7 STRATEGIES TO INCREASE BRAND VISIBILITY

Every brand out there is trying hard to get itself noticed and grab the attention of a potential customer by employing unique SEO tactics. With the rampant use of digital platforms working on seamless integration globally, it has become the need of the hour to get your brand right up there … in the front … on the face. And making it stand out from the clutter, doesn’t come easy. In the B2B space, brands have to be more impactful in spelling out the reason for its existence. Some of the most important points to remember while charting out a marketing and promotional plan for your brand’s increased visibility are listed below.

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Flubit Limited

Flubit.com is the largest UK-owned marketplace for branded goods. You can buy over 1 Million items cheaper than Amazon, every week; from toys, books, health & beauty, home & garden and so much more!

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POS Solutions

Restaurant POS Systems: The Latest and Future Trends

Article | April 4, 2024

Introduction It's no secret that technology has significantly transformed numerous industries, including the restaurant business. With rapid technological development, several restaurant owners are emphasizing digitizing their operations. Big hospitality chains are incorporating tech solutions to counter emerging challenges faced by the restaurant industry today to address labor shortages and issues eroding their profit margins. In addition, to stand out from the competition and attract tech-savvy customers, they established new service standards. In an effort to run their businesses efficiently and meet the rising expectations of both customers and employees, restaurant owners are investing not only in adopting new guest-facing technologies but also in integrating back-of-house technologies such as POS solutions. The Latest Trends in Restaurant POS Systems Over the past couple of years, point of sale (POS) systems have witnessed substantial development, from fixed POS terminals with operators to contactless mobile devices. Restaurant POS technology is constantly evolving, but the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted how consumers use technology today. After a transition to off-premise only models, when dine-in establishments reopened their doors, the adoption of contactless payment and ordering solutions experienced a massive boom. In addition, the emerging trend of enhancing payment solutions to meet customers at their convenience is helping restaurants increase revenue, maximize efficiency, and decrease labor costs. Here are some of the most prevalent trends in restaurant POS systems in 2022: Self-Ordering Self-ordering has been one of the most popular trends in many restaurants in recent years, and restaurant POS software is the solution that can be adopted to facilitate this. With the use of these systems, it is possible for restaurants to set up a process wherein customers can place their own orders, reducing wait times while eliminating issues where employees enter incorrect orders. The most common approaches to self-ordering are through a website, mobile application, or self-ordering kiosks. Using these POS solutions, customers can place the order and make the payment digitally or visit the restaurant physically and do the same. Mobile Point-of-Sale In recent years, mobile POS solutions have gained huge prominence, especially across the hospitality and restaurant sector, owing to their ability to place orders using mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and others. The addition of mobile ordering solutions provides freedom to guests to choose how they order as well as enhances efficiency for the staff. It also assists in speeding up restaurant operations, decreasing wait times for customers, and ultimately increasing revenue by allowing restaurants to serve more guests each day. Cashless Restaurants The hospitality, restaurant, and café (HoReCa) industries witnessed a swift rise in inclination toward cashless transactions. A number of restaurants have ceased accepting coins and paper notes, while others have taken steps to encourage the use of mobile wallets, cards, QR codes, and online payments. There are numerous benefits associated with adopting cashless POS solutions. Eliminating the use of physical money is more hygienic, and this was of paramount importance amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to this, electronic payments are more transparent and can be tracked with ease. It also provides high business protection against theft and break-ins due to the absence of money on-site. Upcoming Technological Trends in Restaurant POS System Innovative hospitality management software such as modern restaurant POS systems is of great importance as they assist restaurants in managing inventory, enhancing customer experience, and optimizing financial results. It's not enough to simply be aware of the latest restaurant POS features and developments; one must also plan ahead for the future and consider the trends that are just beginning to emerge or are likely to gain prominence in the years to come. Let’s look at some future trends in modern restaurant POS technology: Voice-Activated Ordering Voice recognition technology has experienced massive development and gained tremendous popularity over the past couple of years. It is expected that the demand for voice ordering in the hospitality industry will increase as more consumers use devices such as smart speakers and voice assistants on their smartphones. The hospitality industry stands to gain the most from this trend. It stands to reason that fast food joints, particularly those with a drive-through ordering option, would be the first to adopt voice ordering. On the other hand, it has the potential to be helpful in different settings as well, relieving waiters of some of their duties while giving customers a quicker and more user-friendly alternative to ordering from a smartphone app. Biometric Technology Advanced authentication technologies such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and others that are already being used to verify the identity of their owners on mobile phones, iPads, and other devices. This innovation is likely to be used in restaurants to confirm guests' arrival at their reservations, and it has the potential to revolutionize the hospitality industry as a whole in the years to come. Augmented Reality (AR) The widespread adoption of smartphones in today's society also bodes well for the future application of augmented reality in the hospitality sector. This trend may take many forms in the years to come. One possible application of augmented reality in buffet restaurants is to designate different operational areas or plot out the most efficient path. In other eateries, augmented reality could also be used to provide animations, motion graphics, or themed graphical overlays to mark out pay points or areas to queue, along with providing an interactive and entertaining experience for younger customers. Why Are Modern POS Systems Gaining Popularity in the Restaurant Industry? The hospitality and restaurant sectors are witnessing fast-paced evolution in response to shifting consumer preferences. Therefore, it is quite intimidating for restaurant owners to keep up with ever-changing customer demands while maintaining smooth operations in a tall order as they aim to pace up the process and expand revenue. An all-encompassing POS system can fulfil this need by simplifying and speeding up every step of the operation. Below are a few ways modern restaurant POS software boosts productivity. Improve Customer Relationships Having a restaurant POS technology installed can do wonders for both the service and the satisfaction of the patrons. The POS solution makes it simple for eateries to alter their menus, cut down on customer wait times, and provide accurate options for customers to pay, including by check, cash, card, or account. As a result, restaurants are able to serve their customers faster and more effectively, ultimately making them happier. Create Accurate Business Reports The ability to generate regular, in-depth reports is a crucial restaurant POS feature for assessing the performance of the eatery. It helps the restaurant owners keep track of things like sales, credit, inventory, best-sellers, and other metrics relevant to calculating profits and losses and improving operations. A complete restaurant POS software streamlines and simplifies the entire operation of the eatery. Easy Tracking of Inventory For restaurant owners to expand their business and make a profit, they must master the art of controlling food costs. In order to keep better tabs on the stock levels and daily usage, a restaurant POS system assists them in managing the restaurant's operations more efficiently and effectively. With the help of real-time data provided by these systems, restaurants can prevent stock-outs and excessive spoilage of food products by quickly identifying and resolving issues with inventory levels. Discount and Loyalty Programs Growth can be attributed to a number of factors, but discounts and loyalty programs have been shown to be particularly effective at attracting new and retaining older customers. Restaurant POS systems are necessary for the successful execution of such plans in eating establishments. The program can be used to keep track of customers' information, offer discounts based on their loyalty status, and redeem points for free merchandise. Error Control Happy guests are returning customers. The best indication of a successful business is a steady stream of repeat visitors. They speak highly of your establishment and frequently tell their friends and family about it. Therefore, success in business depends on satisfied customers who receive their orders promptly. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for food and drinks to go to waste because of misunderstandings caused by handwritten orders being passed between the kitchen and the wait staff. There is less chances of room for miscommunication and mistakes when using a centralized POS system in a restaurant. Restaurant Floor Management Reservation management at dine-in restaurants can be challenging during peak timings and busy days. Fortunately, robust restaurant POS solutions also enable in creating a physical map of the dining establishment and take reservations online and offline. This makes it easier for the host staff to manage the dining room efficiently along with decreasing waiting time. What’s the Future Story? With the advancement in technology, the latest POS solutions are now equipped with advanced features ranging from guest management and online ordering to inventory management and curbside pickup. As a result, technology has provided restaurant owners the tools to keep up with customers’ expectations, simplify their operations, and grow their business. In addition, the growing integration of innovative technologies such as augmented reality, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and others in the POS solutions and the rising need for advanced all-in-one payment solutions across restaurants is anticipated to bolster the demand for restaurant POS software in the upcoming years. FAQs What is a restaurant POS solution? Ans: A restaurant POS solution is both the software and hardware that a restaurant uses to manage everything from the front to the back of the operation of the outlet, including taking customer orders, accepting payments, managing food inventory, and so on. What are the key features of restaurant POS software? Ans: Here are the most crucial restaurant POS features: Purchase Management Inventory Management Food Management Order Management Staff Management Customer Relationship Management Table Reservation Management Is Cloud restaurant POS solutions expensive? Ans: Cloud restaurant POS solutions are cheaper than tradition ones, despite appearances. Installing and maintaining a traditional POS system is comparatively more labor-intensive and hence costs more. On the other hand, a cloud POS only has a one-time fee and has no hidden charges.

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POS Solutions

Ecommerce Merchandising Strategy for Peak Sales Results

Article | February 15, 2024

Optimize your ecommerce merchandising strategy with ecommerce top-tier tools and solutions. Perfectly manage and present your product data to enhance customer interaction and achieve ecommerce success. Contents 1. Merchandising in the Age of Ecommerce 2. Strategic Product Placement: The Heart of Online Merchandising 3. Visual Merchandising: Crafting Compelling Digital Narratives 4. Leveraging Data for Dynamic Merchandising 5. Featured Ecommerce Companies and Tools 5.1. Bloomreach 5.2. 1WorldSync 5.3. Algolia 5.4. Bluecore 5.5. Bridgeline 5.6. RichRelevance 5.7. Shopware 5.8. Coveo 5.9. EDITED 5.10. Akeneo 6. Summation: A Nod to Ecommerce Merchandising's Critical Impact 1. Merchandising in the Age of Ecommerce Ecommerce has seen a staggering rate of adoption and growth, reshaping consumer behavior and business strategies alike. It has transformed the world of traditional retail, making the transition from physical stores to digital platforms a critical move for businesses worldwide. The essence of ecommerce merchandising lies in creating an online environment that mirrors the tactile and visually rich experience of in-store shopping, adapting to the habits of the modern online shopper. Despite the economic downturn during the pandemic, the ecommerce sector witnessed significant expansion, becoming the primary channel for many sellers and buyers. The global ecommerce revenue saw a remarkable increase of approximately 19% during the initial phase of the pandemic in 2020, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the digital marketplace. An effective ecommerce merchandising strategy is a blend of smart product placement, dynamic visual storytelling, and insightful data-driven decision-making. It aims to create a compelling online environment that mirrors the physical retail experience, ensuring that products not only reach their target audience, but deeply resonate with them. With 95% of purchases expected to become online by 2040, understanding the intricacies of ecommerce merchandising should be every retailer's raging priority. [Source: angroid] Prior to the pandemic, ecommerce accounted for only seven percent of grocery retail sales. However, this figure climbed to ten percent amid the pandemic, illustrating a significant shift in consumer shopping habits toward online platforms. Small and medium B2B companies worldwide also felt the positive ripple effects, with the US small business ecommerce revenue share jumping from 17% to 19% and a notable 31% overall increase in ecommerce penetration. The rapid evolution of ecommerce has made it an essential part of the global retail landscape, with continuous growth expected in the coming years. Merchandising in ecommerce focuses on leveraging digital tools and platforms to effectively reach and engage consumers, driving conversions and loyalty. It mirrors the intuitive, sensory-guided experiences of physical stores within the digital realm, fostering an environment where products not only find their audience, but also resonate with them on a profound level. Let’s delve into the multifaceted approach required to refine your ecommerce merchandising strategy, ensuring your online store not only meets, but exceeds the expectations of today's discerning consumer. 2. Strategic Product Placement: The Heart of Online Merchandising Ecommerce merchandising is the harmonious blend of strategic product placement, compelling visual storytelling, and data-driven decision-making in an online setting. Incorporating top PIM softwarecan significantly enhance this blend by centralizing, organizing, enriching, and distributing product data across multiple channels and platforms. Having said that, product placement remains at the heart of online merchandising embedding itself into the very essence of customer engagement, conversion optimization, and brand loyalty. 2.1 Harness the Power of Strategic Product Display Elevate your ecommerce platform with the precision of a gallery curator. Think of your online space as an exhibition where each product is a masterpiece, meticulously placed to capture attention and inspire action. The strategic arrangement, coupled with compelling visuals, transforms the casual browser into a committed buyer, underlining the importance of aesthetics in digital commerce. 2.2 Leverage Data-Driven Wisdom for Unmatched Precision In the realm of digital commerce, data is the compass that guides every decision. Employ data-driven insights to tailor your offerings to the nuanced preferences of your audience. This approach sharpens marketing strategies and elevates customer experiences, turning insights into actions that drive growth and customer satisfaction. 2.3 Craft Immersive Shopping Experiences Imagine crafting an online environment so engaging that it rivals the allure of physical stores. Through innovative use of technology and storytelling, create an immersive shopping journey that captivates from the first click. This digital alchemy involves weaving together vivid product narratives, seamless navigation, and personalized touchpoints that improve customer experience and resonate with your audience on a profound level. 2.4 Empower Your Brand with Visual Storytelling Visuals speak louder than words in the digital bazaar. Employ dynamic visual storytelling to showcase your products in a way that tells a story, evokes emotions, and ignites the imagination. This method highlights the uniqueness of your offerings and builds a memorable brand identity that stands out in a saturated market. 3. Visual Merchandising: Crafting Compelling Digital Narratives The visual aspect of your online store plays a critical role in capturing and maintaining the interest of potential buyers. High-quality images, engaging videos, and immersive layouts are essential for improving product discovery and enhancing their value and appeal. 3.1 Tips for Maximizing Visual Impact High-Quality Product Imagery: Use high-resolution images that accurately represent your products. Offering multiple views and zoom functionality helps customers get a better sense of the product, leading to increased confidence in their purchase decisions and making ecommerce experience more enticing to shoppers. Lifestyle Photography and Videos: Beyond mere product shots, incorporate lifestyle images and videos that show your products in use. This helps customers visualize the products in their own lives, enhancing the emotional connection and perceived value. Implementing lifestyle photography and videos bridges the gap between online shopping and the tangible feel of a physical store. Consistent Branding: Ensure that your visual content aligns with your brand identity. Consistency in style, color schemes, and messaging reinforces brand recognition and builds trust with your audience, fostering a fulfilling customer experience every time they browse product pages. 3.2 Homepage Optimization Your homepage serves as the gateway to your brand’s world. It should encapsulate your value proposition, highlight current promotions, and guide visitors towards key products or categories. Engaging content, coupled with clear CTAs, lays the foundation for a journey ripe with potential for discovery and conversion. 3.3 Product Grouping and Categorization Organize your offerings in a way that reflects the natural browsing and buying patterns of your target audience. Effective categorization and content marketing enhances discoverability and simplifies the decision-making process for customers, thereby reducing friction and bolstering sales. 3.4 Personalization and Recommendation Engines Utilize data analytics and AI-driven tools to offer personalized product recommendations. This not only enhances the user experience by making it more relevant and engaging but also increases the likelihood of upselling and cross-selling. 4. Leveraging Data for Dynamic Merchandising The ability to collect, analyze, and act on data is a powerful advantage of an effective ecommerce merchandising strategy. Ecommerce platforms are treasure troves of insights into customer preferences, behaviors, and feedback. 4. 1 Customer Behavior Analysis Monitor how visitors interact with your site. Which products are they drawn to? Where do they spend the most time? Insights from these behaviors can guide adjustments to your merchandising strategy, ensuring you’re always aligning with customer interests. 4.2 A/B Testing Regularly test different elements of your ecommerce site, from product placements to the design of CTAs. This iterative process allows refining the ecommerce merchandising approach based on concrete data, optimizing the user experience and increasing conversion rates. 4.3 Feedback Loops Encourage and analyze customer feedback. Reviews, ratings, and direct feedback can provide invaluable insights into product performance, customer satisfaction, and areas for improvement. Mastering ecommerce merchandising is a journey of continuous learning, experimentation, and adaptation. By focusing on strategic product placement, leveraging the power of visual storytelling, and harnessing data for informed decision-making, online shopping experiences can exceed customer expectations. 5. Featured Ecommerce Companies and Tools The ultimate goal of ecommerce merchandising is not just to sell products, but to build lasting relationships with customers, fostering a sense of loyalty and trust that propels brands to new heights. Here are ten ecommerce solution providers that empower digital merchandising with their signature capabilities. 5.1Bloomreach Bloomreach is pioneering the art of digital experiences with a vision that transcends mere convenience. The company is dedicated to delivering experiences that are not just incredible but also unforgettable, transforming everyday digital interactions into something extraordinary. Key attributes Business Empowerment: Enabling companies to create compelling digital narratives. Visionary Outlook: Setting new standards in the digital experience landscape. Enriched Global Presence: Influencing lives and businesses worldwide. Digital Craftsmanship: Fusing simplicity with spellbinding experiences. Growth Catalyst: Transformative experiences as a driver for business growth. 5.21WorldSync 1WorldSync champions product content orchestration, simplifying content creation and distribution to power ecommerce and digital retail with accurate, consistent information. As a leading commerce network, 1WorldSync boasts an impressive influence, powering 87% of the world’s top brands and retailers. Key attributes Content Orchestration Leader: Focused on high-quality, relevant content. Market Influence: Serving top brands and retailers globally. Business Performance: Demonstrated impact on efficiency and conversions. Innovative Ownership: Supported by Battery Ventures for continued excellence. Comprehensive Information Access: Local and global product information reach. 5.3Algolia Algolia defines the epitome of search and discovery in the digital realm, harnessing AI to instantly connect users with what they seek. According to a Forrester Consulting study, customers gain a 382% return on investment with less than a six-month payback period when deploying the Algolia Search and Discovery platform. Key attributes End-to-End AI Platform: Combining NLP and vector search on a unified API. Scalable Search Experiences: Servicing billions of queries for global brands. Unmatched Performance: Delivering over 100,000 search interactions per second. ROI Champion: Proven financial return for customers utilizing its platform. Global Growth: Expanding from Parisian roots to a commanding presence in San Francisco. 5.4Bluecore Bluecore is transforming retail marketing through data intelligence, making personalized, cross-channel communication not just possible but efficient and compelling. The platform's automation capabilities are transformative, precisely targeting the "who, what, when, and where" for each individual shopper, ensuring that every message is highly relevant and timely. Key attributes Data-Driven Marketing: Seamlessly integrating data into campaign workflows. Automated Precision: Tailoring communication for individual shopper profiles. Trusted by Major Brands: Endorsed by over 400 leading global retailers. Revenue Growth: Focused on driving customer retention and predictable growth. Cutting-Edge Solutions: A dynamic platform for evolving retail marketing needs. 5.5Bridgeline Bridgeline excels in amplifying online presence for businesses, offering a suite of tools that elevate traffic, conversions, and ultimately, revenue. One of their prominent products is Hawksearch, which provides a suite of digital experience solutions. These include feature-rich ecommerce and content management capabilities, turn-key site search and merchandising, SEO optimization tools, and more. Key attributes AI-Powered Insights: Advanced site search tools for customer satisfaction. Robust Revenue Tools: Focusing on site search, merchandising, and SEO. Hawksearch Advantage: Comprehensive digital experience solutions. Strategic Partnerships: A vast network of partners enhancing digital strategies. Innovative Technology: Utilizing AI for smart recommendations and sales. 5.6RichRelevance RichRelevance, now Algonomy, personalizes digital experiences, propelling growth and brand devotion for some of the most celebrated retailers worldwide. Algonomy's technologies are adept at bridging the gap between marketing and commerce, a crucial aspect for digital marketing leaders. Key attributes AI-Powered Personalization: Bridging marketing with commerce effectively. Life-Cycle Spanning Experiences: Offering real-time, scalable solutions. Global Expertise: A San Francisco-headquartered company with a worldwide reach. Industry Leader: Trusted by iconic B2C and B2B brands and retailers. Customer-Centric: Crafting experiences that resonate on a personal level. 5.7Shopware Shopware has cemented its role in digital commerce, providing an omnichannel platform designed for flexibility across various business models. Shopware's global network of 1,600 sales, technology, and solution partners contributes to a stable and supportive ecosystem. Key attributes German Ingenuity: Established in Germany with a growing North American presence. Customizable Architecture: Headless, API-first, and open-source for unique experiences. Extensive Partner Network: Supportive ecosystem with over 1,600 partners. Impactful GMV: Processing over 20 billion USD in Gross Merchandise Value. Comprehensive Solutions: Aiding mid-market to enterprise-level merchants. 5.8Coveo Coveo leads the charge in powering digital experiences, utilizing AI to craft interactions that are both intuitive and transformative for global brands. For enterprises to achieve the AI-experience advantage at scale, Coveo believes that it is imperative to deliver semantic search and generative experiences at each customer and employee interaction. Key attributes Experience Powerhouse: Millions served with billions of interactions. AI-Experience Advantage: Mastering the business-to-person dynamic. Enterprise Backbone: Delivering semantic search and generative experiences. Visionary AI Integration: Anticipating the needs of customers and employees. Competitive Edge: Experience as the front line for every business's success. 5.9EDITED EDITED is at the cutting edge of retail analysis, providing automated solutions that empower retailers to thrive through data-driven strategy optimization. Its platform is particularly valuable in the fast-paced retail environment, where understanding market trends, competitor moves, and consumer preferences is crucial for staying ahead. Key attributes Retail Intelligence Pioneer: Merging business analytics with market data. Data-Driven Decisions: Turning insights into profitable retail strategies. Agile Market Response: Keeping pace with fast-moving retail dynamics. Actionable Insights: Empowering retail professionals to grow profits. Competitor Analysis Expertise: Navigating trends and consumer preferences. 5.10Akeneo Akeneo offers a robust PIM solution, orchestrating product information to enrich and expedite the journey from product management to market. The Akeneo Product Cloud is a significant offering from Akeneo, a SaaS-based solution that orchestrates, activates, and optimizes product experiences across various channels such as e-commerce, mobile, social commerce, and more. Key attributes PIM Excellence: Streamlining and enhancing product information management. Product Cloud: Orchestrating experiences across diverse sales channels. Collaborative Tools: Enabling teamwork for faster product readiness. Tailored Solutions: Catering to various industries with specific needs. SaaS-Based: Offering scalable and flexible product information management. 6. Summation: A Nod to Ecommerce Merchandising's Critical Impact With a significant portion of consumers conducting online research for major purchases and engaging in spontaneous 'micro-moments' of shopping, the need for an optimized online retail environment has never been more critical. As the competition is fierce and the expectations of potential customers are rapidly evolving, the significance of refined ecommerce merchandising strategies cannot be overstated. A well-orchestrated approach to online merchandising, leveraging high-quality product photography, significantly enhances the visibility and attractiveness of all offerings to the online shopper. Harnessing customer data effectively allows for a personalized shopping experience, fostering a stronger connection between a brand and its audience. Moreover, integrating social media into the ecommerce strategy amplifies a brand’s reach and opens up new avenues for engagement and customer acquisition. The desire for virtual try-on experiences is a testimony of ecommerce evolution and highlights the growing demand for interactive and personalized ecommerce experiences. As such, ecommerce merchandising has cemented itself as a cornerstone of online retail, essential for attracting attention, driving sales, and delivering personalized shopping experiences that resonate with the modern consumer's expectations. However, amid escalating competition and narrow conversion windows, the necessity for instantaneous inventory and merchandising refinement is paramount, yet unattainable without automation. This implies merchandising managers must embrace ecommerce merchandising task automation for critical operations. Also, through searchandising, owners of ecommerce stores can leverage the ability to spotlight particular items, including those with high margins, top sellers, or those relevant to the current season. By focusing on these dynamic aspects, along with strategic visual merchandising, businesses can secure their position in the competitive online marketplace.

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POS Solutions, POS Retail, Ecommerce Merchandising

How To Avoid Overpaying On Your POS Processing Fees

Article | June 7, 2024

Running a small business requires a tight eye on profits. More than likely, you will face scenarios in which you incur higher transaction fees you didn’t expect and could have avoided in the first place. Knowing how to navigate processing fees is a key part of your success. Whether you run a single location, a multi-location business, or even a mobile business, avoiding unnecessary fees should be part of the game plan. Unfortunately, less-than-reputable POS providers are out there, and understanding fees associated with taking payment from customers isn’t easy, but knowing what to look for will help. In this article, we cover fees to keep an eye on and how to save more on your processing fees. How To Avoid Paying Unnecessary Credit Card Processing Fees Unfortunately, if you want to accept credit and debit cards as a form of payment in your business, you’re going to experience processing fees. The financial benefits outweigh the transaction costs, but you can still save some money on your POS system and credit card processing. Negotiate Your Processing Fees The reason it can be so hard to understand the actual cost of processing fees is that many merchant service providers bury fees in the fine print, and these fees can come back to haunt you. In general, the more upfront a company is about all its charges, the more trustworthy and reliable they are because they have nothing to hide, and typically those rates will be fair. But it also helps to keep an eye on certain aspects of a contract. You can then negotiate them or repackage services to boost your profits. Transaction Fees: Choose The Right Plan When setting up your contract, you are given the option of a range of credit card pricing plans. Here are three of the most common pricing models. Interchange Plus Fee Pricing This option offers different transaction rates for different card types, bank issuers, methods of transactions, and more. By understanding these fees when processing transactions, you can benefit financially by encouraging the usage of certain cards or procedures that are least costly. Tiered Pricing In this scenario, you are charged different rates for different tiers created by your provider. It’s important to evaluate this option carefully because most transactions can fall into a less favorable tier rate. Flat-fee Structure Pricing This fee allows for one charge for card-present (CP) transactions and another for card-not-present (CNP) transactions, regardless of card type. This predictable, one-rate pricing model is easy to follow, allowing you to encourage a lower cents-per-transaction option and formulate special pricing deals. However flat-rate can sometimes come out as more expensive than interchange-plus pricing. How To Avoid Monthly PCI Compliance Charges A semi-regular fee many merchants run into is not falling in line with PCI Compliant in how they handle payment information. Being PCI compliant means maintaining important standards for customer data protection, and it is taken seriously. Compliance is required for major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard and is becoming more popular as businesses continue to shift to online sales. Rule enforcement is most often the responsibility of payment processing companies. Your provider will charge you two fees: a PCI compliance fee – which is once a year – and a PCI non-compliance fee – which occurs every month you have not completed your yearly PCI Compliance audit. Providers are free to charge however much they like for each service, and it can range anywhere between $30-$99 a month. Monthly charges are done both directly or indirectly via higher monthly fees, processing rates, or both. In some cases, the charges begin months after originally signing up with the processors hoping you won’t keep a close eye on all your ongoing processing fees. As a merchant service provider, we at BNG Point-Of-Sale have a long and reliable history in helping our customers practice PCI Compliance within their business and avoid non-compliance fees. PCI Compliance is necessary and it does require some work by the processors, so the charges aren’t a hoax, but there are some ways to keep costs down: You can take on the responsibility of PCI Compliance yourself and forgo the processor’s fee; however, you will be on your own if issues arise. In today’s world of increasing e-commerce, it’s not recommended. You can prevent the risk of non-compliance fees by working with companies that handle compliance internally. If they (not you) are the source of customer purchasing data, they are automatically in charge of it. Square and PayPal are examples of companies that handle all PCI Compliance, and we often account for these services when onboarding our customers and annually remind them to follow PCI Compliance. At first glance, it may appear you are not charged by these companies for compliance and non-compliance, but in reality, compliance is still built into the standard fee for service; you just won’t see it specified. Still, you won’t be responsible for non-compliance fees since they own the data and are fully responsible for it. The amount of compliance required of your business depends on how you take in payment and store customer data. Since processors have numerous clients and prefer not to get specific about it, they may charge a basic fee to cover most issues. This means you could be overpaying, so it’s a good area to evaluate this price of the packaged service vs. when it is priced individually. There may be companies that don’t charge for compliance, but they are rare and may be suspect. In most cases, any free compliance is covered with higher fees in other areas. How To Avoid Chargeback Fees Chargeback fees should be avoided since they are more expensive than traditional transaction fees – especially if you are categorized as a “high risk” client. The first step is to avoid chargebacks in the first place. Chargebacks can be the result of sales errors by you and your team, a misunderstanding by the customer, or the result of identity theft. Here are some ways to combat each. Reduce Transaction Errors Know when to stop a transaction. If an error occurs, push the cancel/hold button inside the transaction. If you are unable to do this, the transaction has already been claimed by the processing company. Accurately process credits as credits and sales as sales. Receive an Authorization Approval Code (AAC) before running a transaction. Before batching your credit card processing at the end of the day, review all charges to verify all charges are correct and not duplicated. Keeping this as an active daily routine can prevent costly mistakes. Ensure shipped items arrive to the customer to avoid disputes. Select the “ship product to billing address” to alleviate data error. Keep Records Of Voids Provide records to your customer of any proof of voids and include companion documentation for any disputes showing details of each purchase. Decrease Risk Of Theft If your processor charges more for card-not-present transactions, which most do, it’s because the risk of theft is higher. By requiring a driver’s license and signature and doing manually keyed-in card payments in person rather than over the phone, you lower the risk and enjoy lower charges per transaction. Try to avoid non-qualified processing (when a card isn’t present or keyed or is missing billing information.) This type of processing is considered a high-risk factor, and processors charge accordingly. When Possible, Run Orders On Debit Cards Debit cards are considered a lower risk than credit cards and, in turn, the transaction rates are quite a bit less. This has mostly to do with the fact the purchase is a direct bank-to-bank transaction, but other factors make a difference such as PIN verification and signature requirements, bringing these purchases into a lower risk category. And typically the rates hold. You will still experience rate differences among debit cards related to how the purchases are conducted and who the issuing bank is. Special incentives such as loyalty programs for debit card users help to easily boost profits. A Final Thought On Keeping Processing Fees Low As you can see, several variables can affect your processing rates. From fines to the pricing model your merchant service provider recommends, there’s a lot to consider. As tempting as it can be to just try and find the cheapest option, be careful going with the lowest bidder. Remember, all POS and payment processing providers have to make some money to cover the costs of support their merchants. If you choose a processor with incredibly low fees, you run the risk of getting what you pay for when it comes to supporting your business. If you’re not sure if you’re overpaying on your processing fees and want a free analysis, let our team review your current monthly statements and we’ll let you know if you’re getting a good deal or not.

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SEE WHO IS SPEAKING AT MPC20!

Article | July 16, 2020

This year, we’ve rounded up an incredible lineup of industry experts to share their knowledge about the latest FinTech technologies, innovations, and trends for our now virtual MPC20. Our generous sponsors are covering your ticket in full—a $599 expense. If you haven’t locked down your seat yet, you can do so here using the code VICTORY2020 for your complimentary discount: As a guest, you can expect the same quality content as years past, now with virtual perks such as an exclusive digital wallet, gift cards, attendee rewards, and more. We’ll cover key topics including the post-COVID consumer journey, the COVID-19 impact on payments, the 5G future, and other relevant topics.

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Spotlight

Flubit Limited

Flubit.com is the largest UK-owned marketplace for branded goods. You can buy over 1 Million items cheaper than Amazon, every week; from toys, books, health & beauty, home & garden and so much more!

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POS Retail

Leading Wireless Retail Platform Provider Real Time Technologies Continues Growth and Expansion With Acquisition of Your Ware Software

Real Time Technologies (RT²) | January 24, 2024

Real Time Technologies, Inc (RT²), the largest enterprise front-end software platform serving Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. wireless industry, announced today its acquisition of Your Ware Software, a provider of customized business intelligence, sales, and compensation reporting for the wireless retail postpaid channel. Trusted by tier-one telecom carriers to provide retail activation, point-of-sale (POS), payments, business intelligence, and inventory management solutions, RT²'s acquisition of Your Ware Software adds key capabilities to its burgeoning retail wireless store solutions, enabling further expansion into postpaid channels for customers. The purchase is expected to add access to another 4,000 postpaid locations for RT²'s industry-leading wireless retail platform, setting the company up for another banner year in 2024. "The acquisition of Your Ware significantly expands RT²'s presence in the postpaid retail environment and adds to our long-standing success as the leading enterprise POS and Payments provider in prepaid wireless channels," said Omar Azrag, CEO of RT². "The Your Ware team has similar DNA to RT² and brings a world-class level of service specializing in building and deploying customized solutions for the postpaid channel. We are thrilled to have them part of the RT2 family," says Ali Koumaiha, Founder & CPO of RT². "For 22 years, Your Ware Software has designed POS, inventory management, and commission-tracking software for authorized retailers representing tier-one U.S. telecom carriers. Our team of world-class developers and engineers are excited to join the RT² family and continue to serve our customers with the industry-leading products and services they've come to expect. This deal is a triumph for our employees and our customers," says Chris Jones, CEO of Your Ware Software. Neither party disclosed the terms of the deal at this time, and it will remain confidential. In August of 2022, RT² acquired IAS, formerly Qpay from InComm Payments, specializing in customizable payment and technology solutions and the payment processor of choice for retailers, master agents and wireless carriers. RT² has since transformed and simplified the payment offering with an industry-first service model, much to the delight of their long-term customers. About Real Time Technologies (RT²) RT² offers the most flexible cutting-edge Retail Management Solutions that encompass POS, inventory management, payment services, frontline employee management & engagement, business intelligence, and digital automation tools for the wireless industry. RT² support Fortune 500 companies unify their customer experience and remove pain points across multiple retail touch points. Now serving over 14,000 retail locations across the US, Territories, and Canada. RT² prides itself on fostering a family culture and a dynamic work environment where team members are set up to make meaningful contributions across the organization. Learn more at www.rt2.com.

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POS Solutions

XY Retail Introduces Cutting-Edge Order Management System for Luxury Retailers

XY Retail | January 08, 2024

XY Retail, a leader in innovative retail solutions, today announces the launch of its latest product, an advanced Order Management System (OMS) that comes fully pre-integrated with the XY Point of Sale (POS) and Clienteling solutions. In response to evolving retailer needs, XY Retail has engineered a comprehensive OMS that not only streamlines order processing but also works seamlessly with the existing XY POS and Clienteling systems. This integrated approach marks a significant leap forward in providing retailers with a unified platform to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall business performance. The XY Retail OMS offers: End-to-End Integration: The XY OMS is intricately woven into the fabric of the XY POS and Clienteling systems, fostering a holistic retail ecosystem. This end-to-end integration ensures a fluid and synchronized customer experience across all touchpoints. Effortless Order Processing: With a user-friendly interface, the OMS simplifies and accelerates order management, from initiation to fulfillment. Retailers can now seamlessly track and fulfill customer orders with precision. Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Leveraging the synergy with the XY POS, the OMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. This empowers retailers to optimize stock, minimize overstock or stockouts, and enhance overall inventory management. Clienteling Enhancement: The integrated OMS elevates the clienteling experience by consolidating customer information from POS transactions and order history. Sales associates can access a comprehensive view of customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history, enabling personalized and targeted engagement. Data-Driven Decision Making: Harnessing the power of interconnected systems, the XY Retail OMS enables data-driven decision-making. Retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, inventory trends, and sales performance, facilitating strategic planning and business growth. "We're excited to introduce our integrated Order Management System, marking a significant step in advancing retail operations,” said Susan Jeffers, CEO of XY Retail. “By seamlessly merging order management with our POS and Clienteling systems, we provide retailers with a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern commerce efficiently and strategically. This integration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering our clients to stay ahead in a dynamic industry." About XY Retail XY Retail is a trailblazer in the world of unified commerce solutions, revolutionizing the retail landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Our microservices based, API-first, cloud-native platform seamlessly and vertically integrates mobile point of sale, order management, clienteling, and omnichannel capabilities, empowering global brands to deliver unparalleled customer experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future of retail, XY Retail is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of innovative and dynamic commerce.

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POS Retail

GK Announces GK Engage, a Highly Personalized Loyalty Solution for Any Retail Touch Point Including Mobile Devices and Point-of-Sale

Business Wire | September 28, 2023

GK today announced its latest solution, GK Engage, a modern, comprehensive and AI-powered loyalty program for every omnichannel retail touch point. This solution empowers retailers to create highly contextualized and personalized outreach including messaging, discounts and rewards that improve customer lifetime value and enrich a retailer’s competitive differentiation. GK Engage was announced at GK’s first-ever Retail Innovation Summit for the Americas, which is taking place Sept. 25-26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can view GK Engage, alongside other GK solutions, at the newly unveiled GK Customer Experience Center. GK is a world leader in point-of-sale (POS) technology and, as a result, its product team has talked with retailers who wanted more out of their loyalty systems. To fill this gap, GK developed GK Engage, a modern take on loyalty. The solution draws inspiration from two successful GK solutions, MCA, GK’s mobile loyalty program, and T+ Loyalty. These predecessor technologies have serviced more than one billion transactions per year for over six million registered users. Now, GK Engage customers will reap these benefits at scale using one comprehensive platform that works across a diverse range of online and in-store retail touch points. GK Engage provides retailers with real-time, AI-driven, personalized loyalty offers that surprise and delight customers. The complete solution creates loyalty tiers that automatically track all customer interactions and generate relevant campaigns to safeguard long-term retailer relationships and customer lifetime value. GK Engage can be integrated with merchandise master data and customer data to ensure all recommendations, promotions, coupons and more are beneficial to the individual customer, as well as the retailer’s current inventory availability and financial goals. What’s more, GK Engage is already integrated into GK’s OmniPOS solution across all touch points including traditional POS, self-checkout kiosks, mobile, and frictionless store technology like GK GO. “GK Engage was created for any retailer, regardless of where they are in their loyalty journey,” said Michael Jaszczyk, chief digital transformation officer, GK and CEO, GK Americas. “The solution is extremely flexible. For some retailers, GK Engage will serve as a complete solution, while others may integrate the solution into a CRM or an existing customer offer system. I look forward to presenting GK Engage alongside our other innovative solutions at the now unveiled GK Customer Experience Center.” Today and tomorrow, GK customers and partners from across the U.S., Latin America and Canada are gathering at GK’s US headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina to take part in the 2023 GK Retail Innovation Summit. In addition to hearing from renowned retail experts like Greg Buzek, founder and president, IHL Group, attendees can visit GK’s new Customer Experience Center. The center showcases GK technology and allows viewers to envision a modern, efficient and exceptional shopper experience across various key touch points including the point-of-sale, the fuel pump and the e-commerce site. At the Customer Experience Center, prospective retail customers can hear from solution experts who will help them to design the best solution deployment for their end-customers. The technology featured in the center includes GK Engage, GK OmniPOS, self check-out, GK Drive, GK GO, GK AIR (artificial intelligence for retail) and fraud prevention solutions from Fujitsu, which invested in GK as a strategic investor earlier this year. About GK GK breaks down the barriers to unified commerce with its open CLOUD4RETAIL platform and a broad portfolio based on it, like OmniPOS for point of sale, mobile POS, mobile customer engagement and a full range of store/back-office solutions. The company is a recognized leader in omnichannel retail, offering a single, global software platform for all retail formats and touch points. Ten of the Top 50 retailers worldwide rely on GK, and GK is the fastest growing global POS provider in new installations over the last three years. For more information, visit www.gk-software.com.

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POS Retail

Leading Wireless Retail Platform Provider Real Time Technologies Continues Growth and Expansion With Acquisition of Your Ware Software

Real Time Technologies (RT²) | January 24, 2024

Real Time Technologies, Inc (RT²), the largest enterprise front-end software platform serving Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. wireless industry, announced today its acquisition of Your Ware Software, a provider of customized business intelligence, sales, and compensation reporting for the wireless retail postpaid channel. Trusted by tier-one telecom carriers to provide retail activation, point-of-sale (POS), payments, business intelligence, and inventory management solutions, RT²'s acquisition of Your Ware Software adds key capabilities to its burgeoning retail wireless store solutions, enabling further expansion into postpaid channels for customers. The purchase is expected to add access to another 4,000 postpaid locations for RT²'s industry-leading wireless retail platform, setting the company up for another banner year in 2024. "The acquisition of Your Ware significantly expands RT²'s presence in the postpaid retail environment and adds to our long-standing success as the leading enterprise POS and Payments provider in prepaid wireless channels," said Omar Azrag, CEO of RT². "The Your Ware team has similar DNA to RT² and brings a world-class level of service specializing in building and deploying customized solutions for the postpaid channel. We are thrilled to have them part of the RT2 family," says Ali Koumaiha, Founder & CPO of RT². "For 22 years, Your Ware Software has designed POS, inventory management, and commission-tracking software for authorized retailers representing tier-one U.S. telecom carriers. Our team of world-class developers and engineers are excited to join the RT² family and continue to serve our customers with the industry-leading products and services they've come to expect. This deal is a triumph for our employees and our customers," says Chris Jones, CEO of Your Ware Software. Neither party disclosed the terms of the deal at this time, and it will remain confidential. In August of 2022, RT² acquired IAS, formerly Qpay from InComm Payments, specializing in customizable payment and technology solutions and the payment processor of choice for retailers, master agents and wireless carriers. RT² has since transformed and simplified the payment offering with an industry-first service model, much to the delight of their long-term customers. About Real Time Technologies (RT²) RT² offers the most flexible cutting-edge Retail Management Solutions that encompass POS, inventory management, payment services, frontline employee management & engagement, business intelligence, and digital automation tools for the wireless industry. RT² support Fortune 500 companies unify their customer experience and remove pain points across multiple retail touch points. Now serving over 14,000 retail locations across the US, Territories, and Canada. RT² prides itself on fostering a family culture and a dynamic work environment where team members are set up to make meaningful contributions across the organization. Learn more at www.rt2.com.

Read More

POS Solutions

XY Retail Introduces Cutting-Edge Order Management System for Luxury Retailers

XY Retail | January 08, 2024

XY Retail, a leader in innovative retail solutions, today announces the launch of its latest product, an advanced Order Management System (OMS) that comes fully pre-integrated with the XY Point of Sale (POS) and Clienteling solutions. In response to evolving retailer needs, XY Retail has engineered a comprehensive OMS that not only streamlines order processing but also works seamlessly with the existing XY POS and Clienteling systems. This integrated approach marks a significant leap forward in providing retailers with a unified platform to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall business performance. The XY Retail OMS offers: End-to-End Integration: The XY OMS is intricately woven into the fabric of the XY POS and Clienteling systems, fostering a holistic retail ecosystem. This end-to-end integration ensures a fluid and synchronized customer experience across all touchpoints. Effortless Order Processing: With a user-friendly interface, the OMS simplifies and accelerates order management, from initiation to fulfillment. Retailers can now seamlessly track and fulfill customer orders with precision. Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Leveraging the synergy with the XY POS, the OMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. This empowers retailers to optimize stock, minimize overstock or stockouts, and enhance overall inventory management. Clienteling Enhancement: The integrated OMS elevates the clienteling experience by consolidating customer information from POS transactions and order history. Sales associates can access a comprehensive view of customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history, enabling personalized and targeted engagement. Data-Driven Decision Making: Harnessing the power of interconnected systems, the XY Retail OMS enables data-driven decision-making. Retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, inventory trends, and sales performance, facilitating strategic planning and business growth. "We're excited to introduce our integrated Order Management System, marking a significant step in advancing retail operations,” said Susan Jeffers, CEO of XY Retail. “By seamlessly merging order management with our POS and Clienteling systems, we provide retailers with a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern commerce efficiently and strategically. This integration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering our clients to stay ahead in a dynamic industry." About XY Retail XY Retail is a trailblazer in the world of unified commerce solutions, revolutionizing the retail landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Our microservices based, API-first, cloud-native platform seamlessly and vertically integrates mobile point of sale, order management, clienteling, and omnichannel capabilities, empowering global brands to deliver unparalleled customer experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future of retail, XY Retail is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of innovative and dynamic commerce.

Read More

POS Retail

GK Announces GK Engage, a Highly Personalized Loyalty Solution for Any Retail Touch Point Including Mobile Devices and Point-of-Sale

Business Wire | September 28, 2023

GK today announced its latest solution, GK Engage, a modern, comprehensive and AI-powered loyalty program for every omnichannel retail touch point. This solution empowers retailers to create highly contextualized and personalized outreach including messaging, discounts and rewards that improve customer lifetime value and enrich a retailer’s competitive differentiation. GK Engage was announced at GK’s first-ever Retail Innovation Summit for the Americas, which is taking place Sept. 25-26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can view GK Engage, alongside other GK solutions, at the newly unveiled GK Customer Experience Center. GK is a world leader in point-of-sale (POS) technology and, as a result, its product team has talked with retailers who wanted more out of their loyalty systems. To fill this gap, GK developed GK Engage, a modern take on loyalty. The solution draws inspiration from two successful GK solutions, MCA, GK’s mobile loyalty program, and T+ Loyalty. These predecessor technologies have serviced more than one billion transactions per year for over six million registered users. Now, GK Engage customers will reap these benefits at scale using one comprehensive platform that works across a diverse range of online and in-store retail touch points. GK Engage provides retailers with real-time, AI-driven, personalized loyalty offers that surprise and delight customers. The complete solution creates loyalty tiers that automatically track all customer interactions and generate relevant campaigns to safeguard long-term retailer relationships and customer lifetime value. GK Engage can be integrated with merchandise master data and customer data to ensure all recommendations, promotions, coupons and more are beneficial to the individual customer, as well as the retailer’s current inventory availability and financial goals. What’s more, GK Engage is already integrated into GK’s OmniPOS solution across all touch points including traditional POS, self-checkout kiosks, mobile, and frictionless store technology like GK GO. “GK Engage was created for any retailer, regardless of where they are in their loyalty journey,” said Michael Jaszczyk, chief digital transformation officer, GK and CEO, GK Americas. “The solution is extremely flexible. For some retailers, GK Engage will serve as a complete solution, while others may integrate the solution into a CRM or an existing customer offer system. I look forward to presenting GK Engage alongside our other innovative solutions at the now unveiled GK Customer Experience Center.” Today and tomorrow, GK customers and partners from across the U.S., Latin America and Canada are gathering at GK’s US headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina to take part in the 2023 GK Retail Innovation Summit. In addition to hearing from renowned retail experts like Greg Buzek, founder and president, IHL Group, attendees can visit GK’s new Customer Experience Center. The center showcases GK technology and allows viewers to envision a modern, efficient and exceptional shopper experience across various key touch points including the point-of-sale, the fuel pump and the e-commerce site. At the Customer Experience Center, prospective retail customers can hear from solution experts who will help them to design the best solution deployment for their end-customers. The technology featured in the center includes GK Engage, GK OmniPOS, self check-out, GK Drive, GK GO, GK AIR (artificial intelligence for retail) and fraud prevention solutions from Fujitsu, which invested in GK as a strategic investor earlier this year. About GK GK breaks down the barriers to unified commerce with its open CLOUD4RETAIL platform and a broad portfolio based on it, like OmniPOS for point of sale, mobile POS, mobile customer engagement and a full range of store/back-office solutions. The company is a recognized leader in omnichannel retail, offering a single, global software platform for all retail formats and touch points. Ten of the Top 50 retailers worldwide rely on GK, and GK is the fastest growing global POS provider in new installations over the last three years. For more information, visit www.gk-software.com.

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