Users Talk about American Retail Supply and SmartRegister
Mementos Gift Shop, Clark Fork Valley Hospital, Plains, Mt
We are a hospital gift shop in rural western Montana - staffed and managed by volunteers. Recently we purchsed Smart Register and after 6 weeks there is no way we could go back to the "old way."
Training for the volunteers with many different computer skill levels was so easy. Our rep from the first day of planning to open the shop up to the present is Mark Turner. He is a treasure!! It doesn't matter what I need, it only takes a call to mark and he makes it happen. He explained the Smart Register and demonstrated it for us at the California Gift Show in July and we started using it full time in the shop Mid-October. Thanks for Everything, Alice.
P.S. The tech support crew for the register are awesome!
Jacki Adams - Baker City, OR. www.sycamoregifts.com/
Here is an unsolicited email we recently received from one of our happy clients. Another retailer had contacted Jacki Adams from The Sycamore Tree in Baker City, OR with this question.
I read and enjoyed the article about you and your store in this month's issue of Country Business. I saw in the article that one of the first changes to your "new" business was to institute a POS program. I was just curious if you would mind sharing the POS system you use and any thoughts about using a POS. We are a relatively small retailer (2500 sq feet) in a highly seasonal area and are looking at installing a POS to help with inventory and profit control. However, I have many sleepless nights thinking that could be our worst nightmare! If you have time, I would really appreciate any experiences (positive or negative) you had when choosing and installing your POS and which system you are using. Thanks so much in advance!
Here's Jacki's reply:
Thank you for your e-mail. We purchased the Microsoft Point of Sale system that is compatible with windows. We absolutely love it. There are a few other stores in town that purchased other products (QuickBooks, etc) and they wish they would of gotten what I did. I worked with American Retail Supply and they do my service contract every year they are great. I would definitely recommend them. 800-426-5708. I work with Mark. The tech guys are perfect when you have problems.
Mike Conway - Latah Creek Wine Cellars, Winemaker/Owner, Spokane, WA
I wanted to let you know that your tech support department for our POS system is the absolute best I have experienced ever. They are very knowledgeable and willing to help with any issue. In fact, we did a minor Microsoft software update last month that prevented us from being able to get into our Wine Club Manager (a Microsoft RMS add-in developed, sold, and supported by E ***** program purchased from E ****** a few years ago. After talking with their tech support for about an hour with no resolve (the new software update apparently installed a few password encryptions which prevented me from being able to get into Wine Club Manager), I was about ready to give up. Even though WCM was their product, they did not have an answer for the problem. I was told they would work on it and get back to me once their development people have a chance to play with it. As a last resort, I called ARS people and within 3 minutes they logged into my computer and fixed the problem. Thank you.
John VanLandingham - Sage Brush Traders LLC, Flagstaff, AZ
RMS is very stable, flew through the holidays with NO problems! No POS, NO credit card processing issues! That is a welcomed change from our previous years experience with our past point of sale system.
Nitrosell (the on-line ingegration for our POS system) is up and running for one store, www.pjchilcottage.com, it was an easy set-up and they were flexible on the licensing fees (they carried them out over the first year instead of all up front). Integration between Nitrosell and RMS is easy, orders download right into the POS so processing orders is a breeze. Nothing but good things to say about their product and/or service!
Roger Holeman - Goodwinds LLC - Mount Vernon, WA
Peter is the guy with whom I worked on the sale & configuration and he's a top geek. Michael is our phone-in help tech and he's perfectly suited and knowledgeable for this job. Both have exceeded my expectations. I've never had such an excellent transaction for technical gear & support.
Perfumes Galore - Rajiv (owner) Dallas TX
"Peter and Brian at American Retail Supply Technology Solutions are a God send, the best support people I have ever had"
Captain's Cove in San Diego, California -
"I was concerned about purchasing a retail computer system from a company located out of state. I thought the SmartRegister system was the perfect one for me so I "harassed" Mark with every question I could think of and checked references! My system was installed 5/97 by Dick (what personal service!) and I love it! I have had problems, but Mark or someone else has always been there to get us through it promptly. You support has exceeded my expectations. I will buy my next system from you without even "checking around"!"
Army Surplus in Sand Point, Idaho -
The system has lived up to its' claims. My business has become easier to manage as well as more profitable. The support that I have received for the retail management program from Mark Turner has been superb. I wrote to you last year and mentioned this same sentiment but that was before I had had much to do with the system or with Mark. I simply wanted to send a follow-up letter that would let you know that I am impressed with the system and especially with the support I receive from Mark. Indeed he has become a friend in the time we have been doing business. I am always willing to be a reference for your company in the event that you need endorsement for your system and your service.
Essentials, Leavenworth, WA -
I would like to thank Mark & Brian at Tech support for the great service. When I had trouble with my hard drive, I U.P.S. sent it to Brian and he fixed it immediately and sent it right back as good as new. We love or P.O.S. system and your great employee's. They really do provide the best customer service and are totally pleasant and can do attitude. Thank you very much.
Wearable Images in Cambria, California -
Hello Mark. I have to tell you - this Brian (American Retail Supply Technology Solutions) is the BEST! He got the machine in, fiddled around a little, got it running, loaded the upgrade made sure our data worked with the upgrade and is shipping it back today! That is INCREDIBLE service with a capital I! I don't have Keith's (American Retail Supply Technology Solutions president) email address - please forward this to him so he is aware of the exceptional job you all did in getting this problem solved. My thanks to you, Peter (American Retail Supply Technology Solutions) and Brian for a commendable job.
The Savvy Traveler in Edmonds, Washington -
I am writing you this letter to let you know how impressed I am with the service I have received from Peter Johnson. He has helped us tremendously over the many hurdles we've had in installing and running the POS system. I don't think we would have managed without his knowledge and willingness to help us out whenever we needed a problem solved. I very much appreciate his assistance and expertise in the software.
We had originally looked at several different POS systems and a very big factor in choosing yours was the service level American Retail Supply provides. Many companies make promises but fail to pull through in the end. For a small retail store such as ours, it is extremely important to have a knowledgeable person available with the installation of a new software system, since we do not have the benefit of an MIS department. In retrospect I am very happy we've chosen your system and company because you have fulfilled our expectations and more. Thank you very much.
I have been asked about your POS system by several retailers in my neighborhood and I have recommended it highly.
Please thank Peter very much for all his efforts and patience with the challenges we've presented him. He has been excellent.
Ideal World in Palm Springs, California -
"I found out about and purchased POSitive (SmartRegister for Windows) software through Mark Turner. POSitive is an incredible product and Mark Turner has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable! Many thanks to him!
Northwest Beauty in Spokane, Washington -
"American Retail Supply Technology Solutions and Mark Turner are both outstanding in every way. I very much appreciate the very special attention that our company receives from American Retail Supply Technology Solutions. Mark deeply cares about the success of our business and helps me to find ways to increase profits and reduce costs too!"
White Swan in Beaverton, Oregon -
I just received some very nice details from our warehouse manager Mr. Dan Aunspaugh regarding your technical assistant, Mr. Joe Courtney. We would like for Mr. Courtney to know, as well as his superiors, that he is a knowledgeable person who is helpful and goes above and beyond his job description.
Country Treasures in McCall, Idaho -
I have been dealing with Mark. He has been terrific. He has patients with my illiterate computer mind.
Garden City in Missoula, Montana -
I love Mark! He's been wonderful to work with, helpful and has great suggestions.
Happy Trails in San Francisco, California -
I like Joe Courtney! and Mary! The customer service at American Retail Supply is the best we've ever known! Thanks American Retail Supply
Kings & Things, Port Orchard, WA -
It is very easy to use. Before we got this system I was a computer novice. To pull up reports or add to the database is simple. I would highly recommend this system for its ease in sue. Its reports give a great overview of our business.
Army Surplus I, Sandpoint, ID -
Just a quick note about two of your employees. I have been using Smart Register for 4 years and I am very happy with the program. Yesterday, my server CRASHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I called Mark Turner. He very patiently walked me through all possibilities and finally pronounced the server dead. Then he walked me through the transfer of the server hard-drive into my office computer. (The server motherboard fried but the HD was intact.) I was up and running albeit limping within 45 minutes. I will be able to work with one register for the time it takes to repair the server because he went the extra mile. I know I’m paying for support but he has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty. At the end of the conversation, he made sure I had his pager if I needed further assistance. Peter Johnson has worked through all of the issues with Win 2000 and the SR program even getting me to function when my server was a 95 machine. Networking, installing printers through DOS on a 2000! He is a marvel. If I found equipment that worked as well as yours for 1/4 the cost I would stay with American Retail Supply because of these two in particular and others as well. Ted has also been a great help in breaking new ground. Thanks for hiring them!
Antiqua Concepts, Los Angeles, CA -
Everybody we dealt with Mark, Peter and Brian and the reception-person were all very very very helpful and nice. Even when we "lost" it through their explanations they were patient with us. We feel our computer program has parents. Good ones! Thank you.
Timberwolf, Juneau, AK -
We certainly don't like to brag about taking systems back, but if you're not happy with your SmartRegister System we don't want you to keep it. In 1996 our system was simply not getting the job done for Timberwolf, in Juneau, Alaska (we have since changed to POSitive software). After taking back the system the owner of Timberwolf sent the following note to us.
"As another tourist season approaches I would like to take a minute to say thanks for treating us so well. Your handling of the POS return and continued professional business ethics are rarely matched in this industry.
Also a quick acknowledgement about your staff is in order. They are among the best, always helpful, willing to track down anything I need... extra kudos to Shelly!
Thanks again for having such a great company to deal with!"
Windows of the Heart – Spokane, WA –
This is a great system. It will save me a lot of time on my consignment products!
Sockdoctor.com – Seattle, WA –
Both Chirsty and Joe (w/POS) have been phenomenal at going above and beyond our expectations! Employees like them will keep us coming back for years! Thanks Chirsty and Joe.
Stars Gift Gallery & Bistro, Galesville, WI –
This was from a phone call left on voice mail. "Hi Keith, this is Lisa calling from Stars Gift Gallery & Bistro in Galesville. I’m calling because I tell you I’m a new customer and I bought two POS systems from Joe Courtney. What a fantastic individual you have working for you. I wish he lived in Wisconsin so that he could work for me. He’s just really incredible. I met him out in San Francisco and wasn’t knowing beans about the retail industry yet and he’s just been so helpful and has reduced a lot of my anxiety about the front part of the store, the cash wrap area. So I look forward to getting your product, I guess I’ll be getting that next week. Again I just want to tell you thank you very much. Once I met Joe I didn’t go out into the field to do competitive pricing bids or anything. I just felt so comfortable with him and again, your company via Joe really reduced my anxiety about starting my new business. Thanks very much Keith, have a great weekend and since I’m not there to do it just please have somebody or you give Joe a hug for me. Thanks Keith.
Sumner Tractor, Sumner, WA –
We just received the best of customer service with your salesman Joe Courtney! He always follows through beautifully.
Broadway Boutique, Seattle, WA –
Joe Courtney is the BEST!
Corrington’s Alaskan Ivory – Skagway, AK –
Corrington’s is very please with our service by both Shelly Caputo and Joe Courtney. They are both very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. (Shelly takes care of Corrington’s packaging and fixtures and Joe takes care of their POS system.)
Memory Lane – Gilbert, AZ –
Mark, who sold us our system was great!
…have you any wool? – Cheshire, CT –
Great program! Great service! We love the system
And from the numerous voice mail we receive
Ritter's Nursery - Spokane, WA-
Hi, this is Ella with Ritter's Nursery, I actually called to thank Ted. He got my backup servers all going. Everything's "hunky dory", working great. I'm excited and happy, and I just figured I leave him a message, but I know he's gone for a vacation, so I figured I'd leave you the message. Thanks!
Laura Lindaman - Seattle, WA -
Hi Keith. We've never met and my name is Lauren Lindaman. I have been a customer of yours....well, this is going to be the second time now. I owned a yarn shop in Poulsbo and worked with Thompson Merchandising for 9 years, took a break, and now I am opening a new store downtown in Belltown. I was so thrilled to come back to Thompson, and find Joe Courtney still here, still in charge of the Point of Sale. I've ordered a 3 station system, and he's coming out for that, but I just wanted to let you know what an amazing company you have! I got your number because, while on hold one time, instead of the usual hype, I got your wonderfullness! It's about wanting to make the customer happy, and how at any time we could contact you. So I just want to let you know how refreshing and wonderful that is, and I am really using you as an example for my own business. If I weren't opening my own business, I'd love to work for you! I wanted you to know. I am very impressed and I am very, very gald to work with Thompson as much as I possibly can. Take care. I hope you had a great weekend. By the way, Neal is also helping me. He's doing a great job. I am ordering bags, and probably a ton of other stuff. I look forward to working with you again.
Kitchen Engine - Spokane, WA -
My name is Eric Frickle and I am one of your customers. I own the Kitchen Engine in Spokane, WA. I just wanted to call and let you know I am 100% satisfied with your service and really wanted to praise both Brian and Peter in your area of tech support, and also Mark, our sales rep. They are awesome and I really appreciate everything you guys do for me and I just wanted to let you know that. Thanks a lot!
Music Gifts Company of England - Boca Raton, FL -
Hi Keith. This is Robin Galison with The Music Gifts Company of England. I've had unbelievable service from Peter.Yes, good news for a change! He has just been incredible and I would love to talk to you about it. Thanks so much.
Shirley Fuller - Tehachapi, CA -
Hi Mark, It's Shirley Fuller. I wanted to call you back and tell you that I had an absolutely wonderful experience at American Retail on Friday. I could not have been treated more like a queen! I really appreciated meeting everyone there, including Keith, and Shanna and Peter. It was just terrific. I am already involved in finding a way to get this thing set up. It's going to get started this week, and we should be able to call Peter with questions, maybe later this week or early next week, as we get going on it. I sure appreciate your help Mark, and all of your service, and look forward to doing lots more with American Retail Supply. Thank you very much!