Monday, December 26, 2022

References for Cloud Retailer liquor store POS and Dual Pricing

 A quick note that I have now confirmed some data with liquor stores that use the Cloud Retailer liquor store point of sale software and Dual Pricing!

Net summary is that:

  1. These liquor stores have not lost any customers by using Dual Pricing 
  2. These liquor stores are adding $800 to $3000 each month by no longer having to pay credit card processing/merchant services fees
  3. These liquor stores are happy be a reference for both Cloud Retailer POS and the use of Dual Pricing.

Please contact me for details are kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 and your beer, wine or liquor store can starting increasing your monthly profits as well!

Monday, December 19, 2022

Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS is Keepin' Me Busy!

 Wow! The Cloud Retailer point of sale software for beer, wine and liquor stores is keeping me busy! The most popular states have been Texas and Oklahoma. In fact, I'm headed to Oklahoma and Texas in early 2023 (weather permitting) to meet with around 20 different liquor stores in these states.

The liquor store owners and managers really liked that Cloud Retailer is designed specifically for beer, wine and liquor stores and is not just general retail point of sale software. The addition of Dual Pricing in Cloud Retailer also creates a significant financial incentive for beer, wine and liquor stores to use Cloud Retailer.

Please note that I am already booked with installations and meetings with liquor store owners and managers through early 2023 thanks to Cloud Retailer POS! 

If you happen to be a beer, wine or liquor store manager/owner, it is highly advisable that you take a look at Cloud Retailer POS - especially the Dual Pricing option in Cloud Retailer which can add $2000 or more each month in additional profit.


Monday, December 12, 2022

Prop 125 Passed But Colorado Liquor Stores Can Still Compete Against Grocery Stores

 

So, Proposition 125 passed which will allow grocery and convenience stores in Colorado to start selling wine on March 1st 2023. While this is disappointing to liquor store owners in Colorado, there are some ways to compete. Having visited hundreds of liquor stores across the US, including stores located in states that already allow the sale of beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores, I have gathered these various tips:


  1. You can decide to only sell spirits and eliminate beer and wine from your product mix.

  2. Convenience stores and many grocery stores will not have the same selection of wines that a liquor store can offer. Consider offering price matching for wines that the convenience and grocery stores actually sell.

  3. Offer special ordering options - convenience and grocery stores generally don't offer any way to special order a specific wine.

  4. Have a customer loyalty program as a way to encourage loyal repeat customers.

  5. Have a "good neighbor" discount for local loyal customers. This can normally be done via a button at the point of sale software screen.

  6. Have an employee mystery shop the grocery store to know what wines they offer and at what price (or look at their weekly online ads). You could also do this with any nearby convenience stores.

  7. Be wary of customers that will use your wine knowledge but then go to the grocery store to make the actual purchase (aka "floor shoppers"). Recommend wines that are not available at a convenience store or grocery store.

  8. Use Dual Pricing so you can at least re-coup merchant services fees when price matching. This will increase your margin by around 2.5%.

  9. Use the Cloud Retailer liquor store point of sale software so you can adjust margins by individual product instead of by department or category.

What tips, questions, or suggestions do you have? Please share them by contacting Kevin Antosh at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com



Friday, November 25, 2022

Thinking of Using BottlePOS? Why You Should Look at Cloud Retailer POS Instead!

 

Thinking about using BottlePOS? 

Why you should look at Cloud Retailer POS Instead!


Both BottlePOS and Cloud Retailer POS are designed for beer, wine, and liquor stores in the 

United States but Cloud Retailer POS excels in several key areas:


Up Front Cost:

πŸ‘‰BottlePOS Up Front Costs for software, hardware and remote configuration: $1099 to $1399

πŸ‘‰Cloud Retailer POS Up Front Cost for software, hardware, training and configuration: $1150 to $1250:

 

Monthly Costs

BottlePOS starts at $49/month:

Cloud Retailer POS starts at $0/month



πŸ‘‰Key Difference # 1: Age Verification

BottlePOS: Manual Entry πŸ‘Ž (2D ID scanner is optional). Cashier can enter any date they want:

 

Cloud Retailer POS: 2D ID Reader is Standard πŸ‘. Cashier must scan the ID or

manually enter a date of birth (with approved security settings) :

 




πŸ‘‰Key Difference # 2: Inventory - Levels of Product Categories

BottlePOS: Only one level of categories πŸ‘Ž (not as detailed for ordering and inventory management):



Cloud Retailer POS: 3 Levels of categories πŸ‘ (much easier to get detailed inventory reporting and product management):


πŸ‘‰Key Difference # 3: Ordering/Purchasing

BottlePOS: Can Only Manually Add Products to an Order πŸ‘Ž (time consuming):



Cloud Retailer POS: Can use Supplier Purchase Planning to create purchase orders based on 

minimum stock levels or past sales data πŸ‘. 

Saves you time but still allows for manual creation of Purchase Orders as needed:



πŸ‘‰Key Difference # 4: Smart Phone App


BottlePOS: No Smart Phone App available πŸ‘Ž. Some support for use on an iPad:


Cloud Retailer POS: Available free and paid options for both Android and iOS devices πŸ‘. 

Flexible options to use your smart phone for basic inventory management, reporting, 

and general daily activities like product management and label printing:



πŸ‘‰Key Difference # 5: POS Screen

BottlePOS: Point of Sale Screen is somewhat cluttered πŸ‘Ž. Not as easy for a cashier to read:


Cloud Retail POS: Point of Sale screen is clean and easy for a cashier to use and 
understand information on the point of sale screen πŸ‘

:


πŸ‘‰Key Difference # 6: Cash Discounting vs. Dual Pricing:

Bottle POS: The Cash Discounting option in Bottle POS means that you have to advertise 

a higher credit price on your window and in store signage πŸ‘Ž. 

Cash Discounting may not be legal in your city or state: 



Cloud Retailer POS: The use of Dual Pricing in Cloud Retailer POS is legal in all 50 states 

and means that you can advertise a lower cash price instead of a higher credit price. 

Liquor Stores using Dual Pricing have reported profit increases of $2000 or more a month 

as their customers are covering 90% or more of the typical merchant services/credit card 

processing fees πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘.



Summary:

Given that Cloud Retailer has a lower cost than BottlePOS over time, as well as more advanced 

inventory management, and the net savings by using Dual Pricing, Cloud Retailer is the clear winner 

when it comes to Point of Sale software designed for beer, wine and liquor stores in the 

United States.


For more information on the Cloud Retailer point of sale software for beer, wine and liquor stores, 

please visit www.cloudretailer.com, email sales@cloudretailer.com or call 888-267-7483

 

Video Showing Both BottlePOS and Cloud Retailer POS:


 

 

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Liquor Stores: How to Turn a One Time $1200 Investment into $2000 in Increased Monthly Profits

 Liquor stores using the Cloud Retailer point of sale software are seeing average profit increases of $2000 each month! If you have a beer, wine, or liquor store in the United States, a one time $1200 investment for the Cloud Retailer liquor store point of sale software, hardware and training can net you $2000 a month in increased profit. Find out more by visiting https://www.cloudretailer.com/dualprice-pos/, emailing sales@cloudretailer.com or by calling 888-267-7483.

Take a look:


 

 

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Error on the cost for the Cloud Retailer Point of Sale Software for Liquor Stores

 A previous video on YouTube indicated that the monthly cost for the Cloud Retailer liquor store point of sale software starts at $650/month. This is not correct! The up front cost for Cloud Retailer starts at $650 per lane for hardware, software and training. The monthly cost for Cloud Retailer starts at $0/month per lane (yes zero dollars).

A video correction of the error notification can be found below.



For more information on the Cloud Retailer point of sale software for beer, wine, and liquor stores, please visit www.cloudretailer.com



Monday, November 7, 2022

Liquor Store Profit Tip: Why Dual Pricing is Better than Cash Discounting

 A quick comparison showing how using Dual Pricing is a better option than Cash Discounting. This is a great way for beer, wine, and liquor stores in the United States to see their monthly profits increase by $2000 or more. 

It was a bit tough to explain in the video but the issue with Cash Discounting related to ads that include product prices. For example:

  1. You have a sign for a 18 pack of Bug Light for $18.99. It is likely that the liquor store down the street has the same sign and price of $18.99.
  2. If you switch to Cash Discounting, then you have to show a the higher credit price of $19.75 while the liquor store down the street is still at $18.99.
  3. If you switch to Dual Pricing then the price stays the same at $18.99 (or lower if you want). This works out even better if the liquor store down the street tries to use Cash Discounting and now their price is $19.75 and your price is $18.99!


 

 

At this time, Cloud Retailer is the only point of sale software designed for beer, wine, and liquor stores that includes Dual Pricing. 

More information on Cloud Retailer can be found here: https://www.cloudretailer.com/dualprice-pos/ or you can contact me directly at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632

Monday, October 31, 2022

Liquor Store Profit Tip: Why Dual Pricing is Better than Credit Card Surcharging

 A quick comparison showing how using Dual Pricing is a better option than Credit Card Surcharging. This is a great way for beer, wine, and liquor stores in the United States to see their monthly profits increase by $2000 or more.  

As I have previously posted, the feedback from liquor stores using the Cloud Retailer point of sale software with Dual Pricing have been 100% positive. No one is reporting a customer loss and everyone is reporting a profit increase.

At this time, Cloud Retailer is the only point of sale software designed for beer, wine, and liquor stores that includes Dual Pricing. 


 

 

More information on Cloud Retailer can be found here: https://www.cloudretailer.com/dualprice-pos/ or you can contact me directly at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632

Monday, October 24, 2022

Biggest Objection Against Using Cash Discounting, Credit Card Surcharging or Dual Pricing

 Having  had the opportunity to speak with several liquor stores who are concerned about using cash discounting, credit card surcharging, or dual pricing in their liquor store, I have come across the following concern or objection from liquor store owners and managers:

"I will lose customers"

The reality is that you will not lose customers if you stick with Dual Pricing (the best of the Cash Discounting, Credit Card Surcharging options). Check out this 1 minute YouTube Short with more information:

For more information, please visit https://www.cloudretailer.com/dualprice-pos/ or contact me directly at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632




Friday, October 14, 2022

Initial Results and Feedback from Liquor Stores Using Dual Pricing and the Cloud Retailer Liquor Store POS Software

 Some initial feedback and data to pass along from liquor stores that recently started using Dual Pricing and the Cloud Retailer point of sale software for beer, wine, and liquor stores in the United States. As a reminder, Dual Pricing is a far superior option to cash discounting or credit card surcharging.

  1. No one is reporting that they are losing customers due to implementing Dual Pricing (some are offering a loyalty program or a "good neighbor discount" for loyal customers).
  2. It took less than one day to train the staff and change out the pricing to reflect the two prices for each product.
  3. Average increased monthly revenue is $1888/month (low was $667/month and high was $3000/month)

Not bad! If you have a beer, wine, or liquor store in the United States, it would be smart to take a look at the Cloud Retailer point of sale software with Dual Pricing! Here are some resources for you to check out:

1 Minute Overview
3 Minute Overview
2 Minute Demo
Cloud Retailer POS Dual Pricing Website

If you would rather reach out to me directly, I can be reached at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Monday, October 10, 2022

Dual Pricing in the Cloud Retailer Point of Sale Software for Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores

 Unlike cash discounting or credit card surcharging. Dual Pricing is legal in all 50 states. Results have shown that the use of Dual Pricing in a liquor stores nets an instant profit increase of $2000 or more each month.

Here is a quick video that I took of what Dual Pricing looks like in the Cloud Retailer point of sale software for beer, wine, and liquor stores in the United States:


If you are ready for an extra $2000+ each month in your beer, wine, or liquor store, please visit https://www.cloudretailer.com/dualprice-pos/ or contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Update on Increasing Liquor Store Profits by Using Dual Pricing

 Due to the popularity of my previous post about how liquor stores can instantly increase profits by using Dual Pricing, I have reached out to a couple of liquor stores who have agreed to provide data and feedback as they start using Dual Pricing in their stores.

The key metrics that we will be tracking are:

  1. Net decrease in merchant services fees paid (processing fees)
  2. Net change in monthly gross sales
  3. Net change in average transaction amount
  4. Customer complaints/customer loss

All of these stores will be using Dual Pricing as part of the Cloud Retailer liquor store point of sale software.

It will likely take a good 30-45 days to gather all the data but initial feedback is that Dual Pricing is covering around 90% of their merchant services fees resulting in a monthly increased profit of $2400 to $2800/month.

Some customers have complained but these are:

  1. Customers who only buy loss leaders
  2. Many of the customers who complained came back the next week which matches industry data that 98% or more of customers won't change their buying habits

If you have a beer, wine, or liquor store in the United States and have questions or feedback on Dual Pricing, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Cash Discounting, Credit Card Surcharging, and Dual Pricing

 One of the biggest trends that I have seen over the last few months has been more and more liquor stores in the US offering different prices when it comes to customers paying with cash versus paying with credit. While some states ban the use of offering a cash discount or applying a credit card surcharge, it appears that the use of Dual Pricing is allowed in all 50 states.

Dual Pricing has the advantage of creating instant additional revenue for most liquor stores as the fees paid for merchant services are mostly paid for by the customer. 

There are some other advantages well but I'm still learning about how Dual Pricing works. Here are some great Dual Pricing resources that I found online:

Beer, Wine, and Liquor Store Point of Sale Software with Dual Pricing: https://www.dualpricing.cloud/

More in depth explanation of Dual Pricing: https://northamericanbancard.net/dual-pricing/



Monday, August 15, 2022

Free Unbiased Point of Sale Buying Guide for Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores

 Howdy!

I have created a free and unbiased point of sale buying guide for beer, wine, and liquor stores in the United States. This was created based on the workshops and consulting work that I have done for multiple retailers and industry associations over the years. 

If you own or manage a beer, wine, or liquor store in the United States with between 1 and 25 store locations, you can request the buying guide by completing this brief form: https://forms.gle/eWSg9aLQppGnfJaB7

 

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Texas Package Store Association 2022

 Just a quick note that I am headed to the annual Texas Package Store Association conference in Dallas, TX. Be sure to contact me if we should meet while I am at the conference!

Here is more information on the annual event: https://www.texaspackage.com/tpsa-convention-and-trade-show


Thursday, July 28, 2022

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

New POS system for all liquor stores in Oregon?

Update 2/7/2023: Bid Notification is out on the OregonBuys website. Look for OLCC Distilled Spirits Supply Chain RFP.  You must be a registered vendor/supplier to see the RFP and respond.

 

 I have had multiple requests from liquor stores in the state of Oregon to provide an update regarding the OLCC's search for a new POS system.

I do not work for the OLCC but have been in communication with the OLCC. I also have met in person or online with multiple liquor stores in Oregon.



If you have any questions or insights, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Stiil using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS Point of Sale Software in 2022?

 

If you don't want to listen to me ramble for 3 minutes, here are the key messages in the video: 

1) Yes, Microsoft RMS still works even though the July 2021 End Of Life date has passed 

2) Support for RMS will continue to wane over the next couple of years 

3) Something will happen that will require you to replace Microsoft RMS with a different point of sale software program 

4) If you are hanging on to Microsoft RMS, have a plan ready for when #2 or #3 happens. 

If you are a retailer in the United States who is still using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software and need some advice on replacement options for RMS, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Monday, March 21, 2022

Are you still using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software?

 Howdy! I have had quite a few retailers using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software contact me for support or advice on replacing RMS. Some highlights and notes to pass along:

  • I am not able to provide in depth technical support for RMS 
  • I realize that many of you want to keep using Microsoft RMS even though Microsoft ended all sales and support of RMS back on July 13th, 2021. However, you WILL need to replace RMS at some point so please have a plan in place should you need to quickly replace RMS.
  • Please note that RITE has ended all sales of their various Plug Ins and Add Ons for RMS.

Have questions? Retailers in the United States are welcomed to contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Thanks!

 

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Monday, February 14, 2022

Why EZ Sprits POS Users are Switching to Cloud Retailer POS

 The folks at EZ Spirits POS in Kansas have set a Feb 28, 2022 deadline for customers to use one of two companies for credit card processing/merchant services. If the customer does not switch to either Heartland or Processing Partners for merchant services, the integrated processing will not work in EZ Spirits.

This has prompted several liquor stores in Kansas to switch to the Cloud Retailer liquor store point of sale software. Unlike EZ Spirits, integrated credit card processing in Cloud Retailer POS can work with multiple processors like First Data, Heartland, TSYS, NAB, Clearent, and Beyond.


Sunday, January 30, 2022

Microsoft RMS Forum, Microsoft RMS Support, Microsoft RMS Replacement Programs

 Since a lot of retailers have been contacting me about support for Microsoft RMS as well as replacement options for Microsoft RMS, I wanted to pass along a couple of tips:

  1. The Microsoft RMS forum contains a lot of information on various RMS related topics: https://community.dynamics.com/rms
  2. My YouTube Channel also has several videos related to Microsoft RMS: https://www.youtube.com/c/KevinAntosh 
  3. RITE has some tech tips related to Microsoft RMS: https://legacy.rite.us/Support.aspx 
  4. Finally, if you are in the US and need free advice on RMS replacement options, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632
Thanks!

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Yes I Can

 Based on the multitude of calls and emails that I received so far this month, I was to let everyone know that yes I can refer both food service and retailers to the best POS system for their business.

Not many of my recent posts or videos have related to bars and restaurants but I am still active in that industry.

If you are in need of some advice, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

No charge for an initial 20 minute consultation if you are in the United States.



Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Staffing Issues: Try These Tips

 I pulled together a list of ideas and suggestions for combating the current retail staffing shortage. I'll link a video with more details once the video has been uploaded:

This is based on site visits with over 360 retailers across 9 states as well as multiple years of experience in retail management.
Simply „scan the list and pick out some things to try. 
One quick definition: What is “FTE”: Full Time Equivalent (1 full time employee = 1 FTE. 1 half time employees = 1 FTE)
Suggestions/Tips/Ideas are broken down by section.
 
Compensation:
Bonus to employee for being on time and showing up for all shifts
Paying a competitive wage
Benefits for both PT and FT employees
Growth plan with incentives for completion of growth plan steps
PT or FT - each has advantages and disadvantages but your FTE count is the same in the end
Random incentives for meeting team goals, outstanding work, positive customer review (gift cards, pizza lunches, etc)
Offer higher pay rates for employees who don't need benefits (need to check with laws regarding offering health care to make sure this is acceptable in your locale) 
 
Smart Thinking:
Use a staffing service to pre qualify applicants
Check with local schools for internship programs
Does the job posting include unique positive reasons to work at your store?
Offloading admin tasks like scheduling to empower staff and free up managers time
Use a 3rd party bookkeeping service
Using POS tech to it's fullest to free up managers time (have a whole video on that alone = correct use of a POS system = .75 FTE)
Looking at processes to increase efficiencies 
using job coaching services to add staff who have disabilities. they can perform a variety of tasks (stocking, shelf tags, opening mail, cashiering, etc) and you get a wage credit plus the placement agency will provide a job coach
hanging on to bad employees or hiring warm bodies. Why? 
cross train employees so you do not run in to a situation were only one employee knows now to print shelf tags, receive inventory, etc
Creating a safe working environment with a zero tolerance policy against internal theft and full prosecution of external theft. Word gets out when a store is lax on letting employees steal or not arresting and fully prosecuting theft (or letting people hang out in the parking lot, pan handle by the front door, etc). 
 
Second pair of eyes:
Is the store an inviting place to shop? if not, it is likely not an inviting place to work
I'm sure that many of us could spend a few hours in a liquor store shadowing and spot some easy fixes
How much of the staffing issues come back to the stores leadership? In some cases, the work environment is why they can't retain staff while the liquor store down the street has no issues with staffing.
Is the stores leadership so fixated on staffing issues that other important tasks to be delayed?
 
Conclusion:
Contact: sales@rite.us
888-267-7483