Setting up EPOS system from scratch

[sogifted]

Hi everyone, (my first post!)

i really would like some guidance

I manage a large gift shop attached to a garden centre and we are currently getting the ball rolling for an EPOS system, the software and hardware has all been chosen.
the bit I am struggling with is the set up work of codes etc, currently i am going around the whole shop making a list of products for the data base, i have also rang suppliers and asked for my recent orders on excel spread sheet including barcodes

but then when it comes to items like jewellery etc, how do i barcode these!? do i do a generic product code of bracelet01 and invent a barcode? do i have a folder with all this info in?

any one else started an EPOS system from scratch, any tips?!

Thanks
Joy

 

[mhall]

If you have already chosen your software, you will need to be guided by this. Unfortunately there is a lot of work initially to fill the database, and loads more if you want to add in minimum and maximum stock levels, discount thresholds and the like.

Your software provider should be able to supply you with the fields that you will need to complete and most will accept this information as a csv file once you have done it.

Your software supplier should also be able to advise you how to deal with non barcoded items- either a simple search facility or a PLU system. If all else fails you could sell the item as an unlisted item but then you lose the power that the epos system can give you. If its for internal use you could invent a barcode, or you can buy them

 

[bovine]

As above, speak to the provider, particularly about the inhouse non barcoded items. Different systems have different quirks about formats, so speaking to people installing it is essential.
You should also consider how these items are going to be sold, are you selling them by code, search function, scanning small labels, scanning sheets by the till or just having buttons on screen for different categories.

I've been setting up epos systems for people for about 15 years and its now easier than ever, but getting it right from the outset is essential. As for adding items to the database, it can sometimes be quickest to buy a usb scanner and plug it into your laptop, pop it on a trolley and wheel yourself round the store shelf by shelf, adding items into your spreadsheet as you go. Time consuming, boring and not much fun, but remember you only have to do this once!

Out of interest, what software have you gone for?

 

[grazzenger]

thanks for the tip about the usb scanner, laptop and trolley. why didn't i think about that?! we end up dragging everything to the scanner attached to the till/'puter/epos system to capture the barcodes.

to the OP, our system has the ability to create barcodes for items which don't come with them. it'll then print labels with product details, pricing and the created barcodes onto labels. as someone else asks, which SW are you using? this will define what you can and can't do and how you do it.

to start with, it is indeed a massive, boring slog. get the ipod out and crack on

once you can report on all sorts of data, you'll really appreciate it!

 

[QuickHomeBuyers]

You can do it a couple of ways

a. You can create a generic for each type of goods, ex. jwellery (vatable), plants(zero) and so on and then opt for price at the time of billing.

 

[bovine]

You could do it batras way, and then you can buy a cheap till, but I would strongly suggest you only do this if it is only you working in the shop - the downsides of someone else doing this for you are huge. You suddenly find some of your expensive items have been sold for knock down prices. Can happen by accident or on purpose. You also lose all stock control, which on jewellery is important.

 

[A Party Shop]

Out of interest grazzenger which software do you use?

We have Actinic EPOS which we'd hoped would link to our Actinic Ecommerce site without too much effort but it's going to be a PITA

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[Steve2507]

thanks for the tip about the usb scanner, laptop and trolley. why didn't i think about that?! we end up dragging everything to the scanner attached to the till/'puter/epos system to capture the barcodes.

We purchased a windows based tablet (Zoostorm) to get all the barcodes, it ended up being much easier than we thought thanks to this.

 

[david.duncan]

Re: the Jewellery, if the software you have chosen can generate its own barcodes then fine. You can just create your own labels - dunbell labels are the standard size for jewellers. However, even if you cant create your own barcodes from the software you should be able to scan in pre-barcoded items. This process is best done via a high quality wireless scanner as you can be the other side of the warehouse scanning items and they will still be read by the bluetooth terminal connected to the laptop. As a last resort you can buy your own pre-printed barcodes in rolls.

Regards