Committing to newsagents and the Australian newsagency channel

With the number of newsagency closures and the retreating of some suppliers to newsagents, I felt compelled as the owner of newsagency software company Tower Systems to write recently to newsagents reaffirming my commitment to the channel.  I took the step as a note of positive affirmation.

Here is what I said in my letter:

Here are our commitments to you:

1. We will not leave the newsagency channel. With more than 1,750 newsagent customers today we are here for you.
2. We will fight for you. Beyond our software, outside of support, we will help with supplier issues, business strategy and other challenges you confront.
3. No locked-in support. Taking support coverage is optional. We never block access to your software if you choose to not take support coverage.
4. Lower support costs.
5. Fast support. Most calls are handled when you call. If not, we call back fast.
6. Easy management access. The leadership team of Tower Systems is available if you need them. We take customer service seriously and personally.
7. Updates when you choose. You are in control of when you load updates.
8. You are listened to. We offer the only transparent, user driven, software enhancement suggestion service. All our customers are listened to.
9. Regular user meetings. Around the country, in city and regional locations – we offer free face to face training and networking through the year.
10. Free training. Long after you install our software you have access to free personal training to refresh knowledge or provide training on new facilities.
11. More integrations. Our direct links to Xero, Magento, Shopify and more mean you have more direct link options to help you grow your business.
12. Business management insights. We can look at your business performance data and provide a personal analysis of what we see
13. The Tower Advantage^TM. Our professional and friendly help from training to support to business advice. We are not your average software company.
14. Owner access. Our owner, Mark Fletcher, is easily accessible: 0418 321 338.

You can purchase our software, lease it or even rent it by the month. You choose the path most appropriate to your needs. We make doing business easy.

END.

The channel is in a period in its life where change is the order of the day. This is disrupting many. One goal of my note was to say here is stability on which you can lean as you navigate changes.

Personally, I think there is a bright future for engaged newsagents who are embracing and chasing change. Revenue and GP growth are achievable. It’s hard work but it can be done.