Urgent: Local Fake Point of Sale Companies Scam Alert!

While it may be obvious to some of you, there are a couple of websites that claim to be for local point of sale businesses that are actual phishing or related scams attempting to obtain your personal or business information.

The two most common names for these fake "local" point of sale businesses are Smile POS and Smart POS. Both have websites that claim to offer local point of sale hardware and software for retail stores and restaurants as well as related services like credit card processing/merchant services.  These websites also claim that these businesses to be local to your area. However - they are not local and at least one is not even in the US!

You will notice that neither of these companies has any address information on their websites at all yet claim to cover every county and every city in your state (red flag). There is also no contact information beyond an online form that asks for a lot of personal information (another red flag).  A reputable point of sale company will include address information and other related contact information and will also likely be listed with the BBB as well as on business listings websites like YP.com, Yelp, or Angies List.

A quick check of the domain registration for Smart POS shows the website is owned by someone in Seoul, Korea.

Checking Smile POS shows that the website is registered to a company is Scottsdale, AZ that specializes in hosting websites that allow the website owners to hide their true identity.

Point being: if the website for a business offering point of sale related products or services contains nothing more than forms or email addresses for contact information, then you may want to think twice before contacting this business.

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 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Restaurant Point of Sale Comparison Costs: Tablet vs. PC

A video showing the differences in the costs over 7 years related to the different types of restaurant point of sale systems - including comparing the long term costs of the mobile restaurant point of sale solutions that run on iPads versus more traditional point of sale systems like MICROS, Aloha, Digital Dining, Aldelo, and Sapphire.

These are estimates only as there are a lot of variables. Please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me for unbiased point of sale advice.

What Microsoft Dynamics RMS POS Users Are Doing

Update July 2016, Retail Management Hero demo and overview: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/07/new-version-of-rmsretail-management.html

As we get closer to the May 2016 launch of the Retail Management Hero (RMH) of sale software, I figured that now was a good time to check in with the 1000+ stores using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software that I am in contact with to so see how many of you have already replaced RMS and how many are waiting to see that RMH might offer.

The unofficial results are as follows - note this only applies to non-HQ users:

• About 20% of you have already replaced RMS with a different POS system like Bindo, NCR CounterPoint, LightSpeed, etc. The driving force for the change appears that you needed to do something sooner than later due to aging or outdated computer equipment. Lack of support for RMS was also cited as a reason for switching away from RMS.
• About 10% of you plan to keep using RMS until it completely dies - for various reasons you have no need to upgrade and are willing to risk losing data by waiting until a major failure takes place before replacing your POS system.
• The rest of you are taking a "wait and see" approach to see if RMH is a viable solution. You are planning on replacing RMS within the next 6-12 months but are in a position to research and compare different POS solutions before making a purchase.

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 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

NCR CounterPoint for Goodwill

A quick reminder that I have worked with a lot of Goodwill and similar thrift stores over the years and have gotten the chance to learn more about a special version of NCR CounterPoint made specifically for Goodwill store or similar thrift shops.

I've even been able to meet in person with a couple of Goodwill stores using NCR CounterPoint for Goodwill to gain valuable insights and feedback.

If you want some unbiased advice and information, please get in touch with me by visiting my contact page. I have brochures and information on who to contact should you want detailed information. I can also offer advice related to costs to help you understand what size of thrift store would best be suited to use NCR CounterPoint for Goodwill.

Another Trip to Minnesota - Want to Meet in Person?

Is your business in the greater Minneapolis - St Paul area of Minnesota?  I'm headed back to the Twin Cities in a few weeks and would be happy to meet with you in person - weather permitting, of course!

Best situation is that you have a retail store and are searching for a new point of sale system or are planning to open a retail store and need some unbiased advice related to point of sale systems.

As my schedule tends to fill up quickly, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell at 208-340-5632 so we can arrange a time to meet.

Pay at Pump POS Systems and POS Systems for Cell Phone Stores

Over the last 17 years, I have had about 20 or so businesses contact me searching for a point of sale system that will work in a business that needs pay at the pump integration or has a cell phone store and needs a point of sale system designed for cell phone stores.

These are usually regional small chains not associated with one brand. I realize that there are point of sale systems designed for gas stations and cell phone stores but these systems appear to be part of a brand or are not designed for businesses with 1 to 10 locations.

If your business happens to offer a tried and true solution for gas stations, convenience stores with fuel sales, or independent cell phone stores, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 so I learn more about your solutions and hopefully refer business owners to you.

US and Canada only please!

Annual Retail Realm Conference Information

You're invited to attend the year's most retail technology focused event... Why it matters. As the only event in the world exclusively focused on the Microsoft suite of products for the Retail Industry, the 6th annual "Retail Realm Partner & User Conference" in 2016 will be our biggest event yet! This event's content is designed to speak directly to companies and customers in the retail space about available solutions and integrations, emerging industry innovations and trends, and also Microsoft's involvement in and commitment towards providing retail-centric technological solutions. This year's conference line-up will also provide attendees with an up-close-and-personal look at Retail Realm's new point-of-sale solution, Retail Management Hero (RMH), that will give retailers a seamless transition from Microsoft RMS. All about retail Ready, set, global: As an international conference hosted in Las Vegas, partners and customers worldwide will come together to be educated, equipped and encouraged regarding the future of retail. A key focus this year will be on attracting partners AND retailers/customers to provide them with educational and training content. The conference agenda will include two Microsoft keynotes, enabling attendees to hear directly from Microsoft regarding planned innovations, strategies and opportunities... and demonstrating that Microsoft supports the retail products and roadmap. Make connections In addition to activities sponsored by high profile companies, there will also be an Exhibit Hall packed with product showcases, enabling attendees to have one-on-one conversations with solution providers. Welcome Cocktail Reception  Sponsored by August 21, 2016 | Foundation Room in Mandalay Bay Every year our conference attendees tell us that the Welcome Reception is one of their most favorite parts of the event. It's a great way to connect with partners and customers before the next day's sessions begin. The setting is casual, intimate and fun -- providing you a simple way to introduce yourself to attendees and start conversations. And because Vantiv will be sponsoring this year's reception, you will be able to relax and enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers. Thank you, Vantiv! Want to be an Exhibitor or Sponsor? Opportunities available! Get involved. Exhibiting at this conference is an excellent direct way to gain in-person access to current and prospective partners and customers worldwide. You will be able to demonstrate your solution, engage conversations and answer questions regarding your product/service to key industry decision-makers and providers. And, we will promote your company and solutions in our marketing and promotional materials. We offer Gold Level and Silver Level exhibitor packages. For specific questions, contactconference@rrdisti.com.    Early bird pricing ends April 1 View exhibitor packages About Retail Realm: Retail Realm is a multinational company specializing in creating and managing a portfolio of vertical business software solutions that are marketed worldwide through a community of resellers. Retail Realm is a leading distributor of Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS), Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail and "Retail Realm Essentials™ powered by Microsoft Dynamics".  For additional information, contact sales@rrdisti.com or visit www.rrdisti.com  STAY CONNECTED