Instantly check your Retail Success for Halloween with Data

POS SOFTWARE

examining retail sales data

Today, your data must back your strategic decisions. Analysing sales data moves you from gut feel to certainty, revealing what boosts profits. Your POS system captures this info to refine growth strategies.

Analysing Halloween Sales Performance

Begin by extracting detailed insights from your POS system to evaluate Halloween results.

Your POS system has the information you need. It's there, waiting for you to dig in. Here is how to gather insights you can use.

Getting Started: Your First Data Deep Dive

Here's how you can tap into this resource to gain a clear picture of your performance:

Accessing Your Sales Comparison Report

Knowing where your business is going is essential.

Now is an appropriate time to take a quick look at how well you did in 2024, where you are now in retail strategy and compare your performance to previous years.

Go to the register reports.

Now select the item marked "Sales Comparison for a Given period".

Key Performance Metrics to Track

Let's use a month of information as the holiday starts nowadays, long before the actual day, and continues a bit after. Here's how to do it:

Conducting a Month Analysis

First Comparison:

Input the date range: 06/10/2024 to 06/11/2024 AND 06/10/2025 to 06/11/2025.

Run the report and note key figures

Second Comparison:

Return to the report and input: 06/10/2023 to 06/11/2023 AND 06/10/2025 to 06/11/2025.

Record key statistics

These data points give you a solid foundation for understanding your business's performance over the past two years.

Visualising

A simple graph of your annual turnover can provide a clear visual representation of your business's growth trajectory.

Go to the Cash register.

Then go to Sales - Register Select Dissection Monthly Sales Trend (Graph)

Please select the date range. I suggest 4 weeks, 06/10/2025 to 06/11/2025

As you examine your sales data, ask yourself:

Is there a consistent upward trend in turnover?

Are there any noticeable dips or spikes? What might have caused these?

How does your 2025 performance compare to previous years?

What factors influenced your sales performance over this period?

Now, go back and look at the past two years. Two years is good, as you can see from the seasonal variations.

Remember, this analysis isn't about numbers. It's about understanding the story. We are using these numbers to gain insights that will help us make a strategy for the future.

Essential Metrics for Evaluation

Prioritise these indicators when reviewing reports to assess the impact of your initiatives.

Turnover is a good start as it shows what customers spent in your shop. This top-level figure gauges overall success.

Examine sales by category to pinpoint strong performers. For example, compare revenue from Halloween gifts, cards, books, and magazines; a surge in themed decor might signal inventory adjustments for future seasons.

Track transaction volume to measure customer engagement. Higher numbers suggest effective marketing and better conversion of store traffic.

Average transaction value reveals spending habits. An uptick indicates successful upselling, such as bundling items, while a decrease may require review of promotions.

Leveraging Advanced POS Features

While this simple analysis provides valuable insights, your POS system offers even more advanced reporting capabilities. Use these features to uncover powerful insights that will drive your business decisions:

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Card Fees, Surcharges, and the RBA Debate

POS SOFTWARE

RBA surcharge ban

EFTPOS Surcharging Australia

Government

RBA review of merchant card payments

The Australian Labor Party made an election promise to eliminate debit card surcharges; this policy was supported to some degree by all major Australian Parties, so as day follows night, we can expect changes here. In response, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), after looking into it, decided to float the idea of banning all surcharges on Australian Debit and Credit cards —but, strangely, not on overseas cards. Now, many of my clients have heard about the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) proposed changes to merchant card payments, but most aren't clear about what's actually being discussed. There's a lot of noise out there, and too few people understand what the proposals mean for their day-to-day business operations. I was pretty stunned to find that many of the industrial bodies that represent them had not asked for their thoughts and then told them what they submitted on their behalf.

To cut through the confusion, I reviewed every official submission to the RBA's consultation—covering banks, card networks, business associations, consumer groups, and technology providers. I pulled out each central position, concern, and argument to show what's really being debated. It took some time, but the goal is to help business owners like you clearly see who supports what, who's opposed, and what that might mean in real-world terms. So below is a summary table outlining each key issue, why it matters, and where the main stakeholders stand. It’s designed to make a complex discussion easier for you to follow.

Issue	Explanation	Why Matters	Stakeholders For	Stakeholders Against	Concerns
Ban Surcharging	Merchants could no longer charge extra fees for card payments (EFTPOS, Visa, Mastercard); surcharges would be banned.	Consumers save $1.2B/year; more straightforward pricing, but small businesses lose a cost recovery method—may need to raise prices or close.	CHOICE, Consumer Groups, Major Banks	COSBOA, Small Businesses, Travel Industry	Costs will be passed on to retailers, who may have to raise prices for all customers.
Lower Interchange Caps	RBA proposes cutting bank fees per transaction (debit: 10¢ to 6¢, credit: 0.5% to 0.3%).	Could save merchants $1.2B/year; helps small businesses most, but unclear if savings will actually be passed through.	CHOICE, Consumer Groups, Small Businesses, Retailers	Banks, Card Schemes, Fintech Australia	Banks may raise other fees; most of the costs are being ignored in the RBA study.
Issuer Cost Study Methodology Questioned	Banks and card schemes say the RBA's cost study is flawed (only 11 issuers surveyed; key costs excluded).	If flawed, the basis for fee caps may be incorrect; small-issuer costs often exceed caps.	Card Schemes	RBA, Consumer Groups	If the study is flawed, the conclusions are dubious.
American Express Not Regulated	AmEx, as a three-party scheme, is not subject to a cap, while Visa/Mastercard are capped.	Creates a competitive imbalance; may lead merchants to stop accepting AmEx.	Banks, Card Schemes	AmEx, Current Regulations	It is a market distortion
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Regulatory Arbitrage	BNPL providers (Zip, AfterPay, Klarna) charge merchants much higher fees (~5.3% vs 1.8% for cards); they are currently unregulated.	Banning surcharging on cards but not BNPL steers customers to higher-cost BNPL methods.	Macquarie Bank, Consumer Advocates	BNPL sector	BNPL offers consumers a better deal, but what is wrong with merchants charging more to recover the costs of that better deal?
Mobile Wallet Fees (Apple Pay)	Apple Pay takes ~15 basis points per transaction from issuers; with lower interchange, this is half or more of what’s left for banks.	Not reflected in the RBA’s study; costs go offshore; increases as wallets become more common.	Banks	Apple, Wallet Providers	Issuer margins shrink; if the banks do not pay for higher costs, who will?.
Commercial Card Exemption	Business credit cards are usually exempt elsewhere; Australia proposes regulating at the same rates as consumer cards.	Commercial cards support working capital for SMEs; new cap threatens their viability; 700,000 cards in use.	Card Schemes (e.g. Mastercard)	RBA, Current proposal	Why should a business credit card cost more?
Innovation & Fraud Prevention Investment	Interchange fees help fund fraud detection technology, cybersecurity, tokenisation, and payments innovation.	Less interchange = less funding for such investments; risks more fraud, declined transactions, and security breaches.	Banks, Card Schemes	Consumer Groups, RBA	Underfunded security can hurt merchants and customers alike. Fraud protection is critical.
Smaller Issuers & Fintech Competition	Small banks and fintechs have costs above the proposed cap, making it hard for them to compete.	Risk of market consolidation to big banks; less innovation and higher costs in the long term.	Fintech Australia, Small Issuers	Big Banks	Fewer issuers = less choice. It possibly offers lower merchant fees.
Newsagent/Lottery Agent Sector: Agency Model	Agency operators (newsagents, lottery) receive fixed commissions, with no control over product prices; transaction fees may exceed the commission earned.	Zero pricing power; costs can erase margin; may lead merchants to drop cards or close.	COSBOA, Small Business Advocates	RBA (issue not addressed)	Agency businesses like newsagents of lotto can't offset proposed cost increases.
Thin Margins	Retailers, travel agencies, hotels, and restaurants often operate at 0-4% profit margins. Card costs are a significant burden.	Surcharge bans remove cost recovery; foreign card fees remain; some sectors may not survive any new cost shock.	Travel Industry, ATIA	RBA, Consumer Groups	Any cost increase can be dangerous for thin-margin businesses.
Scheme Fee Regulation & Asymmetric Regulation	Scheme fees (Mastercard/Visa charges to banks) are unregulated and rising, potentially offsetting the benefits of interchange cuts.	If only interchange is capped but scheme fees aren’t, savings may not reach merchants (as the UK saw).	CHOICE, Retailers, Small Businesses	Card Schemes	Interchange fees are just one of many fees, and they are the only ones currently proposed for regulation. If interchange fees are eliminated, what will take their place?
Transparency Requirements	Payment processors must publish fee schedules by card type and method, making costs clear for merchants.	Helps merchants compare, puts competitive pressure on processors; broad support.	All parties are generally supportive	Some concern over reporting format/frequency/definitions	Merchants deserve transparency regarding their expenses; they need to understand what they are being charged.

In summary, Many of the proposed changes from the RBA have mixed effects. They could help consumers and some businesses, but may also push new costs onto retailers with limited ability to absorb them. For small, local shops—especially those operating on agency models or with very tight margins- it's essential to understand these effects and engage in the debate.

I hope this helps you follow the current debate.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Chasing the Wrong Market in Retail

POS SOFTWARE

retail strategy

Retail growth strategies

Product diversification

New product launch

In retail, sales often slip away because retailers are targeting the wrong crowd. They do research, stand behind your products, but nothing shifts. It’s frustrating and confusing. Sometimes, though, it's not about the shop, the prices, or even the promos. The issue might be that they're trying to fill a need for folks who aren't coming or not prepared to buy those products from them.

A Real-World Example

I remember helping out a guy who loved board games. He stocked his shop with a solid selection, popular ones selling well. He did the research, which checked out; prices were good, and the display looked sharp. Still, those games did not sell.

He was stumped, of course. "How can I move more of this?" he said. He figured a tweak to the signs and a slight price cut would do it. But it became clear: the shoppers in his store weren't into buying these games, and the ones who did buy them didn't wander in. Worse, some of those game fans were already his regulars for other things, but they did not buy it from him. The real snag wasn't how to sell them. It was whether he should bother stocking them there at all.

Sticking to the Wrong Ideas

When things slow down, retailers naturally start poking at fixes. You end up asking stuff like:

How can I push my products harder?
Would dropping prices help me compete?
Is my lineup off somehow?

These are thoughtful questions because they're action-oriented and suggest you're just one adjustment away from turning it around. That's the pitfall. You keep fiddling with bits and pieces, chasing a win that doesn't show. But these questions miss the point by assuming these products are for you.

The Question That Matters

Better to flip it: Do the folks who want what I'm offering actually step into my place?

That's where the gap shows up for so many shops. It happens in a few ways.

Your items might fly off shelves elsewhere, but that does not mean they move here like they do at that store, where the demand existed but not the right crowd.

Or you've got traffic pouring by, but it's the mismatch kind; a packed sidewalk means nothing if they're not people for your stock.

Market research can trick you here. It shows something's overall hot, but doesn't indicate whether those buyers will hit your spot. That's where your point-of-sale setup shines. It uncovers the real story: how often people buy, what your top spenders grab, their typical haul, and what pairs up in carts.

The wake-up hits when that data shows that your main buyers don't align with the crowd you're after. That's the sign you've been off track.

Spotting the Disconnect

Before jumping in, ask yourself, What is the market for these items.

How do they get it now online, from rivals, across town?

Are they quick grabs or planners who seek it out?

Do these people want to buy these products from you? My daughter, for example, prefers to buy her cosmetics from a shop that specialises in these products.

Then, who's actually passing by or popping in?

Glance at the flow outside. Do they match your ideal buyers?

Are they there on purpose or just cruising through?

What draws them, daily errands, or something touristy?

The Big Lesson

Start off small
Prepare in advance a plan to pull out of that product if it does not work
If possible ask for sale or return
Closely monitor your sales in your POS System.

The sad reality is that, in business today, we say only one in three products works. The odds are that what you pick will fail. You need new products, but you need to be ruthless: admit you made a mistake, you chased the wrong thing, you made a bad start, and rethink it all.

Before dumping more cash on promo, time on shelves, or worry, face this: Do the buyers for my stuff show up here? If so, better ads, cheaper tags. More sweat won't cut it; it's the wrong fight. Step away?

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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1688 vs AliExpress: I uncovered a 70% Price Difference

POS SOFTWARE

AliExpress

1688

Gross margins

Current ecommerce sites

When you buy, the higher up the pyramid, the better the deals you can get, as every layer adds cost. Unfortunately, as a rule, the higher you go, the harder it is to trade. Now I have spoken here at length about sourcing goods directly overseas. Doing this lets you bypass local importers. Say, for example, the importer buys it for $10 and puts a 100% markup, so it's $20 now. Once you buy it for them, set a 50% markup: the retail price is $30, and your profit is $10. If you went direct, you probably will not get it for $10 as you do not know the market as well and you buy less but you should be about to get it for $13, you decide to put a 100% margin and you are now at $26, 4 dollars cheaper then the retail price and your margin is $13, 30% more. It sounds good, huh.

Today, one of the best places to buy goods is in China. China is a significant manufacturing power today. Due to current American policy, the Chinese are looking for new markets. This is what is exciting Australian importers. The primary site for importing into Australia is AliExpress. I have spoken about it often here. It's a site most importers use. Now, here is a tip: there are more platforms that China uses, such as Alibaba. The one I will suggest to you now is 1688.

Why 1688 Beats AliExpress on Price

When you stack 1688 against AliExpress, the 16688 usually comes out way cheaper, sometimes by 30% to 70%. Why the gap? It boils down to their target market. 1688 is all about connecting Chinese factories with buyers in China for big wholesale deals. AliExpress, on the other hand, sells straight to shoppers around the world, like a regular online store. By buying from 1688, you are going up the pyramid. These savvy buyers can turn this to their advantage, as they are not paying for advertising or the Chinese wholesaler's commission.

I compared prices: a cross-body bag costs about 27 AUD on 1688 but 82 USD on AliExpress. Makeup brushes are $2.10 on 1688 and $7 on Aliexpress. An iPhone case costs 80 cents on 1688 versus $2.50 on AliExpress. These differences highlight good potential savings.

Problems You Can't Ignore

Sure, those unit prices on 1688 look great, but they don't tell the whole story. Like I said, the higher up the pyramid, the harder it is to trade.

Language

The main issue is that 1688 operates in Chinese. I used Google Translate to communicate, but it was difficult. I selected items on Aliexpress, translated their titles into Chinese, and searched on 1688. Most were found, but it was challenging. If I were doing it for a big order, I would hire someone who knows Chinese to make the order. Such people are not expensive, as Australia is full of Chinese speakers, and you only need them for a short time. You go on Aliexpress, pick what you want, then call them in to go on 1688 and ask for quotes. Do not undersell or oversell yourself. Today, you may be shocked at how much information about your shop people can find on the internet. Tell them the truth: you are a successful retailer, you deal with these items, and you are enquiring about a buy price for delivery to Australia to try out their product, which, if it works, you will buy in much larger quantities.

Shipping

It is another big one. 1688 sellers mostly stick to China, so you need to find a company on 1688 that can handle Australia. It's a hassle; in the worst case, they will be able to put you in touch with one of their agents who can help you. It's doable, adds a layer. AliExpress handles that worldwide delivery for you, but yeah, at a premium.

Payments

1688 was not bad. I did notice that they accepted PayPal, which means you do have at least a PayPal guarantee. I would be reluctant to use direct deposit from my bank to a foreign country.

Quality

1688 is looking for big orders. You may get some nos, but you cannot take nos. I question what you are doing in business at all.

How to start

In the end, you're pushing for bigger profits and an edge that lasts. 1688 opens the door to lower stock costs. In my study, I feel its prices are lower than those on Alibaba or AliExpress.

Start with AliExpress to poke around. Have a chew on what looks good. While Halloween is fresh on your mind, take a look for some of the products you handled to see what price you could get. Now look at 1688 to see what you can see. If you decide it's too hard to buy on 1688, go back to Aliexpress and tell them why their prices are so high when 1688 is quoting much better.

Let me know how it goes.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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RBA Delays Card Payment Reforms to March 2026

POS SOFTWARE

RBA surcharge ban

EFTPOS Surcharging Australia

Debit Surcharge Ban

RBA
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) delayed its final decision on card payment reforms until March 2026. It is to allow more time to review submissions from businesses and the public. This extension means SMBs, including retailers, will keep using the current system longer, with surcharges helping to offset processing fees, which still frustrate many customers.

I've seen firsthand how card fees affect low-margin operations like corner stores and newsagents. Our company submitted detailed feedback to the RBA, emphasising that surcharges are strictly for cost recovery under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) guidelines, and that removing them could shift the burden onto merchants rather than payment providers as claimed.

Reform Timeline and Key Impacts

The Labor Party's 2022 election pledge aims to eliminate debit card surcharges, reducing costs for consumers and small businesses.

October 2024: RBA review begins with a paper proposing bans on surcharges on domestic debit cards and some low-cost credit transactions, caps on interchange fees, and greater transparency.

15 July 2025: A consultation paper shows these fees, totalling $4.3 billion annually, are borne mainly by SMB retailers handling many low-value card payments as cash declines.

26 August 2025: The consultation closed, receiving many submissions, which delayed further analysis.

These reforms could reshape payment processing. It may require adjustments to the POS Systems setups.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Cash is going, and cards now dominate
The $4.3 billion in annual fees underscores the need for transparent, cost-effective payments.
This delay extends uncertainty. Stay informed.

Let's see how it plays out.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Troubleshooting Your POS Software After Microsoft Updates

POS SOFTWARE

Computer

Windows update

Windows Updates and POS Software

Windows updates are essential—they boost security and often add handy features—but they can also shake things up in ways that cause real headaches. In a POS Software, if an update glitches your point-of-sale setup, it's more than annoying. I have seen it stop sales processing and mess up POS systems. It leaves retailers and customers fuming. Recently, we saw the Windows KB5044284 patch freeze a client's cash registers due to a network hiccup. We had to uninstall this update on our customer site.

Treating updates as essential to your business makes sense and is necessary. Here, we outline a practical approach to handling them, keeping systems running smoothly and securely with minimal surprises.

Why Automatic Updates Can Hurt Your Bottom Line

Letting updates roll in without a plan invites trouble. New patches sometimes clash with your POS gear or software, and you never know until it's too late. Here's what it looked like in practice on our client's system.

Sales ground to a halt when the registers locked up.
Customers who waited in line got irritated.
Staff scramble with paper and pens, wasting time on error-prone work instead of helping shoppers.

You can't avoid updates forever, but getting ahead of them turns potential chaos into something you control.

Building a Smarter Update Plan

Instead of crossing your fingers with auto-updates, take charge. What I suggest is that you delay them a bit so others can spot the kinks first, and let them serve as the testing ground. Microsoft usually fixes most issues quickly once reported.

Steps to Pause and Tame Updates

Timetable for windows updates

It's not complicated to reduce the risks.

Pull up Settings in Windows.

Head to Update & Security on version 10, or just Windows Update on 11.

Hit pause and pick how long from the list. I use seven (7) days, which works well.

To reduce disruptions even further, consider your busiest times.

Set active hours in the same menu to avoid your store's peak shifts. That way, if it's a problem, it won't be as bad.

Aim for early Tuesday or Wednesday so tech can assist during regular hours if issues arise—no weekend heroes needed.

First, fix the problem if it happens

A simple restart is often all that is needed to clear up software issues caused by these updates. Follow these steps:

Close any open programs on your system
Shut down the server computer completely
After 1 minute, restart the server and let it boot up fully
Try using the POS software again; the issues may be resolved!

Restarting your server essentially clears any memory errors or software conflicts that the updates may have caused. It's a quick first step to try before investigating deeper issues.

Contact Our Support Team

If restarting your POS server doesn't fix the problems you've been experiencing, please reach out to our customer support team immediately.

Our support reps can troubleshoot further, analyse your system logs, and identify exactly which Microsoft updates are causing the conflicts. We can then provide targeted solutions to get your POS software back to working correctly.

Let us know if you have any other questions! We're here to help.

Wrapping It Up: Stability Fuels Success

Handling updates this way isn't flashy, but it keeps your retail shop humming.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Finding the Right Cash Box for Your Business

POS SOFTWARE

Cash Registers

retail cash management

Sturdy cash box

A cash box is a secure, portable container that keeps cash, coins, receipts, and small valuables safe, commonly used outside the shop. For a retailer, protecting the money is vital to their business operations. An efficient and secure cash management system helps you stay organised and minimise losses from mishandling or theft. It is excellent in the shop, but you will need a cash box now and then to store money outside the shop.

Security

These are in demand, commonly for retailers who operate at markets, fairs, or pop-up events.

Pros and Cons of Cash Boxes

Before we discuss features, consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a cash box in your retail operation.

Pros:

Durable and sturdy construction
Easy organisation of cash and coins
Portable and compact for mobile businesses
More affordable than high-security safes
Versatile use for money, receipts, or small valuables

Cons:

Limited security, because they are portable, they are easy to steal. A person can grab them and run away.
Not hard to steal if left unsecured
Some models have quality issues
Limited capacity and often not suitable for large amounts of cash

Let's evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different cash box systems.

Key Features to Look For

Based on my experience, these are the essential characteristics of a cash box.

Sturdy

The reality is that most of these cash boxes will not last five minutes against a determined person, but that is no reason to make it easy for someone to break into them. This is why I prefer metal cash boxes. Unfortunately, they sometimes make the cash box too heavy.

I like rubber feet to add stability on uneven surfaces.

Simplicity

Remember, a cash box's purpose is to store cash; anything beyond that is a bonus. If the cash box doesn't handle some money efficiently, then nothing else matters.

The simpler they are, the better. Every function is just something that can go wrong.

Security

It is a pain to use a key to open and close them. We suggest having a latch and a lock. In my experience, many need more substantial locks. Make sure you get a decent lock.

Make sure you have a spare key; they do get lost.

Bright colours make your cash box easier to look after, thanks to improved visibility. For added peace of mind, one of our customers anchors their box to a stall using a drilled hole and a lock.

Sized for Your Needs

Please consider the volume of cash you need to handle. A small box might suffice for low-volume businesses, but you'll need more if you deal with many notes and coins.

The compartments should be roomy enough to accommodate multiple stacks of bills and rolls of coins without overflowing.

Make sure that the cash box can handle Australian notes. Chinese and US cash boxes often can't handle our Australian notes. I wonder why people sell them to Australian retailers, but they do.

Removable trays
Enough compartments for different denominations
Tiered cantilever designs for easy access
Ensure you have enough room in the cash box to handle change.
Test the compartments before buying.

Portability and Protection

Since you'll move the box around to collect cash deposits, find one that is lightweight yet sturdy. Look at fireproof and waterproof options that offer extra security to protect your money.

Can it be secured to a table? One client drilled a hole into the cash box and used a bike lock to secure it to the stand.

Maintenance

A well-maintained cash box lasts forever if it is correctly cared for.

Periodically check the lock mechanism to ensure smooth operation

Conclusion

Consider a cash box as an investment in your business's security and efficiency.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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The Australian Government's Paper on Mandating Cash

POS SOFTWARE

Cash Mandate

Eftpos

Australian Government

The Australian government has released a draft proposal to mandate cash acceptance. It is a much watered-down version of its previous statement. The most crucial point is that it does nothing about the big problem of disappearing bank branches and ATMs, which makes it difficult for many who want to use cash.

The good news is that for most business owners, this new rule won't change much and accepting cash will be a business decision for you, not a legal one.

Do You Have to Accept Cash?

For most retailers, the simple answer is no.

The new rule applies only to specific businesses, as the paper mainly covers supermarkets and many petrol stations. If you own a pet shop, a newsagency, a chemist's, or another type of small store, you are excluded as the rule only affects businesses that make more than $10 million in a year. Most independent shops fall well below this line.

If you run a local shop, you can decide for yourself whether to accept cash or go cashless.

An Exception for Franchise Stores

There is one important exception. If your shop is part of a big chain, like a 7-Eleven or a branded petrol station, you might have to accept cash. This is because the $10 million rule applies to the whole organisation, not just to a shop.

Deciding What's Right for Your Business Since the law doesn't force you to accept cash, you can choose what benefits your business. Consider these points.

Reasons to Keep Taking Cash

Retain all customers: Some prefer cash, especially older shoppers or those on tight budgets. While most now use cards, about 1.5 million Australians still rely on cash for daily shopping. Accepting cash helps you keep these customers.

Stand out from competitors

The big supermarkets will still be taking cash. This means people wanting to pay in cash will be forced away if you do not accept it.

Credit and debit card fees

These are high and likely to go up soon.

Reasons to Go Cashless

Save time

Handling cash takes time

Cost

It does cost to accept.

The future is digital.

It's getting harder to find banks and ATMs. As this trend continues, as a society, we are losing the ability to accept cash. Going cashless now can help prepare your business for the future.

Your Choice to Make

Choose payment methods that suit you. Consider your customer types and cash handling costs. Whether using cash or digital, the choice is yours.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Mark Heavy Items in your shop

POS SOFTWARE

workplace safety

injury prevention

manual handling

Heavy items can seriously hurt your staff. Lifting today cause about 30% of all retail workplace accidents. If you get one the person will probably be out for months. Now there's no single weight limit by law, Safe Work Australia used to say 45 kg needs extra care now they says anything over 16-18kg lifted repeatedly, or over 25-30kg lifted occasionally, creates a danger to your workers. Preventing these injuries can save you money, keeps staff happy, and avoid expensive compensation claims.

Your POS system can help prevent these accidents.

Use Your POS System to Warn Staff About Heavy Items

Modern POS systems like ours have a built-in safety feature in that you can mark heavy items with a special flag so everyone knows to be careful.

Here's how it works: Go to your stock maintenance screen, click on a heavy product, and tick the "heavy item" checkbox.

Stock marked as heavy

Now, whenever looks up that product on the computer they'll see a clear warning. This means your staff will know to get help or use a trolley before they try to lift something dangerous.

Here are some hacks that can reduce the problem.

Smart Storage Saves Backs

Where you put heavy items on shelves makes a huge difference to safety.

Always store heavy products between your mid-thigh and shoulder height. The best spot is waist height because staff can lift without bending or reaching. Put light things like cards, wrapping paper, and magazines on the top shelves. Never put heavy items up high—lifting above your shoulders doing this is just asking for trouble.

Also, don't store other products behind heavy items. If staff have to move heavy boxes every time they need something else, you're multiplying the injury risk for no reason.

Create Clear Safety Rules

Your team needs to know exactly what to do with heavy items.

Two-Person Rule

Make it clear which items need two people to move. A good rule is that anything over 25kg always needs two people. More importantly, make sure your staff feel comfortable asking for help, many injuries happen because people try to lift alone when they shouldn't.

Buy the Right Equipment

Trolleys and hand carts are cheap insurance. They cost far less than one workplace injury claim. Make sure you have enough equipment so staff can easily move heavy stock from delivery to storage.

Work With Your Suppliers

Talk to your suppliers about making deliveries safer.

Tip: Ask them to send smaller packages. One of our clients asked their supplier to provide 12.5kg pet food bags instead of the regular 25kg bags. The supplier agreed at the same unit price. Most suppliers will work with you if it's about safety.

Why This Matters

Beside the legal problems, no wants anyone to get hurt?

Flag heavy items in your POS System. Then organise shelves, and equip staff with the right tools to reduce injuries.

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Halloween is expected to be a record

POS SOFTWARE

Halloween

Event marketing

Expected Halloween sales in Australia for 2025 are projected to reach a record-breaking $500 million. This forecast, based on research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan, represents an 11% increase in spending compared to last year.

More than 4.8 million Australian adults (one-in-five) are expected to participate in Halloween festivities. It's an event for all ages, with participation among those aged 50 to 64 rising to 21% (an 8% increase) and those over 65 also at 21% (a 12% increase).

The average spend per person is expected to be $103 in 2025, which is an 11% increase from 2024. Click here for what we can expect people to buy.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Do not confuse markups and margins!

POS SOFTWARE

Tips

Pricing strategy

Markup vs Margin: Understanding the Difference for Retail Success

In your shop, suppliers will quote you "markup" and a "margin". Markup is your profit added to the cost. I always think it's UP on cost. Margin is the profit percentage of the suggested sale price.

They are different. Suppliers often prefer to use markup, I think, partly because the number sounds more appealing and makes their profit seem more favourable. For instance, telling you that you get a 33% markup sounds good, but being told it's a rather ordinary 25% margin does not seem so good.

Margin to Markup

How to Calculate Them

Your POS System will do it automatically.

Here is the theory. Say you sell an item for $20, and it costs you $15 to buy. Your profit is $5.

Working Out Markup

Markup Formula: (Profit ÷ Cost) × 100

Using our example: ($5 ÷ $15) × 100 = 33%

It means that for every $100 you buy in stock, you make $33 profit.

Working Out Margin

Margin Formula: (Profit ÷ Sale Price) × 100

Using our example: ($5 ÷ $20) × 100 = 25%

It means you keep 25 cents out of every dollar you earn.

Why Margin Matters More

For running your business day-to-day, margin is the better number to use. Here's why.

Your accountant uses margin when looking at your financial reports. When you do your tax paperwork or business statements, margin is what is commonly quoted.

Margin gives you a more accurate picture of your business's health. It shows what you actually keep from each sale, which helps you make smarter decisions about pricing and buying stock.

The worst thing to do is to mix them in use. In your shop, use only one; otherwise, you will get confused. You should use margins throughout your whole shop.

Set your POS System to do that.

Quick Conversion Guide

When suppliers quote you a markup, you can convert it to a margin to see what you'll really make. Here's a handy table.

[Conversion table image would be placed here]

Notice how markup percentages are always higher than margin percentages for the same profit? That's why suppliers prefer quoting markup.

Bottom Line

Use margin only for all your pricing decisions.

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Know Your Business Profit instantly

POS SOFTWARE

Retail profitability

Increase shop profits

Retail Analytics

How to Check Your Shop's Profit Using Cash Register Reports

examping you business profit

Understanding your shop's profitability is essential for making informed business decisions. Your cash register reports provide valuable insights into how much money you're making and where potential losses might be occurring. This guide explains how to quickly access and use profit reports to improve your business performance.

How to Get Your Profit Report

Getting a detailed profit analysis for your shop is simple. Follow these steps to access your profitability data:

Profit report menu selection

Navigate to your cash register reports section and click on "Sales."

From there, select "Dissection Sales / Profitability"

Now choose the date range you want to analyse.

The report displays your profit in dollars alongside your profit margin, which represents the percentage you retain after covering costs.

Profit report

The last row of the report is vital because it shows scanning problems—items that didn't scan correctly at checkout. These mistakes will cost you time and money, so check this regularly to minimise losses.

Why Check Profit Every Day

Looking at your profit report daily helps you run a better business in several important ways. Here's why daily tracking matters:

Find What Works

Daily tracking shows which products and sales promotions make you money and which ones lose money. This stops you from running discounts that don't work and helps you focus on profitable offerings.

Catch Mistakes Fast

Checking daily can help you spot billing errors, theft, or scanning problems before they result in significant financial losses. Early detection means you can take corrective action immediately.

Control Your Cash

Tracking daily income and expenses helps in timely bill payments and planning. Shops that monitor profits daily make smarter decisions based on real data rather than guesses, leading to better financial management and stability.

Conclusion

Using cash register profit reports provides clear business performance insights. Checking reports daily helps fix issues, reward good performance, and boost profits. Start analysing your profits now—it's quick and can help grow your business by giving you the information needed to make informed decisions that drive success.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Black Friday Creep

POS SOFTWARE

Black Friday

Black Friday Deals

Black Friday Sales

Black Friday Creep

Black Friday 2025

Black Friday creep refers to the phenomenon where sales begin weeks early, shifting the peak shopping period to the Wednesday and Thursday before Black Friday, which now generate more sales than the actual day. This fundamental shift in shopping patterns means that retailers must reassess their entire Black Friday strategy and staffing approach.

Why People Are Shopping Earlier

There are several clear reasons why customers are changing when they shop. Retailers are starting their sales early to attract customers now, as waiting allows competitors to grab their customers first.

Many shoppers prefer to shop earlier to avoid crowds. We have all been to shops that sell out of items we want to buy, and buying early ensures that customers get what they want.

With deals available early, shoppers have more flexibility in their purchasing decisions. Additionally, many people have their payday on Thursday, making shopping easier during this critical period.

Understanding these shopping behaviours becomes clearer when examining actual sales data from Australian retailers over multiple Black Friday periods.

What the Sales Reports Show

Sales data from Australian retailers over multiple years reveals a consistent pattern of peak shopping occurring before Black Friday itself. Black Friday in Australia follows the US dates, and analysis of historical data shows clear trends.

2020: Friday, 27 November

Black Friday Sales Report 2020

Wednesday and Thursday were excellent sales days, Black Friday was a good day but not as strong, and then Saturday was good but not brilliant. This marked the beginning of the visible shift in shopping patterns.

2021: Friday, 26 November

Black Friday Sales Report 2021

Thursday was the standout day with awesome sales, but Black Friday was only good by comparison. Saturday maintained strong performance with perfect sales results.

2022: Friday, 25 November

Black Friday Sales Report 2022

Black Friday was disappointing, but the pattern remained consistent with the busiest day being the day before Black Friday. This reinforced the trend of early shopping behavior.

2023: Friday, 24 November

Black Friday Sales Report 2023

The same effect continued, with the day before Black Friday performing better than the actual day. The pattern was becoming increasingly predictable across retail sectors.

2024: Friday, 29 November

Black Friday Sales Report 2024

Retailers made a concentrated effort for Black Friday, which paid off with strong results, while the best days remained those leading up to it. This demonstrated that with proper preparation, the entire week could be optimized for sales.

Your 2025 Timeline

Pre-Black Friday Sales Launch: On November 1, start promoting your Black Friday sales. Many retailers will start actual sales this early to capture early shoppers and build momentum.

Black Friday Week Launch: On November 24, 2025, begin your main promotional week. Your customers are starting their central buying during this critical period.

Black Friday Sale: From November 26 to Saturday, you need to be fully prepared as Black Friday approaches. This represents the culmination of your month-long preparation and promotional efforts.

Your Black Friday Week Plan

You need to treat the entire week as your main sales event, not just Friday. Success depends on preparation, proper staffing, and strategic inventory management throughout the week.

Visual Merchandising

Set up your high-impact displays by Tuesday night so they're ready for Wednesday morning shoppers. Use your POS reports to identify your top-selling items from previous years and feature these prominently.

Create eye-catching displays for your popular items, as these are what early shoppers are explicitly looking for. Strategic product placement can increase conversion rates during the critical Wednesday-Thursday shopping window, and your top-selling reports can provide a valuable list of items to feature.

Staffing Your Shop

Wednesday: Your new pre-game day. Have extra staff for setup, but also be ready for real customers, as many people now consider Wednesday their primary shopping day.

Thursday: Likely your new peak day. Schedule maximum staff for sales, restocking, and click-and-collect services, which surge during this period.

Friday: Less busy than in previous years, more like a continuation of Thursday. Keep strong staffing levels, but expect less chaos than traditional Black Fridays.

Saturday: Sales continue through the weekend. Ensure good coverage for weekend shoppers who prefer this more relaxed shopping timeframe.

Stock and Inventory

Get all your Black Friday stock on the floor by Tuesday evening. Don't wait until Thursday or Friday, as by then it will be too late to capture the peak Wednesday-Thursday shopping period.

Monitor your stock levels daily from Wednesday through Saturday. Regular monitoring ensures you can restock popular items quickly and avoid disappointing customers who arrive expecting specific products.

The Bottom Line

Key Takeaway: Begin Black Friday planning now. Start your sales on November 1, as Black Friday is a month-long event, not a single day. The data shows that Wednesday and Thursday generate the highest sales, so prepare your store, staff, and inventory accordingly for maximum success.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Customer-Facing Display: Why you need one?

POS SOFTWARE

Computer

Customer Facing Display

Customer-Facing Display: Why You Need One

A customer views their order details on a customer-facing display at a retail checkout counter.

One of the most popular features in modern POS software is a customer-facing screen. These digital displays display detailed order information to customers, including their orders, tax, discounts, and loyalty information during the checkout process. You often see customer-facing displays in retail businesses.

Why should you use a customer display?

Ensure Sale Accuracy

When a staff member enters a customer's order information, each item and price appears on the customer-facing screen. This means that the point of sale screen provides the customer with a quick and easy way to verify it is correct while being entered. Most queries can be resolved immediately, such as pricing and many incorrect quantities.

Key Benefit: Customers can verify their orders in real-time, catching pricing errors and incorrect quantities before the transaction is completed. This immediate verification prevents time-consuming returns and refunds later.

Instil Customer Confidence in You

One of the clear benefits of a point of sale display is the impact on the customer experience. It has transparency. That can be a great help in establishing trust between your staff and your customers.

Drive Customer Engagement

You can also use it to display advertising for your shop. The screen becomes valuable marketing real estate during checkout, promoting new arrivals, loyalty programs, and special offers to customers while they wait.

Marketing Opportunity: Transform idle checkout time into revenue opportunities. Use your customer display to showcase new products, promote loyalty rewards, and highlight special offers—turning every transaction into a marketing touchpoint.

Professionalism

It looks much more professional, giving your shop a better image. Modern customers expect to see their transaction details displayed, and providing this elevates your business above competitors who lack this transparency.

Speed Up Cash Register Operations

As many mistakes are noticed quickly before orders are completed, your staff can immediately adjust the items. Once the sales are processed, they must process a return, which takes longer. The display screen prompts customers to act as the transaction proceeds. For example, once you scan all the items, the customer display cues customers to pay, then tells them to pick up their goods and go.

Consider an All-in-One Solution

Rather than adding a separate customer display to your existing setup, consider upgrading to an all-in-one POS terminal with an integrated dual-screen design. These modern systems combine your operator touchscreen and customer-facing display into a single compact unit, eliminating counter clutter and cable tangles.

All-in-one terminals offer several advantages over separate displays. They require minimal counter space, leaving more room for merchandise displays. Setup takes under five minutes with no technical expertise required—the integrated unit works straight out of the box. You get unified warranty coverage and support from one manufacturer rather than coordinating between multiple vendors.

Cost Savings: Complete all-in-one systems with built-in customer displays cost less than purchasing separate components, plus save space and trouble caused by mounting the hardware and cables.

The streamlined design also reduces energy costs while delivering powerful performance for demanding retail operations. Modern integrated terminals support contactless payments, loyalty program displays, email capture, and promotional content on the customer's screen—all managed seamlessly through a single device.

Quick Setup: Installation takes less than a minute with no technical expertise required. The integrated unit works straight out of the box, eliminating the complexity of multiple devices, cables, and mounting hardware.

If you're considering a customer-facing display for your own business and want to see what has been working with our customers for years, we can help you. Whether you need a separate display added to your current system or prefer the convenience of an all-in-one integrated terminal, feel free to talk with us now.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Our Christmas Holiday 2025 outlook

POS SOFTWARE

Christmas

Retail inventory

Computer Maintenance

Christmas retail trend 2025

Each year is different. So Christmas 2025 will be different. That is why careful planning is essential to boost your sales. Shoppers today are expected to spend an average of around $667 per person. What they want is convenience. Suppliers tell me that Christmas shopping has already started. If the trend of the last few years continues, it will peak in November during Black Friday and then continue through mid-January. Be prepared for an extended holiday season.

Today, it's becoming evident that retailers across Australia are already gearing up for the festive season.

Analysing Christmas Interest Trends

Based on current trends, the Christmas 2025 holiday season is expected to see cautious but consistent spending. Retailers are generally optimistic about sales growth.

I think this is correct, as a way to measure public interest for the upcoming holiday season, I checked Google Trends which tracks Australian interest over time. The results paint an interesting picture:

Consistent Interest: Over the past three years, public interest in Christmas-related searches in Australia has gone up consistently.

Long-Term Stability: I redid the analysis over eight years, and it basically confirmed my analysis.

As the holiday season approaches, we must be well-prepared to capitalise on the busiest time of the year. Here is the expected pattern.

Black Friday Is the Biggest Day

Black Friday has become the primary shopping event of the Christmas season. It's bigger now than Boxing Day. Shoppers wait for these late-November deals to buy Christmas gifts, so you need to be ready for November.

Products That Sell Well

Some holidays, like Halloween, clearly indicate what sells well. However, Christmas is less predictable. People often purchase items unrelated to the holiday, yet expected popular products include toys, beauty gift sets, books, and small tech devices like earbuds or phone chargers. For toy sales, focus on movie character figures, LEGO sets, educational toys, and outdoor water toys for summer.

Get Your POS System Ready

Your POS keeps everything working when the shop gets busy. Use it to plan stock, speed up checkout, track staff performance, and see what's selling every day.

Check All Your Equipment

Good luck finding a computer technician during the Christmas season. So do the following:

Test every register, scanner, receipt printer, barcode printer, and card reader.
Check all cables, Wi-Fi, and internet connections. Fix problems now.
Charge and test any mobile POS devices you use on the shop floor.
Keep spare receipt rolls and a backup printer somewhere easy to find.

Update Your Software Early

Do all software updates in October or early November, then don't change anything in December.
Load in all your Christmas sales, voucher rules, and special prices ahead of time.
Test your discount buttons, gift-receipt printing, gift-card scanning, and lay-by system.

Plan Your Stock

Look at last year's Christmas sales reports to see what sold fast, what didn't sell, and what ran out. Do not rely on gut feel; use your information to see what sold well in your shop over Christmas.

Set Up Your Prices and Sales

Build a clear plan for your sales: Here is what you need to think of Black Friday deals, early-December specials, last-minute gifts, Boxing Day clearance, and January sales.

Track the progress of each sale daily in your POS and allocate more stock to the products that are selling well.

Get Your Staff Ready

Review last year's busy periods and plan rosters for upcoming events, including late-November weekends, mid-December, and the week before Christmas.

Make Your Shop Easy to Shop

Set up gift displays at the front with clear signs and ready-made gift bundles. Highlight top-sellers, staff favourites, and last-minute gifts. Consider offering gift-wrapping and simple wrap-and-ribbon kits at the counter.

Start Christmas marketing with signs, social media, and email newsletters if you use them. If not, consider using these free marketing methods.

Quick Tips by Product Type

These do sell well over Christmas.

Toys: Stock movie characters, LEGO Christmas sets, STEM learning kits, family board games, and water toys for hot weather. Put demo toys where kids can see them.

Beauty: Offer gift sets at clear prices ($30, $50, $100), small travel-size products, and advent calendars. Add small impulse gifts near the register.

Books: Put bestsellers, kids' books, and coffee-table books near the entrance. Put up signs for "Gifts under $30."

Tech: Focus on practical gifts, such as earbuds, bright lights, portable speakers, and controllers. Keep accessories, such as cables and cases, near the main products.

Final note

Start now, space out your sales, and keep the momentum going into January.

Your Christmas Checklist

□ Test all POS hardware and backup devices
□ Update POS software early; don't change anything in December
□ Load sales, gift receipts, vouchers, and lay-by into the system
□ Run last year's Christmas sales reports
□ Talk to your suppliers now and confirm supplier delivery dates
□ Set reorder reminders
□ Plan gift displays and signage; get gift wrap ready
□ Make staff rosters
□ Launch marketing; schedule Black Friday posts now
□ Test for busy times and offline payment backups
□ Stock gift cards, packaging, and batteries
□ Plan extended hours and staff meal breaks

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Windows 10 End of Support Now: What Retailers Need to Know

POS SOFTWARE

windows 10

windows 11

Computer

Windows 10 end of support

Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 today.

The Windows 10 operating system is now out of updates, support, and fixes, which means that security risks are present for POS systems that manage credit card transactions and personal data. Approximately 40% of all computers globally are running on the affected systems, and hence, the number of security holes will rise as they are a tempting target. Over time, manufacturers' hardware will no longer be supported, which is why we anticipate an increase in equipment breakdowns, such as printers, scanners, terminals, and touchscreens.

There are four options for your Windows 10 computers.

Option 1: Upgrade them to Windows 11

Approximately 40% of our Windows 10 clients are unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 needs more powerful hardware, which can slow down Windows 10. If possible, upgrade to Windows 11 ASAP. It generally runs faster on modern computers, but on old systems, it tends to be slower. I would not suggest hacking systems to get them to run Windows 11, as Microsoft doesn't guarantee updates or support for systems that bypass hardware requirements.

You can check if your computer is compatible with Windows 11 using Microsoft's free PC Health Check tool. This tool tells you whether your hardware meets the minimum requirements. Computers that meet requirements can upgrade to Windows 11 for free through Windows Update.

Instructions on how to do this can be found here.

Will Your Computer Run Windows 11? Check Compatibility in 60 Seconds.

I suggest running it on all the computers in the shop.

Option 2: Use the Microsoft Security Updates Option

If you pay Microsoft, they will give you support for a limited time.

In our experience, few customers opt for Extended Security Updates due to the cost and limited benefits.

Those of you who are using the free backup service using OneDrive can get it free by using your OneDrive account to sync your PC's settings via the Windows Backup feature. To do this, you must first update your Windows 10 to version 22H2 and then go to Settings > Windows Update to find the "Enrol now (ESU)" wizard. Within the wizard, you select "Sync settings to OneDrive" to sign in with your Microsoft account and enrol for free. You will find details on how to do it here.

Keep Using Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates!

Option 3: Leave them with the higher risk profile in Windows 10

Contrary to what many say, Australian laws do not tell you that you have to upgrade; however, it's not as simple as this, it never is, as the law states businesses holding personal information must "take reasonable steps to protect the information from misuse, interference and loss, as well as unauthorised access, modification or disclosure". Running POS systems on unsupported software may pose a problem with the "reasonable steps" requirement. Continuing to operate systems on unsupported systems may be viewed as negligence and a failure to maintain proper security controls.

Additionally, businesses processing credit and debit card transactions must adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements. It requires systems to have current security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities. Unsupported operating systems that no longer receive security patches automatically fail these requirements.

The immediate issue for most retailers here is whether they will be allowed to run software that connects to bank credit and debit systems. In the past, when this has occurred, we have seen financial companies cease support for outdated operating systems. We have had to move these systems to other computers in the shop and use older machines in the back for stock recording purposes. We certainly do not recommend attempting to hack these systems to work on older Windows versions, as fines are huge, e.g., $100,000 per month, plus the responsibility for fraudulent transactions may be shifted to you.

Option 4: Replace Hardware for Old Systems**

Systems that cannot run Windows 11 need hardware replacement.

In response to this challenge, we have been offering our clients a computer upgrade deal to help them transition to Windows 11-compliant systems.

Conclusion

There are issues to consider here. If you have any questions, contact our support team to discuss the matter further.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Peak Profits for Halloween Retailer 2025

POS SOFTWARE

Halloween

best-selling products

🎃 Halloween 2025: Unlock Your Share of the $450M Spend 👻

Halloween 2025

To grab your share of the estimated $450 million in Halloween spending this year, which should see the average buyer spending about $93 this Halloween. What we did was study what is selling right now from a major retailer's Halloween sales.

💰 The Right Price Range

Most Halloween sales now range from $10 to $35. It is the sweet spot now.

Check your POS system now. Look at last year's Halloween sales. See which price points sold best in your shop. This takes only seconds using the price point report.

Here's what customers are buying now:

🦇 Bats and Spiders: 3D bat wall stickers and large, hairy spiders are always popular. They create a significant impact for a low price. This drives more sales.

💀 Skeletons and Grim Reapers: These items are effective because people love the spooky side of Halloween. About 37% of Australians buy costumes this season. Full-sized skeletons and Grim Reaper costumes are top choices.

🎃 Pumpkins: Pumpkins are the main symbol of Halloween. Real pumpkins and plastic pumpkins sell.

⚡ Easy Setup Products

Halloween shoppers want quick results; few are going to go to a lot of trouble to make a Halloween atmosphere. What people want are decorations that work straight out of the box.

🕸️ Spider Web Sets: These sell very well. Bundle them with small plastic spiders. It provides customers with everything they need in one package.

🦇 3D Bat Sticker Packs: Customers can create a swarm of bats on their walls quickly. With little effort, they have a big visual impact.

🎭 Themed Banners and Table Runners: Plastic banners and spooky table covers create an instant party atmosphere.

💡 LED String Lights: Themed lights in orange, purple, or ghost shapes add easy atmosphere.

💡 Sell these items as "Instant Halloween Party Packs". It makes shopping easier for customers. It also increases how much they spend.

👻 Costume and Accessory Sales

Dressing up is a big part of Halloween. Costumes and accessories sell consistently well. This year, kids like Spider-Man, ghosts, and princesses. Adults choose witches, vampires, and cats.

🎭 Core Costumes: Simple costumes, such as those of grim reapers, skeletons, and pumpkins, remain popular. They're safe to stock because they always sell.

🎨 Accessories: Many customers create their own unique outfits. Stock lots of accessories, such as scary masks, face paint kits, and fake blood. These items have good profit margins.

📦 Bundles: Customers think a costume with a matching mask offers better value. Your POS system can easily create and track these bundles.

⚠️ Plan for Leftover Stock

Much Halloween stock won't sell after the holiday. Plan now for items that don't sell. Don't wait until November to consider this, as then you'll be looking at a sale with discounts of 50–75%, which will only attract bargain hunters. Plan your clearance strategy before ordering stock. If possible, buy stock that can be sold after Halloween.

🚀 Last-Minute Shoppers

The final days before Halloween are your most significant advantage. Online stores often struggle to deliver promptly. Customers who need products fast will come to local shops.

Use clear signs in your store: "Halloween Stock In-Store Now!" People aged 35–59 are most likely to celebrate Halloween (34%). Those under 35 follow at 25%. These customers value speed when time is short.

Get ready to boost your Halloween profits?

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Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Digital Signatures for Retail Businesses

POS SOFTWARE

Electronic signatures Australia

Digital signatures

Digital vs fax signatures

Digital Signatures

Digital signatures use computer encryption to verify a signer's identity and confirm their agreement. Generally, under Australian law, they are treated as handwritten signatures. What they do is use codes to make a seal that joins the signers to the document. If the document is changed in any way, everyone gets a message that the signature is now invalid. They are preferred over faxed signatures, as a fax signature can be modified and forged.

Legal Validity in Australia
Step-by-Step Guide for Retail Use
Key Benefits and Common Concerns
FAQ: Your Questions on Digital Signatures Answered
Important Disclaimer

Legal Validity in Australia

Signed digital signatures are binding for most business deals. Of course, like any signature, you need identification, proof of intent to approve, and the agreement of all parties.

In my experience, many people forget to obtain some identification, such as a driver's license, which can be fatal in court if they are challenged.

Most exceptions in my experience where digital signatures are not accepted occur when you need to do it in front of a lawyer, a court, and/or witnesses.

Step-by-Step Guide for Retail Use

Log in to your digital signature account.
Upload the document, like an invoice.
The software will send the link to the other party.
I suggest adding the ID checks, such as licence uploads.
Let the recipient sign with a click.
After you sign, the system locks the document and creates a certificate.
You now have independent proof.

It saves a lot of time.

Key Benefits and Common Concerns

The documents travel through secure channels; email is often not considered a safe method for legal purposes.

Digital signatures eliminate the need for printing and waiting for a fax.

One of my customers sent a 10-page document for signing, but what they got was only eight pages. They had to ring up and get them to redo it.

FAQ: Your Questions on Digital Signatures Answered

Q: Are digital signatures legal in Australia?

A: Digital signatures have proven legally binding for most business transactions in Australia.

Q: What is the difference between a faxed signature and a digital signature?

A: A faxed signature appears as an image of your mark. Copying or forgery occurs easily. A digital signature uses advanced security. Software creates a tamper-proof lock that ties all parties and the document. Then you have a public record to track the signing process.

Q: I received an email with a document to sign. How do I know it is secure?

A: Contact the sender to confirm details if doubts exist.

Q: Are there any documents I cannot sign digitally?

A: Most documents signed with faxed methods, like invoices or agreements, can switch to digital. Exceptions generally occur when lawyers, courts, and/or witnesses are required.

Q: What are the main benefits of using digital signatures?

A: Digital signatures prove easier and quicker than faxing. No printing, scanning, or waiting occurs. Better security.

Q: Someone signed a digital document, but a dispute arose. How does the signature prove it was them?

A: This is why you need support with ID verification, like an emailed driver's licence. This is similar to any signature.

Q: Do I need to be a tech expert to use digital signatures?

A: It takes a little getting used to, but it's made to be easy to use.

Q: What happens if a document changes after digital signing?

A: The signature is immediately declared as invalid. All sides get an alert.

Important Disclaimer

This article provides general information, drawing on industry knowledge and official rules, regarding digital signatures in Australia. I have no legal training. I do not offer legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer to determine the best fit for your business. Then follow all laws fully.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Your scanners not reading correctly?

POS SOFTWARE

Computer Maintenance

Barcode

Your Scanner is Not Reading Right?

Barcode scanner

Ever had your barcode scanner just quit on you? It's a common complaint we hear from shop owners: a headache when their scanner stops scanning or only works partially. This guide covers the usual suspects and how to fix them fast, so you can get back to serving customers without the drama.

We'll start with the easy stuff.

A dirty scanner window is a common problem, often caused by people placing their fingers on the scanner window. Get out of that habit. Also, dust or grime can cause reading issues. To clean, unplug the scanner and wipe the glass with a soft microcloth.

Are the Cables Loose?
Is Something Wrong with the Barcode?
Is Your Scanner Old?
Common Scanner Questions
Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Are the Cables Loose?

Loose and/or faulty cables are another common problem. If the cable is not connected correctly, the scanner will not be able to talk with your POS System. Worn cables sometimes work intermittently

What to check:

Make sure everything's plugged in tight.
Look over the cables for frays or breaks. If one's damaged, replace it.
Try using a different port on the computer as well.

Is Something Wrong with the Barcode?

With a clean scanner and solid connections, the barcode might be the problem. Check the barcode; some are difficult to read if they are shiny or wet.

What to look for:

See if it's torn, faded, or poorly printed.
For shiny packaging, angle it to minimise glare.
Aim for decent lighting, enough to see clearly, but not so bright that it reflects on you.

Is Your Scanner Old?

These scanners are rugged, but retail is a tough environment for scanners. They are often dropped and damaged. After a few years, the wear and tear add up.

What to look for:

Check for cracks or wobbly bits.
If the window's off-kilter, it's damaged. In most cases, replacing it is smarter than fixing it, especially for safety and speed.

Signs it's time to retire it:

Odd noises like grinding or whirring.
Dim, flickering, or no light at all.

At that point, repairs are usually not worth it; you're better off with a new one that comes with a warranty.

Common Scanner Questions

We've got answers to the ones retailers ask us most.

How often should I clean my scanner?

It depends on your shop. If it's a dusty spot, such as a nursery, you may need to clean it daily; otherwise, clean it only when it becomes noticeable. As a rule, I do believe if it is working, do not mess with it. If it has to be done, it only takes seconds to do.

My scanner beeps, but nothing shows on the screen. What's up?

The beep indicates that it read the code correctly; the issue is likely downstream. Check cables, ports, or restart your computer—it's often the fix.

Why won't it read barcodes on phone screens?

Old laser models are designed for use with paper only. For screens, you need a 2D camera scanner—they handle digital codes no problem.

Should I bother fixing an old one?

Rarely. Repair costs can match the price of a new one, and you'll get something faster and warrantied instead.

Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Sorting out these basics can resolve most scanner issues and keep your checkout running smoothly. If it's still acting up after these checks, upgrading might be the next step; many retailers kick themselves for waiting.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Eliminating many GST errors

POS SOFTWARE

Accounting

Accountancy

GST

A Retailer's Guide to Managing GST in Australia

Australian retail businesses must ensure accurate GST compliance to stay financially healthy. Mistakes can lead to excess tax, losses, or costly audits. Most handle GST quarterly. Many struggle with mixed-item sales, some of which are GST-applicable, while others are not.

Common GST Problems in Retail

Shops are likely to encounter inevitable GST mistakes that can result in time and money losses.

Incorrect Item Codes: A common and expensive mistake is using the wrong code for an item when it's sold. If you charge GST on an item that is GST-free, or vice versa, it creates problems immediately. This becomes complicated because different products have varying rules, as not every business expense is subject to GST. Some examples include loan interest payments, water, sewerage, and food.
Complex GST Rules: Services such as lottery tickets, insurance, and bill payments have distinct tax rules compared to other goods and services.
Errors on Supplier Invoices: Suppliers may send invoices with GST errors that are automatically imported into your system. Just because it's electronic, you do not get out of the need to verify the information manually.
Understanding Sale Types: Differentiating between 10% GST sales, GST-free sales, and input-taxed sales can be confusing, but correct classification has a significant impact on the GST owed and available credits.

Checking Your GST Each Quarter

Our POS software has a powerful GST auditing tool. This makes your life easier. Here's why it's a game-changer:

Integrated Solution: No more jumping between programs.
Speed and Accuracy: Powered by Microsoft SQL for lightning-fast results.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed with retailers in mind, not tech gurus.

To ensure your BAS is accurate, follow this method to identify and fix discrepancies:

Get a Full GST Report: Run a GST summary for the quarter in your sales system, showing total sales, GST collected, and GST-free sales.

Let me walk you through how simple it is to use:

Go to Register Reports > Sales > GST Summary
Select your desired period
Review the detailed report, including a comprehensive GST breakdown.

This will provide you with a detailed report that includes this information.

GST Summary report

Compare Reports: Match this with your accounting software's GST report and your total sales, as GST is about 10% of that figure.
Find Differences: If totals don't match, compare the monthly and then the daily totals to locate the error.
Investigate and Fix: Review the problematic transaction for coding or data entry errors, correct it, and document the change. Believe me, you do not want to have to explain to the ATO why the figures in one report are different from those in another system.

Real-World Example: Finding a $2,000 Mistake

A newsagent was preparing their quarterly BAS and found a $2,000 difference between their sales data and their accounting software. Using the detailed reports in their sales system, they traced the problem to a single day. The investigation revealed that an insurance payout, which should not have been subject to GST, had been incorrectly entered as a taxable sale. This mistake wrongly increased their GST payment by $2,000. By quickly locating this transaction, they avoided overpaying the tax office and corrected their financial records with minimal effort.

Best Practices for Managing GST

Document Everything: In particular, keep a detailed record of all changes. You need documentation to explain your figures to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Utilise Automation: Maximise the features in your sales and accounting software. Set up automatic reports, use the correct item codes from the beginning, and ensure data flows smoothly between your systems.
Review: Check your GST records before finalising your BAS. I had one customer who submitted a report stating that they owed $480,000 in GST that quarter, and spent hours on the phone trying to correct it after the ATO contacted him for the money.

Ready to Make Your GST Easier?

An integrated sales system can automate the application and verification of GST, significantly reducing errors, saving you time, and protecting your profits.

*The information provided is general. We recommend consulting a qualified tax advisor for personalised advice tailored to your needs.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Analysing Halloween Sales Performance

Getting Started: Your First Data Deep Dive

Accessing Your Sales Comparison Report

Key Performance Metrics to Track

Conducting a Month Analysis

Visualising

Essential Metrics for Evaluation

Leveraging Advanced POS Features

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A Real-World Example

Sticking to the Wrong Ideas

The Question That Matters

Spotting the Disconnect

The Big Lesson

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Why 1688 Beats AliExpress on Price

Problems You Can't Ignore

Language

Shipping

Payments

Quality

How to start

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Reform Timeline and Key Impacts

Why This Matters for Your Business

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Windows Updates and POS Software

Why Automatic Updates Can Hurt Your Bottom Line

Building a Smarter Update Plan

Steps to Pause and Tame Updates

First, fix the problem if it happens

Contact Our Support Team

Wrapping It Up: Stability Fuels Success

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Security

Pros and Cons of Cash Boxes

Pros:

Cons:

Key Features to Look For

Sturdy

Simplicity

Security

Sized for Your Needs

Portability and Protection

Maintenance

Conclusion

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Do You Have to Accept Cash?

An Exception for Franchise Stores

Deciding What's Right for Your Business Since the law doesn't force you to accept cash, you can choose what benefits your business. Consider these points.

Reasons to Keep Taking Cash

Stand out from competitors

Credit and debit card fees

Reasons to Go Cashless

Save time

Cost

The future is digital.

Your Choice to Make

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Use Your POS System to Warn Staff About Heavy Items

Smart Storage Saves Backs

Create Clear Safety Rules

Two-Person Rule