Easter brings sales, alright, with chocolate bunnies and festive decorations. However, once the holiday ends, retailers are often left with stock that is difficult to sell. It impacts their cash flow, and worse, it has to be stored. Your POS software can help you identify many unsellable items, allowing you to take action before they impact your profits.

Why Seasonal Stock Becomes Unsellable

Seasonal inventory is a double-edged sword. While Easter drives foot traffic, a study of 40 of our clients revealed that approximately a quarter of the seasonal stock often remains unsold after the holiday, becoming dead stock that ties up cash flow and storage space. That is why we decided to address this problem.

Here is what retailers typically do to solve this common retail challenge:

• Buy a stock for Easter, but it can be sold after Easter.
• Some can be returned to the supplier
• Retailers will typically slash prices by 50–70% to clear Easter leftovers, which erodes their profit margins.
• The rest has to be stored till next year

Fortunately, with our POS Software, retailers have a powerful tool to help them identify and sell this unsellable stock. This tool can help determine the number of items sold during Easter, but it will likely not sell after following this step-by-step procedure.

Step-by-Step Inventory Analysis

Your POS system does more than process sales—it can help identify unsellable items early, allowing you to take action before they impact your finances. Follow these steps:

Use POS Reports Effectively

Leverage Historical Data

Go to Register Reports, which is marked in green, and then select "Stock Sold During Period(a) Not Sold in Period(b)" from the in-stock section.

Now select in stock, "Stock Sold During Period(a) Not Sold in Period(b)"

Go to Register Reports > Stock Analysis > "Stock Sold During Period (a) Not Sold in Period (b)"

Run this report to pinpoint previous unsellable items:

Set Period (a) 01/03/24 – 31/03/24 (Easter)
Set Period (b) 01/04/24 – 40/04/24 (post-Easter lull).

This report will generate a list of items that sold during Easter but had no sales afterwards.

Flag products with year-on-year (YOY) sales declines. I suggest that ≥15% should be marked as high-risk for overstocking.

A Melbourne newsagency found that plush toys sold 22% slower than the previous year. They cleared 85% of their inventory early by running a pre-Easter flash sale.

Call-to-Action

Don't let unsellable Easter stock weigh down your business! You can use your POS system today to identify slow-moving items early, take decisive action, and refine your strategy for next year's holiday season.

Conclusion

You need to be able to manage their stock effectively. You should use this report to help manage your stock and maximise profits effectively.

Executive summary

> Due to stock that is only available during specific seasons, such as Easter, seasonal holidays can be particularly challenging for retailers.
> Our POS Software can assist you with tracking down unsellable stock 
> This report will provide a list of unsellable products.

Written by:

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.

Most of us were shocked at the budget when we saw that the Instant Asset Write-Off scheme was ending this financial year, I guess the goverment decided it was too expensive. For Australian small business owners, the Instant Asset Write-Off scheme has been a vital tool for managing finances and improving cash flow for many years, as it enables immediate tax deductions on eligible purchases. However, recent changes to the scheme mean that time is running out to take advantage of its benefits. Now is your last chance to take advantage of the scheme if you're a retailer; the Instant Asset Write-Off benefits effectively end on June 30, 2025.  

What's Changing with the Instant Asset Write-Off?  

Threshold Reduction

The maximum threshold for claiming an instant asset write-off will drop from $20,000 to just $1,000. This drastic reduction means that most significant purchases will no longer qualify for immediate tax deductions.  

Deadline for Current Benefits

We have a deadline of less than three months. That means you must act now to purchase and install eligible assets, as waiting too long could mean missing out on substantial tax benefits. Simply ordering or paying for an asset isn't enough—it must be ready for use in your business by June 30, 2025.

So now is the time to review your POS System while you can still take advantage of the Instant Asset Write-Off scheme.

So, is your computer feeling sluggish? 

Are the long queues and slow checkouts frustrating your customers and costing you? Then maybe it's time to turbocharge your business with a new computer using an ATO's $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off!

This allows you to immediately deduct the cost of eligible computers (up to $20,000) from your taxable income. In the past, this has saved thousands of dollars for many of my clients, and it can likely save you money as well. 

Here's why a new computer and the write-off are a winning combo for your business:

Unleash the Speed Demons! 

• Faster Checkouts: Upgrade to the latest lightning-fast computer for even faster speeds. A new computer can improve the speed of your POS software performance.
• Boost Staff Productivity: Their time spent on the computer costs you money and reduces their time for productive work.

Here's how it benefits you:

• Improved cash flow: This deduction allows you to immediately deduct the full cost of the computers that you would otherwise have spent on depreciation over several years. This can free up a significant amount of cash flow.
• Simplified tax time: No need to track depreciation schedules for your computers. Just claim the deduction and move on.

Real Business Owners, Real Results! ️

Since upgrading our computers with the write-off, checkout times have significantly decreased. Customers are in and out in a flash, and our staff are significantly more efficient. 

"The tax savings from the write-off were a huge bonus! We used the extra cash to invest in a top-notch inventory management system"

Don't Miss Out! 

This opportunity ends on June 30, 2025. The computers have to be in the shop and working by then, to claim this year so if you are interested you need to move immediately

Here's a win-win solution: Upgrade your computers with the ATO's $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off, boost your business, and save thousands on your tax bill!

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover the perfect computer to boost your business and save with ATO's Instant Asset Write-Off!

Please consult with your accountant first to verify whether you meet the eligibility criteria, as this information is for general purposes only and shouldn't be taken as tax advice.

Written by:

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.

As a retail consultant, I am excited about how AI can be used to support small—and medium-sized business (SMB) retailers.

We decided to address the problem of receiving too much information today. No one has time to wade through the mountains of reports we are getting, so I decided to test which free AI solution will deliver results for your shop.

We chose free because most SMB retailers are currently experimenting with AI, and as a result, many are utilising free AI solutions. There is no point in testing something few are using.

We extensively evaluated six leading free AI tools to answer this question, testing them against real-world retail reporting scenarios. We made and rated over 200 reports in total. What we discovered might surprise you, but the results certainly did surprise me. This analysis will be helpful and save you a lot of time.

What the test is addressing

There is a significant gap between the data and the time and knowledge needed to use it effectively. A modern POS system like ours generates hundreds of reports, which require considerable time to review to identify sales patterns, inventory levels, supplier performance, and financial statements. However, finding time to extract meaningful insights from these reports is another matter.

Yet the promise is that AI tools can do this and quickly process reports, identify trends, spot anomalies, and suggest actionable improvements.

The Free AI Landscape

Like so much in the world, not all AI tools are equal; some are better than others, and each one has account limitations.

We tested six popular tools to help you navigate these options:

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Claude (Anthropic)

DeepSeek

Google AI

Grok 3

Qwen

Evaluation Criteria for AI Tool Performance

Now, we know that all of them are good, but there is always a case where even the best six runners in the world have one who is better, and that is what we wanted to find out: the best free AI for retailers.

Each tool was evaluated on its ability to handle our tests based on these criteria:

Information Accuracy

Accuracy formed the cornerstone of our evaluation. Without accurate information, even the most sophisticated analysis becomes worthless for making informed business decisions. We meticulously verified whether each AI tool could process retail data without introducing errors or misinterpreting figures. This involved cross-checking calculations against known values and assessing whether the tools maintained data integrity throughout the analysis. In retail, where margins are often tight, minor inventory valuation or sales forecasting inaccuracies can lead to costly mistakes.

Clarity of Presentation

Accurate information is only valuable if presented in an understandable format. We assessed each tool's ability to structure information logically with clear headings, appropriate visual elements, and a coherent flow that retail managers could easily navigate. We examined whether complex data was transformed into straightforward insights that wouldn't require a data science degree to interpret. A good report should communicate the key points to a retailer without requiring them to wade through jargon.

Actionable Insights

Data without direction offers limited value to retail businesses. We evaluated each tool's ability to convert raw information into practical recommendations that retailers could implement. I am very proud that our POS system provides our customers with tools they can utilise. I want the AI report to do the same. I want to know what specific opportunities were identified in my inventory optimisation, which products are underperforming, and what concrete actions I need to take from my supplier. Good tools should describe what is happening and what should be done next.

Business Relevance

We evaluated each tool's ability to focus on issues that matter most to Australian retailers rather than generic business statistics. Did the AI for example identify seasonal trends in an Australian retail cycles, did it highlight my supplier performance to my business. Information that is not relevant creates noise rather than value.

Consistency in Analysis

Consistency in reporting is crucial for tracking performance over time and making reliable comparisons. We examined whether each AI tool maintained a consistent approach to analysis in its report and whether its outputs provided a coherent narrative. We do not want contradictory findings. Retailers need to trust that the insights they receive follow logical patterns and don't send them in conflicting directions. Inconsistent analysis can lead to confused decision-making and undermine confidence in the technology itself.

This comprehensive evaluation framework enabled us to assess each AI tool beyond its surface capabilities, focusing instead on how effectively it would serve the practical needs of Australian retailers wanting to extract value from their business data.

Test 1: Long Trend Stock Report Analysis

The first test was designed to evaluate how the AI would perform if it were given a vast amount of data that retailers are receiving. If the AI cannot handle the data, it's of minor use to retailers. Retailers have lots of data today.

Now, understanding inventory performance is critical for any retailer. Seasonal trends, slow-moving items, and bestsellers all impact their bottom line, so we ran a comprehensive stock trend report spanning hundreds of pages. It's the kind of data most retailers can obtain but rarely find the time to analyse correctly. Our test data spanned 12 months and exceeded 300 pages in length.

Tool Performance

ChatGPT

Failed almost immediately, as it ran out of credits, rendering it essentially useless for comprehensive stock evaluation. Even before hitting its limits, it failed to provide actionable insights that would aid practical retail decisions. The reality is that a retailer, after running this report, would almost certainly want to rerun it to see whether anything different changes the outcome. I might have tested this year and last year, but here I get nothing. As such, we immediately dropped ChatGPT.

Claude

Initially performed better. It identified some fundamental product trends on the first run. Then it ran into credit limits. However, it did identify some fundamental product trends, but its inability to handle follow-up questions made it impractical for the iterative nature of retailers' needs. As such, we dropped it immediately.

DeepSeek

Attempted a different approach to the credit limit problem. It took only a tiny section (6%) of the information. While this allowed it to complete the task without running out of resources, it did not give much.

Google AI

The first problem was that Google required CSV files, while all the others accepted Excel format, which we preferred. However, it did identify fundamental product trends; however, we all felt it lacked the depth needed for effective inventory management. Its surface-level insights wouldn't provide much of a competitive advantage for retailers looking to optimise stock levels.

Grok 3

Boy, were we impressed with this AI. It took the entire report without issues. It then provided a detailed trend analysis that would help retailers make smarter decisions. For example, it identified some products specifically for BBQs and reported that they sold well during the summer. It also spotted anomalies that would be easy to miss in manual review, such as products that underperform only during specific weather conditions.

Qwen

It performed admirably by identifying anomalies and supplier diversity trends, though it didn't match Grok 3's depth. It correctly helped identify problematic stock items. Unfortunately, it offers fewer actionable recommendations for improvement than Grok 3.

ChatGPT failed

Test 2: Trial Balance Analysis

Accurate financial reporting is the backbone of retail success. The second test focused on a small compact trial balance dataset. What we wanted was an analysis that didn't require an accountant to understand.

Tool Performance

DeepSeek

It produced precise observations but struggled with depth when analysing discrepancies. Its summarised approach meant that nuanced financial issues, which could significantly impact a retail business, were overlooked.

Google AI

Here, we got straightforward summaries that aligned with our general ledger data but it lacked depth in identifying anomalies. We felt that although it was helpful for essential reconciliation, it wouldn't alert a retailer to subtle patterns.

Grok 3

Wow, it delivered a detailed financial summary with cross-referenced data for accuracy. It flagged discrepancies that required further investigation, allowing us to explore these issues. This capability could be invaluable for retailers without accounting expertise in maintaining the financial health of their business.

Qwen

It did a good job of highlighting significant balances and unexpected changes effectively. Again, it did not match Grok 3's level, but it did come up with much good stuff.

Test 3: Supplier Purchases Report

Managing supplier relationships is critical for maintaining healthy margins and consistent product availability. The third test examined a supplier purchases report to evaluate performance, track expenditures, and identify inefficiencies.

Tool Performance

DeepSeek

It did produce some quick overviews. It struggled with detailed metrics, such as cost per transaction or order accuracy. Its summarised approach meant it missed some critical inefficiencies; we did not think it was trivial, as these sorts of things directly impact margins.

Google AI

It did provide a structured summary but lacked in-depth spending analysis by category or supplier benchmarking. While helpful for basic understanding, we did not see key KPIs, such as identifying problematic vendors.

Grok 3

It did offer comprehensive supplier evaluations with detailed metrics. It identified inefficiencies. We thought it was suitable for managing dozens of suppliers. It was good, with its actionable tips.

Qwen

It did highlight anomalies as well as Grok 3 in the supplier but lacked actionable details.

Summary Performance 

When evaluating these tools specifically for retail applications, clear patterns emerged across all three test scenarios:

Practical Implementation for Your Retail Business

Understanding how these tools perform in controlled tests is helpful, but implementing them in your daily operations is where real value emerges. Here's a practical approach to leveraging AI for business improvement.

Start Small and Focused

Begin with a specific business challenge rather than trying to analyse everything at once. Consider identifying your slowest-moving stock items for clearance, evaluating which suppliers offer the best value for similar products, or analysing sales patterns to optimise staffing during peak hours. Starting with a focused approach allows you to see tangible benefits quickly while building your comfort with the technology.

Prepare Your Data

Export relevant reports from your POS system in a format your AI tool can process. Depending on what tool you use, you need CSV or Excel. I prefer Excel but its your call. Check first that your data is clean and good. If you feed the AI rubbish, you will get rubbish back.

Ask Specific Questions

Frame your queries in specific, actionable terms rather than general requests. Instead of asking the AI to "Analyse my stock," try something more targeted, such as "Which product categories show seasonal patterns, and when should I increase inventory for winter?" Similarly, rather than requesting the AI to "Check my finances," ask, "Are there any unusual expense patterns compared to last year, and which categories show the largest percentage increases?" Specific questions yield specific, actionable answers.

We found that general queries often provided incorrect answers, requiring multiple attempts to obtain a satisfactory response.

Implement Findings Systematically

Test your questions systematically and record the question that yields the answers you want. This systematic approach ensures that AI becomes a valuable part of your business improvement cycle rather than just an interesting experiment.

Focus on applying insights

The best analysis is useless if it is not applied. Each of your analysis sessions should end with clear action items to be implemented and tracked.

Recommendations for Australian Retailers

Based on comprehensive testing and practical retail experience, here are my specific recommendations for retailers looking to leverage free AI tools:

Use Grok 3 as your primary analysis tool. I am told it will soon be charged, but now it appears to be the best in the free AI market. We were impressed with its ability to handle complex questions and our interactive questions, which is excellent if, like me, you like following your natural curiosity.

"A good question in business does not lead to an end; a good question opens doors you never knew existed."

Consider using Qwen; it's excellent. We found it helpful as it gave a good second opinion. It can be especially valuable when making significant business decisions.

If you're currently using ChatGPT or Claude, be aware of their significant limitations for business analysis. Their credit restrictions make them impractical for the iterative analysis that delivers real value. You may find yourself frustrated when analysis suddenly stops.

Conclusion: The Future of Retail Intelligence

Retailers, rather than using intuition alone, can use the Free AI tools now available to gain insights.

Written by:

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.

To combat suppliers' inflation tactics, you need to consider diversifying your supplier base and negotiating better contracts. But let's look into the details of these tactics. 

As I was reviewing the ACCC report on supermarkets, which discussed some of the inflationary pressures that retailers face. You can read it here.

While reading it, I thought of the problems that SMB retailers face. While we strive to maintain competitive prices for our customers, suppliers often use subtle tactics to increase costs. Here, I will list some to help you both identify these tactics, know the public discourse on the subject, and some actionable strategies to protect your business.

Here are the standard Supplier Inflation Tactics

They are generally subtle, as suppliers are accustomed to inflation and know how to adjust prices with minimal fuss. They try to raise prices without explicitly doing so, creating an illusion of price stability that is not true. Yet, these methods will significantly impact margins and reduce customer trust in you, even though it is not your fault.

Shrinkflation

It is now the most common method; shrinkflation occurs when suppliers reduce the size or quantity of a product while keeping the price unchanged. For instance, a cereal box might shrink from 560g to 495g, but the price remains $4.50. Often, the box size remains the same. This hidden cost increase erodes value for both you and your customers. I have spoken about it here.

Skimpflation

The most common term for this is "shitflation," but let's be polite. Skimpflation is lowering product quality without reducing prices. Examples include switching to cheaper ingredients or materials. Recently, a customer of ours reported that they are receiving complaints because the paper for a photocopier they supplied is not as good as it used to be. Here is a direct example of how these changes lead to customer dissatisfaction and affect their reputation.

Stealth Inflation

This tactic involves adding hidden fees or surcharges instead of raising base prices. For example, some suppliers have now introduced "handling fees", which inflate costs without appearing as a direct price increase on invoices.

Shadow Inflation

Here, we observe a decline in service quality with no corresponding price increase. Suppliers may send reps less frequently, have longer delivery times, take longer to repair, or reduce customer support.

Excuseflation

Suppliers may use general inflation as an excuse to raise prices. I had a beauty a few days ago when I complained about the price increase. One wanted to change me over to UPS. The supplier informed me that it was due to Trump's tariffs. I just laughed; what do you think? Are we that stupid to believe that? Those tariffs only apply to goods coming from some countries into the US. I am in Australia, so come up with another excuse to justify this price rise.

Actionable Strategies for Retailers

Here are some proactive strategies for mitigating the effects of supplier-driven inflation: Protect your margins while maintaining customer trust.

Monitor Product Changes

You will never do much about it if you do not know about it. Here is where a modern POS system can help you manage inflation impacts effectively:

• Tracking margin changes in real-time.
• Identifying trends in product specifications and Pricing.
• Comparing supplier performance metrics like delivery reliability and price stability.
• Integrating customer feedback data to assess how product changes affect satisfaction.
• I had a customer who, when he realised that the items were suddenly smaller, changed the old ones in stock at a slightly higher price. You should not do that, but he argued that the old ones were worth more now.

Negotiate with Suppliers

• Highlight with them effective price increases
• Request discounts, or they may have alternative products that offer better value.
• Demand advance notice of product changes.

Diversify Your Supply Chain

• Source alternative suppliers for key products to avoid over-reliance on a single vendor.
• Compare suppliers based on Pricing

Adjust Pricing Strategically

• You need to be aware of a price change has occurred Consider communicating with your customers about necessary price adjustments due to supplier cost increases. The ACCC wants this, but I am unsure if it's a good or possible idea. Some suppliers withdraw a previous product and make a new product, e.g., 12 pencils in a box become 10 pencils in a box. It certainly is vital that you know about it if it comes up.
• Offer value-added promotions like bundles or loyalty rewards to soften the impact of price hikes.
• I like introducing tiered pricing options with premium, budget, and cheap alternatives to cater to diverse customer needs.

Conclusion

The reality is that inflation is terrible now. We are all feeling it. It may cost the government the election, as many blame it on them. Whether that is true or not, I can tell you it's not our fault.

What needs to be monitored as it causes:

Margin Pressure

Hidden cost increases reduce your profit margins, forcing you to make tough decisions about pricing strategies.

Inventory Complexity

Product changes due to shrinkflation or skimpflation complicate inventory management and purchasing decisions.

Customer Trust Issues

Customers may attribute perceived price increases or declining quality to you rather than the supplier, which can damage trust in your shop.

Administrative Burden

Monitoring and responding to these tactics requires additional time and resources that could be spent on other aspects of your business.

Written by:

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.

A point-of-sale (POS) system allows your business to accept customer payments, track sales, and manage the shop.

The POS System

Hardware: The Physical Backbone

Every POS system includes hardware components that facilitate transactions. Common examples include:

• Terminals: Countertop units or mobile tablets are used to process sales.
• Barcode Scanners: Quickly identify products and prices.
• Receipt Printers: Generate paper or digital receipts for customers.
• Cash Drawers: Secure storage for cash transactions.
• EFTPOS Machines: Widely used in Australia to process card payments efficiently.

Software: The Brains of the Operation

The software component powers the functionality of a POS system:

Sales Processing

Inventory Control

Tracks stock in real time. This enables retailers to monitor their stock.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Stores customer data to build loyalty programs.

Reporting and Analytics

Provides insights into sales trends and staff performance.

How POS Systems Transform Aussie Retail

Streamlined Operations

POS systems automate many manual tasks, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently:

• Automatically adjust stock levels after each sale.
• Generate detailed reports for financial tracking and decision-making.
• Process payments.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Gets the retailer information that helps them make better decisions:

• Identify top-selling products to optimise inventory.
• Identify dead stock For example, a Melbourne newsagent discovered that 20% of his stock, using this insight from their POS system, was dead and not selling.
• Analyse peak trading hours for better staff scheduling.
• Track customer purchase behaviour to tailor promotions.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Modern POS systems improve the shopping experience by:

• Reducing queue times with faster checkouts.
• Offering personalised recommendations based on purchase history.
• Managing loyalty programs seamlessly.

Real-World Benefits from Our Users

The Future of POS in Australia

As we move forward, POS systems will become even more integral to retail success:

Omnichannel Integration

The shop will need to be connected to the internet

AI-Powered

AI is already investigating many aspects of the shop. We feed information from a POS System into AI to investigate improving shop layouts, inventory, marketing strategies, etc.

Cashless society

It is only a matter of time before Australia becomes a cashless society

Cryptocurrencies

With bank fees the way they are now, it is only a matter of time before we see a growing movement to crypto.

Conclusion: Empowering Australian Retail

A POS system is an investment in your future retail business.

Explore our top POS System, which has been used in thousands of stores Australia-wide for over 40 years.

Written by:

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.

No, EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) and POS (Point of Sale) are not the same, though they are commonly used together. EFTPOS refers to the payment processing method, while POS is a broader system containing sales tracking, inventory management, and other business functions. People often confuse EFTPOS and POS systems. This is mainly because salespeople try to confuse the issue by claiming that EFTPOS is POS. It is not.

What is EFTPOS

The bank system links the proposed transaction from your shop to the banking system. It usually operates through a terminal that allows customers to use their cards to complete an electronic payment using debit or credit cards.

The main features of EFTPOS terminals are:

• Secure payment processing
• Support for multiple payment methods (debit, credit, contactless)
• Encryption of payment data

What is a POS System?

It is the hardware and software used to run a shop.

Key features of POS systems include:

• Sales management and transaction processing
• Inventory tracking and management
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Reporting and analytics

How EFTPOS and POS Work Together

In modern retail POS Systems like ours, the EFTPOS terminals are often integrated into the Point of Sale Software. Here's how they typically work together:

1. The POS system calculates the total sale amount.
2. This amount is automatically sent to the EFTPOS terminal if integrated.
3. The customer completes the payment on the EFTPOS terminal.
4. The POS system gets a response from the EFTPOS terminal that the transaction has gone through.
5. The POS System records the completed transaction.

This integration offers several benefits:

• Reduced manual data entry, minimising errors
• Faster checkout times, improving customer experience
• Simplified end-of-day reconciliation
• Real-time sales data for better business insights

Security Considerations

Both EFTPOS and POS systems must prioritise security to protect sensitive customer data. Integrating them makes them more secure.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business

A standalone EFTPOS terminal vs an integrated POS system

Faster

It's much faster, as the information exchange between the EFTPOS unit and the POS System is automatic.

Secure

Integrated systems mean that the merchant has an extra layer of security, as the POS Software and the EFTPOS are linked. The controls that enter the EFTPOS pass through the POS software checks first.

Fewer mistakes

People are in a hurry, and let's face it: almost everyone in retail is busy, so they make mistakes. POS Software makes fewer mistakes. For example, a person often misreads a one and a 7. Instead of $70 into the EFTPOS unit, they punch in $10. The retailer loses $60. Sometimes, this behaviour is not accidental; store attendants give discounts to relatives and friends.

Popular EFTPOS and POS Solutions in Australia

Our users can have various EFTPOS leading providers in the Australian market.

Conclusion

While EFTPOS terminals are for the payment processing only, an integrated POS system offers a comprehensive solution for managing your entire retail operation.

FAQs

Q: Can I use an EFTPOS terminal without a POS system?

A: Standalone EFTPOS terminals can process payments independently but won't offer inventory tracking or sales reporting features.

Q: How much does an integrated EFTPOS extra cost?

A: Costs vary depending on the EFTPOS providers. We do not charge for the integration.

Q: What's the difference between contactless payments via EFTPOS vs credit cards?

A: EFTPOS transactions through savings/cheque accounts usually have lower fees than credit card transactions processed via Visa or Mastercard networks.

Q: Are there any security risks in integrating EFTPOS with POS systems?

A: Overall integration will enhance security by reducing manual data entry; however, some intelligence is still needed to reduce the risks.

Written by:

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.

To safeguard your shop from scammers, implement strong security measures, train your staff to recognise scams, monitor online activity, and encourage customers to verify transactions and payment methods. While researching security on the Uber Eats interface, I studied how secure the platform is and discovered several operators had reported security issues here. This one, however, caught my eye. As bad as some bank fraud scams are, it is too easy to forget that as services get linked into your POS System, the chances of fraud increase with other systems.

A typical bank fraud hit many Uber Eats franchises, but because it was not a bank, the owners let it go until it was too late.

The scammers posed online as Uber Eats administrators, claiming urgent account issues. They then requested login credentials to "fix" some supposed problems. Once access was gained, the Uber Eats franchises' banking details were changed to redirect payments. Unlike bank systems, Uber Eats' notification systems often fail to alert merchants about these changes, which is weird as one would assume these are critical.

Real-World Impact

An Uber Eats merchant lost $3,500 after scammers changed their banking details. Another reported losing over $20,000 through a similar scam.

Security Measures to Implement

To safeguard your business from these scams, implement the following security measures:

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

You can add an extra layer of security by requiring multiple verification forms before account access is granted.

Implement Strict Internal Controls

Limit access to your codes to trusted staff only. Change these frequently and immediately when staff members leave your business.

Verify All Communications

Today, few security people request passwords or banking details via phone, text, or email. I would be cautious if they contacted you first. If you must give them passwords, change these passwords ASAP. Here are some tips.

Monitor Your Account Regularly

If possible, check your banking details and payment receipts daily. Your total report should match the bank's records.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Create complex passwords specific to your Uber Eats account. I recommend using a reputable password manager to generate and store secure credentials.

What to Do If You've Been Hacked

If you suspect your account has been compromised, immediately change your passwords. Contact the company through official channels, not by replying to an email. Document everything. Report the incident to your bank. Consider freezing payments until security is restored.

Legal Responsibilities and Compliance Australian law clearly states that you are responsible for your financial and customer information.

I had a client, World Square Newsagency, who went to court over fraud committed not by him but by one of his employees. The judge ruled that he had to pay the NSW lottery $574,000 for the employer theft, the NSW lottery legal fees, the NSW lottery investigation costs, and his legal fees of about $200,000 and some other expenses. It added up to over a million dollars.

Details here.

The Bigger Picture for Australian Retailers

While this article focuses on Uber Eats, the security principles apply to all integrated payment systems. Each new integration will create potential security risks, which require vigilant management.

Written by:

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.

POS Solutions Retail is a popular free CRM known for its simplicity. It comes with options to provide essential CRM features to enhance customer management. Having worked with numerous Australian retailers on their Point of Sale (POS) systems, I’ve seen how the right POS CRM can boost sales. In today’s retail landscape requires POS software to do more than process transactions; it must also build meaningful customer relationships and efficiently manage business operations. The good news is that our modern POS software includes an integrated CRM solution to help achieve this.

What Exactly Is a POS CRM System, and Why Do Australian Retailers Need One?

Our CRM system is made for retailers. Unlike traditional cash registers, which process sales, ours tracks customer information, purchase history, and preferences while handling transactions. It is commonly used by most businesses in Australia.

It provides our users with a crucial advantage in today's competitive market.

Moving Beyond Spreadsheets and Notebooks

You're limiting your growth potential if you still rely on spreadsheets, email lists, or that dog-eared notebook behind the counter to track customer information. These approaches cannot use the power of the computer.

I remember working with a lotto store in Brisbane that tried managing its customer database traditionally. When they reached about 500 regular customers, the system became utterly unworkable. It just took too much work to connect customers' data, inventory, and analytics in a box of handwritten cards with their regulars' details. The amount of data is now going up. Those days are well and truly behind us.

Yet today's shoppers expect personalised experiences and relevant communications when interacting with your business. That's precisely where integrated POS CRM systems come in – they handle customer management while you focus on running your shop.

What Makes Our Retail POS CRM Different

The key difference between our retail-specific and generic CRM systems is integration. A retail POS CRM isn't a separate system requiring double-handling data—it's in your point of sale. Every transaction automatically updates your customer database, giving you a complete picture of each customer without extra work. It collects data with minimal friction, building comprehensive customer profiles that include Contact details and demographics, Complete purchase history across all locations, Shopping preferences and favourite products, Average spending and shopping frequency, and Special notes (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) Actionable Analytics and Reporting Data is only valuable if you can understand and use it. Our strong reporting features provide clear, actionable information about your customers: Identify your most valuable customers and what they buy. Spot trends in product popularity across different customer segments. Analyse the effectiveness of your loyalty program and promotions. Track customer retention and acquisition rates. Forecast inventory needs. Based on purchasing patterns.

It is a very flexible platform that you can set up for either points-based or discount vouchers. The system automatically Track each customer's loyalty status and points balance. Apply earned discounts at checkout, Identify opportunities for rewards, notify customers about special offers, and analyse program effectiveness to help you optimise. Your staff won't need to calculate points manually or remember special offers—the system handles everything automatically during checkout. Targeted Marketing Tools Knowing your customers is just the first step—you must also engage them effectively. This POS CRM Software includes marketing tools that help you turn customer insights into action: What works well is creating customer segments based on purchase history, location, or spending patterns. Develop targeted campaigns for specific customer groups Personalise promotions based on individual shopping behaviour Automate marketing workflows for consistent communication Track campaign performance to refine your approach I worked with a bookshop in Hobart that used these tools to segment its customer base by previous purchases. When the author released a new book, we promptly notified the customers who had brought the last book, driving additional sales. Real Benefits for Your Shop 1) Increased Customer Retention 2) Higher Average Transaction Values 3) Improved Operational Efficiency 4) Enhanced Customer Experiences

Practical Tips I've Learned from Working with Australian Retailers

Start with Clear Objectives

I recommend that you look at increasing repeat business, boosting average transaction value, or reducing customer churn.

It will help you prioritise where to begin. You can continuously improve as you get going.

Meaningful Data

Check what data you have now. As you become more sophisticated, you might add fields like birthdays for special offers.

Roll It Out Gradually

Consider a phased rollout of the CRM. This approach gives your team time to get used to a new way of working while also seeing the benefits of the implementation. Successful implementations typically follow these stages: initial program setup and testing, Installation and troubleshooting on the day of installation, and a follow-up review after a few weeks to ensure you get the most out of your new system.

Get your Team involved.

Your staff is the front line of customer engagement, and they need to understand how you want your system to work. Ensure everyone can capture customer information, access customer profiles, and use insights to provide better service.

I worked with a shop in Newcastle, where they created a simple laminated instruction card that stayed at each register. This simple tool dramatically improved staff adoption of the new system.

Taking the Next Step for Your Australian Retail Business

Ready to revolutionise customer relationships? Start now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is POS CRM for retail?

A POS CRM for retail is a customer relationship management system in a POS System designed for retail businesses. Key features of retail CRM systems include:

• Customer data management
• Sales and inventory forecasting
• Loyalty program management
• Personalised marketing capabilities
• Point-of-sale (POS) integration
• Omnichannel customer support

Q: Is there a cost for this POS CRM?

A: No

Q: How long does it typically take for our POS CRM system to get going?

A: Our users typically start using it within a week.

Q: How much training will my staff need?

A: Our user-friendly systems require little training. The big plus is that your staff is used to the POS System.

Q: What return on investment can I expect?

A: Results vary, but improvements in customer retention, transaction value, and efficiency are expected. Here are some typical figures quoted.

Q: How can I measure the success of my POS CRM implementation?

A: Your POS system will provide KPIs. I would look at customer retention rate, transaction value, visit frequency, and revenue growth.

Written by:

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.

Smartpay is one of several Zero-Cost EFTPOS solutions that shift transaction fees from retailers to customers. Many of my customers use it.

I confess we have been wary of these systems.  So have others, as you can read here.

Some issues

Government regulatory challenges

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has discussed restricting such fee payment providers. That could significantly impact Smartpay's revenue model.

Fees

Their fees seemed high compared to other EFTPOS suppliers, and we were dubious of the claim that customers would not care about these higher fees. Your customers are not silly.

Ransomware attack

They were affected quite dramatically; this is no minor issue if you deal with EFTPOS.

However, the immediate issue with them has been some recent market developments.

Market Position and Financial Performance

It is not just us who have been wary. Despite Smartpay's strong financial performance, its share price has dropped from $1.42 about a year ago to about $0.55 recently. This decline reflects the market's uncertainty about the company's prospects.

Well, now Smartpay has received a takeover bid from Tyro Payments. Tyro has offered to buy 100% of Smartpay's shares for 91 cents a share, subject to due diligence, promptly driving the share price up to 78 cents. The difference between 78 cents and 91 cents is telling, probably due to the uncertainty of due diligence.

Then, another international buyer appeared to make an offer, and what is stunning is that, with this news, Smart Pay's share price fell. Figure that out!

Implications for Retailers

If Smartpay is acquired, retailers might face changes in their EFTPOS services. While existing contracts may be initially honoured, new terms or conditions will be introduced. These changes could include adjustments to fees, surcharging policies, or even the functionality of the EFTPOS terminals. Tyro systems are very different from SmartPay.

Actionable Recommendations for Retailers

1. Stay informed about Smartpay's developments and industry news.
2. If changes occur, you must review your contracts.
3. Prepare for potential fee structure changes by assessing their impact on your business.
4. I would wait until we know what is happening.
    

Written by:

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.

To effectively cull products, you must analyze sales data to identify underperforming items, conduct market research to grasp customer preferences, and account for factors such as shelf space, product lifecycle, and profitability. Make informed decisions based on these crucial insights. Others and I have seen how reports boost shop profits. Today, we'll explore how our modern point-of-sale (POS) software can do that.

The Power of POS Software

POS software can give you a competitive edge by allowing you to make informed decisions about your POS system.

The 80/20 Rule: A Cornerstone of Retail Strategy

Consider the 80/20 rule, the Pareto Principle, as a cornerstone of retail strategy. It asserts that approximately 80% of revenue is generated by just 20% of your product range. Understanding this principle is crucial for optimising your inventory and concentrating on high-performing products.

Here is a graph of sales in a lottery shop. Take a look at it please.

This fascinating example illustrates the Pareto Principle, I confess I was struck by how closely it followed. I used one year of a lottery shop's sales data, which reveals. I'm sharing below how to make a graph for your shop. The essential point here is that:

- 20% of product lines generated 80% of sales
- Remarkably, just 9% of items accounted for 60% of sales (see red arrow).

This distribution closely reflects the Pareto Principle and has key implications for retailers. While this example supports the principle, remember that exact percentages may vary. The principle is a guideline rather than a fixed law. This lottery shop data shows the 80/20 rule's relevance in retail, especially for our customer base.

Simplifying Product Management

Most majors, such as supermarkets, simplify their operations by reducing the number of items in each category.

Why Fewer Products Can Mean More Profit

Space Optimisation

Eliminating low-performing products has many advantages, eg freeing up valuable shelf space for stuff that does sell.

Reduced Inventory Costs

Fewer products mean less capital in stock.

Simplified Operations

With fewer items to manage, your staff can focus on providing better customer service.

Clearer Customer Choice

Too many options overwhelm customers.

Leveraging POS Software for Smart Analytics

Our POS software offers a range of features that can help retailers interested in culling their stock in real-time and user-friendly:

Go to the Register reports.

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

Now, in the form, put in the last four weeks. Pick a category. Run, and this will result in a report with your champs on top.

Putting Analytics into Action

Here's a practical example of how to use these analytics to optimise your inventory:

Run Regular Reports

Use your POS software to generate "Top N Stock Sales" reports for the past four weeks.

Analyse by Category

It is easier to work by category or department, so try looking at the performance within each product group.

Identify Winners and Losers

Your top performers will be seen on the top, while the washouts will be on the bottom.

For top performers,

Please make sure you're always well-stocked on these items.

For poor performers

Could you consider clearing out of these items to remove them from your inventory?

Other considerations

While sales volume is crucial, don't forget about other important metrics:

Profit Margins

Sometimes, lower-volume products have higher profit margins.

Seasonal Trends

These items are challenging as many products might perform poorly overall but have strong seasonal sales.

Customer Loyalty

Certain products might not be top sellers but could be crucial for retaining loyal customers.

Key Benefits of POS Analytics

Implementing POS analytics can provide significant advantages to retailers:

Improved Decision-Making

Instant real-time data enables retailers to make better decisions.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Understanding customer behavior allows retailers to personalise interactions.

Optimised Inventory Management

POS analytics helps retailers minimise stockouts and overstock. It reduces costs and so increases profitability.

Increased Sales and Revenue

POS analytics drives sales growth by identifying cross-selling opportunities.

Competitive Advantage

Data insights help retailers spot trends and adapt strategies.

Conclusion

Effective inventory management is essential, and your POS software can help.

Your profits will benefit!

Written by:

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.

Imagine looking at a shop and seeing a vibrant rainbow of colours. These colours are immediately visually stunning, and your shop stands out. This has been found to be a clever retail strategy that can boost customer engagement and sales. Let's explore how this unconventional approach can brighten your shop.

What is Colour Coding?

It is a display idea that colour coding involves arranging goods by their colours. Please create a striking rainbow effect. Unlike traditional sorting methods, this approach prioritises visual appeal over conventional categorisation. Consider making it part of your retail merchandising strategy.

Now that we've explored colour coding let's examine its exciting benefits for your shop.

The Benefits of Colour-Coded Shelves

Enhanced Visual Appeal

Colour-coded shelves create an instant aesthetic that draws customers in. According to a 2024 study by the Retail Design Institute, stores with visually appealing displays saw a 27% increase in foot traffic.

This visual appeal is not just about aesthetics; it also taps into the psychological impact of colour on consumer behaviour. Research shows that strategic use of colour can increase brand recognition by up to 80%. That is a significant increase.

Increased Browsing Time

The treasure hunt atmosphere encourages customers to explore. A survey by the National Retail Federation found that customers spend 18% more time browsing in stores with unique visual merchandising. Increasing the time in your shop will lead to higher sales.

Social Media Exposure

Vibrant displays are highly shareable. Research from Hootsuite shows that user-generated content featuring colourful retail displays receives 4.5 times more engagement than standard store photos. It can lead to free promotion and increased brand visibility.

Implementing Colour Coding in Your Store

Step-by-Step Guide

Let us start with a few small dedicated shelves near each other or a stand to test customer response. We are going to run a hybrid system in which your items are also where they usually are.

Inventory Assessment

Conduct a thorough inventory to determine the colour distribution of goods in your shop. Then, those suitable products are put aside.

Update your POS System

You will need to find these products in your POS System, so put this area as a secondary location.

Colour Code them

Make a nice rainbow colour effect with the items. Work out a layout. The colours will be red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. There is nothing wrong with making a stand, say all green products, but if you have many different colours, that is how to display them.

Addressing Potential Drawbacks

While visually appealing, colour coding can present challenges:

Accessibility Concerns

Customers may find it difficult to find specific items. That is why you need a hybrid system in your traditional layout.

Inventory Management

Restocking can be more time-consuming. That is why you need a secondary location in your POS System.

The Psychology of Colour in Retail

Colour psychology does shape our perceptions. Warm colours like red create excitement, while blue is very professional. Green promotes relaxation.

Conclusion

Colour-coded shelves provide a fresh, visually appealing strategy that does work in retail.

Let me know how it turned out for you if you give it a go.

Written by:

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.

Over the years, I have been involved in many natural disasters throughout Australia, so I understand the challenges Cyclone Alfred has created for affected retailers. If your business has been impacted, here are some practical steps to take after Cyclone Alfred retail impact.

Financial Hardship Assistance

Please get in touch with your lender right away if you're having financial difficulties. Major banks, e.g. NAB bank. There are dedicated hardship teams trained to assist customers affected by natural disasters, but you need to act ASAP, as most of these programs end next month. These teams have quite a lot of power and can offer you temporary financial arrangements such as reduced payments, payment deferrals, or alternative payment plans. Inquire if these arrangements can be backdated to protect your credit score.

Many lenders offer additional assistance, such as deferring loan payments, waiving fees, consolidating debts, or deferring credit card payments.

In my experience, they want some token repayment level to demonstrate your commitment to recovery.

Government Support

The Australian and state governments have several disaster recovery programs for Cyclone Alfred, such as NSW. Check eligibility for support for these schemes. These programs offer grants and low-interest loans to aid small businesses' recovery.

Supply Chain Management

Cyclone Alfred has disrupted many regular supply chains, making it difficult to get products. If your current suppliers have not contacted you yet to find out the score, contact them. Reach out about any changes in your business operations.

Staff Support

Your employees are the backbone of your business. Please be sure to provide flexibility and understanding as we navigate this situation. Many have a considerable emotional toll.

Community Engagement

Your customers' needs will change in the immediate time frame. You need to check on this.

People are telling me that the public is now hot buying damaged goods. If you have damaged goods, it's a good time to clear them out.

Customer Communication

Could you update your website and social media, like Facebook and Instagram, to reflect business changes? Share images and messages about changes to your shop? Share updates about your recovery progress especially damage, and your hours. It keeps customers engaged, and it's something they can relate to.

Also, if you have a customer database, could you consider making email newsletters? These direct communication channels ensure that critical information reaches loyal customers quickly. If you want any help with this, we can set you up with a free email newsletter service.

Insurance Claims

If your business has been damaged, please go ahead and review your insurance coverage immediately. You must document everything thoroughly—take photos and videos of any damage before clean-up efforts. This evidence will be essential when lodging claims with your insurer. The Insurance Council of Australia has declared Cyclone Alfred an Insurance Catastrophe, meaning your claims will be prioritised.

Utility Providers

Please let your utility providers know about your situation. Many of these also have hardship programs for businesses affected by disasters. Request payment extensions or deferrals to ease cash flow. Question any late fees, reconnection costs, or other cyclone-related charges. After all, it's not your fault the cyclone happened.

Protecting Your Equipment

After Cyclone Alfred, electricity supply remained unstable in some places. A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can help as it protects your POS systems and other electrical tools.

Communicating with Your Landlord

If you lease, contact your landlord about any cyclone damage affecting operations. If you ask they may help with temporary rent reductions or delay payments.

Determine who is responsible for what. Also, these repairs must be done now.

Documentation is Key

Keep detailed records of communications with lenders, insurers, utility providers, and landlords. Save copies of emails, letters, agreements, and receipts; too much documentation is better than insufficient.

Contact your state's Ombudsman for support if you have issues with specific organisations. They can intervene for SMB retailers in disputes with utilities, financial institutions, or landlords.

Disaster recovery for businesses

Recovering from a disaster like Cyclone Alfred can be challenging for SMB retailers, but taking proactive measures can make a significant difference.

Disclaimer

While this article provides general advice on managing the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, you should consult local authorities or disaster management experts for specific guidance tailored to your business needs.

Written by:

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.

Cyclone Alfred recently tested Australian businesses' disaster preparedness, including our customers' POS Systems and point-of-sale equipment. Here, we will examine the lessons learned. Plus provide some actionable strategies to protect your retail technology during future extreme weather events.

Cyclone Alfred's Impact on Retail Technology Infrastructure

Fortunately, although Cyclone Alfred caused considerable damage, it was less damaging than many said it would be.

"I am prepared for the worst but hope for the best," said Benjamin Disraeli.

However, despite this, the risk to business continuity was real so emergency preparedness was necessary.

The Knowledge Gap

The most concerning revelation from Cyclone Alfred was the significant knowledge gap many retailers have regarding their computer systems and POS infrastructure. We had some worrying calls that showed this:

• "How do we do a backup?"

• "What's the correct way to turn everything off?"

• "We've switched everything back on, but nothing's working!" (The server wasn't turned on first)

Clearly, with all the tension, people did not think straight.

Success Stories and Effective Practices

While we encountered these concerns, we also saw excellent examples of preparedness. Many of our customers who had previously invested time in understanding their systems demonstrated remarkable resilience:

• Unlike other cyclones with vulnerable equipment, our customers listened to our advice and turned all the electrical systems off.

• People moved their equipment to higher ground

• People wrapped their equipment in waterproof plastic to prevent water damage.

These simple acts of preparedness worked.

Essential POS Disaster Recovery Procedures

Based on our experience during Cyclone Alfred, here are some fundamental procedures every retailer should know about their POS system to help disaster recovery:

Data Protection Protocols

• Ensure you know how to make a backup for the store outside the shop.

• Consider using our free cloud backup procedures.

Know how to do a complete safe shutdown

• Close your system as you do at the end of the day.

-Take a backup

• Power down hardware in the correct sequence with terminals first and server last.

-Then turn off all your electrical equipment.

Proper Startup Sequence

• Power up servers first

• Allow servers to fully boot before starting terminals

• Verify network connectivity

• Test a sample transaction before opening

Wrapping Up

Cyclone Alfred may have passed, but it's left us all with valuable lessons.

Written by:

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.

Denmark's PostNord's decision to completely cease letter deliveries by 2025 is today's critical warning for Australian Licensed Post Office (LPO) operators. They also face a worldwide trend of declining letter volumes. What is left of the post there will be done by private companies. If the Danes follow the pattern that Australian media companies did with newsagents, I would not expect much help to their agents when the system privatises.

It's a preview of what lies ahead for our postal system.

Current Australian Postal Trends

Australia Post's letters business has been experiencing an unstoppable decline for many years. I know personally as many of my customers are LPOs.

In the 2023-24 financial year, letter volumes in Australia fell to levels not seen since the 1950s. In 1950 we had only a third of the population!

The statistics are getting worse:

- Domestic addressed letter volume has decreased by 72% from 2006/07 to 2023/24
- Typically households now receive approximately two letters per week, this is estimated to drop in five years to less than one letter per week 
- Letter volume decline has reached 72% from 2006/07,
- Letter volumes are expected to fall by about 10% a year.
- Letter costs are up as there are more delivery points.

"Ask yourself this: When did you last get a personal letter? I cannot remember. I know it was a long time ago."

For LPO operators, these declining letter volumes translate to reduced revenue streams.

Australia Post's Modernisation Response

Since April 15, 2024, Australia Post delivers non-urgent letters every other day rather than daily. These operational changes directly impact LPO operators through altered delivery schedules.

The organisation has now fully implemented its New Delivery Model:
- Posties deliver priority mail, express letters, and parcels every day
- Standard letters and unaddressed mail are delivered every second day
- Australia Post is increasing its postage charges.

Finding Opportunity in Disruption

Despite these challenges, LPO operators have a significant opportunity as there is a growing parcel delivery business driven by e-commerce. When ever I go to my local LPO, I can see a lot of traffic.

Strategic Adaptation for LPO Survival

To thrive in this changing landscape, Australian LPO operators must consider the following strategies: Like newsagents, they must offer other goods and services. What works well in LPOs are complementary business lines that sell more to existing customers, such as greeting cards, packing supplies, office supplies, and printing services.

Looking at the business for sale figures, you can see that many LPOs are doing well. 

Looking Ahead

The future of postal services in Australia will look very different. LPO operators must embrace change.

About the Author

As founding Director of POS Solutions, I've spent over four decades providing point-of-sale software solutions to retail businesses across Australia, including numerous Licensed Post Offices. My company has been a major supplier of POS systems to newsagencies, pharmacies, and specialty retailers, giving me firsthand insight into the operational and financial challenges these businesses face.

Throughout my career, I've witnessed the digital transformation of retail and postal services and helped hundreds of business owners adapt their operations to changing market conditions. My experience working directly with LPO operators has provided me with unique insights into their revenue streams, operational challenges, and adaptation strategies.

Much of the statistics cited in this article come directly from Australia Post's Annual Reports (2023-24) and industry briefings I've attended as a service provider to the postal retail sector. 

We all need to reconcile payments regularly. For many retailers, matching POS reconciliation data with bank statements becomes time-consuming.

Our innovative Payment Type Breakdown Report offers a powerful solution to streamline this essential process.

Understanding the Payment Reconciliation Challenge

Accurate payment reconciliation ensures your financial records match actual transactions and that you see what is happening and what you think is happening.

The biggest problems besides the work, and its a lot of work

-Figuring out how the payment processing fees work when accepting card payments

-Dealing with delayed payments and settlement issues

-Businesses Doing third-party payment processors face time

Simplifying the Payment Reconciliation Process for Retailers

Our Payment Type Breakup Report is explicitly designed to address your reconciliation challenges. It provides retailers with a comprehensive breakdown of payment data organised intuitively.

Where to Find the Report

You will find it here.

See Reports> Sales - Register > Payment Type Breakup.

This report summarises payments for the bank's particular period broken up by days. The totals by payment type are listed on the report, with a Grand Total at the bottom. The report can be produced for any period on a daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis.

Key Features and Benefits

The Payment Type Breakup Report offers several advantages that streamline your financial management:

-Daily payment summaries broken down by payment method

-Flexible reporting periods (daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly)

-Comprehensive payment type categorisation for detailed analysis

-Total calculations for quick reference

-Easy comparison with bank deposit records

How the Payment Type Breakup Report Works

Report Structure

The Payment Type Breakup Report presents a clear, organised view of your payment data with the following elements:

Column Headings and Organisation

The report includes these essential columns:

-Date: Transaction date

-Total Amount: Sum of all payments received

-Payment Type Columns: Individual columns for each payment method (Cash, Credit Card, EFTPOS, etc.)

I find this daily breakdown particularly valuable. Banking systems often split deposits across different days. With organised data, you can easily match your POS records with bank deposits despite timing differences. 

The Reconciliation Process Made Simple

The Payment Type Breakup Report makes reconciling your sales with bank deposits significantly more efficient.

Here's a step-by-step approach:

Generate Your Report

Select your desired date range to view payment activities during that period comprehensively.

Compare with Bank Statements

Match the payment type totals from your report with the corresponding deposits in your bank statement.

Pay special attention to:

-Credit card batch totals

-Cash deposit amounts

-EFTPOS settlements

-Third-party processor deposits

Identify and Investigate Discrepancies

When differences appear between your report and bank statement:

-Look at transaction fees deducted by payment processors. They often do not match what you think they should be.

-Verify all refunds and chargebacks

-Ensure all sales are in your POS system. It is a worry if they do not.

Check for timing differences in deposits.

The most important thing is that payment providers have held up in their settlements. After being processed through your POS system, it can sometimes take up to 3 business days for the money to settle in your bank account. This is particularly problematic if you or your customer are not in the major banks. 

Public holidays can be a problem.

I hate this one. Different systems close at different times. For example, some payment providers batch out at 11:00 PM, and transactions after will be counted on the next day.

Manual payment processing: Sometimes, a transaction is flagged, and then it needs to be processed manually rather than automatically. If so, you will see a delay.

It is for these reasons most professions do not perform daily reconciliations. 

Leveraging POS Reconciliation Data for Business Growth

Leveraging Data for Business Growth

The Payment Type Breakup Report delivers value beyond essential reconciliation by providing actionable business intelligence.

Tracking Payment Trends

By analysing your payment data over time, you can identify valuable trends in customer payment preferences. This information helps you:

-Adjust your payment acceptance methods based on the charges levied.

-Forecast cash flow more accurately

Implementing Your Payment Reconciliation Strategy

To maximise the benefits of the Payment Type Breakup Report, consider these implementation steps:

Establish a Regular Reconciliation Schedule

Set a consistent schedule for reconciliation activities. I suggest daily or weekly. You do not want to leave it too far away. It gets hard to find out what someone did three weeks ago on Tuesday.

Integrate with Your Financial Systems

Connect your POS data with the bank records when possible for maximum efficiency.

Ready to Transform Your Financial Management?

Our clients use our Payment Type Breakup Report to save time and report discrepancies in their financial records.

Industry Insights

The Payment Times Reporting Scheme started in January 2021 and offers valuable insights into payment practices across Australian industries. According to the official Australian government source here, while primarily focusing on how large businesses pay small suppliers, the data reveals ssential trends relevant to retailers:

-Standard payment terms average around 30 days across most industries -Education and training businesses pay approximately 65% of invoices within their standard payment period -Long payment times (over 30 days) significantly impact small business cash flow and growth potential

Conclusion

This tool is handy for effectively managing and reconciling your POS Software with the bank.

Just another example of how our POS System gives you something you can use.

Written by:

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.

GNS Import File Update

We've just released an urgent update to our POS system to address the recent GNS import file format change. GNS wholesale made this change without warning, and as a result, many of our clients suddenly couldn't process GNS invoices.

To address this issue, we engaged in urgent discussions with GNS. We agreed that the fastest solution was to update our system to accommodate their new file format. We did this and started to distribute this update yesterday.

Action Items:

1. Update your POS system immediately
2. Test a GNS invoice import to verify functionality
3. Contact us if:
   • You encounter any issues during the update or testing
   • You're not currently processing invoices

Cyclone Alfred: Shops being closed down 

We've sent detailed help sheets to all our customers in NSW and Queensland who may be affected by Cyclone Alfred.

The cyclone's path is unpredictable, with some saying it could affect regions as far south as Newcastle.

Today, we're getting many calls from retailers worried about how to respond as authorities close down shops. Our support team is ready to help you prepare your retail operations.

Critical Preparedness Steps:

Your store may experience disruptions from power surges and electrical problems, even if it's not in the direct impact zone. To minimise risks:

1. Back up all POS data immediately
2. Secure vulnerable hardware with a UPS or surge protector.
3. Prepare a manual sales recording system

Ongoing Support

Our support team is available 24/7 during this weather event. On Saturday morning, we will have extra staff on hand to manage the expected increased call volume on our 24/7 support line.

Stay safe.

Written by:

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.

This is gonna get scary, if you're in the path of Cyclone Alfred or nearby, it's crucial to protect your shop's computer equipment. Here's what you need to do:

Remember the Risks

Even if you're not directly in Alfred's path, the electrical system can still spike and cause problems. It's better to be overprepared than caught off guard.

Backup Your System

First things first, could you completely back up your system now? This is your lifeline if the worst happens.

Store this backup in a safe, waterproof location - preferably off-site. With this data, we can rebuild your system if needed.

Disconnect Everything

From previous experience, power surges caused the worst damage; they can affect people nearby, who are close but not in the cyclone's path.

Unplug all your computer equipment from:
- Electrical outlets
- Telephone lines
- Internet connections
- Any other connected cables

This step is vital to protect against power surges that fry your electronics. 

Waterproof Your Equipment

Once all devices are unplugged, it's time to protect them from potential water damage. Wrap all your computer equipment in waterproof plastic, rubbish bins have proven effective. Be thorough as even a tiny amount of water can significantly damage your equipment.

Elevate Your Equipment

You can move all your wrapped equipment to the highest possible position in your shop. This could be:
- On top of shelves
- On counters
- In a loft or attic space, if available

No amount of wrapping will stop the water if the equipment is under water.

Stay safe guys.

Written by:

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.

Dear Valued Customers,

Many of you now have had problems from GNS Wholesale invoices. 

What Occurred?

Last weekend, GNS Wholesale launched a new computer system, which changed their invoicing process without prior notice to us or our customers. As a result, many users cannot electronically process their GNS Wholesale invoices.

How This Impacts You

If you've recently bought products from GNS Wholesale, some have encountered problems while attempting to process these invoices electronically. 

What We're Doing

We've been actively working with GNS Wholesale and want to resolve this issue immediately. We've pinpointed the problem and are discussing the best solution with GNS. If GNS can't implement a fix soon, we'll make the necessary adjustments to ensure the smooth processing of their invoices.

What You Should Do

1. If you experience issues processing GNS Wholesale invoices electronically, be sure to contact GNS immediately so they know who is affected.
2. Keep records of affected transactions for easy resolution once the issue settles.
3. You must go manual if you are affected until it's resolved.

Your business is important to us, and we're committed to resolving this situation quickly and efficiently. Contact our customer support team immediately if you have any questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Bernard Zimmermann
Director, POS Solutions

FAQ

Q: Can I still process GNS Wholesale invoices manually?
A: Yes, manual processing of invoices is still possible and unaffected by this issue.

Q: Will this affect my ability to place new orders with GNS Wholesale?
A: No, this issue only affects invoice processing and does not impact order placement.

Update 6/Mar/25 : The quickest way to fix the GNS problem we decided was to update our software. Yesterday we updated our system and now it works.It should now work properly.

Written by:

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.

Identifying peak sales hours is crucial for proper staff scheduling. Yet, typical point-of-sale reports often miss important details. By doing this, it can significantly impact your retail operation and profitability.

Here we will discuss 

- Retail staff scheduling best practices

- Data-driven employee scheduling

- Sales forecasting for retail scheduling

- Optimising retail schedules with POS data

- Hourly sales analysis for staffing

The 50/20 Rule

When you measure shop sales by hours, which we have done, you may like us be surprised how closely most of our customers' shops followed the 50/20 rule. If you examine your shop, you will find that approximately 50% of its total and traffic sales occur during the 20 busiest hours in a week. This seems true of all shops, no matter what they do or how big or small. What we did find was that different shops recorded different peak segments. Adequately staffing these peak 20 hours is considered the most effective way to drive sales, and knowing your peak hours informs critical business decisions about staffing, inventory, and marketing.

This is why knowing them is so important. If you have not identified them, you can click here.

Our research demonstrates that our clients who increased their staffing coverage during peak hours experienced an improvement in sales. What this means for your business is compelling: without increasing your overall labor budget, you can potentially boost sales simply by addressing your peak hour coverage.

Some forward-thinking retailers leverage this data strategically by running targeted promotions during traditionally quieter periods. If you are doing loyalty marketing, it's great.

The Complexity of Retail Staffing

Retail operations encounter complex staffing challenges as each department sees distinct customer traffic patterns. Your stationery department may thrive on weekends, while the book section experiences its peak during weekday evenings. Additionally, these patterns change with the seasons—holiday shopping generates significantly different demands compared to back-to-school periods.

You need department-specific sales data broken down by hour to optimise staffing across your entire operation. The good news? Your POS system already captures this valuable information, and accessing it is simpler than you think.

Harnessing the Power of Your POS Data

Here's how to unlock this game-changing information in just 10 seconds:

1. Navigate to your POS reporting dashboard
2. Select "Cash Register Reports" from the main menu
3. Click on "Sales - Register" in the dropdown menu
4. Choose "Dissection Sales by Hour" from the available report options
5. Set your date parameters to match the equivalent period from last year (e.g., if planning for March 2026, analyse March 2025)
6. Generate the report to view department-specific hourly sales data

This report is your secret weapon for data-driven scheduling. It provides a detailed breakdown of sales by department and hour, allowing you to identify peak times for each section of your shop.

Transforming Data into Action

With this powerful report in hand, you're now equipped to:

• Identify which departments need additional staffing during specific hours
• Schedule your top performers during department-specific peak periods
• Adjust staffing levels seasonally based on historical patterns
• Reduce labour costs during consistently slow periods across departments

One of our customers told me, "The most successful retailers today are those who analyse their sales data at the department level. This scheduling report ensures you have the right people in the right place at the right time". It directly improves customer satisfaction.

The Impact on Your Bottom Line

The benefits of implementing department-specific scheduling based on hourly sales data are substantial. Retailers who adopt this strategy typically see a reduction in labour costs while maintaining or improving sales performance.

One study here found that staff schedules using POS data like here by implementing more stable scheduling practices increased sales by up to 7%. It also ensures adequate coverage during department-specific peak hours.

Putting It All Together

Would you be ready to change your scheduling approach? Here's your action plan:

1. Generate your first department-specific hourly sales report today
2. Identify at least three opportunities to optimise your staffing
3. Schedule a 15-minute team meeting to implement these insights for next week's roster
4. Monitor the impact on sales and customer satisfaction over the next month
5. Refine your approach based on the results

We want the right staff in the right place at the right time.

The Payoff

Don't let valuable insights from your POS system go to waste. You can start leveraging your sales-by-hour data today and watch as your shop turns into a model of retail efficiency. Your staff will appreciate the well-thought-out schedules, your customers will enjoy better service, and your bottom line will thank you.

Written by:

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.

Whether you want it or not, you have an online presence today. Many individuals and organisations search for you and your business on Google. Now when someone searches for you or your business name on Google, what do they come across? If the results are poor, this may raise concerns.

With Google's recent privacy updates for 2025, we now have more control over the information in our search results. It allows you to manage your Google digital footprint more effectively.

The new "Results About You" Hub

Google has overhauled its "Results about you" tool to make it easier for you to protect your personal information online. It represents a significant improvement in functionality that can benefit you.

It actively scans search results for personal information and alerts you when it discovers details such as your phone number, email address, or physical location.

Setting up the tool is easy.

Click here.

Setting up this privacy tool is straightforward and worth the minute it takes:

1. Visit the Results About You page through your Google account. Yes, you need a Google account.
2. Click "Get started" to enable the tool
3. Enter your full name and any other names you use professionally. A woman, for example, might put in her married and maiden name.
4. Add your personal contact information, including home address, phone number, and email addresses
5. Verify your information is correct and set up notification preferences
6. Confirm and save your settings

Once configured, Google will continuously monitor its search results for the personal information you've specified; soon, you will receive notifications when something is found.

Google will place the information in your hub for review. It also maintains a comprehensive overview of all your current and previously approved removal requests in one convenient location to monitor.

New Removal Process

I like the improvement to the removal process, which makes it significantly easier to request the removal of personal information directly from search results.

Next to each listing are three dots. Clicking on these dots will give you three clear options.

1. "It shows my info"—Use this to remove sensitive information like phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, credit card details, and login credentials. It's a nightmare if your credit card details are online.
2. "I have a legal removal request" - For content that violates Google's policies.
3. "It's outdated, and I want to request a refresh"—This is to update outdated information.

Refreshing Outdated Content

For many retailers, outdated information can be as problematic. You may have moved locations, changed your business hours, or updated your contact information. Now, Google's new refresh option addresses this issue quickly.

What I also like about it is that previously, we had to wait for Google's regular crawling schedule, which could take weeks. Now, by clicking the three dots next to an outdated search result and selecting the refresh option, you can immediately prompt Google's systems to recrawl the page and retrieve the most current information.

This feature is particularly valuable for retailers who have recently:

• Relocated their shop
• Updated their business hours
• Changed contact information
• Refreshed their product offerings
• Rebranded their business

Why This Matters for Australian Retailers

For retailers in Australia, maintaining accurate online information is essential for customer trust and business operations. Outdated store locations, incorrect opening hours, or exposed personal contact details can lead to customer frustration and lost sales.

Beyond Google: Comprehensive Online Privacy

While Google's new tools are powerful, remember that they only affect Google Search results. The original content still exists on websites unless you contact those owners directly. For comprehensive online privacy management, consider these additional steps:

1. Regularly audit your business listings across all platforms (Google Business Profile, Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc.)
2. Contact directories and websites directly to update or remove outdated information
3. Consider using a professional reputation management service for ongoing monitoring. I have never used these services, but I am told that Incogni is a good service for a person, costing about $8 US/per month. If there is enough interest, I will track down another group deal.

The Future of Online Privacy

As privacy concerns grow worldwide, search engines and online platforms will likely offer more advanced tools for managing personal information. In this context, Google's 2025 privacy updates mark a significant step towards empowering users to control their online presence better.