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Battery life can be frustrating with consumer devices, but healthy, long-lasting #batteries are mission-critical for enterprise devices and all-day computing, scanning, and printing. This week on the #TEConnectPodcast, Global Technology Systems, Inc.'s Rob Cass and Danny Rockett explain how and why batteries go bad and how VARs can make them part of their recurring revenue strategy. 🔎 🔋 “We look at batteries differently than most,” says Rob. Most people only think about batteries when needed, but the full cradle-to-grave lifecycle is important. He emphasizes forecasting to communicate needs long before a dead battery needs to be replaced. ⚡ What causes batteries to degrade and fail? “It all depends,” Danny says with a smile. Usage factors, environment, application—all have an impact. Batteries also age even when not in use and can age faster if sitting on a charger. ⁉ Dean calls out the potential dangers of “off-brand” or unknown batteries, which may not be compatible or have suspect manufacturing. Danny explains the idea of “rapid disassembly,” a term for a battery cell that is “not behaving properly” or has been sitting for too long. 🤑 Batteries can be a great source of recurring revenue for customers who have been holding on to their devices longer than ever. GTS offers a long list of legacy device batteries to meet those needs. 🤝 According to Danny, new batteries should be considered for replacement in 18 months to 2 years in a high-end usage situation. Be proactive rather than reactive to keep your customers’ devices running smoothly. “A battery conversation is a good conversation,” Dean encourages. Danny agrees, saying that most companies don’t have a battery management or maintenance process, potentially holding on to old or unused batteries until they become a safety issue. 💡 “At least do something. Don’t keep them around because then they become a liability.” Katie Sewall Allison Becker

The countdown for #RetailNOW2024 is ON, and we’re ready to make memories and lasting connections! Visit Booth #405 for a chance to win a pair of Apple AirPod Max headphones! RSPA - Retail Solutions Providers Association

Next up on BlueStar's Unboxed Series: the Global Technology Systems, Inc. HMC9000 Batteries! GTS manufactures batteries and chargers for barcode scanners, mobile printers, two-way radios, and uninterruptible power supplies. #BlueStarUnboxed #BlueStar

2️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣ ❗ This week, we're dropping the 200th episode of the #TEConnectPodcast!! As usual, we're celebrating the milestone with wit and a dash of tech. ❓ First, it's another installment of #TechTrivia, with Dean in a generational battle against Sarah Schlueter & Sarah Stenger. Play along and see if you can beat our eventual champion! 🎞 Then, John & Dean dig deep into the oft-referenced Steven Spielberg sci-fi thriller, "Minority Report." 👏 A big thanks to our TEConnect program sponsors and supporters of the show! Elo Touch Solutions, Zebra Technologies, Intel Corporation, Epson America Inc., Star Micronics, Honeywell, Datalogic, Wasp Barcode Technologies, MicroTouch, Code, by Brady, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, & LG Electronics What should we talk about in the next 200??? #StayConnected

We are so proud of Angela Feeney, MBA, MA, for being named an RSPA NextGen 50 under 40 Rising Star! RSPA - Retail Solutions Providers Association #RSPA #BlueStar

Just 7 days from now, we’ll be in Denver for the next leg of the #2UTour! There will be educational presentations, exclusive vendor networking, and a night out at Coors field to watch the Rockies take on the Red Sox. There’s still time to register and secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/gfDm7X5J #BlueStar

The one and only Jim Schaffer is guest-starring on this next BIXOLON America, Inc. unboxed video! This dynamic duo is here to introduce the BIXOLON SRP-F310II printer! This 3-inch front-exit thermal receipt printer is perfect for indoor/outdoor restaurants, kitchens, stadiums, resorts, and even theme parks! Misty Roberts #BlueStar #Unboxed

Tyler Young, CEO of Tonic POS & BOLD Integrated Payments, has made a name for himself and his companies in recent years by displaying a passion for creating solutions beyond “plug-and-play,” a sentiment that most #VARs share. He joined the latest #TEConnectPodcast to discuss what it means for VARs who trust their hardware skills but have been burned by ISVs that don’t deliver or get scooped up by other companies. 👎 Tyler sees a shift from local relationships to software-focused transactions with well-known national software brands, especially in restaurants. Those established brands often scoop up newer, smaller ISVs. 🔨 That leads VARs and ISOs to consider building their own software. "They cannot find a software that they can trust to be their solution," shares Tyler. He recommends finding a partner who is "all in on their product" and predicts that this trend will shift back in the next 10 years, with end users choosing to work with local service providers. 💡 Dean adds to this by noting that software partners should offer customization options or white labeling rather than the one-size-fits-all approach, which doesn't leave much room for personalization. 🤝 What do ISVs want in a reseller partner? “It’s a two-way interview,” says Tyler. He advocates for being a good brand steward over blasting out their software to as many sites as possible. "It's about impact over profit."

Introducing BlueStar's How To Series! Today, we'll show you how to install the WLAN device into the Star Micronics mC-Label3 printer. #BlueStarHowTo #BlueStar

“This association really wants to help everybody,” says Jill Miller about the RSPA - Retail Solutions Providers Association, where she serves as Legal Counsel for members who have questions as they go about their core business of selling solutions for retail. We brought her expertise to the new #TEConnectPodcast to learn more about the common legal situations #VARs may encounter. 📄 Contract management is probably the top concern she hears about and an easy place for small businesses to avoid trouble. “Never, ever, ever just sign an agreement,” Jill emphasizes. “There is always room for negotiation, and the other side isn’t going to present you with their most fantastic offer to start.” 🤫 Dean asks if overly complicated contracts can cause deals to fall through, to which Jill suggests starting with a simple NDA. “That’s where we should be with a lot of agreements—protecting both parties, making it fair.” 🔒 What about solutions that include data collection and analysis? “Every contract should have a privacy provision that talks about how you’re going to manage data, how you’re going to use data, how you’re going to share data.” 🚫 Contracts and agreements should also be mutually beneficial. When access to client lists and proprietary customer information is provided, confidentiality should be a given. 🤝 Jill speaks about the importance of asking for what you want in an agreement. “Don’t negotiate against yourself.” Don’t assume the other party won’t accept what you want or will drop a deal if you ask for something better. 💣 Exclusivity should be avoided. Things change, technology changes, customers change…don’t lock yourself into a situation that could harm your business. 💳 Regarding cash discounting and surcharging, Jill notes that there are many different rules and regulations across states. It’s important for retail or hospitality VARs to know those laws and ensure that the payments and POS partners they work with are also equipped to manage them.