Customer-Facing Display: Why you need one?

POS SOFTWARE




Customer-Facing Display: Why You Need One

A customer views their order details on a customer-facing display at a retail checkout counter.

One of the most popular features in modern POS software is a customer-facing screen. These digital displays display detailed order information to customers, including their orders, tax, discounts, and loyalty information during the checkout process. You often see customer-facing displays in retail businesses.

Why should you use a customer display?

Ensure Sale Accuracy

When a staff member enters a customer's order information, each item and price appears on the customer-facing screen. This means that the point of sale screen provides the customer with a quick and easy way to verify it is correct while being entered. Most queries can be resolved immediately, such as pricing and many incorrect quantities.

Key Benefit: Customers can verify their orders in real-time, catching pricing errors and incorrect quantities before the transaction is completed. This immediate verification prevents time-consuming returns and refunds later.

Instil Customer Confidence in You

One of the clear benefits of a point of sale display is the impact on the customer experience. It has transparency. That can be a great help in establishing trust between your staff and your customers.

Drive Customer Engagement

You can also use it to display advertising for your shop. The screen becomes valuable marketing real estate during checkout, promoting new arrivals, loyalty programs, and special offers to customers while they wait.

Marketing Opportunity: Transform idle checkout time into revenue opportunities. Use your customer display to showcase new products, promote loyalty rewards, and highlight special offers—turning every transaction into a marketing touchpoint.

Professionalism

It looks much more professional, giving your shop a better image. Modern customers expect to see their transaction details displayed, and providing this elevates your business above competitors who lack this transparency.

Speed Up Cash Register Operations

As many mistakes are noticed quickly before orders are completed, your staff can immediately adjust the items. Once the sales are processed, they must process a return, which takes longer. The display screen prompts customers to act as the transaction proceeds. For example, once you scan all the items, the customer display cues customers to pay, then tells them to pick up their goods and go.

Consider an All-in-One Solution

Rather than adding a separate customer display to your existing setup, consider upgrading to an all-in-one POS terminal with an integrated dual-screen design. These modern systems combine your operator touchscreen and customer-facing display into a single compact unit, eliminating counter clutter and cable tangles.

All-in-one terminals offer several advantages over separate displays. They require minimal counter space, leaving more room for merchandise displays. Setup takes under five minutes with no technical expertise required—the integrated unit works straight out of the box. You get unified warranty coverage and support from one manufacturer rather than coordinating between multiple vendors.

Cost Savings: Complete all-in-one systems with built-in customer displays cost less than purchasing separate components, plus save space and trouble caused by mounting the hardware and cables.

The streamlined design also reduces energy costs while delivering powerful performance for demanding retail operations. Modern integrated terminals support contactless payments, loyalty program displays, email capture, and promotional content on the customer's screen—all managed seamlessly through a single device.

Quick Setup: Installation takes less than a minute with no technical expertise required. The integrated unit works straight out of the box, eliminating the complexity of multiple devices, cables, and mounting hardware.

If you're considering a customer-facing display for your own business and want to see what has been working with our customers for years, we can help you. Whether you need a separate display added to your current system or prefer the convenience of an all-in-one integrated terminal, feel free to talk with us now.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Our Christmas Holiday 2025 outlook

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Christmas retail trend 2025

Each year is different. So Christmas 2025 will be different. That is why careful planning is essential to boost your sales. Shoppers today are expected to spend an average of around $667 per person. What they want is convenience. Suppliers tell me that Christmas shopping has already started. If the trend of the last few years continues, it will peak in November during Black Friday and then continue through mid-January. Be prepared for an extended holiday season.

Today, it's becoming evident that retailers across Australia are already gearing up for the festive season.

Analysing Christmas Interest Trends

Based on current trends, the Christmas 2025 holiday season is expected to see cautious but consistent spending. Retailers are generally optimistic about sales growth.

I think this is correct, as a way to measure public interest for the upcoming holiday season, I checked Google Trends which tracks Australian interest over time. The results paint an interesting picture:

Consistent Interest: Over the past three years, public interest in Christmas-related searches in Australia has gone up consistently.

Long-Term Stability: I redid the analysis over eight years, and it basically confirmed my analysis.

As the holiday season approaches, we must be well-prepared to capitalise on the busiest time of the year. Here is the expected pattern.

Black Friday Is the Biggest Day

Black Friday has become the primary shopping event of the Christmas season. It's bigger now than Boxing Day. Shoppers wait for these late-November deals to buy Christmas gifts, so you need to be ready for November.

Products That Sell Well

Some holidays, like Halloween, clearly indicate what sells well. However, Christmas is less predictable. People often purchase items unrelated to the holiday, yet expected popular products include toys, beauty gift sets, books, and small tech devices like earbuds or phone chargers. For toy sales, focus on movie character figures, LEGO sets, educational toys, and outdoor water toys for summer.

Get Your POS System Ready

Your POS keeps everything working when the shop gets busy. Use it to plan stock, speed up checkout, track staff performance, and see what's selling every day.

Check All Your Equipment

Good luck finding a computer technician during the Christmas season. So do the following:

  • Test every register, scanner, receipt printer, barcode printer, and card reader.
  • Check all cables, Wi-Fi, and internet connections. Fix problems now.
  • Charge and test any mobile POS devices you use on the shop floor.
  • Keep spare receipt rolls and a backup printer somewhere easy to find.

Update Your Software Early

  • Do all software updates in October or early November, then don't change anything in December.
  • Load in all your Christmas sales, voucher rules, and special prices ahead of time.
  • Test your discount buttons, gift-receipt printing, gift-card scanning, and lay-by system.

Plan Your Stock

Look at last year's Christmas sales reports to see what sold fast, what didn't sell, and what ran out. Do not rely on gut feel; use your information to see what sold well in your shop over Christmas.

Set Up Your Prices and Sales

Build a clear plan for your sales: Here is what you need to think of Black Friday deals, early-December specials, last-minute gifts, Boxing Day clearance, and January sales.

Track the progress of each sale daily in your POS and allocate more stock to the products that are selling well.

Get Your Staff Ready

Review last year's busy periods and plan rosters for upcoming events, including late-November weekends, mid-December, and the week before Christmas.

Make Your Shop Easy to Shop

Set up gift displays at the front with clear signs and ready-made gift bundles. Highlight top-sellers, staff favourites, and last-minute gifts. Consider offering gift-wrapping and simple wrap-and-ribbon kits at the counter.

Start Christmas marketing with signs, social media, and email newsletters if you use them. If not, consider using these free marketing methods.

Quick Tips by Product Type

These do sell well over Christmas.

Toys: Stock movie characters, LEGO Christmas sets, STEM learning kits, family board games, and water toys for hot weather. Put demo toys where kids can see them.

Beauty: Offer gift sets at clear prices ($30, $50, $100), small travel-size products, and advent calendars. Add small impulse gifts near the register.

Books: Put bestsellers, kids' books, and coffee-table books near the entrance. Put up signs for "Gifts under $30."

Tech: Focus on practical gifts, such as earbuds, bright lights, portable speakers, and controllers. Keep accessories, such as cables and cases, near the main products.

Final note

Start now, space out your sales, and keep the momentum going into January.

Your Christmas Checklist

  • □ Test all POS hardware and backup devices
  • □ Update POS software early; don't change anything in December
  • □ Load sales, gift receipts, vouchers, and lay-by into the system
  • □ Run last year's Christmas sales reports
  • □ Talk to your suppliers now and confirm supplier delivery dates
  • □ Set reorder reminders
  • □ Plan gift displays and signage; get gift wrap ready
  • □ Make staff rosters
  • □ Launch marketing; schedule Black Friday posts now
  • □ Test for busy times and offline payment backups
  • □ Stock gift cards, packaging, and batteries
  • □ Plan extended hours and staff meal breaks

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Windows 10 End of Support Now: What Retailers Need to Know

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Windows 10 end of support

Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 today.

The Windows 10 operating system is now out of updates, support, and fixes, which means that security risks are present for POS systems that manage credit card transactions and personal data. Approximately 40% of all computers globally are running on the affected systems, and hence, the number of security holes will rise as they are a tempting target. Over time, manufacturers' hardware will no longer be supported, which is why we anticipate an increase in equipment breakdowns, such as printers, scanners, terminals, and touchscreens.

There are four options for your Windows 10 computers.

Option 1: Upgrade them to Windows 11

Approximately 40% of our Windows 10 clients are unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 needs more powerful hardware, which can slow down Windows 10. If possible, upgrade to Windows 11 ASAP. It generally runs faster on modern computers, but on old systems, it tends to be slower. I would not suggest hacking systems to get them to run Windows 11, as Microsoft doesn't guarantee updates or support for systems that bypass hardware requirements.

You can check if your computer is compatible with Windows 11 using Microsoft's free PC Health Check tool. This tool tells you whether your hardware meets the minimum requirements. Computers that meet requirements can upgrade to Windows 11 for free through Windows Update.

Instructions on how to do this can be found here.

Will Your Computer Run Windows 11? Check Compatibility in 60 Seconds.

I suggest running it on all the computers in the shop.

Option 2: Use the Microsoft Security Updates Option

If you pay Microsoft, they will give you support for a limited time.

In our experience, few customers opt for Extended Security Updates due to the cost and limited benefits.

Those of you who are using the free backup service using OneDrive can get it free by using your OneDrive account to sync your PC's settings via the Windows Backup feature. To do this, you must first update your Windows 10 to version 22H2 and then go to Settings > Windows Update to find the "Enrol now (ESU)" wizard. Within the wizard, you select "Sync settings to OneDrive" to sign in with your Microsoft account and enrol for free. You will find details on how to do it here.

 Keep Using Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates!

Option 3: Leave them with the higher risk profile in Windows 10

Contrary to what many say, Australian laws do not tell you that you have to upgrade; however, it's not as simple as this, it never is, as the law states businesses holding personal information must "take reasonable steps to protect the information from misuse, interference and loss, as well as unauthorised access, modification or disclosure". Running POS systems on unsupported software may pose a problem with the "reasonable steps" requirement. Continuing to operate systems on unsupported systems may be viewed as negligence and a failure to maintain proper security controls.

Additionally, businesses processing credit and debit card transactions must adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements. It requires systems to have current security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities. Unsupported operating systems that no longer receive security patches automatically fail these requirements.

The immediate issue for most retailers here is whether they will be allowed to run software that connects to bank credit and debit systems. In the past, when this has occurred, we have seen financial companies cease support for outdated operating systems. We have had to move these systems to other computers in the shop and use older machines in the back for stock recording purposes. We certainly do not recommend attempting to hack these systems to work on older Windows versions, as fines are huge, e.g., $100,000 per month, plus the responsibility for fraudulent transactions may be shifted to you.

Option 4: Replace Hardware for Old Systems**

Systems that cannot run Windows 11 need hardware replacement.

In response to this challenge, we have been offering our clients a computer upgrade deal to help them transition to Windows 11-compliant systems.

Conclusion

There are issues to consider here. If you have any questions, contact our support team to discuss the matter further.

 

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Peak Profits for Halloween Retailer 2025

POS SOFTWARE

 




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

Halloween 2025

To grab your share of the estimated $450 million in Halloween spending this year, which should see the average buyer spending about $93 this Halloween. What we did was study what is selling right now from a major retailer's Halloween sales.

💰 The Right Price Range

Most Halloween sales now range from $10 to $35. It is the sweet spot now.

Check your POS system now. Look at last year's Halloween sales. See which price points sold best in your shop. This takes only seconds using the price point report.

Here's what customers are buying now:

🦇 Bats and Spiders: 3D bat wall stickers and large, hairy spiders are always popular. They create a significant impact for a low price. This drives more sales.

💀 Skeletons and Grim Reapers: These items are effective because people love the spooky side of Halloween. About 37% of Australians buy costumes this season. Full-sized skeletons and Grim Reaper costumes are top choices.

🎃 Pumpkins: Pumpkins are the main symbol of Halloween. Real pumpkins and plastic pumpkins sell.

⚡ Easy Setup Products

Halloween shoppers want quick results; few are going to go to a lot of trouble to make a Halloween atmosphere. What people want are decorations that work straight out of the box.

🕸️ Spider Web Sets: These sell very well. Bundle them with small plastic spiders. It provides customers with everything they need in one package.

🦇 3D Bat Sticker Packs: Customers can create a swarm of bats on their walls quickly. With little effort, they have a big visual impact.

🎭 Themed Banners and Table Runners: Plastic banners and spooky table covers create an instant party atmosphere.

💡 LED String Lights: Themed lights in orange, purple, or ghost shapes add easy atmosphere.

💡 Sell these items as "Instant Halloween Party Packs". It makes shopping easier for customers. It also increases how much they spend.

👻 Costume and Accessory Sales

Dressing up is a big part of Halloween. Costumes and accessories sell consistently well. This year, kids like Spider-Man, ghosts, and princesses. Adults choose witches, vampires, and cats.

🎭 Core Costumes: Simple costumes, such as those of grim reapers, skeletons, and pumpkins, remain popular. They're safe to stock because they always sell.

🎨 Accessories: Many customers create their own unique outfits. Stock lots of accessories, such as scary masks, face paint kits, and fake blood. These items have good profit margins.

📦 Bundles: Customers think a costume with a matching mask offers better value. Your POS system can easily create and track these bundles.

⚠️ Plan for Leftover Stock

Much Halloween stock won't sell after the holiday. Plan now for items that don't sell. Don't wait until November to consider this, as then you'll be looking at a sale with discounts of 50–75%, which will only attract bargain hunters. Plan your clearance strategy before ordering stock. If possible, buy stock that can be sold after Halloween.

🚀 Last-Minute Shoppers

The final days before Halloween are your most significant advantage. Online stores often struggle to deliver promptly. Customers who need products fast will come to local shops.

Use clear signs in your store: "Halloween Stock In-Store Now!" People aged 35–59 are most likely to celebrate Halloween (34%). Those under 35 follow at 25%. These customers value speed when time is short.

Get ready to boost your Halloween profits?

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Digital Signatures for Retail Businesses

POS SOFTWARE




Digital Signatures

Digital signatures use computer encryption to verify a signer's identity and confirm their agreement. Generally, under Australian law, they are treated as handwritten signatures. What they do is use codes to make a seal that joins the signers to the document. If the document is changed in any way, everyone gets a message that the signature is now invalid. They are preferred over faxed signatures, as a fax signature can be modified and forged.

Signed digital signatures are binding for most business deals. Of course, like any signature, you need identification, proof of intent to approve, and the agreement of all parties.

In my experience, many people forget to obtain some identification, such as a driver's license, which can be fatal in court if they are challenged.

Most exceptions in my experience where digital signatures are not accepted occur when you need to do it in front of a lawyer, a court, and/or witnesses.

Step-by-Step Guide for Retail Use

  1. Log in to your digital signature account.
  2. Upload the document, like an invoice.
  3. The software will send the link to the other party.
  4. I suggest adding the ID checks, such as licence uploads.
  5. Let the recipient sign with a click.
  6. After you sign, the system locks the document and creates a certificate.
  7. You now have independent proof.

It saves a lot of time.

Key Benefits and Common Concerns

The documents travel through secure channels; email is often not considered a safe method for legal purposes.

Digital signatures eliminate the need for printing and waiting for a fax.

One of my customers sent a 10-page document for signing, but what they got was only eight pages. They had to ring up and get them to redo it.

FAQ: Your Questions on Digital Signatures Answered

Q: Are digital signatures legal in Australia?

A: Digital signatures have proven legally binding for most business transactions in Australia.

Q: What is the difference between a faxed signature and a digital signature?

A: A faxed signature appears as an image of your mark. Copying or forgery occurs easily. A digital signature uses advanced security. Software creates a tamper-proof lock that ties all parties and the document. Then you have a public record to track the signing process.

Q: I received an email with a document to sign. How do I know it is secure?

A: Contact the sender to confirm details if doubts exist.

Q: Are there any documents I cannot sign digitally?

A: Most documents signed with faxed methods, like invoices or agreements, can switch to digital. Exceptions generally occur when lawyers, courts, and/or witnesses are required.

Q: What are the main benefits of using digital signatures?

A: Digital signatures prove easier and quicker than faxing. No printing, scanning, or waiting occurs. Better security.

Q: Someone signed a digital document, but a dispute arose. How does the signature prove it was them?

A: This is why you need support with ID verification, like an emailed driver's licence. This is similar to any signature.

Q: Do I need to be a tech expert to use digital signatures?

A: It takes a little getting used to, but it's made to be easy to use.

Q: What happens if a document changes after digital signing?

A: The signature is immediately declared as invalid. All sides get an alert.

Important Disclaimer

This article provides general information, drawing on industry knowledge and official rules, regarding digital signatures in Australia. I have no legal training. I do not offer legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer to determine the best fit for your business. Then follow all laws fully.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Your scanners not reading correctly?

POS SOFTWARE




Your Scanner is Not Reading Right?

 

Barcode scanner

 

 

Ever had your barcode scanner just quit on you? It's a common complaint we hear from shop owners: a headache when their scanner stops scanning or only works partially. This guide covers the usual suspects and how to fix them fast, so you can get back to serving customers without the drama.

We'll start with the easy stuff.

A dirty scanner window is a common problem, often caused by people placing their fingers on the scanner window. Get out of that habit. Also, dust or grime can cause reading issues. To clean, unplug the scanner and wipe the glass with a soft microcloth.

Are the Cables Loose?

Loose and/or faulty cables are another common problem. If the cable is not connected correctly, the scanner will not be able to talk with your POS System. Worn cables sometimes work intermittently

What to check:

  • Make sure everything's plugged in tight.
  • Look over the cables for frays or breaks. If one's damaged, replace it.
  • Try using a different port on the computer as well.

Is Something Wrong with the Barcode?

With a clean scanner and solid connections, the barcode might be the problem. Check the barcode; some are difficult to read if they are shiny or wet.

What to look for:

  • See if it's torn, faded, or poorly printed.
  • For shiny packaging, angle it to minimise glare.
  • Aim for decent lighting, enough to see clearly, but not so bright that it reflects on you.

Is Your Scanner Old?

These scanners are rugged, but retail is a tough environment for scanners. They are often dropped and damaged. After a few years, the wear and tear add up.

What to look for:

  • Check for cracks or wobbly bits.
  • If the window's off-kilter, it's damaged. In most cases, replacing it is smarter than fixing it, especially for safety and speed.

Signs it's time to retire it:

  • Odd noises like grinding or whirring.
  • Dim, flickering, or no light at all.

At that point, repairs are usually not worth it; you're better off with a new one that comes with a warranty.

Common Scanner Questions

We've got answers to the ones retailers ask us most.

How often should I clean my scanner?

It depends on your shop. If it's a dusty spot, such as a nursery, you may need to clean it daily; otherwise, clean it only when it becomes noticeable. As a rule, I do believe if it is working, do not mess with it. If it has to be done, it only takes seconds to do.

My scanner beeps, but nothing shows on the screen. What's up?

The beep indicates that it read the code correctly; the issue is likely downstream. Check cables, ports, or restart your computer—it's often the fix.

Why won't it read barcodes on phone screens?

Old laser models are designed for use with paper only. For screens, you need a 2D camera scanner—they handle digital codes no problem.

Should I bother fixing an old one?

Rarely. Repair costs can match the price of a new one, and you'll get something faster and warrantied instead.

Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Sorting out these basics can resolve most scanner issues and keep your checkout running smoothly. If it's still acting up after these checks, upgrading might be the next step; many retailers kick themselves for waiting.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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Eliminating many GST errors

POS SOFTWARE




A Retailer's Guide to Managing GST in Australia

Australian retail businesses must ensure accurate GST compliance to stay financially healthy. Mistakes can lead to excess tax, losses, or costly audits. Most handle GST quarterly. Many struggle with mixed-item sales, some of which are GST-applicable, while others are not.

Common GST Problems in Retail

Shops are likely to encounter inevitable GST mistakes that can result in time and money losses.

  • Incorrect Item Codes: A common and expensive mistake is using the wrong code for an item when it's sold. If you charge GST on an item that is GST-free, or vice versa, it creates problems immediately. This becomes complicated because different products have varying rules, as not every business expense is subject to GST. Some examples include loan interest payments, water, sewerage, and food.
  • Complex GST Rules: Services such as lottery tickets, insurance, and bill payments have distinct tax rules compared to other goods and services.
  • Errors on Supplier Invoices: Suppliers may send invoices with GST errors that are automatically imported into your system. Just because it's electronic, you do not get out of the need to verify the information manually.
  • Understanding Sale Types: Differentiating between 10% GST sales, GST-free sales, and input-taxed sales can be confusing, but correct classification has a significant impact on the GST owed and available credits.

Checking Your GST Each Quarter

Our POS software has a powerful GST auditing tool. This makes your life easier. Here's why it's a game-changer:

Integrated Solution: No more jumping between programs.
Speed and Accuracy: Powered by Microsoft SQL for lightning-fast results.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed with retailers in mind, not tech gurus.

To ensure your BAS is accurate, follow this method to identify and fix discrepancies:

Get a Full GST Report: Run a GST summary for the quarter in your sales system, showing total sales, GST collected, and GST-free sales.

Let me walk you through how simple it is to use:

  1. Go to Register Reports > Sales > GST Summary
  2. Select your desired period
  3. Review the detailed report, including a comprehensive GST breakdown.

This will provide you with a detailed report that includes this information.

 

GST Summary report

 

  1. Compare Reports: Match this with your accounting software's GST report and your total sales, as GST is about 10% of that figure.
  2. Find Differences: If totals don't match, compare the monthly and then the daily totals to locate the error.
  3. Investigate and Fix: Review the problematic transaction for coding or data entry errors, correct it, and document the change. Believe me, you do not want to have to explain to the ATO why the figures in one report are different from those in another system.

Real-World Example: Finding a $2,000 Mistake

A newsagent was preparing their quarterly BAS and found a $2,000 difference between their sales data and their accounting software. Using the detailed reports in their sales system, they traced the problem to a single day. The investigation revealed that an insurance payout, which should not have been subject to GST, had been incorrectly entered as a taxable sale. This mistake wrongly increased their GST payment by $2,000. By quickly locating this transaction, they avoided overpaying the tax office and corrected their financial records with minimal effort.

Best Practices for Managing GST

Document Everything: In particular, keep a detailed record of all changes. You need documentation to explain your figures to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

  • Utilise Automation: Maximise the features in your sales and accounting software. Set up automatic reports, use the correct item codes from the beginning, and ensure data flows smoothly between your systems.
  • Review: Check your GST records before finalising your BAS. I had one customer who submitted a report stating that they owed $480,000 in GST that quarter, and spent hours on the phone trying to correct it after the ATO contacted him for the money.

Ready to Make Your GST Easier?

An integrated sales system can automate the application and verification of GST, significantly reducing errors, saving you time, and protecting your profits.

*The information provided is general. We recommend consulting a qualified tax advisor for personalised advice tailored to your needs.

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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

POS SOFTWARE



Unlock Your Share of the $450M Spend.

 

Halloween 2025

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

Table of Contents

What Aussies Are Buying for Halloween 2025

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

The popular Halloween categories are:

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

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

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

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

Use this to decide what to concentrate on.

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

Maximise Your Counter Space for Impulse Buys

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

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

These items need little space.

Create "Halloween Packs" to increase value.

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

Ideas include:

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

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

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

For safety, clear signage is the key!

Halloween Marketing

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

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

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

Written by:

Professional headshot of the author, Bernard Zimmermann

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director at POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience. He consults to various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

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