Connecting with customers is especially important. Now, with the holiday season, with your receipts, you have a great chance to do this. Our POS system makes this quick and free, transforming receipts into retention tools.

Firstly, include a New Year's quote on receipts.

Why Include a New Year's Quote on Your Receipts?

Customers tend to keep receipts, often for proof of purchase and tax purposes, giving them a long lifespan and a few reads. This is why this simple marketing tactic is so effective.

Although exact figures for physical receipts vary, digital receipts boast a super impressive open rate of up to 75%. No other marketing channel garners such much attention. By leveraging this space, you can proceed to:

• Spread festive cheer and positive vibes during the holiday rush.
• Spark conversations about hopes and dreams for the new year.
• Differentiate yourself from competitors who use standard, boring receipts.
• Strengthen your reputation as a thoughtful, caring brand.

Read more about the power of receipt marketing here.

How to Choose the Perfect Message

When selecting a New Year's quote for your receipts, focus on impact.

Great options include:

• Famous New Year's quotes.
• Upbeat messages about new beginnings.
• Playful resolutions related to your products (e.g., "I resolve to eat more chocolate").
• Sincere notes of gratitude for their support in 2025.

Examples of Quotes to Consider

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." — Oprah Winfrey

"The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” — Josiyah Martin

"New year—a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately, we write it. The choice is ours.” — Alex Morritt

Click here for more quote inspiration.

Beyond Quotes: Maximise Your Receipt Footer

Your receipt footer is prime real estate. After an inspiring quote, use it to make sales.

1. Print Your Christmas Trading Hours

Put your Trading Hours directly on the receipt

Just in case, check the official trading hours, check here.

2. Market Your Gift Ideas

Don't just hope customers notice your gift lines—tell them about it on the receipt they just bought! A simple footer message can plant the seed for a return visit.

• For Hampers: "Forgot someone? We have curated Gift Hampers ready to go!"
• For Toys: "Check out our new Board Games—perfect for New Year's Eve parties."
• For Summer Items: "Heading to the beach? Look at our ....."

3. Drive Social Media Connection

Social media is your best friend for retention. Use the bottom of your receipt to request a follow-up explicitly.

The line is simple, and I am sure you have seen it six million times

"Follow us on Facebook" @YourStoreName

Spread Positivity in the New Year

Ready to inspire your customers to use your POS System now to update your receipt. It takes less than 2 minutes.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with 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.

If you are in an industry, you need to know the language and terms. Some of these retail terms are universal, and some are Australian, so what I have collected is our Australian retail glossary that every shop owner should know. As the retail industry is changing so rapidly, it's important to keep up. I've curated the essential acronyms, retail KPIs and shop management terms that every Aussie shop owner needs to master to navigate in our rapidly evolving industry.

From financial KPIs to digital trends, here is your A-Z guide...

A-C

2D Scanner
Unlike traditional laser scanners that only read linear barcodes, a 2D scanner captures images to read QR codes and digital screens. These barcodes can hold significantly more information than regular barcodes and are often essential for digital loyalty cards accessed through smartphones. Experts claim that these barcodes will replace standard barcodes, but I see that as a distant future.

ABN (Australian Business Number)
A unique 11-digit number that identifies your business to the government and community. You need this to claim GST credits and avoid having tax withheld from payments made to you.

Agency Model
A business model used by the Lottery, Parcel Pickups, and laundries, where the retailer acts as an agent. Generally, you earn a fixed commission and cannot set your own prices or margins. Your profit relies entirely on transaction volume.

Anchor Shop (Destination shop)
In your shopping centre, this is the shop that attracts the most foot traffic. Often it is a supermarket, sometimes a bank, and sometimes it is a few shops. Retailers rely on this 'anchor' to generate passing trade. Shopping centres are often so keen to secure these shops that they offer huge discounts to get them to come.

Award Wages
The minimum legal pay rates and conditions for your industry. Most shop assistants fall under the General Retail Industry Award. It dictates base pay, breaks, and rosters.

Basket Depth
The number of items in a customer's basket (as opposed to the total value). In a newsagency, you often have high traffic but low spend. The goal is to increase "basket depth" by getting that newspaper buyer to add a greeting card or a chocolate bar.

Basket Value (Average Transaction Value)
The average amount spent on a single visit.

Big Data
Your shop often has a lot of information in its POS System; big data is a commonly used process that uses computer software to analyse this information to find actionable insights. It is the process of examining large volumes of transaction and customer data to reveal patterns and trends. Many people mistakenly believe that AI is replacing this. Still, AI technology cannot do this yet, partly because it cannot handle so much information and partly because its processing is not as thorough as Big Data Software. What is commonly done now is to feed the Big Data reports we produce into an AI so the retailer can get actionable information. It's a process of turning raw numbers into actionable insights, great for personalised marketing or stock reordering.

BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)
A payment service that allows customers to take goods immediately and pay for them in instalments. These services are extremely popular in Australia now.

Brick and Mortar Shop
A brick-and-mortar store is a retail shop with a physical location.

Bulk
Bulk is buying goods in large quantities.

Bundles
Bundles are a few goods and/or services often offered at a lower price than if each item were purchased individually.

Buying group
How many people are buying goods in your shop, for example, a woman and her three kids would be four people, but one buying group.

Capture Rate %
This KPI is the % of passing traffic that actually enters your shop.

Casual Loading
An additional percentage (usually 25%) is paid to casual employees over the base hourly rate. This compensates them for not receiving permanent benefits, such as sick or annual leave.

Chargeback
A chargeback is a charge that's returned to a payment card after a customer successfully disputes a purchase on their account. It can occur on bank accounts or credit cards. There is much criticism of this practice in retail now.

Click and Collect
Customers can order online or by phone and pick up their purchases in the shop.

COGS (Cost of Goods Sold)
The direct cost of purchasing the products you sold during a nominated period of time. It is determined by Opening Inventory + Purchases - Closing Inventory = COGS. Your accountant must have this figure.

Consignment Merchandise
This merchandise in the shop remains the supplier's property.

Conversion Rate
The retail conversion KPI is the percentage of visitors who purchase, relative to the number who enter the shop. For example, if 100 shoppers visit a shop but only 20 buy, the conversion rate is 20 percent. There is often a problem here: many counting scanners count people, while the more advanced ones count a buying group.

Cross-Merchandising
Displaying products from different categories together to encourage add-on sales.

D-H

Dead Stock
Inventory that has not sold for an extended period and is unlikely to sell in the future. Often, it must be aggressively cleared out during a flash sale, e.g., an EOFY sale.

Demand Forecast
An estimate of the future demand for goods and/or services. It uses adjustments for both trend and seasonal factors.

Depth of Assortment
This is the number of each item or product style that a retailer stocks. For example, a shallow product depth, meaning they may only have say 3-5 different types of each product in a stock line.

Destination Department
A category so strong that people will travel specifically to your shop for it.

Discretionary vs. Non-Discretionary
Where stock is divided based on consumer behaviour.
Non-Discretionary are essentials like milk, pet food, stationery, and lottery. What people like them have is that they are often resilient during economic downturns.
Discretionary are gifts, toys, and high-end pens. These are the first to drop when the economy goes South.

Dropshipping
Dropshipping allows retailers to sell products while the supplier handles shipping to customers.

Early Returns
The practice of returning goods to a supplier before their official off-sale date.

EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale)
The electronic payment system in Australia includes debit and credit cards. It can be confusing because, unlike in other countries, Australians distinguish between "paying by card" and "using EFTPOS."

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)
This technology is used to reduce shoplifting. Tags are affixed to high-value goods and removed or deactivated by staff after purchase to prevent them from setting off the alarm system.

Flash Sales
A flash sale is a sudden promotion offered by a shop for a brief period. It encourages impulse buying and is excellent for clearing unsellable stock.

Footfall
The number of people or buying groups coming into your shop.

GMROI (Gross Margin Return on Investment)
This is the most important KPI in retail management. It calculates how many dollars of profit you get back for every dollar you invest in Inventory. It's excellent as it gives you a measure that combines turnover and selling margins. A healthy target for most shops is a score of 3.2 or higher.

Gross Margin
The gross margin is total sales revenue minus cost of goods sold, divided by total sales revenue, expressed as a percentage. Use it as a standard KPI in your shop.

High Speed Retail
Customers demand faster service and shorter waiting times; if it takes too long, they walk out.

I-M

Impulse Purchase
Unplanned buying decisions are made at the purchase. Make sure you have items in demand near the cash register.

Integrated Supply Chain
Integrated supply chain management is a specific resource-planning approach to traditional supply chain management. It requires a relationship with your suppliers.

Inventory Management
Crucial for knowing when to restock items, what amounts to purchase or produce, and what price to pay to suppliers. Small businesses can automate day-to-day stock management by adopting POS technology.

Lay-by
A traditional Australian payment method where the retailer holds the goods while the customer pays them off over time.

Lead Time
The lead time is the time between when the retailer places an order and the product arrives at the shop. If you are buying overseas, it might take a month or more.

Legacy Lines
Products that were good but are now in decline.

LFL (Like-for-Like Sales)
A commonly used KPI for comparing sales this year to the same period last year (e.g., September 2024 to September 2025). This is considered the best and most accurate measure as it avoids seasonal variations.

Loss Leader
Loss leaders are goods offered at a loss to attract customers into a shop.

Loyalty Marketing
Customers who like and trust a shop buy more. Retailers often encourage this by offering rewards programs.

Markdown
Markdowns are discounts retailers permanently reduce the price of an item from its marked price.

Markup
It is the amount by which a product's price is increased. One reason may be that the retailer thinks they can get more.

Merchant Surcharges
The fees retailers pay to the bank when a customer pays with a card.

Minimum Advertised Price
This is a supplier's pricing policy used to prevent retailers from advertising prices below a specified price. It's disputed whether a retailer can advertise at a lower cost; however, they can sell items in their shop for less. If they do, it may give them problems with their supplier.

Mystery Shopping
A research method used to gather feedback. It can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via online inquiries to collect data on factors such as staff friendliness.

N-Q

Niche Retailing
Niche retailers generally don't appeal to large groups of consumers; they target the particular needs of small groups.

NPP (New Payments Platform)
An Australian Payment infrastructure that enables real-time clearing of payments between banks. Interest in it now stems from merchants trying to avoid card surcharges.

Omnichannel Retail
An approach to sales that aims to get as many customers as possible, by using their shop, e-commerce and the phone. I think most shops should look into this.

On-Sale Date
The specific date when you are allowed to start selling an item. Often, placing these items out early can result in penalties from suppliers.

Penalty Rates
These higher pay rates are mandated by law. They are for unsociable hours, such as weekends, public holidays, or late nights. You need to consider this in your roster.

Planogram
A visual diagram that shows precisely where products are placed on shelves to maximise sales. Often, large suppliers provide their display standards. How to create a planogram is here.

POS (Point of Sale)
The spot where the customer transactions happen. This is the most valuable part of your shop.

POS (Point of Sale) System
This is the method you use to do customer transactions. It can be a computer, a till, or even a cash drawer.

Priority Management
Managing daily operational chaos.  The following system can be used, which is assigned a number from 0 to 4 based on priority:

Product Life Cycle
In retail, this is from when a product first goes on sale until it's removed from sale.

Quantity Discount
This is an incentive for the buyer to buy more. The more they buy, the lower the price per unit.

Quantity on Hand (QOH)
It is the quantity of an item that a retailer has in stock.

R-T

Rain Check
A written commitment to a customer to sell an out-of-stock item at the sale price once you get it back in stock. Under Australian Consumer Law, if you advertise a sale, you must supply the item or offer a rain check. Because of this, many retailers include a clause in their advertisements stating that the offer is valid only while supplies last.

Roster
A list that outlines the specific days, times, and duties each employee is required to work in the shop.

RRP (Recommended Retail Price)
The price a supplier suggests a retailer should charge customers for a product. In many Australian states, you are free to set your own prices. In some states, if the product is advertised, you can charge less but no more than the RRP. You need to check.

Sales Strategy
The strategy for presenting your products to your customers.

Sale or Return
An agreement with a supplier that means you can return unsold items for full credit.

Showrooming
Showrooming is when a customer visits a shop to see a product but then purchases it from an online retailer as it's cheaper. You become a showroom for an online retailer.

Shrinkage
This KPI measures inventory loss, generally due to shoplifting, employee theft, or administrative error.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
A unique code used to identify each distinct product in a product line, e.g., a blue pen and a red pen may have the same barcode but different SKUs.

Stockturn (Inventory Turnover)
Not so commonly used today, but what it measures is the number of times you sell and replace your stock over a year. High stockturn is generally good (fresh stock), but it can also mean that you do not have enough stock of an item, while low stockturn means cash is tied up in dusty products.

Supply Chain Management
The activities needed to plan, control, and deliver a product to the final customer.

SWOT Analysis
A typical strategic planning technique used to evaluate businesses today. Business agents, analysts and banks typically use it.

U-Z

Webrooming
This term refers to a customer who browses products online before visiting a physical store to examine them in person.

Wholesaler
A wholesaler acts as a "middleman" by purchasing items in bulk from a supplier and then selling those products to retailers.

X-Off
An X-Off report is generated to compare the actual cash in the cash drawer with the amount recorded by the POS (Point of Sale) system. This report helps identify any cash discrepancies immediately at any time.

Z-Off (End of Day)
At the end of each shift, a Z-Off report is created to compare the actual cash in the cash drawer with the amount calculated by the POS system.

Importance of These Terms

Understanding these terms is crucial for effective communication with your colleagues.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with 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 Clients,

This is a crucial service update regarding our customer support availability over the end-of-year holiday period.

Holiday Support Schedule:

The main office will be closed

• Thursday 25 December 2025 (Christmas Day)
• Friday 26 December 2025 (Boxing Day)
• Wednesday 1 January 2026 (New Year’s Day)

All other weekdays during this period, including Wednesday 24 December 2025, will operate under our standard support hours.

Support Channels:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone (Melbourne): (03) 9597 7222
• Phone (Sydney): (02) 8035 6666
• Phone (Perth): (08) 6160 3301
• Phone (Brisbane): (07) 3087 5304
• Live chat: Via your POS system dashboard

Non-standard Support

• Phone: 0419 553 781 (No SMS)

Normal Operations Resume:

Full support hours and services resume on Thursday, 2 January 2026.

Thank you for your attention to this service notice.

POS Solutions Australia Pty Ltd
U2 Fiveways Business Centre
Keysborough Close
Keysborough Victoria 3173
ACN: 006 195 400
ABN: 91 006 195 400

A new law mandating cash acceptance for essential businesses, the clock begins on 1 January 2026. The final legislation is much less of the initial government proposals. While most of our clients already accept cash and intend to continue doing so, a growing number are considering a cashless model and need clarity about their rights.

Crucially, retailers must understand that government rules are part of the picture. Many have contractual obligations to their suppliers as well.

The Government

The federal law mandates certain businesses to accept cash payments for goods and services. However, the scope is unexpectedly limited, far less than originally promised, and several exemptions still apply.

Business Category

It targets explicitly retailers of "essential" goods, primarily supermarkets and fuel stations. It does not automatically apply to businesses that sell items such as stationery, books, or pet food.​

Small Business Exemption

The law includes a significant exemption for small businesses, generally defined as those with an annual turnover below $10 million.​

"Part of a Group" Rule

If your business operates as part of a larger group or franchise (e.g., a branded service station), you are likely required to accept cash regardless of your individual turnover.​

Primary Purpose

Your obligation is determined by your primary business category, not the specific item being sold. For instance, if fuel is your primary revenue source, you must accept cash for all items in the store, including non-essentials.

Transaction Limit

The requirement to accept cash only applies to transactions up to $500. For any sale over this amount, you can legally refuse the money.​

While the government may exempt you based on turnover or category, your suppliers likely won't. This brings us to the most overlooked aspect of the new mandate: your commercial contracts.

The Commercial Reality

Even if the law gives you a pass, your most important business partners may require you to handle cash. Before considering a cashless policy for any product, you must check your existing agreements.

Australia Post

Licensed Post Offices (LPOs) operate under a different mandate that defines them as essential service providers. You will be required to accept cash for all postal transactions, such as stamps and bill payments.

Lottery Services

Your lottery retailer agreement requires you to accept cash for ticket sales and pay out smaller prizes in cash. You cannot provide this service without money in the till.

Transport Ticketing

If you are an agent for public transport ticketing, your contract likely designates you as a cash access point for the network, obligating you to accept cash.

Payment & Parcel Services

Third-party bill payment or parcel drop-off services want you to accept cash from customers. Refusing cash could be seen as a breach of your service agreement.

The "Split Counter" Nightmare

Implementing a hybrid policy that accepts cash for some items but not others will create significant operational and customer service issues.

Customer Friction

Refusing cash for a greeting card while accepting it for petrol at the same counter invites customer conflict and erodes goodwill.

Operational Complexity

A mixed policy is difficult for staff to enforce during busy periods, increasing the risk of errors. It also complicates compliance with card surcharging rules, frustrating customers who have cash ready.

Your Action Plan

For those considering a move to a cashless system, a review of your legal and commercial obligations is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: If my business goes cashless after 1 January 2026, do I need a sign?
A: Yes. Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACCC), you must clearly disclose your payment terms before a transaction to avoid misleading customers. Put a prominent sign at the entrance or point of sale, such as "Card Payments Only."

Q: My insurer requires me to minimise cash holdings. Does the law override this?
A: The law does not void private contracts. You must negotiate with your insurer to find a solution that balances your legal mandate to accept cash with your contractual insurance obligations.

Q: Can I surcharge for cash payments?
A: Surcharging for cash is legally risky; adding a fee to a cash payment could be viewed as misleading pricing under Australian Consumer Law, which assumes prices are listed in cash.

Q: My local bank branch closed. How can I comply if I can't deposit cash?
A: The collapse of our cash infrastructure is a growing problem. The law requires you to accept cash but does not compel banks to remain open. You may need to find an alternative bank or consider paying for business expenses in cash at other local retailers.

Note, I am not a lawyer and do not pretend to be, and I suggest you seek professional advice before proceeding with any proposed action on this...

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with 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.

Employee theft is a significant concern to retailers today. It undermines profits. It also hurts, as it involves breaking trust. Industry data shows retail crime costs Australian businesses about $8 billion and is increasing, with staff responsible for roughly 40% of shrinkage. The problem is that it's often small, daily losses that add up over a year.

As I have noted here the problem has gotten worse, particularly after COVID. Others are noticing it too.

The good news is that you likely already have the tools to stop it. Your Point of Sale (POS) system is more than just a cash register; it's your first line of defence.

Make Each Operator Accountable

A crucial first step is to assign each staff member their own cash drawer. This makes them personally responsible. Your POS system can drive many drawers from a single computer. This means each operator can work and reconcile their till without affecting others. This protects you because any missing funds are clearly linked to a single person, not the whole team. I suggest doing this immediately.

How to check your security KPIs?

To check these security KPIs, go to the cash register reports. (see orange arrow)

Then select Staff and click on "Sales security indicators" (see blue arrow)

Select the required period. 

A report will pop up with many indicators.

Using Your Sales Security Indicators

You can now use your POS reports to spot patterns that indicate theft.

In your POS system, these are called Security KPI's. They show how each operator uses sensitive functions at the register. The fact is that dishonest behaviour is usually a habit. This is because if a method works, an offender will typically repeat it, and so that repetition shows up as a pattern.

From your reports menu, run this report for at least four weeks. I prefer whole weeks over months because months vary in the number of Mondays, Saturdays, and so on. Four weeks provide enough data to identify real patterns rather than isolated errors.

The Key Indicators to Watch

When you run the report, look closely at these specific numbers for each staff member:

No Sales

This counts how often the cash drawer is opened without a sale being recorded. A consistently high number here is a major red flag. It suggests someone may be opening the till to remove cash while pretending to give change or "check" a price.

Voids and Error Corrections

You need to distinguish between a "line void" (fixing a single wrong item) and a "wholesale void" (cancelling the entire transaction). A person with many full-sale voids, especially during busy times, deserves closer attention, as what is commonly done is to enter the sale to show the customer the total, then void it if the customer pays cash.

Refunds and Negative Items

Watch for frequent refunds or items with negative prices. Be particularly careful if you see cash refunds processed when no customer is at the counter.

Average Sale Value and Items Per Sale

Compare each operator's average dollar sale and items per transaction to the store average. A consistently lower staff member may be under-ringing items. This is often a sign of "sweethearting," when one charges a friend for a single cheap item while handing over several expensive ones.

Interpreting the Numbers in Context

Numbers only make sense when you understand the context of your shop. You are not looking for perfection, as everyone makes the odd mistake. You are looking for patterns that stand out.

Keep these factors in mind when comparing staff:

Experience levels:

A junior working the Saturday rush will naturally have more transactions and mistakes than a senior on a quiet Tuesday morning.

Shift patterns:

Always compare like with like. Compare a Saturday staff member to another Saturday staff member.

Seasonality:

When you're really busy, like the lead-up to Christmas, you will see more scanning errors simply due to time pressure.

Look for staff whose indicators remain abnormally high across different periods, not just during the busiest weeks.

Linking POS Activity With CCTV

Finally, use your POS Software information with your security cameras. If your report shows an unusual refund, void, or "no sale" event at a specific time, go to your video footage for that exact moment.

Look:

• Was a customer actually present?
• Did cash change hands?
• Does the screen show the same items?

I have seen reports list transactions, but the camera told a different story. In one case, we clearly saw the employee pocket the money during a transaction flagged by the report as suspicious. This combination of complex data and visual evidence is the most effective way to confirm if you have a training issue or a theft problem.

Conclusion

Securing your shop means you have to monitor constantly. Utilising the security KPI's in your POS system can help spot likely risks early and safeguard your hard-earned profits.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with 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.

We all know Google is the big player in search engines. Many retailers spend time worrying about their Google ranking. I have seen large shops have an SEO person to make sure it goes well. But if you ignore Bing Places for Business, you are missing out on customers.

In 2025, setting up your shop on Bing is not just "nice to have." It is a smart move to grow your business. Does it cost you NO!

According to Microsoft data, about 17 million people in Australia use its search network each month.

Here is a secret many retailers miss: many of these users are at work, where their work computers have Bing set as the default search engine. Its windows default and these people search during the workday, this is when most people buy. These people have money.

If your shop isn't on Bing, you are invisible to them.

Why You Should Care About Bing

A potential customer asks their computer, "Where can I find a gift shop near me?" Are you there in the answer?

If your business isn't listed correctly on Bing, the computer will recommend someone else, since the AI won't know you exist.

You want your shop to be the answer.

The good news? You can get this sorted in 5 minutes.

How to Set Up Your Profile Quickly

You don't need to be a wizard, as there is a shortcut that saves you heaps of time.

If you already have a Google Business Profile, and you should have, if not, see how to set one up.

Now, once you have a Google Business Profile, you can copy all that information straight over to Bing. Here is how you do it:

Go to the Bing Places Website:

Head over to bing.com/forbusiness. You will need a Microsoft account (like Outlook or Hotmail) to sign in.

Claim Your Business:

Search for your shop's name. If you see it, click "Claim this business." If you don't see it, click "Add new business."

Use the Import Tool:

This is the best part. Choose the option to "Import from Google Business Profile." This pulls in your address, hours, and photos instantly.

Check Your Details:

Look closely at your Name, Address, and Phone number. It must be 100% correct. If it's not, you could miss out on customers.

Write a Good Description:

Tell people what you do. Use simple words that customers search for. For example: "Your local newsagency for books and gifts. Find us inside Albert Village Shopping Centre, right near Woolworths."

Pick Your Categories:

Don't just pick "Retail." Be specific. Here, for example, I would select "Book Shop," "Greeting Card Shop," or "Stationery Supplier." This helps the right people find you.

If you are unsure what to write here, use your sales reports in your POS Software.

Then put in a simple words customers search eg "gluten-free bakery," "men's work boots" or "dog toys."

Add Photos:

Good ones, pictures sell products. Upload bright, clear photos of your best displays, here is how to take photos for your business

Make sure that your top-selling item in a department is listed.

Don't Make These Common Mistakes

I have seen many shop owners make small errors that cost them sales. Watch out for these traps:

The verification process.

Although "Import from Google" is fast, sometimes you will find that Microsoft will require a manual postcard/phone verification, if so do not give up, they are just trying to make sure the information is accurate and what you say is true. Fill it out. Then keep an eye out, as sometimes it gets lost in their system.

Wrong Opening Hours:

A potential customer can get angry after driving to your shop only to find the doors locked, even though the profile said you were open; you may also get a negative review. Constantly update your hours for public holidays.

Bad Map position:

If you are in a big shopping centre, make sure the location is correct at your front door. Sometimes they are way off. This helps people find you easily. What is the point of telling people all this information if they cannot find your shop?

How to Get even More Customers Through the Door

Once your profile is set up, you can use a few tricks to get more attention.

Post Special Deals:

Bing lets you post "Deals" right on your listing. You could offer "20% off all magazines" or a special bundle price. This grabs attention quickly.

I think Bing's "Deals" feature is more prominent and easier to use than Google's.

Reply to Reviews:

It is very important to ask your regulars to leave a review. Always thank them. If a customer leaves a negative review, respond politely to resolve the issue. This demonstrates that you care.

Conclusion

Fixing your Bing Places for Business profile is an easy win. It doesn't cost money, and it takes minimal effort. Probably about 5 minutes.

Make sure your details are correct, that your profile looks good, millions of Australian shoppers use Bing and Microsoft tools and don't leave those sales on the table.

[Claim Your Free Bing Places Listing Now]

Update: This article had to be rewritten as Bing procedures changes recently

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with 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 speed bump is a physical disruption in the road that slows you down. You pay attention. Shift from "autopilot" to "alert." In retail, a speed bump slows down customers, too. A retail speed bump is a strategically placed display located in your storefront. Its job isn't necessarily to sell the product it holds (though that's a nice bonus); its primary job is to physically and visually interrupt the customer's walk. It gets them to break their stride, lowers their gaze, and switches their brain from "walking past" to "browsing."

Without a speed bump, many customers will walk straight past your aisles, eyes glazed over, heading for a specific destination or simply drifting through without engaging. By placing a curated "obstacle" in their path, you force a pause. If they do not stop, they will not buy. It is that simple.

Here is how you can build a speed bump that stops traffic.

Why It Works: The 427% Discovery

Here is a study by the Russell R. Mueller Retail Hardware Research Foundation that found that in hardware stores, dump bins (a classic form of speed bump) increased sales of the items inside by a staggering 427%. However, the principle remains true across all retail sectors: Interruption creates sales.

Now, before you run out and buy a wire cage for your boutique, let's pause.

That 427% figure comes from the hardware industry, where "rummaging" is part of the experience. If you run a high-end store, e.g., a gift shop, a wire-dump bin might signal "cheap" rather than "value." So what retailers do often is not "dump bins." We bought "Discovery Tables." The psychological trigger is the same.

When done right, this display:

• Disrupts Autopilot: It physically and visually halts traffic.
• Lowers Risk: It usually features lower-priced items, making the mental barrier to entry much lower than a full-priced rack.
• Initiates the "Yes": Once a customer says "yes" to picking up a small item, they are psychologically primed to say "yes" to entering the store and buying more.

Step 1: The "What" – Don't Guess, Use Your POS Data

This is where most retailers get it wrong. They treat their speed bump display as a place to put "whatever we have too much of."

This is a mistake. Your speed bump is prime real estate. It is the billboard for your business. If you fill it with junk that nobody wants, you are telling everyone that your store is full of junk.

Instead of guessing, you need to turn to your POS system. Your point-of-sale software is not just for taking payments; it is a goldmine of intelligence.

POS reports

You are looking for specific criteria:

1. Dead Stock: Items that haven't sold in 90 to 120 days. These are costing you money in storage and cash flow.
2. High Margin: Items where you have enough markup that you can afford to discount them slightly if needed, or bundle them.
3. Impulse Friendly: Items that don't require sizing or complex explanations. A scarf is a great speed bump item.

Another strategy is to use your POS system to find high-volume, low-cost items. Look at your "Best Sellers by Quantity" report. If you have a $15 candle that sells like hotcakes, that is a perfect candidate for a speed bump. Why? Because it is a proven winner. Putting it front and centre shows new customers that you stock desirable, affordable items. It acts as "social proof" that your store is worth entering.

Action Step: Before you move a single table, print out your "Slow Movers" report from your POS. Highlight the top 5 small, visually appealing, non-perishable items. These are your speed bump candidates.

Step 2: The Boutique Approach – Anatomy of a Perfect Display

Now that your POS system has told you what to sell, let's talk about how to sell it.

We want to create a "boutique discovery" zone, not a bargain basement.

The Fixture

Ditch the wire bin. Use a fixture that matches your store's vibe:

• The Nesting Table: A small, waist-high wooden table is inviting. It creates a flat surface that is easy to shop from.
• Vintage Crates: Stacking sturdy wooden crates creates a rustic, market-feel that implies freshness and discovery.
• The "Tower": A tiered stand works well for smaller items, allowing you to create height without taking up much floor space.

The Arrangement: The Pyramid Principle

Don't just lay items flat. Flat is boring. You need height and depth.

• Build Up: Use acrylic risers, books, or small boxes under a tablecloth to create different levels on your table.
• The Pyramid: Arrange products in a pyramid shape. The tallest item goes in the centre or back, with smaller items cascading down. This keeps the eye moving.
• Mass Up: Abundance sells. A table with three items looks picked over. A table with 30 items looks like a fresh shipment. If you don't have enough stock (which your inventory management software would warn you about), use smaller baskets to keep the items looking plentiful.

The Signage

Your sign is the "headline" of the story. A neon "SALE" sign can look desperate. Instead, use language that implies value and discovery.

• Bad: "50% Off Old Stock"
• Bad: "Clearance bin"
• Good: "Market Day Finds: Under $10"
• Good: "Last Chance"
• Good: "Staff Favourites"

Use a small A4 frame or a clean chalkboard. Ensure the price is clearly visible. If they cannot find the price, you've lost 50% of the walkers.

Step 3: Pricing Strategy

You have arrested their attention. You have shown them a nice product. Now, you need to trigger the impulse buy.

Decision fatigue is real. If a customer has to do mental maths ("It's $25 less 30%... uh..."), they will keep walking. Your speed bump pricing must be instant and frictionless.

• The "Power of One": A single, flat price point is most effective. "Everything on this table is under $15."
• The Bundle: "2 for $30." This encourages them to dig for a second item, doubling their dwell time at the table.
• The Anchor: Place a sign that says "Was $45, Now $20." This anchors the value at $45, making the $20 price tag feel like a win.

Step 4: Measuring Impact and Improving

You can't manage what you don't measure. This is where your Point of Sale (POS) system becomes your most valuable employee.

Many retailers set up a display and "feel" like it's working. But feelings don't pay the rent. You need complex numbers.

Tracking Conversion

1. Mark the Date: Note exactly when you set up the speed bump in your calendar.
2. Monitor Velocity: After 1 week, pull a sales report for the specific SKUs listed in the table. Compare the sales velocity (units sold per day) from the week before they were on the table to the week during.
3. Check Basket Size: This is the advanced move. Use your POS reporting to see if the customers who bought the speed bump item also bought other items.
   • If they only bought the $10 item, your speed bump is working as a sale but not as a funnel. You should move the table slightly closer to the door to pull them in.
   • If they bought the $10 item plus a $50 shirt: Success! The speed bump did its job of arresting the walker and converting them into a high-value customer.

Rotate or Die

A stale speed bump is worse than no speed bump. If a local walks past your shop every morning and sees the same sun-faded books for three weeks, they will stop looking.

Use your POS system to set a reminder. Rotate the stock every 7 to 14 days. Even if the stock hasn't sold out, move it back inside and bring out something fresh. The change itself catches the eye.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you rush to drag a table out to the footpath, keep these warnings in mind:

• The Weather: Australian weather is unpredictable. If you are on a high street, ensure your display is waterproof or easy to bring in quickly in case of sudden rain.
• The "Blocking" Effect: Ensure your speed bump doesn't physically block the entrance. It should be to the side of the flow, not a barricade.
• Brand Confusion: If you sell luxury linen, don't put a bin of cheap plastic toys out front to get attention. It confuses the customer about what you actually sell.

Conclusion

The battle for the modern shopper is won in seconds. We live in a distracted, fast-paced world where "autopilot" is the default setting.

A well-executed retail speed bump is your tool to break that autopilot. It is a friendly interruption that says, "Hey, take a breath. Look at this beautiful thing. Come inside."

But remember, a pretty table isn't enough. Data must support it.

• Use your POS system to identify the right stock.
• Apply visual merchandising principles to present it attractively.
• Use your POS reporting to monitor the results and refine your strategy.

Don't let another potential customer pass by unnoticed. This week, log in to your POS, identify five suitable items, and create your first speed bump. You might find that your best sales days begin on the footpath.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with 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.

The Christmas rush is on for Australian SMB retailers. This year, customers are more fuzzy. This is better for SMB shops.

New research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan indicates that gift-buying participation has slightly decreased by 9%. Shoppers, however, are now spending more and prioritising genuine connection. We call this the "Intentional" Shopper. To them, it's no longer about who has the cheapest plastic gadget, something that an SMB retailer finds hard to compete with.

Who is the "Intentional" Shopper?

We keep hearing this word: "Intentional." But what does it actually mean for your daily trade?

In 2025, Australian shoppers are swapping "loyalty for logic". They aren't just walking into a shop and buying a cheap thing. They are researching first. They have a specific person in mind, a specific budget, and a particular feeling in mind for the gift. Clearly, they want to buy treasures.

The data backs this up. High-spending shoppers aged 35 to 54 are averaging $853 in spend this season. That is a serious amount of money. But they aren't spending it on just anything. They are looking for value, quality, and meaning.

Why This Matters for You

This is great news for independent retailers. You don't have to compete with big-box stores on price-slashing. An intentional shopper walks into your store, looking for you to be the expert. They want you to say, "If your kid loves their dog, she will absolutely adore this dog toy."

That personal advice is something online shops cannot do.

The Return to Physical Media

One of the most encouraging trends for independent retailers this year is the renewed interest in tangible "Recreational Goods," including books.

We are seeing a massive pushback against the digital world. People are tired of screens. They want things they can hold, smell, and keep. This has driven a surge in demand for:

• Physical Books: Hardcovers are having a huge moment.
• Stationery: Beautiful journals and pens are top gifts.
• Leisure Items: Puzzles, board games, and craft kits.

The data suggests that these high-spending 35-54-year-olds are driving this demand. They want gifts that offer "genuine value" and an experience.

How to Merchandise for "Touch"

Because these shoppers want tactile experiences, your store needs to be hands-on.

• Open the Box: Don't seal everything. Have a sample journal open so people can feel the paper.
• Create Reading Nooks: If you sell books, stack them so they invite people to pick them up.
• Bundle It Up: Use your point-of-sale system to see which items are often bought together. If people who buy a specific cookbook often buy a wooden spoon, bundle them together on a display table. This makes the "intentional" choice easy for the customer.

Personal Connection Wins the Sale

This Christmas, consumers are demonstrating a clear preference for personal touches over mere convenience. In a significant market shift, only 22% of Australians say they are making more purchases online than a year ago—less than half the level seen in 2021.

This is a massive retreat from digital-only shopping. It reinforces that consumers are deliberately choosing to visit physical stores. In fact, most Australian consumers prefer shopping in brick-and-mortar stores.

Why? Because they want to find value and Connection.

The "Trust" Factor

As Catherine Jolley of Roy Morgan notes, "In this environment, trust is your most important asset." Shoppers want to see, touch, and trust the product before they purchase. They also want to trust you.

When an intentional customer walks in, they aren't just looking for stock; they are looking for help. This gives you a crucial advantage. You can leverage product knowledge to enhance the look and feel of your gift lines.

Of course, if the intentional shopper might come in for a specific $50 book, but if they see a beautiful $10 bookmark or a $15 candle right next to the register, they are very likely to add it to the basket. We call this "basket building."

Using Tech to Build Connection

The right technology actually helps you build better human connections.

Those small moments of service are what turn a one-time Christmas shopper into a loyal regular for the whole of 2026.

Timing for the Intentional Shopper

The data also highlights the importance of early preparation. Nearly one in three consumers (29%) started their Christmas shopping earlier than in 2024.

The "Layby" Advantage

I think these shoppers are not just early because they are looking, but also because they are trying to spread their budgets over several pay cycles. It ensures they secure these costly items. I know it's a pain, but consider offering "Layby," which allows customers to secure that expensive, perfect gift now and pay it off over a few weeks.

Check Your System: Make sure you know how to use your POS system's Layby feature. It is a one-click process. Your staff need training on the Layby, too, or you might miss out on these high-value sales.

Strategy: The Counter Display

• Low Cost, High Joy: Place small, tactile items near your Point of Sale (POS) system. Things that don't need much thought but bring a spark of joy.
• Gift Add-ons: A sign for your cards, wrapping paper, and ribbons should always be displayed at the checkout.

Is Your Store Ready?

If your store is a mess, these calm, focused shoppers will walk right out. You are trying to sell a premium item