subject: Less May be More When it comes to Cash Registers [print this page] Less May be More When it comes to Cash Registers
For those who are about to start a dollar store the excitement and anticipation of owning and operating a dollar store can almost be overwhelming. Yet the reality of the situation is you face many more challenges before the time to relax and celebrate is at hand. After all, success with dollar stores starts with taking the right actions to prepare, set-up and then open for business. Of course the planning and set-up also involve many decisions. Included is everything from what suppliers to use, what merchandise to offer, and even where to set-up the displays and store fixtures.
One of those nagging concerns is about cash registers. Where should they be located? How many should be installed? What will you do if you have too many or not enough? In this article I present less may be more when it comes to cash registers. We will examine why installing a smaller number of cash registers may make sense for your business. We will also cover some options should there be an instant need for additional units of these machines.
Starting with less cash registers helps to reduce the initial costs associated with starting your business. After all there are other costs as well. Just a few of those costs are cash registers, credit card machine if the cash register isn't capable of processing credit sales, installation of communication lines (Phone, etc), support supplies such as register tape, ink, even pens and paper, and a reduction in non-selling space being used. Success with any business requires sound business practices and excellent cash control. Don't invest money needlessly.
Install exactly the number you need. If you have very aggressive plans for growth, add one extra register. If you plan for a rapid growth in sales, or even just anticipate temporarily higher sales for the holidays, there are tactics to temporarily cover the extra sales.
Utilize a second employee to bag merchandise for your cashier. Never allow cash registers to sit without a cashier during busy times.
Install a 'cash only' register for holidays and other high sales periods. One of the fastest methods for reducing long lines of shoppers who are ready to pay for purchases is to have a back-up unit that can be put into action for cash sales only.
Force sales growth to drive the need for an additional cash register. As you achieve success with your business, your sales will also grow. Those who are owning and operating a dollar store must allow that sales growth to dictate the right time to add another unit.
