Software Advice (Content by Michael Koploy ERP Analyst)

Retail software is a tough subject for many retailers. Their experience with retail technology usually begins and ends with a cash register, QuickBooks, Microsoft Outlook and Office. Trying to decide between systems that offer point of sale (POS), customer relationship management (CRM) and inventory management is bound to give inexperienced searchers a headache.

Here’s a guide to five systems that are affordable (under $2,000 for software), easy to implement for first-time or small retailers and offer the functionality needed to manage an operation that is smaller but looking to grow. You can check out the full guide at;  Point of Sale (POS) Systems for Small Business | 5 Affordable Solutions, but here’s a quick overview:

1. http://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/microsoft-rms-profile/">Microsoft Dynamics RMS

This system is flexible enough to work for a wide variety of specialty retailers, from auto parts shops to book stores. Is offered in two different versions, one for single stores and another headquarters version for those that want to manage multiple stores. The system runs on Windows servers and operating systems, so it’s best for retailers that have a reasonable amount of IT resources.

2. http://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/goldtech-retail-manager-profile/">GoldTech Retail Manager

Since it is expandable for anywhere from 1 to 50 stores, it’s a great system for small retailers that are looking to grow in the near future. It’s also a good choice for apparel retailers because of the system’s integrated SKU-database. Offered as both an on-premise or cloud-based system, it’s flexible for retailers with minimal IT resources.

3. http://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pos-prophet-systems-profile/">POS Prophet Systems

Good for both single-stores and medium-sized retailers. The system can be purchased on both up-front and monthly installment plans, depending on the retailer’s needs. Also has a module for quick food service. The system integrates with both Peachtree and Quickbooks, so transitioning retailers can feel comfortable adjusting from their traditional accounting and inventory software. This system must be deployed on-premise on Windows servers.

4. http://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retail-star-profile/">Retail STAR

Retail STAR from Cam Commerce can be purchased on one of three purchasing plans: up-front, monthly installments, or yearly subscription. Retailers adopting Retail STAR receive consulting services and data conversion to help users adjust to the system. The software supports multiple data entry methods, including single-key and touchscreen. This system must be deployed on-site on Windows hardware.

5. http://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/comcash-profile/">Comcash POS

A popular solution for retailers since 1996, Comcash POS is used by more than 5,000 retailers now. It’s ideal for small retailers, as the system is compatible with touchscreen software. It can be deployed on-premise or hosted through the software vendor, and can be integrated with QuickBooks.

____________________________
Michael Koploy
ERP Analyst
Software Advice

 

(512) 364-0129
michael@softwareadvice.com


By the way, we're hiring...

How long will it take to place my product into a retail store!

Under the frequently asked questions category "How long will it take" is by far the most prolific question asked.

This is not surprising as vendors are anxious to see their products on the shelves of big retail and finally be rewarded for the long hours it takes to conceive, create, produce and market a retail item.  No one in the final stages of bringing a product to market is without significant battle scars, however in the foxholes of product development there are no pessimists.

There is no exact science when it comes to determining how long it will take to sell product into retail, however items generally fall into one of two categories. 1.  Products that have a clear category and dedicated shelf space already in a retailer.  An example of this could be flash drives.  Perhaps your company has developed a new type of flash drive that will blow the market wide open.  In a case like this we would only have to convince the buyer to purchase our new and innovative product not to create brand new space on the shelf as they are already selling like items.  2.  Products that are brand new to the market and have never been sold before.  Items like this create double the work, not only do you have to sell the benefits of the new item you have to help the buyer understand where they would merchandise this new product and why taking a risk on it will pay off.

Although the newer items to market will generally take more time and work you can expect the process to take 3-18 months or longer.  I know this seems like a long time, however unless you are Sony, Campbell's,  Johnson & Johnson or like companies the process will be lengthy and the sooner you begin  the faster you will see results.

Below I have created a best case scenario to help illuminate the process.  For the purpose of this example we are going to say that the buyer loves the product out of the gate, they don't go to China, get sick or go on vacation during the process.  This example begins during the preparation phase.

1. Sample evaluation, pricing strategy and presentation prep - 30 Days
2. Sending the presentation to the buyer and receiving a response - 30 days 
3. If requested sending samples to the buyer - 15 days.
4. Review of the samples by the buyer 15 days.
5. Filling out of vendor paperwork, negotiating the contract, receiving all necessary signatures, being approved and receiving your vendor # -30 days.
6. QA testing on the product or 3rd party audit on the manufacturing facility - 30-90 days if required
7. Cutting a PO - 14 days.
8. Lead time to manufacture the product - 60 days.
9. Delivery time to the retail warehouse - 15-30 days depending on where it is coming from.
10. Distribution time to the stores - 15 days.
11. Time to get paid - 60 days.

Remember the above is best case and even if we take out #6 above we are still looking at 91/2 months to complete the process with one retailer.  There could also be the scheduling of a face to face meeting required which will add time.

The idea of the above example is not to discourage, but to encourage.  The sooner you start this process the faster you will achieve your goals.  

At TLB Consulting we can help you through every step of this process.  We can help you maximize your time, effort and results.  Let us help you prepare for success. 

Visit out website or contact us now at Tim@tlbconsulting.com.

New Webinar Date - March 17th @ 10am PST

Hey all,

If you have not attended our webinar on how to sell your products and services to Costco there has never been a better time.

We have reduced the price for a limited time to $49.99 and seats are filling up.

Visit www.tlbconsulting.com/webinar-1.html to sign up.

How to successfully sell your products and services to Costco / Webinar

Folks, this is a quick note to let you know that our next webinar will be on Feb 16 at 10am PST.

Please visit www.tlbconsulting.com/webinar-1.html to sign up and secure your spot in the next live webinar.

The last webinar on 1/12 was a huge success.  There was great interaction and terrific questions I think benefited everyone on the call.

Don't miss your opportunity to participate in a live webinar focused on how to make your products and services a success with Costco.

See you online......

Installment #5: 5 common mistakes companies make when selling their products to Costco

#5 Hoping Costco will drop their current product for your product.


All to often when thinking about how to get product on the shelves of the best retailers in the country most manufactures think of better pricing, better cost and a better made product. Confident, they march off to their local retailer headquarters armed with these three elements and believing this alone will get them placement and remove their competition.

Before you make this mistake, a mistake made by many who came before you, please remember this: "You must be able to provide more than a great product at a better price to unseat the incumbent vendor."

What could be more important to Costco than better pricing and a better product? Listed below are three main factors that will hold Costco back from making a vendor switch even in the face of better cost.

1. Shipping and Logistics: Your Company’s ability to ship to all of Costco’s depots on time and with consistency is of great importance to Costco. Their floor plans are ever changing and if your product is late it could lose placement. They will also look at your ability to flow product to your own warehouse for them to pull from. Costco will not do transfers from location to location, therefore it is important for them to be able to flow goods to certain locations in smaller quantities from your warehouse.

2. Defect rate: New members and membership retention are the two engines that keep Costco moving and they will protect these like angry pirates on a treasure ship. A key factor in Costco’s image is the quality and durability of their products. Although your company will be paying for returns and defects Costco will not maintain an item with a large defect rate.

3. Depth of product line: Costco is interested in the vendors they partner with doing well. To this end they will work with current vendors on a multitude of products if they are available. This reduces their need to set up and train new vendors, obtain hard to get signatures and take chances on untested companies.

Costco is always looking for great products at tremendous value. If your company has such an item and you wish to replace a product currently in Costco please take into account and nail down the above items first. For a complete strategy on creating a partnership with Costco please visit my website TLB Consulting or contact me directly.

Here's to Conecting your product with the right people.

Installment #4: 5 common mistakes companies make when selling their products to Costco!

Installment #4 “Thinking you should take your product to Costco first”

I am old enough to remember shopping at Costco or even Price Club back at the beginning. The value available was tremendous, as is true today; however the brands carried were not as recognizable. Back then we had to take Costco’s word they were as good as or better than what we were used to. This is not true in today’s Costco as top brands are begging to get into one of the world’s top retailers. The days are far gone when brands like Tumi, Sony, Panasonic and Calvin Klein would turn up their noses at the thought of selling to a club store. Today, not only are they selling Costco, but Costco is a large part of their overall business. Costco’s business model has shifted from selling items at a value to selling top brands at a value. It is exactly this brand name value statement which is the cornerstone of Costco’s business model and something they protect at all cost.

How is the above relevant to you and your pursuit to sell your product to Costco? Today Costco is looking for products with current distribution in mainstream retail. It is very rare today for Costco to be first to bring products to market in any category. Costco maintains their value statement by selling products or variations of products for less which are currently in other retailers. It is hard for Costco to show a value on a product that is not sold anywhere but Costco.
So the question shifts from how to sell your products to Costco to, how to gain distribution on your product in preparation for selling it to Costco. TLB Consulting specializes in creating a strategy for your product with the end result being placement in Costco. When taking your product to Costco you want to be able to answer the below questions:

1. Where is this product currently sold?
2. How long has it been on the market?
3. What is the average retail price point of this product?
4. Can your pricing structure and distribution model support a 20% discounted retail.
5. What is the sell through of your current retailers?

Each circumstance is different as is each product which is precisely why preparation must be a key factor in your overall retail plan. There is no substitute for firsthand knowledge when creating your strategy.

TLB Consulting can help you identify your company’s short and long terms goals, increase your brand awareness and open up multiple lines of distribution.
Let us build a strategy for you.

Feel free to email me directly at Tim@tlbconsulting.com
Or visit my website at http://www.tlbconsulting.com/

Happy selling

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#5: Hoping Costco will drop their current product for your product.

Installment #3 – Thinking you can leave logistics to the end

As a company Costco has made it their business to perfect the movement of merchandise. If you have ever been fortunate enough to be in a warehouse prior to opening you know exactly what I mean. It is like a freeway in there, forklifts going 20 MPH, pallet jacks rumbling by and scaffolding towering above you. They even have a designated area for you to stand so you do not get hit. Costco works on the cross dock system meaning everything that hits their backroom is staged to go out the next morning, there is nothing permanently stored in the backroom. The end result to all of this movement is increased value to their member. The faster and more cost effective they can be at bringing products to the selling floor the more money they save and pass on to the member.

How does Costco manage this process and continue to move it forward? They make it a requirement to become a vendor. There is significant cost related to logistics (see routing guide) and should be evaluated prior to giving Costco final pricing.

Below are some of the logistical items related to doing business with Costco:

1. EDI – Electronic Data Interchange is required by Costco warehouse in order to launch a full campaign. If you are not yet EDI compatible and starting from scratch this can be quite expensive. If you need help getting set up on EDI feel free to email me, TLB Consulting can offer you very competitive pricing on EDI set up.
2. Delivered pricing – Costco will usually require delivered pricing to their Depot. This means whatever price you quote them should include shipping to all of their facilities. Costco has Depots all over the country and you will need to cost average shipping to all of them in order to know how much to build into the price.
3. Display cost – Will your product have a display? If so Costco usually wants this for free. Build this into your cost to ensure you are covered.
4. Packaging – Remember there are no sales people pushing your product at Costco. Your packaging and copy is there to be your silent sales person, don’t skimp on this area it can make or break you.
5. Pallets – Costco usually requires a special pallet as product will probably be sold on the pallet you send your product on. CHEP pallets are most common at Costco and can be costly.

I am not trying to scare you away from Costco by giving you this information, just the opposite. Costco can be the best retail partner you have ever had, however if you are unprepared and provide them with a cost that does not take into account the cost of doing business with Costco you could end up making far less than anticipated.

Don’t hesitate to visit my website or contact me directly to learn how TLB Consulting can help you successfully navigate this process.

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Here is to your sales.

Installment 4 - Thinking you should take your product to Costco first.