Friday, May 27, 2016

Microsoft Dynamics RMS, POS 2009, and HQ: License Swap and Discounts

As we approach next weeks official release of the new Retail Management Hero point of sale software, I expect that a lot of Microsoft Dynamics RMS, POS 2007, POS 2009, and HQ users will be looking at possible upgrade options.

Here is a reminder of the various license swap or discounted license options available to you (restrictions apply - contact me for details):

  • Free 1 for 1 license swap for Retail Realm Essentials
  • Free 1 for 1 license swap for Retail Management Hero
  • $200/license upgrade to Retail Management Hero
  • 20% Discount off NCR CounterPoint Licenses 
  • Free data transfer for RMS to NCR CounterPoint migrations
Again, there are multiple restrictions that apply depending on your specific situation and not all point of sale partners/dealers/VAR's are participating so please contact for more information.

How to Reach Me:
  1. Contact form to the right
  2. Email: kevinantosh@gmail.com
  3. Cell: 208-340-5632
A reminder that I am on mountain time.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Launch Webinar for the Retail Management Hero Point of Sale Software

Registration link for the official launch webinar for the new Retail Management Hero point of sale software: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3810771337066541314

Friday, May 20, 2016

Retail Management Hero Release Date

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

A quick note that the official release date for the Retail Management Hero point of sale software is just a couple of weeks away. I've been traveling to meet with point of sale companies that have completed Retail Management Hero certification or plan to become certified shortly.

As a replacement for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS and POS 2007/2009 point of sale software programs, Retail Management Hero looks like an affordable and easy upgrade - plus you get to keep all your historical data (inventory, customers, etc)!

For businesses searching for a new point of sale system, Retail Management Hero will fill the void for businesses that need a reliable and fast computer based point of sale system but do not have the sales volume to justify investing in Retail Pro or NCR CounterPoint. Retail Management Hero is also a great upgrade for businesses that have outgrown the various mobile point of sale systems like Silver, Clover, Vend, Shopkeep, Lavu and Bindo,

I will post more details and hopefully create a video review/overview of Retail Management Hero as soon as I have access to a fully functioning version.

A final reminder that I'm still in need of a Retail Management Hero partner to cover areas within 250 miles of Boise, ID and Salt Lake City, UT.

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.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Retail Management Hero Point of Sale Revenue Opportunity

I've been doing my best to provide some revenue forecasts to point of sale dealers/partners thinking of taking on the new Retail Management Hero (RMH) point of sale program. Based on a mix of RMS to RMH upgrades and new installs of RMH, a dealer/partner selling and supporting RMH should easily see $794,347 in gross sales.

That even assumes that your salesperson can only maintain a 10% close rate!

Contact me if you want a more detailed breakdown - obviously this information in only for businesses in the US that are interested in becoming certified to sell and support RMH.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Hotel Impossible Revenue Claim

The April 25th, 2016 episode of Hotel Impossible titled "Futility Closet" included mention of how a point of sale system can increase bar revenue. If I heard correctly, host Anthony Melchiorri mention a sales increase of around 30%.

I can vouch for that from personal experience - just the sight of a point of sale system in a bar, restaurant, or retail store can curb employee theft (employee theft accounts for around half of all retail theft in the US per the National Retail Federation).

In the past I can recall a nightclub and bar that spent just over $50,000 on a very basic point of sale system and the owner reported back to me the the system paid for itself the very first weekend - that is how much the owners employees were stealing from him or revenue that was being lost due to employee errors!

Kudos to Hotel Impossible and Anthony Melchiorri for mentioning one of the key benefits of implementing a point of sale system in your bar, restaurant, or hotel!

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.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Goodwill Training Roadshow

A quick note that the folks at Retail Control Systems are having a training roadshow specific to how the NCR CounterPoint point of sale software is used at multiple Goodwill's in the United States.

Looks like there are a lot of advanced training sessions that would benefit Goodwill's that are using the NCR CounterPoint point of sale software.

More information can be found here: https://www.retailcontrolsystems.com/events/2016-goodwill-training-roadshow/

An event agenda can be found here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/d94e81135d26a539bff469b9e/files/Agenda_Goodwill_Heart_of_Texas.pdf

You can also contact me for unbiased advice related to the NCR Counterpoint point of sale software for retail stores of all kinds.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

3 New Displays from UP Solutions

The Family Just Got Bigger!
UP Solution is excited to announce 3 new POS displays















Due to the ongoing debate as to which of the two operating systems, Android™ or Windows®, is the better option; UP Solution has introduced 3 new POS terminals that will meet your merchant's needs, regardless of their preference.
UP Solution®, an innovator in POS systems for smaller businesses announces the introduction of a new line of Android™ compatible POS solutions;  UP TAB™ AiO, UP TAB™ 5850, and UP TAB™ 8050.
These new full-size terminals feature a 15-inch wall mountable touch screen display, and built-in MSR to accept current payment types.















New Android® and Window®s based hardware options






UP TAB™ 5850
For Android™

15-inch touch screen
 




UP TAB™ 8050For Android™
15-inch touch screen
 






UP-8000
For Windows®
15-inch touch screen



































Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Mother's Day 2016 Spending Up 6%, Clothing and Personal Visits Show Greatest Growth



Via Visibility Public Relations - some interesting information on spending for Mothers Day 2016:

Traditional Mother’s Day Gifts Get Lionesses’ Share-of-Wallet

NEW YORK, NY April 18, 2016 - There's a saying, "a sweater is something a child puts on when a Mother feels a draft," an apt turn of phrase since clothing has increased most as a Mother's Day gift-of-choice this year. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of consumers plan to celebrate Mother's Day 2016 and clothing is this year's big winner, according to the annual Brand Keys Mother's Day survey. 

Celebrants intend to spend on average $205.00 this year, a six percent increase over 2015. Men, following a long-standing tradition, intend to spend more than women, reporting an anticipated average spend of $228. Women reported an anticipated spend of $182. 

"Once again, tradition has trumped tech," noted Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys Inc. (brandkeys.com), the New York-based consumer loyalty and emotional brand engagement consultancy. "Cards, meals, and flowers have become 'price-of-entry' for the holiday. But when it came to more substantial gifts, clothing showed the greatest change from last year - up 10 percent." Jewelry was up too, by seven percent. Spending on tech related gifts was generally unchanged, with only 12 percent indicating that kind of purchase.

"More-and-more, Mother's Day encompasses a broader spectrum of relationships as it becomes a more universal celebration," said Passikoff, "The holiday celebrant range includes virtually everyone: moms, wives, step-moms, female relatives and friends, divorced and single-parent households. It crosses cultural, ethnic, and religious boundaries, making it a real opportunity for retailers - an occasion nearly everyone celebrates."

MethodologyAs part of Brand Keys’ annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, 6,133 men and women, ages 18-65 from the nine U.S. Census regions, were asked if and how they planned to celebrate Mother’s Day, with most consumers indicating multiple gift purchases. 

What Consumers Are Buying Mom

(Percentages in parentheses indicate changes from 2015 with a margin of error of 2%).

2016 Percent Purchasing Change from 2015

Cards 95% ( --- ) 
Brunch/Lunch/Dinner 90% (+2%)
Flowers 85% (- 1%) 
Clothing 80% (+10%) 
Jewelry 59% (+7%) 
Spa Services 52% (+2%)
Gift Cards 50% (- 2%)
Books 19% ( --- )
Housewares/Gardening
Tools 16% (+1%)
Candy 12% (-3%) 
Electronics/Smartphones 12% (+1%) 

“Preferences for shopping venues reflect this year’s preference for more traditional gifts,” said Passikoff, “And remained generally unchanged from last year, with the exception of Department Stores, which were down six percent. Catalogues were down again this year by another four percent. Discount and Specialty Stores were at the top of consumers’ list of places to shop for Mom “because consumers regard them as ideal venues for apparel and jewelry,” said Passikoff.
.
Where They Are Shopping



Discount Stores 55% (unchanged)
Specialty Stores 50% (unchanged)
Department Stores 44% (-6%)
Online Stores 30% (unchanged)
Catalog 2% (-4%)

More consumers intend to “connect” with Mom with in-person visits, “likely due to lower costs of gas and air fares,” noted Passikoff. “Phone calls and online chats remain unchanged from last year, although it’s worth noting that given the ubiquity of smartphones, Mother’s Day has become one the most popular holidays to place a call.”

Phone/mobile 65% (unchanged) 
Personal Visits 22% (+7%) 
Online 11% (+1%) 
Cards 10% (unchanged) 

“Like many major gift-buying holidays, the majority of consumers (65%) indicated they are waiting to make their purchases until the deals shake out toward end of April and the beginning of May,” noted Passikoff. 

Another saying goes, ‘a Mother always has to think twice; once for herself and once for her children.’ “That said it appears that this year most consumers aren’t thinking twice about celebrating Mother’s Day,” noted Passikoff,

Contact: VISIBILITY