Unprecedented demand during Black Friday 2024 has dramatically impacted our inventory levels and future pricing. Here's your essential update on post-sale availability and what it means for your business.

Current Situation

We successfully negotiated with our supplier because we knew they had few prospects for large sales until February and needed money to pay their staff for holidays while they were not working due to the holiday season. Given the current situation with the Australian Dollar, we also knew the new goods would be dearer.

I think most people agreed with us, as this Black Friday did create a surge in demand for POS Hardware that no one expected. In the process, it accelerated inventory depletion faster than we anticipated. This surge in demand has direct implications for our pricing structure.

Pricing Changes

Black Friday prices will expire when the suppliers stop offering them. We all knew these promotional prices were temporary, and soon, we expect to transition back to our regular pricing structure.

What This Means for You

Remaining Stock

Many Black Friday-priced items will be honoured at discounted rates until inventory is exhausted or till mid-January when the new orders start coming through.

So don't expect this Black Friday pricing to last.

Future Pricing

Given the current state of the Australian dollar, we anticipate that new inventory will likely be at a higher price.

Moving Forward

Transparency and Communication

We're committed to keeping you informed about stock levels and pricing changes. Our team is ready to answer any specific questions about particular items.

Final Thoughts

The Black Friday period did provide a unique opportunity to offer exceptional value, but it's crucial to understand these were limited-time offers. Our goal remains to support your business with quality products at competitive prices year-round.

Most of our retail clients who never had a Black Friday Sale listened to us, did it at the last minute, and saw increased sales. It's still possible to capitalise on this massive shopping event. Here's how to make the most of Black Friday today and maximise your in-store profits.

Why Participate in Black Friday?

Black Friday has become a vast retail occasion in Australia, with brick-and-mortar stores gambling a vital function. In 2023, in-save Black Friday income increased by 15% compared to the preceding year, with foot visitors up 22% in shopping centres across most critical Australian cities.

Setting Up Your Same-Day Flash Sale

1. Choose the Right Sale Items

Select products that will attract bargain hunters and clear your inventory:

• Overstocked items
• Slow-selling products
• Popular items with a small discount to drive foot traffic

Your POS system can help you identify these products quickly by generating reports on stock levels and sales performance.

2. Leverage Your POS Software

Your point-of-sale system is crucial for last-minute sales success. It makes it very easy.

Here are some instructions. 

Remember, these are overstocked or slow-selling products, and you are dealing with bargain hunters who want stuff like this now.

3. Promoting Your Flash Sale

What is the point of having a Black Friday Sale if you don't tell people about it? Put a sign up. Do not worry about it being a little early or removing it after Black Friday. Black Friday Sales now last for weeks.

On the Facebook page of one local business, which I know is very professionally run, I saw the following written

Don't miss out on these amazing Black Friday deals! Shop early to get the best selection. We also have a great gift guide to help you find the perfect presents for everyone on your list. And don't forget to take advantage of our price match guarantee!

Make your own sign. I suggest including some of these words as, based on what I have seen, they seem to work.

Black Friday

Cyber Monday

Doorbuster 

Gift Guide

Holiday deals

Price match, 

Save money

Shop small

Here are some ideas:

• "Black Friday Flash Sale - Today Only!"
• "Doorbuster Specials - While Stocks Last"
• "Shop Small, Save Big - Support Local"
• "Price Match Guarantee - Ask Us How"

Conclusion

While planning for Black Friday is better, participating and boosting your in-store sales is not too late. By leveraging your POS system, creating urgent promotions, and focusing on clearing stock, you can turn this Black Friday into a profitable event for your shop.

Australian consumers actively seek in-store Black Friday deals. 68% of Australian shoppers now plan to visit physical stores for immediate gratification and tactile experiences.

Post-Black Friday Strategies

Extend it, extend it and extend it. Black Friday is much longer than a day.

Black Friday Sales FAQ

Q: How do you Make a Sale on Black Friday? 

A: Start by determining the proper merchandise to discount, focusing on overstocked gadgets and gradual-moving inventory. Use your POS device to generate inventory reports. Then, creating urgency with time-restrained gives and ensures aggressive pricing whilst maintaining profitability.

Q: How do you Announce a Black Friday Sale? 

A: Create eye-catching signage using proven promotional keywords like:

• "Black Friday Flash Sale"
• "Doorbuster Specials"
• "Shop Small, Save Big"
• "Price Match Guarantee"

Leverage your social media platforms to announce the sale, and don't worry about extending the promotion beyond Black Friday itself, as these sales typically run for several weeks.

Q: What is the Black Friday Sale in Australia? 

A: Black Friday has come to be a primary retail event in Australia, with in-shop sales increasing by 15% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Physical store site visitors saw a 22% increase throughout fundamental Australian cities, and sixty eight% of Australian buyers especially plan to go to brick-and-mortar shops for Black Friday for fast purchases and arms-on shopping stories.

Q: How do you run a Successful Black Friday Sale?

A: Product Selection

1. Focus on overstocked inventory
2. Include popular items with smaller discounts

3. Feature slow-moving products that need clearing

4. POS System Utilisation

5. Use your point-of-sale system to track inventory
6. Monitor sales performance in real-time

7. Implement price changes efficiently

8. Promotion Strategy

9. Display prominent signage
10. Use proven promotional keywords
11. Extend sales beyond Black Friday

12. Implement a price match guarantee

13. Post-Sale Management - Consider extending your sale period to maximize revenue potential and clear remaining inventory.

​

Our Black Friday Sale is Here and Can Save You Money!

Prepare to save big on essential POS equipment during our biggest sale of the year. Here at POS Solutions, we are thrilled to help our customers save significantly  - Limited Time Black Friday Offer.

Secure Next-Gen POS Systems at Low Prices

Now is a good time for us to offer you low prices, as many of our partners have excess stock they know they cannot clear out for months. They are keen to move, so we offer to pass some good savings on to you to help you and them. We tell them what we want: "Our Black Friday Sale is here, with limited-time offers and doorbuster deals!" That's why we worked with our suppliers to bring you some incredible deals for Black Friday.

I can tell you this: when this stock goes, it doesn't return at these prices.

Huge Savings on Computer Equipment

If you've been holding off on upgrading your computers and tech gear, now is a great time to take the plunge! We have deep discounts. See our newsletter for details.

Why Upgrade Now? 

Inflation and the Australian Dollar

This is the last chance to get such great prices on computer equipment. With rising inflation and the weakening Aussie dollar against the US dollar, prices are expected to increase next year.  The dollar does not look pretty now.

Improved Efficiency

Upgrading your POS system can lead to faster checkouts and happier customers, ultimately driving more sales. Stay ahead of the competition by investing in technology that supports long-term growth.

Secure your POS system before prices increase - Call us now.

It is the last chance to get such great prices on computer equipment.

Time to do some essential Black Friday Stock Analysis; time is running out! 

With Australian retail sales reaching $6.36 billion during Black Friday 2023 and over 50% of Christmas shopping occurring, early strategic inventory planning will directly impact your bottom line. Use your sales history to see what sells in your shop patterns as your key to maximizing Black Friday 2024 profits.

Maximizing POS Data

Our modern point-of-sale system can give you the information you need to get actionable insights into what sells in your shop in this period. Here is your rapid assessment framework:

Data Collection Process

It is easy and takes 30 seconds.

Go to Register reports.

Now pick "Top N Stock Sales for a Given Period."

Look at last year, the week before (17-24 November 2023)

Now look at 6-29 November 2023

This will give you your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for sales.

Action Steps for Success

1. Adjust stock levels based on historical trends
2. If necessary, contact suppliers for high-demand items
3. Update display strategies

These reports must be checked to see what looks interesting and, more importantly, if you have enough stock.

Do it and see how you go.

We do not have much time!
 

FAQ: Black Friday Sales Planning Guide

Retail Basics

Q: What is the significance of Black Friday in Australian retail?

A: Black Friday is now Australia's biggest shopping event. It generated over $6.36 billion in retail sales during 2023. It also marks the official start of the Christmas shopping season, with 30-50% of annual Christmas sales occurring during this period. For retailers, it's a critical time.

Q: What are the critical dates for Black Friday 2024?

A: The core Black Friday sales period runs from November 29 to December 2 (Cyber Monday) 2024. However, many Australian retailers begin their promotions earlier in November to capture early shoppers. Plan for:

• Early Bird Sales: Mid-November
• Main Event: November 29
• Cyber Monday: December 2
• Extended Sales: Through early December

Q: Which retailers typically participate?

A: Black Friday has become ubiquitous across Australian retail. Participation includes:

• Major department stores (Myer, David Jones)
• Electronics retailers
• Fashion and apparel brands
• Online marketplaces
• Small and medium local retailers
• Specialty stores

Data Analysis & Planning

Q: What specific POS data should I analyze for Black Friday planning?

A: Focus your analysis on these key metrics:

• Previous year's top sellers (17-24 November 2023)
• Extended period performance (6-29 November 2023)
• Year-over-year growth patterns
• Stock depletion rates
• Average transaction values
• Peak sales times

Q: How can I use historical data to predict 2024 trends?

A: Conduct this three-step analysis:

1. Review last year's performance:
   • Best-selling categories
   • Daily sales patterns
   • Customer purchase behaviours
2. Compare with current market trends
3. Adjust predictions based on economic conditions

Inventory Management

Q: How should I adjust inventory based on historical data? A: Follow these inventory adjustment guidelines:

• Increase top-seller stock by 20-30%
• Reduce slow-moving inventory
• Add new products in successful categories
• Factor in current market conditions
• Set reorder triggers for high-demand items

Q: How can I prepare for supply chain challenges? A: Implement these preventive measures:

• Order high-demand stock early (by early October)
• Establish backup supplier relationships
• Create contingency plans for popular items
• Maintain clear customer communication channels
• Set up stock-level alerts

Sales Strategy

Q: What display strategies work best for Black Friday?

A: Optimize your store layout with:

• High-visibility locations for top sellers
• Clear promotional signage
• Strategic impulse buy placement
• Efficient traffic flow patterns
• Mobile POS stations for peak times

Q: What metrics should I track during the event?

A: Monitor these real-time indicators:

• Sales velocity by item
• Stock levels
• Average transaction value
• Customer flow patterns
• Staff performance
• Return rates

Post-Event Analysis

Q: What analysis should I conduct after Black Friday?

A: Evaluate these key areas:

• Sales performance vs predictions
• Inventory accuracy
• Customer satisfaction metrics
• Marketing effectiveness
• Operational efficiency
• Staff feedback
• Technology performance

Q: How can I improve customer experience based on data?

A: Use your insights to:

• Optimize staffing levels
• Enhance product knowledge training
• Streamline checkout processes
• Improve store layout
• Refine promotional strategies

Implementation Priority

1. Begin data analysis immediately
2. Order inventory by early October
3. Train staff by early November
4. Set up displays one week before
5. Monitor and adjust during the event

Australian retail turnover rose 2.0 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in November 2023, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Robert Ewing, ABS head of business statistics, said: "Black Friday sales were again a big hit this year, with retailers starting promotional periods earlier and running them for longer, compared to previous years.

“The strong rise suggests that consumers held back on discretionary spending in October to take advantage of discounts in November. Shoppers may have also brought forward some Christmas spending that would usually happen in December." 

Okay, accepting that the latest retail sales number did show a robust 2% monthly growth, but it may be distorted by the increasing popularity of Black Friday sales in November. More about that later. 

One bit of good news is that this shows that consumers are still spending despite higher interest rates. Our strong job market certainly helps this. We will need to see the December figures to see whether it's simply that consumers are spending more or that all they are doing is bringing forward their purchases from December to November.

Black Friday sales impact on Australian retail

Black Friday sales have become an increasingly prominent retail event in Australia over the past decade. Originally from the US, it has evolved into a much larger affair in Australia. Black Friday has become mainstream in the past ten years, changing to a "Black November" event in Australia. Rather than just a day,  retailers now run week-long or even month-long sales promoted under the Black Friday banner. See this graph for the past ten years of November growth.

The future of Black Friday in Australia

Black Friday will remain a prominent retail event in Australia, especially as more consumers become conditioned to expect big sales in late November. Retailers should continue to expand Black Friday promotions to maximise sales. Today, many shops open on the Black Friday public holiday to capitalise on foot traffic.

Black Friday Australia 2023

Today, Black Friday in Australia is a major Retail Event. It is one of the biggest shopping days in Australia, marking the unofficial start of the Christmas holiday shopping season.

In Australia, Black Friday is a relatively new retail phenomenon, but you can see how interest in Black Friday has grown here in Australia. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) noted that retail turnover increased dramatically for Black Friday, they said 

“With retail turnover increasing by more than one per cent in all states and territories, it’s clear Black Friday sales are becoming increasingly popular across the country,” 

This data indicates that Australian retailers and shoppers have fully embraced Black Friday. Now, one point in retail that comes up: how does my shop perform on this marketing day? You may be surprised. 

Why Do Consumers Love Black Friday?

There are several reasons why consumers get excited for Black Friday sales in Australia:

• Hype and excitement - Major retailers build hype in the weeks leading up to Black Friday with television, radio, print and digital advertising. This creates a festive excitement around the big sale day.

• Christmas shopping - Many Australians see Black Friday sales as the perfect time to get a head start on Christmas shopping.

If you have not done much or you want to know more to make the most of Black Friday

While Black Friday poses some hurdles, there are ways for retailers to maximise their sales opportunities if you have not prepared.

A Clear Promotional Strategy

You need to decide which product lines you want to draw customer traffic; you can quickly do this by checking Last Year's Top Sellers. Also to make sure you have enough of the right inventory on hand for Black Friday, to check your top-selling items from last year:

Well, it is easy in our point-of-sale system to find out.

Go to Register reports.

Now pick "Top N Stock Sales for a Given Period."

Select a few days before Black Friday and after, so 22 November 2022 to 28  November 2022

Do by unit sales and then run it by profit.

Now, see if you have enough stock. Check what works.

You do not have much time.

Select some stock to advertise. You will need to advertise with some signage; it does not have to be as much as customers are looking, but it needs to be there. 

The Now Plan for 2023

• Use sales reports in your POS system to analyze what products and promotions performed best. Apply those lessons to your 2023 strategy.
• Check staffing levels
• Put signage up
• Monitor your retail turnover increase

Have a great day.

As touchscreen technology is now widely used to improve performance. So people are becoming aware of the benefits of touchscreen devices. As a result, the use of touch screens in retail and offices are increasing.

Here are seven (7) benefits of using a touchscreen for your Point of Sale (POS) system.

Economically today.

This is the big reason people need a screen anyway, so most people feel why not get one with touch?

Speed

Increase in the speed of tasks. Very few of us are touch typists. As such, there is a delay from when we identify the spot on the screen and then move our eyes to type on the keyboard letter. The touchscreen allows the user to select the required characters without moving their eyes. This results in a faster response time.

This improved efficiency means that your staff can work faster so process customers quicker. This helps prevent long queues and customer dissatisfaction.

Easier to use

Looking at the screen keeping your eye on it makes it much easier to use. This makes it great for juggling various tasks on what are increasing more complex screens. As you can tap what you need, it is much simpler to operate as it provides you with direct access that eliminates the need for a mouse and keyboard.

People with physical disabilities

More people can use them. We did a major upgrade for multiple sclerosis. These people were unable to use keyboards what we found using a combination of voice and touch works well. Without a touch screen, these people cannot work. With it, these people can operate a POS system.

Cleanliness

Since COVID, everyone appreciates that there is much less to clean as people are handling less the keyboard and mouse. Screens are flat and often dust sealed. This makes them easier to clean and disinfect.

Training

With mobiles, we are all used to touch, making it far more intuitive to use today. This is the way most people now work in the 2020s.

Windows

Windows and its software is now built for touch.

One of our suppliers has reported to us that they have quite a lot of touch screens that they could not sell due to the lockup. As these are commercial grade if your interested in getting a touch screen, why not get one now as we have a Black Friday special for your shop now!

This Friday is "Black Friday", officially this is the start of the Christmas shopping season. Our suppliers know that this is the last chance they get to move stock before the Christmas freeze starts. So some of our suppliers have offered us some pretty good deals to move some of their stock. So we are passing the saving to our clients. Details are being sent out now.

If you are interested in upgrading your system or getting a touch screen, let us know.

One of my clients got in some trouble recently over a "'No refund on sale items" sign. A lawyer who is one of their customers told them that they were "misrepresenting rights available to consumers." 

So if you wish to put up a no refund sign, use one from your state consumer affairs sign such as this example from VIC above. 

One worrying point is that many merchants do sometimes unload at significantly reduced prices goods that are defective. They admit that they are flawed and so sell it with an AS IS and NO Return clause.  I doubt legally this is correct.  You may want to check this situation if you do it a lot. If you get an answer, let me know.

It was Black Friday.

Many of our suppliers now see this as their final chance to move the retail point of sale equipment before Christmas comes. So they decided to offer some outstanding offers. 

We immediately passed them on to our clients, This appears to have upset one of our competitors as they seem not to have passed on the savings. They admit that our prices are cheap, but then they accuse them of being possibly bad quality. They are not. They are excellent scanners. More importantly, they claim that they might not work with their software. If so, what does it say about their software and business practices if industry-standard barcode scanners do not work with them?  

The fact is this we now have an excellent price reduction on handheld scanners, this discount we are passing on to our clients. If you are interested, let us know while stock is available.

What point I do like about these scanners is some have antimicrobial protection. This will help now as they offer more security against the spread of pathogens. They also are designed with repeated cleaning in mind. As such, they can be wiped down with more potent disinfectants. They also have increased decode range so allowing you to keep a safer distance from shoppers. 

This Friday it is "Black Friday", officially this is the start of the Christmas shopping season.

Last year's spending on Black Friday shot up 69 percent on the previous year.

Looking at the Google trends, it looks that public interest I about the same this year as last year.

I hope you are doing something.

If you are interested in upgrading your scanners let us know, we have a Black Friday sale too.