Another Customer Review of RITE and Cloud Retailer

 By request - another review of RITE and their Cloud Retailer point of sale software: https://youtu.be/WRIUkyJvJ1I

RITE and Cloud Retailer can be reached at www.cloudretailer.com, sales@rite.us or by calling 888-267-7483.

By Request: Customer Review of the Cloud Retailer Point of Sale Software

 I've had several retailers ask me for some sort of customer review specific to the Cloud Retailer point of sale software as well as a review of RITE: https://youtu.be/oPpYt0W9Kck

Honest Feedback on Retail Management Hero (RMH)

As we start a new decade, I wanted to pass along my personal experience in working with retailers who are using the Retail Management Hero point of sale software. I have been onsite with many of these retailers and/or spoken with them via phone and helped with installation and training.

First, the negative reviews: https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retail-management-hero-profile/

I can vouch for almost all of those reviews as being valid (these retailers did not acquire RMH through myself, or RITE, but I am familiar with their stores).

As for retailers who did acquire RMH via myself and RITE, there seems to be a 80/20 split between those who love RMH (80%) and those who are struggling to use RMH (20%). These are retailers across just about all industries and are located across the US.  The biggest concerns to note about RMH are:

1. Needing to use add-ons for credit card processing
2. Differences between Microsoft RMS and RMS as covered here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqPTxoSgHHo
3. RMH Central is NOT ready for general release
4. Not being able to see cost at the POS screen
5. Not being able to add new items at the POS screen
6. Lack of a manual or users guide
7. Too many releases and cost to install each new release
8. No support is included with annual software maintenance

The retailers who love RMH have expressed the following to me:

1. POS is really easy to train cashiers on
2. Liked that they could move their data from Microsoft RMS to RMH
3. Plenty of third party plug ins for e-comm, and accounting software interfaces
4. Uses fairly standard point of sale hardware and peripherals
5. The built in customer loyalty program is a nice feature
6. Physical inventory counts are easy to do using the built in tool
7. New options for shipping, age verification, and liquor store integrations

There also seems to be a trend of various RMH re-sellers abandoning retailers mid-deployment which myself and RITE have done our best to help clean up. Never an ideal situation but it seems to have gone well 90% of the time in fixing what the RMH re-seller promised but never delivered on.

Are you considering RMH and/or have RMH feedback? Then please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Retail Management Hero: Retailer Feedback

As many of you know, I worked with several retailers in 2018 to upgrade them from the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software to the Retail Management Hero (RMH) software.  I'm involved with 3 retailers who are currently in the midst of upgrading from RMS to RMH and will report back on their feedback within the next 45 - 60 days.

If you need feedback sooner, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632. Thanks!

Sound Payments Review and Experience

I've been involved with the deployment of Sound Payments software and payment terminals at a 3 location retail chain that uses the Microsoft Dynamics RMS/HQ point of sale software. Some observations and feedback on Sounds Payments:

• The costs are very low. There are no software costs and the monthly rental for the payment terminal is reasonable when compared to paying outright for a payment terminal (breakeven is around 24-36 months depending on the model of payment terminal used).
• Upfront labor costs are high. To be honest, the only way for a reseller/VAR/dealer to make any money on a Sound Payments deal is via the upfront labor for installation. Plan on around $250 to $375 for installation labor per device and POS station.
• Initial install for just one payment terminal took 14 business days due to errors being encountered and then having to figure out who to contact for support (RITE? Sound Payments? Retail Realm?).
• Functionality appears to be what was promised: a semi integrated solution for Microsoft RMS.
• There is a limitation on what receipt templates can be used - at this time, only the "stock" RMS receipt templates work with Sound Payments. This has caused some issues specific to any custom receipt information and custom receipt templates. We are investigating this as of 1/23/2019.
• Long term use will have to be evaluated over the next 1-2 years
• Sound Payments team was very helpful but did make some promises that took 3-4 weeks to be completely fulfilled.
• Sound Payments was very communicative throughout the process which was much appreciated by all parties involved.

Would I work with Sound Payments again? Maybe as there has to be a source of revenue via upfront labor charges and/or the sale of something else to the retailer (or a long term opportunity). Another reason that my answer is "maybe" is that this is only one very recent install so there isn't much to go on when looking for long term results across multiple customers.

Have questions? You can reach 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:

Review of Retail Control Systems (RCS) in New Hampshire and Colorado

As I've had the opportunity to meet with multiple point of sale companies and their customers over the last few years, I wanted to shared some honest feedback on my experience with the folks at Retail Control Systems who has offices in New Hampshire and Colorado and focuses on the NCR CounterPoint point of sale systems for retail stores and museums.

Besides spending some time with the leadership and staff at Retail Control Systems, I have also been able to interact with about 15 businesses and organizations using the Retail Control Systems as their point of sale partner/provider.

Overall, the response has been very positive. Retail Control Systems has taken the NCR CounterPoint point of sale software to a new level for thrift stores like Goodwill with special thrift store enhancements. Retail Control Systems also offers hosted versions of NCR Counterpoint for businesses and organizations who would prefer not to have to deal with onsite servers.

If you have any questions, comments, or want to learn more about my experiences with Retail Control Systems, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Review of LPA Retail in Burnsville, MN

As I've had the opportunity to meet with multiple point of sale companies and their customers over the last few years, I wanted to shared some honest feedback on my experience with the folks at LPA Retail in Burnsville, MN

Besides spending some time with the leadership and staff at LPA Retail, I have also been able to interact with a couple of  businesses using LPA Retail as their point of sale partner/provider.

Overall, the response has been very positive. LPA Retail has provided point of sale solutions nationally as well as focused on offering the rental of point of sale systems for special events. LPA Retail has also created an add-on for NCR CounterPoint specific to retail businesses that buy and sell used products like video games and sporting goods.

If you have any questions, comments, or want to learn more about my experiences with LPA Retail, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Why Bindo Point of Sale is so Popular

Over the years I have sold, supported or reviewed well over 40 different point of sale programs designed for retail stores, museums, and restaurants. Over the last year, a large percentage of folks who contact me for free and unbiased point of sale advice are already considering Bindo Point of Sale (POS) or go on to select Bindo POS as the point of sale program for their business or organization.

So, it made me wonder, why is Bindo POS so popular?  Here is what I uncovered:

1. Bindo "Gets It": from the leadership to sales staff to support and admin staff, they all understand retail and point of sale systems. You can see this in Bindo POS as well as when you are talking to anyone that works at Bindo.
2. Scale-able Solution: whether you have 1 location or 500 locations, Bindo POS can be sized accordingly with no need for expensive servers.
3. Right Mix of Features and Functions: Bindo has the best mix of features and functions that businesses and organizations want in a point of sale system. 
4. Merchant Services Agnostic: Unlike many point of sale programs, Bindo does not force you to use one company for merchant services which lets you avoid costly long term merchant services contracts.
5. Helpful but not Aggressive: I've found that the sales and marketing team at Bindo is focused on helping you choose the best point of sale program and are not the type of people who will be calling and emailing every 4 hours to see "if you are ready to sign up".
6. Steady Growth and not "Turn and Burn": Bindo has proven to be focused on building long term relationships and not quickly closing sales just for the sake of increasing the number of Bindo users.
7. Rock Star Support and Development: The customer service staff, support staff, and programmers all know they play a critical role in Bindo's success and the success of those using Bindo.

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 Options for Dynamics GP (Great Plains) Users

Users of the Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) accounting software have a multitude of options when it comes to choosing a point of sale system that offers some level of interfacing with GP.  Two options really stand out as they don't just interface with GP but actually become part of GP as a GP point of sale "bolt on".

I recently spent some time getting familiar with the Compass and SalesPad point of sale solutions for GP and was very impressed. The cost and complexity of Compass and SalesPad put these solutions in the small to mid-sized chain retailer and offer scale-ability whether you have 5 locations or 150 locations.

Given the complexity of these point of sale programs, please contact me directly for more information and the contact information for a trustworthy Dynamics Partner who is experienced with the sales and support of Compass, SalesPad, and Dynamics GP.

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.

Big Upgrade for Bindo Point of Sale

Wanted to pass along that the folks at Bindo point of sale (www.bindopos.com) have released a new version of the Bindo Dashboard which allows users to perform non-selling functions from any device with an Internet browser.

Definitely a major improvement! Here is a quick video that I created showing how the Bindo Dashboard works on my laptop running Chrome (thanks to the folks at Bindo POS for allowing me access so I could give the system a "test run"):

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.

Why You Should Be Avoiding Clover, HarborTouch & QuickBooks Point of Sale

As I am now receiving near daily calls and emails from folks considering the Clover point of sale solution, I wanted to explain why you should not be considering point of sale systems like Square, Clover, HarborTouch, and QuickBooks point of sale.

The only assumptions I am making is that your business is generating at least $60,000 in annual gross sales and 90% of payment is made using debit or credit cards.

When you purchase a point of sale system that requires you to use one specific company for merchant services, you are at the mercy of that company when it comes to the rates that they charge you for merchant services. What I have seen happen time and time again is that these companies will raise your rates every 90 days or so.

While paying 1/2% more in merchant service fees (which is what seems to be the norm with these companies) may not seem like much - lets see how that adds up over 5 years.

If your business processes $200,000 in debit and credit card transactions annually the 1/2% is $1000/year so you could easily end up paying $4000+ in excessive merchant services fees over the course of 5 years.

I don't know about you but I would rather have that money as profit!

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.

7 Cool & Important Feature-Functions in Bindo Point of Sale

I've posted and mentioned at many of my point of sale speaking engagements some of the key differences between Mobile 1.0 and Mobile 2.0 Point of Sale solutions. This brief video highlights 7 (of many) cool and important feature-functions in the Bindo Point of Sale solution for iOS devices.  Included in the video are:

1. Putting transactions on hold
2. Autosetting sale prices
3. Loyalty program
4. Purchase orders
5. Delivery address and deliver notes
6. Split tender
7. Various receipt options

If you are in need of some free point of sale help or advice  (I have 15+ years of industry experience plus real world retail and restaurant management experience), you can reach me using the contact form to the right, via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com, or on my cell at 208.340.5632

Here is the video:

More reviews on Bindo POS can be found here: https://bindopos.com/reviews

New Review 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).

Update 28.June.2015 - special discount and incentive from a national NCR CounterPoint Partner for RMS and HQ users: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/06/big-discount-and-incentive-for.html

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.

One of the things that I try to stay on top of are user reviews of different point of sale solutions.  The reviews have been the most popular posts on this site and have also generated the most phone calls and emails from folks searching for free point of sale help and advice.

While it is easy to link to a review, I prefer to paraphrase the review for the following reasons:

1. Over the years I have figured out how to 'read between the lines' to find the key points of each review
2. I'm also able to easily spot reviews that may have been written from someone attempting to increase or decrease a products reputation (not truly a fake review but a review written with an intent that goes beyond just sharing personal experiences)
3. The biggest reason is that a popular point of sale software review website exists only to sell your information to multiple point of sale companies - that's right, they make money by selling your information

The most recent review came from a pet store. I honestly question the truthfulness in the review because the review was very negative and I know of multiple pet stores in the US using RMS and they are very happy with it. A careful reading of the review indicates two possible things that happened:

1. The person thought that they could buy and setup the system without any help
2. The person bought the system from a Microsoft Partner who either over promised and/or got in
   "over their heads".

Again, I have personally worked with multiple pet stores who use RMS and it is a great fit. Hopefully, this particular pet store will find a new Microsoft RMS Partner to help fix things or the existing partner that the system was purchased from will step up and makes things right.

If the pet store thought that they could do everything themselves then they need to pay to have a partner come in and help get them up to speed.

Can I help?  Over the last 15 years I have worked with thousands of retail stores, museums, and government entities to help them find the best point of sale solution. You can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell at 208-340-5632 for free point of sale help and advice.

New Bindo Point of Sale Reviews

One of the things that I try to stay on top of are user reviews of different point of sale solutions.  The reviews have been the most popular posts on this site and have also generated the most phone calls and emails from folks searching for free point of sale help and advice.

While it is easy to link to a review, I prefer to paraphrase the review for the following reasons:

1. Over the years I have figured out how to 'read between the lines' to find the key points of each review
2. I'm also able to easily spot reviews that may have been written from someone attempting to increase or decrease a products reputation (not truly a fake review but a review written with an intent that goes beyond just sharing personal experiences)
3. The biggest reason is that a popular point of sale software review website exists only to sell your information to multiple point of sale companies - that's right, they make money by selling your information

Bindo Point Of Sale has seen some new reviews recently, here are the key points from the reviews:

• The functionality of Bindo is good
• There have been some glitches but these appear to be quickly addressed
• Some comments have been made related to adding more accounting functions to the software (believe that the users mean A/R and having an interface to QuickBooks accounting which I know Bindo is working on both items)
• It appears that Bindo is doing a good job of keeping the software app updated
• A couple of reviewers mentioned problems related to Bindo locking up (tough to know if this is related to Bindo, the hardware, or even an ISP issue)
• Many reviewers had high praise for the support that they receive from Bindo

For a "newish" point of sale solution, it looks like Bindo is growing a happy customer base. More reviews on Bindo POS can be found here: https://bindopos.com/reviews

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.

New NCR CounterPoint Reviews

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

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.

In addition to the above, I also know which trusted NCR CounterPoint Partners are offering significant discounts and incentives to RMS and HQ users as well as hosted versions of NCR CounterPoint (helps reduce some of your IT costs) and special versions of NCR CounterPoint for thrift stores like Goodwill.

One of the things that I try to stay on top of are user reviews of different point of sale solutions.  The reviews have been the most popular posts on this site and have also generated the most phone calls and emails from folks searching for free and unbiased point of sale help and advice.

While it is easy to link to a review, I prefer to paraphrase the review for the following reasons:

1. Over the years I have figured out how to 'read between the lines' to find the key points of each review
2. I'm also able to easily spot reviews that may have been written from someone attempting to increase or decrease a products reputation (not truly a fake review but a review written with an intent that goes beyond just sharing personal experiences)
3. The biggest reason is that a popular point of sale software review website exists only to sell your information to multiple point of sale companies - that's right, they make money by selling your information

So, there has been a new review of the NCR CounterPoint point of sale software posted recently. The review was very negative but it appears that the user had a restaurant or similar food service business. While I have seen food service business use NCR CounterPoint, we had to modify the software and it was only put in because the food service was part of a larger business like a deli which CounterPoint is well suited for.

Point being that NCR CounterPoint is designed for retail stores and museums but has been modified in some cases to work at food service businesses like concession stands and counter-service businesses. If you have a business that has both a retail and food service aspect, the CounterPoint may work but you really need to have a heart to heart talk with your NCR CounterPoint partner to make sure they have made the correct modifications and done this before (I've only done twice myself with NCR CounterPoint).

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.