2011-0623

World Tea Expo

Add a Comment[Author: Category: Shows ]

World Tea Expo!



This week we will be at the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas!


I’ll be there from 6/23 to 6/27.  If you are in town, stop by and say hi! 




Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371

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2011-0621

Customers? We can track them!

Add a Comment[Author: Category: Marketing, Uncategorized ]

Do you take advantage of the customer file features SP-1 has?  If not, then you might be missing out on one of the best features of SP-1!


Most people are aware that SP-1 can track your customers and their name, address, phone number but have you explored the other items that are in the customer file and available to you? 


Birthday.  Yep, we track your customers birthday!  Better yet, you can use SP-1 to alert your staff that customer has a birthday coming up!


Email.  Anyone can track an email address – we track ten per customer! 


Multiple phone numbers.  Use a phone number to track past orders for your customers?  SP-1 tracks ten per customer.  If a customer calls with their cell, home, work or any other line, you can link all of them to the same account. 


Multiple addresses.  An address is great for delivery but what if the customer wants it to go to his office or friends house?  What about catering?  With SP-1 you can have up to three additional addresses for catering.


Custom remarks.  A line just for your staff!  What ever you type here is highlighted on the screen for your clerk to see.  










Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371

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2011-0616

3 Reasons to use a remote printer / monitor

Add a Comment[Author: Category: Hardware, Order Entry, Uncategorized ]
Have you ever noticed that printer in the back of a kitchen at a busy restaurant?  Or maybe the monitor hanging above the espresso machine in a drive thru? 


Why are they there?   The simple answer is to print the order out right?   It goes deeper than that once you start really thinking about it.  


1)  They are efficient.  It’s true, they are.  Count how many steps an employee has to take to hand a receipt, cup or hand written note to the Barista or cook.  Then double it (they have to walk back right?).  Now multiply that by the number of orders you take in a day.  Virtually all of that time is wasted.  


2) Less Mistakes.  Order accuracy is key when thinking about implementing a monitor or printer for a make line.  Handwriting mistakes vanish when using this type of system.   The Barista and cooks know precisely what to make because it is all laid out in front of them.  Additions and subtractions are handled correctly as well. 

3) Theft Controls.  Want to stop product from being handed out without getting paid for it?  While a monitor or printer does not completely stop it from happening, it can certainly cut down the potential.  If you have two employees the rule is that without a paper slip or display on the monitor, you don’t make the product.   




Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371


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2011-0614

Lessons learned from coffee shows

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I’m back from a couple of near back to back trade shows and thought I’d share some perspective from the point of an exhibitor as well as what we hear from  attendees that stop by our booth and share. 



Get a Gift Card system.   I’m shocked at how many people are still not using a  gift card system.   I think everyone agrees that an easy to use gift and pre-paid card system can easily increase your volume.  If you don’t have a POS or can’t afford one, call Mercury Payment System.  Sure they will want your credit card business but at least they won’t charge you anything (read free) for the gift card processing.  This method makes you look more professional, helps eliminate potential theft and gives you a great marketing platform for your store. 


Take classes!  Don’t underestimate the potential for learning at these trade shows.  Almost every show I’ve been to has free classes hosted by peers, experts or just people that have something to share.  I still try to sit in on classes so I have things to share and continue my education in these fields.  At the last show I caught a good part of a presentation from Manish at Maya Tea Company on how to easily use tea as a profitable item in your coffee shop.  After every presentation I give, there is always someone that either found a new nugget of information or surprises me with something I can add to my next presentation!

Talk to everybody!  I’m always happy when two people in my booth wind up sharing ideas.  It just illustrates that none of us have all the answers.  If you are at a trade show, remember that part of the reason you are there is to communicate!   

Step out of your comfort zone!  Don’t be afraid to ask the exhibitors what they do.  Even if you are not sure that it’s something that fits your store now, it may in the future. It’s part of the reason that you are at a trade show.   Don’t worry about what the exhibitors think, part of the reason we are there is from an advertising standpoint.  You never know where you might pick up a nugget of information or learn something new.




Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371

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2011-0601

Coffee Fest San Diego

Add a Comment[Author: Category: Shows ]
Coffee Fest in San Diego!



We will be in San Diego for the Coffee Fest this week.  We will be gone from 6/2 to 6/6!

If you are in town, look us up! 




Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371

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2011-0531

7 Cool Things About SelbySoft’s Gift Card System

Add a Comment[Author: Category: Gift Cards, Uncategorized ]

There are a lot of POS systems out there.   Making a decision on which one to buy can be very tough.  Especially when it seems, at first glance,  that most POS systems have a lot of the same features.  

That’s why it’s important to dig deep.  Make sure that you evaluate how well the features works and not just that the sales guy says it’s there.  


With that being said . . . Here are some very cool things about the Gift Card system in SelbySoft:


1)  IT’S FREE. . . Of course that is number one on the list.  Paying a monthly fee and a swipe charge just isn’t cost effective for stores that that deal in small ticket items.  If you have to pay $10-$40 a month and $.10 to $.25 a swipe then the gift card system because a liability.  On top of that most gift cards will run somewhere between $.50 and a $1.20 a card.   With our gift card system, you have no fees and the cards are cost effective – think lower end of that scale.  


2) IT’S INDEPENDENT OF THE CREDIT CARD COMPANY. . .Think about that for a minute and you will start seeing why that can be a good idea.   Besides the costs mentioned above, a gift card that is operated through a credit card company will virtually guarantee that swapping from one credit card company to another is as difficult as possible.    


3) IT’S MULTI-TASKING. . . Gift card, prepaid card, customer profile card, discount card and rewards (punch) card all in one.    


4) IT’S PROMOTABLE. . . With our integrated discount system, it’s incredibly easy to sell a $25 card for $20 and track it.   Better yet, you can track how well those promotions are working and duplicate success.


5) IT’S VERSATILE. . . This is where the differences really start to come out. No putting the ticket on hold, no consolidating later on. 

  • Need to buy a drink and a gift card at the same time?  All in one transaction, on one ticket with one cash out.  
  • Need to split a gift card into other cards? Easy.  
  • Need to buy a drink and recharge your card at the same time?  Just as simple.  

6) IT’S MULTI-STORE CAPABLE. . . Have two or more locations?  We can handle it.  SelbySoft has a fully featured Corporate Reporting package that will handle the gift cards between multiple locations.  If you are franchising or licensing and need corporate gift card pooling, let us know – we even have options to cover that! 


7) DID I MENTION IT’S FREE?. . . Yep – free. 




Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371

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2011-0527

Memorial Day

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Have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend!  

 SelbySoft is open on Memorial Day 
 9am to 3pm PST for sales and support
 3pm to 10pm PST for emergency support



Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371

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2011-0526

Reporting methods in SP-1

Add a Comment[Author: Category: Reporting, Uncategorized ]

We all agree that reporting is important right?   One of the questions that we from people who are looking to purchase our SP-1 system is what are the different methods of reporting available.

Sometimes how you get reports can be as important as what you get on the reports!  

1)  Printed –  The most obvious way is to print reports to a laser printer so you can review them at any time.  There are a number of reports that can be printed to the thermal receipt printer as well.   This is great for shift closes etc. 

2) Reporting to screen – Just looking for a quick number or to review data SP-1 can provide?  Run the report to the screen!  It’s a quick way to review without printing. 

3) Reporting to disk – Want to print to a file?  We handle that as well.  It’s a great way to save reports and view later on.  They can be viewed in any word processor.  This is also a great way to email reporting to another partner. 




4) Dashboard – Want to review what is going on in the store?  Hit the Dashboard button!  Remember, this will give you a quick snapshot of your most important totals.

5) Export files – Want more powerful reporting?  Use the XML exports we have developed! These allow you to pull information into tools like Excel to really get in depth with the reporting. 

5) MobileDash  - Need information on the go?  MobileDash is the way to go.  This will provide hourly reporting direct to any phone that receives email.   MobileDash is affordable as well, only $10 a month or free with our Corporate Software Options. 

6) Corporate Reporting Options – Want information from anywhere?  Our corporate reporting options automatically transmit all of your sales information to a central location automatically every day. This is a great way to manage multiple locations.  Check with us for the cost. 



Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371

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2011-0524

foursquare and facebook places

Add a Comment[Author: Category: Uncategorized ]

Using social media for your business?   What about location based specials?


Both Facebook and Foursquare now allow, for free, a location based deal or special that your customers can see.  This allows your store to effectively market to your customers through their phones.  Did I mention it’s free?  


The concept is this:
A customer “checks in” with either Facebook Places or Foursquare on their mobile phone while in or near your store location.  They are then presented with a deal or special that you are offering.  



SelbySoft’s Facebook Deal

One of the most fascinating thoughts on this system is that because it is location based on the phone, your special will show up even if the person is not in your store.  This effectively works as simple advertising for your store as well as a special.


Specials can be setup as show this and get a drink or discount, based on number of check ins, number of people at the location etc.  


More information about Facebook deals at:  http://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=18365


More information on Foursquare specials at: https://foursquare.com/business/


So, what does this have to do with SelbySoft and our SP-1 POS?  We come in after the fact .  . . once that deal or special is being redeemed, make sure you track it in SP-1.  That way you know if it is working! 




Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371

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2011-0519

9 Steps to reduce theft with technology

Add a Comment[Author: Category: POS Features, theft ]
Theft is an ugly subject but it’s one that we all have to address.   If you are in the food and beverage industry, then you know some people steal. 

Let’s tackle five ways to help reduce (or at least find out about) theft.  Be warned – some of these require SP-1!

1)  Cameras – Common sense here, theft usually occurs when no one is watching.   A good camera system can help reduce the opportunity to steal.  They can also have the positive impact of providing much needed security for your staff and even your customers.  If you want to take it to the next step, look into integrating into SP-1 so the transaction detail shows up on the camera system. 

2)  Require a receipt – Put it on a sign in front of the register or SP-1 that states you should be offered a receipt from the employee on every purchase.  This works as a safeguard to ensure the transactions (especially cash) are being entered into the register / SP-1. 

3)  Pole display or Order Confirmation – This is the next level after requiring a receipt.  A traditional pole display will show your customer a description of the product with the price.  A more attractive way is to use an Order Confirmation monitor.  Theft is reduced through the fact that the customer expects to see their total on the screen.  That helps eliminate orders being pocketed.  Another bonus with the SP-1 Order Confirmation monitor is that up-selling is accomplished easily and you can promote product or events.  




4)  Require a make or barista ticket – This is a great method for restaurants or anyone with a kitchen.  Require a printed kitchen ticket for every item made.  This helps eliminate employees handing out product without ringing it in.  If the kitchen does not have the slip, they don’t make it.  SP-1 will handle the printing to make your staff more efficient as well as cut theft. 

5)  Load the drawer – Here is a very low tech way to see check honesty.  Throw an extra $20 bill in the drawer at the beginning of a shift.  If the employee reports that they are $20 over at the end of the shift, then chances are you have some level of trust.  If the employee comes out even on the drawer count, then they took the $20.  

6) Multiple cash drawers – For those of you with multiple fingers in the drawer the toughest issue is what to do if the drawer is short.  Who do you blame?  If you have SP-1, use multiple cash drawers.  SP-1 allows you to setup up to five cash drawers per station.  This allows you to assign a specific employee to each drawer and still have cash accountability. 

7) Fingerprint ID – Don’t forget about time theft!  Some statistics show that up to 25% of all employee theft is time and wage theft!   A fingerprint id eliminates the ability to clock a friend in. 

8) Get rid of the punch card – Paper punches are an open invitation to theft of product.  Employees will double punch for friends on a regular basis.  Move to an electronic gift & loyalty and get far more value as well as a more secure system.   Ours is free so chances are you will cut some costs there as well. 

9)   MobileDash / Audit Tracking – One of the features that we offer through our SP-1 POS is the ability to have a full audit trail on what happened.  If an employee reduces a ticket after the fact (assuming they have security to do so), the audit tracking is updated and, if you are using MobileDash, an alert to your smart phone showing that the ticket was reduced.  This is a fantastic way to stay on top of employees that are voiding items or tickets. 

There you have it, a couple ways to help get a handle on what may be going on in your location.  If you have any other ideas, be sure to comment and let us know!  







Contact us at:
SelbySoft
Mike Spence
800-454-4434
Sales@SelbySoft.com
WWW.SelbySoft.com
8326 Woodland Ave. E
Puyallup Wa 98371

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