Wednesday, December 27, 2017

CounterPoint Users Group December 2017

POSTINGS FROM OUR FREE  

Counterpoint® Users Group (CPUSER.ORG®) is an independent Support Group for users of Counterpoint® Point-Of-Sale Software by NCR Corporation (formerly by Radiant Systems, Inc. & by Synchronics, Inc.).  We have been serving the
 Counterpoint® Community since 2003.  Please see our Legal Disclaimer at the end of this e-mail.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
Here is a NCR Counterpoint® SQL User who reports he cannot get a dry-run upgrade of 8.4.6.7 to 8.5.4 (latest version) to work.  
He has decided to upgrade to 8.4.6.18 instead! 
 
See a great example of users-helping-users at Posting #3218, "Upgrade from 8.4.6.7 to 8.5.4 not working."    

3.)  HostGator Error 404:  Page Not Found:
If you are trying to link to our Forum and get an Error 404 Message, change the IP Address in the link to www.cpuser.org and the link will work. 
       
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Counterpoint® Supplies & Equipment!   
BUY FROM US & SAVE!      
*  Receipt Paper Rolls
*  Labels and Tags  
*  Custom Labels
*  Ribbons 
*  Gift Cards  
*  Label Printers, Receipt Printers, Scanners, etc.  
 FREE SHIPPING  
*  SAVE 10% ON FIRST ORDER!
*
  100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE! 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
Questions???  Call or E-mail us!  
Counterpoint Users Group 
 
Gordon Gelrod, Owner 
 
Toll-Free:  (888) 434-0844 
 
E-mail:  Gordon@cpuser.org 
Website:  www.cpuser.org   
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        
 
CPUSER.ORG® and Counterpoint Users Group provide independent technical support services and information specifically for users of COUNTERPOINT® point of sale systems.
 
COUNTERPOINT® is a registered trademark of CheckPoint Systems, Inc. and a licensed trademark property of NCR Corporation (formerly licensed by Radiant Systems, Inc. and by Synchronics, Inc.
 
CPUSER.ORG® is a registered trademark of Counterpoint Users Group.
 
CheckPoint Systems, Inc. and NCR Corporation neither endorse nor have any affiliation with CPUSER.ORG® or Counterpoint Users Group.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Unless something major needs to be shared, I don't plan on posting any more in 2017. For those of you who who have not had the true reason for Christmas shared with you, the New Testament  book of Matthew is a perfect place to start. This is the first book of the New Testament in the Bible. Not very long and covers Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection.

Another tip - look for a NIV Bible for easier reading as all those "thee's" and "thou's" in King James and similar Bibles can be somewhat confusing to someone reading the Bible for the first time.

Best,
Kevin Antosh

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Not Emailing Receipts or Using Signature Capture? This Price Increase will be of Interest to You

News below from Star Micronics about an upcoming price increase specific to thermal receipt paper.

Having a point of sale system than can email receipts and.or using signature capture is a great way to save on receipt paper costs. Here are some options:

Questions or comments? You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Here is the article from Star Micronics:


The thermal paper industry has been affected by the closure of a Chinese chemical plant due to environmental impact. This plant is the largest producer of a chemical dye used in thermal paper coating, and has reduced output and even closed mills worldwide. This shutdown is expected to last for at least three to six months while they modify operations.
              As a result of the chemical dye shortage, thermal paper pricing has been affected throughout the entire industry.  While doing our best to keep the increases minimal, Star Micronics will announce thermal paper price increase in the next 15 days.  We encourage you to immediately evaluate your paper needs and place stocking orders in advance to take advantage of this year’s pricing where possible.
              Star Micronics will continue to communicate changes in the thermal paper market to keep our distributors and customers promptly informed of this challenging situation.


Planning for 2018

OK - first thought to pass along is that there is still time to get in payment for a POS system to write off as a business equipment expense deduction on your 2017 taxes (consult with your bookkeeper or accountant first). Just about ever year since 1998, I seem to have retailers who want to pay for a POS system to "get it on their 2017 taxes". No problem at all as along as payment in full is processed before the last business day of 2017.

Now on to advice for 2018:
  • Plan for new payment processing requirements to be introduced and ensure that you have payment processing hardware in place that can be upgraded or updated to handle any new requirements.
  • Still on Microsoft Dynamics RMS? We still have a couple of years before full support ends for RMS and HQ. Never hurts to start planning now to replace RMS (and HQ). There are several low cost replacement options that allow you to keep your existing information so you are not starting from scratch with a whole new point of sale system.
  • Omni-channel: most of the retailers that I work with have a single store in a small town and have no need for, or interest in, e-commerce, customer business intelligence, or similar offerings beyond the in store point of sale system. Unsure? Let me know and we can chat about the different options and how they can effect gross sales. Other chains that I work with have grown their e-commerce revenue to exceed a million dollars in annual revenue.
  • Cloud versus non-cloud: Don't feel pressured to hop on the cloud band wagon. Instead, look at your operations, staff, equipment, and budget. A 5 to 7 year total cost of ownership, along with personal preferences, will help determine whether you are a "cloud" / subscription based type of POS user or not. Even Microsoft had to cave on the recently released Dynamics 365 software to offer a locally hosted version. The decision to go cloud/non-cloud and subscription/upfront purchase can be complicated so please let me know if I can help.
  • Solution and vendor consolidation: There are flat out too many point of sale systems on the market presently. Look for some of these solutions to fade away or consolidate with other vendors. I'm also seeing the various software companies start to tighten their requirements for dealers, VAR's, and re-sellers. Be wary of working with anyone who has a staff of less than 3 and a limited customer/client base.
  • Given what happened in the Atlanta airport, don't forget to have battery backups/UPS's in place as well as some sort of payment processing backup if this is critical to your business. The reality is that long term  power outages will effect everyone but its nice to have protection for your hardware to help reduce damage due to power outages or power fluctuations. 
I can think of plenty of other topics that should be discussed but this would turn in to a short book instead of a blog post. Key points are to plan, budget, analyse, research and seek help for point of sale resources.

You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com as needed. For those of you keeping track, I've well exceeded helping over 1500 retailers with advice or sales & service needs. 

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Tough year for retail chains and franchises searching for POS systems?

Many of the retailers contacting me have between 4 and 25 locations. Nearly all of them have expressed frustration due to a lack of affordable point of sale options on the market. They generally find that they are too complex for the tablet solutions like NCR Silver, Clover, Lavu, and Shopkeep but don't have the sales volume/budget to invest in LightSpeed or Dynamics 365/AX.

Retail Management Hero (RMH) with RMH Central will be a great solution come later in 2018 (for anyone - not not just Microsoft Dynamics HQ users). Cloud Retailer is also moving forward with more of the e-commerce and accounting integrations that chain retailers want. Microsoft is also working on a retail specific POS solution but licensing and deployment costs may fall in to the AX/365 category.

Lets not overlook that NCR continues to improve their CounterPoint point of sale solution. Retail Pro and Bindo are also players in the small chain and franchise concept market.

My main advice to small chain and franchise retailers contacting me is to see if they can hang on another 6 months to a year as more options should be available as 2018 progresses. If they can't wait, then a staged implementation might be acceptable starting with a core POS system and then waiting for additional features, functions, and integrations to be added.

Need retail or restaurant point of sale advice? Contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Welcome to Some New and Upgrading Retailers

Very happy to share that the following retailers have signed on with myself over the last 30 days.  I look forward to working with you!
  • Jason's Wine and Spirits in California: Microsoft Dynamics RMS Enhancements
  • United Beauty Supply in Arizona: Microsoft Dynamics RMS Enhancements
  • World of Nutrition in Idaho: Card Defender for Microsoft Dynamics RMS
  • TroutFitter in California: Upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics RMS to Retail Management Hero
As always, contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com with retail and restaurant point of sale related questions.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Sweet Updates to Sapphire from Khamu Systems

Always good to spend some time chatting with the folks at Khamu specific to their Sapphire hospitality point of sale system! As a former restaurant manager, I really enjoying working with folks who understand how restaurants work.  Because of my past background working with MICROS/Oracle and QuickPOS/NextPOS/Adelo, I've really found that the folks at Khamu know how to deliver an awesome POS system without the expense of other POS systems like Digital Dining, Aloha, and MICROS/Oracle.  In fact, I've never had a single complaint from anyone who purchased Sapphire!

On to the "sweet" list of recent upgrades to the Sapphire point of sale software from Khamu:
  • Refreshed User Interface
  • Ability to include menu images
  • Self ordering kiosk (wow!!!)
  • Include kitchen notes
  • Variable purchase options - including paying a monthly subscription fee
Down the road will be even more enhancements like various third party integrations.

Visit https://www.khamu.com/ for more information on Sapphire.

If you want some unbiased advice specific to restaurant/hospitality point of sale systems, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com





Wednesday, November 22, 2017

2017 Retail Realm Conference News

A few highlights out of last weeks Retail Realm Conference. Lots of great things happening but do note that just about everything is subject to change!

  • Microsoft is working on a retail specific solution within the Dynamics family (eg: AX and D365)
  • Work on Retail Management Hero (RMH) Central continues. Initial release should be in late spring or summer 2018. Much easier to use when compared to RMS HQ (few to no worksheets) and also web based syncing. Pricing for RMH Central is tentatively set at $360/year per user and $360/year per store.
  • iPad version of RMH was shown - requires (for now) that Shift4 be used for merchant services.
A quick reminder that http://rmhpos.com/marketplace/ is updated regularly as new add-ons become available for the Retail Management Hero point of sale software.

Please do call (208-340-5632) or email me (kevinantosh@gmail.com) with any retail point of sale related questions.

Friday, November 17, 2017

NCR CounterPoint Users Forum Activity

POSTINGS FROM OUR FREE  

Counterpoint® Users Group (CPUSER.ORG®) is an independent Support Group for users of Counterpoint® Point-Of-Sale Software by NCR Corporation (formerly by Radiant Systems, Inc. & by Synchronics, Inc.).  We have been serving the
 Counterpoint® Community since 2003.  Please see our Legal Disclaimer at the end of this e-mail.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
That's what this NCR Counterpoint® SQL User asks.  
Two suggestions are given.  One balances the books with a journal entry.  The other does it without. 
 
See both at Posting #3173, "Gift Card Amount Adjustment Edit."    

3.)  HostGator Error 404:  Page Not Found:
If you are trying to link to our Forum and get an Error 404 Message, change the IP Address in the link to www.cpuser.org and the link will work. 
       
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Counterpoint® Supplies & Equipment!   
BUY FROM US & SAVE!      
*  Receipt Paper Rolls
*  Labels and Tags  
*  Custom Labels
*  Ribbons 
*  Gift Cards  
*  Label Printers, Receipt Printers, Scanners, etc.  
 FREE SHIPPING  
*  SAVE 10% ON FIRST ORDER!
*
  100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE! 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
Questions???  Call or E-mail us!  
Counterpoint Users Group 
 
Gordon Gelrod, Owner 
 
Toll-Free:  (888) 434-0844 
 
E-mail:  Gordon@cpuser.org 
Website:  www.cpuser.org   
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        
 
CPUSER.ORG® and Counterpoint Users Group provide independent technical support services and information specifically for users of COUNTERPOINT® point of sale systems.
 
COUNTERPOINT® is a registered trademark of CheckPoint Systems, Inc. and a licensed trademark property of NCR Corporation (formerly licensed by Radiant Systems, Inc. and by Synchronics, Inc.
 
CPUSER.ORG® is a registered trademark of Counterpoint Users Group.
 
CheckPoint Systems, Inc. and NCR Corporation neither endorse nor have any affiliation with CPUSER.ORG® or Counterpoint Users Group.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Minibar for Liquor Store

One of the liquor stores that I work with uses Minibar (https://minibardelivery.com/) for an e-commerce solution that integrates with their POS system. I spent some time chatting with the folks at Minibar to learn more about what they offer specific to the Beer/Wine/Liquor retail vertical.  Here are some notes:

Minibar has been around for 4 years and has clients in 44 states. They have some degree of integration with over 30 different point of sale systems (!).  The concept is that Minibar provides the technology needed for retailers in the beer/wine/liquor vertical to have e-commerce and delivery options to increase revenue.

Minibar simply takes a percent of sales or a flat fee, depending on local regulations.

Pretty cool concept and an awesome way to increase revenue beyond traditional onsite sales. Plus, you don't have to be a tech guru to use Minibar so you can focus on running your business.

As always, I can be reached at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for questions related to point of sale systems for all type of retail store.

Monday, November 13, 2017

RITE Wins the "Strategic Solution Provider" award at the 2017 Retail Realm Conference

Some news out of the 2017 Retail Realm Conference: RITE (Sartell, MN and Boise, ID) won the "Strategic Solution Provider" award at the 2017 Retail Realm Conference.

As more news comes out of the conference, I will pass along. Specifically, anything related to Retail Management Hero (RMH), RMH Central, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Retail.

Questions? You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Microsoft Dynamics RMS Hotfix List

I've posted about all the hot fix, version, and cumulative updates to the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software in the past but here is information specific to 2015-2017. You will need an active CustomerSource account to access these hot fixes or help from a Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partner. If you are in need of a Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partner then please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com


Number/​Date Issue Summary Build
Hotfix #60

KB3096600
(9/25/2015)
  • The following error occurs when trying to backup an RMS 2.0 database on Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 when using SQL 2012 R2: 
    Backup failed for server 'server name'.
  • ​A join to the [Transaction] table has been added to the Accounts Receivable report to allow for the report to be customized to display additional columns.
2.0.2022
Hotfix #59

KB3088633
​(8/25/2015)
  • When you try to settle a payment connector EDC transaction you receive the following error message. This is caused by a transaction being settled in Dynamics Online Payment Services but not in RMS. This fix settles all possible transactions to help narrow down the issue. 
    Error: Payment card number is required.
  • ​After you disable the "Allowed to change tax status" cashier permission in Store Operation Manager, cashiers can still change the tax status in Store Operations POS.
  • The "Hide items with no discrepancies" button on the Physical Inventory Discrepancy form isn't available if the button is disabled for users who have a different security level in Store Operations Manager.
2.0.2021
Hotfix #58

KB3075799
(7/16/2015)
  • ​When you tender a recalled credit card transaction for return, in Store Operations POS, the card is charged and not refunded if you are using Microsoft Dynamics Online Payment Processing.
  • When you use a Gasoline item after you install hotfix KB2991974, you receive the following error message:
"Validation Error 311: The amount for this tender cannot exceed the purchase amount."​
2.0.2020
Hotfix #57

KB3070630
(6/23/2015)
  • When you return an item with a $0.00 price in Store Operations POS, you receive the following error message: "Runtime error '3021': Either BOF or EOF is True, or the current record has been deleted."
    In Store Operations Manager, when you use the Dynamics Online Payment Connector for payment processing, the Electronic Draft Capture Detailed report shows returns with a status of open. 
    In Store Operations Manager, when you use Preferred Acquirer for payment processing, the Electronic Draft Capture Detailed report shows returns with a status of open.
2.0.2019
Hotfix #56

KB3065670
(5/25/2015)
  • New warning messages are introduced to help prevent entry of incorrect database configuration settings in Headquarters Client. After Hotfix #54 was installed, the message displayed would not allow you to process a voucher until the settings were fixed. This fix allows the cashier to continue with the mismatched settings.
    Note This hotfix rolls back a previous change that required registry settings to be updated manually. Any registry settings that have already been entered do not have to be removed.
2.0.2018
Hotfix #55

KB3058058
(4/27/2015)
  • When you close Store Operations POS, the SOPOSUSER.exe service does not stop. This causes a problem when you try to reopen Store Operations POS. When you double-click to reopen Store Operations POS, nothing happens. To have Store Operations POS opened, you have to go into the Windows Task Manager, and then manually stop the SOPOSUSER.exe process first.Adds a new Dynamics Online Payment Services Electronic Draft Capture report in Store Operations Manager. Note This resembles the previously available report when you use TSYS.
2.0.2017
Hotfix #54

KB3047259
​(3/27/2015)
  • When security is enable to prevent a cashier for editing a Purchase Order in Store Operations Manager, cashiers who have the right to edit a Purchase Order are also unable to edit a Purchase Order.
  • When you try to tender a transaction with a global voucher, you receive the following warning message in Store Operations POS:
The voucher sale cannot be completed because Voucher Client is not configured with the correct store database. To proceed with this sale without the voucher, void the voucher line item.
  • When you are working on an order, the Add Items item list in the Purchase Order, Inventory Transfer In, or Inventory Transfer Out window periodically updates and moves the pointer focus to the top of the list. ​
2.0.2016
Hotfix #53

KB3035749
(2/27/2015)
  • When you add a sale schedule to a Matrix Code in Store Operations Manager, the sale is not enabled for the corresponding component items. 
    You must settle transactions before making changes to your Payment Connector configuration. 

    You must settle transactions before making changes to your Payment Connector configuration. 

    When you try to add details to a transaction or set multiple quantities per line item in Store Operations POS, you receive the following error message: 
    Run-time error '91': Object variable or With block variable not set.​
  • When you have unsettled electronic draft capture (EDC) transactions in a database, you can switch between Test Mode and Production Mode in the Store Operations Administrator Dynamics Payment Connector window. After you apply this hotfix, if there are unsettled EDC transactions in the database, the following warning message will be displayed when you try to save changes in the Dynamics Payment Connector window: 
2.0.2015
​​​Hotfix #52

KB3031731

(1/27/2015)
  • You receive the following message when you try to tender a transaction with more than one tender type: “The change tender cannot be determined. Adjust tendered amounts as needed.”
2.0.2014

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Retail Management Hero Differences - Merchant Services

OK - not one of my more exciting videos but there are some key differences in how Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Retail Management Hero (RMH) handle credit card processing. The video highlights the differences and also touches on how Card Defender applies to both RMS and RMH.



You can always contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with questions related to RMS, RMH and/or Card Defender.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Using Card Defender or Cloud Retailer (or another POS system) and Want to Change Processors?

Great article about changing processors or merchant services companies. We all see or hear from merchant services salespeople on a weekly basis so it can be tempting to switch in the interest of better rates, better service, and/or better equipment.

While this article is specific to Cloud Retailer and Card Defender, the advice applies to just about anyone who takes payment via debit and credit card. Some basic planning and coordination makes the change process go more smoothly - having worked with 1000's of businesses over the years I can attest to how important it is to have a reputable and reachable merchant services provider!

While not always the case, some merchant services companies are willing to cover the costs related to switching merchant services companies as a way to earn your business (it never hurts to ask).

You can always contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for personal recommendations as I do not work for, or represent, any merchant services companies.

The article can be found here: https://sites.google.com/a/cloudretailer.com/pubwiki/tech-articles/module-credit-card-processing/i-m-changing-processors-what-do-i-need-to-know

Monday, October 30, 2017

Brand Keys 2017 Holiday Shopping Survey

Brand Keys 2017 Holiday Shopping Survey
Finds Increase in Consumer Spend Doubles YOY


NEW YORK, NY October 30, 2017 – A robust stock market and high levels of consumer confidence have coalesced to double the increase in anticipated 2017 holiday spending over 2016. “Generally good economic news has consumers signaling a 4% increase in their holiday spend this year to an average of $936 per household,” said Robert Passikoff, founder and president of Brand Keys, Inc.www.brandkeys.com, the New York City-based brand loyalty and customer engagement research consultancy that conducts the annual survey.


Earlier & Earlier Shopping = The New Normal for the Winter Holidays
Consumers are making decisions and plan to shop even earlier than in previous years. “Retailers have recognized shifts in the consumer shopping paradigm, and will again try to capitalize on them by kicking off Black Friday-like sales even earlier than in previous years,” Passikoff said.


According to the 11,625 shoppers who participated in the 2017 Brand Keys survey, despite larger spends consumers have adopted new shopping patterns when it comes to the holidays and calendar events, particularly the winter holidays. “This is an incredibly important shift,” said Passikoff. “It means that a ‘season’ that represents nearly 25% of the retail industry’s total sales, is spread out – conservatively speaking – over a four month-plus period even though the ‘Winter Holidays’ have traditionally been defined as the 61 days of November and December. It may work that way on the calendar, but not in successful retailers’ marketing strategies!”


Black Friday Turns Gray, December Is More Seasonal and Traditional
Consumers have begun holiday shopping earlier and earlier. Last year 41% of consumers reported shopping before Black Friday. This year that number has increased significantly, with just over half the consumers (51%) reporting they had already shopped or intended to do so before Black Friday, a shopping period known as ‘Black November.’ “Super Saturday has overtaken Black Friday in actual sales,” noted Passikoff. “So while Black Friday represents a retail raison d’être, it is fast becoming a relic of twentieth century retailing.”


“Marketers have taught, and consumers have learned, that deals abound year-round,” Passikoff noted. “This has resulted in earlier shopping and the knowledge that deals are likely to only get better as Christmas approaches.”


As a result, a smaller percentage of consumers (20%, down 5% YOY) have indicated they are actually shopping on Black Friday. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of respondents indicated that they will holiday shop in December, the largest specific shopping period identified by consumers in the 2017 Brand Keys survey.


“Deals notwithstanding, shopping on Black Friday and in December itself has become more of a traditional, seasonal thing families can do together,” noted Passikoff. “It’s a habituated behavior that grabs consumers when Jack Frost nips at their noses and Santa Claus is coming to town, despite the fact that 71% of their shipping has already been completed!”


When it came to time periods consumers will holiday shop, they reported the following (percentages in parentheses indicate changes from 2016 data):


Before September: 6% ( +2%)
September: 7% ( +2%)
October: 16% (+5%)
November (before Black Friday): 22% (+1%)
Black Friday 20% (- 5%)
December: 29% (- 5%)


Where They’ll Shop –Online and Off
Virtually all consumers interviewed (98%) are buying online again this year. “It’s no secret that brick-and-mortar retailers have had more difficult times engaging customers over the past five years,” said Passikoff. “They’ve been trying to forestall the online assault with ‘better’ reward programs and low-lower-lowest pricing schemes, but consumers are on to that. Online has become the default venue for browsing, promotions, price checking and, ultimately, buying holiday gifts.” Consumers again intend to use multiple venues to shop this year:


Store Type 2017 % change from 2016


Discount Department Stores 95% ----
Specialty & Apparel Stores 75% +30
Traditional Department Stores 73% - 10
Electronics 25% + 5
Price Clubs 24% + 4
Sporting Goods Stores 18% - 2
Outlet Stores 15% + 5


Catalogues (8%), are down again another 2% from last year. “If a consumer can pull up the same content on a computer, a tablet or a smartphone, they regard hard-copy as redundant,” Passikoff remarked.


What They’ll Buy


Consumers indicated the following categories where money is going to be spent. Changes from last year appear in parentheses:


Clothing and Accessories 85% (+5%)
Personal Care Products/Spa 55% (+5%)
Electronics/Phones/Computer 48% (- 2%)
Kitchen/Cookware 45% (+3%)
Toys 30% (+10%)
Food and Wine 26% (+6%)
Jewelry 25% (+5%)
Books 15% (+ 5%)
Sporting Goods 10% (- 2%)
Home Décor 10% (+ 5%)
Tools 10% (-----)


Gift Cards Are (Again) Ubiquitous
Gift cards have become as universal as sending greetings in one form or another, with nearly everyone indicating they’ll buy at least one this year (95%).


Value, Convenience and Shopping Ease Are the Best Retailer Gifts
Just as in holiday seasons past, value is paramount for all platforms. Consumer expectations regarding outreach and convenience are up again. Expectations for the shopping experience for brick-and-mortar retail are also up again,” Passikoff said. “Retailers that can provide a sense of consumer comfort, confidence and shopping ease will see better bottom lines.” Free shipping and returns, order online-pickup-in-store or ship-to-store options will have holiday shoppers’ attention again this year.


Brand Keys (www.brandkeys.com) is the only research consultancy that specializes in customer loyalty and consumer emotional engagement metrics that accurately predict future consumer behavior. These measures enable companies and brands to anticipate shifts in what has become a more digitally driven and rapidly changing marketplace.



Contact: VISIBILITY
Len Stein
Lens@VisibilityPR.com

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Welcome to some new and upgrading customers!

Very happy to share that the following retailers have signed on with myself over the last 30 days. I look forward to working with you!
  • Four Way Meat Market, California: Card Defender for Microsoft Dynamics RMS
  • Waterski Pro Shop, Idaho: Upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics RMS to Retail Management Her (RMH)
  • Universal Police Supplies, Arizona: Upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics RMS to Retail Management Her (RMH)
  • River and Adventure Toys, Idaho: Upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics RMS to Retail Management Her (RMH)
  • The Caring Place, Texas: Card Defender for Microsoft Dynamics RMS
  • The Jug Shop, California: Card Defender for Microsoft Dynamics RMS
  • Plano Cycles, Texas: Card Defender for Microsoft Dynamics RMS
  • Picuris Smoke Shop, Arizona: Card Defender for Microsoft Dynamics RMS
As always, contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com with retail point of sale related questions.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Restaurant Point of Sale Advice

A quick note that I am focused mainly on the retail side of things but do have personal experience in table serve restaurant management as well as the sales and support of multiple restaurant, bar, and quick serve point of sale systems.

If you are searching for a hospitality point of sale system, please do contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com with a note that my advice will likely not be as in depth as what I can provide on the retail side.


Fall Clean Up

Quick note that I am going through my Blog Site and YouTube Channel and removing posts or videos that contain outdated information.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Retail Management Hero Training and Installation Videos

As more and more Microsoft Dynamics RMS users migrate to the Retail Management Hero software, I thought that it would be helpful to include links to the various videos that provide installation, setup, or general training on RMH. The videos  are not a substitute for help from your RMH partner but are more of a prerequisite to more formal assistance and training.

The Basics:
POS and Manager Navigation: https://vimeo.com/album/3520470/video/163856318 (33mn)


Other Operations - Label Printing: https://vimeo.com/album/3520470/video/160321971 (11mn)

More Advanced Installation & Setup:

Installation and Configuration: https://vimeo.com/album/3520470/video/152023864 (49mn)

Setup: https://vimeo.com/album/3520470/video/163854572 (12mn)

General Printed Materials:  Available via your RMH Partner

I'll be working on more RMH related videos myself over the coming months. In the meantime, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com with any questions.