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Save Time Ordering Product With Need-to-Order Liquor POS Reports

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pigtime

Liquor Store Need-to-Order Reporting Managing a liquor store, or any retail for that matter, can be time consuming (and expensive) without proper inventory management. With today’s point of sale technology, liquor store owners, and managers, can accurately manage their inventory and order new product effectively. Here are a couple of tips that mPower Beverage clients … Read more

Utilizing The Right Click Option in mPower Beverage

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GridPreferences

View More Options in mPower Back Office When you are in mPower Back Office, you can manipulate the information on the screen by right clicking anywhere on the grey bar. You can do this under the item selections screen, my list screen, and even under reports. Upon right clicking, the grey box will appear. You … Read more

How Barcodes Help Inventory Tracking

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Inventory Tracking with Barcodes

In the retail industry, using a barcode can help you manage your inventory more accurately. By tracking your inventory by the barcode, you can easy manage orders, receive shipments, and see what is selling within your point of sale system.

barcode

Barcodes are especially helpful when there are multiple products that may have the same UPC code. For example, within the liquor retail industry, for your beer you have your standard brews and your holiday brews. Both products may share the UPC code. If you use a SKU number and a barcode, you can easily manage the items as standalones and the inventory of those items.

Some may not have implemented barcodes within their stores yet because they feel it is difficult and not cost effective. That is false. Implementing barcodes is very easy and cost effective. If you have the right point of sale system, they will have a ticket designer in the back office where you can easily print tickets when you have item price changes, promotion changes, or simply adding in new items. The ticket designer should be able to work with a ticket printer of your choosing. Ticket printers are typically a zebra printer or a regular printer with Avery labels.

If you’re still not convinced to implement barcodes yet, here is the number one reason (besides inventory) to implement: A seamless checkout process for the customer.

Making Package Store Inventory Easy

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Make Inventory Control Easier In Your Store

Managing your package store inventory can be a daunting task when you are selling product in multiple different ways. mPower Beverage makes managing this inventory easier. In mPower under the item, you can manage your inventory in multiple ways by using the SKU number. This allows you to manage your cases, packs, and singles not only under 1 item, but keep those with the same UPC code, separate.

What is the difference between UPC code and SKU number? Why is it important?

The UPC code on an item is typically 12 digits. These codes are used for tracking inventory that is sold within stores. The UPC code identifies the manufacturer and specified product so that it may be sold easily. Unfortunately, the UPC code does not allow liquor store owners to manage their inventory under a single UPC. Seasonal beers and vintage wines may share the UPC code with other items which can cause chaos while trying to track inventory. Chaos can be avoided by using the SKU number alongside the UPC.

The SKU number is a unique identifier for an item and is used to manage product. The items in mPower are tracked by the UPC code and the SKU number. The SKU is specifically assigned to a product for internal operations. Clients can assign their own SKU or allow the system to automatically assign a number.

Within mPower Beverage your product will be managed by both UPC and SKU. The UPC is used to scan product for a seamless checkout process and easy inventory count. The SKU will help you manage your seasonal and vintages separately from other product. The SKU will also help you manage your cases, packs, and singles seamlessly under 1 item.

upc

When making inventory changes (think inventory counts) you will upload the SKU and quantity. When checking out customers, the cashiers will scan the barcode and if there is more than 1 item sharing the UPC code, it will ask the cashier to select the correct item. For example, if they purchase Sam Adams Seasonal 6-pack, it will ask the cashier to select “Sam Adams” or “Sam Adams Seasonal.”

By utilizing both the UPC code and SKU number you can manage your inventory more accurately and provide customers a seamless checkout process.

Simplify Your Liquor Store’s E-Commerce with mPower Beverage

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Simplify Your Liquor Store’s E-Commerce

E-commerce is an additional channel to help increase your revenue streams. Therefore, it is beneficial to have a Point of Sale system that can integrate with your website and app platforms. mPower Beverage can integrate with existing or new e-commerce applications.

How does mPower integrate with e-commerce?comptype

If you have an existing application, it is a smooth transition. To do the transition, your project manager will setup mPower to push a file to your website or app by FTP site on a scheduled interval. This item file will typically include the item’s description, size, department, category, price, and more. After the file is sent to your website or app, the information will be updated online. You may also include inventory levels onto your website. If desired, you do have the option to allow your customers to see what you currently have in stock as of the last upload.

If you currently do not have an e-commerce platform, and looking to have one, your sales or support representative will verify if integration with mPower is available.

Here are a few common platforms we integrate with:
If you have any questions, please reach out to the appropriate contact listed below.
  • Current Customer
    • (972) 234-5884 ext. 1
  • Prospective Customer
    • (877) 396-0141
  • You may also fill out our contact form by clicking here.

Deciding on a Liquor Store Loyalty Reward Program

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Liquor Store Loyalty Reward Program

Customers are familiar with reward programs and studies have shown that the more rewards available to them, the more they will spend. Today, majority of reward programs rely on points. When a customer earns enough points from purchases, they receive a type of reward. For most companies, the reward is a percent or dollar amount off their next purchase. Before we begin the process of starting a reward program, dorewardes your current point of sale system support reward programs (bonus points if it’s mPower)? If so, continue reading. If not, check out mPower Beverage customer management information here. A key to having a great reward program, is for it to work seamlessly within your POS.

Are you ready to start a Reward Program?

First, determine what type of reward you will offer your customers. Will it be a point value, instant cash back, or access to special pricing? If you are undecided, read the descriptions below to help in your decision process.

  • Points to In-Store Credit
    • Once a customer reaches a certain amount of points, that amount will turn into in-store credit. For example, 500 points equals $5.00 in-store credit. A customer hits 525 points on their most recent purchase. They will now have 25 points and $5.00 store credit on their account. The customer can use this credit at any time, or continue to let it accrue over time.
  • Instant Cash Back
    • Customers can receive a certain percentage of cash back into their account. This is a percentage of your choosing such as 1% or 2%. Customers can then use that cash back on their next visit or let it accrue over time.
  • Special Pricing
    • Customers may pay an annual fee and get added to the rewards customer group to receive special pricing on all or specific items.

Secondly, will there be extra incentives for signing up? Here are some offers liquor stores have given their customers just for joining:

  • Emails regarding sales and promotions.
  • Member only events.
  • Priority access to select products.

Finally, give your point system a name! Here are a few that liquor stores have used:

  • ZCard
  • Celebration Members Club “CMC”
  • ‘Store Name’ Customer/Loyalty Rewards

Remember to take your time in deciding what you will offer your customers. When you’re ready to get started, get with your support representative to take all the steps needed to set up your rewards system so it is done correctly.

Most importantly, don’t forget to let your customers know the fine print of your reward system. Common questions include: Are points exchangeable on merchandise or mixers as well? Do points ever expire? Be up front with your customer. They may not be happy if they unexpectedly find out they cannot discount the store t-shirt they’ve been saving for or their points expired yesterday.

3 Main Benefits Liquor Store Point of Sale Systems Provides Customers

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3 Benefits Liquor Store POS Provides Customers Running a liquor store in a highly competitive market requires assistance from today’s advanced technologies. Liquor store POS systems give business owners a chance to see inventory flow and employee hours within one integrated software. Along with helping the business, customers will also see a change in their … Read more

8 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Liquor Store POS Software

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Purchasing New POS Software

Purchasing a new Point of Sale software for your store must be the right decision for you, and the store. To help you compile a list of questions to ask yourself and your sales representative, we have chosen 8 of the most common questions to ask before purchase.

1. What is the cost? 

This is the most common question for any product you would purchase. Although it is an important factor for budgeting purposes, keep in mind everything you get within the system. Here is a list of common items you should be asking about when it comes to cost: coin

  • Hardware Cost
  • Support Cost
  • Upgrade Cost
  • Maintenance fees
  • Is there a contract?

Don’t forget to ask if there is a contract involved and how the cost is figured. Is the cost per user, per register or per location? Once again, although cost is important, keep in mind what the system does for you. If it is cheap and doesn’t meet your needs (see question 2), you will be upgrading later.

2. Does it have all the features I need?

Come up with a list of features that you need to run your store efficiently and effectively. Make a list of these questions to ask your representative. Here a few common questions to ask:

  • What reports are available and what reports do you want to see? Make sure the system has the reports you want to see available. If they don’t have the requested report, can they customize it for you?
  • Are they omni-channel ready? In other words, can you send information from your POS to your website and/or an app?
  • Do they have age verification capability?
  • Can you access the system remotely?
  • If you’re considering (or have) more than one location, are they setup for multi-location functionality?

When making your list of must-have features, keep all factors in mind. Don’t limit yourself to just ordering and reports. As inventory is a huge component to managing a store effectively, you want a user-friendly system for your employees and to create an amazing customer experience.

3. How is my data backed up and are upgrades included?

These are two important questions you should ask your sales representative. If you’re asking yourself why, ask yourself, what would I do if my computer crashed and I lost all my data? You’d be starting all over. It is essential to ask the companies you are evaluating if they offer a backup service or if it is available to back it up on your own (or with an IT service). Most companies should offer a backup service, if they don’t, you should be able to back it up on your own. Ask your representative your options and then ask yourself what the best option for you. Also make sure to ask if upgrades are included. Some companies include the upgrades within a renewal fee, while with others it is extra to upgrade.

4. Do they offer integrated credit card processing? 

ccThis is an important question as integrated credit card processing offers you a seamlessly transaction upon checkout. Additionally, this eliminates human errors that can occur when entering in the transaction amount onto a device.

If they do offer integrated processing, ask who they are integrated with. Some companies only give you one option while others may have a couple of options so you can choose your preferred provider.

5. What type of support and training do they offer?

Point of Sale systems offer support and training at various times, days, and cost. It is important to find out how their support is handled and how you will be trained on the system.

  • Support
    • Do you contact support by phone, email, online chat, etc.?
    • Are the support hours business hours only or 24/7?
  • Training
    • Is training off-site or on-site?
    • Is training provided by a real person, by videos/training manuals, or a combination?

It is important to ask these questions so you understand how you will get trained on the system and how to reach support when needed. Additionally, ask about cost. Will each call to support be a cost, or is there an annual/monthly cost for support? Is training included or will it be extra to be trained on the system? Cost will vary by company, so don’t be afraid to ask.

6. How does it manage inventory? 

invHow is the inventory managed within the system? Can you manage your singles, packs, and cases as one item or do they have to be their own item? Can you manage your seasonal beers and vintages separately?

Think about how you would like your inventory to be managed and find a system that can help you do that. If you don’t know how you would like to manage it, don’t be afraid to ask your sales associate how inventory is managed within their system and why. The why can help you figure out the best way to manage the inventory if you are currently not doing so.

7. How does it enhance the shopping experience for the customer?

Does the system offer a customer relationship management feature? Can your employees’ checkout your customers quickly and easily? Can your employees use the POS to answer customer questions such as how many Absolut’s are in stock or what type of vodka they have?

You will want a system that is robust yet still easy to use. Your customers should have a better experience with your new system, not a worst one.

8. Finally, ask business specific questions.

Get to know the company you’re about to get into a relationship with. Ask these questions:

  • How many years have you been in business?
  • How many of those were designing POS systems?
  • Why do people choose your company over your competition?

By asking these questions, you will get to know them as not only your service provider, but who they are as a company. These days, it is important to start a relationship with a company that values your business and will take care of you. These questions will help you determine just that.

By determining your point of sale needs and asking questions up front, you will be on the right track to getting the best point of sale software for you and your company’s needs.

Upgrading Your Server Soon? Consider Cloud Server Hosting With mPower Beverage.

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cloudcomput

mPower Beverage Cloud Server Hosting

If you have been thinking about upgrading your current local server at your liquor store, consider mPower Beverage’s cloud server hosting option.

Below are a few of the amazing benefits for hosting your server on our cloud:
cloudcomput

  1. Reduced IT Costs

    By outsourcing your server needs to cloud hosting, you eliminate the additional costs associated with running, maintaining, and periodically updating your local server. Instead, you will pay one monthly low rate for cloud server hosting.

  2. Stability

    Cloud server hosting provides a stable, fast, and secure environment for your database. Instead of needing to continually update and replace your main server, it provides a seamless experience for you. If you for any reason have software or server issues, mPower Beverage’s amazing support team will be able to assist you quickly and effectively.

  3. Increased Performance

    Optimize your mPower Back Office speed by utilizing the cloud. We utilize the Microsoft Azure platform providing excellent internet speed and bandwidth. Running on a powerful server with high speed internet will give you the best performance opportunity.

  4. Remote Access

    You no longer need an external static IP address to utilize mPower Back Office from off-site. Simply install Back Office on a home or laptop computer and you will be able to access your system remotely.

  5. API

    mPower’s API allows third-party integrations to be easier than ever. Choose the security rights you would like your third-party to have (sales, customers, promotions, insert sales, etc), we create them a special security token, and they use that token to pull your item information. The API also allows for sales inserts which means the third-party can insert sales back into mPower. (Please note, not all companies have written back to mPowers API at this time).

The cloud server also offers real-time backups and a register fail-over.

What about the cost?

Below is the monthly cost of the cloud server only:

1 Lane: $30 per month
2 Lanes: $60 per month
3-5 Lanes: $100 per month
6-10 Lanes: $150 per month
10+ Lanes: $200 per month

The cost is per location, per month.

If you are a current customer and would like to learn more about mPower Beverage’s cloud server hosting (or to get started!), please contact our support representatives at (972) 234-5884 ext. 1.

If you are a potential customer, please contact our sales representatives at (877) 396-0141 or click here to fill out the contact form for a formal quote.

3 Reasons to Utilize Liquor Store POS Software

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beerbottlestorepos

3 Reasons to Utilize Liquor Store POS Software

Owning and operating a liquor store can present great benefits and alternatively, not so great benefits such as stress. By utilizing Liquor Store POS Software, you can reduce the stress and increase the benefits. Below are 3 reasons to invest, and utilize, a Liquor Store Point of Sale.

Be Compliant within State Liquor Laws

Running a liquor store not only means abiding by local laws, but by state laws as well. Stay compliant by implementing a Point of Sale system that knows your state. Find a POS software that is designed specifically for your space. You want a company that knows your business in and out. This will allow them to quickly learn about upcoming law changes from not only their current clients, but from their in-house research as well.

liquor store inventory control, liquor store point of sale softwareFor example, Pennsylvania passed a law to allow store owners to sell beer as six packs and singles. This law went into effect January 13th, 2017. mPower Beverage Software was aware of this change and was able to easily integrate the change within their current PAcustomers to be effective by the 13th.

More Control over Cash Flow

With a proper Liquor Store POS System, you can have more control over your cash flow in a variety of ways. One way is to give your managers and cashiers different roles and rights within the system. Provide your managers the right to override discounts while your cashiers need management approval before applying discounts. Another way to control your cash flow is to utilize reports. Import reports to look for include a daily sales report and need to order reports.

Easy and Accurate Age Verification

Choose a liquor store system that gives you the option to utilize a 2-D Scanner. This scanner not only scans barcodes on product, but the odd barcode on the back of a driver’s license. By using the 2-D Scanner, you are insuring that your cashiers are not only checking every ID, but making sure that the ID is not. The 2-D Scanner will not only check the birthdate on the driver’s license, but it will tell you if that license is expired or not.

A great example of this is the Texas State TABC law. It is illegal to sell, or serve, to someone with an expired license. By utilizing the 2-D scanner you can know that every customer is of legal age and has an active license. If it alerts you otherwise, you can simply not sell to that individual

By utilizing user roles and rights, age verification, and reports, you can start to reap the benefits of utilizing a Liquor Store Point of Sale Software.