News
MERCURY PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND RED RIVER POS OFFER COOL SOLUTION FOR FROZEN YOGURT SALES
Specialized POS Solution Helps Merchants Comply With Strict Industry Standards
Durango, CO —October 1, 2008 —Self-serve frozen yogurt stores popping up across the country make it convenient for consumers to satisfy sweet-tooth cravings. At the point of purchase, however, store operators are faced with the challenge of complying with state sales regulations, accurately tracking sales, and staying ahead of the competition.
Linus Nghi Le, principal consultant for Red River POS created a unique point-of-sale (POS) system that solves those issues. He arrived at the solution in collaboration with Casio point-of-sale and his preferred payment processor, Mercury Payment Systems. Featuring easy-to-use, self-service scales that measure by the ounce, the ability to remove the weight of the cup from the total weight, and free gift, loyalty and pre-paid card processing through MercuryGift™, Le’s system helps merchants comply with state mandates to avoid fines, while competing in a niche market.
Le’s customers report that his yogurt-specific POS system helps them attract more customers to their stores with easy-to-use scales, competitive pricing, and special VIP card or pre-paid promotions.
"We help merchants stay ahead of the competition by selling more than just yogurt," said Le. "Our integrated POS and gift card promotions enhance the customer experience and increase profit for store owners."
Scales connected to Le’s point-of-sale system can display the product weight in ounces, unlike most systems that can only weigh in pounds. Self-serve yogurt stores advertise the price per ounce, therefore weighing yogurt in pounds can be confusing for customers and employees alike.
Since no one wants to eat melted yogurt, speed is another important advantage of the solution. Mercury’s high-speed, IP payment processing is integrated to the POS system so employees can quickly complete sales in under three seconds. The time savings is significant since dial up authorization can take 15 - 30 seconds, or longer.
Le’s solution can also remove the weight of the cup from the total weight, whereas many systems cannot. In California, where Le is based, state weight and measure guidelines are very specific: merchants may charge for their product but not the container. Merchants caught charging for the cup (typically by "secret shoppers" and undercover agents) may be fined up to $1,000 per incident.
Plus, with new stores opening daily, operators can stay competitive and create customer loyalty with the MercuryGift card program from integrated payments processor, Mercury Payment Systems. When Le’s clients use Mercury for credit and debit card payment processing services, the gift card module, gift card processing, and the first 100 cards are free.
"Although coupons are one method many merchants use to increase sales, they are not a profitable marketing strategy because they cut directly into profit, Le said.
Le’s most successful customers sell pre-paid "VIP" cards to attract more customers and build loyalty. Le recommends selling cards at fifty to one hundred dollars apiece, and each time the customer uses the card they get a percentage off their purchase. Or, Le’s clients might sell a pre-paid card valued at $55 for only $50.
Merchants benefit from a loyalty/pre-paid card program by earning revenue in advance of sales. Customers are more likely to use and recommend a product that they already paid for which can increase sales at the store. By eliminating the need to clip coupons, customers can enjoy a more personal and convenient shopping experience when they use the "VIP card."
"With a pre-paid card system in place, customers are guaranteed to return all year long – and will likely bring friends," said Le. "Although frozen yogurt can be a seasonal item, the promotional capabilities of our solution make yogurt sales profitable year-round."
The success of Le’s innovative solution reaches beyond frozen yogurt. It has paved the way to meet other merchants’ industry-specific POS needs, such as pizza and other quick serve.
About Mercury Payment Systems
Mercury Payment Systems is an integrated transaction processing company created to enhance point-of-sale systems by offering credit, debit, check, gift card and loyalty processing. Mercury’s integrated Internet protocol (IP) or dial-up processing solutions are fast, reliable and affordable. Retailers can leverage the reliability and enhanced efficiency of integrated payment processing to increase productivity and customer satisfaction. Mercury Payment Systems helps resellers increase their opportunities with reseller support and superior technology. For more information call 800-846-4472, ext. 1820 or go to www.MercuryPay.com.
About Red River POS
Red River POS (San Diego, CA) is a full service company that provides customized service and support to fit individual business needs. The company helps customers invest wisely in a POS system to increase productivity and profitability. With a focus on point of sale systems designed for use in restaurants, fast food and delivery operations, hotels and retail businesses, Red River POS dedicates itself to providing the best possible products, service and support. Highly trained technicians and sales people have extensive restaurant and retail backgrounds and provide the most comprehensive level of service available. For more information call 1-888-868-1040 or go to www.RedRiverPOS.com.
Media Contact:
Wendy GrahamMercury Payment Systems
(970) 385-3460
wgraham@mercurypay.com
Linus Nghi Le
Red River POS
(858)952-0808
Linus@redriverpos.com