ePOS MIsconceptions and Golf Shops

 

 

Point of Sale (POS) systems have been widespread across retail and hospitality sectors since the 1980’s, with constantly evolving functionality.  They’ve come a long way since the days when retailers ran their shops with a pen and paper to keep on top of stock, sales and pricing, and relied on a manual spreadsheet to run the business.  Hopefully, this isn’t still you.

Fast forward to today’s modern ePOS with its limitless possibilities and all the benefits of new software, such as accessibility, mobility and improved security to help grow retail businesses.  However, not everybody’s embracing the tech revolution.  “It’s incredible how many people still rely on a basic till system, or don’t take advantage of the features in their ePOS”, says XPOS’s, Matt Peace, “On average, a UK pro shop carries £16,000 of excess stock. Why would you not want a system that helps you choose the right colours and sizes, and make the right purchasing decisions.  And why would you not get take full advantage of your system when you've made the investment?”

Not just for pandemics

Back in March, when shops had to close, retailers with the right software in place were able to adapt quickly and adjust to the new situation.  “Where many businesses moved to online selling, I could see some of the smaller stores just didn’t cope,” says Matt, “It isn’t just pandemics we have to watch out for.  Golf retailers need to be able to react to events such as bad weather, which we see all the time here in the UK”.

It’s also worth remembering that we may all be forced to update our sales systems soon, due to the government’s Making Tax Digital initiative. With new rules to make digital record keeping for VAT compulsory, as well as filing of VAT returns via digital software or digitally enabled spreadsheets, new solutions need to be in place by the deadline in 2022.

If we still haven’t convinced you, let’s dispel some of the myths around ePOS systems and the squash the reasons often provided by golf retailers before they come on board.

 

My shop is too small for an ePOS

The only way to manage any business is by staying on top of the numbers, regardless of whether it’s large or small.  We’ve heard many retail owners argue that they know exactly what they have in the shop but, fundamentally, they can’t recall what’s been sold. Suppliers do their job in selling to you and it’s the retailer’s role to manage stock and understand what the shop needs more, or less, of.

“We caught the thief thanks to XPOS and cameras – so the system really paid for itself within the first three weeks!”

Looking at an empty shelf isn’t the way to run a business: It doesn’t tell you what sizes or colours were more popular last season, whether you had to discount, how quickly your outerwear sold, or whether you had to pay more staff to sell it.

 

ePOS takes too much time to set up

Unlike old POS machines, (or a piece of paper), a modern ePOS will generate detailed reporting and insights to enable you to make the right decisions to grow the business. Without them, it’s just a guessing game.

“Just remember, you need the right foundations in the first place”, says Matt.  “If the data in the system is inaccurate, or full of duplicates, then you’ll soon lose faith in the reports and will use them less and less”.

Not Just a Till

XPOS’s live industry database contains over a million items from 150+ leading sports brands, so when users receive new stock, they just scan the barcode and the system ensures the right details are added to their ePOS. Most retailers signing up to XPOS will need to spend a bit of time at the beginning to migrate and clean their existing data but, once it’s done, the system will literally save you hours of stocktaking and importing time each week.

“At the touch of a button I can print all manner of in-depth reports - which used to take me hours with my previous system - saving me valuable time and allowing me to spend longer with my customers.”

As sales manager, Matt talks to hundreds of golf pro’s each year about the benefits of ePOS systems. “It might seem like an effort to set up your ePOS initially but good data is the key to a successful retail business. Your reports mean nothing without it.”

It makes business sense to focus on what you’re good at: be it coaching, selling or dealing with the club. Let your ePOS do the rest.

 

ePOS systems aren’t secure

If you’re still relying on an old ePOS, or even paper-based record keeping, it’s a high-risk strategy that’s leaving your business exposed to multiple problems including staff error, or theft.  New ePOS systems give retailers full control over access to the till, as well as sales, customer and inventory data.

XPOS gives you the flexibility to work anywhere and, when you’re away from the shop, you can securely access online services and data, whilst allowing limited access to other users.

 

ePOS systems are expensive

Making financial decisions for the business will always be worrying and it’s understandable that business owners want to see a return on their investment as soon as possible.  ePOS systems do tend to be expensive due to the wealth of features and benefits they include but the right system should save you money. In fact, the average golf shop saves £4,000 each year with XPOS thanks to the unique industry database and fast, accurate stocktaking and importing capabilities.  We’d say that’s a no-brainer.

 

XPOS is the number one sales and stock management solution designed for golf retailers. To set up XPOS, you’ll need about the same amount of time as it takes for a full shop stocktake. If we haven’t done enough to bust some of the ePOS myths, get in touch with Matt matt.peace@crossovertec.co.uk www.crossovertec.co.uk