Front Counter

1. Essential Equipment & Technology

✅ Point-of-Sale (POS) System

• 2-3 High-speed computer or touchscreen POS terminal for processing sales.
• Mouse and keyboard for each POS
• Barcode scanner for each POS for quick product lookups.
• One Receipt printer for transaction records.
• Credit card terminal for each POS (with chip reader & contactless payment options like Apple Pay).

✅ Phone System

• 2-3 Multi-line business phone with caller ID and voicemail.

✅ Walkie-Talkies / Communication Device

• Store associates must carry a walkie-talkie to stay connected with sales, warehouse, and management teams.

✅ Time Clock System

• Digital punch-in system for employees to track work hours through POS desk top.

✅ Cash Drawer & Safe

• Secure one cash drawer with organized bill and coin slots.
• Safe or lockbox for storing daily cash sales before depositing.

2. Customer Service & Sales Materials

✅ Sales & Promotional Materials

• Current promotions displayed in an easy-to-reach area.

✅ Customer Order Forms & Invoices 

• Rental order booklet .
• Layaway or approval documents.
• Sales Invoices
• Ship Later Sheets for later delivery with 3-4 approved Delivery companies info 

✅ Business Cards 

• Store manager & ASM Cards
• Sales associate business cards for follow-up.
• Sign for each POS accepting CC or CC & Cash (Drawer)

✅ Return & Exchange Policy

• Clearly displayed ALL SALES ARE FINAL for customer reference.

✅ Gift Cards 

• Physical gift cards for easy gifting.

3. Transaction & Payment Processing Essentials

✅ Pen & Notepad

• Always have pens, highlighters, and notepads for quick calculations or customer notes.

✅ Calculator

• Essential for manual tax calculations, financing breakdowns, or quick estimates.

✅ Bagging & Wrapping Materials

• 3 size Branded shopping bags for small décor or accessory purchases.
• Tissue paper or protective wrapping for fragile items like vases and lamps.
• 2 roll holders for wrapping big art and breakable or stretchable items 

✅ Stapler, Paper Clips, & Tape

• For organizing order forms, receipts, and printed customer information.

✅ Price Tagging Supplies

• Pricing gun for updating price tags.
• Replacement price labels for items missing tags.

4. Customer Engagement & Follow-Up Tools

✅ Customer Feedback & Review 

• Encourage customers to fill out a short review or provide feedback.
• QR code linking to Google Reviews page.

✅ Member Program & Sign-Up Computer

• Member Tag Computer & Printer.

✅ Customer Follow-Up Log

• A dedicated notebook or digital system tracking pending follow-ups for:
  • Special orders
  • Pick Up scheduling
  • Customer inquiries

5. Store Policies & Employee Resources

✅ Store Policy Binder

• Contains return/exchange policies, sales protocols, and warranty information.
• Available for quick reference if a customer has a policy-related inquiry.

✅ Emergency Contact List

• Manager and corporate office contacts for escalations.
• Maintenance and security contact info in case of store incidents.

✅ Employee Scheduling Book 

• Physical or digital record of employee shifts, breaks, and PTO requests.

✅ Store Map 

• Quick reference for where items are located on the showroom floor.

✅ Daily Sales Goals & KPI Tracker

• Digital dashboard tracking daily, weekly, and monthly sales goals.

6. Hygiene & Cleanliness Essentials

✅ Disinfecting Wipes & Hand Sanitizer

• For sanitizing the counter and customer touchpoints.

✅ Glass Cleaner & Microfiber Cloths

• For cleaning POS screens, computer monitors, and display glass.

✅ Trash & Recycling Bins

• Easily accessible bins for paper, plastic, and general waste.

✅ Air Freshener / Scented Candles (if store policy allows)

• Helps maintain a pleasant in-store ambiance.

7. Backup Supplies & Contingency Planning

✅ Backup Power Supply (UPS)

• Prevents data loss during power outages.

✅ Spare Receipt Paper & Ink Cartridges

• Ensure continuous operation of receipt printers.

✅ Extra POS Hardware (if available)

• Spare mouse, keyboard, or barcode scanner in case of equipment failure.

✅ Emergency Lighting / Flashlight

• Needed for unexpected power failures.

✅ First Aid Kit

• Essential for small injuries, cuts, or burns.

8. Member Portal

✅ High Speed Computer

• One in All Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse

✅ 2 Tag Printers

• one regular tag printer
• one butterfly tag printer 

✅ Supplies

• Scissors 
• Red Markers
• New Westside Market 2x3 Tags
• Strings 

Final Notes: Creating an Efficient & Customer-Centric Front Counter

To ensure maximum efficiency and customer satisfaction, the front counter should always be:
✔ Organized – Clutter-free and optimized for fast transactions.
✔ Stocked – All essential materials should be replenished regularly.
✔ Accessible – Employees should have quick access to tools, forms, and policies.
✔ Customer-Friendly – Designed to engage customers and enhance the shopping experience.

A well-equipped front counter boosts sales efficiency, improves customer service, and supports a seamless retail operation at Westside Market.