Month: June 2011

Phone Systems, Postage Meters and more!

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

We’ve already covered several merchant services available via the Specialty Stores Services website and here a five more helpful services for you to explore.
Phone Systems. There are so many options of phone system that it can be a bit tricky to find the right system for your business. You want a phone system that will give you all the features you need, none of the add-ons that you don’t and will be cost effective. Learn more about different phone systems and check out some tips on how to compare services before committing to a new phone system.

 

Postage Meters. Businesses that send out bulk mailings can really save time and money by stamping, postmarking and mailing right from their own place of business. No more wasting time by running to the post office or dealing with rolls of stamps!

 

Telemarketing. By outsourcing your telemarketing to a telemarketing service company, you are putting your calls in the hands of professionals who know how to contact the right people at the right time to close a sale, renew a business relationship or inform existing customers about new products or services.

 

Stamps and Badges. Create and maintain a professional image with name badges, custom stamps, nameplates and embossers. Email your custom artwork to have original stamps created or choose from stock stamps. Use the stamps to inexpensively customize sales slips, stationary and envelopes.

 

Buy Gold for Cash. You see Cash for Gold stores everywhere and these shops would not be everywhere if they weren’t turning a profit. You can start buying gold from your customers and generate extra revenue averaging $2,000 a month with no up front start up fees incurred. Click the link to find out more information!

4th of July Sale Sign

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Freedom! Fireworks! Friends, family and food! That’s a lot of alliterative fun for the 4th of July! Throw some fantastic sales into the mix and we’ve got the makings of a terrific holiday weekend.

 

Don’t forget to order your eye-catching 4th of July Sale Sign, which is on sale itself right now for only $7.99! Your new sign will ship the day after you order so there is still time to advertise your 4th of July sale.

Merchant Services: POS System and Free Cash Register

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I hope that you found the blog about email marketing and custom logos informative and helpful! Let’s go over some more Merchant Services offered through the Specialty Store Services website that can help save you money and keep track of your sales.

Specialty Store Services and United Bank Card, in partnership with Casio, are offering retail and hospitality merchants the opportunity to receive a free cash register with fully integrated credit card processing services! You will be able to accept all major credit cards and ring up cash sales on one machine so there is no need for a separate credit card machine. The cash registers offered also feature drop and load thermal printers, further streamlining your transaction process. Two machines are offered: one geared toward retail merchants and a one geared toward restaurant merchants. Both machines will track your daily cash, check and credit card sales and both feature large memory capacity, large LED display, 72 flat keys, customizable keypad layout with user friendly online wizard, are PCI PED compliant and allow dial-up or Ethernet connection. Best of all, you are guaranteed a replacement cash register free of charge in the event your register breaks or malfunctions if you process credit cards with Specialty Store Services/United Bank Card!

Businesses generating more than $250,000 in yearly sales may want to consider a more complex Point of Sale system, or POS system. More complex POS systems are capable of running detailed reports and also may have inventory management capabilities that will allow the store buyer to generate purchase orders based on sales and product popularity. Time clocks, touch screens and accounting features such as credit card verification may also be integrated into a POS system. Restaurant POS systems have the ability to print order tickets directly in the kitchen which will speed up the serving process. So, as you can see, POS systems can be as simple or as detailed and you like. Check out POS systems for yourself and see how your company could benefit from employing one.

New Retail Products

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Did you know that new products are added to Specialty Store Services’ website every week? It’s true! You asked for particular new items and we listened.

For instance, we’ve just added two scales, per customer request. The glass top easy-to-read Digital Scale has an auto turn-off feature which turns the scale off after three minutes of inactivity, prolonging the life of the batteries. The stainless steel Professional Dial Face Scale has a removable weighing bowl and is perfect for weighing anything from vegetables to candy. We have also added chic copper Metal Jewelry Displays and stylish Body Form Jewelry Displays that are perfect for any boutique.

Be sure to check out the New Items page frequently to see what great additions we have in store for you!

Merchant Services: Email Marketing and Custom Logo

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Are you aware of all the Merchant Services that are offered through the Specialty Store Services’ website? We have already covered credit card processing and retail training classes in previous blogs so let’s explore other ways to boost your business and bottom line.

You’ve got mail. One great way to stay in touch with current customers and build your client base is through email. We see about 4,000 marketing message a day and with all that competition you want to make sure your message grabs attention and is informative from the get-go. That being said, slapping together an email and sending it out willy-nilly won’t get you far. A professional email marketing service will guide you through all the challenges of setting up your own email marketing newsletters and communications. Constant Contact offers over 400 templates and will guide you through setting up color schemes as well as adding logos, photos and coupons, so creating your own emails or newsletters is super easy. Not only will you receive free personal guidance via email, phone, chat or in person, there are free or very inexpensive seminars (think $10-$30) offered to help you develop your email marketing skills. I, myself, have previously attended a free seminar sponsored by Constant Contact and found it to be very informative and useful. You can try this email marketing service for free for 60 days (Really! And no contract!) and if you do decide to keep the service you can, for as little as $15 a month. It truly is a great investment for the business owner or manager who wants to run effective email marketing campaigns but just needs a little guidance.

I’d know you anywhere! When I say “McDonald’s” what is the first thing that comes to mind? Golden arches, maybe? The color combo of red and yellow? Logos and color branding are a fantastic way for companies to get their names out there and to stick in the minds of consumers. In fact, color recognition can increase sales by 80%! If you do not yet have a logo for your company, you may want to consider enlisting the help of a logo design company. These professional graphic designers will design several original, custom logos for you to choose from for the low price of $149. You will own the copyright of your finished logo design so it will be yours, and you can even trademark it. The designers at Logo Design Team never use clipart so the design will be original and they will work with you to capture the style and tone you wish to convey. This logo design company offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee so your full payment will be refunded if you are not satisfied. You will be able to use the new logo on signage, bags, stationary, business cards and company vehicle to get your brand out there and in the minds of consumers!

These are just two more ideas to help your business blossom. We will cover some more Merchant Services available through Specialty Store Services’ website in an upcoming blog.

Sunglass Displays

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

To quote Katrina and the Waves, “I’m walkin’ on sunshine.” I’m walking on it, in it, next to it…and I’m loving it! When the sun is shining, the one thing I hate to be without is my sunglasses and I will not hesitate to purchase a new pair if I leave home without them. Sunglasses are a great money maker year round but sales really seem to take off in the summer months. If you are not currently carrying sunglasses, why not choose an eyewear display appropriate for your store and stock it with inexpensive yet attractive sunglasses?

If you have some counter space to spare, consider this elegant countertop sunglass spinner. This eyeglass spinner has a lovely metal frame with almond base and acrylic mirror and can hold up to 24 pairs of glasses. If you would like to fit some more glasses in a small space, this economy countertop eyeglass spinner can hold up to 40 pairs of glasses and it is also constructed of metal and has 2 acrylic mirrors.

If you have some floor space to play with, this attractive spinning maple eyewear display with black trim may be just the ticket. This maple display is six sided, includes 2 acrylic mirrors and can display up to 108 pairs of glasses. If you prefer something a little more contemporary then consider this silver spinning eyewear display with storage base. This sleek display can hold up to 72 pairs of glasses, includes 2 acrylic mirrors and boasts a locking storage base to keep your overstock safe and out of sight.

These spinning eyewear displays will also display reading glasses so they can work double-duty for you. As long as the sun in shining or small print needs to be read, folks are going to need sunglasses and reading glasses so why not offer your customers what they need?

Pet Summer Safety

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

We all like to frolic in the summer sun with our friends and family, including the furry, four-legged variety. Here at Specialty Store Services, we are crazy about our companion animals (and sometimes they even visit the office with us!) so I would like to share some tips to keep your furry and feathered friends safe during the summer heat. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions and not meant as medical advice. You’ve got a great vet for that already, right?

Feeling hot, hot, hot! The temperature inside your car can climb up to 120 degrees, even on mild days with the windows cracked or while parked in the shade. Dogs and cats are susceptible to heat stroke since they do not have the ability to cool themselves as effectively as humans, especially the elderly, the very young, the ill and flat-nosed varieties such as Pugs and Persians. In fact, flat-faced dogs and cats should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible during hot weather. A body temperature over 104 degrees can result in heat stroke which can lead to death or brain damage. Some signs of heat stroke include:

  • excessive panting or difficulty breathing
  • increased heart rate
  • drooling
  • weakness or collapse
  • inability to focus or pay attention to commands
  • vomiting
  • bloody diarrhea

If your pet has any of these symptoms please seek medical attention immediately as time is of the essence when dealing with heat stroke. Even if you are able to safely bring down your dog’s temperature the vet will need to verify that no brain damage has occurred.

On the run. Dogs love to run around and many pet owners enjoy their dogs’ company on jogs, however, the summer heat can make this activity dangerous for dogs. If you do run with your dog you will want to make sure to run in the cool of the early morning or the evening, keeping a close eye on your dog for signs of heat stroke. Keep in mind that pavement can get extremely hot, causing burns on your pets’ paw pads so it’s best for Fido to romp in the grass or dirt. To keep your running partner safe while running after sunset, keep him on a leash and consider accessorizing your pooch with some reflective leg bands. When taking your dog for a run remember that, just like humans, they need to build up their endurance so a 5k run the first time out is not a good idea. Also, keep in mind how much shorter their legs are; one step for you could equal several steps for them.

Can you get my back? Unbeknownst to many people, pets are also prone to the pain, peeling and cancer caused by sun burn so make sure those exposed areas such as ears, noses and lips are slathered in SPF, especially on white and hairless dogs.

Water here, there and everywhere. It is imperative that your pets stay hydrated in the summer heat so make sure all your pets have access to fresh, cool drinking water, especially after exercise or while outdoors. Kiddie wading pools provide a fun and cooling experience that many dogs enjoy. Many dogs also enjoy swimming but, contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are good swimmers so keep a close eye on your pooch when you’re out at the pool, on the boat or on the pier. Life preservers for pets are a good idea for those furry friends who are buoyantly challenged.

You ate and drank what?! Anti-freeze is a cause for concern year round so make sure your little friend isn’t imbibing in any of this sweet-tasting but deadly liquid while in the garage, street or parking lot. Another cause for concern are pesticides, fertilizer, herbicides and certain garden plants so be watchful about what your pets are putting in their curious little mouths.

Creepy crawly. Summer is heartworm season so be sure your pets are tested for heartworm and take heartworm preventatives. Don’t bother with flea collars, which can be ineffective at best and toxic at worst. Ask your vet for suggestions for flea and tick preventatives. If you do find ticks, remove them carefully with a tick key, taking care to remove the entire tick.

Around the house.

    • Make sure window screens are secure so your squirrel-watching cats and dogs don’t fall out the windows if they lean against the screen.
  • If you have pet birds, be sure that the cage(s) aren’t next to a/c vents or drafty open windows since birds cannot regulate their body temperatures as effective as larger animals.
  • Rabbits and guinea pigs are also prone to overheating so make sure that their cages aren’t in direct sunlight. If you take the little critters outside, be sure that they have access to shade and water at all times. Don’t forget that your turtle or snake may not need the heat lamp if your home is as warm as the animals’ recommended temperature during the summer. If you are new to owning exotic pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and turtles, you may want to contact your vet for more summer care tips.

We all want to enjoy summer fun with our little (or not-so-little) friends and these helpful hints can help you avoid the animal emergency room and keep you out at the BBQ or pool party, where you all belong. Have fun and stay cool!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Father’s Day is right around the corner on June 19th! Good old Dad, always there with his Dad-isms that we can pass down to future generations such as “Quit standing there with the refrigerator door open! Are you trying to cool off the whole neighborhood?!” and my favorite, “Quit looking at your brother!”. The man deserves something special for putting up with our shenanigans and here I am with some helpful gift suggestions.

Let’s face it. Dad is getting a little older and deserves to take it easy, so how about some things that make life a little simpler? An automatic card shuffler makes shuffling the deck a snap and gives dad more time to practice his bluffing skills. Just cut the cards, put them into the shuffler and push the button for a quick and perfect shuffle every time. And a set of playing card holders along with low-vision cards will keep his hands free to enjoy his snacks and drinks.

You can also give dad the convenience of eating, writing,using his laptop or reading anywhere in his home. The table mate portable table sets up quickly and is easy to slide around to wherever needed. The attractive white or oak wood grain table top is scooped, allowing it to come closer to the user. This sturdy table can hold up to 50 pounds and the height is adjustable from 23″-30″. A great sidekick to the portable table is a comfy lumbar support pillow. Side wings provide support and encourage proper posture so he can sit for longer periods of time more comfortably.

So, you’ve got some ideas for Dad’s gifts but don’t forget to advertise your store’s Father’s Day Sale with an attractive and (dare I say it?) adorable Father’s Day Sale sign. Have a great sale and an even better Father’s Day.

Easy Set-Up Displays for Retailers

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I love this time of the year! All the street festivals, music festivals, art fairs and book fairs…I could spend the entire summer scampering from fest to fair. I know that many of you attend fairs and fests all summer, too, but as vendors. While it is fun to sell your wares and talk to all different kinds of people, setting up and breaking down can really be a hassle. In order to save your sanity, it is important to have displays that are quick and easy to set up and break down and also show your merchandise well so lets explore a few options.

One of the most versatile displays is the Standing Grid Screen. The screen measures 2’W x 5’H so it is still small enough to load into most SUVs or vans and since the legs are easy to screw on and off, the screen can lie flat during transport which leaves you more room for your product. Choose from a wide variety of accessories to attach to the screen depending on your display needs. Select peg hooks, baskets and accessory clips to display smaller items or faceouts, waterfalls, shelves with brackets and hang rails for larger items. Don’t forget your grid sign holder to advertise your merchandise! Single rail garment racks also set up and break down easily and give you plenty of room for displaying apparel.

Folding tables are also necessary for the mobile retailer. These folding tables measure 60″L x 24″W x 30″H and have a lip around the outside of the table to keep your merchandise on the table, not on the ground. Other display options that easily fold up are the Folding Shelving Rack and the Square Bin. The folding shelving rack has 5 adjustable shelves and is constructed of sturdy powder coated wire. The square bin folds quickly and easily and features an adjustable bottom shelf for displaying a variety of merchandise. A happy owner of the square bin says “I love that it takes up little space while holding a lot of merchandise. Being able to dis-assemble it and pack it away neatly in my limited trailer space is a plus”.

Have jewelry or other small items to display? Then check out the 16 hook counter top display or the 12 hook countertop spinner. They are both compact but can display a lot of smaller items. There are also a wide variety of jewelry trays to choose from to display all your pretty and shiny trinkets.

Setting up quickly and easily leaves you with more time to enjoy the sights and sounds at the festivals and cuts down on the headaches. So make things a little easier on yourself by getting the appropriate displays and go have some fun!