6 Reasons To Switch To A Cloud Based POS
Posted in pos suite on Dec 16, 2021
In recent years, the frequency of cyber-attacks has increased across industries at an alarming rate with small and mid-sized businesses being put at a particular risk. The reason for this is because small, family-owned businesses tend to use cheaper security systems than most big companies and usually keep all of their company’s data in one place. For hackers, this can make for an easy target that can be exploited and a potential access point to hundreds of customer profiles and passwords—leaving the company liable for damages if anything goes wrong.
Introducing FTx Commerce
Posted in pos suite on Dec 09, 2021
For over a decade, FTx POS has been creating innovative solutions to help small and mid-sized businesses run their daily operations more smoothly, and now, we’re adding one more solution to our portfolio. Introducing, FTx Commerce, an online ordering platform made to provide safe and efficient online ordering solutions with curbside pickup and delivery service options. This exciting new feature is scheduled to begin rolling out in phases starting this spring, and before then, we’d like to provide a brief overview of what our users can expect from this new service.
How To Choose The Right Scan Data Incentive Program
Posted in pos suite on Dec 06, 2021
For convenience store owners, tobacco is easily one of the most profitable and in-demand products on the shelf, and while there’s a profit to be made from tobacco sales alone, there is also profit to be found in another field: customer data acquisition. In recent years, data acquisition has become increasingly more important for improving targeted marketing, and tobacco companies are now willing to pay store owners to acquire customer data for them. The purpose of this article will be to help store owners learn how to choose the right incentive programs that can help them to pair with manufacturers and file scan-data reports.
Analyzing Your Business For The New Year
Posted in Uncategorized on Dec 02, 2021
The new year is right around the corner, which means businesses should be wrapping up their year-end checklists and beginning to think about how they can improve their strategies for success in 2022. At this time, business owners should be asking themselves the tough questions about their business’s honest performance over the past twelve months; questions such as “Did we reach all of our intended targets?”; “Were our profits really as good as we had hoped?”; “Where did we fall short, and where can we do better?”
Business Trends For 2022
Posted in News, Uncategorized on Nov 24, 2021
The year is winding down for 2021, and 2022 is about to be underway. Last year, businesses around the world were put to the test, as many were forced to adapt to new conditions and changing customer demands.
What Is A Handheld POS Terminal
Posted in pos suite on Nov 16, 2021
Tired of having to run back and forth to your computer all day whenever you need information? Well, stop running, and save yourself some leg work with a handheld POS terminal. Handheld terminals are conveniently portable inventory management devices that can connect right to your company’s POS system. These devices can be used to accomplish tasks such as processing orders, tracking inventory, and retrieving customer data on the fly; other notable features include the ability to adjust prices and apply item discounts wirelessly from anywhere in the store. Indeed, business owners across industries can find benefits from adding handheld terminals to their inventory.
Strategies To Boost Sales At Your Liquor Store
Posted in Hardware, pos suite on Nov 11, 2021
A party isn’t much of a party without drinks--everyone who has ever attended a dry event knows that-- and for this reason, the liquor industry will never be short on finding customers. Indeed, alcohol is probably a product that can sell itself; however, competition within the wine and liquor industry is fierce, which is why simply selling alcohol alone is not enough to guarantee success in a competitive market.
7 Digital Signage Ideas For The Holiday Season
Posted in Digital Signage on Nov 04, 2021
The holidays are almost here, and it’s time to start thinking about your next big marketing campaign for this upcoming season. As we all know, the holidays are a magical time where people like to feel festive and get in the spirit. For customers, this means getting immersed in a full-blown winter wonderland, while for retailers, this means getting ready to meet customers’ expectations with all-new holiday-themed displays. As retailers are well aware, holiday magic begins and ends with advertising, and with digital signage, retailers can help to bring this festive atmosphere to life.
Retail Solutions Spotlight: Smokers Choice
Posted in pos suite on Oct 28, 2021
FTx Solutions is committed to supporting retailers as they grow their businesses. As a results-oriented solutions provider, FTx loves to catch up with the retailers we've served to see how our POS and other solutions are performing.
Digital Signage For Grocery Stores: 4 Tips For More Sales
Posted in Digital Signage on Oct 21, 2021
Digital signage provides grocery stores with numerous benefits and advantages. But what if you aren't sure how you should use your grocery store digital signage to boost sales, increase traffic, and help your brand stay memorable in the minds of your shoppers?
Top Key Benefits Of Cloud Based Systems
Posted in pos suite on Oct 14, 2021
Cloud computing has gained massive popularity within the business world. The retail industry, specifically, has benefitted from cloud based software solutions and cloud computing in that these kinds of virtual networks allow retailers to streamline their operations across multiple store locations as well as their corporate offices.
6 Promo Ideas For Halloween
Posted in Uncategorized on Oct 07, 2021
Halloween is one of the largest spending holidays in the United States, second only to Christmas. With the increasing commercialization of this spooktacular holiday, Americans are expected to spend over $10.1-billion throughout the month of October this year as a chill settles over the States. For retailers, this could mean a major boost in sales if you strategically market your Halloween products.
Business And Software Trends For September 2021
Posted in pos suite on Sep 30, 2021
FTx Business Solutions is committed to bringing our customers the most technologically advanced retail tools to support their day-to-day operations, in-store advertising, and online marketing, and that's not all. We also publish helpful business articles every week on the FTx blog to help retailers like you make the best business decisions possible.
How To Create Professional Designs In Minutes
Posted in Uncategorized on Sep 23, 2021
If you've landed on this blog post, it's probably safe to say that you've weighed the pros and cons of hiring a professional graphic designer, and have decided to go the DIY route. You understand that there will be challenges ahead. After all, designing a strong logo, unifying a memorable visual identity, and presenting an impactful brand image to the world at large is no small feat. That's why you're here. You're determined to generate the most professional-looking designs possible for your digital marketing campaigns, but you aren't sure where to start.
7 Steps To Developing A New Business Plan
Posted in Uncategorized on Sep 16, 2021
Are you about to apply for a small business loan? Are you looking for venture capitalists to invest in your start-up? Do you want to clarify your ultimate business goals and analyze the feasibility of your financial budget? Maybe you simply want to understand your market…
5 Tips For Opening Up A Liquor Store
Posted in Uncategorized on Sep 09, 2021
For those of you who can responsibly appreciate fine wine, liquor, and spirits, you may have considered opening your own liquor store in the past, or perhaps the idea has only recently come to mind.
How To Create An Effective Daily Sales Report
Posted in pos suite on Sep 02, 2021
A daily sales report is a business management tool that provides managers and sales teams with relevant sales information. The purpose of reviewing this kind of sales information every day is so that sales teams can analyze their current sales strategies, amplify the successful strategies to increase sales in the future, and eliminate the sales strategies that have failed. Granted, the reports themselves won't include the actual sales strategies that were used. However, during the review process, the members of the sales team will be able to discuss what they did on the sales floor which led to successful sales.
How To Create Digital Signage Content For Your Vape Shop
Posted in Digital Signage on Aug 26, 2021
You might think that choosing the right digital signage system is the most important decision vape retailers will have to make if they want their digital signage promotions to boost sales and enhance their customers' in-store shopping experience. But it isn't...
5 Questions That Will Help You Make Better Business Decisions
Posted in Uncategorized on Aug 19, 2021
Small business owners and retailers aren't necessarily considered the fastest decision makers, even though they make lots of decisions every day. Unlike entrepreneurs, who are mentally wired to take risks and aren't afraid to learn from their mistakes, retailers are better known for being pragmatic, and tend to move slowly and carefully when it comes to implementing major changes at their companies. Do you find it difficult to make business decisions?
6 Ways To Grow Your Pet Business
Posted in Uncategorized on Aug 12, 2021
On a global scale, the pet supply retail market has grown from $216 billion in 2020 to $232 billion in 2021. Considering the compounded annual growth rate of 6.1%, the pet industry is expected to reach a value of $350 billion by 2027!
How To Manage Back To School Shopping In 2021
Posted in Uncategorized on Aug 05, 2021
It's officially back to school season! While the summertime heat waxes on, retailers of all industries are gearing up for their back to school sales. During the upcoming weeks, parents of school-age children will start hunting for discounts, deals, and special promotions that will give them the biggest back-to-school bang for their buck. And they're not alone. College-age students will soon begin splurging on everything from laptop computers to crates full of ramen noodle soup.
July FasTrax Updates
Posted in Uncategorized on Jul 29, 2021
Did you miss our articles this month? Throughout July, FTx brought informative articles to our subscribers, covering helpful topics such as how to improve employee engagement and retention, how to increase sales at your small business, how to enable your Point-of-Sale system to shift into Offline Mode, and what the future holds for the retail industry.
How To Enable POS In Offline Mode
Posted in pos suite on Jul 22, 2021
Retailers rely on the internet for their operations, no matter what specific retail industry they're in. Point-of-Sale systems require internet connectivity in order to process credit and debit cards, as well as maintain uninterrupted communication between terminals. Processing sales transactions can come to a screeching halt when the internet fails due to an outage or network connectivity interruption.
6 Ways To Increase Sales For Your Small Business
Posted in Uncategorized on Jul 15, 2021
Generating sales should be the greatest priority at your business, but figuring out precisely what methods will work to maximize sales efficiencies at your unique company might not be so easy to accomplish, especially for small business owners.
The Future Of Retail
Posted in News on Jul 08, 2021
The retail industry has seen many changes over the course of the past year. Supply chains, for example, experienced massive overhauls. The concept of "supply and demand" was literally, figuratively, and technologically transformed overnight to meet consumer needs despite the debilitating restrictions that hammered down brick-and-mortar retailers.
How To Improve Employee Engagement And Retention
Posted in Uncategorized on Jul 01, 2021
Without your employees your business simply would not exist. Even an internet-based startup with a garage address and no Fed Tax ID hasn't a prayer of getting off the ground—or out of the garage—without investing in hiring employees. Employees are so integral to business, in fact, that they're baked right into the very definition of the word.
5 Promotional Ideas For July 4th Weekend
Posted in Uncategorized on Jun 24, 2021
Is your business ready for the 4th of July Weekend? This July 4th, Americans across the nation will commemorate our 245th year of independence from the British monarch by celebrating with friends, family, and fireworks! Independence Day is also a time when consumers splurge on patriotic, decorative, and festive items to get into the spirit of the holiday. This year, the 4th of July falls on a Sunday, which means that retailers and restaurant owners have all weekend to capitalize on their customers' enthusiasm for democracy, liberty, and all the hot dogs they can eat!
4 Features Your Online Ordering System Needs
Posted in pos suite on Jun 17, 2021
How much spare time does the average American really have? The answer is, not much. For decades, Americans have had less and less time to prepare and cook their meals at home. According to PEW Research, back in 1965 as many as two hours per day used to be spent preparing meals. By 1995, Americans were spending less than 45 minutes per day preparing and cooking their meals, and they were also occasionally eating at restaurants, diners, and fast food establishments. But by 2019, less than 19% of Americans were consistently home cooking all of their daily meals, and the time spent doing so wasn't much.
How To Increase Sales At Your Grocery Store
Posted in pos suite on Jun 10, 2021
Grocery stores will always be around. The vast majority of consumers rely on in-store grocery shopping for their produce, fruit, meat, packaged food items, household cleaning products, seasonal decorations, and even their specialty cakes for birthdays and holidays. For this reason, grocery stores simply cannot be replaced. They are a primary staple of daily life.
Digital Signage Best Feature: Dayparting
Posted in Digital Signage on Jun 03, 2021
"Dayparting" is a term that originated from the television and radio industry. In broadcast programming, the hours of the day and night are divided into "parts," or blocks of time, for the purposes of providing appropriate content to the largest audience demographic during each segment of the day and night.
5 Must Have POS Features For Your Tobacco Shop
Posted in pos suite on May 27, 2021
Are you planning on opening a tobacco store? Or are you already managing a smoke shop? Tobacco retailers face unique challenges that retail businesses in other industries never have to think about...
Why Digital Signage Is Useful For Convenience Stores
Posted in Digital Signage on May 20, 2021
Who doesn't love convenience? We certainly do! Why drive around town, stopping in several stores, when you can conveniently purchase a wide array of items at one location where the lines are short and the prices are decent?
How To Improve Inventory Control
Posted in pos suite on May 13, 2021
The term "inventory control" is not a synonym for "inventory management" as many in the warehousing industry mistakenly believe. Inventory control refers to specific aspects of the overall organization, tracking, and management of inventory. In a nutshell, inventory control is "stock control", and its core purpose is to regulate and maximize a company's warehouse inventory.
Advantages Of A POS System
Posted in pos suite on May 06, 2021
Surprisingly, over half of all single-store retailers do not have computerized Point-of-Sale systems in place at their locations.
April FasTrax Updates
Posted in Digital Signage, Loyalty, News, pos suite on Apr 29, 2021
FTx Solutions, a technology company specializing in retail POS, warehouse management systems, digital marketing solutions, and customer loyalty rewards programs, had a busy month of blogging. We kicked off April with a blog about the exciting launch of our new digital marketing agency FTx 360, followed by articles covering topics relevant to liquor store POS systems, CRM solutions for both B2C and B2B businesses, and digital signage content tips for retailers of all industries.
5 Digital Signage Content Ideas
Posted in Digital Signage, News on Apr 22, 2021
Digital screens and displays are designed to engage customers, connect shoppers with promoted products, and enhance the retail atmosphere. Ultimately, you want the content you display to increase customer engagement and loyalty, and boost sales as a result… which means your content needs to be creative, polished, and impressive. If you're unsure where to start, try implementing these 5 digital signage content ideas.
What Is CRM?
Posted in pos suite on Apr 15, 2021
"CRM" stands for "customer relationship management". In a nutshell, customer relationship management is a process, or set of processes, that a business uses to interact with customers for the purposes of generating and finalizing sales. The abbreviation "CRM" typically implies the actual software solution a business is utilizing in order to organize, automate, and implement every interaction it has with customers.
POS Must Haves For Liquor Stores
Posted in pos suite on Apr 08, 2021
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the government-enforced lockdowns that resulted, the alcohol industry was booming. Back in 2018, liquor store sales represented 47% of all alcohol sales, totaling roughly $113 billion. The remaining 53% of liquor sales belonged to restaurants, bars, and other on-premise businesses, earning $147 billion in that year alone. These figures are according to Forbes, published in their April 2020 online magazine.
Introducing FTx 360
Posted in News on Apr 01, 2021
Late last year, FTx posted an exciting blog about new digital marketing solutions coming soon. The wait is officially over! Our new marketing solutions have arrived! Allow us to introduce FTx 360, our full-service digital marketing agency! This specialized annex of FTx was launched to provide a wide range of solutions to clients of all industries. Happy birthday, 360!
Digital Signage Tips
Posted in Digital Signage on Mar 25, 2021
As an evolving medium, digital signage is an advertising strategy that incorporates graphics, photos, videos, and other multimedia to market to an audience. From in-store screens to restaurant menu boards to campus wayfinding maps to trade show booth displays, digital signage is being used just about everywhere.
What Pet Parents Want Most From Retailers
Posted in Loyalty on Mar 18, 2021
Did you know that the health benefits of having a pet include decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and even decreased feelings of loneliness? Dogs keep their owners fit, which improves the immune system and lowers stress levels. Cats make sure their owners are never lonely. And exotics such as parrots, iguanas, and rabbits are said to brighten their owners' days. Who doesn't light up with a great, big smile when they see a puppy?
How To Create Professional Digital Menus For Your Restaurant
Posted in Digital Signage on Mar 11, 2021
As a restaurant owner, you provide your diners with prompt service and quality food. From the moment customers walk through the door, their experience at your restaurant begins. How you market to them while they're journeying from the hostess stand, to their table, to the bar for an after-meal cocktail are contributing aspects of their overall experience. Your in-restaurant marketing should reflect your distinctive brand, engage diners, and gently advertise the daily specials, seasonal entrees, and happy hour drinks.
Utilizing Your POS For Impulse Sales
Posted in pos suite on Mar 04, 2021
If you own a retail store, then you're aware that in-store promotional displays encourage sales. Shoppers often act on deals and special sales when promotions are prominently displayed, especially at the checkout registers. These last-minute purchases are referred to as impulse sales.
Utilizing AdPro For Your Marketing Needs
Posted in Digital Signage on Feb 25, 2021
Graphic design impacts our everyday lives. If you walk down the street, turn on the TV, or enter a store, you will see countless graphic designs. It's in advertising and branding, on websites and social media; and it's even in books and magazines, and on product labels. Graphic design is a vital component of every business. Presenting your brand to the world with strong visuals plays a huge role in staying competitive in today's modern business environment.
How To Choose The Best Inventory Management Tools
Posted in Hardware, pos suite on Feb 18, 2021
As the focal point of any business that sells merchandise, inventory is the most critical element of the supply chain. Without inventory sales, retail and wholesale companies will go under.
How Warehouse Management Impacts Customer Service
Posted in Hardware, pos suite on Feb 11, 2021
When you hear the phrase "good customer service", what kinds of businesses come to mind? If retail outlets, restaurants, and grocery stores are among the first types of businesses you think of, you aren't alone. Most people assume that good customer service exists only within the scope of B2C companies--that's business-to-consumer companies.
How To Choose The Right Digital Signage Software
Posted in Digital Signage, Hardware on Feb 04, 2021
Are you a business owner who is ready to embark on selecting a digital signage system? Or have you already invested in on-premises digital signage, but are unsure of how to get the most out of it? Believe it or not, business owners who have purchased a digital signage system might not understand its capabilities.
How To Make The Most Out Of FTx Lifeline
Posted in Digital Signage, Hardware, Loyalty, pos suite, Support on Jan 28, 2021
For businesses of all industries, the lifeblood of daily operations will always be the hardware and software used. Whether you're running a national fast food chain, managing a warehouse or multi-location distribution center, or simply opening your first retail store, as a business owner it's imperative that you choose the best technical gear and I.T. systems in order to function efficiently.
Why Your Restaurant Needs Digital Signage
Posted in Digital Signage on Jan 21, 2021
Traditional display signs are considered outmoded these days compared to electronic displays. It may come as a surprise, but these old-fashioned, static, printed signs end up being quite an investment for the average restaurateur. Hiring a graphic designer, footing the bill for printing costs, and creating a new static sign for every new dish or flavor can really add up. And what if a new item becomes unpopular and you end up pulling it from the menu? All of the costs associated with printing signs for it end up being a big waste of money.
How Technology Is Reshaping The Liquor Industry
Posted in Digital Signage, Hardware, pos suite on Jan 19, 2021
Since the inception of marketing, a helpful adage has been used to keep marketers focused on the four most important pillars of a sound sales campaign, and it goes a little something like this: Put the right product in the right place, at the right price, and at the right time.
How To Predict Product Demand
Posted in Hardware on Jan 14, 2021
Predictive analytics is a production and warehousing strategy used to keep inventory above the demand level at all times without over or under producing, and over or under ordering. In order for businesses to accurately predict how much inventory they will need available at any given time, they must have the ability to forecast demands, which means that software must be in place and functioning properly at their facility that can handle inventory tracking.
Software Engineer Vs. Programmer
Posted in Uncategorized on Jan 07, 2021
Software engineers and programmers are in high demand. Across industries, many companies struggle to recruit technical talent, including engineers and programmers, due to the short supply of qualified candidates. If you're currently in the process of trying to fill technical positions at your company, this article is a must-read before you hire.
Monthly FasTrax Updates Of December
Posted in Digital Signage, Loyalty, pos suite on Dec 31, 2020
Did you miss our articles this month? Perhaps you recently discovered the FTx blog and hit the subscribe button, or maybe you've been hard at work all month gearing up your business for the holiday season and didn't have time to read our weekly posts… Either way, we've got you covered right here and now. We've put together an easy-to-read summary of all the info we published throughout December so that you can get up to speed and stay informed.
Tips To Build SEO
Posted in Uncategorized on Dec 24, 2020
If you have a website, e-commerce site, or blog, chances are you understand the importance of SEO. But do you understand how to properly build SEO quickly and effectively so that it improves your search engine ranking and website traffic? If so, this article is for you!
Social Media Marketing Secrets
Posted in News on Dec 17, 2020
How many social media users are there worldwide? In 2020, the largest social media platforms hosted over 3.6 billion people, and that figure is expected to grow to 4.41 billion by 2025. When it comes to digital marketing, there's really no better way to reach targeted audiences than on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and the other major social media platforms.
What Is Upselling?
Posted in Digital Signage, Hardware, Loyalty, pos suite on Dec 10, 2020
A waiter at a restaurant suggests his customers order a pitcher of lemonade instead of individual glasses. A bookstore manager recommends a sequel title when a shopper purchases a popular novel. An airline agent offers an upgrade from coach to first class for a fraction of the usual cost. These are all real-world examples of upselling.
How To Prep Your Digital Signage For The Holidays
Posted in Digital Signage on Dec 03, 2020
The holiday season can be a very hectic time of year for retailers and consumers. Planning ahead can mitigate stress, but how far in advance you ought to start getting your ducks in a row is up for debate. The sooner the better should be the general consensus if you're a retailer preparing to out-sell your competitors. At the time of publishing this blog, there are approximately 3 ½ weeks until Christmas, and a wise retailer would want their store flooded with heavy foot traffic as of yesterday. While we don't have a time machine, we do have excellent tips to help you utilize your digital signage to the max and get the most out of the upcoming holiday season.
Ecommerce Holiday Checklist
Posted in Hardware, pos suite, Support on Nov 26, 2020
No matter what U.S. state your business is located in, this holiday season is guaranteed to be unlike any other. Americans have endured nearly a full year of constant economic assault from the government in the name of fighting an invisible enemy. One would have to wonder, is the invisible enemy a virus or the legal mandates executed in response to it?
Apps And Consumer Experience
Posted in Uncategorized on Nov 19, 2020
Mobile application technology is the future, and the future is here. In fact, it has been here for quite some time. The average consumer maintains organization of their life within a slew of mobile apps, which they keep in their pocket at all times. Serving every imaginable purpose, mobile apps range from entertaining games to digital wallets and offer a whole host of conveniences in-between. But can this virtual tool apply to the real-life brick-and-mortar world of retail?
How To Ask Customers For Positive Testimonials
Posted in Loyalty on Nov 12, 2020
Product and service reviews influence consumer buying decisions. Nowadays, people consult the internet before they invest in a purchase, regardless of whether they're considering a big ticket item or a cheap one. A straightforward Google search can render thousands of results once a store brand or specific product is plugged in. What matters most to consumers at that moment are the customer reviews.
New Marketing Solutions Coming Soon
Posted in News on Nov 05, 2020
Has digital marketing become the new "advertising"? Can a Tweet reach more consumers than a glossy magazine ad or a thirty-second television commercial? Does an Instagram post have the power to sell more products than a highway billboard? These aren't terribly difficult questions, and the answers are yes, yes, and yes.
Monthly FasTrax Updates
Posted in Digital Signage, News on Oct 29, 2020
FasTrax Solutions, which offers the most advanced tools on the market today for overall business growth, covered a lot of ground throughout October. In case you missed our informative articles, we've compiled summaries for you as a quick reference to support your business needs, no matter what industry you're in. These in-depth blog posts went over the importance of data backup and recovery, the how-tos of troubleshooting network and POS failure, and the do's and don'ts of digital signage, and we even used one of our blog posts to invite our local customers--including you!--to receive a free website analysis as part of our lecture at the Sullivan County Breakfast this Spring, in April of 2021.
The Do's And Don'ts Of Digital Signage
Posted in Digital Signage on Oct 22, 2020
Displaying digital signage within stores, at events, and even around the company office is a proven way to convey information, increase engagement, and liven-up an environment. But just because you've invested in digital signs doesn't automatically mean they're doing all for your business that they could.
Proud Sponsor of Sullivan County Breakfast: Tomorrow's Technology for Today's Small Business
Posted in News on Oct 15, 2020
Small business owners must concentrate their time and energy on establishing and perpetuating an expert status within their own industry. A critical aspect of maintaining that status is often overlooked--implementing effective technology practices.
Network Failure And POS
Posted in Hardware, News on Oct 08, 2020
All businesses rely on the internet for their operations, no matter what industry they're in. Both internal and external networks are required to keep a company running, and those networks depend on a strong internet connection. Your store's network supports everything from the email system to the telephone lines so that they function properly. As a business owner, you cannot expand your customer base, nor communicate with employees, vendors, partners, and even the competition without a thoroughly networked system supported by the internet.
Data Backup And Recovery
Posted in Hardware on Oct 01, 2020
Every business, no matter its size or location, manages its operations using IT and data communication systems. These systems store highly sensitive data, including financial information, sales and transactions records, and customer profiles. However, the systems themselves, regardless of how well built and secure they are, could potentially fail at one point or another.
E-commerce Stats And Holiday Shopping
Posted in News on Sep 24, 2020
This holiday shopping season is going to be significantly different from previous years. Starting with Black Friday, which generally kicks off moments after families have gorged themselves on Thanksgiving turkey, consumers are going to hit the sales and get a jump on their Christmas shopping… but not in the way you might expect.
How Digital Signage Can Save Time, Money, And Effort
Posted in Digital Signage on Sep 17, 2020
If you want an audience, you better have something to say. In the retail industry, it's par for the course that if you want to successfully sell something, you better know what to say in order to sell it. We're talking about convincing messaging and no, we don't expect you to use your actual voice. Your in-store signs are the only voice you need and as long as the messaging you use on them is persuasive, you'll succeed at selling the products and services your store offers.
AdPro Free Trial
Posted in Digital Signage on Sep 10, 2020
Attention-grabbing advertisements are an integral aspect of any solid retail marketing strategy. Whether you have a brick-and-mortar store or a virtual one--or perhaps both--your offline and online presence must be strong if you want to expand your reach, drive traffic, and convert first-time visitors into returning customers.
Building A Brand
Posted in News, Support on Sep 03, 2020
There's a difference between a "business" and a "brand". These terms aren't interchangeable. If you've been in business for a while, or even if you recently opened up shop, that doesn't automatically mean that you've established your brand.
Identify Fuel Integration Features For Your Gas Station POS
Posted in pos suite on Aug 27, 2020
Gas stations process a high volume of daily transactions and rarely are those purchases solely at the fueling pumps. Gas stations are anchored to convenience stores which offer on-the-go items, alcohol and tobacco products, a selection of sandwiches and other meals at the deli counter, and so much more. Some gas station businesses include car washes and bare-bones automotive repair services like tire patches, oil changes, and tune-ups. If your gas station also serves as a truck stop, then that is just one more layer to your business that will need POS support. On top of all of this, many gas stations also offer a customer loyalty rewards program, which means that keeping track of every customer and every transaction can become all the more vital.
What Do Pet Owners Want For Their Pets?
Posted in Loyalty, pos suite on Aug 20, 2020
Pets have places to go and people to see! Just ask any pet owner and they’ll tell you the same! Sure, for the most part, a person’s cat hangs around the house and their dog doesn’t go beyond the backyard, but that doesn’t mean that these domesticated furry friends never travel far and wide with their protective owner. In fact, people bring their pets along in travel an average of three times a year. That’s a lot of travel especially if you calculate it in dog years!
A Peek At Dining In Once Lockdowns Are Lifted
Posted in Digital Signage on Aug 13, 2020
Regardless of which US state you live in, Americans are starting to see an evolution as more businesses slowly reopen during this latter phase of the coronavirus pandemic. No one can deny that the face of retail has changed since late February. Certain retailers were obligated to completely shut down due to their “non-essential” status. Others were challenged to radically modify their operations to accommodate social distancing orders. The restaurant industry was hit particularly hard due to the unfathomable contagion rate. Dining-in was quickly eliminated and only restaurants who could organize and execute curbside pickup, if not drive-thru, remained in business.
Best POS For Venues
Posted in Digital Signage, Loyalty, pos suite on Aug 06, 2020
There’s nothing quite like live entertainment. Watching a concert on TV simply doesn’t compare to seeing the band in-person. Modern dance performances come alive and are far more impressive when you watch them in the recital hall, as opposed to a video recording. And anyone who has seen a stand-up comedian in a comedy club can tell you that there’s something about the energy of the audience that adds to the hilarity of the show. People love live entertainment.
How To Make The Most Out Of Trade Shows
Posted in News on Jul 30, 2020
There are many reasons to attend trade shows. Whether you have developed products that you want to license or sell wholesale, or you're a prospective buyer interested in finding products, services, and solutions to meet your growing business needs, attending a trade show specific to your industry provides a powerful opportunity to network with other industry professionals and expand your business goals.
Don't Forget About Free AdPro
Posted in Digital Signage, pos suite on Jul 23, 2020
You own a retail store. You invested in digital signage. You mounted brand-new screens throughout your store. Now comes the fun part--creating the content that will be displayed on those screens. You need to design compelling digital content for your in-store signs that both informs and engages your customers. Do you have the right software in place?
What To Look For In A POS System
Posted in pos suite on Jul 16, 2020
If you’re a small business owner operating a retail store, you already have a point of sale system in place. This system, in its most basic form, is how you collect and record payments for the items and services you sell. Once upon a time, store owners simply collected cash payments from their customers and used a box to store that cash. As industries evolved, point of sale systems evolved, too. Record keeping became more detailed. And today, the average point of sale system has been digitized and exists within a networked computer system.
Understanding Digital Signage
Posted in Digital Signage on Jul 09, 2020
We have all seen electronic signage. Often found in public spaces such as stadiums, transportation systems, and NYC’s infamous Times Square, electronic signs are used to display information along with advertisements on an LCD, LED, or another digital monitor. These digital displays are networked together and centrally managed with the aim of catching the attention of targeted audiences.
POS: What's The Point?
Posted in pos suite on Jul 02, 2020
If you own a retail store, or have ever worked behind the counter at one, then you know that the checkout register is where the transactions take place. Shoppers exchange their hard-earned money for merchandise that they wish to purchase. They leave with products and a receipt, and your cash register has more money. But if this all that’s taking place before your customers leave your store with bagged goods in hand, then you’re missing out on not just one opportunity, but many.
How To Successfully Promote Your Pet Business Online
Posted in Digital Signage on Jun 25, 2020
Even with an unprecedented pandemic waxing and waning across the globe, the pet industry is thriving. Similar to our daily need to buy and consume groceries and other essential goods, our pets require the same necessities, which only pet retailers can provide.
5 Ways Digital Signage Can Help Reopen Your Tobacco Store in a Post-COVID-19 World
Posted in Digital Signage on Jun 18, 2020
There is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel the world has been careening through for the last three months. With the number of new coronavirus cases steadily declining across the nation, public health officials and state government are now beginning to cautiously lift restrictions on businesses. The economy is starting to reopen, and if you’re reading this article, then you’re probably taking strategic measures to smartly, safely, and successfully reopen your tobacco store.
The One Digital Tool Your Restaurant Needs to Reopen Safely
Posted in Digital Signage, News on Jun 11, 2020
With coronavirus lockdowns starting to lift across the world, restaurants are getting the green light to reopen, but social distancing measures and protection for both employees and customers mean that the reality is going to look very different than it did before. We have some insight on effective strategies that will help you and your restaurant staff prepare for and move forward with the "new normal".
From Locked-Down to Liberated: How FREE FTx AdPro Can Revolutionize Your Tobacco Retail Reopening Strategy!
Posted in Digital Signage, News on Jun 04, 2020
If you’re a tobacco retailer, then you’ve faced a unique challenge petitioning your state governor in order to receive an “essential business” status. Not every retailer in the tobacco industry was awarded this special status. But you’ve made it this far and there's hope on the horizon. In this article, we are not only going to focus on the most important measure you should take—marketing—but we will also delve into the most important aspect of the most important measure, i.e. what is the most cost-effective marketing tool available today and how can it benefit your business?
How Restaurants Can Survive the Coronavirus Pandemic
Posted in News on May 28, 2020
The traditional restaurant business model has been made obsolete due to COVID-19 and restaurant owners have had to find new ways to serve their customer base and keep their business running. Find out how you can survive during the remaining quarantine period and what you can do to smooth out your reopening.
Why You Need Digital Signage for Liquor Stores
Posted in Digital Signage on May 21, 2020
Digital signage is a dependable way for liquor stores to implement a highly effective in-store method of advertising sales, showcasing new items, weekly specials, tasting events, and more. By installing digital signage around your liquor store near aisle entrances and the cash register area, you will be able to send targeted advertisements to those screens, making it easier for you to promote new sales. Click to read more!
Keep Your Digital Sales Pipeline Flowing During COVID-19
Posted in News on May 14, 2020
If you haven’t prepared your business to survive a worldwide pandemic, you aren’t alone. While current “shelter in place” and “shutdown” orders certainly present businesses with economic challenges, that doesn’t mean that your retail store will automatically go under. The key is to acknowledge the potential threats that the coronavirus poses to your business while also exploring the possibilities and operations you can adopt to not only survive, but thrive.
FasTrax POS Customer, Munchies, Donates over 500 Meals to First Responders
Posted in News on May 11, 2020
FasTraxPOS customer, Munchies Restaurant in Auburn NY donated over 400 meals to Auburn Frontline workers and plans to continue giving this Friday, May 15th with another 100+ meals. Read this heartwarming story about a local restaurant filling the bellies of healthcare workers and first responders who are working tirelessly battling COVID-19 and keeping the community safe.
3 Cigar Shop Inventory Must-Haves
Posted in Hardware, pos suite on May 07, 2020
Cigar shops are one of the most niche-specific stores someone could own, therefore, a cigar shop owner needs the most niche-specific business tools to successfully manage day-to-day operations and grow the business. In this article we will talk about 3 must-have solutions a cigar shop needs to manage their unique inventory, track sales and scan data, and increase their loyal customer base.
Navigating Restricted Business Operations During COVID-19
Posted in News on Apr 30, 2020
These are unprecedented times. If you haven’t prepared your business to survive a worldwide pandemic, you aren’t alone. While current “shelter in place” and “shutdown” orders certainly come with economic challenges, that doesn’t mean that your business will automatically go under. As a savvy business owner, you’ve probably been asking yourself, how can you keep your revenue streams flowing? In short, the answer is that you must shift as many services, sales, and operations as possible into the digital sphere.
FasTrax POS Customer, Tobacco Junction, Gives Back to First Responders
Posted in News on Apr 27, 2020
FasTrax Solutions' long-time customer Tobacco Junction provided free meals to first responders as a way to say thank you for being on the frontline during the COVID-19 crisis. How you as a consumer or as a business can give back to your local community.
FasTrax Solutions Announces New POS Integration With Astro Loyalty
Posted in Loyalty, News on Oct 29, 2019
Astro Loyalty is a pet industry loyalty program. The platform allows small businesses to offer a frequent buyer program directly from the manufacturer. With the integration of Astro into FasTraxPOS, pet retailers will have the ability to manage, track and streamline the program with the click of a button.
Google My Business: The Most Essential Marketing Strategy During COVID-19
Posted in News on Apr 23, 2020
Google My Business was developed by Google as a free tool for business owners to manage their online presence and make it easier for prospective customers to find their listed business online. All you need to do is create a free listing with Google My Business and potential customers will be able to easily find and contact you straight from the Google search engine!
How Small Businesses Can Stay Afloat During COVID-19
Posted in News on Apr 15, 2020
This global pandemic will shape businesses for decades to come. The world is already seeing the evidence, and the next wave of innovation is starting to swell before our very eyes. Your business can be part of fueling the rise of transformation and stark modernization to stay afloat during these economically crippling times.
FasTrax Solutions Launches Free Access to AdPro Design Software
Posted in News on Apr 16, 2020
Now more than ever, it’s important to meet your customers where they are, at home, on the internet. Digitalize your in-store menus, promotions, and announcements to better communicate with consumers! Try AdPro for FREE. Click to learn more!
The Pets of FasTrax Remote Workers
Posted in News on Apr 17, 2020
The FasTrax employees who have started working from home have gained some new colleagues! Their furry friends are super excited to have them home. Well, most of them are. Let’s check in with some of our employees about how their pets are holding up!
Cloud-Based vs. On-Site Digital Signage
Posted in Digital Signage on Apr 09, 2020
Digital Signage is changing the way consumers engage with your business. In today’s digital world it’s easy to get lost in all of the new marketing techniques. Gone are the days of printing promotional flyers and featuring products on large vinyl canvases. So how do you get back on track?
How to Properly Clean a Touchscreen Device
Posted in newsletter on Mar 24, 2020
For those companies in the retail industry who have been permitted to remain open during the pandemic because they offer life-sustaining products such as convenience stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc it’s business as usual. Now more than ever it is important to constantly clean and sanitize your in-store touch screen devices to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Here’s our guide to properly cleaning a touch screen device.
2019 Orange County Partnership Investor Breakfast
Posted in newsletter on Oct 08, 2019
2019 Orange County Partnership Investor Breakfast
October 3, 2019
The West Hills Country Club in Middletown, NY hosted Orange County Partnership’s annual investor breakfast on Thursday October 3rd . In attendance were some of Orange County’s top leading business men and women, representatives from local businesses, New York State supervisors and mayors, members of the Partnership board, as well as business representatives of upcoming development projects.
FasTrax Solutions and CM Management has been an investor in the Partnership since April of 2019. As a company we believe in what the Pa...
FTx Handhelds Software Update v1.32
Posted on Aug 16, 2019
The new release will include new modules in the Retail and Warehouse portions, more functionality to modules, and other fixed issues in the handheld.
Warehouse Update Version 2.421
Posted in newsletter, Support on Aug 02, 2019
FasTrax software updates bring you feature enhancements as well as performance optimizations. On Sunday August 4th, Warehouse version 2.421 will automatically be applied.
FasTrax Talks Inventory Control at TPE 2019
Posted in pos suite on Jul 18, 2019
At the Tobacco Plus Expo, our VP John Griffin discussed the perks of achieving inventory control with FasTrax Solutions, as well as the unique insights and advantages our point-of-sale system can offer tobacco and vape retailers of all sizes.
FasTrax Solutions at the 2019 Global Pet Expo
Posted in newsletter on Mar 18, 2019
Pet retailers & manufacturers, get ready. FasTrax is going global! From March 20-22, we’ll be at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL showcasing our innovative solutions while debuting our newest addition, Loyal~n~Save.
Take Control of Your Inventory with FasTrax Handheld Scanners
Posted in Hardware on Mar 04, 2019
As a wholesaler, distributor or retailer, it’s important that you keep an eye on your most important investment: your inventory. Take control and save time with handheld scanners.
Designing Your Own Success Can be as Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Posted in Digital Signage on Dec 05, 2018
You don’t have to be a professional graphic designer to create quality graphics for your FTx digital signs and menus. FTx AdPro graphic design software is engineered to deliver professional results regardless of a user’s design experience.
November 2018 Software Update: POS v2.42 / Director v388
Posted in Support on Nov 07, 2018
This update will be automatically performed on Monday November 12th, 2018, at 2AM CST and Monday, November 19th, at 2AM CST. Please ensure your computers are not shutdown during these times/dates.
5 Ways a Point of Sale System Can Increase Customer Loyalty
Posted in Loyalty, pos suite on Nov 06, 2018
Ask any retailer what a Point-of-Sale (POS) system is and they’ll most likely tell you it’s the central component of their business. A combination of software and hardware, your POS system is so much more than a cash register, it’s the main hub where everything comes together! It’s recording every sale, product, and customer transaction, turning it into one of the most valuable business tools: consumer data.
Conquering Loss Prevention: An Interview With Smokers Choice
Posted in pos suite on Oct 10, 2018
We had the opportunity to sit down with the loss prevention team at Smokers Choice, a large tobacco retailer who uses FasTrax software, and asked them about some of the craziest theft incidents they’ve experienced. Like most tobacco retailers, Smokers Choice tracks inventory by using FasTrax’s Retail Solutions.
A New Solution Coming To FasTrax
Posted in newsletter, Support on Aug 22, 2018
Do you want great marketing ads but don’t have the time or man-power to create them? Do you wish you had a cohesive marketing strategy? Coming later this year, FasTrax Solutions will be offering a new service!
How to Upsell Your Customers With Impulse Buys
Posted in Digital Signage, Hardware on Aug 22, 2018
Your business can’t afford to pass up the opportunity to make a bigger sale at the register. Customers are already buying, and it’s usually the last opportunity you have to sell them before they leave the store. So, how do you upsell your customers?
Now Introducing FTx Lifeline Webinars
Posted in Support on Aug 22, 2018
FasTrax Solutions is committed to providing you with the best resources to grow your business. We want you to use our products to their full potential, so starting now, join us every Friday at 10am ET / 9am CT for a weekly webinar!
An Exclusive Sneak Peek Inside The FasTrax Workshop: Innovative Solutions For 2018
Posted in Digital Signage, Loyalty, pos suite on Dec 22, 2017
We have some exciting solutions in the works for 2018 from enhancements to our existing POS and Digital Signage Solutions to entirely cloud-based POS and Loyalty solutions. Check out these awesome FasTrax products coming soon!
Is Your Point of Sale System Working as Hard as It Should? 10 Telltale Signs
Posted in pos suite on Dec 08, 2017
As the saying goes, you should work smarter, not harder. If you own a retail chain, it’s especially crucial that you have a point of sale (POS) system that works smarter.
The Price Is Right: 8 Pricing Strategies to Implement Today
Posted in Loyalty, pos suite on Oct 26, 2017
The second biggest decision you’ll make as a retailer after which products to carry will be what prices you give them
10 Ways Retailers Can Identify and Cultivate Their Best Sales Associates
Posted in pos suite on Oct 26, 2017
Why it’s so difficult for retailers to keep their stores staffed with high performing employees
8 Reasons Successful Companies Offer Coupons
Posted in Loyalty on Oct 26, 2017
The very first coupon issued in 1887 was for a free glass of Coca-Cola...Now Coca-Cola is billion-dollar giant...
What Customers Really Want: The Four Hallmarks of A Successful Loyalty Program
Posted in Loyalty on Oct 26, 2017
Returning customers spend 67% more than new customers. However, simply having a loyalty program for your retail chain is not enough.
The Retailer’s 5 Step Blueprint To Fast Track In-Store Sales
Posted in Digital Signage on Sep 11, 2017
The birth of e-commerce created several challenges for brick and mortar store owners. How can you get customers...
6 Ways Googling Photos Leads to Copyright Infringement
Posted in Digital Signage on Sep 11, 2017
You need a photo quickly to add to your print campaign or include in your digital advertisement so you let your fingers do the walking and turn to your trusty pal Google. But...
Digital Signs: 15 Jaw-Dropping Reasons to Scrap Your Outdated Marketing
Posted in Digital Signage on Sep 11, 2017
Just like the lyrics “video killed the radio star,” there is no question that digital signs have killed traditional paper signs.
Retail Point of Sale Spotlight
Posted in pos suite on Jul 20, 2017
Wild Bill’s Tobacco touts the benefits of using one company – FasTrax Solutions, for all of its point of sale, wholesale, and marketing solutions.
Employee Time Theft: 10 Insanely Easy Ways To Plug Expensive Leaks In Your Payroll
Posted in TimeClock on Sep 10, 2017
A leaky faucet isn’t typically high on your list of priorities to fix, right? However, one leaky faucet that drips just one drop per second wastes 3,000 gallons of water per year...
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