subject: Build in Dollar Store Tools and Systems that Work [print this page] Build in Dollar Store Tools and Systems that Work
As those who are running a dollar store know only too well, this fast paced industry really keeps you on your toes. There is never a dull moment, even when a short rest would be ideal. That leaves it to those actually operating a dollar store to come up with tools and systems to make their business run more smoothly. Fortunately there are many of the day-to-day operational steps that are perfectly suited to be streamlined. These day-to-day actions can be quickly and easily systematized to make everyone's job just a little easier to accomplish. Another by-product is in many cases the time required to perform the tasks is also reduced. Read on as I present 3 examples of the perfect actions to systematize when running a dollar store.
#1) Start-up and closing activities
Don't worry if all the doors were locked, or if the cash actually made it from the cash registers to the safe. Here's a place where simple tools can make it easy to take the right steps. A simple checklist that walks you or an associate through the start-up or closing process and activities takes little time to develop. Just check off each step as it is completed.
#2) Merchandise handling
One of the worries for those running a dollar store involves merchandise handling. Just a few examples include failing to accurately check off the incoming merchandise - and having 144 ugly little trinkets on the sales floor when the invoice shows 144 of the best-selling rings you carry, or one of the core products that sold out about one week ago is allowed to sit in the receiving area for days as other items are stocked onto the sales floor. Each step of the merchandise handling process needs to be documented and then a simple checklist and accompanying tools need to be added.
#3) Cash management
Cash management is one place tools are worth their weight in gold. Add tools and systems to help guarantee every dollar in sales results in a dollar of cash into your bank account. Each time cash, checks or credit cards are handled needs to have a system behind it. Each time a different person is involved there needs to be a system or tool to help insure all goes as planned. Checklists, verifications, security procedures and more are all involved when your hard earned money is involved.
