SPREE

SPREE is the industry event of the year, so if you’re a retailer, specialty leasing manager or an aspiring entrepreneur looking for the newest ideas, locations or services to start or grow your specialty retail business, don’t miss this chance to be part of the FREE event that brings together the people, products and information at the forefront of Specialty Retail. For more information, please check http://www.spreeshow.com/ Or visit www.LivePOS.com

The power of Cloud based point of sale

Point of Sale providers are now using the “cloud” as its platform to provide service to their customers. Because of this, specialty retailer business owners are now enjoying a fast and efficient transmission of their data which saves them time and money. Fewer employees are also needed because this cloud computing POS systems are now capable of doing most of the employees tasks in a lesser span of time. For example, the daily inventory count and the end of the day is already tallied up in the system. With a modern cloud point of sale, you’ll just have to look at your online dashboard and you will have an updated report of your inventory whether you refer to a single store or multiple store locations. All products that left your storage.

Modern Real time point-of-sale

Point-of-sale systems are being referred to as the solution which store owners use to process sales transaction faster and easier. With the evolution of modern POS systems, it not only process sales transactions, it can also be an effective tool to be used for your business. Modern POS system can also track previous transactions, quick inventory updates, accept different modes of payments and can serve as a marketing tool also to boost your sales.

How to create “Rapport” with your Customers

The secret of a successful business relationship is to make your customer trust you. The more they trust you, the more comfortable they will be about working with you. When you have that subconscious understanding or having an atmosphere of understanding between two or more individuals you can have “rapport”; dictionary.com tells the meaning as a relation or connection especially a harmonious or sympathetic relationship. One of the benefits of rapport is that it allows you to communicate much more quickly at an unconscious level. This happens because when people feel comfortable, there are less doubts and questions from the conscious mind. To have rapport, you need to create a situation where your audience (whether it's one person or a large group) will see you as being like them in some way and so will find it easier to develop an atmosphere of trust. It is easier for them to trust you if they feel you are like them in some way. This also means there is more chance they will like you. Clearly, if they like you and trust you, they are more likely to do business with you. Here are some ways in which you can create rapport quickly: Talk on their level By knowing what kind of words or phrases your customer is using and using that to our advantage, you can make your customers create a certain understanding. Look out for their mannerisms By discreetly analyzing their posture, gestures and movement and integrating them in your behavior, your customer could say to themselves that you are like them. Match their own style of speaking They would feel comfortable if you would take on the same pace with them; if possible try to speak using articles like, “actually”, “anyhow”, you know”, etc. Know if both of you are on the same page. There are some kinds of people who are detail oriented and there persons who only sees the big picture. You should use the right kind of presentation of the product to the right kind of person, if you would use a shorthanded explanation to a big-picture person he/she would just yawn. Find a common or shared experience. What if your customer came from your hometown or you studied on the same university or you have the same kind of interest? It is much easier to create a rapport if both of you have the same This process will work out if you are true to yourself and personality. Pretension is a no-no and will build mistrust between you and your customers. Here’s a tip, if your conversation with your customer is not going somewhere, you should increase your rapport.

Point of Sale solutions

Most point of sale solutions are either software based or cloud based. But with LivePOS, store owners can enjoy the features of both platforms. Here at LivePOS we came up with a powerful solution that enables the POS to perform both online AND offline. Offering features such as real time updates of sales transactions, inventory, employee attendance, purchase orders and more-without having to worry about losing data if the internet goes down for any reason. If your system is offline, your employee will still be able to ring up sales without any interruptions. All transactional data will be saved locally and will be sent automatically to LivePOS when your internet is restored. All important areas of your business are available through your online dashboard anytime you want and from anywhere you are. Enjoy a modern trend of retail management, visit www.LivePOS.com

Cloud based point-of-sale solution

Cloud based point-of-sale solution provides easy access to your business. Cloud based POS is capable of showing you real time reports and updates of your business through any online device. Whether you’re using a laptop, tablet or a mobile internet, your business is just a click away. For this reason alone, more store owners are switching to cloud computing POS systems. LivePOS’ cloud based POS solution offer many features that will help you run your business smoothly and efficiently.

Finding something in Common with your Customers

You need to build trust, long before the customer commits to the product. The more we have in common with someone, the easier it is to develop a selling relationship. This is a relationship where it’s base is on trust; but the question is how do you do it? You must find something in common with your customer; somehow a bond or trust will be formed from a shared interest or mutual acquaintance. A shared experience added within a conversation big or small but meaningful could produce positive feelings in a prospect, customer or client. To build trust quickly in a sales transaction, all you need to do is ask a series of "open-ended, personal questions." One of the easiest ways to build rapport and trust is to get a customer chatting about something that he loves to talk about himself! It is true that people buy from people like themselves, but, finding something in common with a keen decision-maker just takes too long in today's fast paced selling environment and is often too difficult to uncover to build the trusting relationship that actually produces sales success. You could just ask what I said earlier, a series of questions that are open-ended, personal but straightforward questions, these could just peel of their “walls” one by one, but provided that the time and situation is favorable; a two-minute talk in a fast-paced environment is not enough to get the confidence that you would want. People are far more interested in themselves than in you, your organization or what you are selling. But, when a customer opens up something personal about herself/himself, that's when a strong and trusting relationship is formed. Always remember, "People buy from people they trust!" In your conversations, give questions and really listen. Listening builds trust between you and your customer. If you mostly talk during your sales presentation or sales transaction, you are talking too much! Customers do not care about your company, your marketing strategy or even about you, they only care about the product and themselves. Always remember, closing a sale is a process not a technique, so don’t rush it.

Specialty Retailers

Specialty retailers often have more than one store location, and the more locations they have, the harder it is for them to manage their businesses. Well-that was before the cloud point-of-sale solutions. With POS systems taking advantage of the cloud, specialty retailers are now able to juggle multiple locations from wherever they are as long as they have internet and browser. This may include a desktop at their house, a laptop or a mobile internet phone while they are a mall or coffee shop. Personal Online Dashboards are being used by owners to monitor the status of their stores and from there they can quickly see live updates and make quick decisions. Visit us at www.LivePOS.com

Real Time Cloud Point of Sale

With Cloud POS solutions, there is no need to worry about losing your data due to a corrupted pc, software virus, misplaced paper reports or even catastrophic events. Modern point of sale systems uses the cloud to transmit your data to high speed servers to be stored in a secured back up location. Because of this, your store’s data are available whenever and wherever you want it. You just have to log in to your personal online dashboard and view real-time updated reports of your business! Visit us at www.LivePOS.com

Retail Point of Sale

If you’re planning on starting a specialty retail business, you might want to consider having a cloud computing point of sale (POS) system instead of hiring multiple employees. Buying a real time point-of-sale system only requires you to purchase the unit once, and it is capable of doing necessary tasks that you and your employees can take hours if done manually-like daily inventory, employee attendance, tracking sales transactions and much more. You can manage multiple stores from one location through your personal online dashboard where you can see detailed updates from every one of your stores. POS systems can now even be used as a marketing tool that can store clients’ information, send emails, accept gift cards and more. In the end, having all the features of a cloud POS will still save you more time and money.

Downgrading America

I read in a news article that more and more Americans view tech gadgets a luxury especially during the global recession. More people are stingy with the money that they have. When they do purchase technology, they want that thing to last long. Before the crisis, a lot of people bought what’s been released today. But now, there is more thinking of the future and holding the money. Americans are starting to ignore what they want, and business-minded people are starting to provide what they need. The market is gearing towards items that count. It would nice to have a new HDTV, but they’d rather stick with their four year old set. Many of us look at it as a bad thing. Tons of people look at the crisis as a threat. Think! During hard times, this is when we should get creative. This is the opportunity to just work it out and go for anything. Trends are leaning towards recycling, repairing, and reusing. This makes repair shops and refurbish centers busy this season. I find it amusing that although more difficult, new, small businesses find their way through the cracks. Indeed, these are different times. It seems like yesterday that we just entered the information age where all sorts of new technology were released. What use are they now, when people stop acknowledging them? Is the financial crunch just a hiccup or the start of a new culture of selling and spending? There is no telling which is true but we are soon to find out. In the meantime, entrepreneurs are doing what they can to move forward, everyone is.

What’s Love Got to do with…anything?

During the Valentine’s hype, I went into a mall where a speed dating event was being held. I wasn’t there to participate, but to observe. It was out in the open so it was easy for me to snoop around without getting caught. I have to say, there are still some lame lines being thrown everywhere. I thought it was crazy because the whole point of speed dating for me is to set yourself apart from the rest of the thirty nine dudes. I was surprised at how cheesy lines find their way into the air. That got me thinking. Since I got into marketing, I somehow developed this “sickness” of linking everything back to marketing and sales. So, here I was in a speed dating thing connecting everything to sales. Sales is a lot about dating. I’m sure this statement has been said many times before. It might even be a cliché. Either way, I still think it’s an underrated example because after everything has been said and done, people still make the same mistakes. Sales associates still use the same predictable pitch; lovers still use the same stupid pick-up lines. People never learn! As I observed the speed daters, I couldn’t help but close my eyes and cover my ears. The women were growing tired as the men kept on trying. There were 4 or 5 who stood out. They were smooth and cool and it was obvious that the women were digging them. Others were talking on and on about themselves. It was about being unique, doing things no one is doing. I was walking in the same mall and saw a sign on a poster. It said, “PLEASE DO NOT READ!” So I went ahead and read the contents of the poster, the curious person I am. It was a print ad about eyeglasses. I didn’t notice it was posted on a kiosk that sold eyeglasses. Now, that is unique. That caught my eye in a second. I’m not saying that daters should put a sign around their neck that said, “PLEASE DO NOT DATE ME.” I’m just saying it’s always fun to walk on the road not taken. Whether you fail or succeed is not the issue. Taking big risks may lead to big failures but on the other hand it allows one to enjoy big reward. The point is variety and innovation shakes things up. More of the unexpected and less of the cliché! What does love have to do with anything? I’d say everything. “Obviously everyone wants to be successful, but I want to be looked back on as being very innovative, very trusted and ethical and ultimately making a big difference in the world.” -Sergey Brin-

Modern POS System

Point-of-sale systems are referred to as the solution which store owners use to process sales transaction quicker and more efficiently. With the evolution of modern POS systems, it doesn’t only process sales transactions but can be an effective tool that can be used if you’re running a specialty retail business. Modern POS system can also track previous transactions, quick inventory updates, accept different modes of payments and can serve as a marketing tool to boost your sales. It might cost you more at first but will benefit your business a lot at the latter part of your store operations.

Establish good connection with customer through prints

As I browse my PC this morning while researching about the best way to improve ad materials. I see the posted article last January 21st, 2009 that will help a lot of business owner to visually connect with their Clients (In Print) in the Mindspring Design. Yeah, as small business owner, you have passion, knowledge, enthusiasm, and valuable talent to share. Expertise in the field is a must. But how can we make our past customer to come and try again our product with different features? Business owner have a lot of sales and marketing strategies, but the article discusses five simple ways on how can you visually improve your marketing tools. Do some research and learning before someone proposes a new ways to reach your customer. Create interesting and catchy prints that turns the head back of every potential and past client to try the product. 1. Find the best tool that fits your business. First, you need to look for the weapon that will best fit the target market. What will induce, pull towards you and leave in their reminiscences? Does your company produce regularly hundreds of different prints for customers? Make some style in folding and add some attracting color, change the paper. If competitors usually sheen brochures and hand out, try to use the web to display your product. Try attaching your message relevant to your business. Or, use an item that will uncover your company’s strength and competitor’s weakness by making your blog, post or send through the mail. Be creative and let ideas flow. Think beyond expectations and enjoy! 2. Make it understandable. What’s the use of eye catchy lines, clear copy or alluring incentive if no one understand the message your trying to convey to you customer. One of my friends received a card from local store- it featured the store position covered with luminous prints. It’s not difficult to insert design and layout, but the card is not understandable. Awfully, printed in small type, all in bold letters, and very poor type that can twist on the eyes. You want to express personality and taste, but not at the expense of attracting and useless print out. 3. Decide what will you use as your weapon Most customers get stress and confusion when you offer many things at once. Whether sorting out a business cards or gift cards, you need to choose what weapon you’ll use as your weapon. Or else, you’re putting perils on your business or losing the interest of your potential customer. An experienced business owner knows what is the best tool and essential information that will use from amazing photo, dynamic shapes, etc. 4. Reduce print use Select an adaptable font style that mirror your business and stick with it. You can find and choose a style that offers pleasant image. If you’re using different typeface, you’ll come off as unethical and messy prints. Don’t do it. Consult an artist that will be able to suggest appropriate looks, design and best way to call attention in your prints. This will build up your message and bring together its look. 5. Think positive and show your competitive edge Draw together all prints you can find from your competitors. Check if you see a fundamental cookie-cutter image or color that is not in your flyers, ads or brochures. You’ll see amount of uniformity because people need to instantly distinguish your differences and you’re offering. However, think positive, don’t be afraid to drop the clichés and let your unique approach or style come through (appropriate to the context). These are just sampling of guidelines that you can use to manage your business, or when creating prints for your business. And remember, you are reinvesting in your business when you take time to do little research and take or consult advice from the experts. Adapted from Mindspring Design article “5 Ways to Visually Connect with Your Clients (In Print)”

Online Protection

The LivePOS Software (at the store) is designed to work both online and offline. When online, the system sends all the information to the LivePOS cloud, allowing you to view it thru your Dashboard (see above). If the store loses its internet connection, Employees can continue ringing up customers while all transactions are saved locally and then automatically sent to the LivePOS servers when the internet connection is restored.

CSS LivePOS 4.0

We, here at LivePOS, are happy to announce the release of LivePOS 4.0! This new release now enables customers to add a new location and/or add more lanes to a location (please keep in mind that adding another location or lane will affect your monthly bill) without the use of a MAC address. To activate new lanes all you will need is either a POS system or laptop/desktop with the LivePOS software installed and the Location ID and Password provided for you on your Online Dashboard. To know more on how does our LivePOS 4.0 work Visit: www.LivePOS.com

Software based or Cloud based

Most point of sale solutions are either software based or cloud based. But with LivePOS, store owners can enjoy the features of both platforms. LivePOS came up with a powerful solution that enables the POS to perform with more features such as real time updates of sales transactions, inventory, employee attendance, purchase orders and more-without having to worry about losing any data if the internet goes down. Even if the internet does go down, your employee will still be able to ring up sales without any interruptions. All data will be saved locally and will be sent automatically to LivePOS when your internet is back up. All important areas of your business are available through your online dashboard anytime you want and from anywhere you are. Enjoy a modern trend of retail management, visit www.LivePOS.com

Cloud based point-of-sale solution

Cloud based point-of-sale solution provides easy access to your business. Cloud based POS are capable of showing you real time reports and updates of your business through almost any online device. Whether you’re using a laptop, tablet or a mobile internet, your business will just be a click away. For this reason alone, more and more store owners are switching to cloud computing POS systems. It may cost them upfront but will benefit from it in the long run. With lots of other features cloud POS system can provide their business, it’s really worth their time and money.

CSS LivePOS Inc.

CSS was developed in 2003 and is now a leading international turn-key solution provider. We specialize in delivering cost-effective, specialty retail turn-key solutions to small and mid-tier retailers who wish to grow their businesses. Over 10,000 customers and 45,000 daily users in 17 different countries utilize the LivePOS solution. CSS LivePOS is a Software as a Service (SaaS) provider of a real time retail management solution tailored for the specialty retail industry. We strive to develop and provide the best point of sale systems that are relevant to our clients' needs and are easy to understand and use. We offer a turnkey solution that combines Hardware, Software and Service that would allow you to manage your business efficiently, anytime and anywhere, LIVE! We value our clients and understand the needs of the business. That is why our all-in-one solution is not prohibitive on a businessman's budget, and our customer and technical support centers are accepting calls and emails round the clock every day of the year. LivePOS has reached global destinations with loyal clients: CSS LivePOS Philippines, CSS LivePOS China, CSS LivePOS Israel and our main office CSS LivePOS San Diego in the United States.

The Power of Humor in Your Workplace

Life and work are stressful - overwhelming deadlines, stacks of paperwork, and communication breakdowns can sometimes trigger problems. Humor and a little laughter can resolve conflicts, turn problems into punch-lines and come up with snappy retorts that transform conflicts into camaraderie so everyone can walk away with a smile. There's this philosophy, "Don't get mad, get funny" that inspire people to deal with issues such as downsizing and layoffs -- not to mention that overflowing inbox -- with a sense of humor, rather than a sense of desperation. There are a lot of amusing things in your workplace and I mean, A LOT! You just need to open your eyes, listen carefully and try to relax once in a while. Here are three tips to make your time in your workplace a bit more humorous than usual: 1. Listen Yes, listen. Even if you are so busy at work, even if deadlines are turning you into a slave and make you feel grumpy; there should always be something humorous around. Pay attention to your surroundings, who knows, you might hear one for your office mates strike a funny joke or two which could help you relax a little. 2. Relax Oh c’mon! Do I have to tell you this? If you’re a bit tensed or stressed, it wouldn’t hurt you to smile. Perhaps you can look for a humorous blog or video in Youtube, once in a while. Too much stress hampers your productivity and creativity. A simple laugh or smile (even if it is a smirk) can make your muscles and nerves relax. Remember the saying that it takes 43 muscles to frown and only 17 to smile? There must be some error with the numbers, but regardless, it’s easier to smile! 3. Hit a joke or two This one’s very helpful during breaks and meetings. Cracking a joke can make the ambiance a little more relaxed. Hitting something funny before or during the meeting can make your members receptive to ideas and make the atmosphere livelier. That’s it! These three things will help you make your workplace a bit more relaxing and humorous (set aside the office issues and deadlines).

Brand Management

Brand management is defined as a series of marketing activities designed to develop the overall image of a product, product line, or brand. Some say that it is the art of creating and maintaining a brand. An art. That’s what it’s called. It is not just another boring management function. An effective brand management scheme separates a product from the competition. Some business owners take brand management for granted, though everybody knows it’s important. All of us have to understand that simply having a good product isn’t enough. What use is the best product in the world if no one knows about it? Positioning is the key. Knowing how to position one’s product in the market makes all the difference. When a customer hears your brand name, what is the first thing that pops up in his mind? The least I would want to sound like is a marketing text book, but it looks good on paper as it does in real life. The biggest successes began with simple ideas backed up with crazy management, planning, and execution. From there, anything can happen. The carts-and-kiosks gig is a very competitive industry. This may be a bad thing for some, but this also provides a large venue for innovation. You can try virtually anything. In this area, trial and error works and is quite useful because you can immediately feel and see the effects of any implemented plan. Take the risk. It’s the only way to learn. Just like any piece of art, the first try isn’t always right. Brand management is not a science, remember? It’s an art. Go for it!

Modern Cloud POS

With a modern Cloud POS at your kiosk or carts, headaches are lessened and time and money are saved. See how our customers are using LivePOS’s Live Point of Sale System by visiting us at www.LivePOS.com