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Point Of Sale Blog

Try our improved 'search' and see what you can find

Have you already noticed? Perhaps you have. If you're one of the customers that fed back to us regarding our online product search, you'll be very pleased to know that we've listened and improved!

Far more accurate than the previous version, the new Essential Sales Products' site search is also much more intuitive than before.

It can now deal with plurals and understands that 'freestanding', for example, is the same as 'free standing'. What's more, the search is no longer 'literal'. You will receive a choice of items returned depending on the phrase or product you put into the search. And finally, the results are returned as photographs so you can see straight away what you're looking for or browse some related alternatives.

We're very pleased to announce this improved online facility for our website and hope it confirms our dedication to our customers and site users, as well as showing why we are among the UK's leading point of sale accessory suppliers.

If you haven't already, give our new site search a try. Whether you're looking for leaflet holders, poster holders or display construction items, you can find it all here.

Once you're ready to place an order, you can do it online, call us: 020 8946 3979, fax us: 020 8879 7465 or email us: sales@esppos.com. Our sales team are on hand to help.

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0.6% Rise in UK Retail Sales During December 2011

After heavy discounting by stores, official figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK retail sales rose by 0.6% between November and December of last year. The ONS also said that sales were 2.6% higher than December 2010.

Retailers marked prices down during the run-up to Christmas and the sales rise itself was mainly driven by clothing and footwear sales which was 6.3% higher compared to a year ago. However, the amount spent on household goods was 2.4% below the previous year's spend, representing the largest drop since April 2010.

So Christmas had mixed results for retailers. Debenhams reported flat sales, whilst High Street electronics and entertainment retailers, such as Dixons, Comet, HMV and Game, reported sharp falls in annual sales, as did Tesco. Others did not do as well as this even. We know from recent news that Peacocks has now gone into administration.

The increase in the volume of sales removes the effect of inflation and the official figures for inflation out week beginning 16th January showed a fall in the Consumer Prices Index from 4.8% to 4.2%.

If you want to make the most of your sales and POS displays, call Essential Sales Products now on: 020 8946 3979, or browse our website for inspiration. From poster holders and leaflet holders to retail display accessories we are sure to be able to help you.

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Retail Trade Show Calendar Begins for 2012 – Part 2

Last time we were talking about preparing for a trade show – whether you are visiting or taking a stand. This time we are going to look at being organised for during the show and after!

At the show

When you arrive, check if the show guide has been updated and if all the businesses you want to see are still showing, or if they've moved their stand. Have a notebook and pen to hand for those all important notes and information and be ready to take advantage of any show deals and discounts. Do take a break after a few hours. Have something to eat and drink and if you can, take the opportunity for a little fresh air too.

Make sure you take plenty of business cards. If you are exhibiting, business card holders can be invaluable. Again, cards are kept to hand and tidy so your stand is always looking its best. Collect business cards. This makes it easy to follow-up with people after the show.

A simple suggestion box makes a good holder of said items on a trade stand. Do take advantage of seminars and workshops. These are educational and very beneficial.

If you can't manage it yourself, send a trusted member of staff and ask them to feedback to you.

Finally, don't stop too long at any stands that aren't really of interest to your business. Visiting or exhibiting, your time is limited and valuable.

When the show is over

This is probably more important if you exhibited at the show although it's always useful if any benefits to your business are quantifiable. Were your objectives met and have the costs of attending the show had a long-term, positive effect on your business?

As an exhibitor, don't forget to do that all important follow-up as soon as you can after the show. If you promised people more information, send it. If you promised a follow-up phone call, make it. And all those business cards you collected, how about a good old fashioned mailing? Send by email if you can to keep costs down.

We've got lots of display items to help you with trade show attendance. No matter what you are selling, products or services. Give our friendly sales team a call if you want help choosing what you need – 020 8946 3979. Or simply have a good browse round the Essential Sales Products' web site. You can order online, by fax, email sales@esppos.com or phone. Get ready for your next show.

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Retail Trade Show Calendar Begins for 2012 – Part 1

Are the marketing propositions flooding in? We here at Essential Sales Products are receiving invites to visit or take space at a number of retail trade shows and we're sure it will be the same for you. Trade shows are undoubtedly a good place to see new products or merchandise and shop for your store, or network with others in your industry.

Whether you're looking to meet with suppliers – old and new – and strike a deal or exhibit your own goods and services, industry shows can be invaluable to businesses.

Having said that, you must make sure you are prepared. Get the most out of your attendance – especially if you are exhibiting, it can be quite expensive.

Plan ahead

Whether you are just visiting or exhibiting, this is important. From a visitor's perspective, pre-register. This can help you avoid the queues and you should receive an exhibitor list or show guide before the show. This will enable you to plan which businesses you wish to meet with during the show.

Pre-book appointments with these if you can. Have a clear goal for each of what you want to achieve. If you're sourcing new stock, have a good idea of finances for purchasing purposes and the stock levels that you want. Keep within your budget. If it's of benefit to employees, take them with you.

As an exhibitor, if you are able to book space early you may receive an 'early bird' deal. You will also have a better choice of what size space you want to book. Look at visitor numbers for previous shows and gauge how many people you should have on your stand to deal with enquiries. Contact current business contacts and see if they are attending the show and if you can, arrange to meet them. It could be a good opportunity to further business relationships. Make sure you have all your promotional material ready – leaflet holders and floorstanding dispensers are ideal for keeping information to hand for visitors and looking tidy for display purposes. poster holders are essential for keeping posters in view and can be used to create eye-catching displays.

Wear something suitable

Remember you are representing your business – again, whether you are just visiting or exhibiting. Wear something business like but casual and wear comfortable shoes! You'll either be doing a lot of walking, or a lot of standing. Consider taking a bag with wheels if you are going for the day. Remember, you may pick up samples or literature that could be heavy to carry around and take home again after. If exhibiting, make sure you have room to take back more than you brought with you.

For more ideas on display items, give our sales team a call on 020 8946 3979. They are standing by to help you. If you already know what you want, feel free to buy online, by fax or email – sales@esppos.com.

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Happy New Year and some suggestions for business resolutions for you

As we welcome in the New Year, a lot of us will make resolutions for ourselves. A lot of these will soon be broken, but what about making some business resolutions – and sticking to them.

Aimed at retailers, these suggestions are generally designed to help reach the ultimate business goal – increase sales, reduce expenses and improve profits.

Pricing

Make sure you work out your markup and markdowns on products carefully. Once prices have been set, make sure staff are fully aware of how you price products and that they check the shelves/tags accordingly. Simple pricing mistakes can cost retailers quite a lot of money over a year. Use Shelf Barkers to help clearly show price tags.

Increase Opportunities

If done well and regularly, simple up-selling to customers can be extremely beneficial to the bottom line. If your business hasn't already done so, what about investigating multi-channel marketing and/or sales? Have you gone 'online' yet? Even if you don't sell your products online, customers like being able to research what they can buy and from where from the comfort of home or office.

Expand Stock

Offering new and exciting products is just one way of getting customers to return to your shop. When you add new products, or expand the lines you already offer, bear in mind that you want items that there is an existing demand for and that it's something you and your staff will enjoy learning about and selling.

Customer Service

If you haven't already, set your mind to developing a customer-friendly policy and train employees to provide fantastic customer service. You want to create and cultivate customer loyalty.

Lower Expenses

We're not necessarily talking about large or drastic measures here. But there may be relatively simple steps you could take to lower your operating expenses. Take a look around your shop. Do you use equipment that it would be more cost-efficient to buy rather than lease? If it's something you've not investigated before, you may find other ways too. Why not ask your staff for ideas?

Get Out And About

Think about visiting a trade show or exhibition. Developed to give retail owners, buyers and managers the chance to meet suppliers, existing and new, conduct business meetings, network and source new products, you'll be surprised what you might find.

Promotions

We all know that advertising can be expensive, but it's a worthwhile investment and doesn't have to involve thousands of pounds. Simple leafleting the local area might draw in business or you could set up a display of promotional leaflets in store. See our range of leaflet holders. If you're planning a marketing campaign for a particular product line, don't forget some poster holders to help promote it in-store.

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How to Select Poster Holders – A Rough ESP Guide!

Ok, not so much rough, but definitely a simple guide to selecting poster holders.

Whatever you need them for, a retail display, an announcement, company information, advertising etc, posters are a time honoured attention grabber!

Posters have been around for hundreds of years – used to inform people, persuade them or even to try and deter them from doing something. Whatever the intention, they were used to stimulate a response in people. They did then and they still do now.

Simple acrylic poster holders are cost effective and provide a quality and versatile way to display a large variety of promotional material. With a large range of sizes and freestanding, wall mounted or hanging options available they can be used in a variety of situations to ensure the prominent display of posters, leaflets and other literature, even at point of sale. They are ideal for placement in offices, retail stores, college campuses, theatres or cinemas and are a smart and economical choice.

For those who need to update and change posters frequently, snap frames save time and effort. Ideal for use in banks, offices, shops, travel agencies and even estate agents, these aluminium poster frames from Essential Sales Products make a dramatic focal point where ever they are. Each edge of the poster display snaps open so you can easily insert and replace your posters, without having to remove the frame from the wall. A protective PVC cover keeps your posters looking good and a range of sizes, some tamper resistant, means that you'll be sure to find one that meets your requirements.

For a truly stunning poster display, cable systems can certainly meet, if not exceed, expectations. All made in the UK, the ESP range includes ceiling to floor poster kits and wallmounting poster kits.

Versatile and dynamic, these poster holders are fabulous for advertising promotions and products. Contemporary, these stylish poster frames attract attention, whether they are used in a hotel, shopping centre, retail store, estate agent or a travel agent. High impact, posters can be easily changed in the acrylic poster pockets.

Purchasing the right poster holders to mount on your walls or stand in your shop can save you time and money in the long run. Familiarising yourself with the different types of poster display frames that are available is key to making the best choice for your company. Research and understand what types will work within your company's limitations – space, cost, size, design – and you are more likely to choose the right poster holder for your needs.

Why not start by taking a look at the full range of poster holders from Essential Sales Products? From PVC to aluminium, freestanding to wall mounted, there's plenty of choice. If you can't find what you're looking for, try calling our friendly sales team on: 020 8946 3979. They'll be happy to help you.

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Seasons Greetings from Essential Sales Products

Well, Christmas is almost here... Are you ready? Here at Essential Sales Products we are beginning to organise ourselves – we have some decorations up and some of us have even finished our Christmas shopping! Therefore it seems like a good time to wish all of our customers, old and new, a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Let us all hope that next year the recession truly begins to lift and that 2012 will be a prosperous year for everyone!

We look forward to continuing to serve you and supply your point of sale products in the New Year and would like to thank you for your support and business throughout the last.

We are looking forward to a short break over the Christmas period, but don't worry, you can continue to order via our secure website, both mobile and here on the main site. We will process your order on our return. See our entire range of Point of Sale items online to make your selection.

We will be back at 9am on the 3rd January when you'll be able to call our helpful sales team for help or advise with any specific POS queries you might have. Just call: 020 8946 3979.

ESP will be closing at 3pm on Wednesday 21st December and we will re-open at 9am on the 3rd January.

The latest time for pre-Christmas orders is noon on 21st December for next day delivery. Remember that ESP has one of the largest stocks of point of sale accessories anywhere in the country, so if you want it delivered quickly, from Leaflet Holders to Retail Display items, just give us a call, send us an email or order quickly and securely online.

Have a fantastic holiday everyone. See you in the New Year!

Best wishes from all at ESP.

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TIPS FOR NEW YEAR RETAIL SUCCESS

It's hardly surprising that without customers, no business would be able to survive – whatever the state of the economy. So it's hard to learn just how easy it is for retailers to accidentally put customers off. However, by concentrating on what not to do whilst building your business, you can lay good foundations for future growth.

Poor customer service

No matter how hard you and your staff try, there will always be the odd customer or two that you cannot and will not please. It's difficult, but with some simple customer service tips you can diffuse a situation and possibly even save the customer and the sale.

Stay calm – it's not personal.

Let the customer explain the problem. Listen. Be interested. This will usually allow the customer to calm down to discuss the issue in a more positive manner.

Apologise – even if you don't agree with the complaint.

Put the problem right. Do all that you can to accommodate the customer within store policy.

Follow up – make sure the problem is resolved.

If you said you would call them to keep them notified of the progression of their complaint, then make sure that you do. If you don't know the outcome yet, still call when you promised to.

Learn from mistakes

Dealing with unpleasant customers should be a learning experience. Some customers cannot be pleased, but everything you can correct about a situation will help in the future. Keep improving areas that you can control.

Incorrect product pricing

It's important to get your pricing strategy right. Consider the current market, distribution channels and your competition. People will go elsewhere if they consider you too expensive or if they think they get poor value for money from you.

Lack of competitive knowledge

Knowing your competition can be helpful for planning your marketing strategies, pricing and other strategic retail plans. Find your competitive edge, or USP (unique selling point) by tracking what your competition does. Research the following, it'll help you define your business:

• How many competitors do you have in your location?
• Where are your competitors based?
• What are their weaknesses and strengths?
• Can you find their annual sales?
• What is their product line
• What price structure do they use?
• How do their products compare to yours: quality, appearance, etc.
• What marketing activities do they employ?
• Where do they source their products?
• Are they expanding or cutting back?
• Do they do anything better than you?

Poor atmosphere

Don't turn off your customers. Some tips include:

Dirty toilets.

Even if facilities are not generally open for public use, keep them clean and well stocked with soap and the necessary paper products. There are always times when you may have to grant a customer access.

Music.

Playing music helps to create an atmosphere for shoppers. However, if it's too loud or inappropriate, it can work against you. For example, resist playing Christmas music too early in the run up.

Dressing rooms.

It might sound obvious, but if you have a clothing outlet, then make sure changing areas are tidy and neat. This not only improves appearance, it also helps towards loss prevention.

Dirty or stained floors.

Accidents do happen, but seeing the results puts people off. Sweeping and mopping should be carried out regularly. Replace stained portions of carpet where possible.

Organise checkout counters.

A disorganised counter can lead to theft and it's also off putting to customers whilst they pay. Use leaflet holders to keep papers in order and to hand for staff and customers or business card holders if you want to encourage people to take up a 'store card' or 'loyalty card' with you.

No product knowledge

Make sure you and your staff have a good understanding of what you sell. Customers will shop where they can receive 'expert advice', sometimes even if it's more expensive than elsewhere. Knowing a product boosts sales staff's enthusiasm and it's easier to sell something you truly believe in.

Good use of point of sale products can help any shop, selling any goods. Cable Systems make effective window displays of posters and once inside the store, Hanging posters clearly direct customers to the area that they need. See the Essential Sales Products range of retail display items for more inspiration.

Place your order online, or call our sales team on: 020 8946 3979 if you have any questions or need more information. We're always happy to help.

Alternatively, you can email your queries to: sales@esppos.com. We'll get back to you asap!

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WE'RE BACKING BRITAIN, ARE YOU?

The BBC has recently asked 'Buy British: Why isn't there a new campaign?'. It's something we at Essential Sales Products have been promoting and actively pursuing and hope that more businesses back the initiative.

Earlier this year we redesigned our website and incorporated the Union Flag to feature prominently. This was to bring attention to the fact that even more of the point of sale products in our range are made here in the UK; with many others being made in the EU.

Let's not be too biased about this, we're not saying you shouldn't buy from a free, global market. We're just doing our bit to remind everyone that the UK manufactures goods and develops fantastic products and we should celebrate, promote and support that and not feed the myth that the UK no longer makes anything. We want everyone to consider investing positively in the UK.

There are, of course, other reasons why we promote the sale of UK products:

1. Security of supply – we are not affected by long shipping delays and so can get goods quickly.
2. Environmental – lowering the carbon footprint of products by reducing the distance they have to travel for us to have them in stock.
3. Future prosperity and opportunities for employment for the next generations.
4. Maintaining the supply of high quality goods that you expect from Essential Sales Products.
5. We know that British and EU Countries support ethical production, fair wages and decent working conditions.

Look out for the flag symbols next to our products to find out if you are supporting British or neighbouring EU industry. Help us to help you to 'keep it local'.

See the ESP Leaflet Holders to display and dispense your company information or view our Poster Holders for a wide range of British poster and menu holders.

Don't forget our Retail Display products, from Shelf Barkers, Extrusions and Management to Plinths and Cubes and Steps and Stands for high quality UK and EU manufactured products.

We are proud to be doing our bit to support British industry. If you want to place an order or have any questions regarding products, you can call us on: 020 8946 3979 or email us: sales@esppos.com, or buy safely and securely online.

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ONLINE Vs OFFLINE

We all want to improve sales, we all want to increase custom and we all want to provide better service. I bet nearly all of you that read this use the internet to buy things online and make purchases in stores but what makes us choose one over the other?

Shopping online is undeniably convenient. You don't have to get in the car, drive, park and then actually get to the shop that you want. So, what can 'traditional' retailers offer consumers to keep them coming back?

The same convenience, but in a different form. Get to know your customers, have the information that they will need readily to hand. Recognise them and give good service. This all improves the shopper's experience and helps to keep them coming back to you. If you sell clothing, consumers come to you, rather than order online, because they can try goods on without needing to order two sizes and return one via the mail. If you sell cosmetics, it's convenient to actually see the product before buying it – is it definitely the right colour or container size?

If it's electrical equipment, they might want some advice before choosing which model of item to buy.

Is all of this enough though? More and more retailers are employing interactive displays to lure people in and store design is being transformed. For some larger retailers shops are becoming advertisements for consumers to walk around, smell and touch product, but then buy online.

There is no easy answer to my initial question. Why we choose online shopping over offline is usually dependent on a mix of factors present at the time, or point of sale. For example, if people are not in a hurry for their goods and don't mind waiting for 'shipping' time, they might buy online and hope they can find a cheaper deal. If you need the item today or tomorrow, you will have to go to store and possibly pay the RRP. If consumers are housebound, then the internet is an open doorway for them to access goods and services and they may not mind waiting for delivery.

All retailers can do is to make sure they are doing as much as they can with the design of their store. Make sure posters are clean, clearly visible and attractive – poster holders can help with this. Try going for something clever, eye-catching and novel to see what the results are. Lead customers into the store with them. Good use of display accessories will also help people to pick out what they are either looking for, or if you're really good, items they didn't realise they even needed! Make sure the layout of the store lets people in and out easily. Be accessible. Train your staff to be knowledgeable about the goods that you sell so advise and a more personal service can be given.

Take a look around the range of point of sale accessories from Essential Sales Products here online. We have lots of items to choose from that can help any retailer show off their stock. You just need to throw in a little imagination, lighting and staging and you've got innovative, eye-catching displays! Place your order online here or call our helpful sales team on: 020 8946 3979.

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KEEPING UP WITH POINT OF SALE

Make sure that you continue to check the Essential Sales Products website to keep up to date with the latest products in our point of sale range. It's the best place to see the items, information and pricing, no matter what time of day or night it is!

Of course, if you're on the move you can use our mobile site to gain access to all the information from your phone.

Either way, you'll find the entire range of POS accessories at your fingertips. You can conveniently search for items and if you register with us (just click on the “register” link below the Checkout button at the top right of our site) you will have the added benefit of our quick on-line ordering. So convenient.

Of course, for those of you that would still like to call us, either because that's the way you like to order or if you have any questions about the products, you can of course speak to our friendly customer service team. Just call on: 020 8946 3979.

Our website is updated with new products and pricing as soon as we have the details and stock for you. This, together with the fluctuating costs of raw materials (and therefore finished products), means that we have decided not to produce a printed catalogue for the forthcoming year. It would date quickly and you may miss out on new additions to the range!

Don't forget if you order online there is no minimum order value (it's £50 if you're ordering over the phone) and you'll enjoy a £2 reduction on the packing and carriage charges. Need next day delivery? No problem. Order by 3pm and we can usually deliver the next day, simply tick the next day option for delivery before checking out your basket.

So why not take a look at our ranges of poster holders, leaflet holders, or retail display items.

ESP also has stunning jewellery display ideas to help gems sparkle. In fact, you'll be spoilt for choice in point of sale products!

If there's anything you'd like to contact us about, please call or email sales@esppos.com or contact us through the website. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Have you got your Christmas POS ready?

Are you ready for the rush? Is your retail business lucky enough to have several 'rush' periods a year? Bookshops might experience three or more busy periods a year, when students start college, Christmas, exam revision time. Or perhaps you stock sports items and notice that sales of tennis racquets go up during Wimbledon, or cricket bats become popular after a big test! Anyway, if you do, you'll know just how important it is to be ready.

No matter what retail segment you fall into, everyone has periods of peak sales. For some retailers these times can be stressful and if they are unprepared, disastrous. So, what to do?

Tidy and clean up

Tidy stock areas and get your goods inward ready to receive extra, seasonal merchandise.

Before it gets busy, make sure you've carried out any maintenance so your store is looking its best. Take this opportunity to replace, repair or refinish fixtures. Check Shelf Barkers and Prongs for pegboards and slatwall displays. You might even want to get some seasonal Wobblers organised to draw consumer's eyes to specific items. Get floors cleaned and polished and carpets cleaned and don't forget to make sure all store lights are working.

Stock up

Make sure your store has lots of bags, cash register paper and ribbons, supplies for credit card printers etc. Don't forget gift wrap and Gift Wrap/Wrapping Paper Stands to display it all in. Check your stock levels and reorder items that are impulse buys and anything else that you know sell well for you. Make sure you have your cash requirements sorted for the tills.

Staff

Make sure you have enough staff to cover the busy season. Give yourself time to train any new, seasonal staff.

Remind staff that to create a positive atmosphere and pleasant consumer experience, they should be relaxed, polite and prepared to deal with any difficult situation. Consumers may already be feeling stressed by finances, shopping and everything else that they have to organise, your staff should not add to consumer's stress by showing stress themselves.

To help your staff, make sure they receive their regular breaks to get away from the rush. Ten-fifteen minutes away from the shop floor can renew a salesperson. You might even want to organise a staff party for after the busy period to reward their had work.

After it's all over

There's bound to be a number of returns immediately after the rush. The law of averages says that the more you sell, the more returns you are likely to receive. If you have the room in-store, you might want to consider setting up a specific area with dedicated staff to deal with just returns/exchanges. That leaves other staff free to deal with purchasing customers. Some well placed Ceiling Posters will direct customers to the area.

Now you can relax and evaluate and measure the sales performance of the business. What worked and what didn't? How did the staff do? Finally, start planning for the next busy period!

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LESS THAN ONE YEAR TO GO – OLYMPICS 2012

It was all in the news last week, again. And with good reason. The 2012 Olympics are now less than a year away and plans should be in our heads, if not on paper, on how to maximise sales and opportunities from this great event.

Not only is there expected to be a huge influx of overseas visitors to the UK, but a survey carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers, suggests that over 10 million adults in the UK are planning to alter their holiday plans next summer as a result of the Games.

Almost 3.9 million are planning to stay in the UK specifically because of the Games and a similar number is planning to go on holiday in order to avoid them. The remainder are apparently planning to alter the timing of their summer holiday.

Visit Britain is using the opportunity to emphasise how tourism can benefit from the exposure of the Olympics which will include an estimated global TV audience of around four billion people.

So, with all eyes on the UK, what should we all start to consider?

Firstly, what type of a business do you have and where are you based? The 2012 Olympics isn't just about London. There are many venues around the UK, are you near one? From retailers and food outlets, to those offering guest accommodation, many businesses can benefit from the expected increase in trade. Start making plans now to ensure you have enough stock, publicity and 'your house' generally in order.

Perhaps you are lucky enough to have a café, restaurant or fast food outlet near an Olympic venue. In which case, you might want to make sure your point of sale items are ready. Essential Sales Products can help you with a variety of Menu Holders or Poster Holders to display your fare to customers and passersby.

If you have a retail business on a major route to one of the venues, then make sure all your POS is ready. From Leaflet Holders or leaflet dispensers, to Retail Display, or indeed, Display Accessories, there's a wide range of items to bring your shelves and products to life! Also, don't forget about stock levels when ordering on the run-up to next year's event. Don't leave it until the last minute, because you can guarantee that others won't have and you may find certain things hard to get hold of. Drinks, snacks, confectionery and anything else commonly used on a 'day out' will be required.

And what about accommodation providers? From B&Bs, guest houses, hotels – large and small – anyone travelling for an event (whether they are from abroad or just not local enough to make the trip in one day), will be looking for somewhere to stay. Start your marketing and promotions now. Perhaps you already have, but what about checking your leaflet displays? Have you got Leaflet Holders to keep them ready and tidy for visitors? What about Menu Holders? And don't forget some acrylic Business Card Holders for those that want to repeat their stay with you at a later date.

There's so much to think about with the Olympics, and this doesn't really touch the surface. However, our friendly sales team are just on the other end of the phone if there's anything you want to order, but aren't sure about. If, on the other hand, you know what you need, you can either order it online via our secure website, or by email – sales@esppos.com

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VERSATILE AND STRONG – LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO TRAVEL

Here's a question for you all? What's versatile, strong and ultimately recyclable?

Do I hear 'cardboard'? Well, I should, because it is. It's used extensively in packaging as it is light and robust and it's partly for that reason that ESP use it for our Freestanding Cardboard Leaflet Dispenser.

Supplied flat, these excellent leaflet holders come in a range of four sizes: 1/3 A4, A4, A5 and A6. They are ideal for use when using a travelling display, at exhibitions or trade shows, or as they are low cost, if you want to leave your information in a nice display somewhere where it may not be under your control – for example, you might have a reciprocal agreement with another business to give away each other's information.

The fact that these leaflet dispensers are a natural product is a plus point to those who have the environment in mind. They are biodegradable and recyclable.

These versatile cardboard dispensers are lightweight, yet robust and can be a real eye-catcher! Essential Sales Products also offers a screen printing service, so you can brand these leaflet holders along with acrylic displays if you so wish.

Maximise your sales message and create an impact. Whether they are for use at point of sale, or elsewhere in a retail display or carrying business information, brand them and use them! If you would like more information, you can call the ESP sales team on: 020 8946 3979 and we will be happy to help.

You can look through the ESP website for more inspirational display ideas, whether it's leaflet holders or retail display items. With a wide range of stock, most items are available for next day delivery if you order before 3pm. Order online via our secure website and be assured by our secure basket and payment area, or call us or email: sales@esppos.com

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HOW DOES YOUR BUSINESS LOOK NOW?

Do you remember how your business looked when you first opened its doors? Was it neat and tidy, well presented and freshly painted? Here's a challenge for you – take a look at it now.

Whether you run a shop, an office, a salon... it doesn't matter what the business is. What does matter is how it looks. Does it still look the same?

It's too late for a spring clean now, but it's not too late to straighten things up and get ready to welcome customers in. Whilst it might seem a daunting task, it isn't really and just a few point of sale items strategically placed can make the world of difference.

Even in an office or company reception area!

For example, if your business isn't in retail but you still have customers coming in and out (maybe through a reception area), you could make good use of poster holders to liven up bare walls and show off products and services.

If you have room, floorstanding dispensers or leaflet holders can be used to display brochures, leaflets and other useful company information.

You could use the area to promote lesser known services or 'up sell' through the information that you provide. Don't forget to keep your reception area in particular clean. Make sure doors (especially if glass) are clean, windows and any glass cabinets should also be free from dirt and finger marks.

This last point also goes for retail businesses. The door and checkout area is the last place customers see and therefore will be foremost in their minds. Keep point of sale areas neat and orderly. It's very noticeable to customers as they make their payments if till areas are messy.

If you want to have information available to be picked up, consider using a counter top leaflet holder or leaflet dispenser to keep it neat and tidy.

The sales floor is also important for retailers. By straightening and filling shelves, not only will the shop look full and tidy, it will also help to deter thieves (shoplifters often open packages and discard the wrapping as soon as they can - that could be on an empty shelf.

By removing the space it will take the shoplifter that little bit longer, hopefully long enough to be caught). Whilst organising shelves you should check signs and replace any missing tags, labels or signs. Make sure you have plenty of display accessories to hand for this task. Stock up on wobblers, hang tabs and hang strips and shelf barkers.

Don't forget to dust as you go and finally, sweep all floors, vacuum carpets and floor mats and mop the floor.

Essential Sales Products can help you with all these POS items and more. Give our sales team a call now: 020 8946 3979 or order online today.

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We've gone mobile!

It doesn't seem that long ago that I was marvelling at having a mobile phone in my pocket to allow me to make and take calls 'on the go' (it was 1997 for me).

Now, we expect to be able to do so much more with our phones. They carry our music, games, books and provide access to the internet. Not just for social purposes, we can access mobile websites to find the information that we need, when we need it, pretty much wherever we are!

So, why not visit: www.esppos.com/mobile from your phone? You will find the entire Essential Sales Products' catalogue of POS accessories available at your fingertips on our specially designed mobile web site.

Aimed at providing you with even more accessibility to our products when and where it's convenient for you. Of course, you can still contact us by phone, email or fax if you'd rather. T: 020 8946 3979 E: sales@esppos.com F: 020 8879 7465

Give us try, browse and buy with ease from your mobile phone, iPad or tablet PC. Optimised for mobile usage the site is quick to load and doesn't keep you waiting, a bit like ESP all round really – remember, order by 3pm and most products are available for next day delivery!

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HAS YOUR BUSINESS HIT THE CASHPOT?

At the end of June 2011 it was reported that credit card use fell last year as people used cash and debit cards to avoid borrowing. The British Retail Consortium(BRC) says that transactions with credit cards dropped by almost 13%.

If your business accepts credit card payment then this figure is probably good news as this type of payment is the most expensive for retailers to process. In 2010 credit cards were used in 10% of transactions, but amounted to over 44% of the processing costs.

It seems to be a win win situation. By consumers not using credit cards for payment they are helping retailers to keep costs down and by not spending money they don't have, consumers are not storing up debt and possible hardship for themselves for later. Cash is also the quickest way to pay. It's got to be encouraging news for all.

Meanwhile, don't forget point of sale accessories can encourage your customers to spend their cash with you. Leaflet Holders or leaflet dispensers, Poster Holders and Display Accessories all have their part to play in promoting goods on sale. Draw attention to your displays and help make your stock fly off the shelves.

If you need any help or advice, please remember to give our friendly and helpful sales team a call: 020 8946 3979. Alternatively, if you know what you want or need to give your shelves the edge, place your order online here via the Essential Sales Products secure website.

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Back to School with Essential Sales Products

The school holidays are halfway through for most pupils. Is that a cry of 'hooray' from parents and 'oh no' from commuters who have got used to having much quieter roads, trains and buses during the morning rush-hour?

Well, whatever your perspective, if you are a retailer you need to make the most of your sales time now to move your school-based stock – whether it's stationery items, shoes or clothing, bags or sports equipment.

There's a huge number of new starters going up to secondary school as well as those just starting infant and junior schools. They all need new uniform and general 'kit' to get them under way in their new school. We also mustn't forget those that have just outgrown or worn out their existing belongings and need to replace them. It's a huge market opportunity.

So, why not use some acrylic retail display items to gain the attention of your customers? Simple but effective in getting products noticed, these point of sale display systems are great for attracting shoppers and gaining their interest. Once that's done, you're half way to making the sale!

Powerful and low cost, acrylic steps and stands, plinths and cubes are easy to use and place simply in a window display to show off any number of items. Placing them strategically using height, materials, colours, sales messages, lighting and the all important goods is imperative. Of course, they are not limited to window displays. They are equally as effective on a display table or large counter area.

High impact leaflet holders or poster holders can also be placed at your sales point to remind customers of other important items they might still need to buy.

'Don't forget to pick up..'-type messages, or if you have the room, the items are small enough and lend themselves to being placed at the counter, then do so. High impact and attractive propositions at till points are very successful in the retail environment, so why not use the technique?

You might also consider taking the time to research your local schools and find out any particular equipment requirements they might have for pupils. And of course, ensure you have enough stock. That way you can become a useful resource for parents as they will know they will be buying the correct calculator, hand writing pens, sports mouth guard etc. for their child.

This is also a good way of increasing repeat purchases and increasing customer loyalty.

If you need any help or advice on point of sale acrylic retail displays, feel free to give our sales team a call on: 020 8946 3979. If you know what items you want for your business, you can phone your order through, email us: sales@esppos.com, or place your order online here through our secure website.

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A BOARDS AND PAVEMENT SIGNS

Summer is here and therefore more of us should be out and about enjoying the good weather (all right, we know, there's been a fair bit of rain lately, but before that it's been generally good). Under these circumstances Essential Sales Products advocates the use of A Boards or Pavement Signs in order to catch the eye of passers by.

Frames/Pavement Boards are ideal for almost any business. They can be placed outside pubs and restaurants and can be used to advertise 'specials' or events, and similarly shops can use them to promote a sale or push a particular seasonal product range. Other businesses, garden centres, hair dressers, beauty salons, florists, travel agents, estate agents etc can also use them to advertise special offers, packages and last minute deals.

They make a great investment that can be re-used time and time again. Our Aluminium Freestanding A Board is double-sided with snap frames to allow for an easy change of posters and it has rustproof metal backing covers and a PVC poster cover to keep everything protected against the unpredictable and sometimes inclement British summer!

Before you start putting out pavement signs think about where you will put them first and site them responsibly and considerately. You may have to contact your local authority to see if they have any permissions that must be sought and obtained first, the conditions given when this is granted may give you some good ideas about what else to consider about placing the A Board, but if not, here some good pointers.

Make sure your signs are not obstructing any view of roads or turnings, for drivers. They must also not obscure any other road signs in the vicinity. Think about where the majority of people walk on the pavement outside your business. Yes, you want to attract attention, but you don't want people walking into the signs and hurting themselves. With this in mind, please pay special attention on behalf of the visually impaired. Does the pavement have a particularly narrow spot to avoid? Think about those with push chairs, wheel chairs or motorised scooters. Can they safely pass?

Boards (or A Frames) are a fantastic tool for many businesses and can be used with great effect. Make sure you get the most out of yours. For more information on our A Boards or any point of sale items you need, give us a call. Our friendly sales team are waiting to hear from you on: 020 8946 3979. Alternatively, if you know what you want, you can order safely and securely online.

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A LITTLE BIT OF 'FEEL GOOD FACTOR'?

We've all enjoyed the recent royal wedding, congratulations to Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – it truly was a day for everyone to remember. And on the 27th April we were advised that the UK economy has grown by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2011. That has to be good news for everyone – doesn't it?

The official figures hopefully mean that there is less risk of a double-dip recession. The Office for National Statistics said that manufacturing and services sectors had performed well in the period and had remained at 1.1% for manufacturing, as per the previous quarter.

However, economists gave a mixed response to the figures. Some believe that the government must persevere with policies that support growth and help businesses to create jobs and export goods.

The GDP figures showed that the services sector had returned to growth after a reduction during the bad weather at the end of 2010. The ONS said this had particularly been the case with hotels and restaurants.

The low growth rate could reduce the risk of an early interest rate rise by the Bank of England to combat inflation, currently at 4%. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming months when the next GDP figures arrive – these may have been negatively affected by the royal wedding and two back-to-back bank holiday weekends, which will reduce production.

Conversely, retail sales may rise as a result and recent retail figures suggest that small, independent retailers are doing better than their bigger rivals.

If you are a restaurant or hotel, large or small, you may wish to invest in some new POS items to encourage sales further. How about some Menu Holders? Essential Sales Products have a range to suit most needs. Alternatively, you could employ some trendy Versatile Card Holders to display menus, 'specials' lists or other items you wish to promote.

For the independent retailers out there, or indeed larger groups, Essential Sales Products is pleased to offer a large range of Retail Display items, Display Construction and also Display Accessories. These include showcard stands, slatwall displays, plinths and cubes, Corr-a-Clips, adhesives, wobblers and hang tabs and hang strips.

Have a browse around our secure website for inspiration. You can safely place your order over the site, or call our friendly sales team if you have any questions or prefer to place your order in that way: 020 8946 3979. Remember, most of our items can be delivered the next day if you order before 3pm.

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TWITTER – COME AND TWEET ALONG WITH ESP - @unit39

Almost everyone has heard of Twitter, if only because of that Twitter scandal and super injunctions. However, do you use Twitter, do you really know what Twitter is for?

Twitter is a network of information and millions of individuals and businesses use it to both find and share information. Messages are up to 140 characters long – the secret is to keep it short and sweet.

The messages – or Tweets – are public and anyone who's interested in them can read them. Generally, when you know an individual or company, you choose to 'follow' them. You will then receive every one of their messages.

At Essential Sales Products, we have decided to share our information with our customers and Followers via Twitter. You can quickly and easily get news information from us and details of end of line offers. You can even Tweet us back a reply if you want!

Join Twitter today – www.twitter.com. You can choose to follow ESP by looking for Who To Follow and typing in @unit39 once you've created your account. You may wish to receive our tweets via text message to your phone if that's more convenient. If you click the phone icon next to the Following button on our profile on Twitter.com, you will receive our Tweets on your phone. Alternatively, many internet enabled mobile phones can link to the mobile Twitter site. Choose what is most convenient for you.

Come join the Twitter generation with Essential Sales Products and be among the first to hear all our news and special offers. Of course, don't forget to give us a call to place any orders that you might have, we'd still love to hear from you in person! Our sales team are waiting on: 020 8946 3979. Or, you can place your order for point of sale items safely and securely online here.

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STRATEGIES TO HELP PROMOTION WHEN TIMES ARE HARD

Nobody wants to keep going on about how hard times are, but now the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) believes that Britain's economy will grow more slowly this year than has been forecast in official estimates. This is because of a weak first quarter to the year, the bank holidays and the royal wedding reducing the number of days worked in April. In spite of this, the BCC has said that it still backs the government's plans to reduce the deficit, but also called for more to be done to help businesses take up the slack caused by cutbacks in the public sector.

The BCC now forecasts growth to be 1.3% in 2011 and 2.2% in 2012. Previous predictions were 1.4% and 2.3%, whilst the government's Office for Budget Responsibility expects growth of 1.7% this year and 2.5% for 2012. The economy is struggling to grow. Manufacturing is thought to be slowing and services and construction are finding it hard to build momentum. So what can we all do to try and sustain and build our businesses in these difficult circumstances? Well, you can try business promotion and we've got some low-cost suggestions for you.

1. Try and spend an hour a day on business promotion, getting the word out there won't happen by itself and once started, you have to keep up the momentum so you are not wasting your efforts.
2. Use every piece of paper, or electronic document, that leaves your business as a business promotion opportunity. Make sure you include your business name, logo and contact information. If you have a web address, then use that too. This includes faxes, invoices, emails – everything! If you've won any awards, make sure you let people know. This includes the information that you might leave for customers at payment areas, trade counters etc. Leaflet Holders or dispensers can help here, or a simple Freestanding Poster Holder could suffice.
3. Send out press releases. If you've got something newsworthy (such as winning an industry or business award), then use that information in an informative and engaging way to interest people. Has your business grown recently, do you have a new product or range? Have you or your staff been involved in a charity event? These are all news items suitable for local press, business press and the internet.
4. Reciprocal marketing agreements. If you are sending out brochures or leaflets, you could include a leaflet for another non-competitive business that agrees to do the same for you. This will enable you to reach a new source of potential customers or clients. If you have a shop window, you could both include a poster or two for each other. Essential Sales Products can offer a variety of Poster Holders to help. Try and choose a complementary business to your own.
5. On the go promotion. Magnetic signs from a local company should not be too expensive. When you go out in your car, particularly during the day, fit them to your vehicle. Lots of people will see you whilst your driving – especially in high volume traffic areas where it tends to move slowly! Don't forget to include a telephone number and web address if you can.

Essential Sales Products isn't just about point of sale items. Take the time to look round our website and see what we've got that could help your business. You might be surprised. When you're ready to order, you can call our helpful sales team on 020 8946 3979 or you can order safely and securely online.

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VISUAL MERCHANDISING – LET'S NOT FORGET!

We know we've spoken about visual merchandising in the past, however, it is an area worth revisiting.

If your shop or premises has at least one store-front window, then you are lucky to have one of the most proven, and inexpensive, forms of advertising at your fingertips!

Essential Sales Products can help you to make the most of whatever you have. Our range of Retail Display items and Display Construction will have your creative juices flowing.

Some retailers located in shopping complexes or similar structures, may lack windows. There is still hope! We are sure you will still find many places throughout your retail area to build eye-catching displays. Watch the flow of traffic in your shop.

Where are the areas that are naturally a focal point for customers?

You can of course hire professional visual merchandising companies or individuals to dress your windows, and this is of course a good investment. However, if you are concerned about saving money, then the following tips are designed to help you create an attractive display of your own.

1. Display Tool Box

Put together a a visual display tool box to keep to hand. This will save you time once you start preparing your display. Useful items to stock it with include:

• scissors, stapler, double-sided tape, pins
• hot glue sticks and glue gun
• a roll of hook/loop fasteners or hook/loop fastener pads.
• fishing line (monofilament)
• tape measure
• knife
• hammer, nails, screwdriver and screws
• notepad and pencil
• glass cleaner and paper towels
• props (non-sale items)
• poster hanging bars and/or versatile card holders

2. Plan your display

It may sound obvious, but take some time to decide what it is you are trying to accomplish. Give yourself a budget and determine a theme. Try and sketch your display ideas first. Create your display tool box, gather together the merchandise you want to promote and any props you want to use.

Make sure everything in your display area is clean before you start – windows, material and racks. It may be easier if you begin building the display after hours when you will not be disturbed.

3. Basic elements of an effective display

• Size of objects – place the largest into the display first
• Balance – go for an asymmetrical display rather than symmetrical
• Colour – use to set the mood
• Lighting – can bring a display to life. Use to pick out a focal point if you can
• Focal point – choose an area where your products, props and background come together
• Simplicity – sometimes, less is more. Know when to stop and don't be tempted to add too many items

4. Signage

Add signage when you have finished creating your display. Prices/offer information.

5. Begin Visual Merchandising file.

Take photos of your work and keep a record of the product sales during the display's existence, this way you'll learn what works for your customers and what doesn't. Don't repeat the same mistakes.

Like most aspects of retailing, creating an attractive display takes skill and trial and error! As your stock changes, so will your ideas for visual displays.

Keep developing eye-catching and innovative ways to make your store profitable. This is one relatively low-cost way increasing footfall.

Essential Sales Products offers many point of sale items that will aide your sales figures. Call our friendly sales team now on: 020 8946 3979 to see how we many help. You can of course, order securely online from this website.

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WHAT ABOUT A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE? USE POS AIDS TO HELP INCREASE SALES

You might think that having a captive audience is a 'sure thing' as far as sales go, but is that true?

In the past airport retail sales were growing more slowly than the spending of in- and outbound air travellers. It could be that airports were not exciting travellers enough to entice them to spend their money although retail offers continue to become more intelligent with wider product ranges, better merchandising and better service levels to actively sell products.

Consumers here are thought to be older and more affluent. Due to low-cost airlines people are flying more and thereby spending more time in airports. Also, since 09/11, travellers have to spend longer in the airport each time they fly. However, this doesn't mean to say that people will be spending more air-side.

Economic uncertainty and the high cost of fuel mean that ticket prices and surcharges have increased. This may mean that travellers are watching their purse strings and decide to not buy things at the airport.

If you are a retailer with stores in departure lounge areas, you might want to consider what you sell in these stores if you are not already 'tailoring' it to your 'captive consumers'. For example, do you sell food and drink, or toiletries? How many travellers may have lost drink and toiletries at security due to liquid restrictions? Especially where low-cost airlines are involved, lots of travellers carry on their own food and drink in order to get round limited and sometimes expensive on-board options. Just like any other store, Retail Display items can help draw attention to goods. Whether you are selling snacks and sandwiches or sushi, Shelf Barkers provide all the sales information your customers need and Display Accessories such as Wobblers will draw people's eye to items you really want to promote. Hang Tabs and Hang Strips or hang strips are great for displaying small packets of snacks close to related food items.

Don't forget, these are not just for food and drink. Point of sale displays are useful tools for any products. No matter how high- or low-end they might be. Have a thorough look around the Essential Sales Products' website for more ideas. You're sure to find something your displays could use!

If you are a service provider; beauty therapist, hair dresser, masseuse, or even a financial advisor (perhaps you could offer to book appointments to discuss people's finances when they return from their trip), how about considering setting up within air-side areas? Growing pressure on infrastructure and delays mean that travellers are sometimes 'trapped' for longer than they were expecting and they may relish the idea of having their hair or nails done whilst they wait, never mind the opportunity of a massage to help them to de-stress!

Don't forget to give out leaflets with all the details. If possible, why not hand them out at check in queues? That way, if passengers need to book, they could do so then for after they get through security. Make sure you keep yourself abreast of any long queues or delays at check-in/security so you can advise customers of how long they need to leave until their appointment. Keep your times to a minimum, so you are not holding people up for their flights. For example, if offering manicures with polish, make sure there is enough dry time, and don't offer to do gel nails or anything that may take too long. Same with massages.

Don't offer a 'full body' massage. Keep it to half hour 'back and neck' or 'head', for example. Keep to your appointment times to avoid disappointment.

Make sure you display your signs clearly. Poster Holders are a great tool and the information they contain can be easily updated and changed. Cable Systems look very professional, yet are still easy to fix and you can update the posters they hold quickly and simply.

Of course, all airports are different and have different passenger types and retail availability. Do your research before pitching your ideas!

If you want to find out more about any of the Essential Sales Products items, you can call our friendly sales team on: 020 8946 3979 or email us: sales@esppos.com. Of course, if you know what you want, simply order online using our secure shopping basket.

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POS DELIGHT IN FATHER'S DAY

Brace yourselves everyone. Father's Day is coming! All right, we know it's not celebrated on the same scale as Mother's Day, but it is still a retail opportunity not to be missed - as well as giving us the opportunity to express our thanks and love for our Dads, of course!

On the 19th June millions of fathers all over the country will be receiving cards and gifts from children in recognition of the love and support they have given them. By tailoring what you sell to a particular holiday or occasion, you can introduce a new audience to your business. Large or small. Essentials Sales Products can help you.

Here are a few sales promotion ideas:-

Vouchers – design a 'masculine' voucher or coupon that can be bought and then redeemed at your premises. Make sure you display them prominently at point of sale, perhaps in a Business Card Holder. These don't have to be expensive plastic cards. A simple printed voucher that a member of staff can validate with a signature or store stamp would suffice.

Discount for Dads – How about a special discount for Dads that bring their kids with them? This is ideal for restaurants, pubs and cafes. During the run-up to Father's Day, you could advertise the offer in your Menu Holders and strategically place Acrylic Poster Holders in bar or payment areas.

Pre-selected gift ideas – let's be honest, most of us struggle with what to buy our Dads for Father's Day. So, make it easy for customers. If you can provide a great gift at a good price then you improve your chances of making a good return on investment (which doesn't have to be a great deal. Mostly time and a little bit of visual merchandising).

Obviously, this item is going to depend on your usual stock or service offering, but you could consider: Gift Baskets – themes could include sports (socks, gloves, sports drinks bottles, etc), chocolate (it isn't exclusive to the ladies!), clothing accessories (ties, socks, cuff links, etc). Or, if you offer a service, you could tailor it for men. Back massages just for men, hair cuts, insurance offers or will writing for the family man etc.

Don't forget, whatever you decide, to promote your offers. A Boards, or A frames, make fabulous pavement signs and window displays are a great idea and can incorporate product displays with Poster Holders containing all the details consumers need to draw them inside.

Why not give the Essential Sales Products team a call now on: 020 8946 3979. We can help you with point of sale items and wider Retail Display goods. Or, if you know what you need for your promotion, place your order online here.

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GREEN TIPS FOR SUMMER

Okay, so it's a bit of a play on words, but 'going green' really isn't just another craze or 'flash in the pan'. Consumers are more and more aware of their impact on communities and are developing a more green way of life. We are nearly all naturally recycling our plastics, glass, paper and garden waste where possible. Savvy retailers should make sure they are meeting the needs of green shoppers, and indeed, all businesses can improve their client's perception of them if green issues are important to them.

By implementing sustainable practices, businesses can become more efficient and save money as well. Small business owners may believe that it isn't worth the investment in time or money, but in actual fact, every eco-friendly idea that a business adopts can make a huge difference to the planet.

So, where do you start if you want your business to 'go green'? You could start by contacting your energy provider and ask for an energy audit. This can provide recommendations of ways in which you can reduce costs. This will be different for everyone and some will be easier to implement than others, but if you look at your business operations in conjunction, then you may well see processes that should be changed.

The more obvious (and probably easiest), green changes you can make are to reduce, reuse and recycle. This type of social responsibility is adopted by consumers, clients and businesses alike and can lead to some positive press for you.

• Recycle paper, plastic,aluminium, ink cartridges.
• Reuse packing materials and cardboard boxes. Customers may like to use boxes in particular to take their goods home in.
• When printing a hard copy of paperwork, print double-sided if you can.
• Reduce paper transactions by going digital for invoices, ordering, bill payments.
• Do away with disposable cups, plates, cutlery in kitchen/break areas. Use permanent items and buy some eco-washing up liquid!
• How about using rechargeable batteries where possible?
• If you are a retailer that sells batteries, you could offer a collection point for consumers to bring dead batteries to for recycling – of course you then have to be responsible for recycling them, but many local authorities have disposal sites.
• Buy energy-efficient electrical equipment when you have to replace items – PCs, printers, microwaves etc.

Don't forget to encourage your staff to buy-in to your ideas. They may have some good ideas themselves on reducing your businesses carbon footprint. You might like to consider rewarding staff that walk to work, or use public transport or car share etc.

A Suggestion Box is always a good idea to collect other people's ideas. Don't forget to check it regularly – buy a Clear Acrylic version so you can see when someone has made a contribution.

There are so many ways to become a greener business. If you are a retailer, look into paper bags rather than plastic, although this is a debate on which the jury is still out. Or how about offering reusable bags at a low cost to the customer?

Once you've got your sustainable practices in place, don't forget to talk about them! Make an announcement to customers and staff and you could even let your suppliers know. Leaflet Holders could be used to hold an information sheet if you wish to provide one. Or a simple poster display can be an effective way to make announcements and update information. A Floorstanding Poster Display Unit near your point of sale is one way. Or Essential Sales Products has a whole rage of Poster Holders – there's bound to be one or two for you. Don't forget to include signage at 'recycling points' whether it's for staff or customers.

You will notice from our homepage that we are proudly using the Union Flag on our website. This is to celebrate even more products in our range that are made here in the UK, as well as those made in the EU. This, of course, not only supports UK and our neighbouring EU businesses, but also reduces a product's air miles! Give our sales team a call now to place an order: 020 8946 3979, or place your order via our new-look, secure website.

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CREATE A THEATRICAL LEAFLET DISPLAY

If you run a theatre, small or large, you know how important advertising forthcoming events and shows is and catching audiences for one show whilst they are visiting for another is key.

Your target audience is already on site and receptive to your point of sale advertising which may include include brochure holders, literature or leaflet dispensers and poster holders.

An exciting treat, theatre goers look forward to dramas, comedies, musicals, stand-up routines and all sorts of other performances. Make sure you get your information where people can pick it up easily.

Wallmounting Leaflet Dispenser Units are one way of displaying multiple leaflets in a neat and tidy way. With different pocket variations available you can choose the pocket size you want from 1/3rd A4, A5 and A4 and the number of pockets you want incorporated in these thermoformed one-piece units, from 6, 9 or 12. This durable leaflet dispenser can be mounted wherever you want it, near an entrance, next to the box office, or at the bar area if you are able.

Having already mentioned the box office area, how about using freestanding Leaflet Holders/Multi Pocket Dispensers on the counter to promote current shows whilst people are booking or collecting tickets? Perhaps you have a seasonal show to promote, Easter Special, Summer Extravaganza or Christmas Pantomime.

Let's not forget the ceiling too. Space maybe at a premium, but if you use all that you have, an eye-catching poster can lead your audience on. By using Hanging Bars in conjunction with ceiling Hangers, Hanging Wires, and/or Ceiling Hooks, from Essential Sales Products posters can be suspended just about anywhere. In a window area, around the box office, foyer, the limit is your imagination!

Poster Holder Snap Frames are great poster holders for wall mounting. These aluminium frames have a snap front opening mechanism and protective PVC cover to keep your show posters in top condition while your promotion continues. Available in a variety of sizes, these poster displays also come in a tamper resistant version for high traffic areas.

Maybe your theatre has other services to offer the public, don't forget you can use any of the ideas above to promote these to customers, you never know who might be in the audience! Perhaps you offer restaurant deals for show goers or conference facilities. If your own theatre can't offer these services 'in-house', perhaps other local businesses can and might be interested in cross-promotional deals to help both businesses. Keep your mind and business opportunities open and good luck, break a leg!

For more ideas give Essential Sales Products a call now on 020 8946 3979. Our helpful sales team are waiting for your call. Alternatively, you can order online here.

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WHY BUY BRITISH FROM ESSENTIAL SALES PRODUCTS?

Here at Essential Sales Products, we are proud to be using the Union Flag on our website - celebrating the fact that even more of the point of sale products in our range are made here in the United Kingdom. Many of the others are made in the EU.

You might ask why we are doing this. Well, there are several valid reasons:

1. We are proud to be doing our bit to support British industry.
2. Environmental – lowering the carbon footprint of products by reducing the distance they have to travel for us to have them in stock.
3. Security of supply – we are not affected by long shipping delays and we can get goods quickly.
4. Maintaining the supply of high quality goods that you expect from Essential Sales Products.
5. Future prosperity and opportunities for employment for the next generations.
6. We know that British and EU Countries support ethical production, fair wages and decent working conditions.

Globalisation may have helped create opportunities for certain markets, but it also puts pressure on businesses to outsource and move jobs overseas to cut costs. More goods may be produced, more efficiently, but at what cost? We've all seen the labour conditions in Third World countries, but have you thought about the jobs lost here in the UK when manufacturing is outsourced overseas?

Some countries don't have environmental protection laws and manufacturing in these places doesn't always take the environment into consideration. We should also consider the impact of the CO2 generated by importing foreign goods to the UK – whether by air or sea.

Look out for the flag symbols next to our products to find out if you are supporting British or neighbouring EU industry. Help us to help you to 'keep it local'.

Take a look at our Poster Holders for a wide range of British poster and menu holders or Leaflet Holders to display and dispense your company information.

Don't forget our Retail Display products, from Shelf Barkers, Extrusions and Management to Plinths and Cubes and Steps and Stands for high quality UK and EU manufactured products.

If you have any questions, or want to place an order, you can email us: sales@esppos.com, call us: 020 8946 3979, or buy online.

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TRADE SHOW DISPLAY IDEAS

Trade shows or exhibitions can be daunting for any business, but particularly so for small business owners, especially if they are a recent start up. Just thinking about what to take to a trade show and how to present it can set a few nerves on edge. Fear not, Essential Sales Products has some pointers and tips for you.

Consider the specifics of the trade show that you have perhaps already registered for, or are considering exhibiting at. The organisers of the event should be able to provide details on the type of visitors that the show will attract and give you a layout of the area you will have to create your display in.

Make sure you know the exact size of the booth or area that you will have. Does it come with it's own display table, will you have somewhere to hang or display your company's sign, will you have electricity available, etc? Some 'stands' or 'booths' come with a package of items available so make sure you know what they are, or if you have 'space only' and have to provide everything yourself.

Now you can begin to decide what to take and how to show off your goods or services to their best advantage. The following are just a few ideas to get you started.

1. If your booth comes complete with a display table, make sure you have a tablecloth to cover it. This will not only smarten up a plain table, but it is also an excellent opportunity to incorporate your company colours. If a plain tablecloth is provided, see if you can find a nice table runner in your colours.
2. If you have wall space to use, use it well and think, signage. If you have a limited budget, try using desktop publishing software to create a template of your company name and/or logo. Use the template to make your own signs from cardboard, foam core, etc.
3. If your space allows it, use a Floorstanding Poster Display Unit to show either how people can benefit from using your services, or what else consumers can buy from you, or demonstrate the uses of the products that you have on display. Once again, don't forget to include your company name and logo where they will be easily visible.
4. Now, what about the actual table display? Try to arrange your display items in levels of height or size. It's obvious now, but not necessarily when you are doing it. Put the larger items at the rear and work down towards the front. This might not work for you, and you might need Steps and Stands to help. These clear acrylic step displays are professional looking and enable same size objects to be clearly visible.
5. Make sure you have plenty of trade show giveaways. Business cards, company pens if you have them, brochures/leaflets. Business Card Holders are a great way of making these small items easily accessible whilst keeping your display area tidy. As will Leaflet Holders that can stand on your display table. If you have the floorspace and need more room for brochures or catalogues, then perhaps you could use a Portable Folding Leaflet Stand. This comes with it's own canvas bag for transportation.
6. If your space package includes an electrical outlet to your stand or booth area, then you might like to produce a PowerPoint presentation to show. A laptop computer will run it nicely during show hours and can be hired, or borrowed if you're lucky, if you don't already own one. Visitors will find this visually appealing and the movement created by it will attract their attention.

For more point of sale display ideas and products, why not call the Essential Sales Products sales team? They will be happy to help you. Call now on: 020 8946 3979. Or, if you know what you want, order online. It's safe, it's simple and it's quick, so is our delivery!

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NOW IT'S ALL OVER HERE ARE SOME EASTER FACTS

As we know, Easter is a holiday that 'moves', but did you know that it also has two celebrations? Most years, Western Christian churches and Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Easter on different dates. For example, in 2009 Easter was celebrated on 12th April by Western churches and 19th April by Orthodox churches. This year, however, the two will occur on the same date.

How does this happen? Easter is held on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox. That much is agreed. However, calculating the dates involves an array of ecclesiastical moons and paschal full moons, the atronomical equinox and the fixed equinox – on top of that, the two churches use different calendars! Western churches use the Gregorian calendar and Orthodox churches use the older, Julian calendar. The two churches also vary on the definition of the vernal equinox.

The Eastern Orthodox church always holds Easter after Passover, since the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ took place after he entered Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. In the Western church, Easter sometimes falls before Passover.

More secular customs, such as the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts, have become part of the holiday's celebrations and are enjoyed by both Christians and non-Christians alike. Some people ask why we have Easter eggs – well, an egg is a symbol of new life and at Easter it is used as a symbol of Jesus' resurrection. The outside of an egg represents the stone outside Jesus' sealed tomb. Inside the egg is the new life of a baby chick, and so represents Jesus' new life as he rose from death.

In the past, people would decorate hens eggs to give to family, but now chocolate eggs are generally given. As a Spring festival, other symbols of new life at Easter are lambs and rabbits in particular.

Make sure your seasonal retail displays are noticed. Set aside a separate area for your Easter or other seasonal display whether it's chocolate, books or stuffed toys, people give a wide range of gifts these days for the holiday. Sign your display with a simple, table-top Freestanding Poster Holder and don't forget the gift wrap – held safe and crease-free with a Wire Gift Wrap Stand.

Essential Sales Products can help with a large range of point of sale items and more! Give us a call now on: 020 8946 3979 for help and advise. If you already know what you'd like to buy, order online here at our safe and secure website.

"A Tale of Two Easters." Infoplease.
© 2000–2007 Pearson Education, publishing as Infoplease.
24 Mar. 2011 http://www.infoplease.com/spot/easter1.html

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MORE EASY WAYS TO PEP-UP YOUR MARKETING AND INCREASE AWARENESS

18th April 2011

A continuation of some ideas to make your marketing budget go further.

1. If you do business by phone, take orders or make bookings for clients, consider having a memorable phone number. See what's available. You might be able to find all or part of your business name in numbers (see a mobile phone to see how this would work – 377368425 = Essential, for example).
2. Hold an open house for clients, suppliers, city or town dignitaries and the relevant trade and local press.
3. Depending on what your business is, an investment in promotional gifts may be a good idea. Pens, mouse mats and mugs, all with your logo and contact number on, are useful and cost-effective. You can leave them with clients or customers to be a constant reminder. If you are a financial adviser, for example, use them when clients come for a consultation to reinforce your 'brand'.
4. Think about speaking at a career day at a local senior school. You are probably already an expert in your field!
5. If you have an excess of stock of one or two items, see if you can join them with another, related item, and package them together for a 'special buy'.
6. Keep an eye out for local charity events and donate some goods or your services for an auction or raffle prize etc.
7. Speak to other local businesses. If they are not competitors, you could work together to offer a package promotion.
8. Hold a one day sale on your slowest day of the week. Promote slower moving goods or 'quick turnaround' services (eg. for beauty salons/hairdressers). Use Freestanding Poster Holders or a Freestanding Showcard Holder on a sales table to draw attention to sales goods, or place the necessary promotional material in a shop window. You could go all out and use Ceiling to Floor Poster Kits to make your printed material really stand out! A variety of pocket sizes means that you can either print your own with a decent home printer, or have larger posters printed by a print shop.
9. Provide extra customer service training for your staff. Nobody wants unhappy customers.
10. Create a loyalty programme for existing customers and keep them coming back. Make sure you promote it and display any necessary leaflets/application forms near your till. Try using a Leaflet Holder to keep everything at hand, on display and tidy.

Always remember that marketing is best as a continuous and co-ordinated effort. Odd, one-off efforts will not be as effective or measurable as a planned schedule of events. If you need any point of sale items to help in your efforts, please give our sales team a call now: 020 8946 3979, or order online today.

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LEAFLET HOLDERS AND BUSINESS CARD HOLDERS CAN PEP-UP YOUR MARKETING AND INCREASE AWARENESS

15th April 2011

It's easy to cut back on your marketing budget when times are difficult. However, here are some simple, and low-cost ideas to increase awareness of your business.

1. Print a brief description of products or services on the reverse of business cards.
2. Always have some business cards with you and give them freely.
3. Ask permission to leave business cards in places your customers may visit. Provide a low-cost and effective Business Card Holder to hold/display them. They are more likely to be placed somewhere prominently and will look neat, tidy and professional.
4. Run a simple competition – 'design a gift certificate', or 'name a product'. Use the entry forms to collect customers' addresses etc. Use a Suggestion Box to collect the information in at your pay point, or somewhere else prominent. Some boxes have a message holder incorporated which could be used to hold the entry forms.
5. Use your marketing database. If you have a list of customers and add to it with information you collect and use it. If it's a small, local list, hand deliver leaflets reminding customers of your products or services. If it's a large list, consider mailing individuals. Most word processing packages can mail merge, making personalised letters easy. Consider targeting people with special offers or loss-leaders.
6. If you can, write and send newsworthy press releases to both your local and trade press. Announcements could include significant sales figures, charity events/participation – especially if you can get all your staff involved, any special customer success stories – don't forget to ask their permission!
7. Join you local Chamber of Commerce or join in with Business Link events in your area and network with other business owners.
8. Provide fee t-shirts with your logo on for your staff to wear. If your business if more formal, then make the clothing item suitable for your needs, i.e. shirts or blouses instead.
9. Include customer testimonials in your literature/brochures/leaflets. Display these items where customers can easily pick them up. Leaflet Holders or dispensers can help you with this.
10. Host 'special events' after-hours for staff, friends and family, loyal customers. These events might be a pre-sale opening, or the promotion of a particular service/product.

Essential Sales Products is always there for your business point of sale (POS) needs, just give us a call: 020 8946 3979. Our friendly sales team is waiting for your call. If you'd rather, order online here from our secure website.

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LOSS LEADERS, A TIMELESS RETAIL STRATEGY

6th April 2011

Whether selling products or services, loss leaders have been used by larger retailers or suppliers, for many years. Indeed, offering items with large discounts (usually below their actual cost), in order to attract customers (especially new ones) into a shop, is a practice that has met with much success. The idea behind this pricing strategy is of course to have customers buy the loss leader item(s), as well as others that are not at a reduced price.

Before embarking on a loss leader campaign, you need to think about your business and how it will benefit you. For example, you might like to consider using this strategy if you have overstocked on one or two particular items, or if they simply aren't selling. By reducing the price, you will reduce your stock and free up shelf space for more successful items.

Also, by using this method as a marketing tool, you can help to win new customers and increase return visits. Shoppers like a bargain and are likely to come back to shop again. If you'd like your shop to be known for having low prices then using loss leaders will help to build that association with customers. Remember that customers want quality goods for less money and not 'tat'.

There are however pitfalls in using loss leaders – you don't want to end up losing money. Not all manufacturers and suppliers will allow their products to be priced under a minimum price, or for less than what their other dealers are selling the same item for.

Once you have decided that this method is one for you, Essential Sales Products can help you highlight and draw attention to the items you want to promote. If you offer a service, rather than a traditional shop selling goods, then you could use Poster Holders in window displays to promote your offer. For example, you may have a beauty salon offering a free mini-manicure if a full pedicure is purchased, or offer discounted beauty products if a facial is purchased. Single Pocket Dispensers, or leaflet holders, can be placed on a payment counter containing offer information for customers to take away.

For shops with products and goods, point of sale displays can be enhanced with Shelf Wobblers or Shelf Barkers. Ceiling posters can be hung by using Poster Hanging Bars, Hanging Wires or Ceiling Hooks over the display area that you may choose to set aside for your campaign.

If you are going to use this strategy it is best if you are sure that any lost profit will be outweighed by the sales of other products or services sold alongside. Any related products to that on offer should be placed nearby and reminder notices for customers to remember to pick them up (batteries may be required, for example). Avoid doing anything illegal by following good pricing practices and always make sure that you have a significant quantity of the sale item in stock and use 'while stocks last' in advertisements. If you are buying in goods specifically for a loss leader strategy, remember that by buying more than normal quantities from your suppliers may entitle you to a discount, so allowing you to increase the margin on the reduced price.

Browse through our site for more point of sale items or give the Essential Sales Products sales team a call – they'll be happy to help! T: 020 8946 3979

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