Still Using Microsoft RMS Version 1.X? Things You Should Know

There are still a multiple stores in the US using version 1.2 or 1.3 of the Microsoft RMS point of sale software (also under the Store Operations name) so I wanted to pass along a checklist of reasons why you may want to consider an upgrade to RMS version 2.02 or even version 3 under the new Retail Management Hero name.

1. Support for version 1.2 and 1.3 ended some time ago per this page on the Microsoft website: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle?p1=10339&forceorigin=esmc
2. If you are still using a software key/dongle, you can not obtain a replacement (and those devices are sensitive to just about anything - especially static electricity). If the key/dongle fails, you will lose access to the POS module in RMS.
3. There are known device issues with Windows 10 - especially when it comes to receipt printers and barcode printers.
4. You are not PCI compliant 

The good news is that you can upgrade to version 2.02 of RMS and obtain a more traditional software key or you can upgrade to the new Retail Management Hero software as well. As costs vary depending on what hardware you have and whether you have stayed current on your RMS software maintenance, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more information. A good ballpark starting price is $940 to cover the lapsed maintenance and issue a new single lane license key for version 2.02 of RMS.

RITE Expands Again!

RITE Acquires RTE’s Microsoft RMS Client Base

Sartell, MN October 4th, 2016 - Retail Information Technology Enterprises (RITE -Sartell, MN) announces the acquisition of Retail Technology Experts (RTE - Miramar, FL) Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software client base of over 200 retailers in the United States.

“This is part of our ongoing strategy to help usher as many small and medium retailers as we can into the next evolution of retail technology. The need for these merchants to leverage technology as part of their competitive strategy has never been greater” states RITE CEO Rick Feuling.

In an email sent to RTE’s Microsoft RMS clients, company president Mahendran Ramanathan stated “I have known Rick Feuling, the President and CEO of RITE for almost 10 years. We had other offers but we chose RITE because of my confidence in their ability to service your needs to your satisfaction”.

RITE’s focus on customer service means that former RTE customers will enjoy the level of service that has contributed to RITE being the winner of the Microsoft / Retail Realm Circle of Excellence Award for Growth for 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016.

The acquisition is effective immediately and a smooth transition can be expected due to RITE’s past experience with the merger and acquisition of other retail point of sale sales and service companies.

As part of the acquisition, RITE has also acquired some of RTE’s intellectual property.

About RITE: With offices in Sartell, MN, Dallas, TX and Boise, ID, RITE has provided sales and 365/24/7 support to retailers using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software since 2002. In addition to the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software, RITE provides complete retail point of sale hardware and software solutions to over 1000 stores in 50 states and 13 countries. RITE can be reached at 1-866-267-7483 and their website address is www.rite.us.

About RTE: Established in 1991 as Business Automation Consultants, RTE has grown to provide service to over 1000 clients via a main office in Miramar, FL. On September 30th, 2016, RTE made the decision to divest their customer base to other point of sale businesses. 

Merchant Services/Credit Card Salespersons

OK - I already hear the groaning and comments related to salespeople who represent merchant services/payment processing companies.  Keep in mind that I do not represent any of these companies (I stick with just point of sale system and not payment processing services) but have learned a lot over the last 18 years working with what I call merchant services salespeople. Some advice when choosing the best merchant services salesperson (and company):

1. Look for transparency (all fees are disclosed and no unusual fees like PCI compliance charges, buyout charges, statement fees, etc).
2. No contracts (needs change - no sense having to pay $500 to get out of a contract)
3. No equipment leases (do you really want to pay $1500 for a $500 piece of equipment?)
4. The salesperson is not afraid to say "no" or "I will need to check on that and get back to you"
5. The salesperson meets any pre-sale commitments
6. The salesperson and company have already worked with other similar businesses in you area making for some easy reference checks and established familiarity with your business
7. You are working with someone with a local presence that can't hide behind email or voice mail
8. No unreadable fine print on any paperwork
9. The salesperson does not pressure you into making a hasty decision or set short deadlines
10. Rates are easy to see and match your business data (like the average transaction amount)

If you think that the above list is unrealistic - its not. These are some of the standards that I have required over the years and I've never run into an issue with any reputable merchant services salesperson/company balking at the above list.

I've found that the right merchant salesperson can make all the difference when it comes to dealing with merchant services. It also helps me out as the retail point of sale systems that I work with go 'hand in hand' with what merchant services companies offer making it critical for me to have someone that I, and my customer, can count on.