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.

Let's Meet in Person! My 2022 Travel Schedule

 OK - one more surgery to go and then, Lord willing, I'll be back on the road.

If you would like me to stop by your store, and live in (or near) the following areas, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

• Boise, Idaho
• Twin Falls, Idaho
• Pocatello, Idaho
• Idaho Falls, Idaho
• McCall, ID
• Cascade, Idaho
• Sun Valley, Idaho
• Ketchum, Idaho
  
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Baker City, Oregon
• LaGrand Oregon 
• Seattle, Washington
• Tacoma, Washington
• Olympia, Washington
• Belleview, Washington
• Portland, Oregon
• Salem, Oregon
• Denver, Colorado
• Fort Collins, Colorado
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Northern, Nevada
• Albuquerque, New Mexico 
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Dallas, Texas
• Plano, Texas
• Temple, Texas
• Austin, Texas
• San Antonio, Texas
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Alexandria, Minnesota
  

New POS System Advice: onsite installation or do it myself?

So this has been coming up quite a bit as I travel and meet with retailers across the US. Should I pay for onsite installation of a new retail point of sale system?

It boils down to a couple of factors but lets eliminate the iPad based retail point of sale programs as these solutions are designed for "do it yourself" setup.

For the other retail point of sale software programs on the market like Retail Management Hero, NCR CounterPoint, Cloud Retailer, and Retail Pro, you may or may not want to pay for onsite installation depending on the following questions:

1. Are you somewhat tech savvy?
2. Do you have the time?
3. Do you have a local resource that could hired to help move hardware around?
4. Are you happy trying to figure things out yourself?
5. Is your store on the lower end when it comes to gross sales (under $1M in annual gross sales)? 
6. Are you just upgrading software and not replacing any hardware?

Yes to most the above questions would indicate that you should opt out of onsite installation. Otherwise, you should seriously consider working with a point of sale company that it local to you and/or can provide onsite installation. 

Did I miss anything? Have suggestions or questions? Need some retail point of sale advice? Then please reach out to me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

 

 

 

 

 

2021 Point of Sale Resolutions

 A list of 2021 Resolutions for Retailers:

• I will make a definitive plan to replace Microsoft RMS
• I will ensure that my data is secure and being backed up daily
• I will compare my rates for credit card processing/merchant services at least every 6 months
• I will learn one new thing about my point of sale software program at least every 3 months

What else would you include on this list? Send suggestions to me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or by calling 208-340-5632.

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You Safe in 2021!

Cloud Retailer: Video Overview of Custom Discounts

A general overview showing how flexible the Cloud Retailer point of sale software is when it comes to creating custom discounts. Also shows how easy it is to learn!

As always, please do call or email me with any retail point of sale related questions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Retail Point of Sale Software With Rental Capabilities

A quick video showing how the Cloud Retailer point of sale software can handle rentals:

https://www.screencast.com/users/TerryS83/folders/Jing/media/af4517ef-0aae-426a-9b9d-37b1a5d9e915

For more information, please contact RITE at sales@rite.us or 888-267-7483.

MLBA Friend of the Retailer Award

@RITEPOS - we go beyond providing retail point of sale software, hardware, service and support by helping independent retailers compete against big box and online retailers. Thank-you to the MLBA for recognizing this!

Are you searching for a retail point of sale system from a company that knows retail and will help provide you with tools to compete against big box and online retailers? RITE can be reached at sales@rite.us or 888-267-7483.

How Supplier Purchase Planning Works in the Cloud Retailer Software

A quick video overview of how supplier purchase planning works within the Cloud Retailer point of sale software.

A big time saver for most retailers!

Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with any questions.

How to Directly Enter Product Cost in Cloud Retailer

Based on multiple onsite visits with retailers in 5 different states, an overview of how you can directly enter product cost within the Cloud Retailer point of sale software. Very helpful for any retailer who has "one of" products (special orders or products that will be ordered and sold once and never ordered again):

As always, you can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more information or general retail point of sale related questions.

Advanced Settings and Custom Reports in the Cloud Retailer Point of Sale Software

By request from retailers: a very brief and basic overview of custom report creation and some of the more advanced settings within the Cloud Retailer Point of Sale Software.

For more information please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com. Cloud Retailer can be reached at sales@rite.us or 888-267-7483.

Comparison Video: Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Cloud Retailer

A 16 minute video showing some of the differences and similarities between the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software and the Cloud Retailer point of sale software. Designed as a replacement program for Microsoft RMS, Cloud Retailer allows RMS users to keep most of their existing data, transfer up to 2 years of customer purchase history, and take advantage of license cost discounts to help offset the up front costs from moving from RMS to Cloud Retailer.

For more information on POS options for your retail store (including Cloud Retailer), please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Update on Meetings with Goodwill Stores and Retail POS Systems for Thrift Store

As many of you know, I've worked with multiple Goodwill stores over the last 12+ years specific to helping them source POS systems and/or selling and supporting their POS systems. Over the last couple of months, I've had the pleasure of meeting with a couple more Goodwills and wanted to share some feedback specific to what they are using, or moving to, when it comes to thrift store retail point of sale systems. My notes from the meetings are below:

• Many are still using Microsoft Dynamics RMS/HQ as well as NCR CounterPoint (both of these programs have Goodwill/Thrift Store specific modifications like round up buttons and production tracking).
• Budgets are still tight so many of you are holding on to current POS systems as long as possible.
• When looking for a new, or replacement POS system, many of you are concerned about costs related to the replacement of existing hardware as well as aging servers.
• Justification to spend money on a new POS system comes from newer features and functions, reducing costs specific to manual processes, and eliminating the need for expensive servers.
• Your next POS system must handle the unique requirements of Goodwills but also be as automated as possible to eliminate cashier errors and cashier decision making for unique situations like double discounting.
• The POS system must be easily trainable due to staff turn-over but also provide data needed by the organizations leadership.
• On the solution side, we have eliminated all of the iPad systems like Shopkeep, Lavu, Revel, Clover, Silver and Bindo due to lack of depth and feature/functions. We've also eliminated Retail Management Hero since it is only (for now) a single store product. Possible solutions include: Staying with NCR CounterPoint, NetSuite, Dynamics 365, Lightspeed, and Cloud Retailer. We also discussed the pro's and con's of using a custom designed POS system and agreed that that was not a viable option as you would end up being a beta tester and could be orphaned if the programmer moved on to other projects (which I've seen happen a couple of times within Goodwill).

Those are just a few bullet points. If you are part of Goodwill, or a similar organization, I do offer unbiased consulting as well as the sales and service of POS systems designed for thrift stores.

Oh, and we are happy to provide RMS/HQ support as well (we have 10 support techs).

If I can help, the first step is a conversation via phone, email, or in person. Please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com. As always, non-profit organizations enjoy a 10% discount off of any consulting fees and/or towards the cost of new software and hardware!

Cloud Retailer Adds Waiver Functionality to Their POS Software

Based on demand, I'm pleased to pass along that Cloud Retailer now has added the ability to have customer signed waivers.  This is great for any retailer that needs to have signed waivers on file. Some examples include:

• Health Food Stores
• Trampoline Parks
• Weapon Related Retailers
• Retailers that sell Raw Dairy Products

The waiver function in Cloud Retailer is based around an online waiver that is completed by the customer online or using an iPad in the store. The software then notes whether the customer has a completed and signed waiver on file.

Costs are very nominal as well (does not include the iPad):

1. $549 up front cost for installation and training
2. $50/month per store location

That's it!  Very simple and easy!

If you have questions about anything related to waivers or retail point of sale systems, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

New Pricing Options for the Retail Management Hero (RMH) and RMH Central POS Software

***Information on new pricing for RMH as well as the phasing out of RMS user discounts can be found here: http://www.pospondering.com/2019/07/news-flash-important-retail-management.html***

Very important information related to the pricing scheme for Retail Management Hero (RMH) and RMH Central as well as the iPad version of RMH. be sure to note the effective dates as this may effect your decision related to upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics RMS to RMH. Please note that this is subject to change. Also note that subscription based pricing is listed below the pricing matrix as well (based on 12 month minimum commitment)

RMH, RMH Central & iPOS Pricing Scheme – New User

License	Before Oct 1st 2017	Oct 1st 2017 – March 31st 2018	Starting April 1st 2018	Notes
Base License: 1 POS + 2 Manager	$1190 + $215	$1250 + $225	$1250 + $225	“+ $XXX” is required first year software maintenance
POS 2 & Above	$1190 + $215	$900 + $162	$900 + $162	“+ $XXX” is required first year software maintenance
Manager 3 & Above	$400 + $72	Same	Same	“+ $XXX” is required first year software maintenance
iPOS for iPad	$650 + $117	Same	Same	“+ $XXX” is required first year software maintenance
RMH Central – User	$72/year	Same	Same	Expected release Q1 2019
RMH Central – Store Connection	$360/year	Same	Same	Expected release Q1 2019

RMH Pricing Scheme – Lapsed RMS Users

License	Before Oct 1st 2017	Oct 1st 2017 – March 31st, 2018	Starting April 1st, 2018	Notes
Base License: 1 POS + 2 Manager	$250 + $215	$500 + $225	$875 + $225	“+ $XXX” is required first year software maintenance
POS 2 & Above	$250 + $215	$360 + $162	$630 + $162	“+ $XXX” is required first year software maintenance
Manager 3 & Above	$0 + $72	$160+ $72	$280 + $72	“+ $XXX” is required first year software maintenance

RMH Pricing Scheme – Non Lapsed RMS Users

License	Before Oct 1st 2017	Oct 1st 2017 – March 31st, 2018	Starting April 1st, 2018	Notes
Base License: 1 POS + 2 Manager	$0 + $215	$0 + $225	$0 + $225	“+ $XXX” is required first year software maintenance
POS 2 & Above	$0 + $215	$0 + $162	$0 + $162	“+ $XXX” is required first year software maintenance
Manager 3 +	$0.00	Same	Same	Up to 10 manager licenses total

RMH Subscription (based on 12 month commitment)

$59/month per POS station which is $708/per 12 month period. The software will check to ensure that the subscription is paid.

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

Welcome to Some New Customers!

It has been a very busy summer for all of us and fall is looking busy as well as I am headed to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington State, Utah, Idaho and Texas over the coming weeks.

For now, a quick shout out to some retailers who recently joined the family:

• Harvest Moon Health Foods - Utah - Card Defender
• May Janes House of Glass - Washington State - POS Consulting
• Global Wine and Spirits - Kansas - Card Defender
• Mac Spirits - Arkansas - New Hardware and Card Defender

Welcom! 

When Free is not Really Free

We've been down this road so many times but I keep running in to retailers who have offers for free POS systems or free upgrades from Microsoft Dynamics RMS to Retail Management Hero.  When I say "free", it means that the retailer has been quoted no software, hardware, installation, training or similar costs.

Aside from official license swap promotions, the costs for a new POS system or upgrading an existing POS system are there. These costs are likely either associated with a maintenance agreement or within merchant services rates. I've also see cancellation clauses or contract termination fees of up to $2500 associated with these types of sales.

What should you do when reviewing a quote for a free upgrade or free point of sale system:

1. Look for hidden costs like a maintenance or service agreement
2. Look for cancellation, change or termination clauses that have costs
3. Look for additional monthly or annual charges 
4. Look for additional per transaction or gateway fee's
5. Compare the merchant services rates against other merchant services companies to see if you are being charged higher than average rates
6. Make sure that you are not being locked in to any sort of long term contract (more than 1 year)
7. Add up any of the above and compare against other POS system costs to calculate an overall total cost (I would strongly recommend calculating all costs over 5 to 7 years to see the "big picture")

If you are working with someone that promises free but hides costs in the paperwork, is that someone that you want to be doing business with? Look for a vendor that clearly defines all costs - whether they be up front or on-going.

Need help with the above? You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for some assistance (no charge for up to 30 minutes for phone or email help).

Welcome to some new RITE Customers!

A quick shout out to some retailers and organizations that recently signed on with me for point of sale related needs:

Opus One Winery - Card Defecnder - CA

The Range - RMS Plug Ins - CA
Bullet Barn Guns - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - CA
Rietdyk's Milling Co - Service and Support - WA
Quantum Raynbow - Caribian - Cloud Retailer Reseller
Everson Royce - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - CA

Plasticare - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - CO

4 Way Meat Market - Card Defender - CA

1 Stop Pool - Support and Service - TX

Young Life - Consulting Services - CO

The Range of Richfield - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - WI

Marmot Mountain / Newell Brands - RMS Plug Ins - CO

I can be reached directly at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Retail Management Hero Central Updates

Some much awaited updates on the Retail Management Hero (RMH) Central multi-location module which is designed to replace Microsoft Dynamics RMS HQ as well as being a solution for chain retailers looking for a new point of sale system.

Training has Started:

RMH Central Training

April 30 – 31

Location: Napa, CA

RMH Central Training

May 3 – 4

Location: Napa, CA

Beta sites are set for May - July.

General release is set for August 2018.  

Please keep in mind that this has changed in the past and will be subject to potential bugs, etc.

Contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more information - I already have a dozen or so RMS HQ users that I am meeting with over the coming months to out line migration plans to RMH Central.

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:

• Using Microsoft Dynamics RMS? The Card Defender system for RMS allows for signature capture. You may also want to look at an email receipt add-on for RMS like RITE Retail Emailer.
• The new Retail Management Hero software also allows for the emailing of receipts and works with Card Defender as well for signature capture.
• Cloud Retailer POS also has the ability to email receipts and use signature capture.

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.

Full article from Star Micronics can be found at: http://mailchi.mp/starmicronics/urgent-industry-update-thermal-paper-availability?e=f6fcd3a9ce

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