Persuading Customers to Return

Posted on by ccsretail

Who are your best customers?  Are they the ones who just walked in the door and made a purchase?  Or are they the ones who return again and again, convinced that you are the best source for their particular needs?  Both new and returning customers could wind up on your "best" list if the right things occur during their store visit. 

Ask yourself these questions about your customers’ visits:

1.  Were you able to check your inventory quickly to find a needed product for them?
2.  Did you suggest "add-ons" that they might need along with their purchase?
3.  Were returns or exchanges processed without delays and confusion?
4.  Was the checkout fast and accurate?
5.  Did they leave the store with printed evidence of their savings?
6.  Were they able to accumulate points toward future savings?

Customer loyalty is achieved over time through positive experiences.  Our POS Software Systems will give you the tools necessary to make sure that the experiences received by your customers are all positive ones!

Check us out at (425) 672-4806 or email us for additional help.

About Shrinkage

Posted on by ccsretail

Shrinkage – the amount of merchandise that leaves the store without being paid for – is one of the greatest concerns reported by retail businesses, according to the National Retail Federation.  This can happen in a number of ways, including: 

  • shoplifting
  • employee theft
  • bad record-keeping
  • breakage, spoilage
  • and robbery 

Industry experts report that approximately 50% of shrinkage is due to external theft, 30% is due to internal theft, and 20% is due to faulty paperwork.  Regardless of the cause, losses of this type can dramatically reduce store profits.

Although surveillance systems and security guards can be useful in dealing with some of the shrinkage causes, prevention can play a significant part in reducing shrinkage.

  • Barcode scanners for better transaction accuracy,
  • Tools for streamlining accounting processes,
  •  Inventory management tools that allow for better monitoring,

are only a few of the ways that a good POS Software System can help stop shrinkage problems before they begin.

Call us at (425) 672-4806 or email us if you would like more information about saving money by reducing shrinkage with our POS Software.  We have answers for your questions!

Concerning Compatibility

Posted on by ccsretail

Choosing the right Point of Sale Software and Hardware for your retail business is a very important decision to make.  The choices are many, and it can seem like an overwhelming task. 

One thing that you can do early in your search, that will help you immeasurably in the long run, is to consider carefully your hardware before purchasing your new software.  Since not all card readers, scanners or weight scales will work with all POS software packages, compatibility is the key word.

Purchasing all of your hardware, software and support services from the same dealer is one way to set up and maintain a smooth operation.  A single source dealer will have familiarity with your total system. They will have the knowledge of its components and the ability to handle efficiently any problems that may occur.  This can often reduce your overall technology costs and ongoing cost of ownership!  Many resellers use subcontractors.  This can magnify the total costs.

CCS can help you with software selection, hardware selection, system integration, support and training.  Even if your plan is to use existing hardware, we can help you evaluate your system to identify changes that may be necessary to avoid compatibility problems.

With twenty-seven years of experience in providing trustworthy and reliable sales and service to POS businesses, we have the expertise to help you streamline your system.  Call us at (425) 672-4806 or email us for additional information.

Wireless network security

Posted on by ccsretail

Wireless networking is becoming more common, with virtually all new laptop computers and PDAs having a wireless network ability pre-installed.  Many homes and businesses have wireless access points, for these computers to connect to.

This brings up another major security issue:  If you’re wireless access points are not configured to use security, then anyone with a wireless computer (laptop, PDA, etc.) can access your network.  In order to make installation easier, the makers of wireless access points almost never turn on the security features.  If you install these, and leave them as the come out of the box, you have created an open door that anyone can get in through.

A very popular pastime these days, is called "War Driving".  This is where people drive around with a wireless remote computer, PDA, etc., looking for unsecured wireless networks.  If you have an unsecured wireless network, the chances are that you are listed on the Internet, as an open network.

At the very least, default passwords (if they even exist, many do not have any passwords) should be changed, and encryption turned on.  There is much more that can be done to secure wireless access, up to the point of specifying exactly what remote devices can have access by their MAC Addresses.  If you would like help with securing your wireless network, please call or email us.

 

CP SQL – Combining Gift Certificates and Store Credits.

Posted on by ccsretail

CP SQL – Combining Gift Certificates and Store Credits.

Issue:  A company wants to use the Gift Certificate function in CP SQL, they also want to use the same cards for Store Credits. Since the Point of Sale payment tender choices for these functions are normally separate, this creates confusion at checkout time.  The clerks are always asking…  "Is this a Gift Card or a Store Credit?"

Solution:  Change the CP SQL configuration to create Gift Certificates as Store Credits, and create combined Pay Codes for redemption purposes.

What are the advantages configuring CP SQL this way?

  • Faster Checkouts – Only (1) one redemption pay code is required at tender regardless of whether it’s a Gift Certificate or a Store Credit.
  • Reduced Confusion – The clerks don’t have to determine whether it’s a Store Credit or a Gift Certificate in advance. They just need to use one pay code and scan the card.  No confusion, and faster checkouts.
  • Lower Costs For Cards  – Combining Gift Certificates and Store Credits on one card reduces your costs for the cards, especially since you can now purchase more cards in bulk.
  • Simplified Maintenance – Since Gift Certificates and Store Credit documents are maintained in one area, maintenance on the cards (adjusting amounts or merging) is easier.  This cuts down on wasted time and energy.

 If you would like more information on how to do this, or have questions about the ramifications of this type of change, please contact  the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.

Label Printing In CounterPoint

Posted on by ccsretail

One great feature included with CounterPoint Version 7 and CPSQL is printing labels directly from the software.  Although the results are basically the same in both versions, the actual setup is much different.

CPSQL
In CPSQL, the printer is setup similar to other Windows printers using specially designed drivers provided by Nicelabel.  There are many predefined label formats that work with the most common brands of label printers.  If you want to change a predefined label in CPSQL yourself, you must purchase a registered version of Nicelabel Pro.  At CCS we already have the tools. You can avoid the software expense and the learning curve by having CCS Support work with you to get the desired result.

Once you have your printer setup and the label format configured for your printer type, it is as simple as going into the label function, and setting the parameters.  Then picking your item number or item range, how many labels you want, and pressing the print button.

CP V7
The label printer setup in CounterPoint Version 7 is a little different than in CPSQL. Firstly because of the way CounterPoint Version 7 works.  It sends raw data and control codes to the specified port. Since the interface is raw, you usually do not need to install a driver for the printer.  For this reason I would recommend NOT using USB type label printers. In a pinch they could be used but I have seen unreliable results using them.  This is not as much of an issue with CPSQL, because the driver does all the formatting.

As with CPSQL, CounterPoint Version 7 has predefined labels for many printers brands. They may need to be modified to add information like fields, or your company name.  For this, you need to know what printer language your label printer understands.  For example Cognitive Label printers use “CPL” (Cognitive Printer Language), and Zebra/Eltron printers use either “ZPL” or “EPL” depending on the make/model of the printer.  As in CPSQL, setup your label format, and printer in the software. Then use your label function to produce professional looking labels for your shelves, items, and customer mailers.

Getting Help
In conclusion, printing labels through CounterPoint software saves time, money and resources. You can avoid using 3rd party software or services and typing everything you want to appear on a label.  It is important to know that there is some configuration that is needed before trying to print labels from your CounterPoint software.  You should seek some direction before buying a label printer, hooking it up, and hoping for the best.

CCS Retail Systems has extensive knowledge designing labels in CPSQL and Version 7.  We have worked with most brands of printers.  We can help you get the end results you need.  To get help setting up your label printer, creating a new label format, or just some advise on the types of printers compatible with CounterPoint, send me an email or call the CCS Support Department at 800-672-4806

Have a Great Day
-Bryan

Speeding Up Check Outs at the Point of Sale

Posted on by ccsretail

Are you finding that during peak hours, slow check outs at your business are slowing down your sales?  New technology can solve the problem for you.  In an article entitled, "6 Tips to Speed Up Check Outs at the Point of Sale", Jeff Haefner presents the following solutions:

1.  Use good bar-code scanners – They’re much faster and more accurate than typing SKU numbers on a keyboard.  They can reduce pricing and inventory errors. If an omni-directional scanner is used. they can scan the bar-code regardless of position of the label .

2.  Use new technology to speed up your credit card authorizations – Using credit card processing integrated into your point of sale software with a broadband Internet connection can process in as little as two seconds!

3.  Use touch screens – Touching a screen with your finger controls the mouse cursor and saves time.  Touch screens can even eliminate the mouse and keyboard. entirely

4.  Use a mouse-less POS and set up hot keys – A POS System that utilizes hot keys allows you to use the keyboard rather than a mouse to do most things.

5.  Use "easy to load" receipt printers – Struggling to replace a paper roll when customers are waiting is counter-productive.

6.  Choose reliable hardware and software – Using the cheapest keyboards, printers, scanners, computers and software may ultimately cause much frustration.  Both customers and employees have to wait for problems to be fixed.

We can help you with an evaluation of your needs to speed up check out, and many other business procedures.  Call us at 425-672-4806 or send us an email if you need assistance or advice.

 

Profiles of new CP SQL Users

Posted on by ccsretail

Here’s a new tool for you to use if you’re considering upgrading to CounterPoint SQL!  We’ve added a new, detailed article to our website titled, Why CounterPoint SQL?, It outlines two dozen new CounterPoint SQL installations from across the country this year.  These companies are listed by type of business to make it easier for you to find a profile that matches your company.

By reading this article, you will be able to match the kinds of challenges these companies faced to those of your own company.  See how CounterPoint SQL helped with these issues. The problems listed below are only a few of those presented.
 

  • Keeping Up with Growing Inventories
  • Bookkeeping Headaches
  • Managing Remote Locations
  • Credit Card Processing Problems
  • Slow Order Processing
  • Financial Reporting Inefficiencies

A synopsis of the benefits from using CounterPoint SQL concludes each profile.  This allows you to see how you might profit in the same way.

Reading this article is well worth your time!  We can help you with further information.  Call us at 425-672-4806 or email us!

Professional Cable and Port Labeling

Posted on by ccsretail

Professional Cable and Port Labeling

As CCS Tech Bryan Greenberg recently pointed out in a recent blog, labeling cables is extremely important, especially if you are planning on moving or storing equipment anytime soon.

You can create really professional results, very inexpensively, by using store bought thermal label makers.  As technology has changed, the features and quality on these units have gone up, but the price has gone down.  These units can be purchased from around $15 – $39 at office supply stores and most department stores.  Newer models have easy to replace paper, plastic, and metallic ribbon cartridges.

The advantage of using plastic labels over paper is that plastic lasts longer, and is more impervious to extreme environmental conditions such as dirt and moisture.  The plastic ones can also be more easily removed from equipment and cabling than the paper or metallic ones.  This might be important later if they will need to be relabeled as part of an equipment upgrade.

The easiest way to accomplish a wrap around cable label with a label maker is to type in the description, then add 10 – 20 spaces, and then type in the same description again.  When printed your label will allow you to peel and wrap around a cable, sticking the ends together.  The result is a cable label that is printed on both sides.  This makes for easier identification, especially if it’s at an awkward angle or if one side gets worn down.

Example(s):

     COM 1          COM 1

     MONITOR               MONITOR

Depending on the font size…

     A 10 space separation is generally good for slim cables, such as phone, serial, modem type.
    
     A15 – 20 space separation is best for power cables, monitor cables, and UTP cables.

 

Some simple ways to reduce your business costs.

Posted on by ccsretail

Some simple ways to reduce your business costs.

1.  Do I have faulty or outdated equipment that is causing irritation, and/or increased repair expense?

Example:  You have a worn out printer that continually jams, trashing documents, and jamming-up the print queue.  This requires excessive support assistance.  If the cost of repairs and support will or could exceed cost of replacing the printer, it’s time to look at replacing it.

2.  Am I leveraging  the job experience and skills of my existing staff?

Example:  During a POS software training session with a large retailer, I noticed that some of their sales clerks seemed to pick-up on things much more quickly than others.  After inquiring into their previous job experience, I found that I had before me:

  • A retired business owner with an MBA.
  • A retired bank software training manager with an MIS degree.A retired accountant.
  • A retired Army Colonel.Most of them took the current job because they were bored, or needed some extra spending money to supplement their retirement income.

All of them had held jobs that gave them valuable management, and personnel training experience, none of which was being utilized by the store managers.  This was costing the company lost time, and ultimately more money.

3.  Do I have the right people in the right positions?

I’ve seen a lot of examples of well meaning, dedicated people assigned to jobs for which they had little or no training or simply no aptitude.

Some bad examples are:

  • Assigning an extreme analytical, with poor people skills to greet store visitors.- This kind of person would probably be better suited to an inventory or accounting position.
  • Assigning a tactile, mechanically inclined person to bagging customer purchases in a home improvement store.  – This person might be better utilized in the tool department, or running the forklift.
  • Assigning an aggressive, overbearing, hot tempered person to be a manager. – Isolating this person to a position with limited people contact, or lower stress job, might have be a better idea.