Tag: POS

Starting a retail business means youre excited. Did you know by adopting Best Practice Retail Sales Performance Standards you can immediately increase your sales and profit expectations by as much as 30%!

Why because achieving sales objectives is more than just about whats on your shelves and what your store looks like its about having a customer focused mentality driven by key performance indicators (KPI) to inform staff at every level about the condition of the playing field.

Complicated? Not at all. Retail Sales Performance is just like Sports Coaching. How would sports coaches know how to focus their athletes without statistics? How would racing car managers know how to fine tune their engines and performance its all about statistics. When last did you watch a game on TV without them? They tell us about trends, behaviors, opportunities to increase performance, and they forecast the short to medium term future enabling us to understand why and where we are heading.

Statistical measurement of fundamental sales performance drivers for any retailer is a prime need. With all manner of spreadsheets, POS systems reports, Dashboards and Scorecards, we use Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to communicate the strategy of the shareholders to the individuals in the company and we employ feedback systems to report the results. It is common practice to compare what we have forecast with what has actually taken place statistically so we can make judgments, changes and plans.

It is important to recognise that the standard (senior level) business indicators such as profit margin and wage costs do not drive bottom line sales on the shop floor. You cannot walk up to a Salesperson and say We did 80% of budgeted sales please increase your performance. Thats like the manager of a football team saying to a player We lost the past few games you have to do better. To the salesperson or player the information is useless they cannot see a clear reason for their under performance.

What sports coaches do is take the Team Managers expectations (of winning) and filter them down to each individual player on the team so each player can win for them (and the team). The coach measures performance of a few highly enlightening KPIs that tells the players exactly in which areas to improve. In soccer it may be recording the number of times a player touched the ball, or number of attempts at goal. In baseball the coach could track number of players on 3rd base or number of strike outs etc.

It is common practice in retail to employ only five (5) KPIs to track individual performance and deliver the on-target information for coaching purposes more than five and the reporting system is too complex, confusing, and ambiguous. The five KPIs for retailers are:

Sales per hour – a statistic tells us about the speed at which each individual salesperson is selling or attending to customers compared to everyone else on the shift.

Average Sale the average selling price of each individual salesperson compared to everyone else on the shift higher averages show a greater knowledge of product as the salesperson is able to sell higher ticket items. Low statistics reveal the salesperson lacks skill in either product knowledge or effective probing.

Items Per Sale tells us about the ability of the salesperson to add-on to a sale.

Conversion Rate tracks how many visitors to the store are turned into customers.

Wage to Sales Ratio compares a salespersons hourly wages to hourly sales. This KPI identifies your clear performers and underperformers and their value to you.

The most common reason retailers do not track the five vital KPIs at a staff (team player) level, is their inability to easily and quickly, record and calculate data, to create meaningful reports. After all, one needs to track hours worked, set goals, track planned versus actual performance, and somehow level the playing field for all Salespeople. It can be a lot of work.

In a sports match the playing field is level at all times because everyone is simultaneously on the field. In a retail environment some salespeople will work during fast periods and others during slow periods of the day. A salesperson working during the lunch hours should be expected to sell more than a salesperson working early morning or late afternoon. So any realistic reporting system is going to have to weight individual sales targets otherwise the data becomes ambiguous.

Critical to any Retail Sales Management Solution is the ability to determine the most deficient statistic of the five KPIs because it is logically understood that improving the worst KPI first will have the greatest increase in sales and staff motivation.

Imagine if you had a really simple to use Staff Roster (time and attendance software) that automatically assigned individual, weighted, sales targets to each salesperson, based on when they were working then integrated with your POS (point of sale) terminal to instantly calculate the five (5) key performance indicators, and figure out the most deficient KPI – on demand! What if that software went further by having integrated sales behavior coaching tips built right into the system?

Playing the retail sales game to win means knowing why you are losing and how to go about fixing problem behavior areas. It’s easier to improve retail sales skills than it is to re-stock a new product or brand.

To win in retail, measure the five principal KPIs using an affordable solution and put Best Practice in place for your fast track to success.

Good luck with your brand new store!

Managing your business is one of the most important, yet hardest things that you can do. There are so many different things that go into running a business that sometimes it is hard to know what you have done and what you need to do. Something that may help you in keeping organized is a POS retail system.

A POS retail system, also known as a point of sale system, is basically a cash register that performs many other functions as well. These POS retail systems are used widely in the sales industry for business like retailers of apparel, clothing, sporting goods, electronics, and even the food service industry. A POS retail system can take your business to the next level especially if you have multiple store locations. POS retail systems make it possible to communicate between stores and keep track of things like inventory and hours worked by employees giving you a central source of information and streamlining the process of data collection. With a POS system that links your stores together you will be able to tell a customer which store has an item that may be sold out or unavailable at your current location.

If you own a company that has multiple business locations, you know how important it is to maintain organization and manage your operations at each individual store. POS retail service providers can help make your job a lot easier by managing your store operations for you. If you are interested in working with a POS retail service provider you need to do some research and learn about the best companies in the industry. First, you will want to make sure that the company offers a service instead of just software. This means that the POS retail provider will be managing your store operations in real-time. This is a huge advantage over POS retail providers who only offer software.

The next thing you should look for in POS retail service providers is their history. You want to make sure that they have a track record and have worked with several companies worldwide. In fact, you should research how many installations the POS company has throughout the globe. This will help you better understand the company’s reputation in the industry. Possibly one of the most important things is making sure that the company is using the latest technologies. If you are going to spend money on POS retail, then you need to make sure that you are getting the most affordable, most advanced, and easiest to use retail system available. You should also make sure that the POS retail service provider has a reputation for getting the right items at the right place at the right time.

A POS retail system can be the perfect addition to your business as long as you choose the company and product that fit your needs best. Be sure to compare many different POS retail systems and companies so that you are not limited only to a few different options. Investing in a quality POS retail system may be the thing that takes your business to the next level.

point of sale software, retail point of sale, pos retail

Retail sector is blooming and turning complicated as well. A retail business has many types of data which needs to arranged and represented in the manner that decisions can be taken accurately. Journals, ledgers, cash flow statements, profit and loss tracking, and many other books of accounts are maintained by retailers and retail dashboards represent all data in a simple manner so that the executives and top management can easily take timely decisions. Latest retail dashboards are technology-driven and provide a clear operational focus about performance of retail business.

POS analysis help in identifying the best performers by showing sales trends for each region. It reduces costs, increases profits and motivates staff as well. It gives a snapshot of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and guides the executives in making crucial decisions about the company. Retail software providers bring essential information and data about a companys performance in a report format. Charts, tables, gauges, and maps are used in a single report, providing all the critical details so that decisions can be taken quickly. All the data represented can be drill down to any level including its source.

Retail software providers offer a competitive edge to every manufacturer and retailer from small to midsized to large companies over their competing firms. Managing a retail business has never been an easy task and with the increase in its size and operations, complexities of managing data also increase. Selection of right dashboard and right data access can make a significant difference in profits of a firm.

eSENSE Retail is an eminent retail software providers and has been helping various small and large firms in their retail data management from many years. The eSENSE Retail solution is aimed at increasing profits, reducing costs and improving efficiencies across the entire organization. They provide retailers and manufacturers powerful online dashboards which leverage 852 EDI which help them to forecast and manage trends. High level executives will clearly identify areas which require action and the ones which require follow up for sustainable profit growth. For more details, please browse through www.esenseretail.com.

Retail POS software as well as food-service software is available for computerized management; this managerial tool is an exceptional product that minimizes waste and streamlines management tasks providing a smooth running business. Learn more about how this incredible program can benefit your establishment. Point of sales is used in both retail and food industry establishments. This incredible management tool is adaptable for a variety of styles and sizes including sit-down restaurants, delivery only, sub shops, cafs, multi-store chains, hair salons, dry cleaners, Laundromats, and party supply stores. The customizable program is made adaptable for multiple operations providing managing and marketing tools suitable for small one store establishments as well as large multi-store chains. The unique software provides marketing tools through automated customer incentives. The point of sales is designed for easy use and implementation into an existing or new establishment. 12 months of free technical support as well as free training classes are provided. The customizable program provides the ability to select specific managerial tools that specifically meet your industry needs. Transform your business in a timely manner by removing unnecessary waste, multiple wages produced by employee hours, increasing your customer satisfaction and customer base. Learn more about how this system can provide your establishment with an increased profit margin. There are a large amount of options available in the retail POS software and restaurant POS systems. Customized systems allow business owners to select managerial tasks that meet their immediate needs. Affordable options are available for transitioning the business into computerized management. One option is to have the software installed onto the establishments pre-existing equipment. This is the most cost-effective option. The second option is to have the software arrive preinstalled on brand-new, state-of-the-art computer equipment. This option provides exceptional quality and is easily installed into the establishment by plugging it in. Experts provide training and assistance on an ongoing basis. This one system provides multiple tasks that cost the establishment much in manager and employee wages. Streamlining these tasks creates the streamlining of wage expenses and eliminates human error. Product ordering, inventory control, employee management of hours, customer incentives, multi-store/multi-register communication, payroll, gift cards, and a number of other options are completed through computerized transactions which removes human error and implements positive, smooth flowing management. Computerized management provides a smooth running business while effectively removing hidden waste through excess product purchasing, customer dissatisfaction, inconsistency, and more. Put an end to waste with retail POS software and restaurant POS systems. These systems provide successful management tasks that remove waste and highlight potential. Marketing strategies highlight potential through providing customer incentives that build community awareness and encourage word-of-mouth advertising by amplifying current customers. Automated e-mails announcing daily specials are sent, printed coupons on the back of receipts are provided, birthday incentives are incorporated, gift cards are easily printed and produced in store, and more. Customer appreciation is a strong marketing foundation that is strengthening businesses and creating community awareness. It is proven that it is seven times easier to maintain a current customer than it is to gain a new one. It is cost-effective to maintain current customers through automated incentives especially when compared to inviting new customers through scattered marketing techniques which involve mass mailings. Mass mailing sending out coupons are proven to produce minimal outcomes. Customer incentives provide discounts for current customers encouraging them to return again and again which produces a strong customer base with minimal cost. For maximum results and minimal cost the automated customer appreciation program is the answer. Learn more about the many benefits associated with point of sales by contacting an expert today.

POS Nation is your source for Restaurant POS Systems and Point Of Sales systems.

If you don’t have a full-blown POS system for your retail business, you are losing money — guaranteed!

The following are 10 reasons why,

1.Time is money.

As you sit at your desk, head in your hands trying to reconcile your balance sheet, the store next door, the one with the full-blown POS system has accomplished the same task in less than 5 minutes.

Most POS systems automate a wide variety of functions that normally take retailers tons of time to accomplish. Tasks like inventory and sales reports, end of the day balancing, purchase orders, and more. A full-blown retail POS system will automate all of those functions making hours of work take virtually seconds. As long as it takes you to push a few buttons. This saved time means hours on the clock, hours that you’re paying employees, hours that could be spent making sales.

2.Inventory shrinkage.

Stores without a POS system are more susceptible to employee theft; nearly 50% of retail shrinkage comes from employee theft.
POS software can help to significantly reduce or eliminate incidents. With instant access to “voided/cancelled/deleted sales reports,” “returned transactions” reports, and “inventory adjustments reports” you can easily tell when something fishy is going on. Additionally, with many POS systems you can password protect any area that you do not want employees to have access to.

3.Poor customer service means lost money.

Customer loyalty is fleeting, especially if you don’t give them anything to remember you by.

Your business and your customers can significantly benefit from a POS system. The most basic customer service benefit is the amount of time that is reduced at the checkout counter. But imagine being able to call up your customer’s profile based on your caller ID or being able to instantly check the status of a layaway or special order.

Additionally, digital copies of your receipts allow you to modify your return policy and take returns from customers without receipts.

4.Missed upselling opportunities and decreased sales.

Do you know what your customers are buying? It’s impossible to remember everything but your customer remembers and if you had a POS system, you would too.

POS systems enable sales associates to access information about customer’s previous purchases so that they may assist them better or provide them with information for upselling opportunities at the point of sale.

This excellent customer service means that you’ll increase your sales too. If for example a customer enters the store looking for an item that is out of stock, a quick check of your inventory on your POS system will show you what complimentary products are available.

5.Missed client marketing opportunities.

Do you have a customer loyalty program?

Did you know that many POS software systems offer client management and marketing features? These features enable retailers to send targeted letters, emails, and direct mailers to their customers based on demographics and past purchases.

Many POS software packages can easily produce a list of your top customers in minutes. Imagine being able to personally invite your top customers to a sale or offer them a discount for being such good customers. Some retailers use their systems to send thank you notes to customers after they’ve made a large purchase or letters to customers that haven’t made a purchase in a long time.

6.Ineffective check verification systems mean lost time and money.

The benefit to having your check verification system tied directly into a POS system is that the transactions, information, and all necessary tracking of the accounts are done automatically, thus eliminating the many steps of paperwork that would still be required if you operated a check verification system independent of a POS software system.

Steamlined systems mean that your time is spent making sales instead of handling paperwork. Each point of sale transaction is speedy and all information is available from one location — your POS terminal. Additionally, you’re adding the extra security that your customers deserve by having your transactions, check verification included, run through a secure point of sale software system.

7.Pricing mistakes and missed profit margins

Do you know what products are selling and at what price they sell the best?

POS software enables you as a retailer to easily determine which products are your fastest sellers and at what price point. This makes it easier to find that ‘ magic price point that allows you to maximize profits. Additionally, regardless of the size of your inventory, prices can be updated in a matter of minutes.

Additionally, pricing mistakes are virtually eliminated because you don’t have to rely on your employees to calculate the price of items. The computer has already done this, and your sales tax, and any discounts that may be applied.

8.Unhappy relationships with suppliers

Many retailers fail to ask for discounts because they don’t feel like they have the leverage of the big boys. In many cases, that’s simply not true. And if you have the facts and information to justify your request it’ll make your pitch all the more convincing.

If you utilize your POS inventory system to track markdowns and clearances, you can print a report that shows your supplier that your profit margin on their products is 6% lower than your profit margin from competing products. That should get their attention! Take advantage of that information and use it to negotiate better prices for future orders.

9.Website shopping carts?

If you currently sell your products online or ever plan to, then an integrated shopping cart POS software solution can save you a huge amount of time by automatically creating orders and new customers for you. An integrated shopping cart – POS software solution can also reduce errors because human data entry is always prone to more mistakes. These mistakes can make frustrate customers, eat valuable time, and mess-up your inventory. An integrated shopping cart – POS software solution can save you loads of time by synchronizing the inventory information and pricing in your POS software with your website.

Imagine for a moment that you want to start selling a brand new product line on your website. How long would it take you to manually add all those new products added to your website? With the right technology, all you have to do is check a box in your POS system and that inventory will be uploaded to your website. Your POS system will send product numbers, descriptions, images, pricing and other various inventory information to your website.

10.Inaccurate inventories and tedious ordering processes.

Ordering too much or too little of a product can create huge problems for retailers. POS software inventory control features enable you to keep your inventories streamlined by automating the ordering process. As soon as a product reaches a designated level, a purchase order can be automatically generated and sent to your distributor. Imagine the time you’ll save with that feature!