Implementing a strategic best-seller labelling system can boost your retail sales through proven psychological triggers. Products with best-seller badges experience an increase in visibility and conversion boost. As a retailer in Australia, this simple yet powerful technique could be the key to driving customer interest and improving your bottom line. The majors like Amazon do it, so why not you?

The Power of "Best-seller" Labels

Best-seller labels tap into fundamental human desires for belonging and social validation. The sense of belonging drives purchase decisions by providing customer validation. Customers who see an item as popular are more likely to trust its value and quality. This psychological trigger can significantly influence purchasing decisions, making it a valuable tool in your retail arsenal.

Why This Works

This strategy is effective for several reasons:

Social proof

People tend to follow the crowd, especially when making purchasing decisions.

Attention-grabbing

The signs draw the eye, making these products stand out.

Simplifies decision-making

A "Best-seller" label can tip the scales for indecisive customers.

Good Value

Best-seller items are seen as good value.

Maximizing Product Visibility

Strategic placement of best-seller products in high-traffic areas and at eye level significantly impacts customer engagement. It is vital as these items sell. Consider these placement strategies:

• Position best-sellers near the entrance to catch immediate attention
• Place them at eye level on shelves for easy visibility
• Use end-cap displays to highlight top performers
• Put items that would sell well with this item around them.

Implementing the Strategy

Now that you understand the psychology and have your data, it's time to put your plan into action:

Best-seller Signs

I suggest purchasing some for a professional look. An essential tip is to ensure your signs are in red to grab attention and create urgency. Have a look at something like this.

Review your top seller's list.

Your Point of Sale (POS) system is a goldmine of valuable data. Here's how to use it to identify your top-selling items:

Go to Register reports.

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

Now, in the form put in the last 30 days and select a department

A report looks like this with your top sellers listed.

This report will list your best-performing products over the past month. Now, go through these items and select as many as reasonably possible. Choose as many items as possible from your top sellers' list; the best-sellers are generally evident when you look at the list. Typically, you get about five on every list.

To gain deeper insights, run reports for multiple timeframes:
- Month data for current patterns.
- Three-month data for seasonal patterns 
- Year data for long-term performance

The bonus of doing several runs is getting more best sellers. 

As a punt, you should get about ten items per department. You do not want more.

Select and label your best-sellers

Place your "Best-seller" signs next to or pointing at these items

Maintain the strategy

Set a reminder to repeat this process monthly, as this ensures your "Best-seller" labels always reflect current top performers

Tracking Performance Metrics

To measure the success of your best-seller strategy:

• Monitor sales of labelled items before and after implementation
• Track overall store revenue changes
• Observe customer behaviour and engagement with labelled products
• Analyze changes in product visibility and shelf time

Optimizing Customer Psychology

Remember, bestselling labels are more than signs- powerful psychological triggers. To maximize their impact:

• Use persuasive language on your labels (e.g., "Customer Favourite")
• Combine best-seller labels with limited-time offers to increase urgency
• Train staff to highlight best-seller items during customer interactions

Conclusion

The "Best-seller" labelling strategy is a simple yet powerful tool that leverages your POS system's data to boost sales. By highlighting your top-performing products, you're guiding your customers towards items that will likely satisfy them, increasing your sales.

FAQ

Q: How often should I update my bestseller labels?

A: We recommend that you update your bestseller labels monthly. This ensures that your labels always reflect your current top-performing products, keeping your store layout dynamic and engaging for repeat customers.

Q: What makes a bestseller on Amazon?

A: A bestseller on Amazon is primarily determined by sales volume within a specific category. The Amazon A10 algorithm considers factors such as sales velocity and sales history when ranking products. The bestseller status is updated hourly, reflecting recent sales performance

Q: Can I use bestseller labels for many of my products?

A: While it might be tempting, your customers are not fools and will smell a rat if you are not genuine. Plus, overusing the label can dilute its impact and reduce customer trust. Stick to labelling your actual top-selling items based on your POS data.

Q: What colour should my bestseller signs be?

A: Red is the most effective colour for bestseller signs. Red grabs attention.

Q: How do I determine which products are my bestsellers?

A: Use your POS software to generate a "Top N Stock Sales for a Given Period" report.

Q: Will this strategy work for all types of retail businesses?

A: I have seen it effectively used in many shops, from hamburgers to chemist shops. However, the impact may vary depending on your products and customer base. It's worth testing and measuring results in your unique retail environment.

Q: How does this strategy tap into customer psychology?

A: Bestseller labels leverage social proof, a psychological principle where people tend to follow the actions of others. Customers who see a popular product are likelier to trust its value and quality, influencing their purchase decisions.

Q: Can I combine bestseller labels with other promotions?

A: Absolutely! You can introduce if you want bestsellers for the promotion, too.

Q: How do I measure the success of this strategy?

A: Track sales of labelled items before and after implementation, monitor overall store revenue changes, observe customer behaviour around labelled products, and analyze changes in product visibility and shelf time. Our POS system will be able to provide this data.

Are your computers slow? Here are some practical solutions to measure and improve your system's speed.

Common Causes of Slowdown

Software Bloat

Over time, as you install new applications and grow your software library, your system accumulates clutter that consumes precious assets and processing power. That sluggish buildup can result in decreased overall performance.

Insufficient RAM

As a rule, the Random Access Memory (RAM) is critical to the computer's overall performance. When RAM becomes inadequate, your computer's speed suffers substantially. It is a bottleneck that causes slowdowns.

Adding more RAM is often a cheap, quick method to increase your computer speed.

Disk Drive Space

If your hard drive is used up, it will impact your computer's speed. Make sure that you have at least 10% of disk space free.

While hardware limitations affect performance, software issues can be equally problematic.

Malware Infections

You'd be surprised how regularly we find viruses and malicious applications running silently on our clients' computer systems. Besides being a security issue, these packages devour system resources and cause slowdowns, so antivirus scans are critical to prevent this difficulty.

Fragmented Hard Drive

On older machines, your hard drive fragments files over time, making it harder for your computer to access them quickly. Older computers need regular defragmentation as it can help mitigate this problem.

Outdated Hardware

As software evolves and becomes more resource-intensive, older hardware may struggle to keep up. It can be particularly noticeable with storage drives and RAM.

Background Programs

Many applications are set to run automatically at startup, consuming resources even when you're not actively using them.

Check your startup folder to manage these programs.

Once you understand these common slowdown causes, you can assess your system's performance adequately.

Measuring Performance

Preparing Your Windows PC for Performance Testing

Before running any benchmarks on your Windows PC, prepare your system:

• Restart your computer.
• Update your Windows operating system and drivers to the latest versions.
• Run a quick virus scan to rule out any performance-draining issues.

Testing Tools and Methods

Using PassMark PerformanceTest for Comprehensive Benchmarking

I recommend PassMark PerformanceTest software, which is well-known for computer testing and benchmarking. It offers insights into your computer's capabilities, including processor speed, RAM overall performance, and hard drive performance.

System Requirements for PassMark

• Windows 7 or later (32-bit or 64-bit)
• 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
• 200 MB of free space on your computer's hard drive
• DirectX 9 compatible graphics card for GPU performance testing

If your machine is under these specifications, it's likely time for an upgrade.

Running the PassMark Benchmark

This is a quick and professional way to determine how your computer performs in the modern world. The software we use is a performance test. You can get a free copy here. Then, launch the application and select "Run Benchmarks." Choose between a quick test or the entire benchmark suite to test your PC's performance. Allow the benchmark to run uninterrupted, which may take 15-30 minutes.

Interpreting PassMark Results

The score you will get looks like this.

​

The lower the percentage percentage figure, the worse the score. This computer is pretty ordinary. It is in the bottom 13%, or if you prefer to think of it like this, 87% of computers tested are better than it. So, as you can see, it is way in the low range.

​After completing the tests, PassMark generates a comprehensive report on your computer's performance. The Overall PassMark Rating represents your system's general performance level. Component Scores provide individual ratings for CPU performance (processor speed), memory speed (RAM your computer uses), disk operations (hard drive on your computer), and GPU performance. The Percentile Ranking helps you compare your PC to others, translating your computer's performance relative to other systems. A score, for example, of 13% means that 87% of the computers are better.

Windows Built-in Performance Testing Tools

Windows 10 includes several built-in tools to test and monitor device performance:

1. Press Windows Key + R, type "perfmon /report", and press Enter. Wait 60 seconds for a detailed system performance report.

2. Task Manager: Right-click the taskbar and select "Task Manager. " Then, go to the "Performance" tab to view real-time CPU, memory, and disk usage.

3. Windows Security Device Performance and Health: Open Windows Security, navigate to "Device performance & health," and view your PC's overall health and any performance issues.

Optimisation Strategies

Based on your benchmark results, consider several steps to improve PC performance:

1. If specific components underperform, prioritise upgrading them.
2. Optimise your computer by uninstalling unnecessary programs and updating essential software. If performance issues persist, consider a clean Windows installation.
3. Schedule regular maintenance, including routine disk cleanups, to keep your device secure and performing well.

Strategic Computer Placement

Once you have gathered performance data for all your computers, you can strategically allocate them to maximise overall productivity. This process, sometimes called "playing musical chairs" with your computers, involves placing your fastest machines where speed is most critical.

Rank your computers

Create a list of all tested computers, ordered from highest to lowest performance based on their benchmark scores.

Identify high-demand workstations

Determine which roles or departments in your organisation require the most computing power. It might include graphic design, video editing, data analysis, or software development teams.

Match performance to needs

Assign your highest-performing computers to the workstations with the most demanding tasks. Then go down the list.

You can significantly improve overall productivity by strategically placing your fastest computers where they're needed most.

Conclusion

Regular overall performance testing can help maintain an efficient POS System. Using benchmarking software and integrated Windows gear, you may gain precious insights into your computer's capabilities, and give you actionable solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the PassMark benchmark?

A: PassMark is benchmarking software that tests various PC components, including CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. It runs a sequence of tests to measure overall performance and gives rankings that permit you to compare your computer to others.

Q: Is PassMark reliable?

A: PassMark is generally considered reliable for comparing performance.

Q: Can running benchmarks damage my computer?

A: No, running benchmarks won't damage your computer. These tests stress your system within safe limits. However, ensure your computer has proper cooling, as benchmarks can cause temporary increases in temperature.

Q: What's a good PassMark score for a modern computer?

A: It depends on what you need, but for general use in 2024, a score above 5000 for a POS System computer should be good.

Q: How can I improve my computer's performance without upgrading hardware?

A: You can improve performance by:

1. Uninstalling unnecessary programs
2. Cleaning up your hard drive
3. Disabling startup programs
4. Updating your operating system and drivers
5. Running regular malware scans
6. Defragmenting your hard drive (for HDDs only)

Q: Is upgrading RAM or switching to an SSD better for performance?

A: Both will significantly improve your computer's performance. Upgrading RAM will help if you run out of memory, and SSD will speed up your hard drive.

Q: How do I know if my computer's slowdown is due to hardware or software issues?

A: If the PassMark score is poor, it may indicate a hardware issue. If your scores are average, but you're still experiencing slowdowns, it's likely a software problem.

​As retailers, we're heading into our busiest and most profitable time of the year. With deliveries growing, managing delivery expectations is crucial for customer satisfaction and repeat business. Let me share some practical advice on handling your Christmas shipping schedule.

Choose the Right Service Level

Considering what happened last year, Express Post is your best mate for last-minute orders. It offers next-business-day delivery to 80% of Australian addresses. While it costs more than standard delivery, the tracking capabilities and faster delivery times make it worth every cent during the Christmas rush. Plus, you get verification from Australia Post that it was delivered.

Setting Your Store's Cut-off Dates

Remember, these dates below provide a guideline rather than guarantees. The earlier you send your parcels, the better their chance of arriving before Christmas. Consider offering Express Post as a premium option for last-minute shoppers who need faster delivery guaranteed.

Australia Post Christmas lodgement dates are here.  One point is these date are for items that are delivered by 2:30pm at an Australian Post outlet.

Domestic Deliveries

I recommend setting your store's order cut-off dates at least 2-3 days before Australia Post's deadlines:

• Regular parcels: Set your cut-off to December 17
• Express orders: Final orders by December 20
• Interstate letters/cards: Cut-off December 11

International Shipments

New Zealand: 5 December 2024

United States and Canada: 11 December 2024

United Kingdom: 6 December 2024

Practical Tips for Smooth Operations

-Packaging and Processing Tips Address Verification Essentials Proper addressing might seem basic, but it's crucial for timely deliveries. Include:

Unit/apartment numbers

Complete street address

Suburb and postcode

Trust me, no one will complain if you put too much detail.

Order Processing

• Dedicate specific times each day for packing orders
• Print shipping labels in batches
• Use your POS to generate packing slips automatically

Communication Strategies

Clear Messaging Display shipping cut-off dates:

• On your website homepage
• At checkout
• To confirm emails
• In-store signage

Customer Updates Use your POS system to:

• Send shipping notifications to your customer when you sent it and the expected delivery date
• Include tracking information
• Alert customers about potential delays

Preparing Your Team

• Understand and communicate delivery timeframes
• Handle shipping enquiries confidently
• Process orders efficiently using your POS system

Looking After Regional Customers

If you're serving customers in WA NT, or regional areas:

• Add extra processing days
• Consider express shipping options
• Be upfront about extended delivery times

Last-Minute Solutions

For those inevitable last-minute shoppers:

• Offer click-and-collect until December 24
• Provide gift cards as a backup option
• Consider local courier services for nearby customers, maybe deliver it yourself.

Remember, while Australia Post has announced their cut-off dates, we retailers must work backwards from these dates.

Planning and using your POS system effectively can turn the Christmas rush into an opportunity.

​

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 so many responsibilities, how do you decide what to focus on and when? The most popular and best method I have found is prioritization, 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, which is free. However, now I will explain the concept as it used to be done on paper, as most of you can relate to it easily. 

Now, you list your tasks and assign them for each event on the day you think you will work on them so you have a list for each task.  A weekly task planner can be useful for listing your tasks throughout the week, helping you prioritize what needs to be done first and break down larger tasks into smaller ones. So if a task will take a few days, it is best to break it up into small tasks that can be done in a few hours or less. 

I recommend that you use the following notation for each of these tasks 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 important function needed now is not working, but we can 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.

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 come up daily, but quick action is essential 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 very important tasks or tasks that have a closing date that is near.

Daily P1 priorities for a retailer may include:

• 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:

• 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:

• Filing old inventory paperwork
• Rearranging the shelves
• Analysis 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 holds optional tasks that are beneficial but not truly necessary right now. Only tackle these if all other work is complete.

Retail examples include:

• 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 important tasks.

Benefits of P0-P4 Prioritization

Consistently using P0-P4 classification to prioritize 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. Minimizes 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 so you can make intelligent choices on time allocation and task delegation. Enables data-driven analysis of what matters most.

The overall impact is optimizing your productivity and performance. Your business operates better when consistently completing P0-P2 tasks before less vital work.

Implementing P0-P4 Prioritization with paper

Putting P0-P4 into practice takes some upfront planning, but soon it 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 prioritized 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 muck it up in practice. Use a combination of urgent, work time and essential. It produces a p0-p8 category. Look at each task for today, and then set 

Urgent tasks: Are the tasks urgent, or can they wait? 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 new task that is NOT Urgent (P8) and 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 its still Important.

Workload/Duration: Will it take a lot 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. The other plus of doing the Small tasks is that it boosts your ego that you have done 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 Prioritization

Now, many retailers use a paper planner, notebook, or simple to-do list to organize their workload. While better than no system at all, this paper-based approach has problems:

This P0-P4 framework, which, as you have possibly noticed, is actually a p0-p8 system, provides an excellent structure for prioritizing your tasks and responsibilities. However, managing your master list on paper has some practical challenges.

Repetitive Tasks Are a Hassle

Around 40% of your tasks are typically recurring, like daily register balancing, weekly inventory checks, and monthly rental payments. Having to manually rewrite these repetitive tasks constantly is inefficient and risks forgetting tasks. It is easy to forget, hey, 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 telling that next Thursday, for example, you are going to be flat out.

Messy

With a paper system, tasks get crossed off, rescheduled, and shuffled around. This obscuring what you need to focus on today and making your diary look unprofessional is not good. 

No Progress Tracking

Paper alone cannot analyze 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.

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 on how I recommend you handle and do this.

FAQ

What are Priority Levels?

Priority levels is a system for categorizing 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 a 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. ome organizations use a 1-5 scale, where 1 is the highest priority and 5 is the lowest, instead of 0 to 4.

What is the importance of Prioritization?

Prioritization 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. Customize for Your Industry: Adapt the priority system to your specific needs.
4. Use Prioritization 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.

Now, in Victoria, it's a time when the place buzzes with the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne.

To Open or Not to Open?

The problem is that it's a public holiday, and it costs if you have staff on that day. So, as the day approaches, retailers are asking themselves whether to open.

But here's the problem if they decide to open: do your customers know you are open on AFL Final Melbourne?

The Customer Confusion Challenge

Last year, one of our clients decided to open their shop on Grand Final Day, but they saw very few customers. They think it was because many customers assumed we'd be closed.

Let them know

Spread the word: For example, plaster a "Yes, we're open!" sign on the shop front.

If you have a Facebook account for the shop, let them know there.

If you can put something in front of the shop to show you are open so people can see it.

Final Thoughts

Your customers can only buy from you if they come, even if you are open.

Do it now as you do not have a lot of time.

​
 ​

At POS Solutions, we have seen firsthand the critical importance of isolating your POS system. Drawing from my experiences and industry knowledge, let me share why this approach is crucial for retailers.

The Risks of an Interconnected POS System

In today's digital age, it's tempting to connect everything. However, isolation is crucial to your POS system. Here's why:

Unauthorised Access 

Its a real threat, I'll never forget our case with a café using our system. A staff member's boyfriend added an email processor to the POS, causing the entire system to crash.  A little knowledge can be dangerous. It was a nightmare to fix, all because of a tiny unauthorised change. This incident hammered home the importance of limiting access to your POS system.

Cyber Threats 

The are real, if I was to make a bet with you that this week one of our clients will have a real malware or cyber threat, I am sure I will win. These are constantly evolving. An isolated POS system is more challenging for people to infiltrate. By keeping your system separate as much from authorised access, you significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these threats.

Data Corruption and Theft

Your POS system protects your lifeblood by holding crucial business data and sensitive customer information. Data corruption or theft can be devastating for a retailer. Worse unauthorised use of your point-of-sale information can get you in serious legal trouble. An isolated system provides an extra layer of protection against these risks.

Benefits of Running an Isolated POS System

Now, let's look at the positive side of keeping your POS system isolated:

Enhanced Security

Limiting connections reduces potential entry points for cyber attacks.

Improved Performance

Fewer external processes mean your computer runs less so it runs smoother and faster.

Simplified Troubleshooting

When issues arise, it's easier to pinpoint the problem in an isolated system.

Compliance

Many industry standards today strongly recommend isolated POS systems.

How to Isolate Your POS System

Here are some practical steps to isolate your POS system:

Dedicated Network

Set up a separate network just for your POS use.

Limited Access

Only authorised people can access your POS System. Inform your staff not to let anyone access your POS system without management permission.

A Word on Staff Needs

You might worry about staff needing internet access. Here's a simple solution: Set up a separate Wi-Fi channel for your staff and the public. Modem today can do this. This way, your team can check their emails or browse the web without putting your POS system at risk.

The Bottom Line

While isolating your POS system requires some extra work, it's worth it. Your business will benefit from security, stability, and happy customers!
​

This is one of the most used KPIs is labour cost with our restaurant clients yet it can be used for any modern business. In my years of experience working with point-of-sale systems, I've seen many retail shops firsthand how proper labour cost management can make or break a small business. 

Labour costs

The labour costs encompass all expenses related to your employees. This includes:

• Wages and salaries
• Overtime pay
• Superannuation contributions
• Payroll taxes if applicable
• Employee benefits 
• Paid time off (holidays and sick leave)

You probably have this figure in our profit and loss accountant, which the accountant prepared for you for the ATO. So, these calculations should only take you a few minutes to complete.

Revenue-based Labour Cost KPI

The labour cost ratio is a critical metric that measures the proportion of your revenue spent on labour expenses. It's calculated using this formula:

Labour Cost Ratio = (Total labour cost / Total revenue) x 100

If your shop's total labour costs for the year were $100,000. If your revenue is $500,000, then your labour cost ratio would be:

($100,000 yearly labour costs/ $500,000 yearly revenue) x 100 = 20%

So here it means you're spending 20% of your yearly revenue on labour costs.

Time-Based Labour Hour KPI

Although not part of the typical Labour Cost KPI, I suggest calculating it by week.

Labour cost a week = (Total labour cost / Number of weeks) 

If, for example, using the above, we say it is open 52 weeks a year

Labour cost a week = ($100,000 yearly labour costs/ 52 weeks )  = $1923 a week we need for labour costs in a typical week.

Why the Labour Cost Ratio Matters

Understanding your labour cost ratio is crucial because it:

1. It helps you evaluate how efficiently you're using your staff
2. Shows the impact of labour costs on your overall profitability
3. Allows you to compare your performance with industry benchmarks

Industry Benchmarks

In the retail industry, labour cost ratios typically range from 15% to 20%. However, because all shops are unique, they have different benchmarks. It's essential to research specific benchmarks for a shop similar to yours in your area. Many labour costs by industry are listed here, unfortunately not all, so what people often do is look for some industries that are close to theirs and see what those industries offer.

Tips to Optimise Labour Costs

Based on my experience working with various retailers, here are some effective strategies to manage your labour costs:

Use a Modern POS System

Your point of sale system has plenty of items that can do tasks that use labour, e.g. AI stock ordering management features. Use it to monitor your labour costs:

• It can also do rostering, allowing you to track your employee hours accurately
• Generate reports labour
• Allow you to forecast your staffing needs based on historical sales data
• Identify peak hours and adjust staffing accordingly
• Reduce overstaffing during slow periods

Employee Management

For example teaching your staff multiple skills, you can reduce the need for specialised roles to create a more flexible workforce. If you can reduce the need for someone extra to come to do a task, well that is a saving.

Monitor and Adjust Regularly

Keep a close eye on your labour cost ratio and adjust as needed. If it's creeping up, look for ways to increase efficiency or reduce costs.

Conclusion

Are you ready to take control of your labour costs? Start by calculating your current labour cost ratio and see where you stand. With the right strategies and tools, you can master labour costs and set your shop up for long-term success.

Have you ever watched someone squint and struggle to read a keyboard? It happens for many with low vision; using a standard keyboard can be difficult. But here's the kicker: the right large print keyboard can transform a daily challenge into a seamless experience.

Here is a game-changer for those with low vision. Whether you’re a retailer seeking a point-of-sale upgrade or advocating workplace inclusivity, our guide unveils the magic behind these keyboards.

Why Large Print Keyboards Matter in Retail

For brick-and-mortar shops, low-vision accessibility is crucial. Large print keyboards are a vital assistive technology for retailers, ensuring all staff can use your point of sale system effectively. These keyboards are a critical component of POS system accessibility, offering:

• Improved readability
• Increased typing accuracy
• Greater independence for users
• Reduced frustration and eye strain

By implementing visual impairment solutions like large print keyboards, you're helping your staff and creating a more inclusive retail technology environment that can boost productivity and morale.

Key Features of Ergonomic Keyboards for Low Vision

1. High Contrast Colours

Visibility is everything. The best large print keyboards offer:

• Light letters on dark keys
• Yellow on black (a top choice among users)
• A clear distinction between keys and characters

2. Durable Lettering

Quality keyboards should have letters that don't wear off quickly, lasting about two years with regular use.

3. Clear and Bold Typography

• Large, easy-to-read characters
• Bold, straightforward fonts
• Easily visible from the user's typical position

4. Key Size and Shape

• Larger keys help prevent missed keystrokes
• Consider the balance between size and overall usability

5. Build Quality

For a busy shop environment, choose:

• Sturdy construction
• Durable materials
• Water-resistant design to protect against spills

How to Choose an Accessible Keyboard for a Retail Environment

Selecting the right large print keyboard for your accessible point-of-sale system involves several considerations:

1. Assess Your Needs: Determine the specific visual challenges your staff face. Do they need larger keys, higher contrast, or both?

2. Consider Your POS System: Ensure the keyboard is compatible with your existing POS software and hardware.

3. Test Before You Buy: Have your staff try different models if possible, as just because you think it looks good does not mean that they do.

4. Think About Layout: Australian standard layouts are crucial for efficiency and familiarity.

5. Evaluate Durability: Retail environments can be harsh on equipment. Look for keyboards built to withstand frequent use.

6. Check for Additional Features: Some keyboards offer programmable keys or integrated pointing devices, which can be helpful in a retail setting.

7. Budget: Check prices first; some of these keyboards, I think, are rip-offs. 

Comparison Table: Popular Large Print Keyboards for Retail

When it comes to large print keyboards for people with low vision, the choice of colour can significantly impact visibility. Here are some options to consider:

1. Black on White: This classic combination provides high contrast and is generally easy to read. It is possibly the most popular combination for people with low vision, but it is not my favourite choice.

2. Yellow on Black: This is the one I recommend you look at. In my experience, the yellow text on a black background helps with its high contrast to enhance visibility for those with vision impairments.

3. White on Black: This would be my second choice, as white letters on a black background are now widely used, making it something most people are used to. So making it a better choice for shared keyboards.

The costs are about the same, and you should be able to get something decent for $25 to $40. 

Conclusion

Remember, implementing inclusive retail technology like large print keyboards isn't just about accessibility – it's about creating a work environment where your staff can work.

Have you used a large print keyboard in your shop, please let me know your experience!

Reducing energy consumption is a smart, money-saving tactic but can backfire if not thoughtfully implemented.

Recently, The National Lotteries Newsagents Association provided tips to members for saving electricity here, which included implementing smart power settings for computers.

"25. Implement smart power management for PCs

‍Use power management settings to ensure computers enter standby mode when not in use, minimising energy wastage."

Unfortunately, before releasing this information sheet, they did not tell us, and we only found out when our users started ringing us up on how to do this. What worries us is those who did not ring us up, as while savings are possible, improperly configured power management could cause problems if this is done.

If you are going to do this, consider this before enabling power-saving policies on your computers:

Firstly, power savings can reduce the speed of your computers by slowing down the computer; slowing down saves power.

Workflow Disruptions

Computers entering standby automatically when briefly unused may prevent staff from resuming work. This can lead to:

• Loss of unsaved data
• Frustrated employees if unexpected logout occurs
• Slower customer service

All people working on your computers need to be trained on how to handle computers on standby.

System Availability Issues

POS systems often rely on constant uptime of services like:

• Backend servers for uninterrupted data access
• Automatic backups
• Print servers for receipts
• Computer updates

Frequent sleep disruptions on these devices may cause problems with this.

Application Interruption Risks

Unlike standard shutdown procedures, power management settings may force applications to close before finishing tasks. This could result in data loss or file corruption. Most of your software does not have autosave features; if so, it will cause problems. Sometimes people who run software with autosave, turn it off as it runs slower and is unnecessary. 

Remote Access Limitations

One of the excellent features of our software is that it allows you to log in anywhere in the world at any time; if this is not done, you will lose this ability.

Recommendations

Please consult us first to avoid issues. 

Before deployment, thoroughly test power settings and roll out gradually to catch any issues early.

With careful implementation, you will find that your electricity usage will be reduced without negatively impacting operations.

Operating a retail business in Australia these days often means juggling between many bank accounts. With the big banks making it difficult for small businesses to get the services they used to give, many owners find themselves splitting finances between two, three, or even more banks. In each bank, they tend to have many different accounts.

The key is having a point of sale (POS) system that can handle as many bank accounts as you require. With the right software, managing multiple accounts is a breeze.

How to Set Up Accounts in Your POS

Adding a new bank account to your POS system is quick and easy:

1. Go to the main menu and select "Bank Accounts"
2. Click the green "+ Add" button
3. Enter your account details like name, BSB, and account number
4. Repeat for each additional account

That's all there is to it! The POS stores these securely and allows you to access any linked account on demand. With the ability to add unlimited accounts and switch between them at will, your POS software makes managing your business banking easier. You get complete flexibility to structure finances across institutions in the way that best benefits your business. That means more options, better rates, and easier accounting in the long run.

Running a successful retail business means ensuring every product on your shelves earns its keep. This is not easy. You know the items are ringing up the most sales. What is more challenging is to see if the slow sellers are boosting revenue by selling other products. This is where your point of sale software's Stock Companion Report can help.

Measure An Item's True Value

Go to Cash Register Reports > Sales Register > Stock Companion Sales by Period. See the green arrow below.

Select the stock item, put in the last 12 months, and you will get a detailed report listing profit, numbers, etc. 

You'll get a detailed report showing the item's profit, sales numbers, and more. With this data, you can evaluate whether a slower-selling product with low direct sales attracts customers who purchase other higher-margin items.

Insights for Smarter Merchandising

One client used the Stock Companion Report for dry cleaning. This service had low profitability, so they debated whether to keep it, but they found it brought in good customers who bought other products. So they kept offering it.

The Stock Companion Report is just one example of how our POS software arms you with the insights you need to optimize your product mix. Slower-selling items may be necessary to attract foot traffic and complementary sales. Understanding these hidden contributions lets you make informed merchandising decisions that maximise your total store revenue.

Let our POS system provide the robust reporting you need to understand what's driving your sales. 

This is just another example of how our POS System provides you with stuff you can use. Call us to learn more.

Studies have shown that if you reduce a price, you are better off using a price-off amount rather than a percentage-off. So **price-off discounts beat percentage discounts for driving sales in retail.** I know this may seem counterintuitive, but stick with me here. I'll explain why opting for a concrete dollar over a vague percentage is the more intelligent move for your brick-and-mortar shop.

First off, percentage discounts don't speak to customers. Sure, 10% off sounds impressive in theory. But without a calculator, how many folks can instantly compute the actual savings in their heads? Not many! And even if they can do the math, that extra mental effort creates a barrier. 

Consider this: Instead of announcing a price reduction of 10% on a $10 item, you are better off announcing a price reduction of $1. 

In both cases, the price was reduced from $10.00 to $9.00, but the $1 is real, and 10% is not. 

Now we're talking. **Customers get that - no fuzzy math is required.** A concrete dollar amount is both real and motivating. It's an instant win rather than a puzzle to solve. With a set dollar amount, the deal clicks. No, memorizing the original price, no multiplying - just a straightforward new lower price. 

Okay, you're convinced that price-off discounts are the way to go. But how do you set them up in your point-of-sale system? Don't sweat it - it's a piece of cake:

1. Tap the "Discounts" icon on the main screen (see red arrow in diagram above).
2. Select the "Price-Off" option.
3. Punch in the dollar amount, like $7.
4. Choose which products get the savings. 
5. Hit "Save" and you're done!

Your customers can get communicated, math-free discounts. 

Here is how you can do this at the point of sale. See the diagram above where the red arrow points. This discount can be set up to be preset, so it is one button handling.

Note that if you mucked it up by changing the prices and want to start again, press the F7 button.

As a modern retailer, you likely spend long hours working your POS system. Ringing up sales, managing inventory, and analysing data happen on the computer. But sitting at an improperly set up workstation all day can take a toll over time.

Recently, I had a client who had big legal problems resulting from an employee complaining about her suffering headaches and eyestrain due to a poorly set up POS area. Unhealthy computing does increase injury risk, lost productivity, errors, etc. Here are some simple ways of making some changes that can prevent these issues.

So, let us review some easy ways to optimise your health, comfort, and productivity POS area.

Ergonomic Chairs 

Consider you sit on a chair looking at a computer for a long time. It would be best if you had a chair designed for long periods of sitting and watching computers. Both these types of chairs are useful. If so, try chairs yourself before purchasing. From personal experience, I do not trust online reviews. Everyone has a different body; what works for one person does not work for someone else. You will spend long hours of daily use, so you need adjustable lumbar support, which is essential as joint back pain and poor posture are common. Also check the seat depth, armrests, back angle, etc for your needs..It is best to invest in an Adjustable Chair.

It used to be that gaming chairs were just overpriced for the name compared to office chairs. This is no longer true, so I would not reject a chair just because it was named a gaming chair today. Besides, gaming chairs look so cool.

I like mesh-backed chairs as I like breathability.

I use a game chair in my office at home and an office chair at work. 

The key is to get an ergonomic chair that works for you.

Position Your Chair Properly

Having the chair too close or far from the monitor is common. Generally, 55 cm away is ideal, but test different distances to find what works for you. You're probably too far back if you're frequently straining or moving your head to see details.

Take Regular Breaks

It's tempting to work non-stop when you're solo. But taking short breaks to stand, stretch, and look away from the screen will prevent headaches and eyestrain. I find taking a short break every 30-60 minutes helps. Even standing up and walking around for a few minutes can help rest my eyes and body. Some people set up timers so they do not forget.

Also, drink plenty of water; dehydration is a common problem with prolonged use of computers. It causes headaches, among other things.

Screen Height

Position the monitor so your eyes are looking slightly downward when seated. Having to tilt your head up excessively leads to neck and shoulder pain. Try raising the monitor with a book or stand if it sits too low.

Monitors

I believe old monitors are just asking for trouble if you use them for an extended period; they do not address current issues like glare and screen flicker.  Use them for places where you only do short times. 

It would help if you focused on critical features like anti-glare, blue light reduction, and large enough text size/screen size.

Also, dust your monitor regularly to reduce eye irritation from particles or smudges on the screen.

Consider a Curved Display

Curved screens follow the natural focus of your eyes, reducing fatigue. When buying a new POS monitor, this design may be worth the investment for your health.

Lighting

Ensure you have adequate, indirect lighting that doesn't cause glare or reflections on your screen. Fluorescent lights can cause eye strain. Consider an adjustable lamp that you can adjust as you feel the need.

Try Blue Light Reduction Software

Some claim that programs like Flux, which change the monitor's colour and brightness to emulate natural light, ease their eyestrain. It does not work for me, but you may want to check it out to see how it goes for you.

Conclusion

Making a few minor tweaks to your POS workstation setup can go a long way in preventing health issues and keeping you energized. Your comfort directly impacts your ability to deliver excellent customer service as a one-person show. So be sure to optimize your workspace with ergonomics in mind.

What you will notice is that if your computer is running slowly, and we or someone else gives it a preventive maintenance service, it now runs faster. Temperature is a common reason for this happening.

What happens here is that one or more of your computer's cores which are the brains of your computer overheats. Once a core goes over its maximum temperature, the computer slows it down. This is to avoid causing permanent hardware damage. Your computer, which is an i9 starts running like an i5, an i5 like an i3 etc. What is happening is to try to prevent damage, it slows down. It can get worse than this as nothing in a computer likes high temperatures.

So let us discuss the signs of overheating, methods to check your computer's CPU temperature, and troubleshooting tips to improve cooling and prevent heat buildup. 

Signs Your Computer May Be Overheating

Generally speaking, if your computer is running too hot, you will see things like:

>Slow performance - This is the most common sign.

>Loud fan noises - The fan often will be spinning at high speeds to remove heat

>Random crashes - Suddenly, your computer just stops working. You turn it off for a while, and it works like normal.

>Video on the monitor suddenly looks bad, this can be very serious as video cards are now some of the most expensive parts of computers today.

Don't ignore these warning signs!

Testing your computer

If you are worried about the temperature, I suggest downloading a temperature-checking software, CoreTemp. This is one of the best temperature tools for computers. You can get it here. Now let it run for a bit and see what it says the temperature is for each of the cores. If you see that they are

Recommended CPU Temperature Ranges

This gives you one core but in your hidden icons at the bottom right you can get all of them.

Here are some general CPU temperature guidelines:

• Below 60°C - Temperatures are normal. No action is needed.

• 60-70°C is an acceptable range for a computer running.

• 70-80°C unless you are doing a lot of work on the computer and then only for a short time, it would be too hot

• 80-90°C - Too hot! Take steps to improve cooling immediately.

• Above 90°C - Danger zone. Risk of throttling or damage. Act now!

Computer CPU cooling

If your computer is running too hot, there can be many factors as to why; here are some points:

Clean Out Dust Buildup

It could be that dust has built up too much in the computer. This is a common problem in POS Systems, which work in dusty environments. The dust blocks the air coming in and as a blanket covering the computer parts, causing overheating. If so, clean up the dust. 

Thermal Paste

The thermal paste that protects the cores may need to be reapplied. This actually requires technical skill to do this, do not do this unless you know what you are doing.

Core came out

The cores may be loose, and sometimes they need to be pushed in again this requires some technical skill to do.

Cooling System

It may be that your cooling system has degraded or is not big enough; they may need to be replaced. Often today, cheap computers are sold with cooling systems that are too small.

Computer position

It could be where your computer is placed.

> The area could be too hot.

> Another problem is that it may obstruct airflow - if the cold air cannot get inside the computer, it cannot cool.

In this case, a simple movement may do wonders for your computer. 

Next step

Now, if it is still a problem, what will need to be looked at next is the cooler installation and the thermal paste. For most of us, this needs professional help. 

High CPU temperatures lead to poor computer performance and can seriously damage components. Keeping a close eye on your processor's heat levels is essential for preventive maintenance.

Don't let the heat take down your computer!

Stay cool!

As a retailer, you'll sometimes need to add notes to specific transactions. Our user-friendly POS software makes this easy - providing clarity and context when needed.

Why Add Notes?

There are many reasons you may want to add notes to a transaction in your POS system:

• The item is damaged or defective, sold AS IS
• The product has no warranty
• The product is sold under some strict conditions, e.g. not for use in Australia.

It's an irregular transaction that needs an explanation to be recorded, so adding a note provides important details that give context to the transaction. This additional information can be invaluable if there are ever questions or disputes about that sale. This can be very important for customer satisfaction.

How to do the Note Taking

Our POS software allows you to add notes to any transaction seamlessly.  When ringing up the transaction, in this case, a return, there is an item on screen *Change Description* If this is pressed, you can see another option on screen *Attach as Note*.

Now, in this case, I wrote, "IT WAS BROKEN."  see where the red arrow is.

Once the return or transaction is saved, you have a complete reporting and analysis available. For example, in finding registered transactions in the cash register,

I am looking for this refund, which was done almost eight years ago.

See I am able to search for this transaction with a wide range of filters.

And here is a report of the books with the broken covers and I can find the one I am looking for.

The person looking at the transaction history will see that the book was broken, probably torn.

Enhanced Reporting and Search

The ability to add notes enhances the reporting and analytics capabilities of our POS system. Having the extra transaction details allows for more precise sales data and tracking.

Searching transactions is also simplified. You can easily filter and find specific sales using the notes field, for example, pulling up all transactions with notes mentioning 'damaged', 'discount' or 'clearance'.

Insights for Better Decisions

Detailed reporting using notes ultimately helps you make more informed business decisions. You can analyse irregular transactions to adjust buying patterns or staff training. Identify best-selling clearance items that should be reordered. Gain insights from customer purchasing habits and preferences.

Our POS software gives small retailers like you the tools to gain value from your transaction data. Empower your business with robust features for notes, reporting and analytics. We make it easy to access the information you need to satisfy customers, streamline operations and drive growth.

Insights for Better Decisions

Detailed reporting using notes ultimately helps you make more informed business decisions. You can analyse irregular transactions to adjust buying patterns or staff training. Identify best-selling clearance items that should be reordered. Gain insights from customer purchasing habits and preferences.

Standard Note Templates

To speed up the process and help you to find them consider making a dictionary of common notes. Then you can create standard note templates in the system. 

Training Staff on Notes

Train staff on proper procedures for adding notes. The notes are only helpful if they accurately and thoroughly document each unique transaction situation. Set clear expectations and guidelines.

Our POS software gives small retailers like you the tools to gain value from your transaction data. Detailed notes drive reporting, analysis and customer satisfaction. Let us make note-taking easy so you can focus on your business.

Conclusion

This is just another example of how POS Solutions software is giving retailers more in their software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I add notes to transactions?

Adding notes provides essential context and details about irregular transactions. This clarifies the transaction record and provides transparency if questions come up later.

What kinds of transactions need notes?

Notes are helpful for any exceptional situations like damaged/defective items, clearance markdowns, customer disputes, etc. Anything out of the ordinary.

How do I add a note to a transaction?

When ringing up a sale, select the "Change Description" button and choose "Attach as Note". Type your note explaining the transaction, which will be saved with the record.

Can I view and edit notes later?

Yes, you can view and edit notes on the transaction details screen anytime. Notes can also be accessed through transaction reports.

How do notes help with reporting and analysis?

Notes allow for more detailed sales data and tracking. You can search and filter transactions using keywords from the notes field.

Should I create standard note templates?

Standard templates for typical notes can save time and ensure consistent entries. It makes it easier to find as well.

How should I train staff on note-taking?

Set clear guidelines and expectations for note-taking. Ensure staff are recording notes that fully explain unique transaction situations.

How can notes help my business decision-making?

Insightful reporting using notes allows you to spot trends, adjust practices, identify top products, understand customer preferences and more.

Why are notes important for customer transparency?

Notes reduce disputes by providing clear documentation visible to the customer on any irregularities like damages, discounts, etc.

Check this image out. At the green arrow, the package said this sweet is 25 gm. Look at the red arrow for what it is: 17 gms. Selling such a sweet could be a fraud. Something similar happened to our of our customers. They ended up sending a few boxes back to their supplier. I wonder if the supplier forwarded it to another newsagent or fixed it. 

This is a problem we do not need.

Shrinkflation helps manufacturers quietly cut prices, but it sometimes creates headaches for retailers as products get sneakily downsized without transparency.

Shrinkflation Equals Retailer Frustration

Shrinkflation refers to products shrinking in size or quantity while prices remain stagnant. Instead of buying ten in a package, the package now has eight. Companies hide the quality reduction with tricky packaging tactics to mask these changes from consumers.

Numerous studies show consumers are far more likely to be negatively impacted by price increases than the reduction in size of a product. The strategy might even bolster certain sectors, like consumer staples, because these companies can sustain their margins by implementing shrinkflation tactics.

However, obscuring shrinkflation can seriously impact retailers once discovered. Suddenly, for example, your computer records contain incorrectly labelled products that no longer match what is programmed into your point-of-sale system. More importantly your shelf labels are now wrong.

This causes many problems no retailer wants to deal with. 

• Angry, confused customers
• Labor-intensive inventory adjustments
• Point-of-sale system inaccuracies
• Reputational damage and eroded consumer trust

Protect Your Business With Proactive Steps

Retailers can take proactive measures to catch this shrinkflation before major damages occur. 

Carefully Screen Inventory

When new products arrive, if they are different, there should be a separate item in your POS System with a unique barcode. 

Conduct Random Audits

I like this idea: if the computer scale is in the shop, it is easy to check the weights. If not, bring your kitchen scale to work and test many items in the shop.  Verify your figures match what’s on the supplier's packaging, if different, check what is in your POS system.

If you find an error, contact your suppliers to reconcile the differences and move forward. Most likely, you do not have their current catalogue file to import.

Shrinkflation Stings Customer Trust

Vigilance against shrinkflation directly translates to trust-building with customers. When shoppers find your inventory transparently reflects accurate weights and measures, they feel confident you offer reliable products.

Conversely, shrinkflation erodes consumer faith when its obscuring tactics are revealed down the line. Shoppers may wonder:

• What else is wrong with this retailer’s inventory controls?
• Are they overcharging me for other items, too?
• Can I trust product information here?

Once customer suspicion sets in, it becomes challenging to regain their loyalty. It is far better to prevent the problem through proactive measures.

Why not help the Last-Minute Shopper Grab Great Gifts? Here is a detailed analysis of the state of this market now.

Today, in the middle of this holiday season, many shoppers have left buying gifts to the last minute. As a brick-and-mortar shop, you can capture sales from these busy procrastinators with innovative merchandising strategies. This post covers ideas for enticing last-minute shoppers into your store and sending them away happy with gift purchases.

Create a Festive Storefront Display

You only have seconds to grab the attention of rushed shoppers passing by. It would help if you created an eye-catching display showcasing your goods. It does not have to be much, but it needs to be noticeable.

• Bright, festive colours and lights
• Best-selling gift items
• Sale signs and promotions

You need clear Signage 

These last-minute shoppers are not planners, they are desperate, they want instant solutions. So place eye-catching signs advertising your Gifts. Include calls to action like “Easy Gifts Inside!”

Set Up a Gift Solution Center

Clear prime floor space near the entrance to set up a small “Gift Solution Center.” This designated area should display the following:

Top-Selling Gifts

Showcase 8-12 of your absolute best-selling and universally gifted items. This removes the stress of choosing for frazzled shoppers. Some ideas:

• Candles
• Gift baskets
• Sets of something.

If you want to know how to get the top ten selling items in the shop at this period well, its easy in our point-of-sale system to do it.

Go to Register reports.

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

You will want about 100 items with the last three months of sales on our listing, which will look like this because not all the items will be suitable. Like always you need to use some intelligence.  

Start at the top and build your stand.

Offer Gift Add-Ons

Do not stop there often. You can get a bit more to get full value for the impulse spending with these time-pressed shoppers. Make it easy for them to grab useful add-ons by displaying these items together near registers:

• Gift bags
• Tissue paper
• Gift tags
• Ribbons and bows
• Gift wrap

Small treats like chocolates or gift soaps also invite impulse buys.

Be Their Gift Hero

This holiday season, take advantage of busy, time-crunched gift shoppers by making your store the easiest place to grab quality presents fast.  

Implement eye-catching displays showcasing your top-selling, universally gifted items. Designate a unique gift solution centre right up front. Stack impulse add-ons like gift bags and wraps near registers.  

With convenient offerings and locations, your shop can become your community's go-to last-minute gift destination. Reduce holiday stress while ringing in sales! Become the gift hero for harried shoppers this Christmas.

Give it a shot and see how you go. 

Swipe, beep, tap. Thanks to modern payment technology, paying for something has never been easier. But while tap-and-go is crazy convenient for customers, the hidden fees in the payment system are anything but convenient for business owners.

Every time a customer pays with a dual-network debit or credit card, you may pay inflated processing fees that dig into your bottom line.

The Banks Have Been Slow to Act

But a simple fix could help you save - the least cost routing (Merchant-choice routing).

The Reserve Bank has revealed a woeful roll-out of least-cost routing technology by the major banks after repeated urgings to act.

.. the National Australia Bank has remarkably only turned the system on for 15 per cent of its merchants and the other major banks offer it to well under half their customers.

When I was told that, I freaked out.  How could so many people not have it? 

Small business payment processing

In the current payments system, a customer taps their debit or credit card to purchase in your shop, and that payment is without least cost routing, likely being sent through the bank's preferred path on the EFTPOS network, which is not often the cheapest.

But here's the thing - most of those cards also have access to the lower-cost EFTPOS network, but your EFTPOS/Credit systems are not set up to take advantage of this fact. If so, your shop is shouldering unfairly high fees on every card transaction. Why should you be penalised with an excessive fee?

Why Unfair Fees Matter

• You either absorb the fees and take a hit on your tight margins or pass the costs to customers through higher prices.

• This makes you dearer as your fees are higher than those with low-cost routing.

• This stifles competition when businesses are saddled with higher fees

Least Cost Routing Can Instantly Save You Money

Yet least-cost routing could help small businesses across Australia save over $1 billion per year.

With the least cost routing, dual-network card payments are automatically routed through the lowest fee network. This ensures you pay the minimum fees whenever a customer taps their card or buys online from your EFTPOS/Credit provider. Saving just cents per transaction adds up pretty fast.

Reducing card fees for small businesses

Please don't wait for your bank or payment provider to act because they are clearly not acting. You have to take control and access the savings of least-cost routing now.

Step 1: Ask Your Provider

First, contact your payment terminal or POS software provider. Ask if they offer the least-cost routing and whether it is activated for your business. If not, put pressure on them to enable it. 

Step 2: Review Your Fees

Take a detailed look at your monthly statements. Identify high credit/debit card fees.

Step 3: Train Your Team

Ensure staff know how to process cards via the EFTPOS network, which can save you money.

Take Action Now for Your Business

Small changes in your business can quickly add up to big savings. But we need your help to pressure the banks and payments giants to enable fair fees for all.

Contact your EFTPOS provider today to enable the least-cost routing. Also, check your monthly statements for excessive card fees to identify possible savings.

With simple advocacy, you can tap into instant savings for your shop. Let's work together to build a fairer payment system for small retailers and consumers.

If you have not done it yet, do it NOW!