Charities may choose a low-cost, basic retail system, but within months of installation, it becomes clear that support calls go unresolved, development promises get forgotten, training is lacking, and tech starts to struggle.

The best solutions offer not only robust and reliable software and hardware, but also the service and ongoing support that busy charity shops require. Solutions like Kudos come with comprehensive project management, expert training, an ongoing product development programme, support, account management, updates and the opportunity to shape future developments.

Key Takeaways

1. Benefits of EPoS for Charity Shops
2. Key features of Charity EPoS Systems
3. Choosing the Right Charity EPoS and Retail Gift Aid Solution
4. Data Security and Cloud Storage for Charity Retailers
5. Selling in-Store, Management and Marketing with EPoS
6. Implementation, Training and Support

Benefits of EPoS for Charity Shops

The advantages of charity retailers of having a charity retail system are widely known, and combined EPoS and Gift Aid systems bring huge advantages:

• Enhance customer experience with fast transactions, streamlined sales processes and supporter loyalty schemes.

• Increase efficiency and reduce administrative tasks with automated gift aid claims and accurate sales data.
• Improve business intelligence with reports, data and insights into supporter and customer behaviour.
• Optimise stock control and inform decisions.
• Simplify the donation process with integrated gift aid management tools.
• Improved supporter communications.

Key Features of Charity EPoS Systems

A charity retail system should support and facilitate the following charity shop processes and procedures to ensure operational efficiencies:

• Integrated gift aid management and claims processing.
• Data analysis and reporting.
• Stock control and inventory management for donated items and new goods.
• Donated goods, gift aid, tracking, and management.
• A reliable point of sale system with integrated payment processing.
• Loyalty schemes and customer/donor management.

Choosing the Right Charity EPoS and Retail Gift Aid Solution

Whether this is the first time a charity has implemented a charity POS system or whether they are switching to another provider there are lots of considerations for selecting an EPoS system tailored to each charity. Factors to consider include scalability, flexibility, user-friendliness, as well as the importance of integration with existing systems and processes, such as Sage integration, ecommerce links or connecting to software such as PowerBI.

The tender or demo process should consider and compare whether the system offers:

• Integration with existing systems and processes.
• Scalable and flexible hardware and software to meet the needs of growing charities.
• User-friendly, customisable interface for easy adoption by volunteers and staff.
• Flexible contracts and choice of integrated card processing acquirer rates.
• Project implementation, training, after sales service and EPoS charity support.
• Robust hardware, resilient POS system and secure cloud data storage.
• Multi-channel integration with ecommerce, eBay, CRM, lottery, promotions, tickets, events, and supply chain.

Data Security and Cloud Storage for Charity Retailers

Charity shops typically operate with just one cash point or register, making dependable charity EPOS software crucial for their success. This technology ensures that charities avoid downtime and interruptions in sales. Charity Retail Systems like Kudos combine the resilience of wired connectivity with the data security and accessibility of Azure cloud storage, offering a best in class, hybrid solution.

Kudos has recently passed the new, more rigorous ISO 27001: 2022 audit, which combined with Cyber Essentials accreditation means charities can be assured that our information security management system meets the highest standards of risk management, cyber-resilience, & operational excellence. Check that your provider offers:

• Reporting and management software is accessible from any location via the web, making it a ‘virtual head office’.
• Secure data storage and management, certified to ISO27001 data security standards and GDPR/HMRC/Cyber Essentials compliant.
• Automatic, free software updates, input into product development and software maintenance.
• Secure cloud storage; Kudos uses Microsoft Azure to help keep donor information safe.

Selling in-Store, Management and Marketing with EPoS

Here’s why charity software like Kudos is the smart choice for charities seeking to elevate their retail operations:

• Streamlined Sales: Robust point of sale and integrated payment processing simplifies transactions, making it easier for customers to support the charity.
• Loyalty programs and donor management: Build lasting relationships with donors and supporters by offering a loyalty cards/apps and ‘thank you donor’ messages.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Gain insights into retail operations to make informed decisions and drive growth.
• Stock Control and Inventory Management: Keep track of your donated goods and bought-in stock inventory effortlessly, and ensure the right products are available when and where needed.
• Donated Goods Tracking: Efficiently manage and track donations to maximise gift aid income.
• Marketing and Fundraising Integration: Seamlessly integrate with existing efforts to amplify your reach and effectiveness.
• Volunteer Friendly Epos System to give charities a recruitment and retention advantage.

Implementation, Training and Support

In the fast-paced high street retail world, the importance of good implementation, training and support from a retail EPoS partner cannot be overstated. For many charities, having a reliable and efficient retail system and responsive support team is crucial.

Firstly, consider the advantage of having in-house support based in the UK available every day of the week. This not only ensures that help is readily accessible but also means that the support team provide fast and effective assistance. When support is just a phone call away, Kudos customers feel more secure and valued, knowing that their issues will be addressed promptly and efficiently.

What truly sets apart outstanding customer support is the ability to understand and prioritise customer needs. A team that listens and empathises with customers can offer practical solutions and resolve issues quickly.

Find an EPoS software provider that consistently delivers high-quality support and genuinely cares about your charity’s success and offers:

• Comprehensive training and support for volunteers, shop staff and head office.
• Ongoing maintenance and software updates.
• Account Managers and a dedicated customer support team.
• Customisable implementation to meet the specific needs of each charity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right EPoS and Gift Aid system is crucial for charity retailers aiming to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience. A comprehensive retail solution like Kudos, not only offers robust software and hardware but also provides essential ongoing support and training. This ensures that charity shops can streamline their store sales, optimise stock levels, and gain valuable business intelligence through accurate data analytics.

By prioritising scalable, user-friendly, and secure systems, charities can integrate seamlessly with existing platforms and adapt to future growth. Ultimately, partnering with a provider that delivers exceptional customer support and understands the unique challenges of charity retail is key to achieving long-term success and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions