The POS Software Blog

The POS Software Blog

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

TagPOS system

All set for Reed Melbourne gift fair

August 8, 2026
3 Min read
A

We are all setup and read to go for the Reed Melbourne Gift Fair, which starts today.

On our stand we will be demonstrating the very latest in POS software for gift shops, jewellers, garden centres, newsagents, toy shops, music shops, bookshops and more.

This is smart POS software. Melbourne made. Melbourne supported.

Gift retail has its own rhythm. Seasonal buying, one-off suppliers, products that need good photos and descriptions to sell online. Our software is built for that. Supplier invoices load in around 30 seconds. AI writes product descriptions and SEO content for you. Reports come with plain advice on what to do next. It connects with Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce and Xero, so your shop floor and your online store stay in step.

If you are walking the fair with buying on your mind, five minutes at our stand could save you hours every week back at the shop. Bring your questions. We like the hard ones.

What sets us apart we think is the help behind the software. Our help desk is in Australia, staffed by people who know retail, and training is part of the deal rather than an extra. When you call, you speak with someone who understands what a busy Saturday in a gift shop looks like. Plenty of the retailers on our software came to us from bigger-name systems where they felt like an account number.

AI is doing real work in our software, and it has been since 2022. We call it Retailer AI, and it draws on Gemini, Claude and ChatGPT inside the POS software itself. A typical business saves between 5 and 8 labour hours a week, worth $175 to $280 at a $35 an hour pay rate. One retailer used it to find more than $10,000 in dead stock. There is plenty of AI hype about at the moment. This is not that. It is invoices loading themselves, reorders drafting themselves and reports that tell you what to do next.

The Melbourne Gift Fair is the best week of the year to see all of this in person. Bring a sales report or a supplier invoice from your own shop if you like, and we will show you what the software does with it on the spot. No script and no canned demo. If you cannot make it to our stand, book a free demo and we will bring the software to you after the fair.

Read onRead later

Retailer Roam: the sell from anywhere, any time, even without internet access POS software solution

September 24, 2025
4 Min read
R

Modern retail is not restricted to four walls and a fixed counter. The smartest retailers know that the key to growth is to be where the customers are, whether that’s on the shop floor, at a local market, a pop-up event, or even off the back of a truck.

Retail is personal and the more in the moment you can be with shoppers the better.

This new landscape requires tools that are as agile and mobile as your business. Our Retailer Roam solution is a calm, capable, and cloud-based tool in the Tower Systems software suite, designed to give you the freedom to sell anywhere, anytime.

We have customers using Retailer Roam for pop-up shops, trade show events, selling from a trust, selling on the shop floor, selling from a local market and selling from out in the field and far away fro the sales counter. And, bets of all, a new release of Retailer Roam is out now, launched just a couple of weeks ago, in late August 2025.

Retailer Roam makes it easy to sell anywhere, at any time. We have jewellers, garden centres, produce businesses and not-for profit use cases from live experience.

Portability and Uninterrupted Sales

As a tablet-based app for Apple iPads and Android devices, Retailer Roam serves as a powerful extension of our core Retailer POS software from us here at Tower Systems. It’s built for small businesses on the move, but its key strength lies in its ability to operate with or without an internet connection.

We understand that reliable WiFi isn’t always guaranteed at an event or temporary location. Retailer Roam is engineered to work seamlessly even when a connection is unavailable. Sales and customer data are stored securely in a queue on the device and then automatically synchronised with your main system the moment you’re back online. This offers complete peace of mind, ensuring you never miss a sale due to a sketchy connection.

Developed with retailers, for retailers, Retailer Roam has years of in-the-field use that proves its value.

Powerful Retail Features, Right in Your Hands

Retailer Roam isn’t a scaled-down app; it provides the power of a full POS terminal in a portable format. With it, you can:

  • Transact with Ease: Effortlessly process cash and integrated EFTPOS sales, create invoices, set up a LayBy, and handle refunds.
  • Manage Stock: Sell items with serial numbers, conduct on-the-go stocktakes, and manage re-ordering from anywhere.
  • Engage Customers: Accrue and redeem loyalty points on the spot, strengthening your customer relationships wherever you meet them.
  • Customise Your Workflow: Adapt the POS screen to suit your specific needs for faster, more intuitive service.

How Retailer Roam Works

Behind the scenes, a secure and reliable three-phase process keeps your data accurate and synchronised with your main business database. It begins with an initial transfer of your base stock information to get you selling immediately. The app then receives live product updates, like price changes, and finally, all sales and customer data from the Roam terminal is sent back to your main software. This gives you a complete, unified picture of your business performance across all locations.

With the most recent version released just last month in August 2025, we continue to evolve Retailer Roam to ensure it remains a viable and loved solution for local small business retailers. It’s a proven tool for any retail business that needs to be agile, secure, and ready for anything.

While the right POS system depends on the specific needs of your business, Tower Systems was built to serve Australian and New Zealand specialty retailers.

To see how we can help you, request a free, no-obligation demo today.

Call: 1300 662 957 (in Australia) or 0800 444 367 (in New Zealand) Email: sales@towersystems.com.au

Read onRead later

An easy way for retailers to apportion the cost of freight across products on a supplier invoice

September 23, 2025
2 Min read
A

From Frustration to Efficiency: Simplifying Freight Cost Allocation

Handling the cost of freight can be a significant challenge for any retail business. For some, a substantial freight charge on an invoice can be a source of frustration. For others, the practical struggle lies in accurately apportioning that single cost across all the different items in the shipment.

Let’s start with the frustration. The simple truth is that every single item you receive has a freight cost associated with getting it to your store. Sometimes this cost is clearly itemised on your invoice; other times, it’s hidden within the cost of the goods themselves. But either way, it is always there.

The second challenge is the practical one: how do you accurately assign a portion of a $150 freight bill to hundreds of individual products on an invoice? This is where our Tower Systems POS software can help make the process easy.

In our software, you can take the total freight charge shown on an invoice and have it automatically apportioned across all items received. This ensures the landed cost of each product is accurate. The system is flexible, too. If you feel a specific product should carry more or less of the freight burden, you can easily adjust it manually. Plus, if your invoice has more than one freight charge, you can add them all in to be spread across the items.

Handling freight costs accurately and quickly is essential for maintaining healthy margins. Our software is designed to save you time on these crucial back-office tasks. We believe that every minute saved is valuable. Labour has a cost, and the more we can do to help retailers reduce this, the better.

Our software provides independent small businesses with a framework for consistency in their operations. By simplifying processes like freight allocation, we help you establish a reliable and accurate method for reflecting the true cost of your goods, paving the way for smarter pricing and better business decisions.

We love helping local small business retailers thrive. We do this for bookshops, sewing shops, music shops, garden centres, pet shops, toy shops, produce businesses, stockfeed businesses, jewellers, firearms dealers and more – all specialty retailers, all with unique needs, yet businesses with common needs when it comes to managing freight costs.

Read onRead later

Your Business, Your Language: Next-Level Support for Multilingual Retailers

September 22, 2025
3 Min read
Y

The small business retail community across Australia and New Zealand is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. For many dedicated business owners, English is a second, third, or even fourth language, not the one they use most comfortably in their day-to-day communication.

At Tower Systems, we believe that language should be a bridge, not a barrier, to getting the most from your (our) point-of-sale software.

Our commitment to this isn’t new. We first introduced Mandarin and Cantonese language support from our help desk back in 2002, later adding Vietnamese. We saw then how vital it was to offer support in the languages our customers speak most fluently.

Fast forward to today, and we’ve taken this support to a new level. Leveraging a professional and secure AI platform, we can now offer assistance in a vast array of foreign languages. This technology is powered by a structured knowledge base we have built over many years, containing more than 700 articles and hundreds of videos on how to use our POS software.

The system is designed for ease and flexibility. Our customers can type a query in their preferred language and receive a clear, written response in that same language. If it’s easier to explain an issue out loud, they can simply speak their query. The platform listens, considers the question, and responds verbally. Users can even record their query and upload the file for a prompt response.

Foreign language support is vital in local retail today. It empowers retailers to use their software more effectively, unlocking benefits for their businesses and the communities they serve. Before we released this capability publicly, we tested it thoroughly to ensure the process was seamless, trustworthy, and even enjoyable. After all, a positive customer service experience is paramount.

We started with our own high school-level French, German, and Spanish. Then, we invited some of our customers to put the system through its paces, and they went far beyond our basic skills. It was a genuine treat to see people so happy and satisfied with their engagement.

While we embrace technology, we know that retail is personal. We haven’t forgotten that. Access to the people here at Tower Systems remains as easy as ever—there are no barriers or roadblocks. In fact, by having our chatbot handle many common questions in multiple languages, our human team is freed up for more complex interactions that truly benefit from personal engagement.

Helping local retailers thrive has been our driving force for decades. Offering broader foreign language support for our POS software is another way we are innovating for them. Local small businesses are the heart of our communities; they carry the local narrative and enrich our culture. Helping them succeed is good for our economy and our community spirit.

By providing this service, we are giving our retailers new opportunities to thrive. We like that. No, we love it. Because a thriving local retail sector means a thriving community for everyone.

Find out more about our foreign language POS software support:

Email: sales@towersystems.com.au Phone (Australia): 1300 772 957 Phone (New Zealand): 0400 444 367

Read onRead later

Our Contract is Our Commitment: Why We Make It Easy for Our POS software to Leave

September 20, 2025
3 Min read
O

In the world of retail software, the long-term contract is standard practice. Twelve, twenty-four, even thirty-six-month agreements are common, locking small business retailers into a platform regardless of whether it continues to meet their evolving needs. At Tower Systems, we have a different approach. Our commitment to you isn’t written in a lengthy, binding contract; it’s proven every day in the value our software delivers.

That’s why we make it easy for our customers to leave.

With just 30 days’ notice, any retailer using our POS software for small business retail can terminate their rental agreement. There are no financial penalties, no hidden clauses, and no difficult conversations. This isn’t just a policy; it’s the bedrock of our entire business philosophy.

Putting Our Skin in the Game

This 30-day notice period is our differentiator, but more importantly, it’s our daily motivation. By giving our customers the freedom to leave, we place the onus squarely on ourselves to give them compelling reasons to stay. It keeps us accountable and relentlessly focused on what truly matters: delivering tangible value to the small, independent retailers we serve.

We back ourselves and our software. We are confident that our product, our support, and our continuous innovation will earn your business month after month. If we fail to do that, you should have the freedom to choose a solution that does.

How This “Easy to Quit” Policy Drives Us

This commitment shapes every facet of our operation:

  • It Drives Continuous Innovation: We can’t afford to become complacent. Knowing that our customers can leave at any time pushes our development team to constantly enhance our software, release meaningful updates, and respond to the real-world needs of modern retailers.
  • It Demands Excellent Support: When a retailer calls for support, they aren’t just a contract number; they are a partner whose trust we must re-earn with every interaction. Our support team understands that responsive, effective, and knowledgeable service is critical to customer retention.
  • It Fosters a True Partnership: The traditional software contract creates a power imbalance. Our model fosters a partnership. We are in it together. Your success is the only metric that guarantees our success, creating a relationship built on mutual trust and respect, not contractual obligation.

The Power of Freedom for the Retailer

For a small retail business owner, agility is everything. The retail landscape can change in a season, and your business needs to pivot quickly. Being locked into a multi-year software contract that no longer fits your workflow stifles that agility.

Our 30-day policy provides you with:

  • Reduced Risk: You can adopt our powerful, specialised POS software for your local specialty retail business with the confidence that you are not making an irreversible, long-term financial commitment.
  • Ultimate Flexibility: As your business grows, diversifies, or changes, you have the assurance that your core operational software can change with you.
  • An Empowered Choice: You stay with Tower Systems because you want to, not because you have to. You are in control.

We believe the best way to keep a customer is to deliver so much value they wouldn’t dream of leaving. That’s our promise. The 30-day notice isn’t an exit clause; it’s our commitment to upholding that promise every single day.

About Tower Systems

Tower Systems has been providing specialised POS software for small and independent retailers across Australia for over 40 years. We pride ourselves on creating practical, feature-rich software backed by industry-leading support. To learn more about our commitment to local retail, visit us at www.towersystems.com.au.

Read onRead later

We imported a PDF of a 16 page invoice with 480 stock items into our AI enabled POS software in no time at all with 100% accuracy

September 19, 2025
2 Min read
W

Manual data entry is the silent thief of productivity in local small business retail. Every business owner knows the feeling: a thick supplier invoice lands on your desk, and you know that hours of tedious, soul-destroying typing lie ahead. It’s a process prone to errors, where a single misplaced decimal or incorrect product code can lead to stock discrepancies, pricing mistakes, and ultimately, lost revenue.

We decided to put a definitive end to that.

We took a real-world, complex challenge: a 16-page supplier invoice containing 480 individual stock items with a freight charge and including some stock items not stocked before. The kind of document that would typically take a staff member hours to process, with a high likelihood of human error.

The result? Our AI-powered POS software ingested, read, and processed the entire document in moments. Not minutes, moments.

  • Pages processed: 16
  • Line items: 480
  • Time taken: Seconds
  • Accuracy: 100%

How is this possible?

This isn’t simple Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Our Tower Systems small business POS software AI has been trained to understand the structure of an invoice. It doesn’t just see text; it identifies columns and comprehends data, intelligently mapping product codes, descriptions, quantities, costs, and taxes directly into your inventory system.

What this could mean for your business:

  • Reclaim your time: Free up yourself and your staff to focus on what truly matters—serving customers and growing the business, not acting as data entry clerks.
  • Eliminate costly errors: 100% accuracy means your stock levels are correct from the moment goods arrive. No more pricing errors or chasing phantom inventory.
  • Get stock on shelves faster: The delay between receiving a delivery and having it available for sale is drastically reduced. In a fast-moving retail environment, this speed is a competitive advantage.
  • Improve staff morale: Removing the most tedious tasks from your team’s plate is a guaranteed way to boost job satisfaction.

The days of manually processing supplier invoices are over. Technology should work for you, simplifying complexity and giving you back your most valuable asset: time.

The Tower Systems AI enabled POS software is proving to be a game changer for local and independent small business retailers. Find out more at www.towersystems.com.au or call 1300 662 957 or email sales@towersystems.com.au.

We love helping local small business retailers thrive!

Read onRead later

Looking for an MYOB Retail Manager Alternative? A Guide for Australian Retailers

September 18, 2025
4 Min read
L

Here at Tower Systems, we respect the significant role MYOB Retail Manager has played in helping countless Australian retailers over the years. We are also grateful to have welcomed many of its former users into our community, providing a comfortable and welcome new home for their business operations and data.

If you’re currently using MYOB Retail Manager and exploring what else is out there, we’d like to introduce ourselves. We specialise in creating powerful, user-friendly POS software specifically for local specialty retailers in Australia.

The Tower Systems difference is about more than the software

When you partner with us, you’ll discover some key differences. We’ve built our service around the unique needs of small business owners. Here’s what you can expect as a Tower Systems customer:

  • Easy One-on-One Training: Get personalised training on our POS software to ensure you and your team are confident from day one.
  • AI tools embedded. Yes, AI tools in our POS software ready to help you work faster, smarter and more profitably.
  • Local, Experienced Support: Our friendly help desk experts are all based in Australia. Many have retail experience themselves, so they understand the challenges you face.
  • Regular, Tested Updates: We don’t just push out updates. We thoroughly test them before release, using valuable user feedback to guide the development of new features. Plus, your voice is heard when considering enhancements to our POS software.
  • Learn at Your Own Pace: Dive into our extensive knowledge base with over 600 step-by-step guides and access a library of fresh training videos anytime you need a refresher. Awe also have easy to access free training videos that are kept up top date.
  • Seamless EFTPOS Integration: We integrate with your preferred bank, ensuring smooth and reliable transactions for you and your customers. Plus, we don’t lock you in on payments.
  • Grow Your Customer Base: With so many tools and opportunities.
  • A Connected Community: Join our private Facebook group to connect with other retailers, and participate in our regular customer Zoom meetings to learn tips and ask questions directly.
  • Direct Access to Leadership: We believe in transparency and accessibility. You can talk directly with our key decision-makers.
  • Advanced Theft Check Service: Protect your bottom line with our secure service that analyses transaction data to help identify and prevent potential fraud.

Since 1981, we’ve grown to serve over 3,000 local businesses across various specialty retail channels. Our technology is cutting-edge, efficient, and developed entirely by our in-house team. We also provide all our own support, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience.

Considering a switch from MYOB retail Manager? Here’s our honest advice

Changing your core business system is a big decision. If you’re considering a move from MYOB Retail Manager, we first recommend contacting them to see if they can address your concerns. Sometimes, staying with a familiar system is the best path forward.

However, if you’re committed to making a change, the best first step is to create a list of your absolute needs and wants in a new POS software and provider.

At Tower Systems, we’re a no-pressure company. We would be delighted to learn about your business needs, provide a comprehensive, no-obligation demonstration of our software, and then give you the time and space to consider it at your own pace.

Let’s connect

When you’re ready, we’ll be here – in person, not through an offshore call centre. Our service is personal. Call us, and a real person will answer. Visit our head office, and we’ll welcome you in. Email us, and you can expect a prompt reply.

We can’t guarantee we’re the absolute best alternative for everyone, but we’re confident we can show you a robust, supportive, and forward-thinking option for your retail business.

Check us out and see if Tower Systems is the right fit for you:

Thanks for reading!

P.S. We specialise in working with local small business retailers in Australia. This ensures our focus is always on serving your specific needs, not those of large corporations.

Read onRead later

Customers are loving being able to ask POS software questions in any language

September 17, 2025
3 Min read
C

Our Tower Systems small business retail customers are loving the ability for our Intercom FIN chatbot to answer POS software queries in languages other than English. There is no switch for them to turn on. All our small business retail customers need do is start by speaking or typing in their language of choice. The interaction is a joy to watch.

Check out this interaction from the other day.

French, Japanese, Spanish, Dutch, German, even Pidgin English.

All one of our POS software customers need do is to ask a question in their preferred language.

Our ChatBot responses only come from the knowledge we have provided. This closed approach provided a quality interaction for even the most complex of questions put by our small business POS software customers.

Now, our ChatBot has been live for years. Its skill is growing daily. And, more of our POS software customers are using it. Their productivity is up as a result, as is ours.

What’s interesting is that our staffing of the help desk has not been cut as a result of the AI ChatBot that’s in place. rather, team members are freed to be more efficient in other ways, and this benefits our customers for ore complex queries and other work that benefits our goal of helping local small business retailers thrive.

By handling routine and repetitive queries, the ChatBot frees up our help desk staff to tackle more complex and nuanced customer issues. This shift allows our team to focus on the truly human aspects of support, building relationships, providing in-depth guidance, and offering personalised solutions that the AI cannot. It means our human team members can dedicate their time to high-value interactions, ensuring that our small business customers feel heard and supported, ultimately strengthening our commitment to their long-term success.

We continue to provide human oversight of the ChatBot responses, to ensure they are correct and to look for ways we can improve the knowledge feed to the ChatBot so that its response are even better.

Ai is not a replacement for good customer service. Rather, it is an enhancement to customer service in so many ways.

Key to the success our ChatBot has at providing responses to our small business POS software customers is the structured knowledge source we provide. This has been a hallmark of our company for decades and continues to evolve today. This is not your regular user manual or other documentation software companies produce. rather, it is structured step-by-step information, knowledge, peer-reviewed and checked to ensure its accuracy and understandability by people and by tech that have no retail reference point yet for which retail context is vital.

At the heart of the C hatBot advice is human knowledge and here at Tower Systems that’s not going anywhere. We know that retail is all about the personal experience, especially local small business retail.

We are grateful to our POS software customers for engaging with our ChatBot, providing feedback and engaging as we continue to evolve this smart tech service.

…

While the right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business, Tower Systems was built to serve Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today. 

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au. 

Read onRead later

See how our pet shop software serves Indepet retailers and other pet shop owners

September 17, 2025
3 Min read
S

Empowering Independent Pet Shops: More Than Just a POS System

Independent pet shop owners run a business and they nurture a community of pet lovers. They compete with passion and expertise, but to truly thrive against large chain stores, they need tools that work as hard as they do. A Point-of-Sale (POS) system should be more than a cash register, it should be a central hub for growth, efficiency, and customer engagement.

At Tower Systems, we’ve developed specialised pet shop software designed to empower local and independent retailers, including proud members of the Indepet group. Our platform helps you compete effectively by saving time, enabling genuine omnichannel sales, and providing the data you need to make smarter business decisions. See for yourself in this new video from us:

Create Unbeatable Customer Loyalty

In a competitive market, customer loyalty is your greatest asset. Our software is packed with features designed to build lasting relationships and keep your customers returning.

Imagine a system that automatically manages multi-buy promotions, like a “buy 10, get one free” offer on pet food, without the need for flimsy punch cards. The POS prompts your staff when a customer is eligible and prints their progress on their receipt, creating a seamless experience.

Go a step further by adding a personal touch:

  • Celebrate pet birthdays with special offers.
  • Send automated reminders for worming and other treatments.
  • Track pet microchip numbers for your records.
  • Share your own specialty care and product use information directly with customers.

Streamline Operations and Drive Sales

Our goal is to help you spend less time on administration and more time with your customers. The Tower Systems pet shop software is a complete tool for both your front-of-store and back-office needs. It helps you differentiate your business and grow your bottom line with powerful, integrated features.

Key Features for Your Pet Shop:

  • Save Time: Process electronic invoices directly from suppliers and slash bookkeeping fees with seamless integration into Xero and other accounting platforms.
  • Boost Loyalty: Implement automated multi-buy promotions and flexible club or group pricing to reward your best customers.
  • Increase Sales: Easily manage pre-orders, create unique product bundles to make price comparisons difficult, and market to customers based on their specific purchase history.
  • Embrace Omnichannel: Sell online with ease through a direct link from your POS software to a Shopifywebstore.
  • Modernise Payments: Move beyond outdated lay-by systems with integrated Buy Now, Pay Later options.
  • Gain Insights: Use product tags to get a fresh perspective on stock performance and track sales data by employee.

A Platform That Evolves With You

The pet retail industry is constantly changing, and your software should too. The Tower Systems platform is continuously evolving, with regular updates that include enhancements suggested directly by our customers. When you choose our software, you’re not just buying a product; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your success.

Ready to take your pet shop to the next level?

Discover how Tower Systems can help you save time, build lasting customer relationships, and grow your business.

Website: www.towersystems.com.au Phone: 1300 662 957 Email: sales@towersystems.com.au

Read onRead later

Small business retailers can influence POS software enhancement at Tower Systems

September 16, 2025
2 Min read
S

Small Businesses Can Directly Shape Their Point-of-Sale Software

For a small business retailer, the right Point-of-Sale (POS) software is crucial. But what if you could do more than just use it? What if you could actively influence its development? At Tower Systems, we provide our customers with a direct channel to do just that through our Software Ideas platform. Here’s a new video from us about this:

A Customer-Driven Process

Inspired by the principles in Jeff Jarvis’s book What Would Google Do?, we launched the Software Ideas platform 16 years ago to make our development process more transparent and driven by real-world customer needs.

The process is simple and democratic:

  1. Suggest: Our retail customers can submit any suggestion for a software enhancement through the platform.
  2. Assess: Our team assesses each idea for its technical feasibility and cost.
  3. Vote: If a suggestion is viable, we open it up for a community vote where all of our POS software customers can have their say on the features they want most.

This entire process is managed by team members like Mitch, who ensures that valuable customer feedback moves from an idea to a tangible feature, humanising and adding transparency to our development cycle.

Real Results in Every Update

This isn’t just a suggestion box—it’s the core of our innovation strategy. We are proud that every single update to our POS software includes enhancements suggested by our customers through the Software Ideas platform.

For example, our most recent software release in September 2025 contains eight new features that originated directly from this customer-driven process. We even highlight these user-suggested enhancements in our update notes to show the power and impact of our community’s engagement.

The result is a powerful POS system that is continuously refined to serve the real-world needs of retailers. This collaborative approach has not only enriched our software but has also built stronger, more trusting relationships with the businesses we serve.

POS Software for Specialty Retailers

Tower Systems is a POS software company focused on developing and supporting solutions for a wide range of niche specialty retailers, including:

  • Jewellers
  • Garden Centres
  • Bike Shops
  • Toy Shops
  • Produce & Farm Supply Businesses
  • Fishing & Pet Shops
  • Charity & Antique Shops
  • Sewing & Haberdashery Businesses
  • Landscape Gardening Suppliers
  • Newsagents
  • And many more.

By choosing Tower Systems, small businesses gain more than just software; they gain a voice in its evolution.

Read onRead later

The power of a $2 Discount: Unlocking bonus revenue you didn’t know you had

September 15, 2025
4 Min read
T

In a shop using our Tower Systems POS software the other day, we saw first-hand the valuable difference $2 can make. A customer completed their planned purchase and received a discount voucher on their receipt offering $2.00 off their next purchase. They glanced at the voucher, paused, turned around, and picked up a leather purse for $99.95.

“Why not treat yourself,” they said almost to themselves.

This single, small moment perfectly illustrates the powerful psychology of a simple, tangible reward. The $2.00 wasn’t just a discount; it was the permission the customer needed to indulge. It transformed a completed transaction into a brand-new, high-value sale.

This is something we have seen and heard about from retailers since we first launched discount vouchers in our POS software twelve years ago.

This powerful sales-driving tool isn’t a future feature or a costly add-on. Discount Voucher facilities are built into our Tower Systems POS software right now. They are easy to set up, effortless to manage, and continue to deliver bonus revenue for a minimal, often zero, cost.

Why these simple vouchers work so well

The effectiveness of this feature lies in its straightforward and honest approach. In a world of complex loyalty schemes, the direct discount voucher cuts through the noise.

  • Transparency is key: We all know what a dollar is worth. When you offer $5.00 off, the value is immediate and universally understood. This clarity is more compelling than abstract points systems. Who knows how much a point is worth? The customer has to do mental gymnastics, recall the rules of the program, and wonder about the true value. A dollar discount is instant gratification.
  • It feels like ‘found money’: A voucher printed on a receipt feels like an unexpected gift. This positive emotional response creates goodwill and encourages the customer to spend their newfound “cash” immediately, just as our purse-buyer did.
  • It drives immediate action: The voucher creates a compelling reason for a customer to either return to your store soon or, even better, to continue shopping right there and then. It turns a single purchase mission into a browsing and discovery session.

Putting vouchers to work in your business

Your Tower Systems software provides the flexibility to tailor voucher campaigns to your specific business goals. You can set them up in minutes to:

  • Reward every customer: Set up a simple “catch-all” voucher that prints on every eligible receipt, offering a small discount on their next purchase. This is a brilliant way to encourage repeat business.
  • Drive larger sales (spend & get): Configure vouchers to be issued only when a customer spends over a certain amount. For example, “Spend $100 and get a $10 voucher for your next visit.” This incentivises customers to increase their basket size.
  • Move specific stock: Need to clear out last season’s items or promote a new product line? Create vouchers that are only valid for specific departments or categories (e.g., “$5.00 off any purchase from our new giftware range”).
  • Re-engage lost customers: Use your customer data to identify shoppers who haven’t been in for a while and send them a targeted “We Miss You” email.

The setup is simple, the impact is real

Activating this feature is straightforward. Within your Tower Systems POS software, you can easily define the voucher’s value, set an expiry date to create urgency, specify a minimum spend for redemption, and control when and how it is issued. The POS automates the entire process—from printing the offer on the receipt to tracking and redeeming it—ensuring it’s a seamless experience for both your staff and your customers.

Don’t underestimate the power of a small incentive. The story of the $2.00 voucher and the $99.95 purse is not an anomaly; it’s a repeatable strategy. We have seen this ourselves.

Explore the discount voucher facilities in your Tower Systems software today. Start turning every transaction into a compelling opportunity for your next sale.

Read onRead later

Are you looking for an alternative to Shopify POS?

September 14, 2025
6 Min read
A

If you are looking for an alternative to Shopify POS for your shop, our Tower Systems POS software could be worth considering.

Now, to be clear, what we are talking about there is POS software for a physical shop.

Shopify started life as an e-commerce platform and that remains the core focus of their business. The Shopify POS app or service is an add-on for the physical shop.

Like many POS software companies, years ago we went through an approval process with Shopify to be an approved integrated POS software solution for Shopify – to offer in-store POS that’s integrated with their e-commerce platform. we continue to offer this today with many of our POS software customers using this.

What’s different about our POS software offering and how we compare to Shopify POS is that we are an in-store first solution, a physical retail first solution. That’s our specialty. In our software we go deep into serving the needs of retail businesses, workflow needs, operational needs, business growth needs. We also go deep into the needs of specific vertical retail channels: jewellers, bike shops, music shops, bookshops, pet shops, firearms dealers, camping shops, gift shops, newsagents, produce businesses, farm supply businesses, garden centres and many more.

This deep specialisation in our POS software matters because it addresses unique, real-world workflows that generic systems cannot. For a bike shop, it means seamlessly tracking serialised inventory from purchase to sale and managing workshop repairs. For a jeweller, it involves handling intricate repairs, managing consignment stock, and tracking precious metals. For a garden centre, it could be integrating scales to sell bulk landscape supplies by weight or it could be managing price changes to products when repotting or it could relate to producing product labels on weatherproof labels. These are not edge cases; they are the core, daily operations for these businesses, and our software is built from the ground up to make them efficient and profitable.

The needs of a physical shop are different to online, especially a retail business in an area of specialisation.

We think that a physical shop will be better served by something made first for their type of business and that any online business they have will be better serves by software made for the online business. That’s why we see our Tower Systems POS software as a viable alternative to Shopify POS for a physical store.

Make your own decision though. Do your research. Be sure to test all of your business specific needs against any POS software you are considering, including Shopify POS. And when you are dong the research, talk to the company, see how they handle your queries – some POS software companies are hard to talk to, you can’t pick up the phone and speak to someone. If personal contact will matter to your and your business, the availability of it should be a factor in your consideration as to the best POS software for your business.

When looking for an alternative to Shopify POS be clear about any doubts you have re Shopify POS (if any) and ensure the software alternatives you are considering do adequately address these doubts.

If you are looking for an alternative to Shopify POS for your retail business, consider Tower Systems. Our POS software might fit your needs. We’d be grateful for an opportunity to do this.

Now, here are some features and benefits with our Tower Systems POS software that customers tell us they love:

  1. The transparent approach to suggesting software enhancements.
  2. Easy access to support.
  3. Easy sales processing.
  4. Smooth counter workflow.
  5. Specialty retail functions for a range of specialty business types.
  6. Built-in AI tools.
  7. Loyalty tools customers love.
  8. Easy customisation options.
  9. The ability to sell anywhere, including on the road.
  10. Theft mitigation tools.
  11. Built in business insights.
  12. Scale integration.
  13. Selling by fractions.
  14. Selling products in kits.
  15. Comprehensive local delivery / dispatch tools.
  16. Roster integration.
  17. The ability to suspend sales.
  18. Easy import of supplier invoices without needing to use some EDI tool.
  19. Tracking and leveraging customer events.
  20. Integrated with Xero for accounting.
  21. No locked-in payment platform requirement.
  22. No cost based on each transaction.
  23. No lock-in contract.

Our POS software is about much more than this list.

Our extensive feature set is a direct result of our ‘in-store first’ philosophy. Functionality like direct scale integration for selling by weight, tools to handle fractional quantities for items sold by length, or the ability to seamlessly suspend a sale to serve another customer are born from decades of working directly with retailers on their shop floors. These are not just items on a checklist; they are robust solutions to real-world, physical retail challenges. While an e-commerce platform may eventually add such features as an afterthought, for us, they are foundational because the success of your physical shop is our foundational purpose.

Tower Systems in-store POS software solution integrated with Shopify for e-commerce gives you the best of both worlds with a single source of truth as to inventory and all transactions. While we integrate with Big Commerce, Woo Commerce and Magento, the majority of our online retail businesses integrate through our PSO software with Shopify for e-commerce.

We’d be happy to connect you with existing customers so you can talk retailer to retailer about the Shopify integration. We can also connect you with retailers who have switched from SHopify POS to our Tower Systems POS software. They can speak for themselves as to why and how it has gone for them.

If you are looking for an alternative to Shopify POS, Tower Systems might be a good choice. Let’s talk to explore that for you. No pressure. If there is anything you need that we don’t cover, we will tell you.

Before we go, here’s what we don’t have that Shopify does have when it comes Shopify POS – a huge marketing budget. We’re not paying to come first in search listings or to run billboard ads on social media. Most of our business is won by word of mouth – local small business retailers pitching us to their fellow retailers, for which we are sincerely grateful.

When we see someone ask the question what’s the best POS software for my business? or the question what’s a good alternative to Shopify POS?, we say: hey consider us here at Tower Systems. We will gladly show you what our software offers and let you experience the personal service we provide.

We’re not right for everyone, we know that. We might be right for your business. Let’s find out.

…

While the right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business, Tower Systems was built to serve  Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today. 

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au. 

#SmallBusiness #Retail #POSsoftware

Read onRead later

What’s the best loyalty solution for small local retailers to offer to drive sales?

September 12, 2025
3 Min read
W

Cash IS king when it comes to rewarding shoppers. We say that based on the results of the discount voucher facility in our small business targeted POS software. Launched in February 2013, this facility continues to outperform a traditional loyalty points offering, which is also available in our POS software.

In a typical shop, 20% of cash discount vouchers provided are redeemed with 33% redeemed the day of, 33% within 7 days and 33% within 28 days.

Businesses with less regular (weekly) shopper engagement benefit the most: garden centres, bookshops, gift shops, jewellers, outdoors shops.

Businesses that attract one time or very infrequent visitors benefit the most.

Guys tend to want to redeem immediately while girls will redeem over time. If they have the opportunity, girls are more likely to put two or more vouchers together for a better redemption.

Smart retailers calibrate financial support for the loyalty program in their pricing model.

The biggest discount voucher we have seen produced is $2,500 with the purchase of a jewellery piece. In that business, the typical voucher value almost always results in another purchase. In a smart move, the business rules require the voucher to cover a third or less of the purchase price.

At the other end of the scale, in newsagencies, tourist shops and discount variety shops, cash discount vouchers of $1 or less continue to drive incremental business.

The most interesting data to us is the cross product category drift: where a shopper accrues voucher value from one product category and redeems the voucher in a different product category. Newsagents offer the best example of this with accrual funded through the purchase of cards and redemption for magazine purchases.

This is all on our mind today because of the news this week that the Cashrewards program is shutting down immediately. In my experience, cash rewards offered shoppers to nurture loyal engagement help local small business retailers grow.

While we can see why some might say the Cashrewards news is a shake up for loyalty, I think it’s too early to say, especially given so many local and independent retailers are growing by offering their own self-managed cash rewards.

When it comes to shopper loyalty, Tower Systems is here to help local small business retailers to offer a loyalty solution over which you have easy and active control, to grow your business and to help your shoppers feel love from you.

…

While the right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business, Tower Systems was built to serve  Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today. 

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au. 

Read onRead later

Giving back: Empowering Community and Charity Shops with Tailored POS Software

September 10, 2025
3 Min read
G

We are proud and grateful, here at Tower Systems, to serve a wonderful variety of local op shops, charity shops, and community-owned enterprises. We appreciate  the vital role these organisations play in our communities. We are dedicated to supporting their success by providing Point of Sale (POS) software specifically tailored to their unique needs.

Designed for a Volunteer Workforce

A core challenge for many community enterprises is a workforce comprised of dedicated volunteers who may only work a few hours each month. Recognising the frequent turnover and varying levels of computer proficiency this entails, we have prioritised ease of use in our software. Our intuitive interface is straightforward to learn, ensuring that new team members can become confident and effective quickly.

To further support this, we have developed a curriculum of short-format training videos made specifically for charity enterprises. This design makes it easier for volunteers to learn the system at their own pace and supports the valuable work of their charity.

Features to Help Your Organisation Thrive

Our charity shop POS software is more than just a tool for processing sales; it’s a comprehensive system designed to help you manage, grow, and focus on your core mission.

  • Flexible Inventory Management: You decide the level of detail you need. Track stock at a high level by product type, or drill down to size, colour, style, or even individual items. This flexibility provides valuable data-driven insights to optimise stock management and make better decisions.
  • Effective Customer Loyalty: While our software offers various loyalty options, our cash-off loyalty program has proven particularly effective in a local retail setting. A simple receipt showing an amount a customer can save on their next visit is a powerful incentive, encouraging return visits and increased spending.
  • Security and Control: Protect your organisation with robust security features. You can lock down specific parts of the software for management access only, while built-in checks and balances guide processes and provide hidden tracking for peace of mind.
  • Community Engagement: Strengthen your local connections by leveraging our software to create targeted offers and special pricing for local clubs and community groups. You can even track purchases by members as a fund-raising tool for their organisation.
  • Expand Your Reach: In today’s world, not every shopper will walk past your door. Our POS software offers seamless integration with professional website platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, helping you connect with a wider audience.

Our Commitment to Giving Back

We believe in the important work that charity and community organisations do. As part of our own commitment to give back, Tower Systems offers these enterprises our POS software and any training at half price. This is a long-standing practice we are thankful to have been able to offer for decades, ensuring our solutions are as affordable as they are useful for these tight-budget businesses.

By providing the essential tools for inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement, we empower your organisation to operate efficiently and sustainably, allowing you to focus on what matters most—serving your community.

Let Tower Systems help you transform your charity shop into a thriving hub of community support.

To find out more, please visit www.towersystems.com.au/charity.

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au. 

Read onRead later

Small business retail advice: Surviving the Squeeze: Practical Strategies for Managing Cash Flow Amidst Rising Costs

September 9, 2025
5 Min read
S

2025 is proving to be a tough year for some. If your retail business is finding it tough, the advice we share here may be of interest. We put it together following a discussion with a couple of our POS software customers a few days ago. They are doing it tough and wanted to discuss their business.

From supplier price increases and increased freight charges to rising wages and rent, the pressure on the bottom line is coming from every direction fort plenty of local small business retailers. While you can’t control the broader economy, you have direct control over the most critical element of your business’s survival: your cash flow.

Proactive cash flow management is the key to building resilience in a tough economic climate. It transforms you from a passenger to the pilot of your business’s finances. With the crucial Christmas trading period just around the corner, now is the perfect time to implement these practical strategies to strengthen your position.

1. Get Forensic with Your Finances

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. It’s a cliché, and it’s true. A vague sense of your finances is not enough when every dollar counts. True visibility is your first line of defence.

  • Action: Create a 12-Week Cash Flow Forecast. This is non-negotiable. A simple spreadsheet that maps out your expected income against your fixed and variable expenses over the next three months will be your most powerful tool. It helps you anticipate shortfalls, identify opportunities to delay non-essential spending, and make informed decisions about stock purchases for the festive season. You don’t need accounting experience to do this. You know your income and your expenses.
  • Action: Review Every Single Expense Line. Scrutinise your bank statements and profit and loss reports. Are you paying for software subscriptions you no longer use? Can you get a more competitive rate on your insurance, EFTPOS terminal, or internet plan? Small, recurring savings compound over the year into a significant sum.

2. Optimise Your Stock and Suppliers

For a retailer, inventory is cash sitting on your shelves, and your supplier relationships are your lifeline. Products not selling are dead cash-wise. Managing both effectively is critical.

  • Action: Identify and Liquidate Slow-Moving Stock. Run a stock turn report in your POS software. Any item that hasn’t sold in over 90 days is tying up cash that could be used elsewhere. A strategic clearance sale now, before you’re flooded with Christmas stock, can provide a vital cash injection.
  • Action: Renegotiate with Your Suppliers. Your suppliers are facing pressures too, and most will prefer a collaborative partner over losing a customer. Have an honest conversation. Ask if you can get a small discount for early payment or, conversely, if you can extend your payment terms from 30 to 45 days on core product lines to ease pressure. Consider placing smaller, more frequent orders to avoid large, upfront cash outlays.

3. Diversify Your Revenue Streams

Relying solely on traditional product sales can make your business vulnerable. Creating new, high-margin income sources can provide a valuable buffer.

  • Action: Introduce a Service or Experience. Can you offer a paid workshop, a product repair service, or a personal styling session? These services often have low overheads and bring new customers through your door who may then purchase products. The question is: what else could you sell that you’re not selling today. Dopn’t bind yourself to only what is typically sold in your type of business.
  • Action: Promote a Strong Gift Voucher Program. A gift voucher is essentially an interest-free loan from your customer. As we head into the gift-giving season, ensure your vouchers are well-promoted both in-store and online.

4. Make Getting Paid Faster

Closing the gap between making a sale and having the cash in your bank account is a simple but effective way to improve your cash position.

  • Action: Review Your Payment Processing Fees. A fraction of a per cent difference in your EFTPOS or e-commerce gateway fees can add up to thousands of dollars over a year. Shop around to ensure you are on the most competitive rate available.

Managing cash flow is not a one-time task; it is an ongoing discipline. By taking these proactive steps today, you can navigate the current squeeze and build a more resilient, stable, and profitable business for the future.

We have served local small business retailers for decades, and we’ve run our own shops. The advice here is advice we have given ourselves.

…

While the right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business, Tower Systems was built to serve  Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today. 

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au. 

Read onRead later

2025 is different: retail, especially small business retail, is adapting at speed

September 8, 2025
3 Min read
2

As we move through the later half of 2025, it’s clear that the landscape for Australian retail is changing at a pace that feels unprecedented. For years, we and others have talked about the evolution of retail, but the changes occurring now feel less like a gradual evolution and more like a rapid, necessary revolution.

In our work with local small business retailers in a bunch of different retail channels and in different settings in Australia and New Zealand,  we are seeing an acceleration in strategic adaptation. The trends themselves: pivoting business models, driving efficiency, and automating tasks, are not new. What is new is the speed at which they are being implemented. Decisions that might have taken years to consider are now being executed in a matter of months.

Here are some of the areas where we are seeing this acceleration in action:

The strategic pivot from transaction to destination

Successful retailers are no longer waiting for the market to force their hand; they are proactively redefining their purpose. We are seeing a decisive shift away from being a simple point of transaction to becoming a true destination. Think immersive retail that nurtures a longer dwell time in-store and online.

This involves a fundamental pivot in focus. For example, a shop adjust their footprint to become a curated hub for premium products that are not necessarily products they have sold before. The old rules of what was traditional for your shingle appear to matter less today.

The key is a move towards both diversification and specialisation, and service. Retailers are analysing what makes them unique and doubling down on it, creating a compelling reason for customers to visit in person. This strategic narrowing of focus is happening faster than ever, as business owners recognise that trying to be everything to everyone is no longer a viable strategy.

The urgent pursuit of efficiency

Alongside the strategic pivot is an intense focus on operational efficiency. With rising business costs, eliminating friction and wasted time is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a core survival strategy. Smart retailers are leveraging technology to streamline every possible process.

We are seeing a rapid move to eliminate previously manual tasks that consume valuable hours. This includes:

  • Automated Inventory Management: Using modern POS software to sync stock levels between physical and online stores in real-time, eliminating manual stock-takes for web sales.
  • Data-Driven Ordering: Moving away from guesswork and using sales data to automate purchase orders with suppliers, reducing both overstocking and missed sales opportunities.
  • Integrated Digital Operations: Ensuring e-commerce, accounting, and marketing platforms talk to each other seamlessly, saving countless hours of manual data entry and reconciliation.

The goal is simple: automate the mundane so that the owner and their team can focus on high-value activities like customer engagement, marketing, and strategic planning.

The defining characteristic of retail in 2025 is not change itself, but the velocity of that change.

The local small retail businesses thriving today are those that have embraced this new pace, making bold decisions and implementing them with purpose and urgency. They understand that in this new era, standing still is the greatest risk of all.

2025 in local small business retail is different, faster, more tech-forward.

Read onRead later

Father’s Day connects people with local retail

September 7, 2025
2 Min read
F

Father’s Day is one of those retail seasons that reminds shoppers of local retail. It’s a season for which people tend to buy in the last few days and buying last-minute sends more people local.

The thing is, many local retailers have changed so much in recent years that a Father’s Day shopping visit can reveal local retail to a standard not expected by local shoppers. That’s why so many local retailers shine for seasons like Father’s Day, it’s an opportunity to showcase what’s fresh and innovative about their local retail businesses.

From data we see, local real gets a traffic spike of 20-% and more in the lead up to Father’s Day. This traffic spike is one reason we urge our local retail business customers to present week for the day, to shine.

The Father’s Day (and other season) opportunity extends far beyond the weekend. A positive and surprising shopping experience plants a seed for future business. When these last-minute shoppers leave with a gift the want to give and a fresh view of the local shop, they are more likely to return.

A single, well-executed seasonal rush, like for Father’s Day, can reset a customer’s shopping habits, converting a visit of convenience into a deliberate choice for future needs and fostering a loyal base that will support the business year-round.

We care about this here at Tower Systems since we only service local independent retailers. We are small business focussed, local retail focussed, and have been since the day we began. In our software and in the advice were provide, we encourage local retailers to lean into opportunities to thrive.

This is why we see today not as a single sales event, but as a vital opportunity for community connection. Every thoughtfully curated display, every helpful recommendation, and every friendly interaction during this rush strengthens the bond between a shopper and their local high street. These personal touches are the irreplaceable advantage that local retailers hold over online giants and big-box stores, turning a simple transaction into a memorable experience that reinforces the unique and essential value of shopping local.

…

If you’re a local retailer and keen for software made for your type of business, check us out at www.towersystems.com.au. We’d love to find out more about your business.

Read onRead later

Advice for small business Australian retailers on how to choose the best POS system for your business

September 6, 2025
4 Min read
A

Choosing a POS system is something that you don’t do that often. If you do find yourself doing it often in your business something is wrong with your process. We have some advice specifically for small business retailers on how to choose the best POS software for a business. It is advice that will stand up to scrutiny, advice others will judge as fair and reasonable.

Yes, we are a POS software company. No, our advice is not to go with Tower Systems. While we love welcoming new customers, we only want customers for which our POS software is a good fit.

Here is our Advice for small business Australian retailers on how to choose the best POS system for your business.

It’s simple really. You don’t need to read a book about it or go to hours of seminars. This is easy and straightforward.

  1. Be sure of what matters operationally today to you and those who work in the business. For efficiency. For profitability. For enjoyment.
  2. Understand what will matter tomorrow and into the mid future. For efficiency. For profitability. For enjoyment.
  3. Reflect on what matters to you from a social responsibility persecutive. Like, does Australian made and supported matter? Does dealing with a business that pays fair tax in Australia matter? Or, does dealing with a business focussed on personal customer service matter?
  4. Now, do the work. Yes, you, do the work. Don’t outsource it. If you own the business and the final decision, do the work. That way, you’re responsible.

Okay, the four steps are more complex than we make them out. They are the headlines though. Focus on them. Flesh them out for your type of business. Own each step. Do the work. The result will be a decision that is right for the business today and tomorrow.

Don’t rush. Work at the pace you choose. Always be in control. Watch out for a pitch of a deal that seeks to get you to act sooner. Watch out for claims of functionality in the POS software they have not shown you. Actions speak louder than words. Anyone can say yes to a question or say the software has some facility. Only believe those who show you as showing is the truth.

Take notes, lots after notes. Record meetings (with permission).

Oh, and beware the companies that want to take you to lunch or who buy you gifts. The gift you want is profit from having made the right POS software choice for your business.

If you are not sure of something, go back over it again, and again – until you are sure you understand.

Choosing the right POS system can make you a lot of money. Conversely, choosing the wrong POS system can cost you a lot of money. Put in the work. Take your time. Only choose what feels best for your business.

That’s it, that’s our advice.

Now, why are we writing about this today, on a Saturday morning of all things. Well, this morning we heard from a business owner who looked us and ultimately went with another POS company. Now they are locked in paying for software that;’s not a good fit, software that is not helping them operate efficiently and happily. They asked if we could help them get out of their contract. We can’t Some contracts are like that. And that brings us to more advice: read the contract.  In the small business space, a lock in contract if more likely to favour the software company than the retailer. You want a contract that lets you out at 30 days notice.

Anyway, that’s it, that’s our advice on how to choose the best POS system for your retail business.

…

While the right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business, Tower Systems was built to serve  Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today. 

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au. 

Read onRead later

Tower Systems offers an alternative to the Univex POS system

September 5, 2025
3 Min read
T

We have not used the Univex POS system and have not even seen the software. We do have customers who have switched from the Univex POS system to our Tower Systems POS software. From this we have gained experience we can leverage for any retailer looking for an alternative to the Univex POS system.

To see if our Tower Systems POS software and to customer support services we provide present as a good alternative to Univex, book a demonstration. We are happy to compare facilities side by side and to show, first-hand, what our customer service looks like.

Our Tower Systems POS software is made and supported by us. We have a comprehensive crew of software developers, training people, support people and retail business experienced advisers who can help retailers leverage our POS software for maximum value.

The depth of ur retail business support team is considerable, offering a variety of voices, experience and knowledge from which our retailers can benefit.

A modern retail business is a connected business. Our Tower Systems POS software is built to integrate seamlessly with a range of best-in-class platforms. We offer robust, tried and tested links to leading e-commerce websites like Shopify, Big Commerce and WooCommerce, popular accounting packages such as Xero and MYOB, and a variety of integrated EFTPOS providers. This ecosystem approach ensures your data flows effortlessly, reduces manual data entry, and provides a single source of truth, empowering you to run a more efficient and profitable retail operation.

Integrations are core to our offer as is support for vertical market communities like Just For Pets, AIRR, Indepet, Evergreen Connect, XchangeIT and plenty more across a range of retail verticals.

The AI tools embedded in our POS software are proving to be a winning differentiator for our customers and for us as well. The are helping retailers save time, make good quality business decisions faster and fun businesses moving at a pace hitherto unavailable for local small business retail. These Ai tools we have delivered are game-changing – that’s what Tower Systems customers tell us.

Like Univex, our POS software is made for specialty retailers. We are grateful to serve pet shops, garden centres, bike shops, jewellers, toy shops, bookshops, newsagents, fashion shops and more.

If you are a Univex POS system customer and are considering change, make a note of what you love about your current software and what you would like changed. Doing this o=homework first is key to you making the right decision for your business. The best move may be to keep using Univex. Our advice is to be open to what’s best for your retail business based on the evidence.

If you decide to switch from Univex, we’d love to learn about your needs and explore these in the context of what our Tower Systems POS software offers and our easy-to-access customer service.

…

While the right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business, Tower Systems was built to serve  Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today. 

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au. 

Read onRead later

Scale integration, serial num bar tracking and Repairs: specialty POS software tools for specialty retailers

September 5, 2025
3 Min read
S

Many independent retail businesses are wonderfully complex. It’s what makes the unique and sought out. Specialty retail needs often go far beyond a simple transaction at the counter. You might sell bulk pet food by the kilo, track the unique serial number of a valuable item, or manage an intricate in-house repair service. In a specialist business, the details matter, and your Point of Sale software should be built to handle them with precision and ease.

Our specialty retail POS software is made to help specialty retailers lean into their specialisation, to transact efficiently in this space of specialisation. For decades we have delivered and fine-tuned the specialty retail facilities in our POS software.

Selling by weight

If your business sells products by weight, you know that speed and accuracy are crucial. Manually pre-packing items or double-typing prices at the counter wastes valuable time and increases the risk of mistakes that can affect your bottom line.

Our POS software offers automatic scales integration that meets government standards, ensuring compliance and efficiency. From bulk foods and animal feed to soil and confectionery, any store selling products by weight can rely on our integration for fast, accurate selling. This simple feature saves time, reduces errors, and improves customer satisfaction.

Serial numbers tracking

For businesses dealing in specialised goods like firearms, bicycles, or high-value jewellery, tracking individual items is essential. Our software allows you to easily and consistently track the serial numbers of your inventory. You control the process, choosing whether to track items from the moment they arrive in your business, at the point of sale, or both.

This provides a higher level of service that customers appreciate. Serial numbers are printed on receipts, creating a record they can use for warranty or insurance claims. It also sets your business up for longer-term tracking of an item’s service history, creating a valuable point of difference.

Streamlined repairs management

Made first for jewellers and now used in so many specialty retail business settings. Managing repairs can be a significant operational challenge.

Whether you’re managing a jewellery workshop, a bicycle service centre, gunsmithing jobs, or even landscaping projects, our software streamlines the entire process. The system provides:

  • Detailed Job Tracking: Follow every job from initial receipt to completion, with real-time tracking of staff actions.
  • Accurate Billing: Precisely track labour and parts used for accurate inventory control and billing.
  • External Repairs Management: Efficiently manage items outsourced to contractors, including warranty claims.
  • Integrated Customer Communication: Keep customers informed with automated SMS or email notifications when their repair is ready for collection.

By streamlining the repairs process from start to finish, our software helps you deliver a professional, efficient, and personalised service that builds customer trust and loyalty.

…

While the right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business, Tower Systems was built to serve  Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today. 

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au. 

Read onRead later

Retailer Roam: POS software helping you sell from anywhere, including Pop-ups

September 4, 2025
3 Min read
R

Modern retail is not within four walls and a fixed counter. Sales can be conducted anywhere from the shop floor to a pop-up to off the back of a truck to a local market.

Retailers know the smart move is to sell where the customers are.

Our Retailer Roam POS software solution is a calm, capable, and cloud-based tool in our Tower Systems software suite, designed to give you the freedom to sell anywhere, anytime.

Portability, uninterrupted sales

As a tablet-based app for Apple iPads and Android devices, Retailer Roam acts as a powerful extension of the core Tower Systems Retailer POS software. It’s designed for small retail businesses on the move, allowing you to transact with confidence whether you’re connected to WiFi or working completely offline.

This is a key strength. We understand that internet access isn’t always guaranteed at an event or in a temporary location. Retailer Roam is built to work seamlessly even when a connection is not available. Sales and customer data are securely stored on the device in a queue and then automatically synchronised back to your main system as soon as you’re back online. This offers peace of mind, ensuring you never miss a sale due to a sketchy connection.

Retailer Roam has been built with retailers, for retailers. years in the field show the value. Customers love it.

Powerful retail features – in your hands.

Retailer Roam provides a comprehensive suite of tools, giving you the power of a full POS terminal in a portable format. You can:

  • Transact with ease: Process Cash and EFTPOS sales, create invoices, set up a LayBy, and handle refunds. Integrated EFTPOS ensures smooth, professional payments.
  • Manage stock: Sell items with serial numbers, conduct stocktakes, and manage re-ordering on the go.
  • Engage customers: Accrue and redeem loyalty points, strengthening your customer relationships wherever you are.
  • Customise workflow: Adapt the POS screen to suit your specific needs for faster, more intuitive service.

How Retailer Roam works.

Behind the scenes, a secure and reliable three-phase process keeps your data accurate and synchronised with your main business database.

  1. Initial Setup: On start-up, the app performs an initial transfer of your base stock information, setting you up to begin selling immediately.
  2. Live Updates: The app then receives ongoing product updates, such as changes to pricing or stock on hand levels, ensuring your data is always current.
  3. Sales Sync: Finally, all sales, customer, and inventory data from the Roam terminal is sent back to your main Retailer software, giving you a complete picture of your business performance across all locations.

Retailer Roam is a proven solution for any retail business that needs to be agile. It’s easy to use, secure, and built to serve the real-world needs of Australian small businesses.

The most recent release of Retailer Roam was released last month, August 2025. We continue to evolve Roam to ensure it is a viable and loved software solution for local small business retailers.

…

While the right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business, Tower Systems was built to serve  Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today. 

Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au. 

Read onRead later
The POS Software Blog

Categories

Categories

Categories

Recent Comments

Monthly Archives