Relax… Your Software Conversion Doesn’t Have to be Scary!

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Switching over to a new pawn shop software program can be terrifying. We know there is a lot to consider, from shop operations, to equipment, to training…

 

One of your biggest concerns may be the conversion of your data. When it comes to data structure, it’s typically never apples to apples. The data needs to be manipulated to line up with the structure of the program you’re converting into. In most cases data record statuses from the originating program will be foreign to the program you are converting to and will require re-mapping. Make sure your new software company is experienced and can deliver when it comes to preserving your precious data.

 

Make sure to have a detailed conversation with your soft (more…)

PawnMaster Helps Clients be More Successful through Information and Training

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Now that the show season has started with a very successful Dixie 2016, Data Age/PawnMaster will continue to lead the way and advance the ball regarding education and training.  We will continue to educate the PawnMaster family on the power of PawnMaster and all the powerful tools with the software but we will also do our part to educate the industry on current trends, marketing, sales, company culture and the buying market. On March 31, 2016 we are launching our first of what will become many PawnMaster user symposiums. This event, and the countless others to follow, will not only focus on continued training but it will see industry experts speaking to our PawnMaster clients.  (more…)

See You in New Orleans at the Dixie Pawnbrokers Conference!

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As we’re gearing up for one of our favorite trade shows – the Dixie Pawnbroker’s Conference, the buzz around the office has been high. We’ve got a lot going on here at Data Age / PawnMaster! The development of New products and services continues as they always have . Adding on to the industry’s largest sales, marketing, tech support and development teams… We’re really excited about all the happenings. We can’t wait to see our customers in New Orleans this weekend. Be sure to stop by booth 205 to say “hello” and learn about how we’re gearing up for the (very near) future. 

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Visual Based Post [Blogging Blueprint]


INTRODUCTION:

An image post uses a visual element as the centerpiece of your post, such as a SlideShare presentation, infographic, comic, or high-resolution images.

Use your introduction to provide a caption for your image(s). Why is it valuable? What’s the point? Image posts don’t require a lot of text, so choose your words wisely.

Here are some examples of how we use Visual blog posts here at HubSpot:

  • A Visual History of Google Algorithm Changes [Infographic]
  • Can a Career in B2B Marketing Be Fulfilling? [SlideShare]
  • A Sampling of the Sexiest Business Blogs on the Internet
  • (more…)

    Is Your Software Provider a “Ticking Time Bomb”?

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    The industry was given some unfortunate news about Dazzle Pawn this week. It is not only unfortunate for this person’s loved ones, but also for all of the pawn brokers who have invested their futures into a one-man software shop without anticipating the consequences that are coming to light today. Of course we don’t expect the worst when it comes to things like this, but this is why it is important to ask solid questions before committing to any vendor.  Unfortunately, we have seen similar situations more often than we would like in our 28 years in this industry. Data conversions are part of the business for us but even with that, we never like seeing a fellow pawnbroker go through the stress of trying to get back up and running overnight if things were to go in a bad direction. As we have for a long time, we encourage our customers to shoparound and do their homework. (more…)

    Our employees are our greatest asset

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    I’ve been with Data Age for a year and a half as their Human Resources Director and I have been a part of developing what makes us successful…Our Employees.  Getting to this point didn’t happen overnight as I’m sure any H.R. Leader can attest to.  There have been a painstaking number of interviews, pre-employment tests, candidate reviews, orientations and training to get to this level but our due diligence has paid off and continues to pay off.

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    Low-Cost Ways to Market Your Shop

    Low-Cost Ways to Market Your Shop

    AdWords

    You can start small. Look into buying some keywords related to payday loans, cash advances, cash loans, collateral loans, pawn loans, etc. You can target these to people searching for those terms within a geographic radius of your location. On the retail side, you can also target terms that are related to items you’re trying to sell. Some people searching for items may not think to check their local pawn shop. The great thing about AdWords is you can set a daily budget, so you can spend as much or as little as you want – you can start small and increase later. The system manages your budget for you, so you never go over. (more…)

    Are you spending any effort on marketing your shop?

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    As a pawn broker, you know better than anyone that time is money. You may have a dedicated budget for marketing. Or you may have a website that was created two or three years ago that hasn’t been updated since it was uploaded to the web. Perhaps your niece posts something to Facebook a few times a year for you. No matter how little or how much effort you put into marketing your shop, you probably would like to know how that effort is affecting your business.

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