Monday, November 30, 2020

Microsoft RMS End Of Life: Replacement Flowchart

 OK - I know - another post (and video) about Microsoft RMS end of life. This is due to the sheer number of RMS point of sale software users that have been contacting me over the last few weeks.  

I am also working on a video that shows some of the feature and functions in Cloud Retailer and Retail Management Hero that should help you decide whether Cloud Retailer or RMH is a better option for your store.

For now - a flow chart to walk you through the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software replacement decision:



Quick update that the folks at Retail Management Hero now offer Age Verification and similar features and function for liquor retailers. Contact them at sales@rmhpos.com for more information

Questions? Please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com



Tuesday, November 17, 2020

RITE Extends Microsoft RMS/HQ Support Through July 2023

 OK - so with everything going on with the US economy and COVID 19, it is clear that there are still several thousand retailers using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS/HQ point of sale software that plan on using RMS/HQ past the July 2021 end of life date set my Microsoft. If you are one of those retailers, I have good news to pass along to you!

RITE, a Microsoft RMS/HQ Partner with over 12 support techs, will continue to support the Microsoft RMS/HQ point of sale software past July 2021. Of course, there are multiple stipulations as there will be zero assistance from Microsoft itself.  Keep in mind that this is subject to change.

  • Must be in the United States
  • New or replacement RMS lane or HQ store license keys are not available
  • Must be current on a RITE RMS Maintenance Agreement. The cost for a RITE RMS Maintenance Agreement starts around $810 to $1025 for 12 months of support for a typical single lane store. This price includes up to 5 hours of support. Lower pricing is available for retailers who already have a support package with RITE. Price could be as low as $215 for some retailers using Microsoft RMS who are already on a RITE support plan.
  • Only common and current hardware is supported (eg: name brands like Epson, Symbol, MMF, Metroligic, Star, Honeywell, Windows 10, ELO, etc). A good rule of thumb is that, if the hardware or software is more than 5 years old, it will not be supported.
  • You must being using Card Defender or stand alone payment terminals. Credit card swipes that are USB, serial/USB pin pads, or payment terminals that connect to RMS using plug ins (aside from Card Defender) are not supported.
If I haven't completely confused you, RITE can be reached at 888-267-7483 for more information and clarification on the above information.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Tis the season for Tax Deductions!

OK - So I am no way a tax expert so be sure to validate this information with your tax professional. I do have experience as a business manager as well as a degree that included 300 and 400 level accounting and finance course work).

For the last 20+ years, I am always asked about deducting point of sale system expenses from your taxes as an expense.  For most retailers, the answer is yes - an outright purchase of point of sale hardware and software can qualify as a deduction. The requirements are that the hardware is being used in the business and not for personal use.

Some gray areas include if you can deduct point of sale hardware that you are leasing as well as point of sale software that you pay a monthly subscription on.

At any rate, if you have not used up your computer hardware deductions for 2020, now is a great time to look at investing in a new POS system. At this point, you should expect that you will pay for the point of sale system now but not have the new system installed until 2021.   

One last thought - don't wait until the last week in December to try and purchase a new point of sale system for tax purposes - I've had lots of folks call me on December 31st and generally it's too late with most staff (and most companies) closing early on New Years Eve. A good deadline (depending on what you need) is having everything finalized by Dec 15th, 2020. This allows time to process payments and get you that much needed invoice/receipt showing that the POS system was paid for in 2020.

Thoughts, comments and suggestions on the above are welcomed! You can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.  






Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Welcome to some new customers!

I wanted to give a quick shout out to the following retailers who recently signed on with me for point of sale related products and services:

  • Terra Casa in Oregon: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
  • The Caring Place in Texas: POS hardware
  • Sticker Planet: POS hardware
  • Jordan Taylor in Texas: Card Defender for Microsoft RMS
  • Pets West in Texas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
  • Martin Bruni Liquor in Washington State: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
  • La La Liquor in Texas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
  • Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
  • Bedrock Comics: Microsoft RMS hardware and software for new store location (congrats!)
Thanks to all of you for your trust when it comes to retail point of sale hardware, software and services!