A new law mandating cash acceptance for essential businesses, the clock begins on 1 January 2026. The final legislation is much less of the initial government proposals. While most of our clients already accept cash and intend to continue doing so, a growing number are considering a cashless model and need clarity about their rights.

Crucially, retailers must understand that government rules are part of the picture. Many have contractual obligations to their suppliers as well.

The Government

The federal law mandates certain businesses to accept cash payments for goods and services. However, the scope is unexpectedly limited, far less than originally promised, and several exemptions still apply.

Business Category

It targets explicitly retailers of "essential" goods, primarily supermarkets and fuel stations. It does not automatically apply to businesses that sell items such as stationery, books, or pet food.​

Small Business Exemption

The law includes a significant exemption for small businesses, generally defined as those with an annual turnover below $10 million.​

"Part of a Group" Rule

If your business operates as part of a larger group or franchise (e.g., a branded service station), you are likely required to accept cash regardless of your individual turnover.​

Primary Purpose

Your obligation is determined by your primary business category, not the specific item being sold. For instance, if fuel is your primary revenue source, you must accept cash for all items in the store, including non-essentials.

Transaction Limit

The requirement to accept cash only applies to transactions up to $500. For any sale over this amount, you can legally refuse the money.​

While the government may exempt you based on turnover or category, your suppliers likely won't. This brings us to the most overlooked aspect of the new mandate: your commercial contracts.

The Commercial Reality

Even if the law gives you a pass, your most important business partners may require you to handle cash. Before considering a cashless policy for any product, you must check your existing agreements.

Australia Post

Licensed Post Offices (LPOs) operate under a different mandate that defines them as essential service providers. You will be required to accept cash for all postal transactions, such as stamps and bill payments.

Lottery Services

Your lottery retailer agreement requires you to accept cash for ticket sales and pay out smaller prizes in cash. You cannot provide this service without money in the till.

Transport Ticketing

If you are an agent for public transport ticketing, your contract likely designates you as a cash access point for the network, obligating you to accept cash.

Payment & Parcel Services

Third-party bill payment or parcel drop-off services want you to accept cash from customers. Refusing cash could be seen as a breach of your service agreement.

The "Split Counter" Nightmare

Implementing a hybrid policy that accepts cash for some items but not others will create significant operational and customer service issues.

Customer Friction

Refusing cash for a greeting card while accepting it for petrol at the same counter invites customer conflict and erodes goodwill.

Operational Complexity

A mixed policy is difficult for staff to enforce during busy periods, increasing the risk of errors. It also complicates compliance with card surcharging rules, frustrating customers who have cash ready.

Your Action Plan

For those considering a move to a cashless system, a review of your legal and commercial obligations is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: If my business goes cashless after 1 January 2026, do I need a sign?
A: Yes. Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACCC), you must clearly disclose your payment terms before a transaction to avoid misleading customers. Put a prominent sign at the entrance or point of sale, such as "Card Payments Only."

Q: My insurer requires me to minimise cash holdings. Does the law override this?
A: The law does not void private contracts. You must negotiate with your insurer to find a solution that balances your legal mandate to accept cash with your contractual insurance obligations.

Q: Can I surcharge for cash payments?
A: Surcharging for cash is legally risky; adding a fee to a cash payment could be viewed as misleading pricing under Australian Consumer Law, which assumes prices are listed in cash.

Q: My local bank branch closed. How can I comply if I can't deposit cash?
A: The collapse of our cash infrastructure is a growing problem. The law requires you to accept cash but does not compel banks to remain open. You may need to find an alternative bank or consider paying for business expenses in cash at other local retailers.

Note, I am not a lawyer and do not pretend to be, and I suggest you seek professional advice before proceeding with any proposed action on this...

Written by:

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.

Employee theft is a significant concern to retailers today. It undermines profits. It also hurts, as it involves breaking trust. Industry data shows retail crime costs Australian businesses about $8 billion and is increasing, with staff responsible for roughly 40% of shrinkage. The problem is that it's often small, daily losses that add up over a year.

As I have noted here the problem has gotten worse, particularly after COVID. Others are noticing it too.

The good news is that you likely already have the tools to stop it. Your Point of Sale (POS) system is more than just a cash register; it's your first line of defence.

Make Each Operator Accountable

A crucial first step is to assign each staff member their own cash drawer. This makes them personally responsible. Your POS system can drive many drawers from a single computer. This means each operator can work and reconcile their till without affecting others. This protects you because any missing funds are clearly linked to a single person, not the whole team. I suggest doing this immediately.

How to check your security KPIs?

To check these security KPIs, go to the cash register reports. (see orange arrow)

Then select Staff and click on "Sales security indicators" (see blue arrow)

Select the required period. 

A report will pop up with many indicators.

Using Your Sales Security Indicators

You can now use your POS reports to spot patterns that indicate theft.

In your POS system, these are called Security KPI's. They show how each operator uses sensitive functions at the register. The fact is that dishonest behaviour is usually a habit. This is because if a method works, an offender will typically repeat it, and so that repetition shows up as a pattern.

From your reports menu, run this report for at least four weeks. I prefer whole weeks over months because months vary in the number of Mondays, Saturdays, and so on. Four weeks provide enough data to identify real patterns rather than isolated errors.

The Key Indicators to Watch

When you run the report, look closely at these specific numbers for each staff member:

No Sales

This counts how often the cash drawer is opened without a sale being recorded. A consistently high number here is a major red flag. It suggests someone may be opening the till to remove cash while pretending to give change or "check" a price.

Voids and Error Corrections

You need to distinguish between a "line void" (fixing a single wrong item) and a "wholesale void" (cancelling the entire transaction). A person with many full-sale voids, especially during busy times, deserves closer attention, as what is commonly done is to enter the sale to show the customer the total, then void it if the customer pays cash.

Refunds and Negative Items

Watch for frequent refunds or items with negative prices. Be particularly careful if you see cash refunds processed when no customer is at the counter.

Average Sale Value and Items Per Sale

Compare each operator's average dollar sale and items per transaction to the store average. A consistently lower staff member may be under-ringing items. This is often a sign of "sweethearting," when one charges a friend for a single cheap item while handing over several expensive ones.

Interpreting the Numbers in Context

Numbers only make sense when you understand the context of your shop. You are not looking for perfection, as everyone makes the odd mistake. You are looking for patterns that stand out.

Keep these factors in mind when comparing staff:

Experience levels:

A junior working the Saturday rush will naturally have more transactions and mistakes than a senior on a quiet Tuesday morning.

Shift patterns:

Always compare like with like. Compare a Saturday staff member to another Saturday staff member.

Seasonality:

When you're really busy, like the lead-up to Christmas, you will see more scanning errors simply due to time pressure.

Look for staff whose indicators remain abnormally high across different periods, not just during the busiest weeks.

Linking POS Activity With CCTV

Finally, use your POS Software information with your security cameras. If your report shows an unusual refund, void, or "no sale" event at a specific time, go to your video footage for that exact moment.

Look:

• Was a customer actually present?
• Did cash change hands?
• Does the screen show the same items?

I have seen reports list transactions, but the camera told a different story. In one case, we clearly saw the employee pocket the money during a transaction flagged by the report as suspicious. This combination of complex data and visual evidence is the most effective way to confirm if you have a training issue or a theft problem.

Conclusion

Securing your shop means you have to monitor constantly. Utilising the security KPI's in your POS system can help spot likely risks early and safeguard your hard-earned profits.

Written by:

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.

We all know Google is the big player in search engines. Many retailers spend time worrying about their Google ranking. I have seen large shops have an SEO person to make sure it goes well. But if you ignore Bing Places for Business, you are missing out on customers.

In 2025, setting up your shop on Bing is not just "nice to have." It is a smart move to grow your business. Does it cost you NO!

According to Microsoft data, about 17 million people in Australia use its search network each month.

Here is a secret many retailers miss: many of these users are at work, where their work computers have Bing set as the default search engine. Its windows default and these people search during the workday, this is when most people buy. These people have money.

If your shop isn't on Bing, you are invisible to them.

Why You Should Care About Bing

A potential customer asks their computer, "Where can I find a gift shop near me?" Are you there in the answer?

If your business isn't listed correctly on Bing, the computer will recommend someone else, since the AI won't know you exist.

You want your shop to be the answer.

The good news? You can get this sorted in 5 minutes.

How to Set Up Your Profile Quickly

You don't need to be a wizard, as there is a shortcut that saves you heaps of time.

If you already have a Google Business Profile, and you should have, if not, see how to set one up.

Now, once you have a Google Business Profile, you can copy all that information straight over to Bing. Here is how you do it:

Go to the Bing Places Website:

Head over to bing.com/forbusiness. You will need a Microsoft account (like Outlook or Hotmail) to sign in.

Claim Your Business:

Search for your shop's name. If you see it, click "Claim this business." If you don't see it, click "Add new business."

Use the Import Tool:

This is the best part. Choose the option to "Import from Google Business Profile." This pulls in your address, hours, and photos instantly.

Check Your Details:

Look closely at your Name, Address, and Phone number. It must be 100% correct. If it's not, you could miss out on customers.

Write a Good Description:

Tell people what you do. Use simple words that customers search for. For example: "Your local newsagency for books and gifts. Find us inside Albert Village Shopping Centre, right near Woolworths."

Pick Your Categories:

Don't just pick "Retail." Be specific. Here, for example, I would select "Book Shop," "Greeting Card Shop," or "Stationery Supplier." This helps the right people find you.

If you are unsure what to write here, use your sales reports in your POS Software.

Then put in a simple words customers search eg "gluten-free bakery," "men's work boots" or "dog toys."

Add Photos:

Good ones, pictures sell products. Upload bright, clear photos of your best displays, here is how to take photos for your business

Make sure that your top-selling item in a department is listed.

Don't Make These Common Mistakes

I have seen many shop owners make small errors that cost them sales. Watch out for these traps:

The verification process.

Although "Import from Google" is fast, sometimes you will find that Microsoft will require a manual postcard/phone verification, if so do not give up, they are just trying to make sure the information is accurate and what you say is true. Fill it out. Then keep an eye out, as sometimes it gets lost in their system.

Wrong Opening Hours:

A potential customer can get angry after driving to your shop only to find the doors locked, even though the profile said you were open; you may also get a negative review. Constantly update your hours for public holidays.

Bad Map position:

If you are in a big shopping centre, make sure the location is correct at your front door. Sometimes they are way off. This helps people find you easily. What is the point of telling people all this information if they cannot find your shop?

How to Get even More Customers Through the Door

Once your profile is set up, you can use a few tricks to get more attention.

Post Special Deals:

Bing lets you post "Deals" right on your listing. You could offer "20% off all magazines" or a special bundle price. This grabs attention quickly.

I think Bing's "Deals" feature is more prominent and easier to use than Google's.

Reply to Reviews:

It is very important to ask your regulars to leave a review. Always thank them. If a customer leaves a negative review, respond politely to resolve the issue. This demonstrates that you care.

Conclusion

Fixing your Bing Places for Business profile is an easy win. It doesn't cost money, and it takes minimal effort. Probably about 5 minutes.

Make sure your details are correct, that your profile looks good, millions of Australian shoppers use Bing and Microsoft tools and don't leave those sales on the table.

[Claim Your Free Bing Places Listing Now]

Update: This article had to be rewritten as Bing procedures changes recently

Written by:

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.

A speed bump is a physical disruption in the road that slows you down. You pay attention. Shift from "autopilot" to "alert." In retail, a speed bump slows down customers, too. A retail speed bump is a strategically placed display located in your storefront. Its job isn't necessarily to sell the product it holds (though that's a nice bonus); its primary job is to physically and visually interrupt the customer's walk. It gets them to break their stride, lowers their gaze, and switches their brain from "walking past" to "browsing."

Without a speed bump, many customers will walk straight past your aisles, eyes glazed over, heading for a specific destination or simply drifting through without engaging. By placing a curated "obstacle" in their path, you force a pause. If they do not stop, they will not buy. It is that simple.

Here is how you can build a speed bump that stops traffic.

Why It Works: The 427% Discovery

Here is a study by the Russell R. Mueller Retail Hardware Research Foundation that found that in hardware stores, dump bins (a classic form of speed bump) increased sales of the items inside by a staggering 427%. However, the principle remains true across all retail sectors: Interruption creates sales.

Now, before you run out and buy a wire cage for your boutique, let's pause.

That 427% figure comes from the hardware industry, where "rummaging" is part of the experience. If you run a high-end store, e.g., a gift shop, a wire-dump bin might signal "cheap" rather than "value." So what retailers do often is not "dump bins." We bought "Discovery Tables." The psychological trigger is the same.

When done right, this display:

• Disrupts Autopilot: It physically and visually halts traffic.
• Lowers Risk: It usually features lower-priced items, making the mental barrier to entry much lower than a full-priced rack.
• Initiates the "Yes": Once a customer says "yes" to picking up a small item, they are psychologically primed to say "yes" to entering the store and buying more.

Step 1: The "What" – Don't Guess, Use Your POS Data

This is where most retailers get it wrong. They treat their speed bump display as a place to put "whatever we have too much of."

This is a mistake. Your speed bump is prime real estate. It is the billboard for your business. If you fill it with junk that nobody wants, you are telling everyone that your store is full of junk.

Instead of guessing, you need to turn to your POS system. Your point-of-sale software is not just for taking payments; it is a goldmine of intelligence.

POS reports

You are looking for specific criteria:

1. Dead Stock: Items that haven't sold in 90 to 120 days. These are costing you money in storage and cash flow.
2. High Margin: Items where you have enough markup that you can afford to discount them slightly if needed, or bundle them.
3. Impulse Friendly: Items that don't require sizing or complex explanations. A scarf is a great speed bump item.

Another strategy is to use your POS system to find high-volume, low-cost items. Look at your "Best Sellers by Quantity" report. If you have a $15 candle that sells like hotcakes, that is a perfect candidate for a speed bump. Why? Because it is a proven winner. Putting it front and centre shows new customers that you stock desirable, affordable items. It acts as "social proof" that your store is worth entering.

Action Step: Before you move a single table, print out your "Slow Movers" report from your POS. Highlight the top 5 small, visually appealing, non-perishable items. These are your speed bump candidates.

Step 2: The Boutique Approach – Anatomy of a Perfect Display

Now that your POS system has told you what to sell, let's talk about how to sell it.

We want to create a "boutique discovery" zone, not a bargain basement.

The Fixture

Ditch the wire bin. Use a fixture that matches your store's vibe:

• The Nesting Table: A small, waist-high wooden table is inviting. It creates a flat surface that is easy to shop from.
• Vintage Crates: Stacking sturdy wooden crates creates a rustic, market-feel that implies freshness and discovery.
• The "Tower": A tiered stand works well for smaller items, allowing you to create height without taking up much floor space.

The Arrangement: The Pyramid Principle

Don't just lay items flat. Flat is boring. You need height and depth.

• Build Up: Use acrylic risers, books, or small boxes under a tablecloth to create different levels on your table.
• The Pyramid: Arrange products in a pyramid shape. The tallest item goes in the centre or back, with smaller items cascading down. This keeps the eye moving.
• Mass Up: Abundance sells. A table with three items looks picked over. A table with 30 items looks like a fresh shipment. If you don't have enough stock (which your inventory management software would warn you about), use smaller baskets to keep the items looking plentiful.

The Signage

Your sign is the "headline" of the story. A neon "SALE" sign can look desperate. Instead, use language that implies value and discovery.

• Bad: "50% Off Old Stock"
• Bad: "Clearance bin"
• Good: "Market Day Finds: Under $10"
• Good: "Last Chance"
• Good: "Staff Favourites"

Use a small A4 frame or a clean chalkboard. Ensure the price is clearly visible. If they cannot find the price, you've lost 50% of the walkers.

Step 3: Pricing Strategy

You have arrested their attention. You have shown them a nice product. Now, you need to trigger the impulse buy.

Decision fatigue is real. If a customer has to do mental maths ("It's $25 less 30%... uh..."), they will keep walking. Your speed bump pricing must be instant and frictionless.

• The "Power of One": A single, flat price point is most effective. "Everything on this table is under $15."
• The Bundle: "2 for $30." This encourages them to dig for a second item, doubling their dwell time at the table.
• The Anchor: Place a sign that says "Was $45, Now $20." This anchors the value at $45, making the $20 price tag feel like a win.

Step 4: Measuring Impact and Improving

You can't manage what you don't measure. This is where your Point of Sale (POS) system becomes your most valuable employee.

Many retailers set up a display and "feel" like it's working. But feelings don't pay the rent. You need complex numbers.

Tracking Conversion

1. Mark the Date: Note exactly when you set up the speed bump in your calendar.
2. Monitor Velocity: After 1 week, pull a sales report for the specific SKUs listed in the table. Compare the sales velocity (units sold per day) from the week before they were on the table to the week during.
3. Check Basket Size: This is the advanced move. Use your POS reporting to see if the customers who bought the speed bump item also bought other items.
   • If they only bought the $10 item, your speed bump is working as a sale but not as a funnel. You should move the table slightly closer to the door to pull them in.
   • If they bought the $10 item plus a $50 shirt: Success! The speed bump did its job of arresting the walker and converting them into a high-value customer.

Rotate or Die

A stale speed bump is worse than no speed bump. If a local walks past your shop every morning and sees the same sun-faded books for three weeks, they will stop looking.

Use your POS system to set a reminder. Rotate the stock every 7 to 14 days. Even if the stock hasn't sold out, move it back inside and bring out something fresh. The change itself catches the eye.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you rush to drag a table out to the footpath, keep these warnings in mind:

• The Weather: Australian weather is unpredictable. If you are on a high street, ensure your display is waterproof or easy to bring in quickly in case of sudden rain.
• The "Blocking" Effect: Ensure your speed bump doesn't physically block the entrance. It should be to the side of the flow, not a barricade.
• Brand Confusion: If you sell luxury linen, don't put a bin of cheap plastic toys out front to get attention. It confuses the customer about what you actually sell.

Conclusion

The battle for the modern shopper is won in seconds. We live in a distracted, fast-paced world where "autopilot" is the default setting.

A well-executed retail speed bump is your tool to break that autopilot. It is a friendly interruption that says, "Hey, take a breath. Look at this beautiful thing. Come inside."

But remember, a pretty table isn't enough. Data must support it.

• Use your POS system to identify the right stock.
• Apply visual merchandising principles to present it attractively.
• Use your POS reporting to monitor the results and refine your strategy.

Don't let another potential customer pass by unnoticed. This week, log in to your POS, identify five suitable items, and create your first speed bump. You might find that your best sales days begin on the footpath.

Written by:

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.

The Christmas rush is on for Australian SMB retailers. This year, customers are more fuzzy. This is better for SMB shops.

New research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan indicates that gift-buying participation has slightly decreased by 9%. Shoppers, however, are now spending more and prioritising genuine connection. We call this the "Intentional" Shopper. To them, it's no longer about who has the cheapest plastic gadget, something that an SMB retailer finds hard to compete with.

Who is the "Intentional" Shopper?

We keep hearing this word: "Intentional." But what does it actually mean for your daily trade?

In 2025, Australian shoppers are swapping "loyalty for logic". They aren't just walking into a shop and buying a cheap thing. They are researching first. They have a specific person in mind, a specific budget, and a particular feeling in mind for the gift. Clearly, they want to buy treasures.

The data backs this up. High-spending shoppers aged 35 to 54 are averaging $853 in spend this season. That is a serious amount of money. But they aren't spending it on just anything. They are looking for value, quality, and meaning.

Why This Matters for You

This is great news for independent retailers. You don't have to compete with big-box stores on price-slashing. An intentional shopper walks into your store, looking for you to be the expert. They want you to say, "If your kid loves their dog, she will absolutely adore this dog toy."

That personal advice is something online shops cannot do.

The Return to Physical Media

One of the most encouraging trends for independent retailers this year is the renewed interest in tangible "Recreational Goods," including books.

We are seeing a massive pushback against the digital world. People are tired of screens. They want things they can hold, smell, and keep. This has driven a surge in demand for:

• Physical Books: Hardcovers are having a huge moment.
• Stationery: Beautiful journals and pens are top gifts.
• Leisure Items: Puzzles, board games, and craft kits.

The data suggests that these high-spending 35-54-year-olds are driving this demand. They want gifts that offer "genuine value" and an experience.

How to Merchandise for "Touch"

Because these shoppers want tactile experiences, your store needs to be hands-on.

• Open the Box: Don't seal everything. Have a sample journal open so people can feel the paper.
• Create Reading Nooks: If you sell books, stack them so they invite people to pick them up.
• Bundle It Up: Use your point-of-sale system to see which items are often bought together. If people who buy a specific cookbook often buy a wooden spoon, bundle them together on a display table. This makes the "intentional" choice easy for the customer.

Personal Connection Wins the Sale

This Christmas, consumers are demonstrating a clear preference for personal touches over mere convenience. In a significant market shift, only 22% of Australians say they are making more purchases online than a year ago—less than half the level seen in 2021.

This is a massive retreat from digital-only shopping. It reinforces that consumers are deliberately choosing to visit physical stores. In fact, most Australian consumers prefer shopping in brick-and-mortar stores.

Why? Because they want to find value and Connection.

The "Trust" Factor

As Catherine Jolley of Roy Morgan notes, "In this environment, trust is your most important asset." Shoppers want to see, touch, and trust the product before they purchase. They also want to trust you.

When an intentional customer walks in, they aren't just looking for stock; they are looking for help. This gives you a crucial advantage. You can leverage product knowledge to enhance the look and feel of your gift lines.

Of course, if the intentional shopper might come in for a specific $50 book, but if they see a beautiful $10 bookmark or a $15 candle right next to the register, they are very likely to add it to the basket. We call this "basket building."

Using Tech to Build Connection

The right technology actually helps you build better human connections.

Those small moments of service are what turn a one-time Christmas shopper into a loyal regular for the whole of 2026.

Timing for the Intentional Shopper

The data also highlights the importance of early preparation. Nearly one in three consumers (29%) started their Christmas shopping earlier than in 2024.

The "Layby" Advantage

I think these shoppers are not just early because they are looking, but also because they are trying to spread their budgets over several pay cycles. It ensures they secure these costly items. I know it's a pain, but consider offering "Layby," which allows customers to secure that expensive, perfect gift now and pay it off over a few weeks.

Check Your System: Make sure you know how to use your POS system's Layby feature. It is a one-click process. Your staff need training on the Layby, too, or you might miss out on these high-value sales.

Strategy: The Counter Display

• Low Cost, High Joy: Place small, tactile items near your Point of Sale (POS) system. Things that don't need much thought but bring a spark of joy.
• Gift Add-ons: A sign for your cards, wrapping paper, and ribbons should always be displayed at the checkout.

Is Your Store Ready?

If your store is a mess, these calm, focused shoppers will walk right out. You are trying to sell a premium item

The holiday shopping season is here. Your inventory management strategy during this period can make or break your seasonal success. Having fully stocked shelves isn't just about meeting demand – it's about maintaining customer satisfaction and maximising revenue potential.

The GMROI Report: Your Stock Level Lifesaver

Your POS system's hidden gem, the GMROI (Gross Margin Return on Investment) report, provides an immediate snapshot of your stock levels. This report reveals critical insights beyond basic stock counts.

How to Access the Report

We have a unique report that is super fast to run and gives you an immediate snapshot of your stock levels.

In the Cash register report, call up the GMROI (see the selection highlighted) in your point of sale software in the reports here.

You can select the list of options you want, and I suggest you go over these options later when you have time.

You should do this by departments or suppliers, whatever makes more sense to you. 

Now you get a report like this.

As you can see, the items are all listed.

Let’s look at it in detail:

What we are looking for are items with low on-hand figures, decent sales, and reasonable ROI%. ROI% is the return on investment. It is one of the best ways to determine how valuable your stock items are to your business. It is calculated by the (unit sold) x (Profit)/ (Average stock cost), and you need about 3.2 in the industry. However, as you can see here, there are many items above and below it.

Understanding the GMROI Report

Once you've generated the report, you'll see a list of all your items with several key metrics. Here's what to focus on:

• Stock on Hand: This shows your current inventory levels for each item.
• Sales: This indicates how well the item sells.
• ROI%: The Return on Investment percentage is crucial for determining an item's value to your business.

While these metrics provide valuable data points, interpreting them effectively is critical to making informed inventory decisions.

Interpreting the Results

When analysing your GMROI report, keep an eye out for:

Low Stock, High Sales

These are your priority items. If they have a good ROI, you'll want to reorder them immediately to avoid stockouts during peak shopping.

Reasonable ROI%

The industry standard is about 3.2, but you'll notice variations across your inventory. Your star performers are significantly above this, while those below might need attention.

Special Considerations

Since your store mixes low-margin traffic drivers (magazines/lottery) with high-margin items (gifts/cards), apply the report differently across categories:

• Some items are sale or return, so although they do not make much, you do not pay for them, although they can affect cash flow.

Taking Action

Now that you have this information at your fingertips, it's time to act:

• Identify Critical Items: Look for products with low stock levels but strong sales and good ROI. These should be your top priority for restocking.
• Place Orders: Contact your suppliers for these critical items immediately. Remember, they might be experiencing high demand from other retailers, too.
• Adjust Forecasts: Use this data to refine your sales forecasts for the holiday season. This can help you avoid similar situations in the future.
• Consider Promotions: For items with high stock levels and lower sales, consider running promotions to move inventory and free up cash for better-performing products.

The Power of Your POS System

Your POS system is more than just a cash register—it's a powerful ally in managing your retail business effectively. By regularly utilising tools like the GMROI report, you can:

• Prevent stockouts of popular items
• Optimise your inventory investment
• Improve cash flow by identifying slow-moving stock
• Enhance overall profitability by focusing on high-ROI items

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What should I look for in this GMROI report?

A: look at these three columns.

• Stock on Hand (your current inventory levels)
• Sales (see how items are selling)
• ROI% (Return on Investment percentage)

Pay particular attention to items with low stock but high sales and a good ROI, as these may need immediate reordering.

Q: What's considered a good GMROI?

A: 3.2 or higher is often considered good. As this will vary by industry and product type, I suggest you evaluate the report and judge.

Q: How can I improve my GMROI?

A: Strategies include:

1. Increasing sales without increasing inventory levels
2. Reducing inventory levels without affecting sales
3. Increasing gross margin through better pricing or supplier negotiations
4. Improving inventory management to reduce excess stock
5. Push high-performing products
6. Implementing just-in-time inventory practices
7. Using your reports for better demand forecasting

Q: How often should I run the GMROI report?

A: Run it frequently (daily or weekly) during busy seasons like holidays. In less busy periods, monthly or quarterly might suffice.

Q: How can the GMROI report help improve cash flow?

A: The report helps identify slow-moving stock. By addressing these items through promotions or adjusted ordering, you can free up cash tied in excess inventory and reinvest in better-performing products.

Written by:

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.

Looking at Australia's top-selling 2025 planners and calendars, people focus on family coordination tools, premium habit journals, and humour novelties priced $15–$60. Retailers see strong demand for easy-use organisers amid digital trends, as shoppers crave these paper organisation tools right now. Some sites that are useful to look at for ideas are Calendar Club and Amazon best sellers list.

Now while digital family screens are starting to gain sales, something I will discuss in another post, affordable paper alternatives dominate and outsell these pricier options for example Skylight is $529+, which demand technical setup. Retailers should stock simple, instant-use alternatives for families.

Top Family Calendars Australia 2025

Magnetic fridge calendars ($15–$40), large dry-erase wall planners, chore/meal charts, and yearly sticker wall planners lead sales. Families love their visibility and wipeable surfaces as home hubs. Place them also near greeting cards for impulse buys.

Premium Habit Tracker Journals

Professionals, students, and young men (18–35) snap up A5 habit trackers, gratitude journals like the 6-Minute Diary, and goal-setting diaries with marble covers. These boost mental health, time-blocking, and goals via pen-on-paper.

Funny Calendars Australia 2025

Desk tear-off calendars like Far Side and Thoughts of Dog, plus wall puns, animals, firefighters, and pop culture novelties ($25–$30) outsell basics. Calendar Club's page-a-day humour tops charts.

Learning Compendiums for Lifelong Learners

These are dedicated notebooks for people to collect notes, ideas, diagrams, and their reflections on a subject over time are also selling well. Some higher-end versions feature elastic closures, ribbon markers, inside pockets, and contents pages. Stock them next to diaries as "your ideas companion" for students, professionals, and learners. I recommend putting them right next to your diaries.

Retail Tips for 2025 Planners Australia

Track sales by creating a POS category for planners and calendars. Monitor these family tools, habit journals, and humour items separately.

Customer common product questions and complaints you need to know

Q: Best magnetic fridge calendar for family schedules?
A: Magnetic fridge calendars need a strong magnet, dry-erase surfaces, and monthly or weekly views to suit busy Aussie families for tracking appointments, chores, and meals at a glance.

Q: Size of magnetic fridge calendars?
A: You need a few ranges in size. Make sure you have a procedure to demonstrate the different sizes. You do not want the customer saying they will come back after they measure the fridge. Often, people want a larger 14x12-inch monthly/weekly planner with big blocks that fit multiple schedules without cramping. 

Q: Concerns over the fridge calendar that keeps falling off?
A: Suggest a model with double magnets or suggest an acrylic backing that grips stainless steel fridges securely.

Q: Which habit tracker journal for goals and routines?
A: A good A5 habit tracker or goal-setting journal should have monthly grids, reflection pages, and prompts, as they help professionals and students mark off daily habits like water intake or finances.

Q: Reusable wipeable calendars for the whole family?
A: Dry-erase magnetic monthly planners stick on fridges for shared use, letting everyone update events without paper waste, simple and effective.  A good idea is to suggest here several markers so people can use colour-coding. In my family, blue is regular, green is work, yellow is family, red is urgent and purple is for appointments.

Q: Funny calendars that aren't boring basics?
A: Suggest a page-a-day desk or wall calendars with puns, animals, or pop culture, like Far Side, to keep things light.

Written by:

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.

Why is the POS scan rate important?

Your cashiers must process transactions quickly and accurately. This keeps lanes moving. Bad barcodes slow checkouts and frustrate family shoppers buying magazines, books, gifts, or greeting cards. What we need to do is boost POS Software scan rates.

We have a unique KPI specially designed for this, %Scan. This KPI metric measures the percentage of retail barcode scans versus manually keyed entries. Using it will improve retail checkout efficiency.

How to Check Your POS Scan Rate

Go to the cash register reports

> Select Sales,

> Then "Dissection Sales/Profitability for a Given Period."

Set it for the past three months (or 12 for trends) and run the report.

You will get a report that looks like this one. Now, look at the last row marked.

Now run down the list.

You are looking for dissections with high quantities and low scan rates, as these are the big problems here.

Now, examine the %Scan column in the last row or breakdown. Look at the Total Scan. If you are doing a lot of scans and your %Scan rate is low, you have a problem. You need a higher %Scan to deliver quicker transactions and shorter queues in your shop, and it also gives you more accurate inventory data. Besides, it is a pain for staff, as it reduces manual entry errors (Industry figures indicate about one error per 300 characters in manual entry for cashiers).

How to improve the POS scan rate?

To improve POS efficiency, start here:

Test scanners

First, for reliable performance, we often find that when we examine the %Scan, the problem lies with the scanner. If so, clean the scanner lenses and adjust angles. Consider it part of your POS system troubleshooting.

Avoid glare or shiny surfaces.

The problem sometimes is that the objects you are scanning are bright, which causes glare. I have noticed this often happens with frosty drinks and plastic covers on greeting cards. You need to be careful here.

Audit barcodes

Ensure that barcodes are clear on products. If they are real problems, talk to the suppliers, as poor barcode quality leads to unscannable items, forcing manual transaction entries that slow checkout lines and increase human errors, causing lost sales and customer frustration. In the worst case, consider printing in-house barcodes for these products.

Standardise barcode placement

Often, the cashier cannot find the barcode. In your shop, make a policy that all in-house barcodes should be in the same place, eg on the top left, at the rear middle, etc. It does not matter where; just be consistent. I prefer the bottom rear over the front; it covers some of the product.

Conclusion

Run your POS scan rate report now to spot low-scanning categories to check out your speed retail.

Then monitor %Scan trends. Just because you get it right now does not mean a problem will start to appear soon.

Written by:

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.