Cost Effective Programming

Appealing to Repeat, Loyal Customers (Pt II)

Retail SpotLight

Referral Program

FREE Retail Pro Training Seminars

WORKING SMARTER 2006
"Retail concepts that allow you to work Smarter not Harder"

Some of the topics that will be covered are as follows:

        · Making Smart Buying Decisions
        · Inventory Screens and Printing
        · Using Sales, Receiving, and On Order totals in Inventory
        · Merchandise and Summary Reports
        · Smart Customer Relationship Management
        · Maximizing your use of the Customer Record
        · Smart Loss Prevention through Auditing
        · High Security in System Preferences
        · Exception Reports
        · E-Commerce 
        · New products for Retail Pro

The seminars will be presented by Jeana Thomas, Retail Systems Specialist with ARMS.  Jeana has consulted with countless retailers across the United States, her background includes an in depth knowledge of Point of Sale and Inventory Control Systems with a 20 year history in retailing.  Here's what one attendee had to say about attending last year's seminar: "The seminar with Jeana was very helpful in determining that Retail Pro is continuing to go where retailers need to be".  We encourage you to attend  WORKING SMARTER 2006 - this valuable event will help you get more out of your Retail Pro System.  Click Here to learn more and register for an upcoming seminar in your area.

Cost Effective Programming

Are you looking to improve your bottom line? Are your labor costs whittling away at your profits with duplicated effort?  Is your staff spending time on tasks that could be automated and completed in a fraction of the time?  Advanced Retail Management Systems offers custom programming services that streamline your operations, reduce errors and improve that bottom line.

Most retail organizations utilize different applications for inventory management, accounting, web operations and shipping but each of these platforms work independently.  Getting data from one system to another often requires duplicate data entry and is prone to errors. Integration between these systems can automate the link between these diverse systems and potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars per year in labor costs alone.  With custom programming, you don't have to wait for a solution to come to you- an automated system tailored to your operations means you can start reducing your costs without having to wait.  And the costs of automation can be recovered in just a short amount of time.

As an example, the Advanced Retail Management Systems development staff recently completed a project in which a client's website, EDI vendors, distribution center and inventory control were brought together into a single, integrated system.  Not only were time consuming tasks eliminated through automation, but the client was able to realize strategic goals that help their company grow in ways not possible with off the shelf applications.   Many other projects have been completed that have provided a multitude of Retail Pro and Retail Management System clients with streamlined operations with greater efficiency and the critical benefit of cost savings over out-of-the-box solutions. 

When you are ready to get rid of that thorn in your profit's side, give your Retail Pro Sales Consultant a call.  The Advanced Retail Management Systems development staff is ready to provide you with a free analysis and quote.  You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make that difference.
 

Part 2: Developing a Customer Data Base

As we noted in Part 1 of "Appealing to Repeat, Loyal Customers", too many firms concentrate on wooing new customers and do not pay enough attention to what they can do to gain the loyalty and increased patronage of their current customers. One of the ways to improve this situation is to develop a customer data base and use it to better communicate with these customers.

WHAT IS DATA-BASE RETAILING?

It is a way of collecting, storing, and using pertinent information about customers. Although customer data bases are often associated with computerized management information systems, they may also be used by small firms that are not computerized.
Here is an illustration of how a small, non-computerized firm can rather easily set up and utilize a customer data base:

1.Sponsored Links People could be asked for their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and product interests by having forms and pencils available at the checkout counter. They could be encouraged to provide the data by offering a monthly raffle and awarding a low-value prize to the winner.

2. The customer information gathered in step 1 would be entered onto large index cards. The company would alphabetize the cards and keep them in a filing cabinet.

For the rest of Part II or the entire article press here please

Retail Spotlight

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) -- consistently Oecognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States -- is a patient-focused, academic medical center committed to providing world-class health care. Supporting their excellence in healthcare are the programs and services provided by Volunteer Services.

The department sponsors three retail operations -- the Volunteer Gift Shop; its satellite * Cradle and All, located near the new Mother & Baby unit; and the Fourth Floor Salon offering services to patients, visitors and staff. All of these volunteer sponsored businesses promote convenience, provide a diversion and generate funds to benefit patients and families, and their points of sale are staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. In talking about the group of40+ volunteers, Sandra Joynt, Volunteer Services Retail Account Specialist, says, "our volunteers contribute time, talents and smiles to make our shops successful."

With continuing sales growth, in July 2004 the Volunteer Services Retail Operations installed Retail Pro as its point of sale and inventory control solution. Working with the staff at Advanced Retail Management Systems, they were able to launch this venue with relative ease. The staff is very pleased with Retail Pro and refers to it as, "volunteer friendly." The fact that most management functions, with the proper log in, can be addressed at any terminal make Retail Pro a great choice as the shops, salon, storeroom and offices are in different areas of the facility. Prior to Retail Pro, the management of the inventory and sales was a manual process. Getting customers fast and friendly service is also aided with Retail Pro.

Trips to the hospital may not be by choice. If it is to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics then you can be sure that friendly volunteers will be there to assist you.
 

Referral Program

We have streamlined our business referral program to make it attractive to you and show our thanks for sending us new business. Here are the Details of the new plan.

Advanced Retail Management Systems Lead Referral Plan:
Receive $500 credit on account or 4 Client Service hours every time you refer a new customer that purchases Retail Pro®. 

Retail Pro® has grown to be the premier Inventory Control/POS software for small to mid-tier retailers.  Whether you know a single store or a 100 store chain, Retail Pro® provides the technology for retailers to excel.

Call your sales person today or click here  below to refer another retailer and start earning valuable rewards!