Friday, January 31, 2014

Another Update for former DirectPOS Customers

Since it has been just over four months since DirectPOS in Boise, ID, Spokane, WA and Salt Lake City, UT closed their doors - a few updates to pass along.

  • Cash register sales, service, & supplies are still being handled by Ada Cash register in Boise: 208-407-2202.
  • No company with a local office presence is taking care of NextPOS/Aldelo customers or  retail point of sale customers. I am still in conversations with two companies that might be interested in establishing a local office presence in the areas formally served by DirectPOS but it might not be until April 2014 before any final decisions are made.
  • Hopes are fading as well for Micro's customers based on the phone conversations that I have had with former DirectPOS customers (best bet would be to contact Micro's directly to see if there is a Micro's dealer in Portland or Seattle that can assist you).
  • I am reaching out to some local restaurant point of sale companies to see if they can assist existing, new or upgrading restaurant point of sale users in the states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana,  Wyoming, and Utah.
Former customers of DirectPOS, as well as anyone with point of sale related questions, are welcomed to contact me via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com or via cell at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time). I do not represent any point of sale companies so you know that I can provide some impartial and honest advice.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Point of Sale Systems for Franchises

Some thoughts from my Point of Sale Technology workshop presentation specific to franchise concepts:

  • Many retailers/restaurants sell their retail concept as a franchise
    For $100,000 to $250,000+, someone can purchase everything they need to open a retail store/restaurant with support and guidance from a franchise HQ
  • Many are including point of sale systems within the franchise fee
    • Keeps the franchisee honest when it comes to paying royalty fees
    • Provides varying level of controls over product pricing
    • Allows for a level of consistency between franchise locations
  • Examples include Other Mothers, Scales ‘N Tails, Wild Birds Unlimited, Pro Image Sports
  • Above applies to restaurants as well
 As a reminder, I am not currently affiliated with any point of sale companies or manufactures but have 14 years of experience working with retail, restaurant, and museum point of sale solutions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time) or kevinantosh@gmail.com if you have any point of sale related questions.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Restaurant/Hospitality Point of Sale Solutions

I've been receiving a few calls and emails from folks with questions on point of sale systems for bars and restaurants so I thought that I should clarify my level of expertise.

Over the last 14+ years I have worked with various solutions that are specific to food service/bar related businesses. Some of these solutions are no longer available but the entire list includes:

  • Samsung and TEC cash registers
  • TEC 3600
  • NextPOS/Aldelo for Restaurants
  • Clover
  • NCR Silver
  • Micros 2000 and 3000 Series
  • Digital Dining
  • Khamu
  • Aloha
You are welcomed to contact me with point of sale related questions - I can always recommend someone else to contact if I can't help you. I can be reached via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell during business hours mountain time at 208-340-5632.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Point of Sale Buying Tip: Gotcha's

Some more information from my Retail Point of Sale Technology workshop presentations ("gotcha's or things to avoid when investing in a point of sale system):

  • Try to save money by buying from multiple vendors (one place for the barcode scanner, a different place for the computer, and a different place for the software). You will pay more in the long run – both in time and money. Think of receipt printer that stops working - who is going to help you fix it if you bought the receipt printer from one company and the point of sale software from a different company.
  • Not taking the time to learn the system through formalized or online training. Think of the VCR/DVR that blinks “12:00” – taking a few minutes to read the manual would allow the VCR/DVR to be used for automatic recording and other functions since the clock is correctly set.
  • Not investing time to fully use the systems functions. Will eventually become an expensive cash register.
  • Over or under-buying. Remember, you are purchasing something that should last the next 7+ years.
  • Not factoring long term costs. Ie. HarborTouch is 'free' but you will pay $5040 in monthly charges over 7 years.
  • Being forced to use a single company for merchant services which costs an average business around $1750/year in additional fees (Intuit and HarborTouch)

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.


Friday, January 24, 2014

Software Reviews and/or Company Reviews

I've noticed that some of the most highly read pages on this blog site are post related to point of sale software reviews (it is tough to find valid reviews of any point of sale program as the reviews seem to be fake, highly favorable, or high critical - this is why I always used live copies of the different point of sale programs that I used to sell so I could see first hand the good and bad in each system).

My question to you would be whether I should also start searching for reviews of the companies actually selling, installing, and support retail point of sale solutions?  I know that I have gathered a lot of feedback on several companies over the years but I would want to most more specific review information as I come across it.

Let me know what you think on posting reviews of the companies actually selling point of sale solutions - see the blurb below for my contact information:

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Update 8.Feb.2014: I am in the processing of creating some posts that offer a basic review of the point of sale products that I have worked with as well as customer feedback on some companies that sell point of sale solutions. These reviews will all be posted between now and the end of Feb 2014.


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Point of Sale System Buying Tip: SmartPhone/Tablet or PC?

Excerpt from my Point of Sale Technology workshop presentation:

Smart Phone/Tablet based Point of Sale System vs. Computer based Point of Sale System: 

Learning curve is quicker on smart phones and tablets than traditional computer based systems and you are not tied down to selling right by the computer 

Survey done by a retail technology publication (VAR Insider) indicates that about half of all retailers want a smart phone or tablet based POS system 

But….

Same survey showed that about half of all customers look for a traditional computer cash register to pay for their items

Other Factors to Consider:

  • Business Volume: if your business is not generating at least $250,000+ in annual gross sales then it is tough to justify investing in a computer-based point of sale system.

  • Technology Needs: if you have high technology needs (complex inventory tracking, managing online & in store customer information, specific reports, etc.) then a smartphone or tablet based point of sale system may not offer everything that you need


Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Point of Sale Ranking/Comparision

Based on my 14+ years of working with over 20 different point of sale software programs, my personal ranking list along with a few comments on each solution (higher on the list = a more favorable experience in personally selling, installing and supporting the solution):

  1. Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ - best value compared to what the software offers functionality-wise but we'll have to wait until late April 2014 to see what the future holds for RMS and HQ
  2. RegistWare - a best value entry level point of sale solution for smaller retail stores but fell to the economic downturn and is no longer available
  3. RetailPro - overcame numerous bankruptcy issues a few years ago and is climbing steadily to match Microsoft in total number of users
  4. QuickBooks Point of Sale - easiest point of sale program to use but avoid using the built in credit card processing unless you want to pay an arm and a leg in merchant services fees to Intuit.
  5. NCR CounterPoint SQL - best choice for regional chain stores with complex technology needs but also the clumsiest and most expensive system that I have ever worked with.
  6. NCR Silver - great tablet system but is stuck in the void that lies between cash registers and computer-based point of sale systems
  7. Clover - amazing tablet system that will likely now be ruined by First Data (not available for sale as of 20.Jan.2014)
  8. LightSpeed - simple and easy to use but must be run on a Mac and reviews have gotten worse over the last 6 months or so
  9. KeyStroke for DOS/Windows - still in use after 14 years at at least 3 stores that I know of but I'm not sure what is happening with new versions of KeyStroke (if any)
  10. QuickSell 2000/QuickSell Commerce - the forerunner to Microsoft Dynamics RMS that set the stage for what an affordable retail point of sale system should offer
Other programs that I have worked with but am not positive that they are still around (they wouldn't make my "top ten" list anyway).
  • Regit 2000
  • The General Store
  • Comcash
  • Cougar Mountain Point of Sale
  • RICS
  • CamCommerce
Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Retail Point of Sale Software Comparison Chart

One of the handouts that I use at my point of sale technology workshop presentations:

Retail Solution Comparison
Cash Registers – variety of models from $500 to $2000. Optional programming, training and installation services. Designed for retail stores of any gross sales volume.

NCR Silver – iOS Based (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch). $29-$79/month plus hardware costs. Designed
for businesses that need minimal inventory tracking (ie. Kiosks, 2nd hand stores, thrift stores).

Microsoft RMS Store Operations - $6000+ for a complete point of sale solution (includes software, hardware, computer, hardware, installation, training, and ongoing support). Designed for single to multi-location retailers with only basic technology needs (no built-in email marketing, no integrated online shopping cart, no smart phone/tablet needs). Designed for gross annual sales of $400,000+.

NCR CounterPoint - $9000+ for a complete point of sale solution (includes software, hardware, computer, training, installations, and on-going support). Designed for single to multi-location retail stores with high technology needs (integrated email marketing, integrated online shopping cart, use on a smart phone/tablet computer, automated email or texts on store activity). Best for retail stores generating $750,000+ annually per location.

Function
Cash Register
NCR Silver
MS RMS
CounterPoint
Track Item Sales
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Employee Login
Some Models
Limited
Yes
Yes
Levels of Departments or Categories
Some Models
1 Level
2 Levels
2 Levels
Process Credit Cards
Optional
Integrated
Integrated
Integrated
Process Gift Cards
Optional
Optional
Integrated
Integrated
Customer Loyalty
No
Yes
Optional
Integrated
Track Customer History
No
Basic name & address
Yes
Yes
Scan Barcode Labels
Some models
Yes
Yes
Yes
Print Barcode Labels
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Purchasing and Receiving
No
Limited
Yes
Yes
Choice of Merchant Services Processors
Yes – with optional credit card processing
Yes
Yes
Yes
Multi-location Capable
No
No
Yes – full data
Yes – full data
Designed for use on Touch Screen Monitor
Some models have touch screens
Yes (tablet computer)
Yes
Yes
Multiple Price Levels (retail, wholesale, etc.)
No
No
Yes
Yes
Interface to Quickbooks Accounting
Some models
No
Yes
Yes
Quotes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Lay-aways
No
No
Yes
Yes
Work Orders
No
No
Yes
No
Integrated Online Shopping Cart
No
No
Available
Available
Smart phone “app” version Available
No
n/a
No
Available
Integrated Email Marketing
No
Basic
Available
Available
Text/Email Alerts for Store Activities
No
No
No
Available
No – Not Available
Yes – Available and Included
Third Party – Available through third party and additional charges may apply
n/a – Not Applicable
Some Models – Only available in some models
Available – Available and additional charges may apply


Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Point of Sale Buying Tip: Get a Real Demo

Sharing some more information from my retail point of sale workshop presentations:

When it comes to comparing possible retail point of sale solutions for your business, be sure to get a customized demo of each point of sale program that you are considering.  I'm amazed how many point of sale companies only offer recorded demo's or 'canned' demos via a webinar.  I've worked with just under 4000 businesses over the years and always took the time to create a custom software demo using the actual point of sale software (whether in person or online via a webinar).

The reason for a custom demo is that each business has specific things that they want to do with the software. It makes more sense to show the business leadership how the software does various functions rather than just show a canned demo that may or may not show the software functions that the business is searching for.

Also, canned demos can make a software appear to run quicker and/or easier than a customized live demo.  Some of the things that I included in my demos that you may want to request (keep in mind that even a customized demo of point of sale software can still be normally accomplished in around 20 minutes):

  • How to add/change your business information
  • How to add/change customer information
  • How to add/change inventory information
  • How to run various reports
  • How to put items on sales
  • How to setup special items (sizes, "mix and match", bulk)
  • How to transfer items between store locations
  • How to handle purchasing and recieving
  • How to set up security levels
  • How to add/change employees
  • Time clock function and related reports
  • Accounting interface
  • How to print barcode labels
  • Touchscreen interface
  • How to customize fields or attributes in the software
  • How to add/change vendor/supplier information

As a reminder, I am not currently affiliated with any point of sale companies or manufactures but have 14 years of experience working with retail, restaurant, and museum point of sale solutions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time) or kevinantosh@gmail.com for free point of sale help and advice.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Point of Sale Buying Tip: Vendor Selection

I've had the pleasure of conducting dozens of point of sale workshops at various trade shows, expos, and small business development centers over the years so I though that I would share some of what I cover at the workshops on a weekly basis.

Point of Sale Buying Tip: Vendor Selection

Some things to keep in mind as you start looking at who will provide your point of sale solution.

  • Has References for businesses using their solutions in your area
  • Has multiple solutions to choose from (not just one ‘canned’ solution)
  • Provides a complete solution (everything that you need) to prevent the ‘blame game’ (one vendor blaming the other for problems)
  • Provides what you need for training, installation and on-going support
  • Provides what you need for IT services (backing up the software, anti-virus scans, etc)
  • Has extended hours of support (especially support on evenings and weekends)
  • Offers on-site support as required
  • Offers managed services agreements so that one annual or monthly fee covers all software updates/upgrade
  • Has positive reviews and/or BBB 'rating'
As a reminder, I am not currently affiliated with any point of sale companies or manufactures but have 14 years of experience working with retail, restaurant, and museum point of sale solutions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time) or kevinantosh@gmail.com if you have any point of sale related questions.

Monday, January 13, 2014

EMV - What You Need to Know

I realize that EMV is still well over a year away. However, EMV is a major change to credit and debit processing that will effect everyone who takes credits (and I mean everyone!).  Here is what you need to know as of January 2014:

What is EMV?
EMV is an agreement between EuroCard, MasterCard, and Visa to enhance credit and debit card security. This applies to both the credit/debit card itself as well as the technology used to authorize debit and credit card transactions.

EMV Compliant debit and credit cards have both a hologram and an embedded chip that can emit a unique code for authorizing debit and credit card transactions.  Note that debit and credit card transactions under EMV can be "contactless" and/or require a pin number - it depends on what hardware the merchant is using to authorize debit and credit card transactions.

The United States is one of the last countries to (tentatively) set a date to migrate to EMV standards.  Currently, most debit and credit card transactions in the United States use magnetic swipe technology that has been around since the 1960's.

What do I Need to Do?
Start talking now to the companies that service your debit and credit card processing equipment.  Some of the following questions will apply depending on what type of business/organization you have and how you process debit and credit card transactions:
  • How will I obtain an EMV compliant terminal? When will the terminal be available and how much will it cost?
  • Will I need to update any software? When will these updates be available (and how much will they cost)?
  • Will I need to make any changes to my computer or my computer network? What about how I dial out or connect to the internet to authorize debit and credit card transactions?
  • Will this effect the fee's and rates that I pay for debit and credit card processing?
  • What about other equipment that I have like signature capture pads?
  • What will happen if I currently authorize debit and credit cards on a tablet or smartphone?
  • Who will perform and software upgrades and/or hardware installations? 
  • How much is this going to cost my business or organization overall?
Are There Any Ways to Reduce Expenses Related to EMV Implimentation?
Possibly - if you are currently under any sort of maintenance agreement related to any software used to process debit and credit cards, you may get a free software upgrade. 

What is the Anticipated Compliance Date?
In the United States, the tentative compliance date is 1.October.2015.

What if I Choose not to Comply?
All liability for fraudulent transactions will be your responsibility. To be blunt, you will either be put out of business due to financial losses or you will no longer accept debit or credit cards as payment. That may sound harsh but it is reality which is why so much advance notice is being given before October 2015 rolls along.

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Point of Sale Buying Tip: Developing a Wish List

Based on the calls and emails that I have been receiving via this blog site, it appears that many of you are searching for either a new point of sale system or want to upgrade what you are currently using. One thing that I always recommend before starting your point of sale search is to develop a "wish list" of the functions that your point of sale software program must do.  Here are some of the common examples to get you started:

  • Inventory
    • Tracking
    • Min/Max & Reorder Points
    • Put items/categories/departments on sale
    • Ability to discount (percentage and/or other method)
    • Generate Purchase Orders and Recievers
    • Transfers between locations 
    • Return to Vendor/Return to Manufacture
    • Track cost of goods sold and profit margin
    • How many levels of departments and categories needed
    • Specific needs like "mix and max", sizes, styles, colors, bulk packaging, etc.
  • Physical Inventory
  • Gift Cards
  • Loyalty Program
  • Accounting Interface
  • Online Shopping cart interface
  • Tablet/Smart phone "app"
  • Credit and debit card processing
  • Signature Capture Pad interface
  • Email marketing interface
  • Customer history tracking
  • Barcode/shelf tag label printing interface
  • Type of Reports 
  • Interface to your accounting software
  • Timeclock function
  • Levels of security
  • Vendor information to track
  • Remote access for when you are not in the store
  • Multi-location capabilities
These are just the basics - I'm sure that you have specific things that come to mind when developing your own point of sale wish list.  If you are in need of help developing a more detailed wish list, be sure to contact me via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time).  I have some common questions that we can go over to help you fine tune a point of sale wish list.

As a reminder, I am not currently affiliated with any point of sale companies or manufactures but have 14 years of experience working with retail, restaurant, and museum point of sale solutions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time) or kevinantosh@gmail.com if you have any point of sale related questions.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Point of Sale Hardware and Software Compatability

Since this blog site is now generating several phone calls and emails every week, I thought that I should pass along a basic tip when searching for a point of sale solution for your retail business:

Please remember that point of sale hardware (especially the peripherals like receipt printers, customer price/pole displays, and signature capture pads) are not "plug and play".  Point of sale systems (whether computer, tablet, or smartphone based) are all written to support specific hardware items.

What may seem like a great deal on eBay or Craigslist may turn out to be a waste of money if your point of sale software doesn't support the software you select.

However, do factor in hardware costs when choosing a point of sale system as prices can vary greatly. For example, new cash drawers can run from $79. to nearly $500.  Just make sure that all your point of sale hardware is fully supported by your point of sale software.  The companies providing your point of sale system can usually provide a list of supported point of sale hardware (although it makes sense to purchase everything from one source to make technical support easier and ensure that your whole system runs smoothly).

As a reminder, I am not currently affiliated with any point of sale companies or manufactures but have 14 years of experience working with retail, restaurant, and museum point of sale solutions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time) or kevinantosh@gmail.com if you have any point of sale related questions.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Minor Updates

Some minor updates to pass along:

  • I'm still waiting on two companies that might be stepping in to help point of sale customers in the states if ID, WA, OR, MT, WY, AZ, CA and UT.  This would also including helping support former DirectPOS customers due to negative customer feedback from One Step Retail Solutions.
  • No word from Microsoft yet on the future or RMS and HQ - still looks like it will be April until I have any news to pass along.
  • A reminder that you should start planning now for how you plan to comply with the upcoming MasterCard unique terminal ID requirement.
  • There are some rumors going around that NCR is losing interest in further development of NCR CounterPoint - I will pass along valid news as it becomes available.
  • I've been speaking with an established point of sale company in CA that is looking for beta test sites for a new point of sale software program.  Email or call me if you are interested - I'll post more information on the solution after I get a chance to learn more about it.
 As a reminder, I am not currently affiliated with any point of sale companies or manufactures but have 14 years of experience working with retail, restaurant, and museum point of sale solutions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time) or kevinantosh@gmail.com if you have any point of sale related questions.