Monday, December 2, 2024

Liquor Stores: Preparing for Tariffs

 While we do not yet know exactly what sort of effect tariffs may have on products sold in liquor stores. It is smart to plan ahead! Suggestions covered in this video include: 

1. Looking at product KPI data to see if buying ahead makes sense 

2. Using a target margin report to ensure that you are maximizing margins to off-set any margins that may be reduced by tariffs 

3. Talking to your suppliers and wholesalers to see if a like product is available that is made in the United States

4. Implement a customer loyalty program (if allowed in your state) to keep loyal customers coming back

5. Use Dual Pricing to help offset any margin loss due to tariffs

This video features the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Profit System. 

Questions, suggestions, comments, or interest in Cloud Retailer can be directed to sales@cloudretailer.com, https://www.cloudretailer.com or by calling 888-267-7483.


 

 

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Why Clover POS does NOT work in liquor stores

 I have a free comparison guide showing why Clover POS does not work well in a liquor store. Please email me at kevinantosh@gmail.com for a free copy of the comparison guide.

Why Square POS does NOT work in a liquor store

 I have a PDF comparison guide showing why Square POS does NOT work in a liquor store. Please email me at kevinantosh@gmail.com for a free copy of the comparison guide.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Why Square POS Does NOT Work in Liquor Stores

 If you are serious about having a profitable liquor store, then Square POS is not for you. Square POS lacks critical features, automations, and functions that liquor stores need to maximize profits and grow.

Want proof? This video dives in to some of the key liquor store specific features and functions that are missing in Square. 

Is this an exciting video? No. Will this video help stop you from making an expensive mistake? Yes. 

Email sales@cloudretailer.com or call 888-267-7483 for more details.


 

 

Monday, November 18, 2024

Liquor of Liquor Store Associations in the United States

 Nice list of the various state and national liquor store associations in the United States (non control states only). Looks like UBRA in Arkansas was missed tho...


If there are any other liquor store associations missing from the list, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com


Monday, November 11, 2024

Liquor Stores: Why a liquor store switched from mPower POS to the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store Profit System:

Liquor Stores: Why a liquor store switched from mPower POS to the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store Profit System:

 


I had the opportunity to meet onsite with this liquor store and would be happy to share more details regarding their reasons for switching (they tried Korona POS as well). You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Monday, November 4, 2024

Common Sense Advise for Retail Stores and Restaurants

 As travel season wraps up for 2024, I noticed some things missing from the hundreds of retail stores and restaurants that I visited with in person over the last year.

In no specific order, some common sense advice specific to things that every retail store and restaurant owner should be doing to help increase profits:

  1. Have a website
  2. Have active social media accounts (Instagram and Facebook are the most popular)
  3. RESPOND TO ALL REVIEWS (Yelp. Google, etc - respond with a positively worded reply to all reviews)
  4. Be part of an industry association specific to your "niche" or vertical
  5. Comply with all state and local statutes when it comes to things like sales tax rates and age verification
  6. Use/invest in technology that saves on labor costs
  7. Take a look at newish trends like Dual Pricing - consumers are used to paying more when using a credit card so why are you still paying those payment processing fees?
  8. If you are dead-set against Dual Pricing - at least shop around for better merchant services rates
  9. Have signage that matches your business name (seriously - when the sign on the building doesn't match the actual business name, how are customers supposed to know that they are at the correct business?)
  10. Keep the aisles clear so customers are not stepping over boxes to find what they are looking for
  11. Use technology for inventory ordering - nothing more disappointing that dining at a restaurant where 1/3 of the menu is 86'd 

OK - what suggestions do you have that should be added to the list? Please send the suggestions to kevinantosh@gmail.com

Want me to swing by your retail store or restaurant to help advise on some way to increase profits or decrease expenses?  You can use the same email address to reach out to me.



Monday, October 28, 2024

Thursday, October 10, 2024

To Celebrate 1.5M Visitors...

 Wow - this blog site is just shy of 1000 posts and 1.5 million visitors!


 

To celebrate, the door is open for content suggestions on what would be helpful to you as a retail store owner when it comes to point of sale advice.

You must be in the United States please - suggestions can be sent to kevinantosh@gmail.com

God Bless!


Monday, October 7, 2024

Liquor Stores: POS Buying tip that will save you around $7000 annually

 A must have in POS systems for liquor stores is the ability to automatically print shelf tags. This will save you around $5000 in annual labor costs as well as around $2000 in miss-rings due to incorrect prices on the shelf tags.

 

 

Monday, September 30, 2024

Cloud Retailer and the One Billion Dollar Mark

 

Cloud Retailer Surpasses $1 Billion in Transactions, Strengthening Small Retailers and Local Communities

In the last 12 months Cloud Retailer - a software system (POS, etc) for liquor stores has transacted more than a billion dollars in beer wine liquor sales for small and medium liquor stores across the country.

$1 billion in beer/wine/liquor sales

Cloud Retailer, the leading Liquor Store Software in the U.S., is thrilled to announce a significant milestone: over $1 billion in beer, wine, and liquor transactions processed through its platform in the past 12 months. This marks a major success for Cloud Retailer and the small retailers who rely on its innovative solutions to enhance their operations and profitability.

This accomplishment is more than just a financial milestone; it represents a significant impact on local economies across the country. With over $1 billion in transactions, Cloud Retailer has helped keep an additional $147 million within local communities. This retention of revenue is crucial, as studies show that for every $100 spent locally, at least $68 remains in the local economy—substantially more than what is retained when money is spent at big box retailers.

Cloud Retailer helps address the unique challenges faced by small liquor retailers, offering a solution that streamlines operations, reduces costs, and increases profitability. In a market where profit margins can be razor-thin, Cloud Retailer empowers store owners to thrive by offering advanced features like Dual Pricing, which mitigates credit card fees, loyalty programs to boost customer engagement, and AI-driven inventory management to optimize stock levels.

"Surpassing $1 billion in transactions is a testament to the power of our technology and the dedication of the small retailers we serve," said Rick Feuling, CEO of Cloud Retailer. "Our mission has always been to empower these entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, and now we have proof that we're making a real difference.”

Cloud Retailer’s system is more than just a point-of-sale solution—it’s a comprehensive profit system that redefines how liquor stores operate. By reducing payment fees, cutting labor costs, and minimizing inventory shrinkage, Cloud Retailer ensures that small retailers can compete effectively in a highly competitive market.

The impact of this achievement extends beyond the individual businesses using the platform. The additional $147 million retained in local communities highlights the vital role that small retailers play in sustaining local economies. By choosing Cloud Retailer, these businesses improve their own bottom lines while contributing to the economic well-being of their communities.

Source: Cloud Retailer


About Cloud Retailer

Cloud Retailer® Liquor Store Profit System provides next generation tools for point-of-sale, inventory control, security safeguards, and more tailored to help your beer, wine or liquor store increase sales and increase profit.

Cloud Retailer
1001 2ND STREET S , #STE 100
Sartell, mn
56377

Monday, September 23, 2024

Fall Promotion: Association dues paid for you

 As many of you know, I travel all across the United States to spend time with liquor stores. This also includes attending multiple state liquor store conferences and trade shows each year.

Being part of a liquor store association is critical to your success as a liquor store owner. There are so many legislative challenges each year that can make or break liquor stores. Being part of an association means that you are helping support the effort to pass or veto these various laws and statutes.

Being part of an association allows you to take advantage of special discounts and promotions that are only offered to association members.

Being part of an association means that you can attend regular conferences and trade shows to interact in person with other liquor store owners as well as the associations leadership.

Being part of an association includes information on required training for you and the team at your liquor store.

I feel so strongly about being part of state and national liquor store associations that I am willing for pay for up to one year of membership dues so you can see for yourself how important it is be an active member of these associations.

Here are the details to get up to one free year of membership in a state or national liquor store association:

  1. You must have a liquor store in the following states: Texas (TPSA), Colorado (CILSU), Oklahoma (RLAO) or Arkansas (UBRA).
  2. You must be the owner of the liquor store.
  3. The liquor store must be independently owned (no corporate chains - family owned chains are OK).
  4. You must also sign on to use the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Profit System in your store and agree to use Proof Payments for merchant services.

Does all of this sound interesting to you? Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more information.





Thursday, September 12, 2024

Electronic Shelg Tags: Are they worth it?

 It has been a good 4 or 5 years since I last looked at digital or electronic shelf tags as a replacement for paper shelf tags.

I met last week with a electronic shelf tag vendor and was pretty impressed.

Not only has the cost come way down, but the capabilities of the latest generation of electronic shelf tags goes way beyond just showing the price.

Some cool things that I learned:

  • battery life is 8 to 10 years
  • they have a secure mounting to prevent theft or swapping of devices
  • they come in a huge variety of sizes and mounting options for just about any retail stores needs
  • you can sell ad space to suppliers
  • you can even promote products and services like a loyalty program on the device
  • you can get devices with blinking lights to help customers or even delivery drivers find the correct product
  • integration to POS systems makes updating the devices a breeze

All in all, the ROI on the up front cost against labour savings, theft prevention, mislabeling of products, and advertising is around 6 to 12 months.

The ongoing monthly subscription is based on the number of devices so smaller retailers can benefit without paying as much as a larger retailer.

 I'm liking what I learned!

Contact me if you have real world feedback or interest in electronic shelf tags for your store: kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632


 

 



Monday, September 9, 2024

Liquor Store POS Pro Tip:

 This really applies to any business that uses, or is search for a point of sale system. 24/7 support and a free online help desk with self help articles and videos is a mandatory vendor requirement.


 

Monday, August 26, 2024

What makes for a great association?

 I've been blessed over the last 31 years to attend multiple retail and hospitality trade association events. Here are some tips on what makes for a great retail or hospitality trade association:

  1. Active in politics to drive government change in favor of its members
  2. Regular communication to its members
  3. At least one annual event like a conference and trade show
  4. Dedicated leadership
  5. Focuses on one key niche (eg: garden centers, liquor stores, hotels, quick serve, etc)
  6. Annual dues are scaled according to business size
  7. Offers associate membersips so vendors and suppliers can offer discounts to association members
  8. Vendor and supplier agnostic
  9. Active social media presence and social media groups
  10. Listens to their membership on "hot topics" and takes action

If you are not part of an association, then you are likely missing out - I've had some retailers complain about negative legislative changes. These same retailers refuse to be part of associations that could have prevented these legislative changes. 

Don't complain if you are not part of the solution!

I am working on a ranking of the associations that I am very familiar with - this will take a lot of time to compile all the data.

Hopefully the list above will at least give you a starting point.

Tops and suggestions for blog post and videos can be emailed to me at kevinantosh@gmail.com




 


Liquor Stores: Can you say this about your POS system?

 How many liquor store POS systems can make this claim? Why does this matter? If a POS company does not make continued enhancements to their software then they are:

  1. Not listening to their customers
  2. Putting their customers at risk due to constantly changing laws and statutes specific to liquor stores.



Thursday, August 8, 2024

Liquor Store Conference and Trade Shows Coming Up In October 2024

 We've had amazing results at various liquor store conferences and trade shows across the United States and have signed on to be at three more shows in October 2024. 

Looking forward to meeting with everyone in October 2024 at these liquor store conferences and trade shows!


 

888-267-7483 to learn why liquor stores across the United States use the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store Profit System in their businesses.

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Liquor Stores: Free Box Cutters at Booth # 949 at the TPSA Conference and Trade Show Today!

 Liquor Stores: are you at the largest liquor store conference and trade show in the United States? The Texas Package Store Association Conference and Trade Show is TODAY! Pick up a free box cutter at booth # 949 and learn more about the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store Profit System!


 

 

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Liquor Stores: Why are you still using a POS System?

 

POS Systems for liquor stores are great at tracking inventory and providing reports. A Liquor Store Profit System will decrease expenses and increase revenue. 

Which is better for your beer, wine or liquor store - a "peaked in high school" POS system or a Liquor Store Profit System that continues to grow as your store grows? 

Check out the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store Profit System that is used by many of the Beverage Dynamics Top 100 liquor stores. www.cloudretailer.com 888-267-7483 sales@cloudretailer.com

Thursday, July 18, 2024

POS Pondering Exceeds 1 Million Visitors!

 Wow - I am humbled and blessed that so many of you have taking the time to visit this blog site and contact me for free advice! 

While this blog site has changed its focus over the years, the commitment remains the same: free and unbiased point of sale advice.



Monday, July 8, 2024

Liquor Stores: July 2024 Liquor Store Association Events

 Liquor Stores: July 2024 Liquor Store Association Events with the Texas TPSA (https://www.texaspackage.com/) and the Minnesota MLBA (https://www.mlba.com/). We are looking forward to seeing current and future customers at both events!


 

 

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Are you on the MasterCard MATCH List?

 

So, I was a bit hesitant to post this, but, while on vacation a couple of weeks ago, I stopped in to check out a few liquor stores. I noticed that they are "cash only". When I asked why they only accept cash, it turned out that the stores had been placed on MasterCards MATCH list which bans an entity from accepting credit cards for 5 years! 
 
The reason for being placed on the MATCH list was due to a chargeback/dispute attack at one store and identity theft at the other store. Anger aside, not being able to accept credit cards at a liquor store for something that is outside of your control (and will likely put you out of business) really makes my blood boil. 
 
If you are not familiar with the MasterCard MATCH list, 1) Here is a list of reasons why you could be placed on the MATCH list: https://developer.mastercard.com/match/documentation/ 2) If you want to check to see whether you or your business are on the MATCH list, please message me - there are a few hoops to jump through but I have a reliable contact with access to the list who will check if you are willing to provide a recent credit card processing/merchant services statement (no obligation and no cost to you - he needs the statement so they can check both the entity name as well as the owners name against the MATCH list). 
 
Regardless, anyone who is not familiar with the MasterCard MATCH list, and owns a liquor store, should familiarize themselves with the list. No one is required to notify you if you or your business are on the MATCH list and hiring at attorney to try and be removed from the MATCH list is very expensive according to one liquor store owner that I spoke with.
OK - my rant is over - it just honestly angers me that a hardworking liquor store owner can be put out of business for something that is outside of their control.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Liquor Stores: What a Texas Liquor Store Owner Has to Say about Cloud Retailer

 Honest feedback from a liquor store owner in Texas about their experience using the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Profit System. Learn more about the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Profit System by emailing sales@cloudretailer.com, calling 888-267-7483 or visiting https://www.cloudretailer.com/

 


 

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

How to Open a Liquor Store


 How to open a liquor store according to A.I. More information on opening a liquor store via a human written blog post: https://www.cloudretailer.com/how-to-start-a-liquor-store/

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Liquor Stores: How to boost profits according to AI

 


 

Suggestions on how to increase profits at a liquor store from AI. Best suggestion: use the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Profit System! www.cloudretailer.com sales@cloudretailer.com 888-267-7483 

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Liquor Stores: Coming Soon! Cloud Retailer POS will Become Cloud Retailer Liquor Store Profit System

 

Same people - same 24/7 support - same commitment to the bwl industry.

New logo and new expanded low cost technology that is guaranteed to increase profits at your beer, wine or liquor store.
 

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Liquor Stores: Liquor Store Associations that I Support

A list of the various state liquor store associations that we support. If you are not a member of these associations, you should consider joining. We offer discounts and special offers to members of these associations!


 

MBDA Pennsylvania: https://mbdapa.org/ 

MLBA Minnesota: https://www.mlba.com/ 

MMBA Minnesota: http://municipalbev.com/ 

CLBA Colorado: https://www.coloradoliquorstores.com/ 

BARC National: https://www.bevretailersconference.com/ 

RLAO Oklahoma: https://oklahomaliquor.org/

TPSA Texas: https://www.texaspackage.com/ 

For more information on the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Profit System, please visit www.cloudretailer.com, call 888-267-7483 or email sales@cloudretailer.com

 

Monday, January 15, 2024

Liquor Stores: What Andy from Wingert Liquors thinks of the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Profit System

 An honest review of the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Profit System from Andy at Wingert Liquors. 


You can learn more about the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Profit System by visiting www.cloudretailer.com, calling 888-267-7483, or emailing sales@cloudretailer.com.