Retail Merchandising Insights

Counterfeit Detectors

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

You work hard for your money so make sure the money you receive isn’t counterfeit. Although the government has modified bills to make it more difficult for thieves to counterfeit, the thieves have gotten pretty crafty at faking bills. Counterfeit bills are circulating throughout the U.S. so a counterfeit detector is necessary for any business.
The most common types of bill detectors are ultraviolet (UV), watermark, magnetic and pen. The UV detectors use a light to detect built in features in authentic bills. Watermark detectors also use a certain light spectrum to detect hidden watermarks in the bill’s paper. Magnetic detectors detect magnetic ink in authentic bills. Pen detectors use a special solution that turns a certain color when applied to the bill to indicate if the bill is fake. Bleached bills, which are created by bleaching a $5 bill and printing 50 or 100 over the bleached areas, can be difficult to detect so it’s best to employ several different methods when verifying bills.
One of our most popular counterfeit detectors employs UV, infrared and magnetic detection and can even detect bleached bills. No cashier training needed, just feed your bill into the machine and an audible and visual alarm will let you know if the bill is fake. Another popular model, the 4-way Counterfeit Detector, also uses magnetic and UV detection in addition to watermark detection. This machine also magnifies the bill so you can see microprinted words on authentic bills. The UV function on this machine can also verify other documents such as driver’s licences, birth certificates, major credit cards, traveller’s checks and more. The Infrared Camera Counterfeit Detector displays an image of the bill on the screen so you can check for the infrared stripe on authentic bills. A handy chart on the machine displays the areas in which infrared stripes are located on U.S. currency. A pleased owner of this infrared detector says this machine works like magic!
If you’re on the go at festivals or open markets, a Counterfeit Detector Pen is the mobile, economical, quick and easy way to make sure you’re not taking any funny money. Simply draw a line across the bill; if the line stays amber the bill is authentic but if the line turns black the bill is fake. Either mark will fade after application so you won’t have a drawer full of marked up money. Happy customers say that the pen works great and is small enough to keep next to the register.
Check out the full inventory of our currency counterfeit detectors to see which one best suits your needs. If you accidentally accept a counterfeit bill, be assured that the bank will not accept it and then you will be out of luck. With all the fake bills in circulation, how can you afford not to use a counterfeit detector?

Greeting Customers 101

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Have you ever gotten whiplash in a retail store? You know, when you walk into the store and slowly start taking in the layout and merchandise when a gaggle of sales clerks at the counter or a clerk at a display across the store yell out “Hi, howyadoin’today?” Then you have to look around to see where the half-hearted but strident greeting is coming from so you can acknowledge them?
I know that clerks think they are doing their job by promptly greeting customers in this manner but whiplash greetings are not the way to go. You don’t want to distract the customers while they are just settling in and getting acquainted with the store and products that they may purchase. The quality of the greeting is more important than the speed of the greeting so take the time to approach the customer, even if you cannot get to them for a minute or two. A sincere face-to-face greeting along with a warm smile will make a more positive impression than an indifferent greeting shouted from across the store.

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!

Disc Repair System Pays for Itself

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Even in this age of on-demand movies and downloadable music, we still love our discs, those little spheres of escape and entertainment. We’ve lovingly compiled a library of tunes, games and movies that we can turn to in times of stress, boredom, excitement and joy so it’s frustrating when one of our little friends goes down for the count.

Something that can bring a disc back from the brink of the dumpster is a good disc repair system, like the JFJ Easy-Pro Disc Repair System. A simple one-step operation buffs out light scratches and fingerprints and takes care of that pesky skipping while a multi-step process can fix up more heavily scratched discs. This is a great system for movie and game rental stores and libraries as well as personal use. The disc repair system also works on Blu-ray discs, CD-roms, Gamecube, PS2, PS3, Wii and XBOX games so fire it up and get to work saving your entire collection! No need to discard those damaged discs and spend the money to replace them.
The disc repair system does not require water to operate so no need to fool with dirty water, hoses and that whole soggy mess. DVD and CD cleaning supplies and buffing pads are included with the disc repair system so you’re ready to roll from the time you unpack the box. Ordering additional cleaning and buffing supplies is quick and easy so you won’t have to deal with a lengthy down-time if you run out. Most repairs are done in 1-2 minutes and at 15 to 20 cents per repair, it’s quite an economical system. Disc repair and cleaning is also a service you can offer to customers and just think of how grateful they will be when you save their favorite music disc or game!
So, what are you waiting for? Your disc collection and customers are depending on you!

Credit Card Processing

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

We are all aware that “cash money” is a universal language but in case you haven’t noticed, many people are now fluent in speaking “credit card”. Paper or plastic doesn’t just refer to bags any more! The question is, are you speaking your customers’ language?

There is no doubt that people like to have choices. Choices in clothes they wear, the food they order, the fancy (or not-so-fancy) coffee they drink and they like to have options in how to pay for it. I, for one, do not carry cash with me very often and I truly think I could not survive without my debit card (I do not know how I functioned before they came along!). I cannot run across the street to my neighborhood store for a gallon of milk because the merchant only accepts card purchases over $10. I know several people who use their credit cards exclusively so they can rack up points with the credit card company. I understand that many businesses do not offer credit/debit card processing because they are leery of the fees incurred and contract commitment but I wonder just how many customers have been lost to businesses that only accept cash?
If these items don’t convince you that credit/debit card processing is important to a bottom line then check out this little tidbit: Credit card users spend 12%-15% more than those who pay with cash. Now, wouldn’t it be nice if that little boost ended up reflected in your sales?
If you’ve been kicking around the idea of offering card processing to your customers, now is the time to check it out. First Payment Services can set up a card processing program that is right for your business. Nervous about entering into a long contract? Don’t be, because FPS offers month-to-month contracts if that is what you desire. If you already have a card processing company, First Payment Services offers a $1,000 guarantee that they will save you money over your current card processor. Nice deal!
So, why not explore the possibility of offering card processing? You just may get more people fluent in the language of “credit card” walking through your door if you do.

Impulse Purchases: Pump up the Volume!

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Pump up the volume of impulse items you sell, that is. We covered the yummy goodness of chocolate and candy impulse items last week but now let’s explore some impulse sale techniques.Make the impulsive human nature work for you. Customers standing in line waiting to check out have already made the decision to purchase something, so initiating another small purchase just requires a little nudge to the impulsive human nature. Many of us have that little voice in our head that says “I’m already checking out and that item is interesting/necessary/cute so what is a few more dollars?” The trick is to offer your customers small, inexpensive items at or near the checkout counter. Make sure your impulse items are inexpensive, ideally under $10 but even $1 items can really add up. Imagine how much extra revenue you could generate if nearly every customer spontaneously purchased a $1 pack of gum or travel-size hand sanitizer.

Make the impulse items small so they “blend in” with your customers’ purchases. A larger item may stick out and make them second guess their impulse purchase but a smaller item tossed onto the counter or into the basket will easily blend in so the customer won’t be phased out. So make the point of sale items small and easy to grab if one’s hands are full, such as funny sticky notes, sample sized toiletries, gummy bracelets or hair accessories. Also, think about your target audience; what would most appeal to the customers who shop in your particular store?
Finally, display your impulse sale items in attractive and easily accessible containers and display racks. Countertop displays can be attractive and do not take up much valuable counter space. If you have room next to your registers then you may want to consider a larger floor display that can hold a wide variety of items. There are many display options including wood baskets, mesh baskets, plastic jars, acrylic jars and peghook displays so take a look at around and think about what would complement your decor and best showcase the impulse merchandise you offer.

Little things can mean a lot, namely extra cash in your register, so don’t underestimate the effect of point of sale items on the impulsive human nature.

Candy: The Ultimate Impulse Item!

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Okay, show of hands. Who does not like chocolate? Hmmm, not many hands up. Chocolate and other candies are popular treats year round and that makes them excellent candidates for your impulse purchase displays.

Although chocolate is tasty at any time (Chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast washed down with chocolate milk? Yes, please!) it doesn’t always store and ship very well in the summer heat. Enter Specialty Store’s annual chocolate sale! That’s right, all of our chocolate is on sale right now so stock up and satisfy your peckish customers’ hankering for a sweet snack after shopping at your store. Candy isn’t just for convenience stores and food stores any more. If you look at many big-name department stores you will see candy for sale at their check out counters and believe me when I say that it is hard to resist. I speak from experience (but never with my mouth full).
Check out our chocolate sale items including Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Twix and M&Ms, just to name a few. But why stop there when other favorites such as Twizzlers, Skittles, lollipops and Sour Patch Kids are available? Give impulse candy a try if you haven’t already. Your sugared-up customers will thank you.

Calming the Retail Customers’ Fear of Purchasing

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

You have customers walking through your door every day. They are cordially greeted by you or your staff, they browse, they ask questions and, if all goes according to your plan, they purchase your merchandise. But sometimes they do not. Hmmm! What could be the reason for this? Perhaps you don’t have quite what they’re looking for…or perhaps they’re afraid. Not afraid of you or your oh-so-not-scary merchandise, but afraid of the item not working out for them, after all.
Let’s look at some reasons a customer might be afraid to purchase. They are afraid that:
    • the item may be less expensive elsewhere

 

  • their significant other won’t like it

 

 

  • it won’t match (their sofa, their pants, etc.)

 

 

  • they won’t know how to use it

 

Have a meeting with your staff and ask them why customers may be hesitant to purchase in your store in particular. Once you pinpoint possible reasons, you can prepare your solutions. For instance, if the customer fears they will find the item cheaper elsewhere, you can implement a price-matching program if you don’t already have one in place. People may be more inclined to purchase if they know that they will be reimbursed the difference if the same item is found to be cheaper somewhere else within the next 30 days (or whatever time frame you choose). If the item doesn’t match or their significant other doesn’t approve, let them know they’ve got nothing to lose by trying it out since they can always return their purchase for a refund or store credit. If the customer is nervous that he or she won’t know how to operate whatever it is they are purchasing, offer them a training session and let them know they can always call the store for assistance.

As we’ve all heard said “The best offense is a good defense”. Being prepared for any objection or fear that may pop up means that you don’t have to fear losing a sale.

Custom Labels = Customized Anything

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Would you like customized bags, cups or packages to send home with your customers but do not want to spend big bucks? Then custom labels are the way to go! You can have custom labels printed for mere pennies. Pennies, I tell you!
“I put stickers with my company logo on all styro cups in the cafe – works great and is a very economical way to have customized cups!”. Those are words right out of the mouth of a business owner who was quite pleased with a 2″ circle custom label. In addition to the circle labels we also offer rectangle, square, oval and triangle shaped labels to suit your needs exactly. The custom labels are available in a variety of label colors, ink colors, shapes and sizes so your options are nearly limitless.
Looking for a little more flash? Check out gold foil custom labels or silver foil custom labels. These labels look fantastic with the contrasting black ink and are especially effective with a logo. Send us a high-resolution image of your logo to print on the label or, for a small fee, we will create a professional custom logo for you.
Here is something you don’t see every day: 8 1/2″W x 5 1/2″L custom labels! These beauties really dress up paper shopping bags and plastic shopping bags. See the label above and notice how it really draws attention to the bag and then imagine your customers walking down the street with these custom labels on your bags. They will advertise your store for you! Nice. These labels are white and can be printed in full color. Design your labels with your logo or a photo, store information, advertising message…it’s your custom label so go nuts.
So, think outside the bags…or box or cup. And never underestimate the big power of a little label.

Spruce Up Your Retail Store

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Okay, so we’ve got the window displays popping and the staff smiling, ready to welcome the swarm of warm weather customers coming your way. But now let’s deal with the aftermath of the cold weather customers. I’m afraid that I have to mention something that strikes fear (or at least dismay) into the hearts of most folks: spring cleaning. Yes, it’s a dirty job but someone’s gotta do it. We’ve already covered cleaning to a lesser extent in “What Is Your Store Saying?” but it’s time to get down with the dirt.
Here is an interesting tidbit for you: spring cleaning is a phrase from the days when people used coal to heat their homes and oil lamps to light it up. After a season of closed windows, the walls and pretty much everything else were covered in soot and general ickiness so a good cleaning was needed once warmer weather arrived and the windows could remain open to let out the stale air and let in the fresh. Although we don’t use coal for heating any more, rooms get stuffy and dusty from being closed up during cold weather. Also, spring cleaning is a great way to give a little face lift to your store without investing in new flooring or a paint job!
Subjecting your floor to wet, muddy boots for months at a time can really take a toll on your flooring and give it a shabby look. You might want to invest in a good floor cleaner so you can clean and freshen up your floor a few times a year. Rather than buying a separate shampooer and a buffer, some machines can deep clean carpeting, scrub hard floors, and buff and clean hardwood, ceramic and marble. Neat, huh? If you only have carpeting then it’s a good idea to invest in a steam cleaner; those things can work wonders. This steam-vac carpet cleaner does not require faucet hook-up, just fill the tank with hot water and pre-measured detergent. Super easy! Of course you’ll also want to keep a vacuum and/or sweeper on hand for daily clean ups. Wait till you see how terrific the freshly cleaned floor looks after you’ve gotten used to seeing it all dingy and winterish, especially when the sunlight streams in through your clean windows.

Come on, let’s clean those windows inside and out to let that sunshine in! It is amazing how much better a bright, sunny room can look. You do not have to freshly repaint the entire store to make it look sparkling new. I have three words for you: clean, clean, clean! Yes, it’s actually one word but one word that will make a huge difference in the appearance of any store. When we see the same areas day after day, little scuffs and patches of dirt just become part of the scenery that we don’t notice…but your customers will! So, scrub-a-dub! Don’t forget to dust the tops of door frames, shelves, fixtures, pictures and moldings first; dusting last will just get dust all over everything you just cleaned. Add a gentle yet effective cleaner (we don’t want to scrub the paint off the walls) to your bucket of warm water and attack those walls, fixtures, shelves and counters with a sponge or lint-free cloth. We’re giving this store a once-over to make it ready for the busy upcoming season so let’s put our backs into it and move furniture, fixtures, racks and shelving rather than cleaning around them. Wait until you see the difference a good cleaning can make!

Okay, the inside it ready to go. What about the outside? You’ve cleaned the outside of your windows and doors so that’s covered but what about your sidewalk and parking area? Make sure you pick up any trash, glass and dead leaves lurking around and sweep that sidewalk. The outside of your store should be a reflection of what folks will find on the inside so make sure it’s clean and inviting so that people will even want to walk through your door.

Now, if you’ve incorporated everything from the last several blogs you should have colorful, eye-catching signage, organized shelves and racks, attention-grabbing window displays and a sparkling clean store. Bring on the shoppers!