Presenting Franked Mail Items: A Guide For Small Businesses

Franked Mail

Before sending Royal Mail franked mail you should make sure the frank mark shows the right date, format and service information. Remember, you must post the franked Royal Mail mail on the date that is printed, if you miss the last drop off you will need to refrank your items for the following day. The pouches and bags for sorting franked mail are available from Royal Mail free of charge.

Your Royal Mail Franking Machine

First of all you need to ensure that you have the correct franking machine for your needs. If you follow these rules your Royal Mail franked mail will be presented properly and have the correct postage applied. Which machine you choose depends on your needs and requirements, factors to consider are the franking machine cost, these vary dependent on whether you choose a Royal Mail franking machine or a Quadient franking machine.

Presenting Royal Mail Franked Mail In Pouches

If you are sending low volumes of mail then you will find it easiest to present your mail in pouches. You will have red pouches for first class mail and green pouches for second class mail, however you do need to sort the mail before putting them into the appropriate pouches. 

You do this by separating your items by class (first or second class) and format (letter = 165mm x 240mm x 5mm or large letter 250mm x 353mm x 25mm), ensure the addresses are facing the same way and the franking marks are in the same corner. Secure these bundles with an elastic band and then put the bundle into the correct coloured pouch, you should place the different size letter bundles in different pouches unless you have a very small amount of each. You should now have 2 red pouches, one for large first class letters and one for first class letters and the same for green pouches. Special delivery, international or tracked items should be kept separately and given in individually at the mailing office or to the collection driver.

Presenting Franked Parcels In Bags

If you are regularly sending more than one franked parcel a day then you should present your franked parcels in bags. You need to separate your items according to delivery class and once separated place them into bags; first class parcels into one bag and second class in another. Once the parcels are in a mail bag you should attach a franking bag label (red for first class and green for second class), remember the bag should not weigh more than 11kg. Any special delivery, international or tracked items should be kept loose and given in individually.

Presenting “Signed For” Franked Mail

Once you have franked your item you should write down the address details inside the signed for posting book, once you have done this you can attach a barcode sticker onto your item. The barcode sticker will have a small reference sticker that you can peel off to place in your postage book. Once all of your signed for items are sorted you should write down the total number of items, sign and date the postage book. Hand these items in separately from the other franked mail items and also have your postage book on hand to be signed.

Presenting Special Delivery Franked Items

When sending special delivery items you should complete the address fields and service tick boxes in your dispatch book. Once noted you can stick a barcode label onto your special delivery franked item. There should be two reference stickers with the barcode, these reference stickers should both be applied to your book along with the larger reference sticker. Once the reference stickers for all the special delivery items are in the dispatch book you should total up the number of items being sent, then sign your name and note the date in the book. Hand the special delivery items separately from your other franked mail and have your dispatch book on hand to be signed.

Presenting International Franked Mail

If you are sending items overseas you should frank your mail as you usually would and then stick a blue ‘AIR MAIL’ sticker onto the top left corner of the item, if you do not have stickers you could write ‘AIR MAIL/ Par Avion’ in the same place. You should keep all international mail together and present it in a white coloured pouch.

Postage and Franking

If you follow all these steps you will ensure your mail will be presented properly. The postage will be correct and everything will be delivered on time. Here’s more on the benefits of franking vs stamps: https://www.businessquotes.co.uk/business-services/franking-machines/franking-machines-vs-stamps/

Presenting Franked Letters For Collection

If your franked mail is being collected you could present in the pouches as previously described or if you are sending large volumes of mail you could present them in trays. This means you do not have to bundle the letters, you still separate them in the same way but you lay the large letters face up in a tray and the letters should be placed one in front of another with the address facing outwards. There should be no more than 80 large letters or 340 letters per tray.

That’s it! You have now appropriately sorted and presented our franked mail. It can now be dropped off at:

  • A post office
  • Business post box
  • Regular post box (if sending less than 30 letters a day in a special low volume envelope supplied by your franking machine provider)
  • Mail Centre

Or you can have your mail collected by Royal Mail, you can arrange a once-off pick up or regular collections.  

What is a POS and an EPOS System?

POS means ‘Point of Sale’ and it is where an exchange for goods or services is made. Essentially, the POS is a cash register that we see whenever we’re out shopping. 

EPOS systems are the electronic format of traditional POS systems and mostly operate online, where they store information securely in a cloud, allowing you to pull data and learn from customer purchases. 

Heightened Security – a benefit of an EPOS System for small businesses

An EPOS system tends to have much-improved security protocols over and above the traditional counterpart. 

The requirement for much-improved security was, of course, essential, since EPOS systems are web-based, which means that EPOS systems are safe to use with little risk that they will be hacked or compromised. Cloud-based security is more for preventing the risk of losing data, e.g. a server failing and then losing the month of sales figures, rather than a hack. This is, of course, a possibility but it is more for the benefit of saving data rather than somebody stealing it. 

Flexible Payment Options – one of the EPOS solutions

How we exchange money is a continually changing phenomenon and because of this, it’s imperative that hospitality providers and other businesses are capable of accepting different payment methods that are currently in existence. 

From online payments to the traditional credit card payment, through to the modern contactless payments, consumers have many different preferences in which to pay for goods and services. 

The traditional POS system generally can only accept cash payments and payments made by debit and credit cards. For any business that still uses a POS system, it’s likely not doing them any favours, because they prevent some customers from buying products or using services because they are unable to pay. 

There is no way for older-style POS systems to accept online or contactless, so as such, they are now considered outdated. 

Hardware Flexibility – the EPOS Hardware

In the past, POS systems would only work with the hardware that was supplied with it. Typically, that would have been a stationary terminal, cash drawer, as well as a credit and debit card reader. 

In terms of hardware, EPOS systems are a lot more flexible and many EPOS systems are compatible with iPads and various other mobile devices, which are now commonly used in restaurants, cafes and hotels. 

Along with this flexibility comes the elimination of costly and bulky hardware that POS systems relied upon. Again, this reduces upfront costs as well as maintenance costs significantly.

With software that is cloud-based, as long as there’s a web connection, it’s now possible to gain access to your system anywhere in the venue.

What’s more, is that many of today’s EPOS systems come with offline functionality, so you don’t have to heavily rely on an online connection. This means that if the internet goes down, your entire network does not go down with it. If that has happened to you before, you’ll know how frustrating it can be. Not just for you, but for your customers as well.

Management of Inventory

Because it’s possible to gain real-time access to your inventory from your EPOS system, it’s a far more flexible system of inventory management than what was available with old POS systems. 

You can track your inventory from your EPOS terminal, which means that if your stock is running low, you’ll receive notifications. In turn, you’ll never be short of your best sellers, but at the same time, you’ll never be overstocked either. 

With the traditional POS system, inventory management errors would sometimes lead to shelves being laden with dead stock. All too often, that dead stock would then have to be ‘shelved’, which would cost time and money. 

Analytics Tools

Still, running an older POS system? Do you get sales trends information from it? Charted sales figures?

For EPOS systems, these stats come as standard and they offer a lot more functionality too. You get a host of analytics tools with modern-day EPOS systems allowing you to accurately asses how business performance is doing. 

With our EPOS systems, you can view expenses when inputting the product, you can state the cost price of products and GP and it will calculate your wholesale price.

This is a very attractive level of insight to have and it’s something that will serve you and your business well as there will no longer be any guesswork involved. 

Conclusion

With EPOS systems you get much more flexibility and data, there’s greater security and the added benefit of more mobility over and above the traditional POS systems. 

Modern EPOS systems don’t rely on bulky hardware and the software is relatively easy to implement and user-friendly. 

When you choose to invest in an EPOS system you’ll get far more out of your POS. Rather than merely being a cash register, you now can rely on an all-in-one marketing, management and analytics tool.

Get in touch today for more information on our EPOS Systems for small businesses.

epos system and lady

Ever wondered how larger retail and fast-growing businesses manage their sales, inventory, and customer relationships so efficiently? Chances are they’re using an EPOS system.

That begs the question: what is an EPOS system?

EPOS stands for electronic point of sale and can significantly transform how you run your business. An EPOS system helps you track sales, update inventory, build customer profiles, and gain valuable insights into your business performance. If you still rely on old-school cash registers and paper records, it’s time to discover how an EPOS system can benefit your business.

So, what is an EPOS system? An EPOS System stands for Electronic Point Of Sale System, is a comprehensive solution that combines software and hardware components to effectively manage retail transactions. An EPOS system streamlines and automates your business operations by replacing traditional cash registers.

An EPOS system for retail shops lets you quickly process sales transactions, track inventory levels, and manage customer information in one integrated platform. The software enables you to generate detailed reports and gain valuable insights into your business performance, helping you make informed decisions to optimise profitability and customer satisfaction through the use of the latest available sale system technology. For more information, click here.

The Benefits Of An EPOS Machine

In addition to serving as a point of sale solution, an EPOS system often offers additional features such as employee management, customer loyalty programs, and integration with other business tools like accounting software and e-commerce platforms. This comprehensive functionality enhances your overall business operations and allows for better control and management of your retail establishment.

In summary, an EPOS system is a powerful tool transforming how businesses conduct retail transactions. By leveraging advanced software and hardware capabilities, it simplifies operations, provides valuable insights, and ultimately helps you deliver a more seamless and satisfying customer experience. 

Key Hardware Components

The main EPOS hardware components are the cash registers where customers make their purchases. You’ll also need barcode scanners, receipt printers, and likely customer-facing card machines. For associates, wireless access points and handheld devices can be helpful in larger stores.

Best EPOS Software & Features

EPOS software, either installed on your registers, mobile devices or accessed through the cloud, provides vital tools, such as the following:

  • Product and customer databases to store information
  • Sales reporting to view best-selling products, trends and helpful analytics
  • Inventory management to reorder stock and reduce waste
  • Loyalty programs to reward repeat customers
  • Integrations with accounting, e-commerce, and other business platforms

An EPOS solution is necessary for retail businesses to stay competitive. While the decision to invest in the required software and hardware may seem somewhat drastic, the long-term benefits to your bottom line and customer experience make it well worth the cost. Now you know what is an EPOS system, you’re starting to see how you’ll be poised for growth and success with the right system in place.

How Does an Epos System for Small Business Work

Tracking Sales

An EPOS system records each transaction in real time so you know exactly how much revenue you generate and which products sell the best. It can provide reports on sales by day, week, month or year to help you make better business decisions.

Managing Inventory

After each sale, the system automatically updates your inventory so you know when to reorder stock. It can also handle purchase orders to streamline the reordering process. Accurate inventory management means you’re less likely to run out of fast-moving items and lose potential sales.

Improving Efficiency

An EPOS system speeds up the checkout process so you can serve more customers in less time. It also reduces errors like overcharging or undercharging as items are scanned, and the prices are calculated automatically. Your staff can spend less time manually entering sales and more time helping customers.

Generating Insights

The data collected in your EPOS system provides insights into your business and customers. You can see which products are performing well, spot trends, and determine ways to improve sales. These insights allow you to optimise your product selection, promotions, and marketing to drive business growth.

Are POS Systems Worth It?

While the initial investment may give you pause, the long-term benefits to your retail business’ efficiency, productivity and bottom line far outweigh the costs. You’ll be poised for growth and success with an automated point of sale, streamlined inventory management, and data-driven insights into your business and customers.

To discover all the benefits of our EPOS System, visit our dedicated business service page.

person completing payroll

The Best Payroll Services for Small Businesses

Payroll is not just about paying your employees; it encompasses tax obligations, compliance with employment laws, and accurate record-keeping. Neglecting payroll can lead to legal repercussions and unhappy employees, both of which could spell disaster for a small business striving to establish itself.

The Best Payroll Management Methods 

Centralise payroll data

By centralising your payroll data and automating tasks, you not only make your life easier but also contribute to a smoother and more efficient work environment for your small business.

  • Electronic timesheets: Replace paper timesheets with electronic versions for real-time tracking of work hours.
  • Digital payslips: Move away from paper payslips. Go digital for easy distribution and accessibility.
  • Cloud storage: Securely store your payroll data in the cloud. Accessible from anywhere, it eliminates the need for physical storage space.
  • Automated tax filing: Let technology handle the complicated tax filing process, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring compliance.
  • Automated payments: Simplify tax payments by setting up automated processes. This ensures timely and accurate payments, eliminating the stress of manual transactions.

Establish a clear payroll schedule

Here’s a quick look at different payroll frequencies and what might suit your small business best:

  • Weekly: Ideal for businesses with hourly or part-time employees, keeping a closer eye on short-term cash flow.
  • Bi-weekly: Strikes a balance between regular pay and manageable administrative tasks. Common and often preferred for its simplicity.
  • Monthly: Typically suits salaried employees and businesses with stable cash flow. Less administrative hassle but requires careful budgeting.

Use a payroll software

Payroll software takes away the hassle of manual calculations. It does the maths for you, making sure every pay cycle is accurate and error-free.

But, it’s not just about numbers; payroll software simplifies your entire process:

  • Save time: Let the software handle repetitive tasks, giving you more time to focus on growing your business.
  • Easy record-keeping: No more paperwork. Access and manage your payroll data effortlessly.

Staying compliant with payroll regulations

Ensuring your payroll practices align with regulations is crucial for business success. Let’s dive into staying compliant with payroll regulations.

Understand payroll taxes

Payroll taxes refer to income tax and national insurance contributions concerning employment.

  • Income taxes: Deducted based on how much employees earn and the UK tax rates.
  • National Insurance Contributions (NICs): Contributions from both employees and employers, based on earnings

Other deductions may include:

  • Student loan repayments: If your employees are paying back student or postgraduate loans you’ll need to deduct this from their pay. The amount deducted depends on how much the employee earns and the repayment plan they’ve chosen.
  • Pension contributions: If your employees meet a qualifying criteria, you’ll have to enrol them into a workplace pension. Both the employer and the employee then regularly put money into this pension as part of the workplace benefits.

File payroll taxes on time

Make sure to file your payroll taxes on time to avoid penalties and keep things running smoothly for your employees and your small business. This includes: 

  • Submitting payroll information to HMRC on time
  • Paying taxes to HMRC on time

Maintain accurate payroll records

Keep detailed records of employee hours, wages, deductions, and taxes to ensure everything is in order.

Store these securely: Keep your payroll records in a secure place to protect sensitive information.

Follow guidelines: Make sure you keep payroll records for the required duration. In the UK, this is 3 years

Frequently Asked Questions: We have an FAQ page with some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding payroll if you need additional information.

The Challenge of Tax Compliance for Small Businesses

How Payroll Services Can Help

Small business owners wear many hats, and managing payroll and tax compliance can be a daunting task. Here are some of the common challenges they face:

Changing Tax Regulations: Tax laws and regulations are constantly evolving, making it difficult for small business owners to stay up-to-date.

Calculating Accurate Taxes: Manual tax calculations can lead to errors, which can result in fines and penalties.

Filing Deadlines: Meeting deadlines for tax filings and payments is crucial to avoid penalties.

Employee Reporting: Small businesses must also provide accurate tax information to employees, such as W-2 forms.

How Payroll Can Simplify Tax Compliance

Automatic Tax Calculations: Payroll apps automatically calculate federal, state, and local taxes based on the latest tax rates and regulations. This reduces the risk of miscalculations and errors.

Tax Deduction Management: These apps keep track of various tax deductions, such as Social Security, Medicare, and income tax withholding, ensuring accurate deductions for each employee.

Tax Form Generation: Payroll apps generate tax forms like W-2s and 1099s, simplifying the year-end reporting process for both employees and contractors.

Filing and Payment Reminders: Many payroll apps provide reminders for tax filing deadlines and payments, helping small businesses avoid late penalties.

Integration with Accounting Software: Some apps seamlessly integrate with accounting software, making it easier to reconcile payroll data with financial records.

Compliance Updates: Payroll apps typically stay updated with changes in tax laws, ensuring that small businesses remain compliant without having to constantly monitor tax regulations.

The Best Payroll Service Providers

If you’re ready to take the leap and choose a payroll service of your own, visit our site and choose from many different business quotes to get a price that’s right for you and your business.

outsourcing payroll uk

Why are Payroll Services for small businesses important?

With data breaches becoming increasingly common, payroll security should be among the top priorities for organisations of any size, next to making sure employees get paid on time. Businesses have a responsibility towards their staff to keep sensitive data safe. Plus, with data protection regulations becoming more and more demanding and fines getting steeper and steeper, organisations risk major penalties if they don’t protect their payroll data. 

But what security measures are appropriate when processing payroll? And how can you prevent loss of data and payroll information?

The Importance of Payroll Services

Processing payroll means handling vast amounts of employee data, from names to social security numbers to salary information. Since payroll data is highly sensitive, businesses have an obligation towards their employees to protect their data.

There are two main reasons why keeping employee data safe is a top priority for organizations: 

  • Legal obligation under data protection regulations such as GDPR
    Increasing risk of data breach through cyber attacks

GDPR is the world’s largest and strictest set of data protection rules and concerns any organization conducting business in the EU or handling personal data from clients, employees or any other person residing there. Businesses failing to comply with the rules imposed by GDPR risk steep fines

But the increased importance of payroll security isn’t just due to the obligation to comply with data protection laws. Instead, the need to strengthen the security of payroll information is mainly related to the fact that cyber attacks resulting in data breach are becoming increasingly common in the digital age.

In the UK, for instance, 1,243 security incidents were reported in 2021 (up from 1,120 in 2020), which involved over 5.1 billion breached records. In the U.S., meanwhile, the number of data breaches increased by 68% from 2020 to 2021, according to the Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC). 

While these are general statistics, it doesn’t take much to find cases of payroll-related data breaches that have hit the news. The most prominent example is probably the ransomware attack on U.S. payroll and workforce management giant Kronos in December 2021, which took down payroll systems, compromised payroll data for thousands of employees and exposed Kronos customers to secondary data breaches even months after the initial incidents. 

As stated in an article published “[p]ayroll is one of the most appealing targets for cybercriminals, involving as it does the large transfer of money between institutions whilst being susceptible to hacking due to outdated technology and manual practices”. Businesses therefore have no choice but to tighten their payroll system security

Payroll Services FAQ

For some of the most common questions regarding payroll, please click here: https://www.businessquotes.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions-about-payroll/

Payroll security tips: How do you secure payroll?

Given the financial repercussions payroll-related data breaches can have on businesses, it’s in every organization’s interests to strengthen security measures and take the necessary precautions. The following tips can help businesses improve their payroll security.

1. Keeping payroll software up to date

Payroll software typically comes with various security features; however, without regular updates, systems quickly become outdated, which exposes organizations to new security threats and cyberattacks. To keep payroll data safe, regular checks for updates are crucial. 

The same applies to businesses that opt for payroll outsourcing. The ideal solution is to choose a cloud-based payroll solution like Lano which is always up to date with the latest security upgrades—rather than for software you have to self-host, install and update manually.

2. Adhering to recommended payroll security standards

There are several technical and operational measures which are recommended to ensure payroll data security and GDPR compliance. In addition to basic security measures like firewalls and strong password protection, organizations that want to take their payroll software security to the next level should look into:

  • ISO 27001 certification: international ISMS (information security management system) standard for an organization’s IT risk management
    Cloud infrastructure: more secure than exchanging data via email and storing it on local hard drives
    Data encryption: payroll data and any payroll-related documents should be encrypted so that they are unreadable should they be stolen from servers by third parties

3. Raising awareness among employees

Investing tons of money in the security of payroll systems and servers will be worthless if employees aren’t aware of the risks and dangers. Human error remains a major risk to payroll security; therefore, providing proper training for employees on how to use the payroll software and systems in a secure way is vital. If they are familiar with the system’s safety features, unintentional security breaches are less likely.

Preventing employees from being the victims of phishing emails and other scams and disclosing confidential payroll information in the process is equally important. To achieve this, payroll security should be included in the internal cyber security protocols.  

Choosing the best Payroll Providers

If you are looking to find a trusted payroll provider, our site collates the best business quotes the internet has to offer and provides you with the best price for your business. If you’re looking for a payroll service of your own, look no further. Click here for more information.

Outsourced Payroll Service

In today’s hyperconnected world, the reputation of a company can make or break its success. Business owners across all industries will be feeling the pressure of increasing scrutiny concerning everything, the most obvious being the quality of their products or services, but other areas such as leadership style, ethics, values, diversity, employee mental health, and company benefits (but to name a few), are under the spotlight more than ever before. 

One often overlooked, yet crucial function within a business is payroll. A lack of care and poor payroll management can pose significant risks for any organisation. When employees are not paid, paid incorrectly, or paid late, the repercussions can be far-reaching. In this article, we take a look at the impact that payroll mishaps can have, and explore the ripple effects they can create. 

Disgruntled employees 

When an employee joins an organisation, the least they expect is to be paid correctly, on time, and for their personal information to be handled privately and with care. If you get any aspect of this wrong, the trust begins to fade. If it happens multiple times, the trust is gone. 

Employees talk, and with review sites such as Glassdoor giving them a platform to voice their unhappiness, word will get out not only internally, but externally too. This will do no favours for how the company is perceived, and current employees won’t want to stick around – especially when their livelihood is on the line. This leads us onto our next point…

Poor employee retention

No matter how much an employee enjoys their job, if they consistently aren’t getting paid correctly it’s more than likely that they will move on. A one off error might be forgiven, but repeated errors that affect a person’s financial situation is another story.
This can often have a snowball effect on other members of staff as word gets round and the trust starts to dwindle company-wide. This in turn can lead to increasing recruitment costs, and hiring new talent could prove more difficult than it should…

Difficulty attracting new talent

Unhappy employees and poor retention rates are likely to have a significant impact on a company’s ability to attract new talent. 

Again, with the likes of social media and company review sites such as Glassdoor and Indeed, it’s easy for potential candidates to do their research before committing to a new job role. The best talent is unlikely to want to be associated with an organisation that isn’t reliable when it comes to paying their employees. 

A drain on resources

Poor payroll management can be costly, and a huge drain on company time and resources. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, and rectifying errors will likely burden HR and finance teams. Once again, this can lead to disgruntled employees and inefficiency in terms of time that could be better spent on strategic initiatives and business growth. 

When employees are unhappy at work, a lack of morale and motivation begins to show, and productivity drops as a result. Ultimately, you won’t be unlocking your team’s (or your company’s) full potential, and it’s time to seek change. 

What’s the solution?

Look for outstanding payroll service providers

If this all sounds familiar, it’s important to get to the core of what is causing these consistent errors. Has your HR / payroll team reached its limit? Has payroll become a second thought in a vastly growing company? Is your technology no longer cutting the mustard?

These are common problems, and only once you have identified the main pain points within your payroll division will you be able to consider a solution. If you’re interested, we have a guide on whether or not you should outsource your payroll at all.

Outsourced Payroll Services for Small Businesses 

Another option for companies struggling to sufficiently manage their payroll is an outsourced payroll provider. This is where an external specialist takes on as much or as little of the company’s payroll function as is required, and effectively alleviates the burden placed on internal resources.

Being such a critical business function, outsourcing your payroll can give you complete peace of mind that it is being dealt with professionally month in month out, freeing up time for you to focus on growing your business. It’s a cost-effective solution that guarantees increased accuracy, mitigates compliance risk, and above all, preserves employee satisfaction while safeguarding your reputation. 

By prioritising accurate and efficient payroll practices, you not only ensure the financial stability of your organisation, but also foster a positive work environment that promotes employee satisfaction and loyalty.

If you’re interested in looking for a payroll management service, then look no further. We offer payroll services and more.

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In the fast-paced world of retail and hospitality, having an efficient and reliable Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system is crucial for businesses aiming to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. This guide explores the latest trends and offerings in the UK EPOS market, shedding light on the main brands, system comparisons, prices, and suppliers.

Introduction to EPOS Systems

Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems have become the backbone of modern businesses, revolutionising the way transactions are conducted. As the demand for seamless and integrated solutions continues to rise, businesses in the UK are turning to cutting-edge EPOS systems to stay ahead of the competition.

EPOS System Prices

Understanding the cost implications of implementing an EPOS system is a key factor for businesses. Various factors contribute to EPOS system prices, including the software, hardware, and additional features. While some systems may come with a higher upfront cost, businesses should consider the long-term benefits and return on investment.

EPOS System Comparison

Several leading EPOS brands dominate the UK market, each offering unique features and functionalities. Comparing these systems is essential for businesses to find the one that aligns with their specific needs. Notable brands include EPOS Now, SellerDeck , and PaymentSense .A comprehensive comparison can help businesses make informed decisions based on factors such as user interface, customization options, and scalability.

EPOS Software

The heart of any EPOS system lies in its software. Robust and intuitive EPOS software is crucial for efficient transaction processing, inventory management, and data analytics. Leading EPOS software providers in the UK focus on user-friendly interfaces, real-time reporting, and customization options tailored to the needs of different businesses.

EPOS Hardware

In tandem with software, the hardware component of EPOS systems plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operations. From touchscreen terminals to barcode scanners and receipt printers, the hardware must be durable, reliable, and compatible with the software. Exploring the hardware specifications of different EPOS systems is essential to guarantee a seamless integration into the existing business infrastructure.

EPOS Suppliers

Choosing the right EPOS supplier is as crucial as selecting the system itself. Reliable suppliers ensure timely installations, provide ongoing support, and offer training for businesses to maximise the benefits of their EPOS systems. Researching customer reviews and testimonials can help businesses identify reputable suppliers with a track record of delivering quality service.

Main UK EPOS Brands/Companies/Systems

1. Payment Sense:

   A versatile service provider, Payment Sense specialises in card processing and ecommerce services for a wide range of businesses. Their expertise extends to EPOS till systems, emphasising the benefits of integrated solutions to minimise revenue loss. Payment Sense emerges as a comprehensive all-in-one solution for businesses seeking seamless payment processing.

2. EPOS Now:

   Positioned as the ‘point of sale specialists,’ EPOS Now focuses on EPOS systems, software, and hardware solutions. Whether you are a seasoned business or considering a till system for the first time, EPOS Now provides expertise to optimise your chosen system. With a client portfolio that includes Subway, Best Western, and Starbucks, they are a reputable choice for businesses of varying scales.

3. Seller Deck:

 Seller Deck is a noteworthy EPOS system provider offering e-commerce solutions and a range of business services. What sets SellerDeck apart is its integration of e-commerce services, allowing businesses to create captivating websites seamlessly linked with their EPOS systems. This dual functionality positions Seller Deck as a compelling option for businesses seeking both online and in-store solution

Choosing the right EPOS system is a strategic decision that can significantly impact the efficiency and profitability of a business. By delving into the diverse offerings of leading UK EPOS brands, businesses can find the system that best suits their requirements. Considering factors such as prices, system comparison, software, hardware, and reputable suppliers ensures a comprehensive approach to EPOS implementation. Stay ahead in the competitive landscape by embracing the latest advancements in EPOS technology tailored to the unique needs of your business

For an all-in-one tool to compare EPOS systems online visit our site or alternatively, get a quote with us today.

epos complete solution

If you are  looking to take your business to the next level, then installing an EPOS system is a great starting point. After all, it can help to streamline the sales process, improving everything from stock management to customer satisfaction rates. 

What is an Epos System?

An EPOS (Electric Point of Sales) system, or EPOS till system, is essentially a cash register that is connected to a computer system. Whenever a product barcode is scanned, the system automatically provides the teller with information relating to product pricing. This removes the need for the teller to input data manually, saving time and energy. 

What are the benefits of an EPOS System for your business? 

As mentioned above, there are many benefits associated with using an EPOS System within your daily business practices, whether you’re running a retail store, coffee shop, or restaurant. This includes: 

  • Improved Stock Management.
  • Reduced Human Error.
  • Improved Customer Experience.
  • Improved Productivity. 
  • Improved Workplace Performance.

Improved Stock Management.

One of the most significant benefits associated with an EPOS system is that it makes it easier to manage your product inventory. For example, it can provide you with up-to-date information about how much product you have in stock or even send you alerts when it’s time to restock. This way, customers are always able to find what they are looking for in-store, and you won’t lose out on any custom caused by a lack of preparation. 

By improving your inventory management processes, you can improve your bottom line. This means that an EPOS System will bring forth an excellent ROI for your business – but the benefits do not stop there.

Reduced Human Error.

When staff have to input the pricing of each product manually, there’s a lot of room for error. For example, they may mistype or forget the price of a certain product. If you’re currently running a promotion or discount, they may not remember exactly what this is, instead inputting the original price. 

However, the best EPOS system will eliminate human error, automatically providing the teller with the right price for each product scanned. This means fewer mistakes among your team and can also speed up the sales process quite considerably. 

Improved Customer Experience.

As an EPOS system streamlines the checkout process, it reduces the amount of time your customers spend queuing. Not only does this mean that you can serve more customers within a shorter time frame, but it also means that you can improve customer satisfaction rates, too. After all, a recent study found that 25% of customers would only wait a maximum of two minutes to be served, while 59% would wait no longer than four. As an EPOS system allows your team to work quicker, you can reduce the amount of time customers spend waiting in a queue, even during peak business hours. 

Improved Productivity.

As outlined above, you’re making your employees more productive by streamlining your checkout process. They can serve more customers within a given timeframe, meaning they will always meet their sales targets. It also means that they’ll have more time on their hands to carry out other tasks, too, such as inventory management. 

Improved Workplace Performance.

The benefits outlined above often correlate with improved performance across your workforce. Not only are they able to reach their daily/weekly sales targets, but they exceed them on a routine basis. In cases where this isn’t true, you can access data relating to employee performance and figure out what changes need to be made to improve this. For example, this could include additional sales training or a different goal-setting strategy. Either way, it provides you with the information you need to improve employee performance across the board. 

Reach out to the best EPOS Providers today.

If you’ve decided to install an EPOS system within your business, we’re here to help by ensuring you connect with the leading EPOS providers in the UK. You can use our database to find the best EPOS providers by location, epos system prices and more – making it easier to find the tools and technology you need to grow your business. 

As we’re passionate about helping our customers grow their brand on a budget, we’ll help you find the best possible prices for your EPOS system and other useful technologies. Get in touch today to find out more!

passive vs active vehicle tracking

There’s much to love about vehicle tracking systems. It helps businesses manage their fleet of vehicles, boosts delivery efficiency, and can provide customers with valuable information that boosts customer satisfaction, to name just a few of the many benefits. 

However, as with all things, your vehicle tracking system will only be beneficial if it works correctly. If you’re using an older or lower-quality system, then it may be worthwhile working with a company that offers vehicle tracking installation services to get a new one installed.

But how do you know the right time to update your system? There are a few tell tale signs you can look out for, which we’ll run through below. And remember — if you do decide that now’s the time to upgrade your system, you can always reach out to us here at Business Quotes to get the best vehicle tracking prices on the market. 

vehicle tracking

It’s Using Outdated Technology

Your vehicle tracking system may have been cutting-edge a decade ago, but that doesn’t mean that it’ll be quite as cutting-edge today. The technology that underpins vehicle tracking systems has come a long way in recent years, and you might just be surprised at how much more you can gain from this vital component of your operations by upgrading to the latest systems. 

You won’t just get access to all the latest features, either. You’ll also be helping to ensure that your valuable information is kept safe and secure from cybercriminals. Even if your existing system appears to do the job well, if it’s an old system then it may have security vulnerabilities that could lead to big problems for your business. 

It’s Presenting Inaccurate Data

Vehicle tracking systems are only valuable when they present accurate information. If they’re not, then it’ll only cause more problems than solutions. Modern vehicle tracking systems utilise highly accurate software that can provide on-the-nose data about the location of your vehicles along with many other tid bits of valuable information.

Businesses often use their vehicle tracking system to make crucial strategic decisions, as well as gain insights into the detailed workings of their operations. If the data is unreliable or just plainly wrong, as can be the case with older systems, then it’ll be more difficult to make decisions that push your business forward.

You’re Expanding Your Business 

Some vehicle tracking systems are more capable than others. If you installed your current system while you were a small business, then you may find that it’s unable to handle your needs once you’ve expanded your business. 

Vehicle tracking systems can form a valuable part of businesses of all sizes, but it’s important to have the right one. If you’re using an entry-level vehicle tracking system when you’re no longer an entry-level business, then it’s time to start comparing vehicle tracking costs and get the system that works for you. 

Your Drivers Aren’t Loving It

There are back-office advantages to vehicle tracking systems, but the real value is felt in the field. While many of your company’s departments will utilise your tracking system in one way or another, the biggest impact will be on your drivers. 

If you’re consistently receiving negative feedback from your drivers due to tracking system-related problems, then you — and your drivers — will be missing out on one of the main advantages of these systems. The bottom line is that they should make all aspects of your fleet operations easier to manage, and if your current system is draining employee morale, then it’ll have failed that assignment. 

There’s Minimal Integration 

There’s a wealth of tools that can make vehicle logistics more straightforward, and those tools rarely work in isolation. The latest systems come with advanced tools that allow for seamless integration with other technologies and systems, helping to make fleet management easier to manage than ever before. If your existing system can’t “talk” to your other software, then consider upgrading. Your tracking system should also work over a selection of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, ensuring your team can access the information regardless of location. 

You’re Paying Too Much

In these trying times, all businesses are looking for ways to reduce expenses. The technology behind vehicle tracking systems has improved significantly in recent years, yet we’ve also seen a reduction in the general cost of the systems. If it’s been a while since you’ve changed your tracking system, then it’s possible that you’ve paying over the odds for a system that’s not as capable as what else is available on the market.

If you’re ready for an upgrade

Here at Business Quotes, we have a selection of vehicle tracking services and a tool that lets you compare Business Quotes. Find out more about our Vehicle Tracking and compare prices.

outsource payroll

What are the risks of not using a payroll service?

On paper, it is possible to regularly roll out payments to your employee’s wages without using payroll services. Many small businesses with no other alternative options don’t use payrolls. However, it’s not uncommon for admin errors to occur, and although the damage is usually minimal, being unable to properly implement a payroll system can lead to:

Legal Compliance Issues

One of the common drawbacks of disregarding a payroll system is that employers often miss out on updating tax coding notices issued by the HMRC. As a result, the incorrect amount of tax gets deducted from an employee’s paycheck. 

A slightly more uncommon occurrence is when employers don’t operate PAYE as a regular part of their payroll. Missing PAYE tax payments result in interests and penalties which stack up with every missed payment. The amount you pay gets levied and the percentage of interest goes up as follows:

  •  For the first time in a tax year, you won’t be given a penalty
  •  2 missed payments, you will be fined 1%
  •  4 missed payments, you’ll be fined 2%
  •  7 then brings the total to 3% 

Lower Employee Engagement, Higher Turnover, and Lower Recruitment Rates 

Aside from the obvious point that nobody wants to receive a late paycheck, multiple missed payroll payments have a knock-on effect on your entire staffing situation.

With the majority of job boards actively surveying active employers, reviews in all aspects of the work environment are being sourced from past and current employees. Ranging from management style through to fair pay. Within these reviews, payroll is one of the most commonly reviewed topics. Without even knowing, you could be losing out on high-quality employees. 

The Impact On Your Business Valuation 

Compliance issues leave a paper trail for future investors, buyers, and business partners to look into. We understand that you’re more than likely equipped with an exit strategy which often involves either selling the business or committing to a merger. Recorded non-compliance and malpractice, including payroll, harm the valuation of the business and as a result, potentially damage your exit strategy. 

What are the benefits of using a payroll service?

Aside from avoiding all the previously aforementioned consequences, the benefits dramatically boost the ease of management in more than one way: 

How Can Payroll Services Save Time & Money?

Training staff to conduct payroll duties not only takes up your time but also theirs. As obvious as it may seem, payroll is a time-consuming task that could be time better spent elsewhere. Not only are you paying for the time your employees take to conduct this task, but your overall business output is slowed down by this process. 

How can payroll services reduce security risks?

An outsourced payroll means that you don’t have to invest as heavily in cybersecurity, as an outsourced payroll service is likely to have invested even more than you have and they can process your payroll for you.

In addition, you mitigate the risk of data breaches by internal intention. For example, a dissatisfied employee could leak confidential information. Alternatively, a phishing email could be just convincing enough to deceive a new employee, creating a leak in private payroll information.

Looking For A Payroll Service Of Your Own?

If you’re on the lookout for a payroll service of your own, we have a questionnaire that allows you to find a service that’s best suited to your business needs. Visit our site to learn more, or contact us to speak directly to an industry professional.

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