Epos Link

GOING BIG ON GUNS

admin — Sun, 20 May 2012 10:09:33 +0000

WHAT STARTED AS a resort – an way of dealing with the exigency of the economic crisis – has become Epos Link’s main source of business. A little over three years after starting their business as a service to all sorts of retailers across the country, Peter Ainsworth and Gary King are now going big on the gun trade. In July’s Gun Trade News we reported on how the Epos systems they install work for gun shops and how they integrate with a shop’s firearms register. Since then, Epos Link has added a host of companies in the trade to its portfolio – including Drapers Airguns, UK Custom Shop, Anglo Italian Arms and Wiltshire Shooting Ground. Not only that, it has also significantly widened the service base it offers – its service is now far more bespoke, taking in everything from singleunit installations to entire networks including website front ends. “The gun trade is diverse,” explains Gary. “Every company has different needs – one solution doesn’t fit all.

So we’ve diversified our services to suit the needs of all our clients. We’re big enough to do this now – previously, we were saying we couldn’t do a lot of things, but now we’re saying ‘yes, we can do it’ to just about anything.” So who in the trade has a website by Epos Link? “Drapers Airguns is one that has been live for a while now,” says Gary. “They told us the website paid for itself within a couple of months of going live.” Henry Krank and UK Custom Shop also have new websites in the pipeline, as Peter tells us. “We work with website designers to get the front end up – they mock up the design based on the client’s requirements. We then work on the programming to ensure the website is fully integrated with the rest of the Epos system. “Online orders automatically go into the Epos – so you can be on the shop floor and see immediately when someone has placed an online order. Our service makes it easy to populate your website and makes it

a lot quicker to deal with sales. “There aren’t many companies out there that offer a full suite: front end, online integration and a host of accessories.” Peter and Gary have been working together since 1996, when Gary was the operations manager and Peter the IT manager for a multiple retailer. Together they wrote the Epos system to go in their own shops – so they learned on the job. In 2008 they formed Epos Link. “We used to do all sorts of retail – every sector, really,” Gary explains. “Then the recession hit, and retailers had no money. We knew we had to get niche. “We came into the gun trade almost by chance. Another sporting software company went down, and their clients ended up calling us. It grew from there.” Peter adds: “The gun trade has kind of taken over our business – it’s all we’re concentrating on at the moment. “Retailers in other sectors are going quiet, but gun retailers will always need registers and the related software. Our system is all about making the process as

quick as possible for gun dealers and taking as much work out of it as we can. There’s one central database for all your sales, instead of having information here, there and everywhere.” GTN

Gun Trade News:

Computerise your Firearms Register

admin — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:42:58 +0000

IT WAS PURE CHANCE that brought the gun trade to the attention of Gary King and Peter Ainsworth, the people behind retail software specialists Epos Link. Gary and Peter have worked together for 14 years. Three years ago they formed Epos Link Ltd, supplying Epos (Electronic Point Of Sale) systems to a wide range of businesses from toyshops to off licences and bars.

A company they supplied had been selling RFD software to gun dealers. Things went awry and Gary and Peter found that company’s customers calling them direct, asking for help. Bad news for the dealers, but a silver lining for Epos Link. Before long Gary and Peter found themselves working with some of the biggest names in the gun trade: dealers such as Chris Potter Guns, Avalon Guns, Henry Krank and Mendip Shooting Ground.
Gary explains that any retailer, gunshops included, can benefit from using a modern computerised system to manage stock, control pricing, and keep track of sales: “I often see the older generation stepping back and their children taking over. The new generation are keen to use a modern stock control system, so they have proper control over the business.” He continues: “Without that you’re just going on gut feeling, which is no way to run a business. Even if you yourself have the experience to get it right, you can’t always be there. There are times when you’re off or away on holiday. If all the expertise is in your head, then the staff are working blind. But if it’s in the computer system, the business carries on efficiently.”

So what does a modern Epos system consist of? Gary explains: “A basic system would consist of a computer, cash drawer, receipt printer, barcode scanner, and the software to run it. We also sell integrated tills, with the touchscreen-type display. “One of the main benefits is the degree of stock control it gives you. The system tells you exactly what’s in stock and can alert you when you’re running low on any items. You can do your ordering based on your actual stock levels, not a gut feeling based on what you think is going on. “This sort of system improves security too. It prevents staff giving unauthorised discounts, for instance, and will show up any shortfall in what should be in stock, based on what’s been delivered and what’s sold. “It provides accurate pricing as well, of course. There’s no mystery about the price of any item. Everything is barcoded, guns included. You just scan in the barcode and up comes the right price.” Behind all this is a database that contains every detail about every item of stock in the shop. So doesn’t that involve huge amounts of data entry? Not at all, says Gary. In fact, a major benefit of the Epos Link system is that it reduces the amount of data entry – because the data is shared between stock control, point-of-sale and even the company’s online shop, the information only needs to be keyed in once, instead of three, four or even five times with systems that aren’t integrated in the same way.

Gary says that many of his customers run an online shop as well as having physical bricks and mortar premises. They appreciate the way his company offers totally integrated website design. “From having a product in your stock control system, with one click of a button it’s on your website,” he explains. “There’s no need to input all the information again for the website. Any online orders go into the epos system, so the stock levels are updated too.”

It sounds like the system would be great when it’s up and running, but could be a lot of work to get going in the first place. “When we first put a system in, there’s a steep learning curve,” Gary agrees. “It usually takes people a couple of days to get used to the system, but it’s pretty intuitive and it tells you what to do. Most people have some computer experience now, and have even used an Epos system, so it’s not such a huge leap for them.” When the system first goes in, all the existing stock has to be entered onto the system, of course. “That’s one of the major hurdles that have to be overcome when you go from a manual system to a computer one,” Gary says. “But it only has to be done once. After that, you’re just recalling the information already in there, and updating quantities for new deliveries. Basically, you’re building up a database all the time.”
Once the information is in the computer, the system can analyse it in countless ways to help you run the business more effectively. You can look at lists of your best or worst-selling items, see VAT breakdowns and profit margins – and you can do all that by month, week, day or even hour. “Some of our customers use that information to decide when they need to have all their staff in, for instance,” Gary says.

Most gunshops nowadays understand the value of a computerised Epos system, particularly one that will link with their website and accounting software as Epos Link’s does. But running the Firearms Register can be a real chore – and it’s one that many shops still tackle manually, with hand-written ledgers. Epos Link’s ties with the gun trade have seen them develop a custom built RFD solution that links directly with the Epos software. The benefits are huge for a big shop selling hundreds or even thousands of ammunition and parts.

The RFD system links straight into the main stock database, removing the need to keep a separate set of books. And it produces all the breakdowns and reports required by the Police to comply with the Firearms Acts, including notifications and emails.

Gun Trade News spoke to Gary just as he was jetting off to Jamaica to get married. At that time the company’s RFD software testing was coming to an end, and he was ready to go ‘live’ as soon as he returned from his honeymoon.

“We have been developing the RFD system for 12 months, in conjunction with Chris Potter, Avalon, Henry Krank and Mendip,” he told us. “We’ve listened to their requirements, and developed the new software with them to do what they wanted it to do. Some of those companies are beta testing it for us at the moment – they are using it, but not in a live environment. We’ve had great feedback from the users, and they’re happy the system does what they need it to do – so now we’re ready to go live.”

The RFD system will integrate into the Epos system, which brings all the benefits of stock control, price control, and integration with an online shop and Sage accounting software. But Gary is aware that not every gunshop wants the whole package. “The RFD system can work as a standalone system if that’s what a customer needs,” he says. “So far we’ve only promoted it by word of mouth, and there’s been a lot of interest,”

Gary says. “By the time gunshop owners read this I’ll be back from my honeymoon – and I’d be delighted to talk to them about what the system can offer.

Basically my message to gunshops is: give me a call!”

Gun Trade News:

What is EPOS

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:59:51 +0000

What is EPOS ?

EPOS is an acronym for ‘Electronic Point of Sale’

John Gordons Wine Bar & Bistro

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:48:30 +0000

We are an independent wine retailer, bar and bistro with both retail and ecommerce sales.

Over a period of 3 years our business has grown rapidly and are now having to adapt to the new economic climate. Customer service is a high priority and one of the most important tools in our business is our epos system. Keeping track of our customers, sales, stock and costs is fundamental.

Over the last few months, Epos Link have tailored thier software to meet our exact needs. Demanding as we have been about what we want it to do, they have listened, always been there at the end of the phone.

I am told there are more improvements on the way, and as it stands I would not hesitate in recommending Epos Link to anyone looking at purchasing a Point of Sale or retail system.

John Gordons Ltd

Anglers Corner embrace new technology

Gary — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:39:38 +0000

The store has been established in Llanelli South Wales since the 1960′s and now boasts a large retail store and an impressive showroom and warehouse which incorporates our mail order business.

We specialise in servicing our customers either in-store or via mail order and one of our key strengths is the friendly service and advice offered to existing and new anglers alike.

We are main stockists of all leading brands, this coupled with our high stock levels and very competitive prices, has made us the number one tackle dealer for many anglers across South & West Wales.

In addition to selling fishing tackle being our main priority, we also organise and run various fishing competitions throughout the year at many different venues encouraging the participation of children and adult anglers keen on learning the sport.

Team Anglers Corner which is our fishing club was formed in 2008 and in that time we have seen many anglers from novice to International representatives enjoy the friendly informative matches held all over the South & West Wales coast line, with also the annual beach fishing trip to The Gambia in West Africa being a popular date in the diary.

For all your expert local advice, fishing permits, tips on how to catch that specimen fish or if you want to view the largest selection of fishing tackle in the area please visit our store in Llanelli.

www.anglerscorner.co.uk

Henry Krank’s New Website Goes Live

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:18:54 +0000

ONE STEP FOR HENRY KRANK, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR THE GUN TRADE

Henry Krank is embracing the success of taking three shots at the digital world. Hitting the bullseye in three key areas: online sales, a super advanced firearms register and a cutting-edge EPOS system.

The launch of the new Henry Krank website marks the final piece of an impressive fully integrated system. Henry Krank has worked closely with EposLink to build a new website that integrates fully with their EPOS system and links up directly with a firearms register. The three elements all supplied by EposLink work together seamlessly.

Ana Nikacevic from Henry Krank & Co Ltd: “The new website ticks all the boxes for us in delivering a fully transactional e-commerce platform to our customers. They will value the quality and simplicity of the browsing experience, and Henry Krank is keen to realize the potential of the growing number of shooting enthusiasts who, in the modern era, expect to be able to complete their purchases online. The guys from EposLink were thoroughly professional and a pleasure to work with! It was a no-brainer to combine the three elements from EposLink into a single joined-up digital solution.”

EposLink is the only company to offer a fully integrated system completely customized to the gun trade.

Gary King and Peter Ainsworth from EposLink: “The gun trade is sometimes accused of failing to keep pace with the latest IT developments. Our integrated solution for Henry Krank demonstrates how powerful technology can be in shaping the industry trends and how easily such technology can be implemented. These days, customers increasingly demand a professional and transactional website to retain their loyalty, and businesses which react to this shift will be those able to take a share of the growing online consumer market.”

This may be one step for Henry Krank but it marks an exciting technological turning point for the UK gun trade. If you would like more information contact Gary King at gary@eposlink.co.uk

Henry Krank is thrilled to embrace the power of the web to continue offering everything for shooters and collectors in the digital age! To view the new website visit: www.henrykrank.com

Ana Nikacevic

Henry Krank & Co Ltd:

Avalon have great success with their new Gun Registers

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:07:10 +0000

Avalon Guns have migrated onto Eposlinks Gun Registers “Gun Dealer”.

After years of trying different Gun Register suppliers Andrew Whitemore approached Eposlink and asked them to write some Gun Registers that integrated with their Point of Sale System (Epos System) which he was already using. After nearly 12 months of programming Eposlink have delivered a fully featured comprehensive Gun Register application that fully integrates with all of the other Eposlink applications.

The main benefit of the integrated system is you have one central database that looks after all the important information such as products, customers, images, customer licence details and Gun information. This can then be accessed from the various software applications giving the staff at his shop instant access to all important documents, account history and Gun History.

Avalon also trialed the integrated system at the Midland Game Fair and Gary from Eposlink was there for the 2 days the system was used. The trial went very well and Avalon will be using the system at every fair they will be attending in the future. The main benefit of doing all the sales and Gun deals at the fair on the new system was that no-one had to spend days after the event recording all of the gun sales and checking licence details. This meant the staff could get back to selling as soon as the fair had finished.

Avalon Guns also upload all their Guns directly to www.gunstar.co.uk from the new system which has helped bring in extra revenue.

NewSurf opts for Epos Link

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:50:45 +0000

Welsh Coastal Surf Shop opts for Eposlinks Epos System to help run busy Surf Hire, Convenience and Cafeteria Shops.

Bruce the owner of Newsurf wanted a versatile Epos system that could handle the different areas of his business, these being…

Retail Sales
Equipment Hire
Cafeteria
Web Sales

The Epos System supplied by Eposlink has 4 different Sales Screens that allowed the different areas of the business to be run on the same Epos Software thus eliminating the need for separate software packages for the retail shop and the cafeteria.

Another major issue for Bruce when deciding which epos system to choose was the ability to import product information from spreadsheets furnished by his suppliers. Bruce did not want to have to spend days manually inputting product information when he had all the information at hand. The Epos Software has the facility built into the Backoffice module to import / update products from an excel spreadsheet saving hours on tedious data entry and freeing up valuable time for Bruce to concentrate on other aspects of the business.

Once all the products had been imported into the Epos system a member of staff took the Piccoscanner (wireless hand held data terminal) and updated all the prices and at the same time re-printed all the price tickets, again saving valuable man hours.

Bruce has commented on how versatile and user friendly the system is and he is looking forward to using it to its full potential.

The next stage for Bruce is to commission the Integrated Website which he says will be his project for the coming year.

UK Custom Shop Chooses Eposlink for their Epos and Gun Registers

Gary — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:02:08 +0000

Midlands Gun Dealer Uk Custom Shop have recently upgraded their entire software package to Eposlink’s Integrated system.

They previoulsy had a mismatch of technology which meant they had no real control over their products, they also had their customer database spread over 3 different software pacakges making CRM virtually impossible. James Banner who oversaw the whole project at UK Custom Shop was keen to see a central database for all products, customers and product images but more importantly needed an integrated Gun Register to help with the legal requirements of a busy gun dealer.

The Gun register has a seemless link to the www.gunstar.co.uk one of the leading online websites for traders or individuals wishing to sell their guns. UK Custom Shop uploaded their entire Gun range using their new software and and reported 5 confirmed sales within less than a week. The transfer to the new system went really smoothly with no loss of data from either their old Epos system or Gun Registers and more importantly no downtime as far as trade was concerned.

James has been that impressed with the new system he has now confirmed and placed the order for an integrated website which means an extra sales avenue and more customers being driven to his shop. For more information please feel free to contact James at the shop who says he is only too pleased to talk to anyone interested.