Convenience Store EPoS feature
What are the benefits to the retailer of installing an EPoS system?
With most good EPoS systems, retailers can:
Scan barcodes at the tills and know that the correct prices are being charged automatically, eliminating risk of operator error or mis-labelling
Keep up with best-selling and less popular lines
See if they are carrying too much stock
Calculate appropriate margins
Print shelf-edge labels
Receive complete price files from their suppliers or symbol group
Print off reports on wastage, sales and low margins
Send sales data to their suppliers, often getting better terms in return
Easily keep track of promotions
Keep within the law by printing an automatically - generated refusals log for age-restricted products
Easily link their tills to CCTV
Quickly spot unusual, potentially fraudulent transactions
Handle their news prices, returns and deliveries more effectively
How soon could a retailer expect to see the benefits?
It usually takes up to 6 weeks for the retailer to enjoy the full benefits of the EPoS system, although some benefits should become apparent almost immediately - these include the ability to scan items at the till and print off shelf-edge labels, which will save considerable time and effort. Typically the system will have paid for itself within 12 to 18 months.
Besides pricing and stock control, what else could an EPoS system be used for?
Keeping track of News stock, returns and deliveries.
Managing customers' grocery and news accounts.
Keeping records of required activities such as data code and temperature checks.
Efficient card payment, including cash back, and footfall generators such as e-topup.
Why would you think that a retailer would be wary of an EPoS system?
The perception of the cost is higher than reality.
They cannot see the benefit - EPoS is a daunting investment.
They may be wary of complicated technology.
They, or their friends, may have had previous bad experiences.
How would you alleviate these concerns?
We provide careful preparation, training and support.
The cost of the SPEDI software range is low by market standards.
The benefits begin to appear immediately, and the retailer could potentially enjoy a 3% boost in profit after just a couple of months.
Despite its comprehensive functionality, our software is simple to learn and use.
We have 30 years' experience designing software for both large and small convenience retailers, so our software is continually developed based on our customers' feedback.
What should a retailer be looking for in an EPoS system if they are installing one for the first time?
The most important point about an EPoS system is ease of use. A retailer could buy the most versatile system that practically runs his shop for him and gived him a 10% boost in profit - but if it isn't easy to use, then he will get frustrated.
What questions should a retailer ask a salesman when potentially buying a system?
To which wholesalers will it connect?
How many customers use the system? Do any big retailers use it?
Could I speak to a couple of your existing customers?
How long has your company been providing EPoS to convenience stores? Is support in-house or outsourced?
Does it connect to new wholesalers and which ones?
Do you provide training for staff when you install a system?
Yes, comprehensive training is provided for the tills and the back office. We typically spend up to three days on site, with more training given if required.
How much upkeep does an EPoS system require?
Very little; most day-to-day operations can be automated, including downloads from wholesalers. Some systems may also allow remote access through a broadband link allowing the retailer to run his store from the comfort of his own home.
Do you provide any after-sales service?
During the first week after install, the retailer will be given "close support", which means that they are allocated an individual within the company whose job it is to ensure that they feel comfortable with the system. After that, we assess the situation and either extend the "close support" or move them onto standard support, which is given 7 days a week.
Do your products have any unique feature that would be attractive to a convenience store owner?
We have listened to and worked with our retailers for 30 years - they guide our products. Because of this, our products are very flexible, making them suitable for all sizes of store. For example, our light EPoS system, designed for one - or two-till stores, can run all the back office functionality either on the main till or on a separate computer. News and wholesaler-link software can also be added if required.
Our software provides a large range of reports for both management and staff purposes. These allow retailers to more easily see where they are losing money, and where they can better invest their efforts.