When a manufacturer presents me with a new POS system, I thankfully immediately and intuitively know, after 20 years of experience, how many returns during the warranty period I can expect. If I have seen the factory in China, Taiwan or anywhere else in Asia, then I know that my guess is accurate. The brand name of the manufacturer does not impress me much. There are also well-known global brands who produce POS systems, of which 30% per year get returned. The record holder is a Far East manufacturer with a rate of 230%, meaning that in the first three years every system was returned more than twice.
That of course is a catastrophe. If we are talking about an end customer with only one POS system, then the retailer can quickly explain that he was simply unlucky, since the devices, and particularly this model, normally are "top". But once the purchaser is part of a chain, then you can forget it.
This is why we are very particular with our POS system selection. Whether it is from HP, NCR or Glancetron: if our product management is not impressed, then we do not buy that product. But Country Managers still come to me: "In country X we need a system for less than Y euros, with Z years of warranty, otherwise we will not sell anything." Of course I can buy a POS system somewhere in the world for 300 euros, with super performance data and a cool design. But then I should also write in the catalog: "This device, which looks great on the outside, comes with only one year's warranty when purchased from us. Because of the servicing which is to be expected, we do not repair the device ourselves, but rather, send it to the manufacturer in the Far East. Please take into account a waiting time of four months. As an alternative we offer our customers a pre-exchange service with a warranty extension, for a mere 300% surcharge."?
It is also interesting that most cases come from central Europe. Thermal overload. In southern Europe every restaurant and every shop is air-conditioned - in Germany or Holland there are only two or three days a year anyway which are hotter than 90 degrees - and that is when the cheap POS systems drop like flies.
I understand the desire to have a more inexpensive market-entry system. But as was the case with the topic of energy consumption (see my blog from 14.2.2012), there must be a little respect for the follow-up costs.
Why is good service so important again?
I'm writing to you today from China. Here I have learnt once again why good service is so important....
I'm writing to you today from China. Here I have learnt once again why good service is so important. If you want a customer to pay more than elsewhere, then you have to make the difference! You have to know what they like and anticipate their wishes.
Here in Shenzhen is the Grand Hyatt Hotel – I was here at least six times a year before Corona – and even stored some luggage in Shenzhen, so that I only had to fly with hand luggage. Liquids and such ... that was difficult on the plane.
It’s been over three years since I was last here, and I arrived to be greeted by an armada of hotel staff. My beloved Coke Zero was waiting for me in the car outside the airport. My luggage, which I hadn’t expected to see again, had been stored for three years and completely cleaned for my new stay. Everything was hanging in the wardrobe and the bathroom was neat and tidy. My razor was charged and my chargers stood on the desk. Of course, the fridge was full of Coke Zero and the white wine I had last drunk three years ago. Even the room service knew what I liked to eat.
That’s what hospitality really is. And we have to do the same at Jarltech. Always write down what our customers want and like. And when I go out to dine with a customer, I need to know whether they are vegan or if they don’t like pork, for example. Some customers want to be called and courted on a weekly basis, whereas others find this rather annoying. Some still prefer paper catalogues, others believe it’s environmental pollution. And all the better if a customer returns after three years, and I still have it all written down somewhere. Jarltech may not be a hotel, but we are a service provider that has to differentiate itself The difference is always in the details.
The world's smallest chef gives a guest performance in Usingen
It's finally back on: Our 3D projection dinner show »Le Petit Chef« will be back in our restaurant »Uwe and Uli« (www.uwe-uli.de) from the 11th of October...
It's finally back on: Our 3D projection dinner show »Le Petit Chef« will be back in our restaurant »Uwe and Uli« (www.uwe-uli.de) from the 11th of October 2023 to the 30th of April 2024. Personally, I always have fun enjoying delicious food with a bit of a show. Come by sometime – it's also great for Christmas parties with up to 20 people. And if you're a customer of ours, why not have your sales contact invite you next time you visit Jarltech? 😊
Have fun with the little chef!
Use our know-how power for yourself – free of charge!
We have the largest showroom in the AIDC industry in Europe, plus plenty of training rooms and an event location....
We have the largest showroom in the AIDC industry in Europe, plus plenty of training rooms and an event location. If you like, we will be happy to train your new employees or your customers’ employees here. You will find an overview and a virtual tour of the showroom on our website. We built these facilities for you – but apparently this is not sufficiently known yet. We can work together to make your staff better, or we can make our facilities available to you, and you can organise your own training for your staff or customers. Just as you wish. We are also happy to take care of airport or train station transfers. Just get in touch with your sales representative and we will do something for you!
Pure delight
I am proud of my team! This time I don’t mean the team from Jarltech, but the team from our restaurant »Uwe & Uli – Zuhause bei uns«....
I am proud of my team! This time I don’t mean the team from Jarltech, but the team from our restaurant »Uwe & Uli – Zuhause bei uns«. The gastronomic guide »Frankfurt geht aus« from the Journal Frankfurt and the Genussakademie awarded us first place in the category »Rhein-Main – feine Küche (exquisite cuisine)«. The joke is that we were not even mentioned there before, but achieved first place right from the start, which really doesn’t happen very often. A two-page article was published about us, a pure hymn of praise. For the kitchen, the service, the atmosphere. We awaited the awards ceremony like toddlers, and now we finally hold it in our hands. Years of work, sweat and tears have paid off – finally, the recognition we always strived for. A warm shower on the soul. I am very proud and equally overjoyed to have made this project possible. Initially a necessity, then later a hobby – I am there every day. I am delighted about every comment, and also about the fact that the team constantly works towards providing an even better experience for the guests. Thank you, thank you, thank you – it needed to be said. Feel free to drop by: www.uwe-uli.de