Welcome!

I really enjoy these types of posts!  A quick shout out to the following retailers that I am helping with new point of sale equipment:

1. Smokin' Willy's in Washington State: Replacing Microsoft RMS with Cloud Retailer at all store locations
2. Asia Grocery in Kansas: Replacing Revel with Cloud Retailer
3. Good Stuff in Louisiana: RMS Maintenance Agreement
4. Mary Janes House of Glass: Replacing Microsoft RMS and HQ with Cloud Retailer at all store locations.
5. Point Liquor in Texas: RMS/HQ Maintenance Agreement for all store locations as well as some new hardware

I enjoy working with all of you! If you would like to learn more about why these retailers are working with me, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

Welcome to Some New Retailers

A quick welcome to some retailers that have chosen to work with myself over the last couple of months:

• Riverside Box in Arkansas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Retail Management Hero
• Mastex in Texas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Retail Management Hero
• NovoTex in Texas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Retail Management Hero
• Alexander Davis Men's Clothing in Idaho: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer

Welcome to the family!

As always, you can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with any retail point of sale questions.

Cloud/No Cloud? Purchase or SaaS?

Which some of the "big gun" retail point of sale programs like Microsoft Dynamics moving to cloud and subscription based models, everyone may think that the future of point of sale technology is going to be only cloud and subscription based and not something that is purchased outright and deployed locally. This is not the case at all - both models have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Part of why I am writing another post on this topic is that I'm constantly being told that the industry is moving towards mainly SaaS Cloud based solutions. My daily contact with retailers indicates a nearly even split in demand - in fact I've had several retailers tell me that they are migrating back to locally deployed point of sale systems after having poor experiences with SaaS Cloud based systems.  Point being - there is a need for both types of systems and its clear that many vendors will provide both for the foreseeable future.

Read on for more details:

Definitions:

• Cloud: point of sale software is fully or partially hosted (and run) over the Internet
• SaaS - Software as a Service: Continued use of the software requires payment of an on-going fee which is normally monthly
• Subscription Based: same as SaaS for this particular blog post
• Deployed: how the software is delivered to you/installed

Costs:

• I've run multiple different costing models factoring in over 20 different point of sale software programs as well as different sizes of retailers. The reality is that the long term costs are similar in most cases. By long term, I mean a period of 5 to 7 years.

Read No Further - if the following applies to your business, you can rule out the Cloud-based point of sale programs in most cases:

• Internet access in your area is limited, spotty, unreliable, or not available
• You are in an IT role and want to keep your job/stay busy supporting the POS system
• You have existing equipment in place (servers, hardware, etc) that are less than 3 years old and have no interest in replacing this equipment
• The idea of always having to pay an ongoing fee to use the system is unappealing to you
• You want full control of your data locally
• Business equipment tax deductions are setup in a way that requires an outright purchase

Factors to Consider:

1. Your business has limited funds - SaaS Cloud POS systems have lower initial costs
2. You like having a set budgeted amount for POS software - SaaS Cloud POS systems have a flat amount that normally includes software updates as well as support
3. You have limited or no IT staff - SaaS Cloud based POS systems are generally less intense to learn and use and include support in the on-going fee
4. You have a high volume business like a liquor store or convenience store - My real world experience is that only POS systems that are run fully or partially locally at the store can provide the speed that high volume businesses require 
5. Multiple location chains - I've found that the complexities of what chain business require generally dictates that a locally deployed POS system is used. This may change over the next 3-5 years.
6. You require customization - there seems to be nearly equal availability for customization's and third party add-ons for both models. The main differences are how the customization or third party add-ons are paid for (upfront or on-going) 

There are always other factors but my main point is that you should not let anyone lead you down the wrong path when it comes to selecting the best point of sale system for your business.

Card Defender Checklist

Quick Update: Card Defender is no longer available for Microsoft RMS unless you are a beer, wine, or liquor store that will be moving to the Cloud Retailer point of sale software in the near future. 

Wow - fresh off some new installs in Idaho, Colorado and Utah and I've had multiple people email and call me about the Card Defender EMV/Chip Card add-on for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software.

As I've already posted some information about Card Defender and links to videos showing how Card Defender works with RMS, here is a checklist related to some of the Card Defender options and requirements:

• Cabled Ethernet or Wireless? 

I strongly recommend cabled for security reasons - just make sure that you have a router or switch near where the terminal will be placed.

• Available electrical outlet near where the terminal will be placed?

Terminal should be plugged in to a good quality surge suppressor, line conditioner, battery back-up or similar device.

• Do you want to accept NFC/contact-less payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet?

• Do you need to accept pin based debit?

• What company do you use for merchant services/credit card processing services? 

Has to be Heartland, First Data or TSYS - keep in mind that the companies name does not matter as much as who they use for processing.

• What version of the Microsoft RMS software are you using? 

Has to be RMS version 1.3 or higher.

• How many check out lanes do you have?

• Are you using Microsoft RMS HQ? 

Card Defender works with HQ - just some extra setup steps to complete so the data sync's correctly.

• Are you using any add-ons for RMS like e-commerce or customer loyalty programs? 

This normally does not effect Card Defender but better to check ahead of time.

• Are you also taking phone or mail orders that require entering the payment information by hand? 

This requires some thoughts as to whether to use a Card Defender terminal  or not for manually entered payments and how this would effect the batch and close out process.

As a reminder, Card Defender is the only EMV/Chip Card solution for Microsoft RMS (that I am aware of) that is processor agnostic, does not have any additional per-transaction fees, and does not have any contracts at all.

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

TSYS SHA2 Deadline: What Microsoft RMS Users Need to Know

Wow - lots of calls and emails the last couple of days asking about the looming January 1st, 2017 SHA2 compliance deadline and what options are available for retailers using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software. It appears that TSYS and possibly First Data are pushing for compliance via the companies that use the TSYS and First Data platforms for merchant services.

First off - this is actually a good thing from a security standpoint as many retailers have held off on implementing EMV/Chip Card solutions and/or are still using Windows XP. Given the calls that I have been receiving about EMV fraud, the time has come to move forward with putting in the equipment to process EMV/Chip Cards.

I would strongly recommend that retailers using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software move to Windows 7. Windows 10 is possible with some help from myself or another Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partner. Skip Windows 8 or 8.1.

When it comes to retailers using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software, you have several options to meet the SHA2 deadline. My, advice (in order of preference) is the following:

1. Implement Card Defender for Microsoft RMS: Card Defender solves your security issues and allows for both EMV/Chip Card processing and NFC (Apple Pay and Google Wallet) processing as an integrated add-on for Microsoft RMS .  Card Defender does not add any gateway or per-transaction fees above what your merchant services company charges, is processor agnostic (TSYS, First Data, and Heartland), and requires no contracts. Visit this page on my blog for more information on Card Defender or contact me for more information - I've already had 5 retailers using RMS contact me in just the last 2 days about Card Defender so it is clear that the is upcoming deadline is being taken seriously. 
2. Vantiv/Mercury, Shift 4, Heartland and Cayan/Merchants Warehouse also offer some EMV/Chip Card add-ons/payment gateways/payment tunnels for Microsoft RMS. Generally I have found that these solutions are more expensive than Card Defender in the long run (1+ years) due to additional per-transaction fees and/or locking you into a contract using only one company for merchant services (which is another thing that I like about Card Defender - its keeps your merchant services provider honest when it comes to the rates and fees that they charge as they know that you can switch companies of you are unhappy while these other solutions basically lock you in). 
3. Use a separate credit card terminal that does not interface with the Microsoft RMS software. While this is the easiest and lowest cost option, keep in mind that you will be reconciling two reports at the end of each day and you open up the system to human error when entering the total on the credit card terminal (for example: a transaction totaling $15.20 could be entered as $1.52 or $152.00 - not fun to have have to track a customer down to correct the error).

All in all - there are plenty of options that allow Microsoft RMS point of sale software users to keep using RMS and meet the SHA2 deadline. Do contact me with any questions or clarifications.

Point of Sale Systems for Trampoline Parks

As trampoline parks expand across the US, I've done some research to see what might be the best point of sale system for trampoline parks as these businesses have some unique needs like the following:

• Reservations
• Timed access
• Liability Waiver Signing
• Online Reservations
• Restaurant or Snack Bar Operations
• Zone Access
• Retail Store/Gift Shop
• Equipment Rentals

About the only solution that I have found so far is Cloud Retailer which is in place at a couple of trampoline parks - otherwise it seems like the businesses have developed their own internal point of sale system, are using multiple different systems, or are just using plain old cash registers.

I'm working on obtaining a demo copy of Cloud Retailer so I can explore the system and create a demo review video. In the meantime you can always contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more information.

Used Product Add-On for NCR CounterPoint SQL

So this is pretty cool - a NCR CounterPoint Partner has created an add-on module for NCR CounterPoint  specifically for stores that buy and sell used products. Regardless of the economy, the buying and selling of used products like clothing, video games, and sporting goods can make for a very successful retail store.

While the standard version of NCR CounterPoint can work in nearly any retail business,  this add-on makes things a bit easier when it comes to stores that buy and sell used products.

Please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me for more information and to be connected to the right NCR CounterPoint Partner.

Point of Sale System Rentals

Back when I was selling and supporting various point of sale systems, we'd often rent out equipment for businesses and organizations who needed complete point of sale systems for a large event like a conference, trade show or expo.

This actually works real well for everyone as the business or organizations that needs the equipment can just use it for the length of the event and then return the equipment when done - much less expensive than buying point of sale equipment that is only used for a few days or weeks each year.

Retailers looking for a special deal liked that they could then purchase the returned rental equipment for a discount and this was equipment that was mainly just broken in and not equipment that had been heavily used for several years and normally still had some sort of warranty.

Each situation is different but normally this type of equipment rental is designed for a business organization that needs between 3 and 50 complete point of sale stations (computer, monitor, software, barcode scanner, cash drawer, receipt printer, etc) for an event lasting from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Full service setup and tear down is also available as is onsite programming and training.

If this is something that would be of interest to your business or organization, please get in touch with me (details on how to reach me can be found on my contact page) so we can discuss your situation and I can connect you with the correct vendor offering rental of point of sale hardware and software.

Pay at Pump POS Systems and POS Systems for Cell Phone Stores

Over the last 17 years, I have had about 20 or so businesses contact me searching for a point of sale system that will work in a business that needs pay at the pump integration or has a cell phone store and needs a point of sale system designed for cell phone stores.

These are usually regional small chains not associated with one brand. I realize that there are point of sale systems designed for gas stations and cell phone stores but these systems appear to be part of a brand or are not designed for businesses with 1 to 10 locations.

If your business happens to offer a tried and true solution for gas stations, convenience stores with fuel sales, or independent cell phone stores, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 so I learn more about your solutions and hopefully refer business owners to you.

US and Canada only please!

New XR7 From NCR

While NCR has been known for providing tough computers to be used in specialty retail situations like garden centers and nurseries (which I have personally worked with in the past), these computers looked like something out of the 1980's in size and design.

NCR recently released the new XR7 computer which looks more like a sleek tablet but retains the functionality of a computer. The XR7 also has gone through durability testing to ensure that the computer can handle tough retail environments.

More information about rhe XR7 can be found on this webpage: http://www.retailcontrolsystems.com/the-all-new-xr7/

You can also visit my contact page for information on how to reach me if you have questions or are in need of some free and unbiased point of sale advice.

Lower Prices for Mobile POS Hardware

One side benefit to there being so many tablet and smart phone point of sale systems on the market is that the prices for the hardware and peripherals to use these mobile point of sale systems has come way down.

I've seen complete bundles - including the iPad - for just over $1,100. This is all new hardware and makes for a very low price point to get started with a complete point of sale system for your business.

As this blog is not designed to advertise for other companies, please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me if you want to know were I was able to find this hardware (it is a reputable website).

Looking for a Discount or Tax Break?

Just a quick reminder that I can't sell you anything but I do keep tabs on which companies are offering specials on the following:

• Merchant Services (credit and debit card processing)
• Paper and Label Supplies
• Cash Registers
• Point of Sale Hardware
• Point of Sale Software & Apps
• Cash Drawers
• Receipt Printers
• Kitchen, Prep and Bar Printers
• Touch Screens
• Barcode Label Scanners
• Barcode Label Printers
• Data Collection Devices
• Card Swipes
• Customer Price/Pole Display
• Tablets
• And More

If you are in the United States, simply contact me for more information.

Is Buying Used Equipment and/or Buying Equipment from Amazon or eBay a Good Idea?

I'm often asked if it is a good idea to save some money by purchasing used point of sale equipment and/or point of sale equipment sold on websites like eBay or Amazon.  The short answer is "yes - but with caution".

Here is what you need to keep in mind and this is all based on real world experience:

1. Point of sale hardware is not 'universal'. For example, a receipt printer or barcode label printer that works with one point of sale system may not work with a different point of sale system. You need to match all the equipment up against the supported hardware list for the point of sale system that you will be using.  Saving $250 on a piece of hardware sounds awesome until you find out the hardware is not supported or compatible with your point of sale software.
2. Cable, connections, and drivers vary from system to system. Again, make sure that any hardware matches up to the right cables and connections on your computer or mobile device as well as being on the support hardware list for your point of sale software or app.
3. Any batteries may be 'toast' in used equipment.  Not a big deal - just plan on needing to buy new batteries.
4. Make sure that documentation comes with all equipment and/or is available online. You'd be surprised how much manual programming is required with some point of sale hardware. Make sure that you will have access to any manuals, programming guides, etc that are required to correctly use any hardware.
5. Check the version for compliance and support!!!  This is a big one that has cost some folks a lot of money as they up having to re-purchase all or part of their system.  Here are the 2 most common scenarios that I have come across over the last 15 years:
1. Someone gets a great deal on a whole point of sale system but doesn't do their homework and receives a computer that is running an outdated operating system like Windows XP (or a tablet that is running an outdated version of iOS). The user goes to upgrade the operating system but then finds that some of the hardware doesn't work with the updated operating system so now some of the hardware has to be upgraded - this quickly turns in to a expensive ugly mess.
2. Someone gets a great deal on a complete system and all appears to be fine until the user calls for support on the system (or fails a PCI compliance scan) and finds out that their point of sale software is so outdated that it is no longer supported and the user needs to purchase all new point of sale software (which may or may not work with existing hardware, etc).

I'm not saying to avoid used or discounted equipment, just do some homework and by all means, make sure that you will be EMV compliant!  No sense having to buy a whole new point of sale system in September 2015 because you bought something now that will never be EMV compliant.

Please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me.

POS and EMV - Questions You Should be Asking Now

EMV compliance is less that one year away so I've been keeping tabs on which companies and which point of sale solutions have announced how they plan to upgrade their point of sale systems to work with EMV compatible hardware.  So far, only Bindo Point of Sale (www.bindopos.com) is offering EMV compatible hardware.

Square, which is popular with very small businesses (under $60,000/year in gross sales), does have a sign up form for those using Square as well as some general information on EMV. No word yet on whether the new EMV hardware will be free or will have to be purchased.  Here is a link to the the Square sign up form to be notified when EMV hardware for Square will become available: https://squareup.com/emv

As a side note, anyone thinking about purchasing a point of sale system should be asking about EMV. It makes no sense to purchase a point of sale system now and then have to spend more money in 2015 for EMV hardware.  If the place that you are working with doesn't have a solid answer then that is a major warning sign that their solution may not be the best solution for you and your business or organization.

All point of sale companies should be able to tell you the following regarding their point of sale systems and EMV:

• Will a software/app update be required and will there be any costs?
• When will any EMV software/app updates be available?
• Which EMV products (ie. readers or terminals by name and model number) will the software/app work with?
• When will the hardware be available?
• What will be the hardware costs?
• Are there any other costs (ie. labor to help with the upgrade or changing my merchant account information)?
• Will I still be able to use my existing merchant account?

Again, if you can't get a definitive answer for the above questions, then you may want to talk to a point of sale company that can provide you with the answers.

Please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me.

Point of Sale Specials, Discounts, and Promo's - Oh My!

As we head in to mid-July 2014, just a quick note that I have been able to secure some point of sale hardware and software discounts from various point of sale solution providers that I trust.  At this point, just about anyone with a retail store or a museum that is searching for a new point of sale system or thinking about upgrading a point of sale system should get in touch with me.

So now you not only get free help selecting a point of sale system or answering your point of sale related questions, but you can save a lot towards the cost of a new or upgraded point of sale solution for your business or organization.


Now that is very cool!  Keep in mind that these discounts and promotions will end - I just don't know when at this point. Your business or organization must be located in the United States.

If I can help please contact me via the contact form on this blog site, via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell at 208-340-5632. I've been helping folks find the right point of sale system for over 15 years and do not charge for my services (unless you want to pay me - I'm OK with that!).

NCR Silver Updates

Some long overdue updates related to NCR Silver. As a reminder, NCR Silver is a tablet based point of sale system for retail stores and quick serve restaurants. The functionality of NCR Silver falls between what a cash register can do and what a computer-based point of sale system can do.  You pay a monthly subscription fee to use NCR Silver in your iOS device.

Hardware Updates: 

NCR Silver runs on Apple®i; iOS^TM 6.0 & 7.0 devices. When implementing integrated credit, the NCR Credit Card Reader supports the following devices: iPad® 2, iPad with Retina display (3rd generation), iPad Mini & iPad Mini with Retina Display, iPad Air, iPhone® 4 and iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, 5s and 5c, or iPod touch® 4th and 5th generations.

Previously NCR Silver did not work with hardware designed for 3rd generation iPads or 5th generation iPhones and iPod Touches

New Features in Version 3 of NCR Silver:

• NCR Silver now supports multiple locations and can scale to meet the needs of retail shops, cafes, bakeries, restaurants or any small business that is expanding. With easy-to-use tools and reports, owners can manage items across all their sites, see a consolidated view of site sales data, and still easily navigate to individual locations for site-level details.
• Small business owners get more control with the ability to set user roles like Cashier or Manager and to assign permissions so they can grant or limit access to functions such as price override, discounts, returns, voids and tip adjustments.
• A new Time Clock feature makes everyday easier for small business owners and their employees. Employees simply sign in and out through the app, and owners can export timesheets for payroll.

I've talked to a few places using NCR Silver and the response has been positive but with a note that most retail store owners indicated that they plan on upgrading to a more complete point of sale system "down the road" (ie. something that can print barcode labels and create purchase orders).

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 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.