Posts tagged ‘epos systems’
Counting the cost of draught sales – never lose a drop of beer again
As any successful bar operator knows, complete control of all aspects of stock is imperative to keep costs down and maximise profits. But how is it possible?
A 360° view
Searflo simplifies your stock control by providing a live record of all draught sales – beer, wine and spirits. You can literally see what is happening right now, or during a particular period or service, by staff member, by bar, by site. Enter the parameters and take a snap shot, any time.
It can also be connected to post-mix syrup flow and even your coffee grinder.
If two pints are sold, but only one paid for, you will know straight away. If full measures are not being delivered, or over-generous measures are, you have the information at your fingertips.
Want to know how last weeks’ lunch promotion went; or the happy hour sales? Searflo will give you a numeric or graphic analysis that keeps you in control of your business.
Real time analysis
Searflo connects to your lines and your EPoS till, so you have live information on every transaction. It records what happens on the till, when it happens – drinks and food sales are recorded at the time of entry to the bar tab, not when the payment is made, which could be hours later.
You can also access remotely in order to keep tabs on several bars on one site or multiple sites. This means accurate spot checks or regular monitoring of known problems or unresolved issues.
Affordability
With options to purchase, lease or rent, this level of control can be made available to a variety of operations, from independent pubs, to multi-site operations.
Not only will you not break the bank, the return in greater control over stock and profits turns Searflo into an investment for pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants.
Integration
This system will dovetail into most EPoS systems and can be used for all products. So, all your stock can be added to the software, giving you full financial information on all aspects of your business, not just wet sales and not just draught products.
If you also have CCTV connected to your EPoS system, you can all but eliminate staff errors and fraud.
Are you are looking for more control of your business and increased profits? Then talk to Phil Stackhouse at Zenith EPoS now: 0117 963 2200.
Find out how Searflo can ensure you never lose a drop of beer again.
Android-based EPOS system from Casio
The V-R100 is the new EPoS system from Casio running on the open-source Android platform.
This is an industry first and will make EPoS even more versatile and give business owners even more sophisticated sales and business management.
Features include better targeted customer loyalty activity, including advertising messages on the pop-up LCD customer display module; e-catalogue to take orders and arrange delivery at the point of sale; promotional activity through social media, real-time public transport information; connection to Gmail and Google Maps.
The implications here for marketing are obvious: competing better with online retail sales; up-selling and promoting offers and news at point of sale; and engaging more directly with customers and prospects online.
However, there is still more to the V-R100.
The machine is faster and speeds up service to customers and handles applications and interaction with other software, like customer database, with ease. It uses less electricity (up to 85% less) than conventional PC-based systems and has a built in printer with no connection or power cables required.
With the Android comes a 10.4 inch, splash-proof touch screen, electronically adjusted display screen, integrated pop-up display window for payment details and promotional messages and optional cash drawer with a wide selection of interfaces.
How will it help my business?
The easy to understand interface supports centralised management of customer database, sales and reservation information. The database software is pre-loaded and happily talks to the other software to give you the information you need.
Combine visit frequency with sales value, for example, to classify customers into specific groups and types and talk to them separately, in language and with information that is relevant to them: devise specific promotions for each customer group; provide rewards and discount schemes that again are individually tailored.
Display all information about a customer, as and when they book, to better engage and remember customer preferences. The reservation management software easily and quickly shows you all information about a customer as you are talking to them and will also allow you to add special instructions, even down to table plans for the booking or delivery instructions.
The V-R100 can receive email from PC or mobile device. Emails can include instructions which the software will act on and execute. So vital information can be updated and/or retrieved remotely and all software will be updated, across any number of tills..
And the system is scalable. It will grow with your business and adapt to the changes you need to ensure your success now and into the future.
For more information, call Phil Stackhouse at Zenith EPoS now: 0117 963 2200
Further details about the Casio V-R100 on the Casio website
Five steps to getting the right EPoS system for your business
Electronic point of sale is not just about the cash register, but also the software behind it and how this integrates with your existing business processes. Here we look at the steps you will need to go through in order to make the best decision for your business.
Your business objectives
Why are you thinking about EPoS and what do you need to get out of it?
Will it be a stand alone system, with little integration required, but simply used to improve service? Or are you looking for help with sales information, stock control, accounting or customer relationship management?
Are you looking to integrate with CCTV, website sales or online bookings?
And what are your marketing objectives behind these requirements? Are you looking to increase turnover, profit, reduce staff or other costs, slow churn rates or increase customer base?
System features
What hardware do you need? A cash register presumably, but you might need scanners, mobile PDA’s, wireless router, printers, scales, CCTV equipment, chip and pin.
Do you need customer display, to take payment at table, keyboard or touchscreen?
What software are you looking for? You can integrate with accounting packages like Sage, stock control systems, including supply chain links. You can integrate with customer database software and your website so that online and offline sales are co-ordinated.
There may be industry specific software you can use or you may require something simpler and more generic or more bespoke.
Are you looking for an on-site system or a cloud-based system? This is still fairly new, but it is possible and will not take too long to enter the mainstream.
Support
What support will you get and how much extra will it cost you. If you are operating outside of normal office hours, you will want to be sure you can fix problems as and when they occur.
This can be particularly agonising if you have hardware and software from two different suppliers, each blaming the other over a specific problem.
Also, what training will you get beforehand, so that you and your staff can hit the ground running? No customer likes to see a member of staff agonising over a new till when all they want is their food, item of clothing, hotel room, etc.
The supplier
This leads on to the supplier themselves. Are they reputable, credible and listening to you? In any event you should talk to more than one potential supplier.
Can they supply references? Look at testimonials on their website. Have they a couple of current customers you can ring and chat with? What is their install, warranty and refund policy?
Make sure you have a proper demonstration, all your questions are answered satisfactorily and that you feel comfortable with not just the person you are dealing with but the company as a whole.
Price
Any system is going to represent a significant investment for your business and you will want to ensure you get the best price possible. It is easy to say that price should not be the most important consideration, but when you have pressures on all costs, as most businesses do these days, every penny counts.
Nevertheless, the most important aspect is the suitability for your business. Get that right and the system should pay for itself within two-three years. Make sure it does what you need; it works with your existing set-up; is right for your customers and staff and choose the best supplier for the job.
Often the cheapest supplier may not be the best. Will they give you the equipment and support you need for the money? Will they still be around in two years time? Don’t make savings now that could cost more later.
How loyal are your customers and can EPoS software help?
If you have a retail, food or hotel business and have, or are thinking about, electronic point of sale systems, you might be interested in using the software to improve your customer loyalty.
You know your EPoS system can tell you how often your customers visit, how long they stay, what they buy and how much they spend.
And you probably already have tactics in place to get them to spend more while they are with you or to try different products from their norm, so how good would it be to get them to come back more often?
We come across loyalty promotions all the time, and the essence of these promotions is to keep you spending with that same company. Well, its’ very simple to create your own version.
- free item after so many qualifying purchases, like tenth latte free
- discount on next spend, like free wine against next meal
- extra value, like reminder and offer on birthday, valentine’s, etc
You can target new customers (to entice them to return) and existing customers (to get them coming back more often). The key to success is being clear about your objectives and gathering as much information about your customers as possible.
The transactional analysis your EPoS system gives you is important, but all your communications should build on this knowledge, asking your clientele for more information all the time enabling you to better understand them and what motivates them and giving them good reason to keep coming back to you..
When you marry your objectives with what your customers want, you have the makings of a very successful promotion. And your EPoS software can help you do this.
So, how loyal are your customers? The answer is, they are as loyal as you want them to be. For more information, visit our website.