Industry Perspectives

Your POS processes sales, the service app schedules technicians, and accounting software keeps the books. Yet your team still enters customer information twice, calls the office for job details, and pulls numbers from several places to prepare a report. The individual tools may do their jobs well, but the gaps between them can make yours […]

What to Expect When Switching to RB Propel Changing the software that runs your pool and spa business is a big undertaking. Your current system may hold years of customer records, inventory information, service history, billing data, and processes your employees use every day. Even when that system no longer works as well as it […]

Running a pool business—whether it’s a retail store, a service company, or a combination of both—is no easy task. Between managing customer orders, scheduling service appointments, tracking inventory, and handling accounting, the demands can feel overwhelming. Like many pool business owners, you may rely on familiar tools such as spreadsheets or low-cost lite software to […]

Excited to share my recent feature in AQUA Magazine’s State of the Industry spotlight discussing how RB Retail & Service Solutions is helping pool and spa businesses become more connected, data-driven, and growth-focused. In the article, we dive into: The launch of our new marketing services program for dealers The impact of integrations like DocuSign […]

I’m excited and honored to share that I will be serving as a Board Member for the newly launched Pool & Spa Association of Western Pennsylvania, the newest chapter of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association. This is an exciting step forward for pool and spa professionals across Western Pennsylvania, creating new opportunities for collaboration, […]

Pool openings and closings may drive seasonal revenue — but what about the months in between? Our latest article with PHTA explores how pool and spa businesses can create more consistent revenue streams year-round by strengthening customer engagement, expanding service opportunities, and leveraging smarter operational tools. Read the article here.

I attended a powerful webinar yesterday on using your authentic voice, and it left me reflecting on how often we sometimes hold ourselves back—especially in professional settings. The session explored some of the internal “rules” many of us women carry, like feeling we’re not ready, needing to be perfect, or worrying about how we’ll be […]

From operations… to outcomes. That’s the shift happening across the pool & spa industry—and it’s redefining how businesses think about finance, efficiency, and growth. In my latest article, I explore how modern software is helping companies move beyond manual processes to gain real-time visibility into: ✔️ Inventory and cash flow ✔️ Billing accuracy and speed […]

In the pool and spa world, business owners can count on spring openings and fall closings to generate the bulk of service revenue. These seasonal surges can be both predictable and profitable. But what happens in between? As the seasons shift, businesses can struggle to maintain a regular revenue stream, keep their technicians busy, and […]

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) released its 2024 Business Operations Survey Report back in August, which offered an analysis of key operating data from the industry and valuable benchmarking insights. Responses from 368 businesses were evaluated for a detailed look at how pool and hot tub companies are performing across retail, service, and […]

There’s a natural ebb and flow to all businesses, but for seasonal industries like Pool & Spa, the shifts in sales volume and customer activity tend to be more dramatic—even abrupt. During peak season, attracting customers old and new may come quite easily. Your phone doesn’t stop ringing, the foot traffic keeps coming, and sales […]

Pool Water Testing Equipment Integrations Lend Pool Businesses Greater Efficiency As a pool professional, you know the importance of testing pool water, and that it’s important to educate your customers on the benefits of testing and the dangers of skipping testing. When chlorine and pH levels are too high or low, a pool may be […]

For many pool and spa retailers, the end of the season is a tricky time. Leftover inventory ties up working capital, sales start to slow, and you’re faced with the challenge of making sure this year’s gains don’t evaporate before next spring. The good news? With the right strategies and tools you can protect your […]

Columbia Pool and Spa in Missouri is a full-service pool company offering retail sales, maintenance services, and construction. They needed a comprehensive solution to manage their diverse business operations and found success with RB's integrated software. We recently interviewed Columbia to understand how the software has helped them run their business with ease and provide […]

Founded almost 50 years ago by industry icon Locksin Thompson, Blackthorne Hot Tubs has grown to serve six vast Central California counties. Malina Breaux, president and CFO of Blackthorne, has been using RB for years and sat down with us to describe how the software has helped her business streamline scheduling, inventory, and enhance their […]

Unlocking Efficiency and Flexibility: The Benefits of Cloud Hosted Point of Sale (POS) Software In today's fast-paced business environment, the choice of point of sale (POS) software can significantly impact the efficiency and agility of operations. Among the various options available, cloud hosted POS software and cloud-based POS systems stand out as leading choices for […]

Managing a business presents unique challenges, but the right software for your swimming pool business can transform these challenges into opportunities for profit.

For pool and spa businesses, mobile POS transactions with a system like RB’s can be a total game-changer in terms of customer convenience and staff efficiency.

Brush up on the basics of pool water testing equipment and learn how testing integrations with your business software can add greater efficiency and customer service.

Mobile spa software empowers you to offer mobile checkout, more convenient service calls, and real-time service updates for an even better customer experience.

Many factors go into pricing pool service, starting with your pool service costs and including your local market, competitor offerings, and more – get tips here!

Choosing the perfect customer relationship management software for your small business is about enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operations.

For pool owners and maintenance professionals alike, the presence of pollen in pool waters is a familiar challenge. Brush up on the solutions in our new blog.

The new premium feature available with RB’s software, the EZ Shop Retail App, will help keep customers happy by streamlining and expediting the checkout process.

When you store information in customer database software, your staff is well-positioned to identify your customers’ needs to offer more personalized service.

Finding the best inventory management software for your pool business is essential for profitability, as keeping accurate track of stock impacts your bottom line.

RB recently interviewed Ruth and Len, the owners of Monarch Pool Care, to find out how RB has been helping them improve their business — check out the Q&A!

Standing out from competitors and generating new leads can be challenging. Luckily, there are several simple pool service advertising ideas for beginners to try.

Owners, management, and employees that communicate well ensure customers’ needs are not forgotten and that the business runs at the highest efficiency possible.

Intuit has officially announced the discontinuation of its QuickBooks Point-of-Sale (POS) product, scheduled for October 3, 2023. With 20 years of business under its belt, many pool and spa business owners will be affected by the discontinuation and should start looking for a replacement as soon as possible.

If you’re considering starting a swimming pool business, you may wonder what sort of profits you can make — and if you’re already running one, you may be interested in how you could boost your profitability.

If you’re using QuickBooks Point of Sale, support and updates for the service will soon be discontinued! The maker of QuickBooks, Intuit, recommends that users choose another system as quickly as possible.

Are you using QuickBooks Point-Of-Sale for your pool and spa business? Intuit will discontinue the QuickBooks POS on October 3, 2023, and recommends that users “explore other point-of-sale solutions” for their business.

Intuit will discontinue the QuickBooks Point-of-Sale (POS) product on October 3, 2023. Sometimes businesses terminate a service they no longer find commercially viable, especially if it is only one portion of their offering.

Business software can make credit memos much easier to deal with, automatically adding the updated information directly to your accounting records to save time.

Investing in customer loyalty to drive repeat business can pay dividends for your company. These days, the cost of new customer acquisition is higher than ever, and researchers have found that repeat customers tend to spend more and have a greater impact on your bottom line.

The past few years have been good for the pool business. Since 2019, more and more homeowners have opted to install backyard pools, and real estate experts say that a pool can add 5 to 8% to the value of a home.

While people are reviving their social lives, many are doing so by hosting cozy nights at home rather than frequent nights out on the town. This has become such a popular trend that The Spruce is calling 2023 “the year of the dinner party.”

A poorly-maintained hot tub will look (and even smell) unpleasant, will be costly to fix, and can pose an even greater health hazard than a poorly-maintained swimming pool.

RB recently interviewed Tom, the owner of Pool FX, to find out how RB has been helping them improve their business. Check out our Q&A with Tom below.

The rising cost of building swimming pools makes job costing more important than ever. Pool and spa companies have to price jobs for profitability despite rising costs, but customers don’t like surprises, especially on their final bill.

Investing in customer loyalty to drive repeat business can pay dividends for your company. These days, the cost of new customer acquisition is higher than ever, and researchers have found that repeat customers tend to spend more and have a greater impact on your bottom line.

The right customer relationship management (CRM) software can enable your pool & spa retail business to elevate the customer experience, driving customer loyalty and retention. In addition, a retail CRM built specifically for pool and spa retailers can take your business to the next level, allowing you to drive repeat business and improve operational efficiency.

Say one of your pool service technicians is on-site at a customer’s home and needs equipment warranty dates. He calls the office for the information but has to wait on hold for a while because the staff is busy helping other customers.

Improving field employee productivity may seem challenging since you aren’t with them most of the day. But there are several easy ways to give your team a boost, mostly by making daily work easier and more convenient for both workers and customers.

Carefully managing every aspect of your company is pivotal to maintaining a healthy business, especially in recent years as the market has evolved. Savvy business owners understand the importance of healthy pool service cash flow and visibility into financial metrics.

Customer service is critical to your business, and providing accurate quotes is part of offering good customer service and a positive customer experience. Swimming pool quote software makes this easier than ever, especially when it’s part of a full-service business management system designed specifically for pool and spa businesses.

RB recently interviewed Jennifer from the accounting department of Johnson Pools and Spas to find out how RB has been helping them improve their business. Check out our Q&A with Jennifer below.

CRM stands for “customer relationship management.” It refers to software that helps you track and organize interactions with customers. A CRM can also store valuable customer data for you: how long a customer has been frequenting your store, notes from the sales staff, what they’ve bought from you in the past, and more.

Thanks to the rising demand of consumers who invested in creating a backyard oasis ideal for staycations rather than traveling, pool and spa businesses have been making record sales during the busy season.

The pandemic’s effect on the supply chain has created shortages in pool materials like PVC, plastic, concrete, and more to cause construction materials to go up 31.3% from 2020 to 2022.

Just like home builders, pool builders are feeling the results of rising costs. More people are moving to the suburbs, and many want to invest in a backyard oasis.

Pool service businesses across the industry are finding that the ability to connect their pool service software with QuickBooks is a winning combination for running their business smoothly and efficiently.

For many people, a backyard pool or spa is a luxury they are willing to pay someone else to maintain. But even customers who prefer to contract out pool care should know basic pool maintenance requirements.

RB investigated the latest trends in the pool service industry for 2022 and beyond to bring you the latest insights relevant to your pool and spa business.

If you’re still using filing cabinets, filling out paperwork manually, or entering data into multiple systems and spreadsheets, you may not realize how much time you can save with pool service business software.

The pool industry has benefited from the extra time people have spent in their homes the past two years. From 2020 to 2021, pool construction was up about 20 percent. This boom in construction also created a greater need for pool maintenance supplies and services.

While it would be nice if your customers all lived in the same neighborhood, that rarely happens. Instead, your staff will spend part of each day in transit rather than in billable hours. Optimizing your service routes to minimize travel time saves time and money.

The best swimming pool construction project management software helps you improve efficiency. When your employees can breeze through administrative tasks quickly, they are freed up to focus on providing a great customer experience and increasing sales.

A new POS pool and spa software system can help reduce or eliminate stressors inhibiting business development or your company’s ability to handle another big summer. Implementing new POS software can improve efficiency and accuracy while saving company expenses in the long run.

Point of sale (POS) software designed specifically for the hearth industry can help your business run more efficiently and maximize profits. The right hearth POS software will help you manage and track all aspects of your business, saving you time and money and improving customer service.

The pandemic created challenges for pool and spa retailers and created opportunities for many to think outside the box, developing new programs that generate fresh revenue streams. One idea has emerged for several retailers: providing professional, at-home, poolside water testing rather than having customers bring water samples into the retail store.

The best swimming pool service management software helps streamline operations so your business can run more efficiently. Centralizing information and automating certain tasks boosts productivity, freeing your employees to focus on customer relationships and increasing sales.

As pool and spa businesses pivot to maximize opportunities in today’s marketplace, having the right point-of-sale (POS) software can save retailers an enormous amount of time and money in day-to-day business operations.

As temperatures drop outside, people seek warm and cozy environments inside, such as warm and attractive hearths. But a cozy hearth is not just picturesque, it is also life sustaining – in cold climates, heat is a basic need.

Pool service professionals are busier than ever, keeping pools and hot tubs clean and in working order. To provide the best customer service, pool and spa service techs must be able to efficiently maintain their service contracts – even when resources are stretched thin.

The past two years have seen people spending more time at home, and the latest chimney and hearth industry trends indicate home hearths are as popular as ever. As the work-at-home workforce increases, the demand for comfort and efficiency in living spaces grows.

As the intensity of the pool industry’s busy season passes, now is the time to ask yourself how well your business software supported your business. Suppose you think your company could have been more successful with a different business software solution.

With the slower winter season in full swing, now is the perfect time to consider ways to implement more efficient processes so employees can maximize their time and avoid getting swamped when the busy season arrives.

The past two summers have been extremely challenging and intense. From creating new business offerings like curbside service and home delivery to expanding online store options and redesigning retail stores, every pool and spa retailer has had to adjust.

Pro Pools has found using RB easy to navigate, promotes a good working relationship with our employees and customers, and communication between service technicians and ordering department. RB has reliable customer service that is appreciated by our staff when having technical issues and/or software questions.

There are much more effective options available than the free or generic software many businesses use — for example, RB software is customized for chimney and hearth businesses, so it’s packed with features designed for your unique needs.

According to IDC, a market research firm, organizations lose 20-30% of revenue every year from inefficient processes. After nearly 20 years of working hand-in-hand with pool and spa business owners, we know that manual processes and duplicate work slow you down.

During the winter holiday shopping season, pool and spa industry stores always find creative ways to promote their pool, spa, and outdoor living products as gifts for family and friends. From BBQs and hot tubs to fire pits and outdoor TVs, the pool and spa industry can boost revenue with marketing and sales promotions around Black Friday, Cyber Monday and beyond.

Swimming pool retail stores are evaluating the best way to maximize their retail store space to make the most profit per square foot. It’s been tricky because pool and spa products are in high demand, and stores are also trying to create more open spaces to meet recommended social distancing recommendations.

Running your own business is a major accomplishment. But, it’s also a lot of work! Pool and spa professionals are finding that they should invest in pool and spa retail software with automation to create the work/life balance they’re looking for.

Now that the long lines of customers are shrinking and the phones are no longer ringing off the hook, pool and spa businesses can regroup to make the most of the slower winter months. Now is the time for pool and spa professionals to figure out ways to boost swimming pool product sales.

Now that children are back in school, pools are closing, and the lines of customers are getting shorter, it’s time for pool and spa professionals to review their pool warranty claims with their manufacturer suppliers. Although warranty claim processing may be tedious, once completed, these parts and labor claims can add up to significant revenue in months when cash flow has begun to slow down.

With fall and winter approaching, your chimney and hearth sales business is gearing up for the busier season. With a little proactive planning, solid employee training, and the right tools on your side, you can make the most of your fall and winter chimney and hearth sales.

When choosing the best point of sale pool software to use, retailers agree that the goals are to keep the lines moving, create a seamless purchasing process, and increase sales along the way. This means that your point of sale pool software should be fully integrated with your water testing systems and your vendors, plus offer built-in sales tools to increase profits on every transaction.

Maintaining the right pool chemical balance is more complex than simply adding sanitizer, adjusting the pH, and running the filter. Of course, customers want their pool water clean, clear, and comfortable, but reaching that perfect balance can be challenging for new pool owners.

With widespread shortages in supplies, backorders and fluctuating prices across all areas of the pool and spa industry, the importance of inventory management has never been more apparent. Most pool and spa retailers agree that the pandemic has highlighted the need for automation and more use of e-commerce.

Using spa marketing software can help specialty retailers ensure a steady stream of spa-related revenue all year long. By using features such as comprehensive contracts and custom kit builders, specialty retailers will increase their revenue on every spa sale and ensure year-round revenue streams from service work, chemical sales, and more.

RB turned our business around and made it more profitable. We recently sold the company and it was because of implementing the RB software that we were able to sell it at the price we wanted.

Among the many trends emerging in our industry, pool and spa professionals are clearly embracing technology to thrive in this time of market growth for all things pools, spas, and backyard living. But, as we all know, businesses are stretched thin and need every tool at their disposal to improve retail employee productivity.

Pools aren’t known for being especially eco-friendly -- they use energy and strong chemicals to heat and circulate large amounts of water. However, there are more and more highly accessible, easy, and affordable ways your customers can have more sustainable swimming pools.

At a time when inventory is in short supply, knowing exactly where every product is located at any time is imperative to the success of all pool and spa businesses. The best way to avoid costly inventory control mistakes common to manual systems is to implement automated pool and spa inventory management software.

Effective internal communications is at the foundation of any strong, successful business. RB Retail and Service Solutions offers Pool and Spa as well as Chimney and Hearth POS solutions with employee communication software built in. Promoting superior employee communications is a significant benefit of their overall solution.

In today’s competitive marketplace, pool and spa retailers need to make the most of every customer interaction. Some of the most valuable customer interactions happen at the water testing station. Savvy retailers improve their customer service by integrating their pool water testing software with business software to save time at the water testing station and the register.

Customer relationships are vital to your organization's growth, so you need to manage them as efficiently and effectively as possible. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software helps companies become more efficient and track multitudes of consumer data, ultimately helping drive sales growth and profits.

Despite the skyrocketing demand for all things pool and outdoor living, it is still important to continue marketing products and services to both new and existing customers.

Running your business efficiently demands an awareness of the latest technologies and options for streamlining operations. Chimney software is an excellent way for your chimney and hearth business to track inventory, communicate with customers and the field team, and much more.

As we enter the pool and spa busy season, now is the perfect time to consider ways to boost your business, streamline operations and inventory management, and make internal communications easier for your teams so they can focus on serving customers.

Looking for a pool service software to help run your retail business? Check out this case study to learn more about RB’s software and services, designed specifically for the pool and spa industry.

As a business owner in today’s digital age, it’s critical to be on top of the latest and most efficient technology to use to run your business. This is no exception to the chimney and hearth industry where chimney software can help to streamline internal processes, track inventory, communicate with customers and with the field team, and a lot more.

As pool businesses are frantically keeping up with the demand for new pool construction and renovation, many pool businesses struggle to track their actual costs to ensure high-profit margins on each pool job. Unfortunately, with widespread shortages in supplies, backorders, and fluctuating prices across all areas of the pool and spa industry, businesses need to keep tighter control of inventory and ensure that product mark-ups are high enough so that profit margins on all jobs will cover both the company’s overhead and marketing costs

As a pool and spa retailer, the main benefit of a CRM database is to manage the relationship you have with your customers. This helps to increase your sales and grow business. By leveraging your CRM database, you can unlock information and identify new business opportunities that are relevant and timely to each customer.

After purchasing business management software, it’s important that the people who regularly use the tool stay up-to-date on the latest features and offerings. If you are a retailer looking to purchase software to help run your pool and spa business, one of the things to inquire about before you invest is the training workshops and resources available.

The biggest difference between you and your competition is always going to be customer service. It’s what truly seals the deal and solidifies your client’s complete experience. You could have the best tools on the market, but customers may be negatively influenced by your product if they aren’t receiving proper care from your team - especially in this new digital age, as a result of the global pandemic.

While the pandemic has created challenges for pool and spa retailers, it has also created opportunities for “out of the box” thinking. Business owners have had to quickly develop new programs that create additional revenue streams. One idea that emerged for several retailers is using mobile water testing software to provide professional, at-home, poolside water testing. This way, customers don’t have to bring water samples into the retail store.

Although it might feel like your pool and spa business doesn’t need to boost sales during this pandemic surge in demand, being able to harness the power of this business boom is key to long-term growth and revenue. One of the most valuable things your business can do is capture and harness data through pool service reporting software in order to target specific customers for specific offers.

We have an excellent relationship with RB and frequently recommend them to others who ask about the system we use. It is very easy to use and train on, especially with the available video tutorials.

Effective controlling the costs associated with pool construction is critical to ensuring construction profitability. As pool professionals find themselves over-booked this summer with pool construction or complete backyard renovations, it is particularly important this time of year to prevent hidden costs that could negatively impact project profitability.

We have an excellent relationship with RB and frequently recommend them to others who ask about the system we use. It is very easy to use and train on, especially with the available video tutorials.

Hot tub owners continue to spend more time at home and use their hot tubs more frequently, resulting in busier service professionals hustling to keep those hot tubs clean and in working order. In order to maximize the profitability that comes from this opportunity, service techs must be able to efficiently maintain their hot tub service contracts.

Aside from outstanding customer service, professionals agree that great deals delivered through strong pool and spa marketing tactics help lure customers back into the retail store. Once someone owns a pool or spa, it is important to stay top of mind with these potential repeat customers and ensure they do not take their business elsewhere.

The global pandemic has left devastating effects on the economy and forced consumers to shift to an online marketplace. The spa and pool business was no exception. COVID-19 has forever shifted the way consumers purchase goods, and a digitized means of shopping will likely stick around long after the world has returned to a sense of normalcy.

Every year, pool and spa businesses fall victim to inaccuracies in inventory that can lead to thousands of dollars in lost profits. The busy summer season invariably leads to sales staff that give products away, service professionals that grab products from store shelves and office staff that neglects to track warranties.

We had struggled to find a program that would handle point of sale and service. RB was the perfect solution, adding tools we didn’t even know we were looking for like sales leads and follow-ups.

Did you know that 94 percent of employees say that they would stay at a company longer if it invested in helping them learn? As pool and spa businesses prepare themselves for next season, many managers and owners are taking advantage of online education and training opportunities for employees, especially as staff remain working from home this winter.

Many pool service businesses agree that the pandemic has forced them to rethink the layout and design of their stores. As a result, savvy merchandisers are taking the opportunity to renovate their retail stores and retool their business procedures in preparation for what appears will be another busy year.

The business surge in 2020 due to COVID-19 caught most pool and spa service businesses by surprise, especially given that we were forced to operate much differently than in the past. Despite the challenges, savvy pool and spa professionals are embracing the opportunity to improve their business practices and ramp up this winter for an even better 2021 season.

2021 is almost upon us! At RB, we reexamine our pool and spa service business software each year to ensure we’re listening to and implementing the feedback we receive from our customers. For the New Year, we’re excited to share that we’ve expanded our software integration to include RB Web Services!

We needed a point of sale software (POS) that could manage both our service operations and our retail store operation, which we were newly opening. The system we had originally been using did not allow retail to integrate with service all on the same system, so we needed to make a change.

As the lines of customers shrink and the phones are no longer ringing-off-the-hook, it’s time for pool service companies to regroup and make the most of the slower winter months. Now is the time for pool and spa professionals to take a closer look at what went “well” and what went “not so well” in the previous season.

Given the impact of COVID-19 and social distancing, delivering an exceptional digital experience for customers (and employees!) has never been more critical. How can you achieve this? By adopting a mobile pool and spa software for your business.

With the unexpected boost in summer sales, savvy pool and spa professionals are developing strategies to sustain this rapid growth through the winter and into 2021. In this blog, we break down both of these approaches and how they will help you ensure maximum profits through the winter - as well as the cost of “doing nothing” and continuing to track inventory manually.

Provide top notch customer service by presenting your store as the professional organization that your customers have learned to expect. RB Control Systems will provide speed and accuracy at the cash register and move lines faster. Scanning the products barcode labels ensures that all merchandise is sold at the correct price. Easily track the status […]

Strong customer service is the lifeblood of any successful business - especially during busy season, and especially during a pandemic that has had a significant impact on customer behaviors. COVID-19 has revealed just how important it is to have a systematic and streamlined system in place - such as a POS system software - to manage existing customers, new customers, and prospects.

Your staff likely feels overworked right now, given the unexpected business surge this year in the pool and spa industry. Knowing that this trend will continue through the 2021 season, it’s important to consider ways to combat employee burnout. The last thing pool and spa businesses need is to lose valuable, trained employees - especially those well-versed in your pool service software.

When it comes to deploying a pool service software, time and cost can be a major factor for many pool retailers. During busy season, you likely aren’t able to spend much time thinking about the best way to manage your business. And as soon as busy season ends, companies often want to protect their capital […]

The pandemic has provided pool and spa retailers, builders, and service professionals an unexpected boost in sales this summer. While much of our industry continues to scramble to obtain the products needed to satisfy customer demands, savvy pool and spa professionals are thinking ahead on ways to sustain this rapid growth through the winter and […]

In today’s challenging business environment, the companies that make it to the other side of this global pandemic won’t necessarily be those who were the “strongest” before, but rather those that are willing to adapt to the many changes that have occurred seemingly overnight. This is particularly important for our pool and spa industry, as […]

Implementing new business software can seem daunting to any business. And the pool and spa industry, in particular, comes with many nuances. However, the creators of RB Retail & Service’s software are industry professionals and are well-versed in the ins and outs of pool and spa companies and their needs. As a result, our team […]

This summer, probably more than just about any other summer, has been extremely challenging and intense. From creating new business offerings such as curbside service, and home delivery to expanding online store options and redesigning retail stores for social distancing—every pool and spa retailer in our industry has had to adjust. As the intensity of […]

Since summer is here and pool and spa stores are reopening, businesses are reporting a higher number of customers in their brick and mortar locations, as well as on their online store sites. Selling more during the busy summer season and increasing your customer base are critical for any pool and spa retailer that wants to […]

RB Retail & Service Solutions is pleased to announce it has been acquired and is now a part of Fullsteam™, a leading software and technology company that owns several specialty software companies across a diverse range of industries. As part of the Fullsteam™ family, RB Retail & Service Solutions will continue to be focused on […]

-by Rachael Pritz, RB Pool & Spa Summer has finally arrived for most of the U.S. and Canada! Although Memorial Day weekend generally kicks off the summer season in the U.S., most of the industry reported the summer-selling-season arrived early, as quarantined consumers began preparing their backyards for a summer stay-cation. Since summer is the […]

Deliver the Right Messages to the Right Audience. -by Rachael Pritz, RB Pool & Spa As specialty retailers, you have a unique competitive advantage over big-box stores in that you sell and service products yourself and have personal relationships with your customers. Because of COVID-19 and social distancing, it’s become even more critical to maintain […]

With the evolution of technology has come a variety of pool and spa management software options to help you more efficiently operate your business. This has been transformative for our industry and we’re seeing more and more businesses adopting technology solutions and moving away from pen and paper.

Spa retailers report that these features not only create efficiency for their team and their customer, but also help drive more profit. -by Rachael Pritz, RB Pool & Spa With social distancing and stay-at-home orders still in place, customers are eager to prepare for summer, which has resulted in an uptick of spa sales. Oftentimes […]

Using the latest software technology will drive efficiency for both your team and your customers -by Rachael Pritz, RB Pool & Spa To make the most of your seasonal service business, you don’t want your staff stuck in traffic or to be on a call for which they are over or under-qualified. You want to […]

Pool service professionals are considered essential right now, as stagnant bodies of water can be disastrous. -by Rachael Pritz, RB Pool & Spa It has certainly been a difficult time for our community and the entire world right now, as we work to navigate the unknowns of this global pandemic and its profound impact. Despite […]

Advanced planning can help vastly increase your profit potential in 2020. –by Rachael Pritz. RB Retail & Service November is the perfect month to sit down with your staff to evaluate what went well and not so well while the previous season is still fresh in everyone’s minds. One of the challenges in a seasonal […]

Finding additional profits at the end of the pool season. -by Rachael Pritz, RB Retail Service Solutions Once pools are closed at the end of the summer season, many pool and spa professionals are confronted with a pile of warranty claims to process. It’s important to remember that warranty processing and claims may be tedious […]

This winter is the perfect time to join the many pool and spa businesses that are making the switch to pool industry software- designed specifically for our industry. Summer is over and the intensity of the pool industry’s busy season is done. Now is the time to ask: How did we do? And in particular, […]

Service Professionals increase customer loyalty using Mobile Software Apps. With the winterizing of pools, service professionals have an opportunity to build customer loyalty that will reach into the following year. Pool pros know that closing a pool efficiently and ending the summer season on a high note generates goodwill with customers. To that end, implementing […]

Online reviews are a fantastic way to capitalize on the local market. Reviews are essentially the word-of-mouth recommendations of the modern age—did you know 84% of people trust online review just as much as personal recommendations from friends or family members? Not only that, but online reviews also boost your local Search Engine Optimization (SEO). […]

Here at RB Retail & Service Solutions, we realize that making the decision to purchase or change the software that manages the business, service, retail, or construction of any company is a big deal. We take this change in business operation very seriously and we are here to provide the appropriate training to ensure every […]

To have a highly successful pool and spa business, you need to start with efficiently and effectively managing your business operations. Investing in a software solution can maximize profits! With the right business management software, you can achieve an all-in-one solution that will streamline processes and improve staff communication. More and more pool and spa […]

High school and college students play a very important role in the pool industry. We need extra help during the busy season and that coincides with summer break for teenagers and young adults summer break. They are the perfect complement to our adult staff members. To have successful and great student employees you need to […]

Thinking of moving your files to the cloud? Before making the decision to get rid of your server and move to the cloud here are a few things to consider. A dedicated server is a physical computer that is purchased and installed at your location just for your company’s use. Think of it as a […]

There may come a time when you decide it’s time to expand your growing business to another location. How do you connect your locations together so you all share the same data? The answer is a server. A server is a computer that allows all your locations to connect and share the same files and […]

Wouldn’t it be great if your entire staff was fully implementing the point-of-sale software you purchased for your pool and spa company? Whether your business management software is new or a few years old, don’t miss out on the highest return on your investment through improved processes and procedures. Now that business is in the […]

The RB Retail and Service Solutions team recently sponsored and participated in the Metal Photo Service 5th Annual Kickball Tournament, which holds an annual benefit for local families and charities. This year’s beneficiary of the tournament was Noah Schwartz. Noah was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma at the age of 2, and has been bravely […]

There are plenty of marketing avenues that cost little to no money for your business that can have big results. Let’s start with some social networking that is absolutely free. Create business accounts and participate in big social media sites like Facebook & Pinterest. Because the Pool & Spa business is image oriented you should […]

Finding an IT company to manage your network can be a daunting task if you are unfamiliar with technology. It can be hard to say no to a tech company if you don’t know what services they are trying to get you to take up. In the end most people will just put their trust […]

In this digital age it can seem like a scary thing to know there are hackers out there looming in the e-shadows waiting to steal away your sensitive data. However, there are things you can do to mitigate or in some cases prevent damage to your files. Backups, Backups, Backups. If you regularly back up […]

We’ve seen a sharp rise in crypto viruses in the last few months. A crypto virus is a nasty computer program that takes all your data and puts a nice sturdy padlock on it so you can’t get to it anymore. The creator of that virus then tries to ransom the key to you. So […]

In this blog series we are discussing a few different areas of business you might have time to dig your teeth into during your down season. Last time, we discussed planning all of your sales and events before business ramps up and today we are jumping into the business of selling yourself online. Now, more […]

A Practical Guide for the Everyman Thinking of moving your files to the cloud? Before making the decision to get rid of your server and move to the cloud here are a few things to consider. A dedicated server is a physical computer that is purchased and installed at your location just for your companies […]

The slow time of year is the perfect time to dust off your ledger and examine sales trends over the past few seasons. Think outside of the box that says you can only hold a sale during a holiday weekend, and instead really dig into your numbers. When did business need an extra boost? When […]

You will not find any other Point of Sale Business Management software system in the pool & spa industry as easy to use and with as many HELP features as RB Control Systems software. Our Operations Manual is hosted online, accessible through the RB Control Systems programs Help Menu and is easily searchable. The manual […]

Are you maximizing RB Control Systems automation for your Accounts Receivables? As your customer base grows, so does the workload for sending Accounts Receivables. Why not make things simple? Check out these RB Control Systems Accounts Receivable features that will save your business time and money while making it more convenient for your customers: Email […]

RB Control Systems wants to be the very best… Like no one ever was! Pokémon GO is the new mobile game for Android and iPhone developed by The Pokémon Company and Niantic that has been sweeping the nation in the last week with over 25 million registered users. The game features augmented-reality that allows players […]

We’re Growing. We’re Moving. RB Control Systems is growing – so much so, that we’re in need of a new space. After 13 years in North Versailles, we are excited to announce that RB Control Systems moved. Our new office is located just a few miles from downtown Pittsburgh in PA. Since 2000 the Economist, […]

As the owner or manager of a retail store, you must lead by example. Lead with enthusiasm and let your attitude spread. If you are upbeat and excited about the day, customers, sales games and incentives; your employees will be positive and excited. Conversely, if you’re somber and lack excitement, you will send the message […]

Are your employees coming in happy and ready to roll, or are they dragging themselves to work? Low morale can quickly break a company’s success by causing low productivity, poor customer service, and lack of cooperation. Try a creative approach to boosting your employees’ morale so they look forward to coming to work, and have […]

High school and college students play a very important role in the pool industry. We need extra help during the busy season and that coincides with the teenagers and young adults summer break. They are the perfect complement to our adult staff members. To have successful and great student employees you need to treat them […]

In case you haven’t noticed the world is going mobile. We use our phones and tablets to check email, stay connected on Facebook and follow celebrities on Twitter daily. Some of us use our devices to check bank accounts, make payments to online stores and even pay our bills online. Here are a few ways […]

Take customer service in your store to the next level by saving time at the lab and the cash register. RB Control Systems Point of Sale software connects with industry leading water testing software. This gives you the ability to eliminate double data entry in two systems and lookup past water test results using the […]

With stiff competition from online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores must compete on the total shopping experience to create loyal customers. This class will share proven ways to delight customers, add value, and creatively convert shopping to sales. Learn to deliver on the promise of an exceptional experience, combat showrooming, empower employees, price match with gift cards, […]

Inventory control is a key component in running a lean and profitable business. This program will give you the skills needed to tighten logistics, manage cycle counts and gain a renewed sense of control over your inventory. Don’t fall victim to inaccuracies or be overrun with frustration when orders aren’t placed for needed stock, and […]

Chip & Pin Credit Card Processing for US & Canada RB Control Systems is now utilizing the Chip & Pin credit card technology for processing credit card payments. SCP Integration RB is integrated with the Pool Corp system. The integration allows users to electronically submit purchase orders from RB Control Systems directly to Pool Corp, […]

Wednesday January 29, 2015 – RB Control Systems COO and Partner Corinne Kraft will be presenting two seminars at the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show. Upselling at the Counter There is always enough time to sell add-on items at the cash register, especially during the busy season when the lines are long and you […]

As you begin a new year, it’s a great time to take stock of what your pool and spa business accomplished in the past year, celebrate your achievements, and make plans for your best year ever! The first step is to meet with your staff and discuss what you did right and wrong last year. […]

As the off season approaches, we realize that our employees who are working the winter months will not have near the customers as they do in peak season. Do you have a Danny working for you? Is it really okay that we pay our staff over the winter to sit at a desk and read, […]

Because inventory makes up more than half of your assets, Inventory control is a key component to running your business as lean as possible. Dynamic inventory management will maximize your cash flow provided that you are committed to managing the process. Sales, profitability and cash flow are directly related to the productivity of the inventory […]

Layaways are a great way to get people to buy pools, spas and products in the pre-season, or to buy what that they can’t afford right now. Layaways also have the added advantage of generating cash flow in the off season and bringing customers into your store on a regular basis to make payments. This will […]

Play videos to demonstrate the features and benefits of your products. In no time you’ll have a group of customers watching your TV set. We have six televisions hanging strategically around the stores with a pyramid of products underneath with a nice big sale sign. Watch pool and spa customers pick up the products and […]

Wouldn’t it be great if your entire staff was fully implementing the Point of Sale software you purchased for your pool & spa company? Whether your business management software is new or a year or two old, don’t miss out on the highest return on your investment through improved processes and procedures offered with your […]

Year end physical inventory is the process of having your staff physically count your pool & spa business’ entire inventory to ensure an accurate accounting figure on your tax return. This also provides an accurate starting inventory for the upcoming season and insight into discrepancies. These updated counts should accurately reflect the quantity of inventory […]

The days of customers paying cash is ending in most retail stores. Most customers shopping at pool and spa retail outlets have the expectation that all major credit cards are accepted. If you don’t accept credit cards, you may want to consider how much business may be lost. For those that are accepting credit cards, […]

The Walking Dead is my favorite TV show. The story is spine-chilling, the characters are engaging and the zombies are creepily well done. However, I certainly don’t want the walking dead in my retail stores taking care of my customers and representing my business. Has your staff become like the walking dead? Are they complacent? […]

The option for consumers to purchase pool and spa supplies online and at the big box stores is a growing concern for all pool and spa business owners. You are, however, fortunate that you provide services that they can’t get anywhere except at a store like yours. Your water analysis lab is one of the […]

Inaccurate information can cause problems that range from minor misspelled names on billing statements to the disastrous late deliveries that cause us to lose customers. Take the time on every phone call to make sure the information you get is clear and accurate. Here are some tips to help you get accurate information from customers […]

Do you have one of those pool or spa salespeople who think that giving a discount is the easiest way to make a sale? They may be right, but what about you’re lost profit? If your product has a profit margin of 40% and your salespeople give a 10% discount to make the sale, you’re […]

How you and your staff handle hard to please customers in your pool and spa business can make or break whether they are a returning customer or someone who will bad mouth and complain about your company. One of the meetings and training sessions that I like to have with my pool and spa sales […]

A few years ago I was trying to think of what would really motivate my pool and spa staff. What could I offer them that would really excite them to increase sales? They all work on commission, but I wanted to instill a fun atmosphere that drove them just a little but harder. I came […]

You can have a growing pool and spa business, but without adequate profit margins, your growth efforts really take you nowhere. It is important you know your margins and know them by product or service type. You want to be sure you are promoting and selling your highest margin products and services whenever you can. […]

Don’t fall behind in both procedure and technology in your billing process. Create a solid billing process that makes it easier and more convenient for your customers to pay their bills. At the same time add tools that make billing easier, less expensive and less time consuming for you. Hounding customers to pay their bills […]

For many years, I have run my pool and spa business and my software company based on my own variation of the Balanced Scorecard strategic planning and management system. My version adds inventory to the other four components of my vision and strategy. I personally feel that inventory has a life of its own, is […]

Everyone in business needs to understand the importance of email list building. You need to stay current and relevant. This means building up an email database of people who are potential and actual customers and who are willing to receive information from you about your products and services. Sending promotions and keeping in contact with […]

Companies that are successful in marketing invariably start with a well thought written marketing plan. It may be half a dozen pages or three dozen pages, or more. Things change, markets evolve, and customers come and go so your plan should be done in advance for one year. What are your goals? Do you want […]

Consumers will be more apt to choose your store before purchasing online or at a big box store if you have a knowledgeable staff and exceptional customer service. To implement a complete training program you must commit to a written plan to coordinate dates, various locations, trainers, topics, presentations, games, and follow-up. Include the cost […]

For many pool and spa companies, it is impossible to employ full time adults for all positions because there is simply not enough work year round. Part time college and high school students are the answer. You need the summer help and they need the work. Because teenagers have busy lives, one obstacle to overcome […]

Service providers maximize time in the field with the drag & drop color coded scheduler. It is easy to schedule jobs and make modifications, and the scheduler automatically tracks date changes for all appointments. Customized in-field service call slips, delivery tickets, inspection forms, checklists, drawing forms with customer information automatically inserted for each type of […]

Pool and spa business’s experience swings in sales with every season. Even an unseasonably warm season, like this fall, can extend the ‘busy’ season of pool and spa dealers. With winter approaching and cooler temperatures in the forecast for most of the region, the off season is near. This is a time to breathe, finally, […]

It’s natural to focus on what’s ahead rather than reflect on how much has been achieved. Taking time to celebrate accomplishments, large and small, helps employees appreciate how much they have done. If you are paying attention to sales totals, whether individual, per store location or companywide, you will know when your team has excelled. […]

This month, we are proud to announce the launch of a new web presence and increased social media engagement. Our new website makes it easier than ever for you to contact us about your business’ retail software needs. In addition to the new website, we have also joined the the social media community on a […]

Are you using QuickBooks Point-Of-Sale for your pool and spa business? Intuit will discontinue the QuickBooks POS on October 3, 2023, and recommends that users “explore other point-of-sale solutions” for their business.

Pool and spa professionals considering new point-of-sale (POS) software for their businesses are often unsure whether the company’s information should be maintained on an in-house server or in the cloud. Before deciding, you should ask yourself a few questions.

Now that children are back in school, pools are closing, and the lines of customers are getting shorter, it’s time for pool and spa professionals to review their pool warranty claims with their manufacturer suppliers. Although warranty claim processing may be tedious, once completed, these parts and labor claims can add up to significant revenue in months when cash flow has begun to slow down.