Upcoming City Visits

Looks like I should break the 100K barrier in frequent flyer miles for 2017! Details are still being arranged but it looks like I am headed to the following places for the 2nd half of 2017 (mostly August - early November):

• Salt Lake City, UT
• Seattle, WA
• Portland, OR
• Denver, CO
• Phoenix, AZ
• Tuscon, AZ
• Jackson, WY
• Minneapolis, MN

And, of course, helping out folks here in Idaho - over 160 retailers in the PacNW and Utah that have signed on for sales and service - including single location stores as well as 50 location chains (good thing that we have 10 support techs!).

I'll update this post with dates as the travel plans are finalized. Contact me if we need to schedule some time together at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632. 

Full Trial Versions of Retail Management Hero & Cloud Retailer

Update 7/12/2017: Wow!  Many of you have taken advantage of both of these options!  This is not a limited time promo or anything like that. Right now its is taking 3-4 days the setup the free Cloud Retailer demo and around a week to setup the Retail Management Hero demo. Note that this is only for retailers in the US and Canada.

Whether you are looking to replace your Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software or are searching for a new POS system for your retail store, I wanted to pass along some information on full trial versions of a couple of direct RMS replacement point of sale software programs for retailers in the US and Canada:

Retail Management Hero (discounted licensing for RMS users & competitive pricing for new users)
$549 for a 30 day version of Retail Management Hero. This includes basic installation on one computer as well as some general overview training.

Cloud Retailer (discounted licensing for RMS users & competitive pricing for new users)
Free test instance to try out Cloud Retailer. Installation and training depends on your specific circumstances

Note that both programs offer data migration from Microsoft RMS. This means that you are saving money via the discounted licensing for RMS users plus saving time by not having to start from scratch with a new POS system!

These are also great POS systems for retailers searching for a new point of sale system and are located in the US.

Please contact me directly at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more information.

Retail Management Hero Deployments and Updates

A quick note that we are progressing through some more Retail Management Hero (RMH) deployments and I should have some feedback for you in the next 30-60 days. One thing that I highly recommend is getting a good in depth demo of RMH and/or checking out a 30 day trial version of RMH. There are a few differences between RMS and RMH so better to do your homework ahead of time.

A reminder on the current pricing scheme for RMH:
RMH Lane License New User: $1405 with first year software maintenance (includes 2 free RMH manager licenses per store location).

RMH Lane License Lapsed RMS/POS 2007/POS 2009/POS 2.0 User: $465 with first year maintenance (includes 2 free RMH manager licenses per store location).

RMH Lane License Non Lapsed RMS User: $215 with first year maintenance (includes 10 free RMH manager licenses per store location).

In other RMH news, Card Defender for RMH and RMH Central (RMH version of RMH HQ) are still in development - I'll pass along ETA's as soon as I have them.

In the meantime, do contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com with any RMH or retail point of sale questions.

How to obtain a 30 day trial license of the Retail Management Hero (RMH) point of sale software

Whether you call it an evaluation copy or trial version, I have a process in place for retailers to receive 30 day trial versions of the Retail Management Hero point of sale software. This is somewhat different from the days of endless evaluation CD's of Dynamics RMS being handed out in the mid 2000's (I still have a stack of them in my office) but the end result is similar - it allows retailers to take RMH for a "test drive".

A few requirements need to be met in order to obtain the 30 trial version of RMH so use the following as a check list (note that this applies to the retailers that I work with or new retailers that contact me and that this has been approved by both Retail Realm and RITE):

1. Your store must be located in the US or Canada as we are not equipped to provide RMH trials outside of these countries plus Retail Realm has set up RMH Partners in most countries across the globe anyway.
2. The trial license of RMH is free and includes a single "lane" license that is valid for 30 days.
3. You must be a past, present, or future RITE customers as RMH can only be provided by trained Partners like RITE - there is a simple form that can be completed to accomplish this if you are not presently assigned to RITE.
4. It has already been determined that RMH is a good fit for your business meaning that you have been shown a RMH demo and had pricing explained to you. You are also aware of any limitations in RMH. No sense spending time evaluating software if it is not a good match for your business!
5. A signed proposal is required which will include the 30 day free trial version of RMH along with 3-5 hours of pre-paid support ($375 - $549). Here is the reasoning for having to purchase the support:
• In my 18 years of working with over 4700 businesses, I've never had even one that required no support at all.
• Comfort in knowing that a RITE tech will perform a basic install of RMH for you.
• Not feeling stuck if you run in to a technical issue - assistance is just a toll free call away.
• Some basic overview or "ad hoc" training is included so you do not miss key features or functions.
• The investment will carry forward should you choose to actually implement RMH - in other words, you are not "out" anything if a full licensed copy of RMH is purchased within 30 days.

To learn more, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Cloud Retailer Video Review/Demo/Overview

A quick demo/overview/review of the very flexible Cloud Retailer point of sale software. Cloud Retailer has proven to be adaptable to multiple type of retail vertical markets and offers unique pricing option making for an affordable investment.

I can be reached at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for no-cost information on Cloud Retailer or retail point of sale systems in general.

More In Depth Retail Management Hero Overview

A slightly more in depth review of the Retail Management Hero retail point of sale software. A great solution not only as a low cost upgrade for Microsoft RMS/POS/POS 2009 software users, but also for retailers searching for an affordable and flexible point of sale system.

Tough to cover everything without making the video too boring so please contact me directly at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for a more personalized demo.

New Version of RMS/Retail Management Hero Demo and Overview

So excited for Microsoft RMS users as well as retailers in general as the new Retail Management Hero (RMH)  point of sale software is here!  While the name is slightly different, I can really see why RMH could be labeled as version 3 of Microsoft Dynamics RMS.

There are multiple reasons why RMS users and retailers should take a serious look at RMH.  From an RMS users perspective you have the following:

1. No need to start from scratch for training 
2. Low cost upgrade licenses $215 to $465/computer depending on your software maintenance 
3. Keep nearly all of your historical data (sales, customers, etc)
4. Works with Windows 10 - eliminate the issues with RMS and Windows 10
5. Use your existing peripherals (cash drawer, receipt printer etc) or start fresh with new hardware

For Retailers in General, RMH offers the following:

1. Proven database platform
2. Potential existing user based of 40,000+ stores
3. Overall costs are 20% - 30%  than similar point of sale systems like NCR CounterPoint and Retail Pro
4. Solid solution for retailers who need more that what the tablet POS systems can offer (Clover, Vend. Shopkeep, Lava, Silver, Bindo, etc) but don't have the sales volume to justify investing in NCR CounterPoint, Retail Pro, or Dynamics AX

My advice to RMS users is that you get in touch with myself or your existing Dynamics RMS Partner to take a look at your various options and chart a course for the next 60-90 days.  Each situation is different but the good news is that everyone has multiple options.

How to obtain a 30 day trial version of Retail Management Hero: http://www.pospondering.com/2017/01/how-to-obtain-30-day-trial-license-of.html

You can reach me on my cell at 208-340-5632 or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.  I'm presently only able to provide service, sales, and support to retailers in the United States at this time.

Oh yeah, here is the video:

NCR Silver Point of Sale Review and Demo

Since I already provided a basic video review of demo of the backoffice part of NCR Silver, it was time to post a brief video showing how the point of sale side of NCR Silver looks and works.

The highlights are:

• Very simple to setup, learn, and use
• Flexible for both retail and food service businesses
• Can be turned off and on for seasonal businesses
• Monthly price includes support and updates
• Some limited loyalty and email marketing functions

Summary: 
Affordable mobile solution for retail, museum and food service businesses who want more than what a cash register can do.

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Systems Store Operations (RMS) Review and Demo

Updated information on Retail Management Hero as a direct replacement for RMS as of December 3rd, 2015: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/12/updated-information-on-new-retail.html

New video discussing options for Dynamics RMS and HQ users as of December 5th, 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evVWS7dj0Bs

A quick reminder that sales of Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ to new users as well as mainstream support ends next year (2016) so please keep that in mind if you are thinking of purchasing RMS or HQ as point of sale software for your business or organization (not a wise investment at this point).

Update 13.June.2015: A quick note that I have been receiving multiple calls and emails from Microsoft Dynamics RMS users looking to replace RMS due to the upcoming October 1st, 2015 EMV liability shift deadline as well as the "end of life" status for Dynamics RMS and HQ. I have personal experience with RMS users upgrading to NCR CounterPoint and would be happy to share - just visit my contact page for information on how to reach me. I can also put you in touch with a trusted NCR CounterPoint SQL partner.

The license swap options mentioned below refer to Retail Realm Essentials and Retail Management Hero point of sale software programs.

My thoughts on the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Systems Store Operations (RMS) point of sale software and a quick look at the manager/back office part of the software.

RMS has been one of my favorite point of sale solutions over the years and currently is in use at over 40,000 stores, museums, and government entities. Even though sales to new users for RMS will end July 2016, there will be license swap/migration options for RMS users who stay current on their annual maintenance agreement.

Here is the video:

The Highlights:

• Great solution for retail stores, museums, and government entities of all sizes
• Lots of third part add-ons for special functions like online shopping carts and loyalty programs
• Very popular solution for government entities
• User interface is outdated looking
• Takes some training to get a handle on the correct way to run reports
• Sales of RMS will end in July 2016 but their will be a migration path to other point of sale solutions from Microsoft

Bottom Line:

A great solution but sales of RMS and HQ to new users ends July 2016 and the options for complying with the October 1st, 2015 EMV Liability Shift Date are somewhat cumbersome. Flat out, it just doesn't make sense to look at RMS or HQ as a potential point of sale system.

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Review and Demo Of Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Systems Store Operations (RMS)

Updated information on Retail Management Hero as a direct replacement for RMS as of December 3rd, 2015: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/12/updated-information-on-new-retail.html

New video discussing options for Dynamics RMS and HQ users as of December 5th, 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evVWS7dj0Bs

A quick reminder that sales of Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ to new users as well as mainstream support ends next year (2016) so please keep that in mind if you are thinking of purchasing RMS or HQ as point of sale software for your business or organization (not a wise investment at this point).

In this video I share my personal experience working with the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Store Operations (RMS) point of sale solution. I also very quickly show the main parts of the RMS point of sale module.

The key highlights are:

• Very flexible - can be user in nearly any retail store or museum
• Quick when it comes to running transactions
• Sized to work with nearly any sized retail business or museum
• Popular with government entities as well
• Lots of add-ons via third parties
• Big cost advantage over other PC-based point of sale solutions
• Dated interface 
• Sales will end in July 2016 
• There are license swap options that will be available to other point of sale solutions offered by Microsoft
• Must be current on your annual maintenance agreement to qualify for the license swap options

Summary:
 Great solution but getting dated and we need more details from Microsoft related to what Dynamics Retail Essentials will offer compared to RMS plus sales of RMS and HQ to new users will end on July, 2016.

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Video Review and Demo of Bindo Point of Sale

As Bindo Point of Sale has quickly become the most popular retail and museum point of sale solution on my blog site, I figured that it was time to make a quick video showing what Bindo looks like. My AirPlay software was running unusually slow so any slowness in screen changes is not related to Bindo but to my AirPlay software linking my iPad Air to my Win 7 laptop.

The feedback that I have been getting about Bindo is very positive. What one retailer mentioned kind of sums it all up: if Bindo can do more than what other mobile point of sale solutions can do for the same or a lower price, why wouldn't I choose Bindo over NCR Silver or Clover?

I do have a fully functioning copy of Bindo if you want to take a more in depth look. More reviews on Bindo POS can be found here: https://bindopos.com/reviews

Visit my contact page for information on how to reach me.

NCR Silver Review and Back Office Demo

I've worked a bit over the last couple of years with the NCR Silver mobile point of sale solution. The video below covers what I like and don't like about NCR Silver as well as a brief overview of teh back office part of NCR Silver.

The highlights are:

• Very simple to setup, learn, and use
• Flexible for both retail and food service businesses
• Can be turned off and on for seasonal businesses
• Monthly price includes support and updates
• Some limited loyalty and email marketing functions
• Must buy the hardware and peripherals while other solutions like Bindo offer free hardware and peripherals
• Not a true point of sale system
• If solutions like Bindo can offer more of a true point of sale solution for the same monthly price then why choose NCR Silver?

Summary:
Affordable mobile solution for retail, museum and food service businesses who want more than what a cash register can do but more advanced solutions like Bindo POS are making the original mobile solutions like Clover and NCR Silver look a bit too basic.

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

NCR CounterPoint Review and Demo

April 3rd, 2016, new video review/overview of the NCR CounterPoint SQL point of sale software: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/04/updated-review-of-ncr-counterpoint-sql.html

One of the point of sale programs that I have worked with over the years is the NCR CounterPoint solution. This video covers some of the things that I like and don't like about NCR CounterPoint as well as a brief overview of the software itself.

The highlights are:

• A great solution for a larger single location retail store or for chains with up to 300 locations
• Very touch screen friendly for museums and similar organizations that have admissions
• Specialty hardware is available for tough environments like food service or nursery/garden centers
• Lots of high level functions related to email marketing behind the scenes, integrated online store,  text alerts, and selling via both a PC's and iOS devices like iPads
• If your business is not generating at least $800,000+ in annual gross sales, you will never get your purchase price back in terms of ROI via increased sales, reduces theft, better reporting, etc
• Complex - takes a good 15-20 hours of formalized training to learn how to use NCR CounterPoint - this is not a "do it yourself program". The end result is that you have a very robust point of sale system that can do just about anything you ask of it, no matter what type of retail store you have or how many locations you have
• Ticket entry mode for stores that need to quickly process transactions like liquor stores and convenience stores

Summary:
 Great solution for larger single and multi-location retail store and museums whole sales volume and technology needs justify the investment.

Visit my contact page for information on how to reach me for unbiased point of sale advice.

Demo Videos and Downloads

A quick reminder that several companies offer 30 day free trial periods and/or demo versions of the software.  If you are interested here are the various solutions that I have access to for demo purposes:

• NCR CounterPoint
• Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Systems Store Operations (RMS)
• QuickBooks Point of Sale
• Aldelo 
• NCR Silver (back office only - POS pending)
• Bindo POS

I am also working on some demo videos that show some of the high level aspects of each point of sale solution. that should be ready yet this week. Since there isn't a lot of point of sale news (normally) during the summer, I figured that now would be a great time to upload some video demos of point of sale solutions.  Note that a video can only cover the general highlights unless you really want a 45 minute long video (have some popcorn ready).

Same goes for my workshop presentation videos - the actual workshop scales from 45 minutes to three hours depending on the audience. I doubt that any of you want to watch that long of a video!  Let me know if I am wrong tho!

Visit my contact page for information on how to reach me.

Video Review and Demo of QuickBooks Point of Sale

One of the point of sale software solutions that I have worked with over the years is the QuickBooks Point of Sale solution. This video covers some of the basic highlights as well as what is good and not so good about QuickBooks point of sale.

The highlights:

• Very easy to learn and use
• Great interface to QuickBooks Accounting
• Affordable for small boutique style retail stores or museums
• Limited Hardware/Peripheral Options
• Not the quickest program on the market
• Extra costs (easily $1000/year) related to having to use Intuit for merchant services (credit and debit card processing)

Summary:
 One of the easiest to use point of sale systems that I have every worked with but the forced use of Intuit for merchant services means QuickBooks Point of Sale should be crossed off your list of potential point of sale solution.

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Point of Sale Buying Tip: Get a Real Demo

Sharing some more information from my retail point of sale workshop presentations:

When it comes to comparing possible retail point of sale solutions for your business, be sure to get a customized demo of each point of sale program that you are considering.  I'm amazed how many point of sale companies only offer recorded demo's or 'canned' demos via a webinar.  I've worked with just under 4000 businesses over the years and always took the time to create a custom software demo using the actual point of sale software (whether in person or online via a webinar).

The reason for a custom demo is that each business has specific things that they want to do with the software. It makes more sense to show the business leadership how the software does various functions rather than just show a canned demo that may or may not show the software functions that the business is searching for.

Also, canned demos can make a software appear to run quicker and/or easier than a customized live demo.  Some of the things that I included in my demos that you may want to request (keep in mind that even a customized demo of point of sale software can still be normally accomplished in around 20 minutes):

• How to add/change your business information
• How to add/change customer information
• How to add/change inventory information
• How to run various reports
• How to put items on sales
• How to setup special items (sizes, "mix and match", bulk)
• How to transfer items between store locations
• How to handle purchasing and recieving
• How to set up security levels
• How to add/change employees
• Time clock function and related reports
• Accounting interface
• How to print barcode labels
• Touchscreen interface
• How to customize fields or attributes in the software
• How to add/change vendor/supplier information

As a reminder, I am not currently affiliated with any point of sale companies or manufactures but have 14 years of experience working with retail, restaurant, and museum point of sale solutions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time) or kevinantosh@gmail.com for free point of sale help and advice.