Home: This is still a thing, especially in regional settings.  Leaning into the opportunity is smart for retailers, across almost any retail business.
  • Online: This is critical for every retailers as more sales are transacted online. Having an easy to access, beautiful, m. enjoyable and well, stocked website is a key part of the plan.
  • Contactless Retail: Having the EFTPOS machine facing the customer and positioned for easy tapping, along with implementing arrangements for the lowest possible EFTPOS fees, is essential.

Seasonal

  • Early Christmas Shopping: Christmas sales for 2024 started as early as June this year. We have seen some businesses already do very well in this space.

Local small business retail has changed. Smart retailers leaning into change are the ones doing best. Our POS software can help retailers spot trends for their commercial benefit.

it has also created opportunities. The Victorian situation serves as a reminder that disruption is not temporary. History suggests that the winners will be those businesses that adapted early and were able to refine their offerings and processes as the market evolved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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