Retail Technology Boom Pitfalls

We are currently in an age where technology is advancing lightening fast, making it hard for even the most invested users to keep up. This new atmosphere causes some innate pitfalls retailers must keep an eye out for. 

 
Newbies Remorse
When a new trend crops up in technology, the market place will become cluttered with options and fly-by-night companies trying to cash in on the hot topic. New companies have their instability issues; companies that are venturing into new industries or products will also have instability issues.
These are the kinds of situations where you must be increasingly conservative and get as many facts as possible. Talk to a few of their existing customers and really get a feel for what to expect: customer service, hidden fees, capabilities, etc.

 

Jack of All Trades 

While a very knowledgeable, expert software developer or systems engineer may be able to "create anything", that doesn't mean they should. Proper research and development, industry knowledge and experience are very important parts to evolving any product and ensuring ultimate functionality.
Many companies that seem to be a "Jack of all trades" end up being a diluted version of each specialty with one or two strong suits.
Point of Sale can be broken down into more than just ringing up sales and should include minimally inventory control and reporting features.
Don't allow yourself to be on a diluted or watered down product just because the company is a knock-out in another industry. 

 

Minimal Effort Junkies 

Technology and software are important RESOURCES. If you start any upgrade or technology search from the perspective of getting a tool that will do as much as possible for you and your company’s expansion, you will strip off much of the anxiety or hesitance. Thus, opening the door to thoroughly investigating your resources and setting yourself up for maximum payoff.

 

 Save Now, Pay Later

I could say "you get what you pay for" but we all know that.
We will forever hunt for the best bargain and the maximum bang for our buck. 
Unfortunately, certain technology developers claim to do it all for pocket change. When push comes to shove, it'll be YOU that suffers in the end.
If something is too good to be true, it probably is. 





Square Peg, Round Hole

Point of Sale is typically designed for a particular kind of retailer; this is determined by sales volume, item count, number of locations and business structure.
While it is tempting to get in on a particular feature or fit within a tight budget you must ensure you are not essentially shoving your size 12 company into a size 8 shoe. It'll hurt and you'll have no room to move around... much less expand. 






But IT'S SO SHINY!

Looks aren't everything. While I sincerely understand "the clothes make the man", that concept only runs so deep. Make sure you are getting an interface that fits your needs and is functional, but don't miss the point of the software just because it's easy on the eyes. 

One Step Retail Solutions is a leading retail technology consultancy and value added reseller for multiple industry giants. We have been in business for over 28 years and have helped thousands of retailers expand their brand through proper technology resources. Our products include cloud based, mobile options and scalable systems.

Read More

Cash Register VS Point of Sale

A cash register will help you count your money. If someone purchases an item you will be able to ring that item up and receive their cash. The more basic a Point of Sale system the closer to a cash register it will be. Without the proper training and customizations, an expensive Point of Sale system can become an overpriced cash register.

A point of sale system will be able to tell you not only how much was spent, but how much of that was profit and give you vital reporting features to be able to drill down into how profitable your store is, predicting trends and giving you the data you need to invest in inventory that will turn the highest profits.

Read More

Teamwork Retail Representative Featured on The Retail Life Blog

Meet Terra Russo, Teamwork Retail representative and retailer to the core. Her history in retail and technology chops will bring a whole new spin to your quest for the perfect point of sale.

Check out this fun interview that covers everything from retailer tips, suggested resources and how a buyer got into retail technology.

Read More

Lightspeed for iPad Wins RetailNOW 2012's Annual Innovative Solution Award

Lightspeed, a top software system for retailers has won the 2012 Innovation Award in the Software Application category. "The Innovative Solutions Awards will be given to those nominated companies that have created a dynamic solution in their respective market" - RSPA

"LightSpeed for iPad is retail’s first interactive point-of-sale platform that gives stores a personalized selling tool that scans inventory, details products not shown on the selling floor, and eliminates long checkout lines. Its 'Show & Tell' feature enables sales associates to turn their iPad towards the customer to share expanded product details and up to five zoomed images on a stylish curtained backdrop. Further, it provides the ability to easily invoice the product with a single tap. Retailers can process credit card payments anywhere the iPad takes them, accept signatures on-screen, and email or wirelessly print receipts."

We are proud to be able to bring this solution to retailers nationwide. Contact us for a free consultation and to find out more about this impressive iPad POS system.



Read More

Retail Technology [Info-graphic] for the Small Retail Shop

Click image to enlarge.

For a free retail technology consultation.

Read More

What Retailers Are Saying About the Future of Retailing?

"Retailers appear to understand the need to customize the in-store experience to appeal to the modern shopper, yet a high proportion are unable to do so. Three-quarters of retailers said they don’t know when a specific customer is in the store, and 85% cannot customize a store visit. Additionally, 89% are unable to connect customers’ activities online with what they do in the store today."

The retail industry is on the fast track technologically. Media Post and Motorola Solutions have published some very interesting statistics on what retailers are projecting for the future of retailing and retail technology. The full article will very much be of interest to retailers.

As you note in the above chart, evolving the in store experience for customers is viewed as "critical" and will advance greatly in a vast majority of retail stores over the next 5 years. Engagement comes in several forms; requiring customer contact capture, a comprehensive CRM, OMNI channel and much more. You may wonder what exactly that will mean and how you can maintain your brands personality and evolve without breaking the bank, there are few systems that can support the needs that retailers will be facing in just 5 years and we are more than proud to have a variety of options to suit retailers of all kinds.

One Step Retail Solutions is currently working with dozens of retailers across the US to create customized and all-inclusive retail management systems that will take them into the future. Our systems are top of the line, highly regarded within the industry and our consultative approach will ensure all of your personalized needs are not only met but surpassed.

We wish you all of the best in the exciting years to come and hope that we can be of assistance in making your dreams come true.

Read More

[Guest Article] Selling To Generation Y

By: Retail Minded

It’s actually scary to think that Generation Y, also known as the Millennial  Generation, are use to being engaged with technology for about eight hours a day. Yep, you read that right – eight hours. Between texting, social media, computers, phones, i-Pads and TV, Generation Y makes it tough to communicate with in terms of sales. Their attention span is minimal, and many are known to be very impatient when being waited on or helped. In fact, most studies tell us they expect – not just want – but expect immediate satisfaction. As an independent retailer, that’s a lot to respond to.

Born between the late 1970′s and into the early 1990′s, Generation Y are making up a large audience of potential customers. While it may seem obvious to market to them online and via technology driven avenues, it’s also important to provide traditional marketing and sales options. The key is communicating with them in a way they respond to.

For starters, Generation Y consumers typically love a good “cause”. Whether you give a percentage of sales to a local charity or provide attention to a great cause, this group of consumers want to hear about what’s going on in the world. Sure, they may not want to read a ten page report on something, but they care enough to contribute how they can. And this is especially true if they are shopping for one thing and can give to another all at once.

Just as much as they love a good cause, Gen Y also loves the uniqueness that everyone has. Their appreciation for being a “one and only” was built on upbringings that told them they were unique and could do anything. In response to this, you have to learn to react to customers a bit more uniquely, as well. Without truly profiling your customer, you can still learn a lot by how they are dressed, what they are doing (example: are they on the phone and shopping at once) and how they react to certain environments and shopping. Many want to be engaged, so stores without the option to touch things or experience products before purchase often miss out. Consider how your store would make a Gen Y consumer  feel. Does it speak to who they are? For that matter, do you want your store to?

Finally, don’t let time be on your side. Unlike many other consumers, Gen Y tends to be in a rush. They are constantly moving and looking forward to the next thing on their to-do-list, even if that’s tweeting or checking their Facebook status. So what does that mean for you? Don’t beat around the bush and get to the point in your sales and support. They’ll appreciate it, and so will you.

This article was contributed by Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, Founder & Editorial Director of Retail Minded – the nation’s only retail lifestyle magazine dedicated to independent retailers both in and out of their stores.

Learn more about Retail Minded

Retail Minded is a part of the One Step Retail Retail Professional Association. Bringing together high-end retail industry experts and service providers.

Read More

[CounterPoint Feedback] The Easiest and Quickest Implementation I Have Ever Done

My company recently made the switch to CounterPoint Enterprise SQL 8.4 and would like share my experience. We have been in business for over 50 years and have had several different POS systems and CounterPoint has been the best system by far. Implementing a new system is never easy but with the help of One Step Retail Solutions this has been the easiest and quickest implementation I have ever done.

There are so many POS systems on the market finding the best fit for your business in a very difficult decision. Kevin McAdams and Jay Shore with One Step Retail Solutions took the time to learn our business needs and recommended CounterPoint as the best solution. After using the system for over a month now I am glad I took their advice because this is a great system.

Blythe Franks our business analyst from One Step Retail Solutions has played a key role in making this transition from our old system to CounterPoint. Her experience and knowledge of the product has made implementation and integration of the system quick and easy. With her insight we were able to customize CounterPoint to meet all of our business needs making our company more efficient than ever.

Sean Kinney
IT Manager
Hi-Time Wine Cellars

Read More

Electronic Hangers and Social Media

An "electronic hanger" has been created and is in limited use by Brazilian retailer C&A. This hanger includes a simple touch screen where a person can "like" the item and create a running count of likes on an image of the picture on Facebook.

Currently in BETA this product has been sparking curiosity.

What do you think of this concept?

Image Source

Read More

Welcome to June!

Summer is fast approaching and the weather is warming up (or in some cases, burning up). We are excited to enter a brand new month and continue to be at the forefront of the mobile technology boom with 4 leading systems with full mobile capabilities.

Fashion is bright and perky, technology continues to march forward and the year is nearly half over (already?!). If the J Crew window is any indication, this is going to be a sweet summer.

What are you looking forward to in the coming few months?

Read More

Point of Sale News Features One Step Article on Mobile POS

We are honored to have one of our recent articles features in retail technology hub Point of Sale News.

The concept of retailers transitioning to mobile is a hot topic but will take some time to see implemented broadly. Check out the article for more information.

Read here: Mobile Up - Retail Cowboy

Read More

One Step Brings Mobile POS To Your Fingertips

With technology and functionality improving in all areas of life, retail technology is following suit and will be advancing wildly over the coming few years. Hardware is moving in the direction of mobile and true to form, OneStep Retail Solutions offers 4 top of the line options for those retailers looking to go mobile.

Each retailer is different and it is important that they have a technology solution that fits their unique needs and vision. We take a consultative approach to retail technology and help retailers find the best system for now and into the future.

CounterPointMobile

Teamwork Retail
Retail Pro
Lightspeed

If you would like to set up a free retail technology consultation, let me know: Email or call 818.543.4777 ext 4116

Read More

The Future of Retailing with Retail Pro - Webinar

Join us for a Webinar on June 5th at 11:00am - 12:00am PDT
The Future of Retailing with Retail Pro

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/541760974

Join our meeting of some of the top Retail Technology developers, discussing: The Future of Retailing with Retail Pro Polishing up our crystal ball, we are excited to present the electrifying future of Retail Pro for your retail management technology needs and desires….bringing you everything you ever wanted in a POS/Inventory/Retail Management system! Find out what’s in the immediate future! Join us for this comprehensive meeting with our guests: Ket Venethongkham, from Retail Pro International presenting Prism, the newest development that will revolutionize how you set up your store(s).  Scott Anderson, from Foundry Logic, introducing Mobile POS for Retail Pro, taking your retail sales out from behind the cash wrap out onto the sales floor, putting your POS in the hands of your staff to better service your customers from anywhere; also for line-busting or inventory counting. Jeff Whiteside, from Flexquery, showing the enhanced depth of reporting available for Retail Pro users from Key Performance Indicators to the most specific custom reports that you always wanted to have. Manage your store in a way you never thought possible! Robyn Longmire, One Step Retail Solutions own expert on how to put it all together for your store. With multiple possibilities, figure out what would answer your needs as a retailer….now you can have it all! Presented by One Step Retail Solutions Title: The Future of Retailing with Retail Pro Date: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

Read More

POS Lite - Is Good Enough For a Farmers Market, Good Enough For You?

Over the past year several different inexpensive and mobile systems have cropped up in the point of sale arena. The title “point of sale” has been given, which is technically an accurate statement but may conjure the wrong meaning in a retailer’s mind.

Point of Sale is defined as referring  to a “POS terminal or more generally to the hardware and software used for checkouts, the equivalent of an electronic cash register.” Technically Square, Paypal Here, Google Wallet are all point of sale solutions. The question is, does that mean that they could fit your retail technology needs? Could a system that appears to cost mere pocket change really be the tool of your dreams? Much like many other “too good to be true” options, cost does represent
quality. There is a definite market for POS Lite but a retailer must be careful to avoid the allure of the upfront price tag, especially with several of these systems stating they are a “full POS system”.

Can it handle your quantity? Per reviews it looks like these systems are best for low quantity (example: flea markets, fairs, concert sales booths and the like) transactions. The average weekly gross sales that fit for these products appear to fall around the $1,000-$4,000 a week mark. Be sure to avoid being boxed into an uncomfortably low ceiling.

Is this really going to cost less? With a set %2.75 on transactions (many charging for both credit and debit) you may end up paying more in processing fees than with a system set up with another processor; you will also be locked into that pay arrangement for the duration with no options to change to a lower rate. Research processor charges and how blanket charges on both credit and debit may affect your bottom line.
http://banking.about.com/od/checkingaccounts/a/debitvscredit.htm

Do you need/want inventory tracking and control? These systems are designed for low quantity; how many products can it properly and effectively track and monitor?

Scalability is key.Consider, you may not be able to transfer all of that data over to a future system should you have your eye on expansion. This could cause enough of a shift in your marketing
efforts and client retention that you experience long term negative side effects.

What does it integrate with/what are its features? Is it compatible with, for example, your accounting software? Also consider security systems, security cameras, open to buy, etc.

Will your information be secure? Additional concerns to fully investigate are PCI compliancy and overall security for both yourself and your customers. How secure is the system, what happens to your clients data and how often/easy is it to hack? Check reviews, and review what your responsibilities are when you are taking financial information. Many POS Lite systems don’t focus on security, this responsibility will fall on you to ensure your clients credit card data
is safely handled.
https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/security_standards/getting_started.php

A safe rule of thumb is to spend  2% of your annual gross sales on POS. If 2% comes out to over a few thousand dollars you should consider a system that also handles inventory tracking/control, has increased reporting features and is scalable. This will save you in man hours, waste, loss, hackers, theft and costly errors. The right system could very easily make or break your store. Be sure to make the decision that will move you into the long-term.

Reviews
http://www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/square-review http://www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/google-checkout
http://www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/paypal

 

*Lite is used loosely to represent a version of software that is an abbreviated version or has limited features. It could also be referred to as POS Diet but I thought that might be a stretch.

One Step Retail Solutions is a leading retail technology consultancy company and reseller of 5 leading retail technology management/ POS systems for small to medium sized retail chains
nationwide.
To Get a Free Retail Technology Review

*Please note, this article was updated 5/14/2012 to correct the processing pricing statement from $2.75 to %2.75. Apologies for the typo.

Read More

Mobile Up – Retail Cowboy

The cell phone boom came with the increase of the general public’s knowledge as to their use and power.

By 2015 it is estimated that 10 – 15% of retailers will have made the transition to mobile POS, as well as whispers of several other groundbreaking advancements (made possible by mobile POS). It can be said that the “mobile POS age” is two pronged; with the advent of the in store POS and
the integration of social media into the buyer’s experience through their own mobile devices. 50% of Americans now have smart phones and the numbers are increasing daily.

It appears that the hottest subjects for a POS upgrade to mobile (in the boutique retail scene) are new shops, those opting for mobile POS as part of opening new locations or those incorporating a POS upgrade to mobile POS as part of a design overhaul. Big box and department stores are starting to phase into mobile POS to increase efficiency and customer service; check out
Nordstrom if you want to see mobile POS in action.

If you were to compare the transition of the landline phone age to what is now ultimately the smart phone age, you see that technology transitions take time to roll out and POS upgrades take a definite effort on the part of a retailer.

In addition to mobile POS, retail technology is developing fast. Many retailers will be surprised at the overall benefits and increased precision that can be brought about with these tools, especially since many retailers do not fully use their existing POS. Whether it comes down to a lack
of training, time or interest – retail technology needs to be seen as the vital retail tool it is. The proper system, properly used can vastly improve a retailer’s customer contact management, marketing, inventory control, personnel production management and help ensure success. Mobile POS is poised to greatly enhance the retail industry.

As a retailer looking at the possibility of an upgrade into any new retail solution, one should assess its functionality and ensure that you are willing to fully roll it out, vastly increasing its return on investment. Training, installation and support should all be a part of what you
look for when selecting a vendor for your POS.

The mobile POS boom will come as retailers become familiar with its use and power. Old habits die hard, but out-dated POS habit may be one of things you should “take out back and shoot”.

Read More