Best Retail Point

Choosing the right retail point of sale system and software is not a decision to take lightly. These systems can be very expensive, and making a mistake in selection can cost in the thousands, if not tens of thousands to correct. Now the type of POS necessary for a retail store, clothing store or boutique will be different from the type of system and software needed for lets say, a restaurant.

Many in the industry will tell you that the term "point of sale" software or system has become a mostly outdated term. Your software handles much more than the sale aspect of the transaction - retail management software is a more accurate description. Now whether you refer to it as a POS system or retail management system - it will do the same.

Your retail management system will handle cash and credit card transactions, manage inventory, integrate with an online shopping cart system, bar code scanning, update inventory prices, manage payroll, maintain your accounts payable and receivable as well as other general ledger duties.

The right retail POS can also boost your marketing efforts as well. If your system tracks client or customer spending and contact information, you can use this as a tool to send them newsletters, coupon deals, loyal customer discounts and other things that will increase your return customer rate.

Your software will also greatly reduce the amount of bookkeeping and accounting work you have to do, by streamlining your record keeping - there will be less errors come tax time. And you know how critical accounting mistakes can be.

Now that I've briefed you on all the wonderful advantages to a retail POS system, it's time for you to decide whether you are ready to make the investment. To do this, you should ask yourself a few questions:

1. Will a retail management system help streamline my day to day business activities?

2. Do I have the patience to learn and train my employees?

3. What do I hope to gain from my point of sale software system?

Take the time to literally write down the answers to those three questions. Make a list of what your specific business needs are, how much you want your POS system to do for you, and how much you are willing to invest. Review your answers and then we can move forward with finding the best software for you. You will want to take price, learning curve and long term maintenance and reliability into mind as well.

Going Out of Business

Many stores used to operate under the premise of closeout deals or 'going out of business' sales. However, the sad truth of today's economy is that many businesses ARE going out of business and needing to get rid of their inventory and employees. The business world isn't doing anything notable as of late, or at least nothing that is more notable than the number of people who are losing their jobs and finding that they are unable to get another one. It's really tough for many people to deal with, and definitely the main cause of all the stress-related accidents and violent crimes that have been going on for the past year.

It takes a toll on many people in ways that you might not imagine. Some people are so defined by their careers and their positions that they simply fall apart when their job is lost, leaving them with nothing more than a depressed life of despair. Some are much easier able to pick themselves up and get back on the horse, but the economy is running out of horses for people to get back on.

Going out of business used to be uncommon in the world, and only for small stores and businesses that didn't set themselves up right. Now you hear and see stories about big-name companies going out of business, companies like GM filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the banks of the U.S. asking for government money so that they don't fall apart, either. It's all very disheartening, but it can get better, and eventually it will. It's easier said than done, but ultimately you need to try to keep a positive attitude about things as best you can so that you don't become another person with a pessimistic attitude about the economy.

All that people can do is trust that eventually things will get better, and hope that this happens sooner rather than later. People don't need to lose any more jobs, and the U.S. doesn't need to lose anymore businesses. There are so many great companies out there hanging on by a thread, and it's a constant fear for employees not knowing who's going to be next on the chopping block. If you are working for a company that is on the edge, or have already been a victim of the economy, you can trust that in time, things will work out. There are a few jobs out there to be found for those who are looking, but only if they are willing to accept whatever they can get.

Retail Pharmacies

Since the Veterinary Regulations 2005 reclassified all animal medicines a number of animal health care products, including several in the NFA-VPA category, are actively being sold through retail pharmacies. Despite the active promotion of Veterinary products in Pharmacies including the Co-op group, Pharmacies aren't traditionally thought of when it comes to veterinary medicines. For the time being, Veterinary practices still have the edge, yet it is in danger of being eroded.

In order for Veterinary practices not to lose out to this invasion of this valuable market, it is important to fight to ensure that the best and most effective presentation of medicines is made in each practice. This way each customer coming through the door will understand the range of available product and retain their natural first inclination to make Vets the first port of call for Vet medicines and animal related specialist products.

This can be achieved by a careful review of how customers are presented with your Veterinary Practice. Do they enter into an attractive, welcoming reception area? Are they easily able to see a range of produce on display which they can conveniently inspect and purchase? Are they aware that they can purchase certain medicines over the counter, without having their pet in treatment? Are the treatment rooms of high quality, well equipped and fitted out?

Choosing a fit out partner with extensive experience in designing and fitting out commercial premises in the health care sector can assist you in addressing many of these questions. High quality companies specialising in this sector will provide a wide range of services from the total fit out solution to individual furnishings such as reception desks, storage furniture, dispensary fittings and all ancillary services.

Refit Wisdom

The current economic environment means that the pressure is very severely on for those who are continuing to survive in the High Street. Those who are still present are often standing out purely because of their mere presence, but is this sufficient? Wish shopping becoming increasingly competitive there is even more reason to make the "experience" of visiting a real premises rather than a virtual one on line, one to be enjoyed and relished.

Because of this, refitting a professional or retail premises involves more than simple display of merchandise. It is therefore critical to choose a shopfitting partner with specialist knowledge and a willingness to listen to all the needs you, your team and your customers have. Most importantly, skillful planning requires an understanding of working practice within any busy ethical practice.

Areas of particular concern may be:

• Merchandising retail layout for the most effective retail sales
• Ensuring effective supervision of pharmacy only medicines
• How to effectively incorporate a workable consultation room
• Ensuring that the layout of the shop and dispensary does not contravene DDA regulations
• Segregating access to staff facilities to avoid the dispensary becoming a corridor
• Ensuring correct ergonomic planning within the dispensary to avoid injury or strain

In addition to these may be issues relating to the building structure:

Removal of walls, changing ceilings and lighting effects, repositioning doors, shopfronts, signage, flooring levels and finishes.

All of these issues require the expertise of specialists who are more than shelf suppliers but understand the total implications of growing your business through carefully planning, not just for the refit but the needs you have on into the future.

Are You Protected?

Counterfeit detection is an important topic no matter where you work. I have a relative that works for a retailer managing the checkout counters and customer service areas. She recently cashed a check and received four fifty dollar notes. She used some of these bills to pay for an extracurricular activity at her daughter's school. One day later, the school called to let her know one the fifty dollar bills was counterfeit.

Through a low-cost counterfeit detection device, it was determined that the bill was a fake. While the school had no intention of turning her over to the authorities, they did want their $50 back!

Considering this relative's extensive retail background, she should have been more aware of the need to verify larger bills. Since the bill was traced directly to her, she ended up $50 in the hole. This can be a tough lesson to learn. So what can you do to protect yourself?

Determining the Authenticity of Your Money

There are many areas relating to fake money detection and bill authenticity. These areas include:

- Type of Paper
- Magnetic Ink
- Security Threads
- Various Colors
- Various Watermarks
- Fine Printing
- Serial Numbers

Despite all the above features within the current money supply, counterfeiters are still quite successful at producing fake currency. There have been technological advances in printing and imaging that have allowed counterfeiting to grow. In addition, the current economic climate does not help. With the current unemployment percentage and a depressed job market, each of us should have a increased sense of awareness that we, too, could be cheated. So how can you protect yourself?

The first step is to become familiar with the security components of your currency. The paper has a specific feel. The printing is crisp and clear. The colors are muted. Be especially mindful of this with twenty and fifty dollar bills.

You should always question the source of your larger bills. In the last few years, credit-strapped consumers have been using more cash. More cash usage translates to more opportunity for passing phony money.

But there is something you can do. With proper training and some inexpensive counterfeit detection products, businesses and consumers can do a great job in protecting themselves. The Secret Service publishes a simple but detailed guide called "Know Your Money".

This guide details the specifics of each bill denomination so that you can understand the difference between a five dollar bill and a fifty dollar bill. I encourage you to download this guide and post it in the back room of your business as a helpful guide to your employees.

Types of Counterfeit Detectors

There are several different types of counterfeit detectors on the market. These instruments can detect the authenticity of the bill paper, the ink printed on the paper, and the various security threads woven in. In addition, there are a large range of price points, allowing you to make the proper investment based on your business and your budget.

My neighbor runs a garage sale every year. For a few dollars, she could use a counterfeit detection pen. These work by making a small mark on the bill. If the mark is amber, the bill is ok. If the mark is brown or black, the bill is suspect.

Other counterfeit detectors use ultraviolet and white light to show the security threads and authenticity of the paper. These devices are a bit more expensive ($35-$60), but are easier to use. More expensive money detection products can indicate if the note is suspicious by checking the security threads, paper and the ink. These detectors do cost more, but the process of checking is more automated and they quickly pay for themselves within a short period of time.

My relative has definitely learned her lesson! This year, at her daughter's Girl Scout cookie sale, you can bet she'll be more careful of the currency that is exchanged. With all the counterfeit detection products available, there's no reason anyone should be stuck with phony bills.