Free appointment scheduling software can be hard to find, but there are some basic software systems or limited versions of larger scheduling software that are suitable for individuals and small businesses. We looked at free appointment scheduling software that lets businesses schedule and track appointments, accept online client bookings, and send appointment reminders. Top 6…
About the Author
Meaghan Brophy
Meaghan Brophy is a staff writer for Fit Small Business specializing in retail. She has provided content and guidance for indie retailers for years as the editor for Independent Retailer, a RetailWire BrainTrust panelist, and speaker at trade shows such as the Independent Retailer Conference and NY NOW. She has an M.S. in Publishing from Pace University.
She is frequently quoted as a retail expert in top publications like Forbes, Reader’s Digest, and Retail Dive.
When not talking retail, Meaghan can be found watching dog videos and practicing her tap dancing skills.
6 Best Spa POS System 2019
A spa point-of-sale (POS) system manages client transactions, sales data, and tracks customer information just like any other POS system would. A spa POS also has spa-specific features like appointment scheduling, online booking, and client-facing account management tools. The best spa POS systems include all of these features and start at under $100 per month….
6 Best POS Inventory Systems 2019
Point-of-sale (POS) inventory systems are software tools used by retailers and restaurants to process customer sales and track product or ingredient stock levels. Most POS inventory software has tools to ring sales, count inventory, and provide basic reports. The best POS systems also streamline product purchasing at prices starting at less than $100 per month….
How to Find & Sell Private Label Products
Private label products are goods made by a manufacturer that are then sold under a retailer’s brand name. For businesses that want to learn how to private label products, the process is very similar to regular product sourcing. You’ll need to find products to sell, build a collection, and market them to customers. As you’re…
SKU Numbers: What They Are & How to Set Them Up
A stock keeping unit (SKU) is an alphanumeric code that identifies a product and helps you track inventory for your retail business. You can create SKU numbers manually or using inventory management or point-of-sale (POS) software. SKU numbers print on your product label along with the product’s universal product code (UPC) and other product information….
6 Best Bar POS System 2019
A bar POS system is a software program that processes transactions and provides sales reports. Bars specifically need a POS system that can pre authorize credit cards, manage bar tabs, and track inventory based on drink sales. The best bar POS systems are also user-friendly and cost less than $100 per month per register. Top…
What Is Bait & Switch? Definition, Legality & Strategies
Bait and switch is the action of advertising goods for a discounted price, with the intention of selling customers a different product. Customers are “baited” into stores with promises of a good deal. However, when they arrive, the advertised goods are not available, and businesses “switch” to a lesser quality or more expensive alternative. How…
10 Best Merchant Services Providers for Small Business 2019
Merchant services allow businesses to accept credit and debit card transactions in-person or online. Many merchant service providers also offer payment processing tools such as payment gateways, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and card-reading hardware. We evaluated dozens of popular providers to identify the best merchant services for small business. Top 10 Merchant Services for 2019 How…
8 Best POS Systems for Small Business 2019
A point-of-sale (POS) system lets small business owners accept payments and helps manage a business with various features. The best POS software let you track inventory and sales, manage employees, grow customer relationships, and analyze data. You can find POS systems that range in price from free to $100 or so per month. Top 8…
7 Best Credit Card Readers for iPhone
Using a credit card reader for iPhone and iPad lets businesses accept credit cards anywhere. Card readers connect to an iPhone via Bluetooth or wired plug and then process card payments via a mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) app. We compare top card readers for iPhones and iPads based on processing features, processing options, and costs. Top…
What Is Order Fulfillment? Processes & Strategies for 2019
Order fulfillment is the process of storing goods, packing orders, and shipping products to buyers. In a broad sense, order fulfillment is everything that happens after a customer places an order up to the moment they receive that order. Businesses can handle fulfillment in-house, outsource to fulfillment partners, drop ship, or combine methods. For many…
Alibaba vs AliExpress: Who’s Best for Importing & Dropshipping?
Alibaba and AliExpress are online marketplaces. The main difference between Alibaba vs AliExpress is: Alibaba is exclusively intended for B2B transactions, whereas AliExpress is open to consumers. Alibaba helps businesses purchase large quantities of products directly from manufacturers at wholesale prices. AliExpress offers products at competitive retail prices with no minimum order requirements. When to…
