A newsagent told me this week that their accountant told them they should be using a particular software product to run their newsagency business. The software the accountant recommended has not beed made for newsagency businesses. It does not connect with any suppliers. It is not made in Australia nor is it supported in Australia.
The advice from the accountant was dangerous as had the newsagent followed it they would have disconnected their business from functions that are key to them.
I hear this too often, accountants providing software selection advice. Most accountants are not retailers, most have no understanding of workflow, data connection and other requirements specific to specialty retail channels. This is why I suggest to specialty retailers, like newsagents, that they do not rely on their accountant for software selection advice.
The accounting providing the advice to which I refer in this post uses accounting practice specific software to serve the specialty needs of their business. So, it is good enough for them to choose software tailored for their needs but not good enough for their clients to select software tailored for their needs.
Yes, I own a POS software company. However, I am not saying here choose Tower Systems. rather, I am saying to any specialty retailer, to jewellers, toy shop owners, butchers, bike shop owners, newsagents, pet store owners, garden centre owners, produce store owners, fishing store owners, homewares business owners and more – choose software that is fit for purpose, software designed for your type of business. Do your own homework. Make an informed decision.
Rarely will an external accountant have the practical experience with your specific type of business to provide good advice specific to your business needs, beyond accounting system interface needs.
By all means, rely on your accountant for accounting software advice like Xero versus MYOB, as that is in their wheelhouse. Given that smart POS software seamlessly links with Xero, MYOB and Quicken, the newsagency software you run or the specialty retail management software other specialty retailers run is best left to the experts in your business.
The easiest software Tower Systems can sell against is the generic POS software sold to a specialty channel retailer because once the retailer sees facilities that serve their needs the decision is easier. For newsagents, that is connections that serve in managing magazines, newspapers, meeting cards, stationery and more.
Every retail channel with which I am involved has requirements unique to that channel.