Now people are looking at using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve their business. We have seen firsthand here how such AI tools can be used. I was reading a recent survey of social media (advertisers) managers by Metricool here, and I immediately saw another use of how these AI tools can be used.

Survey Insights on AI Usage

Metricool did a deep analysis, and what struck me was just how many of these people 96% were using AI to create advertisements. 72.6% doing so daily. Interestingly, half of them rely on free versions of tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Perplexity. So what they do is available to any retailer.

The first point that stands out is the efficiency gain. Nearly 79% of respondents say AI saves them significant time. Another 77.9% value AI most for generating ideas to promote products, followed by 72.5% who use it for writing content. When it comes to quality, the survey shows promising results. Of those who compared AI-generated material to traditional content, 59% found it on par, 33% deemed it better, and only 8% said it was worse. As professionals in marketing, our standards are high, so imagine how this could elevate our efforts, as we are not professional copywriters. For SMB businesses, this means producing tailored ads quickly, without outsourcing or spending hours.

Real-World Retail Example: Father's Day Campaign

Let's explore how this plays out for SMB retailers. Say you're preparing for Father's Day. You could prompt an AI tool just as I did here. Note, I use Perplexity, which we offered our readers here at a significantly discounted rate a while ago. It has a space set up for a fictional newsagency.

I liked the last idea, so I asked the AI to write a Facebook post.

Now I did like it but thought maybe I should ask for a few other ideas so I asked

I did like the post 1 idea the best, but it was a bit short so I went 

This all took under a minute to generate. If I was to post it to Facebook, I would add a quick photo from my your mobile and then I would have a decent Facebook post advertising my shop.

Practical Tips for Getting Started

Start simple

Choose a free AI tool, I like Perplexity, but Google Gemini or ChatGPT, all are also excellent.

Now experiment, like using your POS System reports to find your top ten selling products. Now ask AI to generate a Facebook post for the shop to market one of these products.

Edit your Facebook post

I find it good to ask for a few different ideas, and feel free to contribute.  

Post your Facebook post

Remember to add a photo.

Monitor results.

Track your results.

Looking Ahead: Empower Your Business

Embracing AI in advertising helps SMB retailers to compete.

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 survey below offers interesting insights from a 2025 report on Australian coffee trends. It shows that even with our rising living costs and increased green coffee bean prices, quality remains the most important. Coffee sellers must focus on taste. They must create a great customer experience. They must make wise pricing choices.

Key Takeaways

Coffee sellers need to succeed in 2025 to:

• Prioritise coffee quality
• Adjust pricing responsibly
• Manage milk alternative surcharges carefully, ideally including costs in base prices.
• Remember, coffee is a daily treat; customers aren’t ready to give up.
• Utilise your POS System for loyalty, inventory, and pricing to maximise your coffee sales.

Why Taste Dominates Coffee Trends in 2025

For Australians, taste remains the top priority when choosing where to buy coffee. The survey states that 73% of respondents state taste and quality as the most critical point. They need to focus on:

• Top-quality beans
• Having the right equipment
• Training staff on how to brew the coffee correctly.

After taste, pricing is the most important factor shaping purchasing decisions and plays a significant role in consumers' decision-making.

After understanding the importance of taste, it’s equally valuable to grasp customer expectations around pricing to balance quality with affordability.

Managing Coffee Prices in Australia: Expectations and Opportunities

Most customers report being comfortable in paying up to $5.50 for a small flat white, but anything over $6.65 is viewed as too expensive. Interestingly, regional differences by state are pretty minor.

As many cafes underprice their coffee compared to these expectations, it suggests an opportunity for many to raise prices strategically without losing demand. Your POS System is ideal to test variations and monitor its sales impacts in real time.

Beyond pricing, other factors like milk choices and surcharges are shaping customer loyalty in essential ways.

Navigating Milk Alternatives and Surcharges

Surcharges everywhere have become a problem, and in coffee, too. I have seen some studies that suggest it's best to raise all coffee prices by 15 cents for a cup and eliminate the 50-cent surcharge for alternatives like oat or almond milk. However, this survey indicates that 86% find that if you levy a surcharge of 50 cents or less, it is seen as reasonable. What is troubling is that about one-third believe that there should be no surcharge.

Despite additional costs, coffee remains an affordable luxury.

Coffee as an Affordable Luxury: Understanding the Treat Factor

Coffee is considered a daily treat by about 40% of Australians today. Despite our economic pressures, 84% plan to spend the same or more on coffee in 2025.

Consider using your POS system’s free CRM to create loyalty programs that reward frequent buyers with points, reinforcing the treat mentality. With its real-time tracking of your customer habits, it allows you to offer personalised recommendations.

Market Growth Opportunities

Coffee market punches above its weight. It is over $10 billion a year. This is larger than bread, newspapers, and books. This reflects Australia's coffee obsession. We have over 20,000 cafes.

Coffee is often seen as a daily essential or a luxury rather than just a beverage.

Conclusion

Start implementing these strategies today to stay ahead in Australia’s thriving coffee market.

This article draws from the Seven Miles Coffee Roasters and Lightspeed Research survey, attached here.

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.

This is a popular Customer Modelling System for Australian Retailers. It is built on the behavioural customer types. It categorises shoppers by their motivations and actions in your store, rather than broad traits like age or income.

Segmentation

In your shop, customers can be divided into five key groups based on their behaviour.

You look at the person, categorise them into the relevant group, and then adjust your approach to them based on this segmentation.

The figures below come from a study we did with sensors attached to our POS System.

Casual/Wandering Customers

They make up 30-40% of foot traffic in Australian stores, but their conversion rates are low. Still, they offer untapped potential for satisfaction. Yet these customers represent untapped potential customer satisfaction. I have noticed that just talking to them helps.

Repeat or loyal customers

These are the lifeblood of your retail businesses. Generally they make up about 8-20% of your visitors, but they spend big often 67% more per transaction and what is better they return frequently. They are providing you with stable cash flow.

It is the group that loyalty programs attack as 70% of consumers are influenced by retailer loyalty programs. 35% readily admit it makes them visit more often while 19% state it influences them to spend more.

Exact-need customers

These people know precisely what they want and want quick service. Today they represent about 20-30% of your traffic. COVID turned many customers into this category but since then their numbers have dropped.

If you have what they want they drive moderate but reliable sales. Delays can send them to competitors, so focus on streamlined processes. From my experience, if you see these people in your shop, and you tend to know them by just looking what works well is to ask them direct questions like "What specifications do you need?" or "What price do you have?". Don't waste time up selling initially. They have done their research. Once they commit to a purchase, you can always try to sell them more, e.g. if they want a book by a particular author, once they agree to buy your book, you can always suggest a another similar book.

If these people are a major part of your business, you need fast lanes to cut down lead times. Such efficiency can differentiate your business.

Sale/Discount Customers

These are the bargain hunters, who are on the hunt for good deals. They comprising about 10-20% of traffic. Your POS System can help a lot here to get them into your shop, use flash sales and set up a clearance section in your shop. More here on this. What makes this work well is that this section can be in the worst part of the shop as these people will go there.

If you use them strategically you can move much slow/dead stock.

Trigger/Impulse Customers

These customers act on spontaneous urges, and can add 40% much to your bottom line despite being 10-15% of traffic. If you have interesting gifts you can display on an eye-catching displays, you can make a real winner here.

Now that we've covered the five customer types, let's explore how to put this segmentation into practice in your daily operations.

Implementing segmentation.

Once you are used to this method, it shines in its simplicity as you do not need to worry about demographic models, age or income.

Determining your cash and EFTPOS payment breakup involves reviewing the mix of payment methods your customers use, such as cash, debit cards, and credit cards. We are going to do it directly from your point-of-sale (POS) system. 

This matters now so much as in the current climate, with RBA discussions focusing on making payments fairer for consumers while claiming to protect merchants, knowing your payment mix will help you forecast potential impacts. In my view, their proposals will encourage customers to drop lower-fee methods like cash and debit, and push the consumer to premium credit cards with high fees. 

Go to the main menu and select "End of day."

Click where it has a green arrow.

Now, in your Options menu, marked in a green square, tick everything. You will not be sorry if you get too much.

The part of the report you are looking for is the Sales Payment Breakup below.

Pick an appropriate period, generally the last year. Running it a few times with slightly different dates as you may get a better value with different dates. One caveat here is that cash receipts are going up slightly now.

Also while you are there, I suggest checking some of the other great information there such as hourly breakups, to understand peak times for specific payment methods. If your mornings see more cash sales from quick coffee runs, while evenings lean towards cards for larger purchases, you can tailor promotions accordingly. In my experience, retailers who dive into these details often uncover trends that lead to smarter decisions, like staffing adjustments or targeted discounts. 

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.

I have had over two decades of experience helping SMB businesses with retail ecommerce in Australia. Over time, I've seen how the correct e-commerce setup can make sales. Here are some key questions that many retailers face.

Firstly, setting up an e-commerce shop involves choosing the right tools that complement your physical retail operations. It's about creating a seamless experience where online and in-shop sales work together. What I suggest is a well-integrated setup that opens new revenue streams. I will try to break it down, highlighting how the right approach can address these pain points and position your business for success.

Key Steps

Define a Niche and your Target Audience

You need to identify products that sell online, considering your customers' demographics.

Choose an E-commerce Platform

Select a tool based on your needs.

Build Your Online Store

It must work for you.

Market Your Products

You need a marketing strategy to reach your customers. What works for SMB retailers is to use their existing customers. 

Manage Your Store and Customers

Monitor your performance.

Understanding the E-Commerce Landscape

I believe that in today's retail landscape, e-commerce is vital for remaining competitive. Currently, many Australian retailers are seeing online sales making about 18% of their total revenue, according to recent industry reports. Shoppers now want the convenience of browsing and purchasing at their convenience. For SMB retailers, this creates an opportunity to grow beyond their local foot traffic without the huge upfront costs that expanding their shop space would require.

Do it yourself vs Professional.

Many retailers are drawn to DIY setups because platforms promise simplicity. You log in, pick a template, add products, and launch. It sounds straightforward, especially if you're somewhat tech-savvy. I've never seen owners successfully make a success of such a basic site, but this hands-on method can build your skills and teach you a great deal. If you do it yourself, the time commitment is substantial. Many platforms advertise quick launches. I find that they look cheap, adding custom features on them is difficult, the payment gateways are expensive, and they are generally slow and have limited products. Few people want to spend on such cheap-looking sites. A professional who knows what he is doing typically needs to complete a setup in two weeks to six months. If it's your first time, expect it to take much longer to see any positive results. Your knowledge gaps can compound this. What I found hard at first was tweaking configurations on a host computer; I was unfamiliar with the process and was learning on the fly. Another point often missed is that e-commerce involves proper security setups that are vital to comply with both Australian data privacy laws and to prevent fraud. Overlook these, and you could face bank disputes or legal issues. Developers bring years of experience here; they know many of the pitfalls, and have insurance that might cover you.

Another point is that design talent is significant. Not everyone has that talent. Knowledge is necessary, but it's not enough. A site that turns visitors into buyers needs a layout with appealing visuals.

While you are working it out, it will cost you. People who get to try your site are looking for a professional experience. It's unfair, but they are comparing your site to sites they are used to, such as major sites like Coles, Bunnings, and Amazon. If your site is slow, they will not wait; if it looks amateurish, they will assume your products are too, and they'll move on. Once they move on, they rarely come back.

That said, doing it yourself isn't without merit. You avoid setup fees and gain valuable experience. It would be an ideal experience for your kid who needs internet experience.

Given these hurdles, bringing in experts is the more intelligent choice. Professionals can handle the heavy lifting, delivering a site that's functional, secure, and good from day one. As I stated, if on day one it looks poor, the odds are you have lost them for good. Once your site is up, they will teach you how to use it. You will, however, need ongoing tweaks. This isn't a one-off transaction; it's a partnership that evolves with your needs.

Experts also provide insights into industry trends. They can advise on features. One point is that mobile responsiveness is crucial since over 70% of online shopping in Australia occurs on mobiles. This helps ensure your site gets more traffic.

Once you've chosen professional help, selecting the right platform becomes essential. I'll share my experience with three well-known options I know: WooCommerce, nopCommerce, and Shopify. Each has strengths tailored to different SMB requirements.

ecommerce platform Australia

Choosing a platform is like selecting the foundation for your online shop.

WooCommerce

This is both affordable and flexible, but messy. It is very cost-effective, making it ideal for SMB retailers. It allows you to have a high-quality site without breaking the bank. It starts free, but in practice, you will need extras. The cost of these extras is generally reasonable. What I appreciate is its good SEO. It helps people find your e-commerce site, which is crucial for online businesses. Its customisation is robust. I see the bugs get patched quickly.

However, it does require you to learn a lot. You need to manage as well a WordPress site. From my experience, it's best for retailers who are willing to learn.

nopCommerce

If I had to recommend one platform for most SMBs, it'd be nopCommerce. It's a flagship product with rich built-in features. As of 2025, it's free to use, with community-driven updates keeping it current. It can be adapted extensively without high costs. Well worth it if you ask me, the slightly higher price of WooCommerce.

Shopify

Shopify's popularity stems from its ease of use. You can build a nice-looking site quickly, it's perfect for dipping your toes into e-commerce. It is designed for a small business online shop. Its basic plans start at $39 per month, with higher tiers adding features like advanced reporting. It has a lot of plugins.

On the flip side, it's a more expensive system, with fees that quickly add up.

Many start here and then switch later to something else.

POS Integration

Now, let's talk integration. Without it, you're duplicating efforts; you need to update your stock and sales online, and then in your POS System. Integrating your e-commerce platform with a POS system like ours synchronises everything in real time. Sales data flows seamlessly, updating inventory across channels. For example, imagine a customer buys online from your e-commerce site. With integration, your POS System reflects the sale instantly. It notifies your staff of the details without confusion. New stock comes into the shop; it goes directly into your e-commerce shop.

Your POS System reports work, giving you accurate top-selling products, peak times, and customer behaviours. This drives efficiency gains and strategic advantages, ultimately boosting profits.

Your Next Steps

Ready to transform your retail operations? You can contact me for a chat.

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.

Mini (small) computers use compact enclosures that we build for point-of-sale (POS) systems, where a much smaller footprint is required. What they do is enable you to run a fully functional POS system without sacrificing valuable counter area.

Standard computers dominate prime real estate on the counter that could be better used for displaying products. These computers solve this by fitting seamlessly into tight spots, such as under counters. It makes the counter look professional.

They weigh less than five kilograms, making them very portable. So they are much easier to move. This is especially useful if you frequently do store rearrangements.

If you are looking at the aesthetic, they have significantly improved. The dull, outdated designs are gone. I like the new modern metallic styling. It looks very professional.

As a unit, they integrate well with our POS system. We build them to support key POS equipment such as barcode scanners, receipt printers, and card readers.

Of course, while these small computers offer many compelling advantages, it's essential to consider some potential drawbacks.

Problems

Cost

One important factor is the cost. Because of the precision engineering required for miniaturisation, they usually have a higher price, often 20% to 50% more than standard options.

Heat

When components are packed tightly into a smaller space, airflow becomes restricted, causing higher temperatures. As the fans need to be smaller, they spin faster. This often results in increased noise levels. As a result, we tend to opt for less powerful processors.

Performance

They excel in everyday POS operations. I would not recommend them for computers that need raw power.

Upgradeability

It is often limited due to its compact internals. They have fewer expansion slots and restricted space. Adding additional components is challenging. Generally, we cannot upgrade them if something is required.

Cleaning

The tight layout makes it harder to do dusting.

Repairs

They are slightly more difficult. The big problem here is finding parts that fit.

Overall

Despite some drawbacks, we are selling more of these smaller computers, as many retailers today have space constraints.

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.

Yesterday, I discussed the report that you can quickly get for doing price checks on products in your area. Now I will review the options for getting the report. As I discussed yesterday here, suppliers present you with many products, but it's hard to know the real retail price and your item's margin, so Australian retailers are using free AI tools that automate price checks. These tools help you quickly compare prices, avoid idle stock, and maximise margins without manual searches, saving time and boosting profits. The problem is that manually checking prices via search engines is time-consuming.

In comparison, a simple Google Shopping search works for a single product. If, for example, I want to check 40 products and it takes me a minute or so to do one, I am looking at an hour of work. This is why, when you have many items to check, that's where AI can help, as it offers a quicker way to get real-time insights. Not only that, but it provides a deep analysis and local relevance. This allows you to get real figures so you can improve customer satisfaction and boost your bottom line.

In our test, we focused on free AI systems to keep things accessible for small operators. We limited evaluations to no-cost options, ensuring recommendations fit tight budgets. By the end, you'll have clear guidance on which AI tool might suit your needs.

Our Evaluation Approach

Using the scoring system below, we tested six free AI tools with a query.

"What price is Monopoly Indiana Jones Edition in Keysborough, Victoria, Australia?"

As usual, we used a Structured Scoring System.

To fairly assess these AI tools, we adopted a 100-point scoring system based on key criteria essential for retailers.

The categories include:

• Accuracy (30 points): How closely the AI's price data matches verified market values. Google Shopping was used as a benchmark here.
• Relevance and Personalisation (20 points): Most of our clients are local, so we gave points to their location and business context.
• Completeness and Depth (20 points): Coverage of options, variations, and caveats.
• Helpfulness and User-Friendliness (15 points): Actionable advice and ease of use.
• Clarity and Structure (10 points): Organisation and readability. Who has the time to work out things? If it can be read and absorbed quickly, the better.
• Ethical Handling (5 points): Did it state any limitations in its analysis?

This system ensures objectivity, much like how a POS analyses sales data to recommend stock levels. We evaluated six popular AIs: Deepseek, Qwen, Claude, Grok, Gemini Google, and ChatGPT. Let's dive into the results, highlighting how each could enhance your shop.

Here's how each performed, starting with the lowest scorers.

Claude

Summary: Lacking Specifics

We failed it as it did not give prices. We are testing for prices, and it provided none.

We liked that it openly admitted it can't fetch real-time prices and provided some helpful information. However, if you are looking at price checking, forget it.

Deepseek

Summary: Solid Local Focus with Room for Precision

Deepseek performed respectably, scoring 75 out of 100. It provided price ranges of $40–$60 for standard editions and $70–$100 for collectors, which are somewhat realistic but slightly overestimate everyday values. What surprised us was that it excelled in local relevance by suggesting stores like Parkmore Shopping Centre in Keysborough, complete with contact tips.

The tool's structure, with bullet points and headings, makes it user-friendly. We liked that it urged you to check current prices. Overall, Deepseek offers a good starting point for SMB retailers seeking local insights without complexity.

Grok

Summary: Comprehensive with Accurate Ranges

Grok earned 80 points, delivering prices from $28–$108 across retailers, with both notes on shipping and local checks. It was personalised to Keysborough by mentioning Parkmore, though it leaned more national in focus.

While its structure had minor issues, Grok's actionable advice, such as visiting stores, makes it practical. It included helpful links without overpromising.

Qwen

Summary: Good Online Depth

With a score of 84, Qwen stands out for its balanced approach. It quoted realistic online prices of $35–$60, and we liked that it stated the local unavailability in the local shopping centre, Keysborough. A detail critical to retailers in pricing.

Qwen's clear lists and engaging tone add to its appeal.

Gemini Google

Summary: A Top Performer

Because it has access to Google shopping information, it impressed us with its retail prices, ranging from $17.50 to $80. It was heavily tailored to Keysborough locations like Parkmore. Its local focus and structure, which included tables, make it highly user-friendly.

ChatGPT

Summary: Depth and Helpfulness in Equal Measure

ChatGPT scored 90; it ticked most of the boxes: an image to confirm that you have the right product, detailed tables with prices $17.50–$73.95, strong local tie-ins, and noted caveats. Its completeness, including delivery tips, makes it a standout for comprehensive analysis.

Based on these scores, here's what stood out overall.

Overall Insights and Recommendations

Although all AI tools handled ethics well by admitting limitations, we liked that Deepseek and Gemini, in particular, urged real-time verification. Never assume that AI is correct.

Gemini (Google) and ChatGPT are good choices; they both excel in depth and relevance.

Practical Tips for Implementing AI in Your POS

1) Embracing AI for price checking positions your store for success.

2) To get started, I suggest that you choose Google Gemini or ChatGPT.

3) Test some products from your shop. I suggest starting with your top sellers and then some dead stock.

4) Get a feel of the reports.

5) Make a trip to the local shops to check the accuracy.

Start today!

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.

Using AI to set pricing decisions can help you determine prices and stay competitive. If the price is too high, your customers walk away; if it's too low, you're selling too cheaply. For many retailers, finding that ideal point is tricky in a marketplace that can change their prices overnight. I have discussed this issue earlier here as well.

In today’s market, you should trust your gut to assess how your pricing compares. Free AI tools can provide quick, localised insights into what your competitors are charging. Knowing this, it is easier to set prices without taking up too much time.

Let’s go through an example.

The Challenge: Knowing the True Retail Price

Imagine running a shop in Keysborough and considering stocking Monopoly: Indiana Jones Edition. Your supplier gives it a great rap, tells you a wholesale cost, quotes a retail price, but how do you confirm their retail price and determine if it's as good a seller as they claim?

Traditionally, you’d go to a local shopping centre and look around—that's maybe an hour of work, plus how can you leave the shop for an hour over one product? Or you might hit Google Shopping, search for the product name, and scan the listings there. That’s easy enough for one product. But say you’re reviewing 40 items — suddenly you’re looking at an hour or more of work, clicking through results, checking conditions, and making sure you’re comparing the same SKU.

The fact is that doing it manually is time-consuming and prone to human error.

Where AI Changes the Game

This is where AI-powered price comparison tools like ChatGPT can revolutionise the problem by instantly scanning multiple retailers, comparing their prices, identifying their promotions, and localising them for your specific location.

For example, I picked a game as a sample, "Monopoly: Indiana Jones Edition".

So I ran a query in ChatGPT "What price is Monopoly Indiana Jones Edition in Keysborough, Victoria, Australia?"

in Keysborough through ChatGPT’s data tools. In a matter of seconds, I received a summary that:

• Confirmed the correct product with an image reference (avoiding costly mix-ups). Green square
• Highlighted a typical local retail range: $65–$70, with a benchmark example from Toyworld at $69.99. Purple square
• Flagged that JB Hi-Fi had a special promotion potentially lower than the market average — perhaps even below your wholesale cost. Maybe you can get it cheaper. Black square
• Noted that in many cases the product was marked as “on order” rather than available for immediate purchase. This makes me suspicious that it's such a great seller.

So I decided to check for availability.

Why This Matters to Your Pricing Strategy

Beyond just pricing, understanding competitor promotions can dictate your sales tactics.

Setting a Competitive Yet Profitable Price

Knowing the local going rate means you can confidently set your price within the $65–$70 band without underpricing or scaring buyers off. If the market is consistent at that range, you’re on safe ground.

Tracking Competitor Promotions

If a competitor runs a temporary promotion, you need to decide whether to run your offers, maintain your current strategy, or drop the product.

Managing Availability to Your Advantage

If many competitors have the product “on order” only, as you can see here, you can leverage this scarcity.

Saving Time

Instead of spending hours doing manual searches, you are getting instant results.

From Price Insights to Actionable Retail Decisions

Here’s where a modern POS system ties it all together. AI pricing insights are powerful on their own, but when integrated into your POS, start by checking your top-selling items or dead stock, and see whether you are competing on price or convenience. Doing this will give you AI-driven price insights.

Bringing It Back to Your Store

Smart pricing is not about being the cheapest, but also about understanding your place in the market to stay competitive.

AI-powered retail price optimisation solutions now integrate, process, and analyse data from across the organisation in near real-time. This level of visibility and control provides retailers with the rapid insights needed to make smart pricing decisions.

Tomorrow, I will discuss the AI tools in detail for doing these price comparisons.

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.

Rising debit and credit merchant fees are escalating costs for Australian businesses and consumers, with RBA data revealing steady increases since the COVID-19 pandemic.

As I've stated before, the current system is anti-competitive, inefficient, and unfair. This proposal will exacerbate it. Now I support debit as a default payment method, which is Labor policy, but this extends far beyond.

The RBA's figures paint a tough picture of the surcharge ban. Click here for their latest statistics. They assume competition and fee reductions will help SMBs absorb costs. But my analysis shows the RBA's figures show they are rising instead.

Fairness in Payment Defaults.

A key issue is fairness: Cash as the default equalises acquirer fees for all businesses, regardless of size. Switching to debit disadvantages smaller ones, as large organisations negotiate lower rates.

Card Type Fee Breakdown

Let's start with the facts. The RBA expanded its merchant fee reporting in December 2024, giving us a clearer view of payment costs. By June 2025, check the table  C3 Average Merchant Fees. It highlights increases in fees across the board. These are major blips, and part of a broader trend that's been going on since the COVID pandemic. Now I have gone over these figures, and this is what I can see.

Eftpos

These fees rose 10% in just six months, hitting 0.44% of transaction value. That's mainly due to merchant service fees climbing from 0.37% to 0.41%, while other charges like terminal fees stayed flat at 0.03% to 0.04%. Historically, Eftpos fees have fluctuated, but since December 2022, they've jumped from 0.26% to 0.44%, a 69% increase overall, which looks pretty high.

MasterCard and VISA

Debit fees went from 0.57% to 0.59%, and credit fees from 0.95% to 0.97%. Visa fees are a little better, but still up their debit fees now are 0.54%, and interestingly, their credit rate is held at 0.87%.

Other cards

It's no wonder that so many people do not accept American Express, as its credit fees are 1.35%, and Diners Club is even worse at 1.70%.

International transactions

Now these would hurt as Visa credit international fees are 12.6% from 2.47% in December 2023 to 2.78% by June 2025. If your store attracts tourists, these hikes will hurt.

This challenges the assumptions behind the proposed surcharge ban; interchange fees are only one of several fees, and these fees are going up. This is a big disconnect between policy and reality.

Given these rising fees and the RBA's disconnect from reality, here are practical steps to optimise your operations.

Practical Tips to Optimise Your Operations

Your POS collects transaction details, letting you analyse fee patterns. Compare them to RBA benchmarks. Review the figures, and if they are higher, take them to your providers. There is nothing wrong with you asking them, "My fees are above the 0.41% Eftpos average, why can't we adjust?" I've helped retailers save thousands this way.

Review your international cards. Many have, after doing this, either introduced a bigger surcharge or refused to accept them.

Support cash.

If you are in online sales, check your fees.

(This article draws from the latest RBA data as of June 2025)

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.

Solving Problems and Streamlining Your Store

An innovative approach for retailers is examining challenges from the opposite perspective. We all face numerous challenges each day, from managing inventory and controlling shrinkage to enhancing the customer experience. One innovative approach that I recommend you try is inversion thinking. This method involves examining problems from the opposite perspective. Inversion thinking reverses traditional problem-solving by asking, 'What could make this issue worse?"

This type of questioning can often reveal ideas. For example, if your goal is to increase customer visits, you might begin by identifying ideas that deter customers. Let us have poor signage, untidy displays, or slow service. Addressing these issues directly results in practical enhancements like clearer layouts, well-organised stock, and efficient checkout processes. I have used it for years for brainstorming.

Let's explore how this approach helps tackle common retail challenges.

Practical Applications

SMB retailers often face many issues. Applying inversion thinking to these areas helps clarify what changes can yield substantial improvements.

Shoplifting

Today, this is a disaster. Instead of asking how to prevent theft, consider how to make theft worse. We make more blind spots in the shop, disengaged staff, etc. This reversal points clearly to effective countermeasures, such as installing bright lighting, carefully positioning security cameras, decluttering to improve visibility, and training staff to engage customers proactively.

Rostering

Similarly, managing staff rostering. Consider what would worsen rostering, e.g. lack of communication, last-minute changes, etc. You have some more ideas here.

Product display

The display of products is better, considering how poorly the merchandise is presented. We could address issues such as increased clutter, poor lighting, and inadequate signage. Again, here we have some ideas.

With these examples in mind, let's explore how you can apply inversion thinking to your retail challenges.

Implementing Inversion Thinking in Your Store

It is too easy. Give yourself some privacy, get a sheet of paper. Start with a specific challenge in your business.

Look at the sales report from your POS System. Look at the top-selling item and say to yourself, "How can I reduce sales for that item?"

Now list your ideas, put them in a worse position, bad lighting etc. Once you finish, reverse each for actionable ideas for you to consider.

Conclusion

Inversion thinking is a fantastic way to solve problems.

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.

Just something to think about

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.

Essential Principles for Small Business Success

Here, Rory Sutherland's recent marketing presentation delivers invaluable guidance specifically for SMB retailers. What I thought made this discussion particularly relevant is that here, both speakers bring authentic small business experience to their analysis and understand the operational realities and resource constraints that SMB retailers face daily. Both are experts, and the main speaker, Sutherland, is a renowned advertising executive and author. 

You can hear it here.

One point I want to warn you about is how much swearing they used. It's pretty surprising as Rory Sutherland is a Welshman and his wife is a priest in the Church of England.

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 are getting many receipt printer problems following recent Windows updates, which are disrupting the operations of many of our POS System retailers.

Understanding Receipt Printer Issues After a Windows Update

After installing the latest Windows updates, we are getting a range of receipt printer issues. The most common are:

-Receipt printers no longer respond or print.

-Output appears as garbled and unreadable.

-Your printers are going offline.

-Your computer is saying that there are printer driver conflicts.

-These disruptions are because Microsoft has changed how it talks to devices such as printers.

Manufacturer Acknowledgements

We did some checking when it first came up and found that many major printer brands, such as Epson and Star Micronics, have publicly acknowledged compatibility issues resulting from recent Windows updates. It’s become a recognised industry-wide issue.

Next Step

Resolving receipt printer problems caused by Windows updates often requires more than a simple restart. Based on manufacturer guidance and current industry best practices, if it happens, call us, as our support team is ready to assist.

Hopefully, Microsoft will fix the issue soon, and when they do, we will inform you all as quickly as possible!

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.

Australia's Right to Disconnect laws will soon apply to small and medium-sized (SMB) businesses. These laws give employees the legal right to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to work-related communications outside of regular working hours unless this refusal is unreasonable. For SMB retailers dependent on flexible staffing and responsive employee communication, immediate compliance planning is essential to maintain operations in compliance with the law.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has developed a resource specifically for SMB businesses preparing for this here. I do not think it's particularly good, but I do not see anything better now. The truth is, probably they do not know either.

Understanding Right to Disconnect Laws in Australia

The Right to Disconnect legislation will encompass all forms of work-related unreasonable communication outside employees' scheduled hours, phone calls, emails, SMS, social media communications, etc. It also includes communications from clients, suppliers, or any other third parties that employees receive in their work capacity.

The law's reasonableness assessment considers five key factors: -Reason for contact: Is it urgent or routine? -Method and disruption level by phone calls or emails -Employee's role and responsibility -Family obligations and caring responsibilities -Payment for after-hours availability

SMB Business Challenges with After-Hours Communication Laws

SMB retailers face unique operational challenges. Unlike large corporations, small businesses operate extended hours with casual staff requiring flexible scheduling.

Traditional after-hours communication practices now need immediate review. Shift coverage, roster changes, and supply chain responses must comply with new legal boundaries.

Consider the operational scenarios that regularly occur in SMB retail environments.

Staffing Emergencies

A casual employee calls in sick shortly before their shift begins, and an urgent and immediate replacement is required.

Staff schedules

Current staff schedules often mean there may be no time when your entire team are all at work together to receive crucial operational information.

Operational Disruptions

A delivery issue requiring urgent staff notification, which will affect next-day operations.

Security and Safety

Emergencies such as security system alerts may require immediate management response. A while ago at work, an alarm was triggered, followed by a second alarm, and we had to send someone down immediately to look.

I would say that an employer should be able to contact an SMB employee in all these circumstances, but I am not a lawyer, and it's not my view here that matters. If you find out, please let me know so that I can update this article.

POS System Rostering

Our rostering system worries us because it often operates on an automated schedule to send notifications. Up to now, they may have been sent regardless of time, which may potentially violate the new law. These systems typically generate automatic communications about shift changes, schedule updates, or system alerts without considering whether recipients are currently working or available to receive such information. If your current POS Software is set to automatically send roster notifications, shift confirmations, or operational updates outside standard business hours, you need to review and adjust its configuration.

We are looking into making some changes to our software now.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you with this law.

1) Make a communication policy

Establish a procedure that addresses both routine needs and emergency needs. Ensure all staff are familiar with it. Let them know which email addresses or telephone numbers you will use. I suggest that you send them an email with the details to have a written record.

It gives employees greater control over managing work-related messages through the filtering systems in their email systems and notification settings on their mobiles. Then the employee can, if they want, create filters for work-related communication.

Establishing clear emergency communication helps distinguish between actions requiring immediate response and matters that can wait until regular hours.

2) Company email addresses

Whenever possible, use an organisation's email addresses for all work-related communications for employees and suppliers, as this creates clear boundaries between personal and professional contact. If, for example, Joe Blow works for ABC Pty Ltd, always use the ABC company email address if possible. We do this now in our company.

3) Insurance Management

Contact your business insurance provider to find out if you have coverage to protect you for the Right to Disconnect.

4) Industry-Specific

If you are a member of a retail industry association, it would be worth asking them what "reasonable" after-hours communication is. You will probably find that your Industry associations have already developed best practice guidelines for your industry.

5) Consider the time to send. Often, a communication can be delayed to a more reasonable time. For example, if it's 3:40 am and I need to send someone a communication, I will schedule that communication to be sent at 8:00 am. Emails and SMSs have ways to schedule.

Implementation Timeline

We do not have much time; these laws come into effect on 26 August 2025, in about 4 weeks. Immediate action is required.

-Audit your current communication practices

-Check out the Fair Work Ombudsman SMB resources above

-Find out if you are covered under insurance

-Contact your industry body

-Make a communication protocol

-Update employment contracts

-Communicate policies to all staff

-Implement system changes

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.

An investment in training and development can yield many benefits for your business.

Today, information is what drives successful retail operations. When you invest in your team's capabilities with training, it represents a fundamental business strategies that directly impact your POS System productivity, thereby increasing your shop's profitability. For SMB retailers, having your staff take a training program can transform them into confident, skilled team members. So we provide our clients with free training opportunities at our company premises. There, your employees can attend workshops and seminars on various subjects. We also offer free online training through Zoom, Google Meet and other such services. This allows you and your staff to attend training sessions from anywhere. 

Your Point of Sale (POS) system serves as the central information hub of your shop. However, many retailers only utilise a small fraction of their POS system's capabilities. What they are doing is leaving is many significant operational efficiencies unrealised. Training can address this by ensuring your team understands not just the basic functions, but the advanced features. Yet it can do so much more. Your POS System can discover sales trends, identify slow-moving inventory, analyse customer purchasing patterns, etc., by transforming its raw data into actionable business intelligence. 

The following are some significant advantages of training and development:

>Employees gain the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs better. The training will give your employees a deeper understanding of their technology. This will improve their performance, which will benefit your company.

>Your employees will know you value them if you invest in their training and development. Being thrown in front of a computer without being told anything is nerve-wracking.

>There is probably much more in your software than you use. You can learn more about your system and appreciate it more with the help of a training program.

>Employees can only do well tasks if they understand.

>Productivity is increased through training and development. Employees who have received training will perform better.. Better use of your POS software can increase efficiency and skill.

> Integration capabilities between your POS system and other business tools, such as accounting software, customer relationship management systems, and e-commerce platforms, require knowledge to do effectively. It is something that only training can do.

Contact us now

From my extensive experience supporting Australian retailers, the businesses that prioritise training demonstrate measurable performance increases, including transaction speed, inventory accuracy, customer satisfaction, and employee retention. The outcomes show a clear connection between employee competence and business performance. Our free training programs provide your team with the skills needed to improve without requiring significant internal resources or disruption. These sessions are tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities in your business.

Contact us to arrange some training; you have nothing to lose. Your people can be more productive for you.

Note: This blog entry was updated to reflect the modern changes.

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.

Australia is officially ending the era of cheques, with financial institutions ceasing new cheque issuance in 2028 and stopping acceptance in 2029. Whilst most of us won't shed a tear over this transition, there are two key advantages that I will miss with cheques going away, which had many practical benefits.

The image above is the biggest cheque I've ever got. I took a photo and ran to the bank to cash it in.

Bank cheques ending

Bank cheques have long been the gold standard for many significant transactions, e.g. private sales. A typical scenario was that you found a car you liked on a private sale. On the handover day, you'd present a bank cheque and collect the vehicle. If something went wrong during the final inspection, you'd keep the cheque and walk away. Plus, it was a lot safer to carry a bank cheque than to have possibly tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket. The seller accepted this arrangement because the bank guaranteed the funds. You do not need internet, bank apps, etc.

I also found it helpful. I remember when I bought a diamond ring for my wife. There were some changes required to fit her finger and the settings. So it was handy to have a bank cheque to pay the jeweller.

Payment Flexibility for Trusted Customers

If I had a customer whom I trusted who needed a few days to ensure adequate funds were available in their account, I would release goods against their cheque and present the cheque a few days later.

The Government's Phase-Out of Cheques

Still, financial institutions will cease issuing new cheques by 30 June 2028, and only accept them until 30 September 2029. I am sure for many it will be much quicker, as already cheques are being phased out by the banks, and the closure of bank branches across Australia is compounding these difficulties. Going to a bank to make bank deposits and getting bank cheques written up is for many increasingly inconvenient. The infrastructure supporting cheques is diminishing.

So almost all have already moved away from cheques due to security concerns, processing delays and escalating fees. Some still stick with cheques, not much a retailer can do if they have a customer who wants this payment method.

The POS System Solution

I can't stress enough how much modern POS systems streamline payment processing, regardless of how your customers prefer to pay. Having worked with countless retailers through payment system transitions, I've seen the transformational impact of implementing robust POS solutions that centralise everything from EFTPOS and contactless payments to BPAY, online ordering, and direct bank transfers. It maintains many of the transaction records that eliminate much of the stress associated with financial reconciliations. Cheques always require some manual work.

As Australia moves toward a cheque-free economy, the elimination of cheques provides an excellent reason for reviewing your payment ecosystems.

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 successful bicycle retail shop in Keysborough closed after many years of serving the cycling community. I think it reveals a critical lesson about retail that data without context can destroy a business.

The shop had served the local cycling community for many years, operating as a traditional full-service bicycle retailer. The business offered a comprehensive service workshop for mechanical repairs and servicing, as well as entry-level bicycle sales, accessory retail, and upper-end bikes. While the operation exhibited some management disorganisation, it demonstrated strong customer retention through consistent good service delivery, resulting in excellent community engagement.

Retail Analytics Transformation

The business underwent digital transformation many years before closure, implementing our POS Systems with its specialised bicycle retail POS software. This decision represented sound strategic thinking, as the system was designed explicitly for bicycle retailers, incorporating advanced inventory tracking, sales analytics, and customer relationship management functionality. It all should have been used. For this particular shop, the POS system effectively provided a detailed analysis of profit margins across product categories and service offerings. It established a solid analytical foundation for the business.

Then, a long-term employee with extensive operational knowledge in the business took ownership of the company. He did a comprehensive analysis of financial data and sales performance metrics, facilitated by our POS system's reporting capabilities. It revealed significant insights regarding profitability structures; unfortunately, he only examined the financial reports.

The analysis demonstrated that repair services generated minimal profit margins. Labour costs were relatively high; industry average profit margins are around 20% if you decide to outsource them. Also, due to competitive pressure from large retailers, budget-oriented bicycles targeting casual riders and kids showed limited profitability. Premium bikes were doing well. Determined to enhance business performance, the new owner implemented a comprehensive strategic change. He abandoned the existing broad market appeal in favour of an exclusive focus on premium bicycle segments featuring high-end brands. You can see the advanced carbon frame technology and sophisticated gearing systems in the shop, all with price points of thousands of dollars.

However, having powerful analytics capabilities means nothing without understanding how to interpret them within the shop context, a lesson this shop never learnt.

Implementation of Strategic Changes

The business transformation involved the complete elimination of repair services, a decision that significantly impacted established customer relationships. Regular service customers, like me, were redirected to alternative repair shops, effectively severing ongoing maintenance relationships that had previously anchored our customer loyalty. At the same time, they discontinued entry-level bicycles, actually heavily discounting existing stock to clear them out.

This strategic repositioning aimed to capture premium market segments comprising serious cycling enthusiasts prepared to invest substantially in high-quality equipment. However, the changes created substantial operational consequences.

The elimination of repair services created a domino effect that destroyed the business model. Regular customers like me stopped visiting entirely, resulting in a significant decline in foot traffic. This loss proved devastating for accessory sales. Repair customers like me typically make impulse purchases, such as helmets, lights, and tools, generating higher-margin revenue streams. Without these frequent visitors, the shop lost both immediate sales and cross-selling opportunities that had sustained profitability.

These operational changes, while data-driven, completely ignored the fundamental characteristics of the local market.

Market Analysis and Customer Demographics

Keysborough represents a suburban demographic characterised by family-oriented priorities and value-conscious purchasing behaviour, rather than premium luxury consumption patterns. The local market traditionally favoured practical, affordable bicycle solutions for family requirements, particularly initial bicycles for young riders, rather than professional-grade equipment.

The strategic pivot fundamentally misaligned the business offering with local market characteristics. Family customers who previously engaged regularly for affordable bicycle purchases and associated accessories discontinued their patronage. This demographic shift eliminated not only immediate sales opportunities but also potential long-term customer development pathways, as these families might have eventually upgraded to higher-value products through established relationships and demonstrated product quality.

The business model transformation severed these developmental customer relationships, eliminating opportunities for gradual up-selling and loyalty building that typically characterise successful retail operations.

Business Performance Analysis and Strategic Implications

Following the implementation of the strategic changes, business performance declined rapidly. The premium-focused approach proved incompatible with the local market environment, where economic realities prioritised accessibility over exclusivity. Customer traffic dropped, inventory turnover slowed, and the once-busy shop was pretty quiet.

The shop closed and is now for lease. While profit margin analysis provides essential advice, retail success needs more than that.

Strategic Recommendations

Effective retail management strikes a balance between quantitative analysis and market understanding. Modest-margin products often act as customer acquisition tools. Those repair services and entry-level products served as gateway offerings.

Successful retail operations require a comprehensive understanding of customer behaviour patterns, community characteristics, and relationship dynamics.

Many people with low vision accessibility squint and struggle to read standard keyboards, turning typing into a frustrating task. The right large print keyboard (assistive technology keyboards) changes that, making daily use smooth and efficient. This guide explores these game-changing tools for retailers upgrading point-of-sale systems or promoting workplace inclusivity.

Let's examine why these keyboards are crucial for retail environments.

Why Large Print Keyboards Matter in Retail

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

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

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

Beyond accessibility, these keyboards offer practical advantages in fast-paced retail settings, where quick and accurate data entry is essential during busy periods. They may require an adjustment period, but they reduce input errors and speed up transactions. Even with 20/20 vision, I use one at work and noticed less eye strain after adapting

Key Features of Ergonomic Keyboards for Low Vision

1. High Contrast Colours

Visibility is everything. The best large print keyboards offer:

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

2. Durable Lettering

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

3. Clear and Bold Typography

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

4. Key Size and Shape

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

5. Build Quality

For a busy shop environment, choose:

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

6. Legal requirements

If you have staff with visual impairments, you may find that you are required to ensure their compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which mandates inclusive workplace practices. 

With these features in mind, here's how to select the best keyboard for your setup.

7. Colour combinations

Effective large print keyboards incorporate high-contrast colour combinations to maximise character visibility. With people with low vision, colours can significantly impact visibility. Here are some options to consider:

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

2. Yellow on Black: I recommend starting with this colour combination. In our experience, the yellow text on a black background, due to its high contrast, enhances visibility the best for those with vision impairments.

3. White on Black: This would be my second choice. White letters on a black background are widely used, making it something most people are used to. So, making it a better choice for shared keyboards. I use such a colour combination for that reason.

The costs are about the same for different colours, and you should be able to get something decent for $40 to $355. 

How to choose the best large print keyboard

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

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

2. Consider Your POS System: Ensure the keyboard is compatible with your existing POS software and hardware. If you have an extremely old computer, we may have real trouble sourcing such a keyboard for you.

3. Test Before You Buy: Have your staff try different models if possible, as just because you think it looks good does not mean that they do. Sometimes you really wonder how people's minds work.

4. Consider Layout: Australian standard layouts are essential for efficiency and familiarity.

5. Evaluate Durability: Retail environments can be harsh on equipment. Look for keyboards built to withstand punishment. It is a very real problem now. 

6. Check for Additional Features: Some keyboards offer programmable keys or integrated pointing devices, which can be helpful in a retail setting. Unless you use that facility, I would not suggest paying for it.

7. Budget: Check prices first; I think many of these keyboards are overpriced. As with many computers, you can get these keyboards in various qualities. I advise people to opt for the cheapest option, which should be sufficient for at least two years. However, there are some models with laser-etched lettering technology that can maintain the characters over extended periods of time. I am dubious whether they are worth the extra cost, as retail shops are a very dirty and demanding environment. A dropped keyboard, coke dropped on the keyboard is all to common, a great keyboard after a coffee is dropped on it is often a rubbish bin job. I suggest, if possible, getting a water-resistant one. 

Summing up

Incorporating large print keyboards fosters an inclusive retail space that enhances productivity. 

Have you used a large print keyboard in your shop? Please let me know your experience!

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.

In retail, many employees routinely interact with screens, which means fingerprints, dust, oils, and people's germs accumulate rapidly. If you look, you can see the oils, moisture, and food residue on the screens. Like many things, monitors need to be cleaned.

Selecting Safe Cleaning Materials for Touchscreen Care

Avoid using any ammonia, bleach, or window cleaning solutions from shops, as they can degrade the protective screen layers on your monitor, potentially causing permanent clouding. The best solution I have found is a few drops of unscented dishwashing liquid in water. You do not need a lot of water.

I suggest cleaning using a clean, lint-free microfibre cloth. Do not use paper towels, as they can scratch the screen surface. |

The Correct Method for Cleaning Retail Screens

Do not clean the monitor while it is hot. Let it cool down. A good time to do it is in the morning, before you start. What can happen is that the heat causes evaporation from the cleaning material can cause streaks. 

Power Down

Turn off the monitor first. Water and electricity are not a good combination.

Prepare Cloth

Dampen a micro fibre cloth with the cleaning solution. Do not soak the cloth; you want it to be moist, not wet.

Do not spray your cleaning solution directly on the screen; instead, spray it onto a cloth. You do not want liquid from entering gaps in the monitor.

Clean Surfaces

Gently wipe in a circular motion. Do the whole screen. Avoid wiping back and forth. It should take about 30 seconds per screen. You will be stunned by how much dirt there is on your screen.

If you have stubborn marks, please be careful when cleaning with your fingernails or a hard object, as the screen is easily scratched.

Dry & Polish

Use a separate dry microfibre cloth to remove the soapy water. Again, do not use paper towels as they can scratch a monitor.

Final Inspection

Check for streaks or spots before restarting the device. When it starts up, I am sure you will think it looks a lot better.

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 Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) proposed eliminating merchant surcharges on EFTPOS and credit cards as part of its 2025 review of merchant card payment costs. The RBA claims this move would simplify payments, increase transparency, and save consumers an estimated $1.2 billion annually. Businesses would also benefit from their proposed lower interchange fees. They then asked the public to comment on their proposal here. They received approximately 85 responses, and as expected, the reactions are mixed, mainly concerning costs and the likely business impact. What I have done here is review many of the responses and provide a summary of their views. The first point to note before I go into the details is that every one of them thinks the existing system is wrong and they want change. 

To understand the divide, let's start with consumer views, which primarily support the change.

Consumer Perspectives

Consumer advocates, such as Choice, broadly welcome the proposal. They view surcharges as unpredictable fees that add to everyday expenses in our cashless society. These fees feel like hidden costs. Advocates note that 85% of Australians prefer prices to include everything, rather than having to pay additional fees at checkout. Overall, they believe the public will save money.

Personal Insight

It annoys me too. Furthermore, despite our efforts, many clients don't activate Least Cost Routing (LCR) to cut merchant costs. Often, it's ignored, and many merchants assume that, since customers will cover the fees via surcharges, they do not need to worry about it. I disagree that your higher fees are costing you. Activate LCR now!

SMB Business Views

These express caution, fearing that the ban could force them to absorb the costs. They do not see the fee reduction as adequate. Those in low-margin sectors, such as retail, highlight risks to viability. For instance, if a business operates on a 4% margin and costs rise by 1% due to lost surcharges, that's a quarter of their profit erased. Some are predicting inflationary pressure. They tend to see the EFTPOS and credit card fees as high.

I consider this fear to be justified. Many merchants have no control over the prices. Without surcharges, many in the public will switch to premium cards with even higher fees that the merchant will have to pay. Consider this analogy: the cost of delivery does not disappear, even if someone claims a merchant cannot charge for it. The merchant will pay the price of the goods, or the price will go up. It will undoubtedly be inflationary.

Payment service operators (banks) tend to support some surcharge as they are concerned about squeezed margins. They now view debit and credit card fees as low. I liked the NAB response, which is worth a read.

Fin tech providers tend to prefer a surcharge-free electronic payment method, but they also accept that surcharges are necessary in today's market. Some see opportunities for alternatives, such as account-to-account payments, which some chemists are currently testing, as well as bitcoin.

Visa endorses the ban, as it will reduce consumer confusion, but doubts that the RBA's interchange fees are viable without cuts in services, such as fraud protection.

Industry Group Reactions

Retail and payment industry groups are emphasising potential unintended consequences. For example, the Australian Retailers Association argues that while surcharge removal simplifies operations, it will also obscure payment costs, making competition more challenging in margin-tight environments.

Groups like the Independent Payments Forum stress that the fees are the cause of the surcharges; the result will just be hiding these costs. They also dislike that larger organisations are charged significantly less in bank fees. Please review the graph provided below, which illustrates this point.

For many of our readers the ALNA submission will be relevant and well worth a read too.

Expert and Analyst Opinions

These are generally positive, e.g. Professor Steve Worthington describes himself as "delighted," noting it ensures "the price you see is the price you pay,". They point to the UK's experience with a surcharge ban, which led to a slight increase in inflation but improved transparency.

However, some caution that without robust enforcement, costs could shift to unregulated areas, such as Buy Now Pay Later services. I have my doubts about that. BNPL generally now has no customer surcharges but very high merchant fees.

Impacts of RBA Surcharge Removal

We have divided opinions here.

On a personal note, I would like to see the RBA examine the existing fees in detail to determine whether they are high or low.

What do you think of the RBA proposal?

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.