Chat with an expert +61 39597 7222

Point of Sale Software

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

POS SOFTWARE



Unlock Your Share of the $450M Spend.

 

Halloween 2025

Halloween is now a major retail event in Australia. Spending forecasts are to exceed $450 million. It offers a significant opportunity for local retailers. Read on if you want part of that pie.

Table of Contents

What Aussies Are Buying for Halloween 2025

Recent data from Roy Morgan and the Australian Retailers Association gives us a clear picture of where the money is spent. Focusing on these most popular items is the most innovative way to invest your inventory budget.

The popular Halloween categories are:

  • Lollies: 38% of shoppers buy them to give out as trick-or-treats.
  • Costumes: 37% of customers buy costumes. For themselves, their children, and, interestingly, for their pets as well.
  • Decorations: 32% of shoppers buy Halloween decorations. Partly to make a spooky vibe at home and partly to mark their homes as participating in Halloween.

The largest spenders are people aged 35–59. Family-friendly products are your best option. It's also worth noting the significant increase in pumpkin sales in the week leading up to Halloween.

When deciding what to buy, a Point of Sale (POS) system can be a helpful tool. Look at the best sellers in the period starting a month before Halloween last year, as your POS Software shows you what you sold in your shop last year.

Please take a look at what your competitors are doing; I think you will find costumes, stickers, masks, fake body parts, and more. All of which are selling well now.

Use this to decide what to concentrate on.

For most SMB retailers, every square metre of floor space counts, so you need to be clever about how you display and bundle your products.

Maximise Your Counter Space for Impulse Buys

Use the counter for small, high-margin items that shoppers can quickly grab. Think about:

  • Pre-packaged bags of lollies
  • Fun Halloween-themed pens or other stationery
  • Halloween stickers

These items need little space.

Create "Halloween Packs" to increase value.

Busy parents value convenience, so bundling products into themed packs makes their lives easier and boosts sales. This positions your store as a one-stop shop for Halloween.

Ideas include:

  • "My First Trick-or-Treat Kit": a small bag with a kid-friendly torch, glow sticks, and allergy-friendly lollies.
  • "Quiet Halloween Fun Pack": activity book, crayons, small puzzles.
  • "Ultimate Treat Giver's Pack": assorted lollies in a fun bowl.

Turn safety into A key selling point. Shoppers now prioritise product safety, especially parents. Stand out by prioritising safety and building trust.

  • Button Battery Safety: Ensure toys with button batteries have secured compartments to guarantee safety and compliance. Last year, the ACCC sued some retailers who sold unsafe toys at Halloween.
  • Flame-Resistant Costumes: Stock labelled fire-resistant costumes, as fire is a real problem on Halloween, and explain to staff to inform customers to boost trust.
  • Enhance Visibility: Utilise reflective tape, glow sticks, and flashlights as essential items for trick-or-treating to boost sales. It's a concern as kids will be running around at night in dark costumes and car drivers will not be able to see them. Offer a range of high-margin add-on items. I would suggest marketing these as "trick-or-treating essentials" and display them near the costume section for easy impulse buys.
  • Allergy-Friendly Options: For many families, food allergies are a significant concern during trick-or-treating. My neighbour walked around with her son last year to make sure that the lollies he got were safe to eat. Become the go-to store in your area by offering a great selection of allergy-aware products.
  • Stock face: Stock paint that is marked as safe. Make sure that they have a clear ingredient list. 

For safety, clear signage is the key!

Halloween Marketing

As a local retailer, market your business to position it as the trusted, safe, and reliable choice for Halloween.

Simple signs in your window or around the store can have a significant impact. Try messages like:

  • "Shop Safe, Shop Local This Halloween."
  • "All Our Light-Up Toys are ACCC Compliant. Ask Us!"
  • "Allergy-Friendly "Halloween Treats Right Here in Your Neighbourhood."

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.

LinkedIn Profile link icon

 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Australian Made

POS SOFTWARE



Aussie-Made

Are you an SMB retailer in Australia wondering if you should go all in on Aussie-made products? The headlines are tempting; a recent Roy Morgan report claims that 95% of Australians are more likely to buy Australian-made products. Plus it would be great if more people would buy Aussie-made, research shows if each household spent an extra $10 weekly on Australian-made products, it could create almost 10,000 new jobs.

Let's explore the true challenges faced by retail business owners and the reality of Aussie-made versus imported goods.

The Hype vs. Retail Reality

On the surface, this appears to be a golden opportunity to align with customer sentiment and boost sales.

But whilst supporting local industry is a powerful ideal, small business owners must ground their strategy in reality. Before overhauling your inventory, it's crucial to look beyond the hype and consider the real-world factors that truly drive consumer behaviour.

Beyond the Hype

The Gap Between Saying and Doing

Most shoppers like to think of themselves as supporters of Aussie-made, but what people say and what they actually do at the checkout can be very different. Surveys capture intentions and aspirations, rather than actual behaviour. When faced with a choice in your shop, factors such as price, convenience, and habit often win over ideals.

Price Still Rules, Especially Today

Although Roy Morgan found that many Australians would pay a little more for Australian-made products, the increase was not substantial. Around half said they would only pay up to 5% more, and just 20% would pay up to 10% more. With rising costs and tighter budgets, today's price usually comes first. If a comparable imported product is significantly cheaper, most shoppers will reach for it even if they wish they could do otherwise.

The Scarcity of Aussie-Made Goods

Here's an often-overlooked truth: in many categories, there isn't an Australian-made option available. Decades of relocating our manufacturing overseas have resulted in the majority of everyday retail goods being imported. You can't sell what doesn't exist. We no longer have the local manufacturing capacity that we had 40 years ago; it has long since disappeared.

Confusing Labels

Whilst we have country-of-origin labelling for most foods, the rules for non-food items are much looser. Today, "Made in Australia" may mean "packed or assembled here."

'Australian-Made' Isn't a Guarantee of Quality

The "Australian-Made" badge speaks to a product's origin, not its quality. Your reputation depends on selling quality and value. The label "Made in Australia" doesn't make their product better.

Things Are Rarely Equal

If you're comparing two identical products at the same price, the Australian-made option is likely to be the better choice. However, in real-world retail, products have costs, quality and a brand. Origin is just one factor alongside your staff's recommendations, product availability, and customer preferences.

Conclusion

The desire to support Australian businesses is genuine, and it deserves respect. But buying local is an aspiration.

It's easy to get caught up in broad trends. However, your best insights come from your point-of-sale system, not surveys. Your POS System shows what your customers really buy (not just what they say they want). Use the information you have for a deeper dive here. Your sales data is real and actionable. Let that guide your next steps.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions Australia. Since founding the company in 1983, he has helped thousands of small and medium-sized retailers across Australia streamline their operations with industry-specific POS software and hardware solutions. With over four decades of experience in retail technology, Bernard specialises in helping businesses leverage point-of-sale data analytics to make informed inventory and strategic decisions. His expertise spans newsagencies, pet shops, pharmacies and various specialty retail sectors throughout Australia.

 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Setting your priorities right … P0, P1, P2, …

POS SOFTWARE



Mastering Task Prioritisation: The P0-P4 Framework

A to-do list with checkboxes illustrating task prioritisation

In business or life, we face many tasks that demand our time and attention. Managing inventory, handling customer service, marketing your products, keeping the books—the list goes on and on. With numerous responsibilities, how do you determine what to focus on and when? The most effective method I have found is prioritisation, which is now in your Pos Software.

I will discuss how it works and how it can benefit your retail operation.

Overview of the P0-P4 Framework

Tasks are listed; they can be on paper or in your diary, but nowadays, most people use some software. I find Google Calendar practical and free. However, I will now explain the concept as it was presented on paper, as most of you can easily relate to it.

Now, list your tasks and assign them to each event on the day you plan to work on them, so you have a list for each task. A weekly task planner can help list your tasks throughout the week, allowing you to prioritise what needs to be done first and break down larger tasks into smaller ones. If a task will take a few days, it is best to break it down into smaller tasks that can be completed in a few hours or less.

I recommend that you use the following notation for each of these tasks, which is assigned a number from 0 to 4 based on priority:

  • P0. Your Mum is dying, the kids are in trouble, a guy just had a heart attack in the shop, and nothing else matters. This P0 block everything else and stops all thought of scheduling.
  • P1. The system is down and is needed now.
  • P2. Some essential functions are currently not working, but we can still operate.
  • P3. Some important function is required soon, but it can wait.
  • P4. A non-urgent question that can wait.

This is how it would look on paper: a person goes through the list, prioritises each task and ticks off what they have done.

A handwritten task list demonstrating prioritisation levels from P0 to P4

The general rule is to complete P0 tasks first, then proceed sequentially to P4 tasks as time allows.

This creates an organised method for tackling your most crucial work first. Now, keep reading to see how P0-P4 can make order amid the chaos of retail management.

P0 - Crises Requiring Immediate Action

P0 designates emergency tasks that demand your urgent attention. In retail, P0 situations don't arise frequently, but quick action is crucial when they do.

Examples of potential P0 crises:

  • Your point of sale system crashes during peak business hours
  • A pipe bursts and floods your store
  • Mum is sick, and you need to run to the hospital

These crises require you to stop everything and address the situation. You cannot waste a minute.

Luckily, these events are rare.

P1 - High-Priority Goals

These are important tasks that require your primary focus. Often, they are essential tasks or those with a near-deadline.

Daily P1 priorities for a retailer may include:

  • Generally, they are tasks that must be done now!
  • Handling a customer now with an issue and complaint
  • Last day to order stock for the holiday season
  • Balancing the till at the end of the day
  • Managing tomorrow's staff schedules

These P1 tasks keep your store operating smoothly. Make time for them before tackling less vital work. Use your point-of-sale system's inventory and reporting tools to stay on top of P1 retail tasks.

P2 - Important but Less Time-Sensitive Tasks

P2 tasks are still integral to your business, but aren't as immediate as P1 items. You have some leeway in when you complete them.

Retail P2 tasks could include:

  • Generally, they are tasks that must be done today.
  • Updating store displays and signage
  • Planning for holidays or seasonal inventory
  • Collecting stock for return to a supplier.

Focus on these P2 priorities after handling urgent P0 and P1 tasks. Use your POS system to collect data over time that aids P2 analysis and planning.

P3 - Tasks That Can Wait

P3 contains helpful and non-urgent tasks.

P3 retail tasks may include:

  • It can wait a couple of days
  • Filing old inventory paperwork
  • Rearranging the shelves
  • Analysis of POS reports

Do these when you have time after higher-priority tasks. Avoid letting less important P3 work distract you from critical P0-P2 activities.

P4 - Nice Extras If You Have Time

P4 includes optional tasks that are beneficial but not strictly necessary at this time. Only tackle these if all other work is complete.

Retail examples include:

  • Whenever you have time
  • Learning more about your computer system
  • Cleaning the warehouse in the back
  • Researching new products

These extras can wait until everything else is done. Don't let non-essential P4 work detract from essential tasks.

Benefits of P0-P4 Prioritisation

Consistently using P0-P4 classification to prioritise your retail workload offers many upsides:

Increased Focus - Provides structure so you know what requires attention now versus later. It prevents you from getting overwhelmed.

Higher Productivity - Helps ensure you complete urgent critical work first. It avoids wasting time on less relevant tasks.

Reduced Stress - Gives confidence that you're focusing where needed most. Minimises anxiety. I find myself often worrying about remembering my tasks now; putting it in a systematic order calms me down.

Time Savings - Enables getting the right things done faster. I know what I have to do each day.

Orderly Operations - Keeps your business running smoothly by tackling the most pressing issues first. It avoids problems from neglected tasks piling up.

Better Decisions - Clarifies priorities, enabling you to make informed choices about time allocation and task delegation. Enables data-driven analysis of what matters most.

The overall impact is optimising your productivity and performance.

Implementing P0-P4 Prioritisation with Paper

Implementing P0-P4 takes some upfront planning, but it soon becomes second nature. Follow these steps to apply it:

  1. Review your tasks - Make a master list of your current to-do.
  2. Classify using P0-P4 - Review each task and assign a priority level based on importance and urgency.
  3. Schedule time - Allocate time on your calendar to match the prioritised order.
  4. Execute and revisit - Work through tasks starting with P0 and adjust as needed if new urgent tasks emerge.

Don't let the labelling, Classify using P0-P4, overwhelm you; it rarely matters if you make a mistake in practice. Use a combination of urgent, work-time, and essential tasks. It produces a p0-p8 category. Look at each task for today, and then set

Diagram showing priority levels based on urgency, importance, and workload

Urgent tasks: Are these tasks urgent, or can they be delayed? Urgent tasks cannot be pushed back. As a rule, if not done on time, you cannot do the task.

Important: If they are more important, I will do them first.

Where I disagree with many people, e.g. the Eisenhower matrix, is I believe that Urgent and Important are distinct.

For example

1) The news TV show is happening at 6 pm today. If you miss the deadline, no point switching on the TV at 6:20 pm. Yet if you miss it, it's not the end of the world. You can always catch up on the news later. So, I would mark this as 'Urgent and Unimportant'. Catching up on the news is now a task that is neither urgent (P8) nor unimportant.

2) Picking up my kid from school at 3:30 pm today is Urgent and Important. If my kid has an after-school activity she is happy to do until I come, the task may NOT be Urgent (P8), but it's still Important.

Workload/Duration: Will it require a significant amount of time? I give preference to those that I can do quickly. Ideally, I want to get as many tasks off my lists ASAP so Small gets preference. Another benefit of completing the Small functions is that it boosts your ego, knowing you have accomplished something today.

If I have only a little time spare, I will often go through the list for tomorrow, look at the small items, and do these tasks depending on how Urgent and Important they are.

This ordering works for me.

The Drawbacks of Paper-Based Prioritisation

This P0-P4 framework, which, as you have possibly noticed, is a P0-P8 system, provides an excellent structure for prioritising your tasks and responsibilities. However, managing your master list on paper has some practical challenges.

Repetitive Tasks Are a Hassle

Approximately 40% of your tasks are typically recurring, such as daily register balancing, weekly inventory checks, and monthly rental payments. Using project management tools can automate these repetitive tasks, ensuring efficiency and reducing the risk of oversight. It is easy to forget that on the 15th, I was supposed to send the rent money.

Tasks that cannot be done

Often, you have to do a task and suddenly discover that it cannot be done through no fault of your own, e.g., you are waiting for someone else to do something. In which case, how do you reschedule it? It is now in limbo.

No Visibility of Outstanding Work

Paper lists only show one day at a time. What will happen on a future date is unknown. There is no way of knowing that next Thursday, for example, you will be flat out.

Messy

With a paper system, tasks get crossed off, rescheduled, and shuffled around. This obscures what you need to focus on today and makes your diary appear unprofessional, which is undesirable.

No Progress Tracking

Paper alone cannot analyse time spent on tasks, spot workflow patterns, or identify recurring time-wasters. Missing this data limits your ability to improve your operations.

Pain to Share Priorities

A paper list in the back is useless for communicating priorities to others.

The paper gets lost or left at home.

It is all too typical to work everything out on paper, know precisely what must be done and then suddenly discover you have lost or left that paper somewhere and cannot access it when needed.

I recommend using software, but this post is getting too long for a blog. Stay tuned for my next post in a few days, where I'll recommend how to handle and do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Priority Levels?

Priority levels are a system for categorising tasks or issues based on their importance and urgency. They help you focus on the most critical work and manage your resources effectively.

What is the P0-P1-P2-P3-P4 Priority System?

This is the standard priority system most commonly used.

  1. P0 (Critical): These are the highest priority tasks that require immediate attention. They are often described as "drop everything" issues.
  2. P1 (High): These are urgent and essential tasks, but not as critical as P0. They must be addressed quickly to prevent significant disruption.
  3. P2 (Medium): These tasks are necessary but not immediately urgent. They often contribute to long-term goals.
  4. P3 (Low): These tasks are neither urgent nor highly important. They should be done, but can be scheduled for later.
  5. P4 (Lowest): These tasks have minimal impact.

What is the Priority Rating Scale 1-5?

I do not recommend it. Some organisations use a 1-5 scale, where 1 is the highest priority and 5 is the lowest, instead of a 0-4 scale.

Any quick way of deciding what priority level?

I find that appling a 24-hour test, that if delaying the task by 24 hours won't cause significant damage, it's likely P2 or lower. True P0 tasks are rare and genuinely critical but you know them when you get it.

What is the importance of prioritisation?

Prioritisation is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Resource Management: It helps allocate resources effectively to the most critical tasks.
  2. Stakeholder Alignment: It ensures that work aligns with business goals and objectives.
  3. Customer Value: It keeps teams focused on the most valuable tasks.

Implementing Priority Levels

To effectively use priority levels:

  1. Define Clear Criteria: Establish guidelines for each priority level.
  2. Regular Review: Continuously assess and adjust priorities as needed.
  3. Customise for Your Industry: Adapt the priority system to your specific needs.
  4. Use Prioritisation Frameworks: Consider using frameworks like the Value vs. Effort matrix or Value vs. Urgency to help determine priorities.

Consistency is critical to effective prioritisation. Regularly reviewing and adjusting priorities ensures that you remain focused on the most essential tasks.

Sample P0–P4 Framework for a retail shop

To make the priority levels more tangible, I have included sample tasks directly related to running a shop that sells giftware, books, greeting cards, gifts, and stationery.

  • P0: Existential Crises (Do Immediately, Regardless of Effort)
    These are rare, "drop everything" events. The time they take is irrelevant because nothing else matters.

    • A fire or flood in the store: Requires immediate, sustained action.

    • A significant personal or family emergency: Overrides all business tasks. Dad just died, or the kids at school have no one to pick them up.

    • A store-wide power outage: Requires immediate contact with the power company.

  • P1: High-Impact, Urgent Business Functions
    These are critical operational tasks. While you must do them, knowing the effort helps in planning the rest of your day around them.

    • POS system crashed during morning rush: (High Effort) - This will likely consume a significant amount of time to fix.

    • Balancing the till at day's end: (Low Effort) - A routine, quick task that must be done daily.

    • Placing a missed order for a top-selling weekly magazine due tomorrow: (Low Effort) - A quick phone call or email that prevents a stockout.

  • P2: Important, Less Time-Sensitive Tasks
    This is where effort-based decisions are most valuable. You can choose tasks based on the time you have available.

    • Seasonal planning (e.g., ordering Christmas stock): (High Effort) - Requires research, budgeting, and placing large orders. Schedule this for a quiet afternoon.

    • Updating a window display: (Medium Effort) - Takes some time, but can be done in a couple of hours.

  • P3: Tasks That Can Wait
    These are ideal "filler" tasks. Use their effort level to determine if you can accommodate them.

    • Reorganising the entire book section: (High Effort) - A project to save for a very slow day or after hours.

    • Organising past month's invoices: (Medium Effort) - A good task for a quiet hour.

    • Reviewing a single product category's sales report: (Low Effort) - A quick analysis that can be done in 15-20 minutes at the computer.

  • P4: Optional Extras (When All Else is Done)
    These are growth-oriented or "nice-to-have" tasks, often scheduled based on available time.

    • Researching new local giftware suppliers: (Medium Effort) - Can involve online research and phone calls.

    • Deep cleaning the back stockroom: (High Effort) - A low-priority project for a designated time.

    • Visiting a competitor's store: (Low Effort) - To see what they are doing and what you could be doing better.

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.

LinkedIn Profile link icon

 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

How is your business going?

POS SOFTWARE

Get Quick Business Insights from Your POS System

See how your business going?

 

How is your business going? As an SMB owner, have you wondered, "How are we really doing?" You want quick answers without having to dig into receipts or make guesses. Your POS system holds this info. Using POS sales reports, you get instant insights and can track performance. This guide shows you how to capture a business snapshot quickly.

From the following menu, choose the "Monthly Sales Summary."

point of sale reports menu showing the Register Reports option highlighted

To get a comprehensive view, set the date range for the last 24 months. You can do more and less; please experiment with various options here later once you get a handle on this. The system here will generate a detailed report breaking down your sales by department and month, comparing this year to last year.

A dissection of a monthly sales report showing columns for department, this year's sales, and last year's sales

This report provides sales trends over time, highlighting both increases and decreases.

Once you run the report, don't let the numbers overwhelm you. It's made to be simple. You will see product categories listed on one side, with sales data from this year and last year in columns following them. This layout makes spotting trends easy. Use these five steps to focus on what matters most and uncover the valuable insights in your data.

  1. Start with the Grand Total
    Before you look at anything else, find the total sales figure at the bottom. Is it higher or lower than the same time last year? It is your big-picture number, indicating immediately whether your business is growing or shrinking overall.
  2. Spot Your Big Winners and Losers
    Next, scan the report for the most significant changes in any single department. Which department had the most significant jump in sales? Which one had the biggest drop? These are the areas having the most impact on your business right now.
  3. Focus on Your Star Players
    Remember that some category changes are more significant. A 10% drop in your best-selling area is more substantial than a 50% drop in a minor category. Focus on key areas.
  4. Check Overall Balance
    Think of your business like a see-saw. Growth in some areas lifts you, dips in others pull you down. Are your top categories growing enough to offset declines? This quick check shows if you're winning overall.
  5. Know When to Dig Deeper
    Don't worry about every tiny change. Set a threshold, such as $200 or $300. If a change exceeds that, investigate further.

Turning Insights into Action

Finding clues is beneficial, but the real value lies in using them to make informed decisions. After identifying winners and losers, act on what you've learned.

When Sales in a Category Are Down...

Don't panic. It is your chance to get curious and make improvements. Ask yourself:

  • Are my products still fresh? It may be time to bring in some new items for that category.
  • Is my pricing proper? Take a quick look at what competitors are charging.
  • Could I promote it better? A small sale or relocating the items to a better spot in the shop could help.

When Sales in a Category Are Up...

Great job! Now, build on your success by checking your inventory to avoid stockouts, expanding popular product ranges, prominently displaying top items, and considering price adjustments based on demand.

You're in Control of Your Business Story

Your POS system can provide you with data-driven insights to inform your decisions. Spend a few minutes monthly analysing sales data to understand your business.

Try running your Monthly Sales Summary this week to see what your data reveals.

Want real growth? Give us a call.

Written by:

Professional headshot of Bernard Zimmermann, founding director of POS Solutions Australia

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions Australia. With over two decades of experience in retail technology, he specialises in helping small to medium businesses harness their sales data for growth. Bernard is passionate about making complex analytics simple and actionable, empowering countless Australian business owners to optimise their operations, manage inventory effectively, and improve profitability through their POS systems.

 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Email Marketing Guide for Australian Retailers 2025

POS SOFTWARE

Email_marketing_2025

Why Australian Shops Need Email Marketing and

How to Get Started

A Year-Long Guide to Building 1,000 Subscribers and Growing Your Business

Email marketing is one of the most effective ways for Australian retailers to promote their shops. It means sending emails directly to your prospective customers. Industry figures indicate you can make $36 for every dollar you spend. This makes it better than any other method to advertise your business that is known.

Getting it going properly typically requires about 1,000 subscribers and a year of steady effort. Let’s examine how to approach this as a year-long project.

Firstly, why Australian Shops Need Email Marketing

It’s simple: email marketing works so well. Unlike Facebook or Instagram where you pay a lot and few see your posts, emails go directly to your customers.

Email marketing is effective for every type of shop, big or small, no matter what you sell.

Australian Email Laws You Must Know

Before sending emails, you must follow Australian laws to avoid huge fines.

What you must do

  • Ask people if they want your emails before sending them
  • Make it easy for people to stop getting your emails by unsubscribing
  • Tell people who you are in every email

For business customers, the rules are complex. Generally, if a company recently bought from you, you can email about similar products, but it’s always safer to ask first.

Building Your Email List

You need to collect email addresses from customers who want your communications. Our team aims to get four new sign-ups daily. This is easier than it sounds if you simply ask customers.

Make Signing Up Easy

Request only essential info when people sign up, as extra fields reduce sign-up rates.

Only ask for

  • Their first name
  • Their email address
  • Permission to send them emails

Make it worth their time

Give people reasons to join. Effective ideas include:

  • Regular customers earn 5 points per purchase
  • Email subscribers earn 7 points plus a birthday discount
  • Special sales only for email members

Train Your Staff

Encourage staff to ask customers personally to sign up. This face-to-face approach increases subscriptions.

Put Up Signs in Your Shop

Display eye-catching signs about your email list throughout the store, especially near checkout. Keep a printed copy of your privacy policy available. A helpful privacy template for Australian businesses you can use  is available here:

Choosing the Right Email Platform

You could send emails manually, but dedicated email platforms make it easier and more professional. Both recommended platforms comply automatically with Australian laws and offer easy unsubscribe options.

EmailOctopus - Great for Beginners

EmailOctopus is ideal for Australian shops starting out. It offers a free plan allowing up to 2,500 subscribers and 10,000 emails per month.

Why EmailOctopus is good

  • Free to start
  • Easy to use for those not tech-savvy
  • Good customer support
  • Automatically follows email laws

Upgrades with more features start at about $20/month.

BlueFox Email

BlueFox uses Amazon technology to maximise deliverability to inboxes, not spam folders. For $20/month, you get 100,000 emails—enough for most small shops for years.

Why BlueFox Email is good

  • Higher chance emails will be seen
  • Very affordable for many emails
  • Outstanding, helpful customer support

Creating Great Email Content

Many find content the hardest part—yet it’s essential. If sending one email monthly, that’s 12 per year, which is quite manageable.

If writing is difficult, seek help from professionals, skilled family members, or employees.

The 40-30-30 Rule

Balance your emails with:

  • 40% helpful tips and advice
  • 30% sales and special offers
  • 30% community news and local events

This mix helps sell without being pushy since customers get useful info too.

Helpful Information Ideas

Share expert knowledge to build trust.

Examples by shop type

  • Greeting cards - seasonal and holiday cards
  • Gift shops - occasion-specific gift guides
  • Garden shops - seasonal maintenance tips and problem fixes
  • Clothing shops - styling advice and care instructions
  • Pet stores - pet care, training, health tips

Product Sales Content

Don’t only list products: tell stories about how they solve problems or improve lives.

Good ways to sell products in emails

  • Share customer success stories
  • Explain how products solve specific problems
  • Use quality photos of your products

Example: Instead of "New puppies arrived," say "Charlie the Golden Retriever puppy is looking for an active family who loves weekend adventures."

Writing Emails That People Read

Write like talking to a friend using simple words and short sentences. Avoid complicated business jargon that confuses readers.

Good writing tips

  • Put the most important info first as most don’t read beyond the first few lines
  • Use "you" to directly address readers
  • Keep paragraphs short

One Action Per Email

Each email should focus on one clear action to prevent confusion. Examples include:

  • Visit your store for a special sale
  • Buy a specific product online
  • Download a helpful guide
  • Sign up for a workshop

Tracking Your Success

Monitor key metrics monthly to refine your email approach.

Open Rates (Aim for 25%)

Shows how many read your emails. Below 25%? Improve subject lines. Over 30%? Possibly email too rarely.

Click-Through Rates (Aim for 3%)

Shows link clicks. Low rates indicate unappealing content or offers.

Unsubscribe Rates (Keep Under 2%)

High rates suggest too many or irrelevant emails.

Sales Tracking

Most important metric showing revenue from emails. Difficult to track exactly, but any tracking is valuable.

Best Times to Send Emails

Tests show Tuesday mornings (9-11 AM) and Thursday evenings (6-8 PM) perform best, but test your own audience.

Getting Started Step by Step

Set Everything Up

  • Pick your email platform
  • Create a newsletter that suits your business
  • Start asking customers to join your list

Start Sending

  • Send your first newsletter ASAP
  • Plan content monthly for regular emails
  • Get staff to encourage sign-ups
  • Ask readers for feedback on your emails

Make Things Better

  • Improve gradually; each version should get better
  • Plan content for holidays and seasons
  • Keep going despite challenges—professionals persevere

Advanced Ideas for Later

Birthday emails: Send automated birthday discounts, which generate 5 times more sales than regular emails. If you don't have birthdates, use your sign-up anniversaries instead.

Holiday automation: Schedule emails for Christmas, back-to-school, and other busy seasons in advance, staying connected year-round effortlessly.

Getting Help When You Need It

Don’t hesitate to ask for help learning email marketing. Both EmailOctopus and BlueFox have strong support teams.

If writing is challenging, consider hiring freelance writers experienced in crafting emails for SMB businesses to convey your voice.

Start Today

Email marketing may seem challenging at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Start and improve step-by-step. The key is merely to start; once underway, continuous improvement is possible and please do not get turned off by knockers. If you cannot take knockers, what are you doing in business?

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, and is now retired, 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 through effective software solutions.

 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

How to Set Up a Best-Selling Product Stand in Your Shop

POS SOFTWARE

Leveraging Best-Selling Product Stands in Retail

A Guide to Boost Sales Using Your POS System and Strategic Placement

Visual marketing top selling stands

A best-selling product stand is a dedicated retail display that highlights your shop's most popular items. It should be placed in an eye-catching spot. Unlike regular shelving that organizes products by category, a best-selling stand gathers your top performers from various departments based on proven sales. Here we'll show you how to leverage a key tool you already own, your Point of Sale (POS) system, to create a best-selling product stand.

Think of it as your shop's "greatest hits" collection. Just like the old music shop, when you came in, we saw a sign of the top 40 songs. Your best-selling stand features your most popular products; it works regardless of what you sell, such as magazines, pet food, greeting cards, or accessories.

Many large retailers use it. Here is a picture I took of it being used in a large department store, Myers. See how Myers uses such stands to increase sales.

Best-Selling Product Stand

The concept is deceptively simple: take the items your customers already buy and make them impossible for other customers to miss. When executed correctly, this simple idea becomes a powerful sales tool in your shop, combining merchandising strategy, customer psychology, and sales data insights to drive sales growth.

Here I will explain exactly how to set up an effective product stand in your shop, step by step, by using your POS system to keep displays profitable and dynamic.

The Psychology Behind Best-Selling Product Stands

At its core, a best-selling product gives social proof. Shoppers don't just see products; they know what others have chosen and trusted. This is social proof, and customers love it.

Generally, shops use signs like "Best Seller" or "Customer Favourite".

Products labelled as "popular" or "best-selling" sell significantly more than unlabeled ones, potentially adding thousands of dollars in sales without extra marketing.

Applying this in practice: Use simple, bold signs with phrases like "Best Seller" at eye level so they're easily seen.

Choosing the Optimal Location

Location is the key to any display's success. Even the most attractive stand will be ignored if placed poorly. I recommend focusing on two prime locations that deliver the highest returns:

The Checkout Counter Zone

Position your best-selling stand within arm's reach of waiting customers, in this prime impulse buy area where they are ready to spend and have time to browse.

Why it works so well: Customers in checkout lines have already made the mental commitment to purchase. They're in a buying mindset, their wallets are out, and adding one more item feels natural rather than like a separate purchase decision.

Such checkout displays increase average transaction values when properly positioned.

Best practices for checkout placement: Focus on small, light items. Ensure displays don't block the flow or cause crowding. Place at natural hand-reach height (90-120cm) for easy access.

The significant issue here is that if they are not queuing up, they do not see it; however, this only applies to impulsive goods. Therefore, my choice would be the entrance.

The Entrance Decompression Zone (My Top Recommendation)

Position your stand 2-3 metres inside the entrance where customers naturally slow down and adjust to your store environment. We call this the "decompression zone", and it is where shoppers go from the outside world into your shop.

Why this location works: Customers entering your shop are forming first impressions and are highly receptive to new information. A well-positioned stand here immediately signals that your shop is organised, customer-focused, and features popular items.

Strategic placement tips:
- Place it where your customers tend to walk around your shop, generally on the left side.
- Avoid blocking the entrance flow—customers should walk around it comfortably.
- Have good lighting so people will see it.
- Keep the display height modest.

Think of your stand as an "interruption point" that turns casual browsing into a buying opportunity, and both the checkout and entrance zones naturally create these positive interruptions.

How to Use POS Data to Select Products for Your Display

Your POS system is an invaluable guide to selecting products that sell. Grounding your choices in real sales data ensures relevance and profitability.

Running Essential Reports

Top-Selling Items Report: Generate a 30-90 day report showing your highest-volume products.

Cross-Sell Analysis: Run your companion sales reports to identify products that are frequently purchased together. For example, if coffee pods appear with specialty biscuits in 40% of transactions, add coffee pods to the display.

Seasonal Performance Data: Review 12-month historical data to spot seasonal patterns. Run your top-selling report for the same period last year to get specific ideas for what sold well this time of year. For example, if you're planning your display for September, look at the top-sellers report for September of last year to see which products were popular then; this gives you concrete, proven items that sold in your shop at that time.

Top-Selling Reports by Quantity and Profit: Run your top-selling report sorted both by quantity sold and by total profit. Both KPIs are essential for different reasons. High-quantity sales reveal what customers are willing to buy. Often, if they buy something, this leads them to additional purchases. However, the reality is that we need high-profit items to generate a profit. Your top-selling report does this already.

Product Selection Strategy

Balanced Product Mix: On your stand have no more than three product departments. Too many and you overwhelm them. If you need to showcase more items, create specialized stands in other areas. Within each category, offer a maximum of 3-5 specific items.

Price Point Distribution:
- Eye level: High-margin or strategic items
- Hand level: Mid-range impulse items
- Lower level: Value items or bulk packages

The 70-20-10 Rule: I have seen this rule of thumb: 70% proven best-sellers, 20% emerging, trending items, and 10% seasonal or promotional products. In practice, this balance ensures consistent sales while testing new opportunities.

Using POS for Ongoing Management

Weekly Performance Reviews: Every week, check which display items sold and which didn't on the stand. Replace your slow-selling items; your POS reports will instantly show this data.

Inventory Level Monitoring: Ensure that your stand has sufficient stock. Nothing kills sales momentum like empty spaces when a stock item runs out.

Display Types & Visual Merchandising Tips

Core Display Types

Pyramid Display: Although it is great for selling, for a best-selling stand where we do not have a central focal point for an item but many items, I am reluctant to suggest it here. It works well if you have sales stars.

Grid Display: I suggest using this display, as it features neat rows and columns that create a clean, organised look for easy browsing. It is perfect for books, magazines, or packaged goods if they have similar sizes. Maintain consistent spacing, say 15cm between items.

Stacked Rows: Horizontal layers are ideal for items that require frontal views, such as greeting cards. Face all products for maximum impact.

Cluster Display: Groups complementary products together, promoting bundle sales. Arrange related items in triangular groupings of 3 to 5 items.

Critical Visual Elements

Front-Facing Layout: Always display products with their front facing forward for clear visibility—train staff to "face up" the display during quiet periods throughout the day.

Lighting: Lighting will enhance the visual appeal of products. If customers can't see it clearly, they won't buy.

Signage That Sells: Use clear signs, I like "Best Seller." Size signs: 10cm x 15cm minimum for visibility. Place at eye level, not above products where they get lost.

Maintain Cleanliness: Clean, uncluttered stands improve shopper focus and perception. Dust and straighten products regularly. A messy display is fine for bargain shoppers, but not for quality items like here.

Maintaining Freshness Through Weekly Rotation

Stale displays lose their power within 2-3 weeks as regular customers become blind to them. Refresh your stand weekly. Aim to change 20-30% of items weekly.

Seasonal Alignment: Rotate to match upcoming events:
- January: Back-to-school, New Year health products
- March: Autumn fashion, Easter items
- June: Winter warmers, Father's Day gifts
- September: Spring cleaning, Mother's Day prep
- December: Summer holidays, Christmas gifts

Leveraging Your POS System for Maximum Impact

Your POS system extends beyond sales tracking to become your display management command centre.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Start today with this proven 3-step process:

  1. Analyse your POS data - Pull your top-sellers report and identify 6-9 products that combine strong sales with healthy margins
  2. Choose the correct location - Position your stand either near your checkout counter for maximum impulse buying or in the entrance decompression zone for a lasting first impression.
  3. Set up weekly rotation - Schedule a weekly review. You need to keep the display fresh.

Boost your shop's sales and customer loyalty with an expertly crafted best-selling product stand. It is a simple yet powerful merchandising tool.

Let me know what the top-selling product is that you'll feature on your stand?

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

 

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, with 45 years of experience, now retired and consulting businesses to optimise operations and enhance customer experiences through POS technology.

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Public holiday support AFL Grand Final

POS SOFTWARE


AFL Grand Final 2025 - POS System Support Coverage

Maintaining Your Business Operations During the Victorian Public Holiday

AFL Grand Final 2025

POS System Support Australia, as your leading POS system support provider, is writing to inform our valued clients about adjusted POS software maintenance support coverage during the Victorian Grand Final public holiday on Friday, September 27th, 2025.

Holiday Support Coverage

Our experienced POS software maintenance team from interstate will provide primary coverage during the Victorian public holiday. Our Victorian staff will also provide additional coverage later in the day.

Service Quality Assurance

We maintain our standard response time guarantees and escalation procedures throughout the holiday period. Your POS system operations remain our priority, with expert technicians standing by to resolve any technical issues quickly.

Grand Final Day Support

We understand that some clients may require technical assistance during Grand Final day. Please schedule non-urgent tasks outside peak viewing times, as our support team remains available for critical issues.

We appreciate your patience as our team works to maintain seamless service during this public holiday period.

Weekend POS Technical Support Australia

Thank you for choosing our POS system solution in Australia for your business needs. We're committed to keeping your operations running smoothly during the holiday weekend.

AFL Grand Final 2025 Predictions

As a Carlton supporter, I don't have much emotional investment in either team, so I'm just hoping for a good match. That said, I don't know if we'll get the thriller we're hoping for - Geelong looks incredibly strong.

Geelong's dominant 38-point qualifying final victory over this same Brisbane lineup demonstrates their clear tactical superiority, so I'm tipping Geelong to claim the 2025 AFL Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions. Their eight-match winning streak has been impressive, and while Brisbane's decision to include injured co-captain Lachie Neale provides an emotional lift, it represents a calculated risk.

My prediction: Geelong by 15-30 points. Let's see how I go.

Update: Well, Brisbane pulled off an upset win. I think it was a good and interesting match, which kept the tension high until the end of the third quarter when Brisbane scored three goals that put Geelong in an impossible position to win the final quarter. Still, they did not give up, and Geelong fought it out till the end.

My end-of-year score is that I won the National Lotteries and Newsagents Association and VANA AFL pool tipping in 2025.

 

National Lotteries and Newsagents Association and VANA AFL pool tipping.

 

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

 

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, with 45 years of experience, now retired and consulting businesses to optimise operations and enhance customer experiences through POS technology.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Melbourne Grand final day

POS SOFTWARE

Should Retailers Open on AFL Grand Final Day?

Balancing holiday costs with customer opportunities

Packed stadium during the AFL Grand Final

When the AFL Grand Final public holiday takes over Melbourne, the entire state buzzes with excitement. From living rooms to local pubs, almost everyone across Victoria tunes in for the big game. However, for retailers, this festive atmosphere presents a tough business decision: should they open their store on Grand Final Day?

It’s not a simple decision. The day is a public holiday in Victoria, which makes staffing more expensive. But if you stay closed, you could miss an opportunity to catch customers who are already out and about. On the flip side, if you do open, the effort may not be worth it if people don’t even realise your shop doors are open. This is where communication is key and where the right strategy can make all the difference.

Why Customers Get Confused

One of our clients opened their shop on Grand Final Day two years ago, expecting high foot traffic. However, it was quiet because customers thought it was closed for the public holiday. This highlights a common problem: just being open isn’t enough. Unless you actively tell people, they won’t stop by because they think you’re taking the day off like everyone else. The result is wasted wages expense and missed sales opportunities.

However, simply deciding to open isn’t enough. Many retailers discover that unless they communicate effectively, people do not come because they think they are closed. To avoid this costly mistake, retailers need clear visibility strategies that reassure shoppers they are open and worth visiting.

How to Let Shoppers Know You’re Open

If you open on AFL Grand Final Day, please ensure people are aware. Here are ways to spread the word:

  • Bold signage: Clearly display you are open, say "Yes, we’re open!"
  • Social media updates: Post on your social media that you are open.
  • Pre-day reminders: Notify customers now that you’ll be open.
  • On-the-day attention: Use balloons or a framed sign outside your shop so people driving past know that you are open.

The Importance of Early Communication

Start your marketing now. By Saturday morning, most people have made their Grand Final plans; you want to be on those plans.

Final Thoughts

Opening on the AFL Grand Final public holiday can be worthwhile, but only if your customers are aware of it. The cost of extra wages makes it essential that you actually generate sales, and that won’t happen if people assume you’re closed.

This year, if you decide to open, get the message out early and clearly. Use clear signage, social media, and even your POS system tools to remind your customers. Because at the end of the day, shoppers can only support your business if they come into your shop. Start promoting now.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

 

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, with 45 years of experience, now retired and consulting businesses to optimise operations and enhance customer experiences through POS technology.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Reducing dead stock in your shop?

POS SOFTWARE

Dead stock in retail

Turn your POS system into a powerful weapon against inventory waste and cash flow problems.  Dead stock refers to inventory that remains in your shop and fails to sell. It takes up space, uses your money, and doesn't help pay your bills. Often, this stock enters your shop by mistake - someone accidentally orders the wrong item, or your supplier sends you their dead stock.

The good news? Your point of sale system can help you stop this problem before it starts.

What Is Dead Stock and Why Does It Hurt?

Dead stock refers to products that cannot be sold. They sit on your shelves doing nothing useful. Here's why dead stock is bad for your business:

💰 Money Problems

When your money is stuck in products you can't sell, you can't buy the things customers actually want. This hurts your cash flow.

📦 Space Problems

Your shop space costs money every month. Dead stock takes up room that could be used for products that actually sell.

❌ Lost Sales

Every item that doesn't sell occupies space that could be used for a more valuable item. This means you miss out on sales.

🗑️ Waste

Some products, such as food or magazines, spoil or go bad. Then you lose all your money on them.

Shops can't afford these problems. That's where your POS system helps.

How Dead Stock Gets Into Your Shop

You might ask: "If I didn't want this stock, how did it get here?" Here are the main reasons:

  • Someone accidentally orders the wrong thing
  • Your supplier makes a mistake and sends you the wrong products
  • Your computer system doesn't show that you stopped selling something
  • No one checks what's being ordered

The trick is to utilise your POS system to prevent these mistakes before they occur.

How to Mark Items as "Not Wanted"

Your POS system can help you flag products you don't want anymore. Here's how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Once you have the Problem Item on screen

Now that you've identified the dead stock, we want to mark it. This will stop others from ordering it, and suppliers who know it's dead stock don't try to provide it to you underhandedly!

A simple and effective method is when you receive stock items in the shop that you'd rather not see again.

Step 2: Press edit in your POS Software

How to censure a magazine

Click on the item to edit it. Look for a box that says "Discontinued/Cancelled"

Step 4: Mark It as Discontinued

Change the status to "Discontinued." This tells your system you don't want this item anymore.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

Click save. Now your system knows not to order this item again.

Result: From now on, if this item somehow gets delivered to your shop, your POS system will flag it. It will show as "NOT WANTED" and instruct you to return it to your supplier immediately.

A Simple Example

Say you sell magazines. Now, there's one magazine that doesn't sell well; it bombs in your shop, so you no longer want it, and you can now mark it as discontinued.

Three months later, your supplier, who also needs to clear out unsold stock, includes that magazine in your delivery. However, your POS system now detects it immediately. Instead of placing it on your shelf where it would take up space, you mark it for return immediately.

This saves you money and gives you more space to put items that sell.

Other Ways Your POS System Assists

Marking items as discontinued is just one of the many features you need to explore in your POS system. Here are some other useful functions:

🎯 Smart Ordering

Your system can suggest what to order based on what actually sells. This means fewer mistakes.

📋 Return Lists

Some systems make lists of items you should return to suppliers.

📊 Slow Seller Reports

These show you which items haven't sold in months. Then you can decide what to do with them.

🤝 Supplier Tracking

You can view which suppliers are most likely to make mistakes with your orders.

Simple Tips to Control Dead Stock

Along with using your POS system, here are easy things you can do:

  • Train your staff to spot and flag unwanted items
  • Check your discontinued list once a month
  • Only allow automatic reordering for your best-selling items
  • Look at reports that show which items aren't selling
  • Build good relationships with your suppliers so returns are easier

Why a Good POS System Pays for Itself

Some small shop owners think a POS system costs too much. But think about it this way: if your system stops just a few stock mistakes each month, you save more money than the system costs.

Your POS system does more than handle sales. It protects your money, keeps your shop organised, and saves you time fixing problems.

The Bottom Line

Dead stock doesn't generate income. It sits there, using your funds and occupying valuable space. However, with a reliable POS system and a few simple steps, you can avoid this.

By marking unwanted items as discontinued, your system will identify them before they become an issue. This keeps your cash available for stock that actually sells and ensures your shelves are stocked with products customers want.

If dead stock is costing you money, it might be time to upgrade to a more efficient POS system.

Contact our POS experts today to learn how the right system can manage these problems quietly, allowing you to concentrate on serving customers and growing your business.

Your shop works hard for every dollar. Don't let dead stock take it 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.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

A tip on how to use POS System data to improve sales

POS SOFTWARE

Tip to improve sales

 

Transform your daily operations by unlocking the powerful insights hidden in your point-of-sale system.

Many retailers are unaware of how to access crucial business information from their point-of-sale system. But your POS system holds valuable data that can help you sell more and make better decisions about your stock.

Why Yesterday's Sales Matter - Don't Disappoint Your Customers

Knowing what sold yesterday is one of the most important things you can track. Here's something interesting: about 70% of your best-selling items from yesterday are likely to be your best sellers again today. If you sold many blue t-shirts yesterday, you'll probably need stock of them today too.

Real Impact: Imagine 100 customers come to your shop today. About 70 of them will want to buy the same popular items that sold well yesterday. If you don't have enough stock of these items, you'll disappoint these customers. They might leave empty-handed and go to your competitor instead.

This is why tracking yesterday's sales is crucial. Knowing what's selling well helps you stock enough, preventing lost sales of popular items and satisfying customers.

How to Find Yesterday's Sales in Your POS System

Getting this information is easier than you might think. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Go to your cash register section in your POS system
  2. Look for "Reports" or "Register Reports"
  3. Find the "Top N Sales in a Given Period" option
  4. Enter yesterday's date and see your best-selling products

Do this every day, and you'll start to see this 70% rule at work.

Why This Data Helps Your Business

There's a business rule that says, "If you can't measure it, you can't fix it." Retail stores benefit from monitoring daily sales to make smart stock decisions.

  • If red t-shirts are consistently among your top ten sellers, you know to order more red t-shirts
  • If green shoes never make the list, maybe you should order fewer green shoes next time
  • Most importantly, you must always have the items that 70% of your customers want to buy now

Making Daily Checks Part of Your Routine

Start each day by checking yesterday's sales report. This should become as normal as opening your store or counting your cash register. When you do this every day, you'll quickly learn which products are your money-makers.

You can also use this information to plan. If certain items consistently sell well on weekends, ensure you have extra stock available before Friday. If some products sell better in winter, you can prepare for seasonal changes.

Pro Tip

Set a daily reminder on your phone to check yesterday's sales every morning at 9 AM. After just one week, this will become second nature and your inventory decisions will improve dramatically.

The Bottom Line

Your POS system isn't just a cash register—it's an information hub. Use it to help you understand your customers' needs. Review yesterday's sales to inform better stock decisions.

Ready to unlock the power of your POS data? Contact our experts today to learn more advanced reporting features.

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.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Card surcharging ban?: What Retailers Need to Know

POS SOFTWARE

RBA Card Surcharge Changes

What Australian Retailers Need to Know About the Upcoming Payment Reforms

Australian Reserve Bank

The Australian government's election promise was that debit card surcharging would be banned. Most in parliament agree, so it's almost sure that this will happen. Now, the Australian Reserve Bank (RBA) wants to stop stores from charging surcharging fees for Visa and MasterCard credit cards as well. These changes, the RBA claims, would save customers about $1.2 billion each year. The first question is who pays for this $1.2 billion savings: the banks, the business community or the consumer (banks are talking about increasing fees for having a card).

Here is what I know now, and if I find out more, I will let you know here. To read our submission to the RBA on the issue, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do the changes start?

A: I wrote an article about that and when I sent it for verification was soon contacted and assured that the EFTPOS surcharge bans will probably start on July 1, 2026. Credit card surcharges are still being discussed. The Reserve Bank has suggested banning these as well.

Q: Can I still charge fees for direct debit payments after the surcharge ban?

A: Yes, you can still charge fees for direct debit payments. Direct debit is different from card payments because it uses bank account details (BSB and account number) instead of card networks like EFTPOS, Visa, or MasterCard. The surcharge ban only covers card payments made through these specific networks. Direct debit fees must still be reasonable and not exceed your actual processing costs, following current consumer protection rules. It means that businesses offering direct debit can continue charging processing fees for this payment method even after July 2026.

Q: What happens if stores keep charging banned fees?

A: Stores that keep charging EFTPOS fees after they're banned will get in trouble with the government. The competition watchdog now has the power to investigate complaints and fine businesses that break the rules.

Q: Which Cards Are Covered?

A: What types of card payments might be banned?

Confirmed:

  • EFTPOS debit cards (tap, swipe, or insert)

Strong Possibility:

  • EFTPOS payments online
  • Visa and MasterCard credit cards

Unlikely:

  • Phone payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • Overseas premium cards like AMEX

Q: Will stores still be able to charge fees for American Express?

A: Yes, they can still charge extra for cards that come from overseas. But American Express cards that come from Australian banks might be included in the ban. I suspect that cards like Union Pay can probably still have fees. If you are wondering why, well, so am I.

Q: How Should Stores Get Ready?

A: First, figure out how much money you make from EFTPOS fees each month. Look at your payment reports from the last six months. In particular, look at your low-margin departments.

Next, think about whether you can:

  • Raise your prices a little bit to cover the costs
  • Pay the card costs yourself without changing prices

Q: What should stores tell customers who complain?

A: EFTPOS fees are still legal until the ban starts. If customers complain about fees, explain that the changes haven't happened yet. You should have a printed notice explaining when things will change. Many customers think all card fees are already banned because of news stories. Having clear information helps avoid arguments.

Q: Do the rules apply to online stores too?

A: It depends on which payment method customers use. The surcharge ban will apply to both in-store and online transactions, but the rules are different for different card types:

  • EFTPOS online: Since it is rarely used for online shopping, this won't affect most websites
  • Visa and Mastercard online: These surcharges are still being discussed and may be banned, but no final decision has been made yet
  • American Express online will probably still allow surcharges
  • Direct debit online: Not covered by the ban, so you can still charge fees for this

Q: Do small businesses get different rules?

A: No, the rules will be the same for all businesses.

Q: Will bank fees go down?

A: The Reserve Bank wants to lower the interchange fees that banks charge businesses for processing card payments, whether this will result in bank fees going down I think is dubious. One question I would like to ask, if the RBA were to call me up to testify, is why merchant fees have increased in the last six months since the RBA looked into it?

How Are We Preparing for the Change

I doubt there is much we can prepare for. When we know what is happening, we will need to make some significant changes to our POS Software.

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.

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

It's important to restart your POS Systems

POS SOFTWARE

Why Restart Your POS System Weekly?

Proper system restarts keep your POS reliable, fast, and secure.

Windows 11 restart screen on a POS system

A POS system is the backbone of retail operations. Routine maintenance is essential for smooth business. Restarting your POS weekly may only take a moment, but it helps prevent unexpected issues, crashes, and lag.

The Technical Benefits Explained

There's a crucial distinction between simply shutting down and restarting your POS computer. Most modern Windows systems now use "fast startup"—a feature that saves system information to help the computer boot faster. However, this can be compared to putting a dirty dish back in the cupboard instead of washing it properly: issues remain unaddressed.

  • Memory gets completely refreshed: During use, programs can cause memory leaks, making your system slower and less reliable over time.
  • Network connections reset: Your POS connects to devices like EFTPOS units. These connections can degrade, causing slower transactions or failures. Restarting resets these connections for smoother operation.
  • Updates are properly applied: Windows and POS software updates often require a restart to finish installing, ensuring your system stays secure and up to date.

Two Methods for Restarts

Manual Restart Process

Manual restart steps in Windows 11
  • Click the Start menu.
  • Click the Power icon.
  • Select Restart (avoid just "Shut down").

For multi-terminal stores, restart one POS at a time so you always have a working register available for customers.

Automatic Restart Setup

  • Open Control Panel.
  • Go to Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
  • Select Choose what the power buttons do.
  • Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  • Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  • Save your changes.

This change makes startups a little slower, but ensures your system gets a full refresh every time—removing the need to remember manual weekly restarts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is "Shut Down" the same as "Restart" on Windows?
A: No. "Shut Down" may use fast startup, which doesn't fully refresh your memory or connections. "Restart" completes a full system reset.

Q: How often should our POS system be restarted?
A: At least once per week is recommended for optimal performance.

Q: Will this interrupt service?
A: Restarting takes only a few minutes. In multi-lane environments, restart terminals one at a time to avoid downtime.

Conclusion

Restarting your POS computer weekly helps maintain reliability, speed, and security, preventing issues from building up. Simple, regular restarts protect your business operations with minimal effort.

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.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

The Repricing Challenge

POS SOFTWARE

The Repricing of banning surcharging

 

The government is set to deliver on its promise to ban merchant surcharges on EFTPOS transactions. What else happens here is unclear, but given the widespread parliamentary support for this move, it is almost sure to pass into law. While this may seem like a win for consumers, it places a significant operational burden squarely on retailers.

The Merchant fees typically range from 0.5% to over 1.5%, and are a real cost of doing business. Surcharging has been the mechanism to pass this cost directly to customers who opt for card payments. If the government bans this practice, these costs don't simply vanish. Instead, the financial responsibility shifts entirely back to the retailer. To maintain their profit margins, they will have no choice but to incorporate these fees into their product prices.

The Repricing Nightmare

It leads directly to the core of the problem if surcharges are banned, every single item in the shop will need to be repriced. 

For even a small retail shop with thousands of individual items, this is not a simple task of simply updating its POS System. It means physically going through the entire inventory, calculating new prices for each product, printing new labels, and replacing every price sticker on your shelves. It would be about three intense working days for a typical small business.

Strategic Timing is Everything

The most practical and least disruptive time for a retailer to undertake such a massive task is during the annual stocktaking.

Stocktake Synergy

Most retailers conduct a full stocktake at the end of the financial year for accounting and tax purposes. This process already involves physically handling and accounting for every item in the store. You could re-sticker a new price at the same time. By combining this repricing project with your annual stocktake, you can achieve an efficiency gain. 

Maximising Efficiency

Carrying this out at any other time of the year would require a second, out-of-cycle stocktake. It would, as such, double the workload. While this combined approach doesn't eliminate the extra work, it could reduce the overall time needed. A standard three-day stocktake might stretch to five days to cover the repricing and relabelling, saving you a day of work.

Conclusion

If this ban goes through, the implementation date is set for the start of the financial year. Allowing these price adjustments to be made while a stocktake is already underway is the least destructive and most logical approach for retailers.

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.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Tip for getting paid faster

POS SOFTWARE

Tip for getting paid faster

 

By reducing payment terms from 30 days to 7-14 days, businesses can significantly improve their cash flow. I suggest that you immediately change your POS System to do this.

The traditional 30-day payment system is a relic from our pre-digital past. Businesses then relied on paper invoices and the mail. As a result, these extended payment terms made practical sense. The 30-day terms accommodate the slow, manual payment process. Today, with electronic invoicing and point-of-sale (POS) software, these delays have been fixed. Most invoices and payments are now sent immediately electronically. Customers can pay within minutes of receiving the invoices. However, many still use outdated 30-day terms, unnecessarily delaying their payments.

This outdated approach creates serious financial consequences for businesses. Consider this example from a customer of ours who completed a rush job worth $4,000. They were expecting quick payment for the urgent work, yet on their invoice, their standard 30-day invoice terms gave the customer permission to wait the whole month. What should have been a few days stretched into two months of waiting.

When you offer 30-day terms, you're telling your customers to wait 30 days.

Today, Australian small businesses wait 22.6 days on average to receive payment. Invoices arrive 6.5 days late on average across all industries.

Setting Up Effective Payment Terms

Clear, standardised payment terms eliminate confusion and set proper expectations. Always specify the exact due date on every invoice using these standard business terms:

Net 7

Say "Payment due in 7 calendar days"

Net 14

Say "Payment due in 14 calendar days"

Net 30

Say "Payment due in 30 calendar days"

Due on Receipt

Say "Payment due immediately, now"

For most businesses, Net 7 or Net 14 terms work well. Reserve longer terms only for specific business relationships that require them.

Customer-Specific Term Strategies

Analyse customer payment history to determine appropriate terms for different clients. Large customers often dictate their own payment terms as a condition of business. There's nothing you can do about that; no matter what they say, their accounting department works by the rules.

Use your POS System for Faster Payments

Set Net 7 or Net 14 as your standard terms for all new invoices. This automation ensures every invoice includes appropriate payment terms without requiring your manual intervention for each transaction.

Immediately send Invoices

Send your invoices immediately upon work completion. The sooner you send the invoice, the sooner your payment can come. If you take weeks to bill, then customers will take weeks to pay. Best to send invoices the same day you deliver products or complete services. With a computer, you do not need to batch invoices for weekly or monthly processing.

Utilise your customer balance reports

Use your POS system's ageing reports to identify overdue invoices and track payment delays. Do it systematically.

Offer Multiple Payment Methods

Provide customers with various convenient payment options:

  • Credit and debit cards
  • Direct bank transfer
  • Online banking (include your BSB and account number)
  • Digital payment platforms

Ensure they are clear, as you do not want any friction; eliminate reasons for customers to contact you for payment information.

Pre-Due Reminders

Send friendly reminders 2-3 days before payment deadlines. Include the specific due date to eliminate confusion. For example, specify "Payment due Wednesday, March 15th" rather than vague references like "in two days." On Monday, two days is Wednesday, on Wednesday it now means Friday.

Post-Due Follow-Up

Send follow-up reminders 3 days after due dates. Maintain a professional tone while clearly stating the overdue amount, and the payment is due NOW.

Personal Phone Contact

When these reminders fail to produce results, make direct phone calls. What I do is on the back of a printed invoice, I write notes immediately after the call with a date and time. I have had to use it once, and the judge accepted the notes as evidence.

Maximising Government Payment Speed with eInvoicing

Government departments are increasingly using an eInvoicing system. If you use it, it can dramatically accelerate payment processing. Contact relevant government departments to determine their terms for eInvoicing.

The Cash Flow Impact: Transform Your Business

The fact is that Cash flow problems cause more business failures than any other financial issue. Running out of working capital forces many profitable businesses to close.

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.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

POS Solutions makes submission to RBA’s consultation on merchant card payment costs and surcharging

POS SOFTWARE

Reserve Bank Australia

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) on Thursday, 11 September 2025, published POS Solutions’ latest submission to its review of merchant card payment costs and surcharging, now in its second round of consultation.

We were asked, in view of the importance to news agencies of the proposed ban on surcharging, to submit our views.

Here is the press release of our submission to the Reserve Bank.

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

POS Solutions Challenges RBA Surcharge Ban, Proposes Real-Time Fee Competition to Genuinely Lower Merchant Costs

POS Solutions, a leading Australian provider of POS systems, has made a formal submission to the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) review of merchant card payment costs. The submission warns that the proposed ban on card payment surcharging fails to address the root cause of high fees and will unfairly penalise small businesses by forcing them to absorb costs they cannot control.

The submission argues that banning transparent surcharges does not eliminate the cost of acceptance; it merely hides it. This forces retailers to subsidise the expensive rewards programs associated with premium credit cards, an anti-competitive practice that disadvantages small merchants who lack the negotiating power of larger corporations. Furthermore, POS Solutions challenges the RBA's assumption that card payments are universally cheaper than cash, a claim that overlooks the reality for many small businesses where time and labour are not accounted for in the same way as in large organisations.

"A surcharge ban is a band-aid on a bullet wound," said Bernard Zimmermann, a retail expert at POS Solutions. "It doesn't solve the core problem the fees create and the hidden costs passed on to merchants. Our concern is that this move will create new, hidden fees that ultimately harm the very businesses the RBA aims to protect."

As an alternative, POS Solutions has proposed a forward-thinking approach that would require many payment acquirers to provide per-transaction fee quotes in advance for each transaction. It would allow a merchant's **Point of Sale (POS) system** to choose the most cost-effective processing method for each transaction and also inform the merchant of the cost beforehand. It would create genuine competition among providers and give businesses better control over their expenses. It would be a notable improvement over the current structure.

"Our proposal for real-time fee competition would empower merchants with the transparency they currently need," Zimmermann added. "This practical solution could be implemented within months and would deliver real savings by letting technology find the lowest cost for every transaction."

About POS Solutions:
POS Solutions is a leading provider of **Point of Sale (POS) system** technology for Australian businesses. With extensive expertise in the challenges faced by small to medium-sized enterprises, the company delivers innovative and dependable POS systems.

**Media Contact:**

Details below

POS Solutions submission

To read POS Solutions' submission in full, please visit the RBA's Website for submissions on the Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging here.

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.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Hidden Inventory: The Retail Profit Killer

POS SOFTWARE

Hidden Inventory in Retail: The Overlooked Cost

Hidden inventory often represents 15–25% of retail stock value

Hidden inventory represents 15-25% of retail stock value

Hidden inventory, which includes marketable stock forgotten in storage areas, unopened boxes, and dead zones, can represent one of retail's most costly yet overlooked problems in inventory management and retail stock control.

Understanding Forgotten Stock vs Slow Stock vs Dead Stock

Let us first discuss what we are talking about.

Forgotten stock

It is marketable inventory that remains forgotten and hidden from customers. Often found in back rooms, under counters, and in unopened shipping containers. It is unsold or excessive inventory silently draining a business's profits through storage costs, potential obsolescence, and tied-up capital.

Slow stock

It is stock that moves only very slowly in your shop.

Dead stock

It is merchandise that has become unsellable, such as expired, damaged, or out-of-season items.

Point-of-sale reporting systems will often categorise these forgotten items as either slow or dead stock because their sales are so low. It misrepresents your inventory, as these items may be marketable but invisible to customers. This stock can be turned into working capital now.

Our recent installation of a POS system in a shop perfectly illustrates the scope of this problem. We found substantial quantities of saleable inventory stored in unopened boxes throughout the shop — some never accounted for in their stocktake. These were marketable products removed from sales simply because they were forgotten.

In my experience, a major cause of this problem is that suppliers often encourage you to purchase excess stock to maximise their own revenue objectives.

Why Suppliers Create Hidden Inventory Problems

Suppliers often push stock to achieve revenue goals and secure loyalty. If your stockroom is full of Supplier A’s products, you are less likely to purchase from Supplier B. Understanding these motivations is key to preventing future accumulation, but first you need to identify your existing hidden inventory.

How to Find Hidden Inventory in Your Shop

Computer audit

Run a slow and/or dead stock report in your POS software. In less than a minute, you’ll have a clear list of items not selling. Many retailers are surprised at the forgotten value uncovered this way.

Look for unopened boxes in your storerooms, under counters, and even at home if you keep stock in a garage. These often hold saleable goods overlooked in daily operations.

Dead areas

Check shelf areas where items rarely sell. Products in these dead zones may be perfectly marketable, just poorly placed.

Inventory Management System

If hidden stock is a recurring issue, the root cause usually lies in purchasing decisions. Review controls in place before ordering to avoid repeating the cycle.

Make a realistic sales projection

Use AI-driven sales projections if available in your POS system. Otherwise, analyse seasonal trends, current performance, and historical sales before ordering. Base purchases on what you realistically need now.

Technology solutions

Leverage ordering reports and review them regularly. Even basic POS systems can automate recommendations. While not perfect, they save time and reduce the risk of overbuying.

Timing

Only order what you need now, especially if your supplier can deliver in a week. Adopt a “small and often” approach where possible.

What do you have

Check existing stock before placing new orders. Selling through older inventory prevents waste and frees up cash flow.

Space

Ensure you have space to display new products. Forgotten stock often sits in storage simply because there was never room to display it in the first place.

Retail Stock Control Strategy

Successful stock management requires ongoing, systematic effort. Today’s retail success depends on efficient capital deployment and operational discipline. Forgotten stock is inexcusable — begin with a complete stock audit now.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann

 

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, with 45 years of experience, now retired and consulting businesses to optimise operations and enhance customer experiences through POS technology.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Curent Toy Trends

POS SOFTWARE

September Toy Trends

September is a challenging month for the toy industry, covering four separate marketing seasons. Grasping these seasons is essential for toy retailers aiming to boost their profits. Contrary to what many say, toy sales rarely occur organically; it is artificial, coming from marketing campaigns. Recent late August data confirms this.

Father's Day Ripple Effects

Father's Day's impact extends far beyond the day itself, generating sales for quite a while. What happens is that Dad receives a game as a gift, the family bonds with it, and other families learn about it through word-of-mouth marketing, wanting these games too. Not only that, but as children enjoy playing games with Dad, they actively request similar toys for themselves. Savvy retailers should examine toy products that align with popular Father's Day gifts. Based on last year, board games, building sets, and interactive toys have consistently shown increased sales now.

Strategic Timing Considerations

Major toy suppliers are currently testing their Christmas product lines to gauge consumer response before placing massive holiday orders. What retailers are now seeing are experimental Christmas toys released in limited quantities to measure market reception. Suppliers want to identify which products to push for the holiday season. While this presents learning opportunities about upcoming trends, you should exercise caution in getting too much involved. If the suppliers do not push them over Christmas, they will not sell.

Weather

Australian families are moving from winter indoor activities to spring outdoor play, though weather patterns remain unpredictable, especially in Melbourne. This shift creates two immediate required actions. This is your final opportunity to clear winter stock at attractive prices, and we must now shift our focus toward outdoor toys.

Educational Focus

Parents are increasingly looking at the educational benefits when choosing children's toys. They want toys that do learning with entertainment. Most importantly, they are prepared to pay higher prices for toys they see as educational tools rather than just for fun.

Current Best-Selling Categories

LEGO Dominates Market Performance

LEGO products are currently topping the toy sales charts, with Minecraft-themed sets performing strongly. This success comes from LEGO's unique position at the crossroads of education and entertainment. Parents see LEGO as tools for educational growth. Kids view them as fun and engaging. This dual appeal sustains steady sales across various price ranges and age groups.

Arts and Crafts

Drawing and art supply sets are now experiencing exceptional sales growth throughout September. These products function as bridge items between traditional stationery and trending creative toys. This positioning allows retailers to capture customers from both groups while getting reasonable prices.

Multiple board game and card game categories are trending well, demonstrating the Father's Day ripple effect in action. Families who discovered games together continue seeking similar products for ongoing entertainment.

This trend supports broader inventory investments across the board game category rather than focusing on individual titles.

Premium vs. Value Positioning

Action figures and collectables from various franchises are performing well due to coordinated industry-wide promotional campaigns. Collectables work particularly effectively as impulse purchases when positioned near point-of-sale areas.

Strategic Product Recommendations for September

High-Profit, Space-Efficient Options

Puzzle games and brain teasers will deliver excellent profit margins while requiring minimal storage space. These products appeal to multiple age groups and maintain consistent year-round demand. Card games, including strategy games and family options, provide compact storage solutions with high profit potential. Pocket-sized games give an added value as travel-friendly options for active families. These products can also serve as a backup source of entertainment if weather conditions change unexpectedly.

Premium Investment Considerations

Large construction sets, particularly LEGO products, can generate substantial profits if you can get reasonable prices. However, these items require significant floor space.

Premium toy investments depend heavily on specific market demographics and available retail space. Retailers in affluent areas with adequate space can successfully capitalise on premium demand.

Your Next Steps

September toys are difficult to navigate. You must plan strategically.

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.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Why Instagram Marketing is now for your business

POS SOFTWARE

Why Instagram Marketing is now for your business

91.34% of online searches in Australia are done through Google. In Australia, where market shares above 40-50% raise concerns, a market share of 91% is considered a monopoly or near-monopoly under competition law. It gives you a feel of how mighty Google is in searches here. Now, since almost everyone uses Google, you have to try to get into it. Here is an idea on how to get your business on Google without incurring any costs, using Instagram.

Now, since July 2025, Google has been showing public posts from a professional account on Instagram for free in its search results. It means your products can appear when people search on Google for free. For example, say you run a newsagency in Sydney. Your Reel showing new stationery items with hashtags like #SydneyStationery could appear in Google searches for "stationery near me." It helps potential customers find your business during everyday searches.

Practical Steps to Get Started

1. If you do not have one, you need to set up an Instagram Business account. It is a simple process that takes minutes.

2. Convert your existing account to a business profile

Open Instagram settings Select "Switch to Professional Account" Choose "Business."

3. Then fill in your business information:

Make sure to add

Add trading hours Address Contact methods

Make sure that these are correct, as if they are wrong, the customer cannot come.

Make sure your details include a clear call-to-action, like "Visit our store for the latest "

4. Post regularly 

You should post 3-5 times per week to stay visible.

For your posts, you need to write captions with clear product names and location tags like "Sydney CBD stationery set" to get the most from search benefits. You do not want to confuse Google. If Google is confused, it will drop you.

If you are currently using Facebook, you will find that you can use your Facebook posts for Instagram. 

Analytics That Help You Make Decisions

After 3 weeks, check Insights weekly on Instagram to track your progress. Look at your high-performing content Now repeat what works and stop what doesn't work well. What I find is looking at the scores and saying what the person is based on these scores, looking at my page, and what they want. Then, after making what we call a persona, I write for that person.

Now, review your POS System to see how it aligns with Instagram. Commonly, they are different. That may be a fact, as online people are not the same as your shop's customers, or you are posting something wrong.

Over time, this is a strong strategy that supports your growth without extra costs.

Next Steps

Convert your Instagram profile today for instant access to free tools at no risk. Use the analytics from your three weeks of posts to identify strategic changes, then make improvements.

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Boost your Lotto Sales - this Lucky Day Promotion Idea

POS SOFTWARE

Boost Lotto Sales with This Lucky Day Promotion Idea

 

Creative Retail Promotion: The Lucky Day Lotto Event

 

Here's an affordable way to boost Lotto sales: an astrological event on September 13, 2025, offers a perfect marketing hook. This "Lucky Day" with positive energy is ideal for a themed promotion that excites customers and increases sales.

Why September 13 Is a "Lucky Day"?

Well, it's because in Astrology, we have a rare Mercury 'Cazimi' in Virgo. What that means exactly, I am not sure, but it's supposed to enhance insight and spark revelations. It's a time for clear thinking, a new beginning, as the cosmic forces around September 12 and 13 are full of good luck. So we have golden opportunities, making it a day when astrologers believe lucky breaks are more likely to happen.

Interestingly, this is true in Western and Chinese astrology. In Chinese, it is a "Wood Establish" day, which is considered ideal for starting new projects, especially for those with the Rooster zodiac.

Capitalise on the Cosmic Buzz

Thematic promotions boost customer engagement and turn event-based marketing into profits. TattsLotto sellers can leverage astrological events as fun luck-themed promotions.

Create Your "Lucky Day" Atmosphere

Posters and signs are very cost-effective for advertising such events. All you need to do is create a simple, eye-catching poster to display in your window or near the counter. The message should be easy to read and engaging. See some samples above that I made.

Place these signs in prominent locations, such as near the front door or at the point of sale. Hold a brief meeting to explain the "Lucky Day" idea to your staff so they feel confident discussing it with customers. When your team is involved, customers are more likely to discuss the promotion, and such conversations often result in sales.

If you have a Facebook page, why not post a short message about the "Lucky Day" event? Use a title like "Is September 13 a Lucky Day to Play TattsLotto?" to attract interest.

How to Measure Your Success

After the event is over, you need to know if it was a success. Here are some key metrics:

  • Did you sell more Lotto tickets on September 13 than on a typical Saturday?
  • Did more people come into your shop?
  • Did customers spend more money than usual?

It is where your POS system is a massive help, as instead of guessing, you can look at the real numbers.

What's Your Next Winning Promotion?

A "Lucky Day" event is one example of many creative marketing ideas you can use to make sales. With some planning, you can turn any fun holiday or local event into a profitable promotion. For more inspiration, explore here a list of retail promotion ideas that suit any occasion.

For example, do you sell comics well  on the 25th of September, which is coming up, we have "Comic Book Day" 

 

Please be Honest and Responsible

Give it a go, and let me know how you went.

Remember the "luck" aspect here is just for a bit of fun. Astrology is a very dubious practice and shouldn't be used to make life decisions.

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Using data analysis: See how your father's day sales went.

POS SOFTWARE

Retail analytics refers to utilising sales, stock, and customer data from your POS to inform better decisions that drive revenue and profit growth. A modern POS system enables these insights to be obtained faster and more easily. When you utilise your POS data effectively, you can identify what sells, where margins are generated, and how customers shop, allowing you to adjust stock, prices, and promotions with confidence.

A quick Father’s Day check in your POS System.

Father’s Day is a good example because it is seasonal, has known gift trends, and gives you a clean way to compare this year with last year in your POS. In 2025, Australians were expected to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on gifts, with fewer shoppers but higher average spending, so category mix and margin mattered significantly. I use its Sales Comparison report to see how the shop performed this week versus last week, and then against the week of Father's Day last year to get a sense of seasonality.

Go to Register reports

Now select Sales register > Sales comparison

 

​

 

Choose dates that match.

Like-for-like dates provide fair comparisons, so start with “last 7 days” versus “previous 7 days” to see how Father’s Day week performed. Next, compare the Father’s Day period this year to the same period last year to remove the effects of weekends and holiday timing that can skew the numbers. 

So we want this year's date 1/9/25 to 7/9/25 vs 26/8/24 to 1/9/24 

If you want a steadier view, use a four‑week block this year versus the same four‑week block last year to smooth out spikes.

 

The key numbers to check

Begin with the summary view of the Sales Comparison report, then focus on Quantity, Net Sales, COGS, Gross Profit dollars, and Gross Profit percent to see what drove results. Sort by gross profit dollars to find the categories that did the most work for your margin, then look at gross profit percent to check if discounting cut into your margin. These fields are standard in POS reports and give you a fast read on where to dig deeper if something looks off.

A simple Father’s Day read‑out

Run the Sales Comparison summary for the last 7 days versus the previous 7 days, then scan profit dollars and profit percentage by category to identify areas for further investigation. If one department jumps out, open the detail view for that department to find the SKUs that drove the change and check if discounting or price changes were involved. Re‑run the comparison against last year’s matched period and, if needed, over a four‑week window to confirm if the change is genuine and not just a one‑week spike. Balance your read-out with the known Father’s Day categories in Australia to guide replenishment and any follow-up promotions after the event.

Make sense of what changed.

If profit dollars rose while units fell, the result may stem from higher prices, a better mix, or both. Therefore, examine the items that grew and determine if this trend can be sustained without harming demand. If units rose but gross profit percent fell, promotion depth may be too high, so review discount rules and try bundles or value adds that keep margin healthy. If traffic looked strong but sales were flat, the issue may be conversion or merchandising, so check busy hours and staff coverage in the POS to plan rosters and training.

Avoid common traps

Do not compare random calendar months without adjusting for the number of weekends or the exact timing of Father’s Day, because this can mislead your decisions. Always start with matched weeks or matched four-week blocks, then drill down only when the summary shows a significant swing that requires an explanation.

Make it a habit.

It's an outstanding report, and I suggest that you use it often, as it makes it easy to spot trends early and act. I recommend it for Christmas, back‑to‑school, Mother’s Day, and local events.

Your next step

Open Reports, run the Sales Comparison for the last 7 days versus the previous 7 days. Check profit dollars and profit percentage first, then drill into any category that has moved significantly in either direction. Re‑run against last year’s matched period and, if helpful, as a four‑week comparison to confirm the pattern is real and not a one‑off. Save this setup as a preset, schedule it weekly, and keep using the same columns so your review stays under a minute and your team knows exactly what to act on.

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.

 
 
 
 

Add new comment

About text formats

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Archives and Recent Comments

November 2025

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
27
 
28
 
29
 
30
 
31
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
9
 
10
 
11
 
12
 
13
 
14
 
15
 
16
 
17
 
18
 
19
 
20
 
21
 
22
 
23
 
24
 
25
 
26
 
27
 
28
 
29
 
30
 

Who's online

There are currently 0 users online.
Copyright 2019
Designed by Webtail