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Are you ready to close the year on a high note and prepare your business for a successful 2025? December is not only a month of celebrations, but also the perfect opportunity to reflect on what worked, or what didn't, and chart a path to sustained growth. For businesses, this review at the end of the year is not just about comparing the year's operational and financial performance. It is also the ideal opportunity to dig deeper into sales reports, check every inventory detail, and get a clear view that allows you to make strategic decisions to strengthen your business. Why should businesses do end-of-the-year reviews? This process collects all the important information generated throughout the year, allowing you to check on the overall business's performance and the results obtained. It's all about a report containing data that can help you design better strategies for 2025, according to your goals (e.g., increasing sales, correcting past mistakes, and implementing plans that generate positive economic impacts). Here are some tips for you to close the year like an expert: Schedule follow-ups: Excercise the collection of weekly and monthly information. With a POS, this process is quite simple, allowing you to analyze and correct errors on time. During these follow-ups, you can review performance, and compare yourself with your competitors and market practices. Make a check-up schedule: Create a schedule and mark on the calendar the "check-up" dates. This helps to have more manageable info and avoid accumulation. Organize the dates in such a way that the delivery of documents is punctual, to minimize the workload. Remember to do a thorough review. 💡 Remember: After the sales avalanche due to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas time, and the end of the year, January and February arrive as a difficult season for retailers. Keep in mind to plan well the strategy to implement during these two months and thus balance your sales. Set objectives for the following year: It is very common for companies to set objectives at the end of the year to be implemented in the following year. Here are some of the most common ones: To expand the market reach obtain more customers, and encourage business loyalty. Promote a calm work environment, where employees have a sense of belonging to the business and always work with a positive attitude toward customer service. Expand inventory and include more high rotation and trending products. You may also decide to remove merchandise that is no longer in demand so you don't lose or retain money. Improve the financial status of the business, define the budgets strategically, and pay debts or previous loans. Evaluations that allow you to know how the employees' performance over time. Design and adjust marketing strategies according to the seasons. Promotions to increase sales. Get a POS System: Up-to-date tech is necessary. Invest in a Point of Sales System, a CRM, and other tools that will optimize functions within the business and back up your customer's information. A Point of Sales System (POS) will change the way you work. What does a POS system offer? ✅ Systematize all the information with software, in a secure and organized way. ✅ Receive all types of payment methods and make secure transactions. ✅ Make inventories and have all stock registered in real-time. ✅ Obtain daily, weekly, and annual sales reports. ✅ Place automatic re are many benefits to getting a point-of-sale system, promotions with defined dates. ✅ Have your business information stored securely and instantly. Do you want to acquire a Point of Sales System? There are many benefits to getting a point-of-sale system, and knowing which features are best suited to your business is the key to success. This Blog is for you, here you can read more on How to choose a good Point of Sales System. Why is Universum's POS System the best option for your business? At Universum , we are dedicated to creating software and hardware solutions that allow you to systematize your business, improve your customer experience, and increase your sales. Our equipment is high-quality, intuitive, and adaptable to any type of business. It also allows you to accept all types of payments ( cash, debit cards, credit cards, EBT cards , WIC program , and OTC ). Do you want to have personalized attention from our sales consultants? Call us at 1-888-507-6614 Get ready for a 2025 of opportunities and success for your business! Don't forget to follow us on social networks: and subscribe to our Newsletter. Facebook ,   X   , and   Instagram LinkedIn:   Universum

Owning a business in the United States creates a great deal of responsibility and compliance with certain mandatory requirements for owners. Did you know that following the latest regulatory standards might make your business safer and shield it from expensive fines? In this blog, we offer you key information to understand the new federal requirement to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) , which is a mandatory requirement that companies must complete and where specific information about the business and its owners must be completed. Although our mission is to simplify this regulation for you, remember that this information is not a substitute for professional advice. We encourage you to read on to find out everything you need to know but also to consult a specialist if you have any doubts. Why must companies report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to the U.S. Treasury Department? This reporting comes as a result of the Corporate Transparency Act, passed in 2021 by Congress. The law specifies that companies must complete beneficial ownership information to control money laundering and illicit financing through shell companies or other business structures. What is (FinCEN)? The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is the agency that works to combat money laundering and other financial crimes that may be committed by business owners. The office requires businesses to have financial transparency and, for that reason, they must report their movements and transactions to the State. What information is required from FinCEN? When you start the online form www.fincen.gov/BOI , remember to have the required company documentation on hand to complete it without errors. Basic information about the company: Full legal name and trade name (Doing Business As, DBA) Exact address. Jurisdiction of incorporation Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Beneficial owners and/or stockholders:   Full name, date of birth, address, and identification number, and must include a valid U.S. passport, driver's license, or other identification document. Identification document issued by a state, local government, or tribe (if applicable).   Company Applicants: These are the people who direct or control actions within the company, for example: Lawyers, and accountants, among others. (They must have basic and accurate personal information). ⚠️Note: All applicants of a company must be natural persons, companies or other legal entities cannot be considered as applicants. When do I have to submit a report?   Reports are being accepted as of January 1, 2024. Deadline for companies created before January 1, 2024: Reporting companies created or registered before this date will have until January 1, 2025 to file their initial BOI reports. Deadline for companies created on or after January 1, 2024:  Reporting companies registered on or after this date must file their initial BOI reports within 30 days after receipt of the notice of creation or registration of the company.   If you would like to receive more information about these requirements, sign up for the following link to receive updates from FinCEN so your company can receive important information and updates by email. Which companies are required to report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). ? The companies that must report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN are Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLC) , foreign companies and native tribal companies.   ⚠️Important: Beneficial ownership information reported to FinCEN will be stored in a confidential database under maximum security control. How to file the new federal beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirement? Filing the new beneficial ownership requirement is easy, safe and free for companies. Here are the most important links to help you complete the process quickly and easily: Visit FinCEN's website, Here you can find the online form and information about the Reporting Rule and how to do it. At the end of the application, the system automatically sends a confirmation receipt, informing you that the report has been successfully filed with FinCEN. It is important to know that this report must be submitted only once. ⚠️ Important: Companies must comply with the requirements outlined in the Reporting Rule. To give you compliance, FinCEN provides a Compliance Guide for Small Entities, designed specifically to help these organizations understand and meet the regulatory requirements effectively. 📍Click on this guide if you need more help: 📍If you have further questions click on the following link. 📍If you would like to contact FinCEN about any questions regarding BOI reports: If you liked this blog subscribe to our newsletter to learn how to optimize your business, we have tips every week for you. Remember that this blog's content is for informational purposes only and is intended to help you better understand your business' legal obligations. Although we do our best to provide accurate data, we recommend you consult with an attorney or specialist to resolve specific questions. Any decision based on this content is your responsibility, and Universum is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences derived from its use. If you would like more information, please contact our sales agents at  1-888-507-6614 or visit our web page:   www.universumsolution.com We invite you to follow us on our social networks to receive more info about us and our services. Facebook ,  X  e  Instagram LinkedIn:   Universum

At Universum, we have a hack for you to make the best out of this discount season and transform your purchases into strategic investments for your business. This Black Friday , it's not just about spending, it's about generating more income, stay in this blog and discover how you can do it and turn Black Friday into money! You may have been thinking it over and over, reviewing your finances, and concluding that maybe this time you won't be releasing any offers. First, what prevents you from buying more quality products for your business this Black Friday at incredible prices? If the answer to this question is money, or if you were waiting for a sign to take advantage while having the possibility to recover the capital and generate more profits, well ... Here it is! How about applying for a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) or Cash Advance? This is a benefit that allows you to access capital fast and have enough cash flow to use it for whatever your company needs. In this case, it would be to buy quality inventory at good prices. Do you like the idea? Request a cash advance and use it as an excellent strategy to strengthen your business inventory with quality products. This way you can increase your sales and attract more customers. ✅ Benefits of an MCA vs. a Bank Loan: Fast approval: Obtain cash in a matter of days, without long waiting times, which is ideal for immediate business needs. Less paperwork: The application and approval process requires less documentation and paperwork compared to bank loans, facilitating access to financing. Immediate disbursement: Once approved, the money is disbursed almost immediately, giving you the capital you need to invest in your business without delay. Flexible payments based on sales: With an MCA, payments adjust to your daily or monthly sales, easing the burden of a fixed monthly payment and adapting to fluctuations in your cash flow. No collateral required: Unlike many bank loans, the MCA usually does not require assets as collateral, which reduces the risk to your business. Ideal for inventory growth and expansion: You can use the MCA to invest in inventory or business expansion quickly, taking advantage of growth opportunities without waiting for a bank loan approval. These benefits make the cash advance on sales an ideal option for business owners looking for fast, flexible and hassle-free financing. Think no more. With an MCA you can 👇 Purchase exclusive inventory at discounted prices: Take advantage of bulk buying opportunities and secure quality products at a better price. Schedule purchases of high-demand products for the holiday season: The holidays are a great opportunity to increase sales. With an MCA, you can plan and secure a stock of trendy products before the holidays. This gives you a head start on meeting demand during these key dates, maximizing your revenue without having to worry about cash flow. Invest in high-turnover products that will attract more customers: By having immediate capital, you can invest in those products that you know will sell quickly. This not only improves cash flow but also increases your customers' loyalty by constantly offering them the products they are looking for. The more satisfied your customers are, the more likely they are to return and recommend your business.   💡 Here are some tips for planning your Black Friday shopping: Make a list of the products you want to buy, prioritizing those that are most needed and important to make money in your business. This way you avoid unnecessary purchases that you may not be able to sell later. Allocate the spending budget and define what you are going to invest it in. Make market research to know the offers around, so you can be sure that they are worth it. Take advantage of online shopping, it can help you organize your time better and check prices for products. 🚨If you are part of the Universum family and you want to apply for a Merchant Cash Advance to make purchases for your business on Black Friday , we have great news. Our company has an extraordinary benefit within its Ucapital Program, that allows you to access quickly and easily to this type of loan, with the addition of receiving the money within 24 hours. Do you want to get a Merchant Cast Advance with Universum? Contact our customer service lines at 1-888-507-6614 or visit our website: www.universumsolution.com Follow us on our social networks. Facebook ,   X  and   Instagram LinkedIn:   Universum

Every year, businesses have a gigantic opportunity to experience a huge boost in sales. Do you know which day we are talking about? During this date, commerce activity moves at such a magnitude, that it creates the opportunity to increase sales and even sell those products that have been stagnant or have not had much demand. Get ready to sell every last pin this Black Friday! With irresistible offers and the goal of seeing all your customers running to buy your promotions, keep in mind that many customers plan their purchases for this day! Have you thought of the strategies you are going to implement? If you haven’t, you're just in time to start an effective plan. 💡Universum Pro-tip: A single day is not enough to significantly increase sales. The days before are the most important to persuade buying decisions and increase shopping in your store.   Black Friday 2023 left impressive figures:  online sales reached $9.8 billion, registering a growth of 7.5% compared to 2022. This shows the increase in sales but also how customers continue to lean towards digital shopping. Stop right there! This is no time to be disappointed, physical stores also perceived a growth of 2.5 %, demonstrating that traditional commerce still has its place in this highly anticipated event. The strategy nowadays is focused on starting promotions days before the main date, and even leaving them a week longer, to meet the demand, creating a movement that many have called Black Week , which includes days before Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday . Expectations for Black Friday this year are sky-high, e-commerce momentum is on the rise, and competition among retailers is getting more aggressive. ⚠️Black Friday deals are usually between 10% and 70%, depending on sales targets, and the most sought-after products are appliances, technology items, and fashion. The goal of every business has always been to sell more and better. In this blog, we will give you some recommendations so that you can put them into practice and increase both traffic and transactions during these days. Strategies that will guarantee success on Black Friday: Organize your store: These are days full of offers, make it noticeable in your commercial store, make ads, and set dedicated islands where you promote the items, use technology and display all the essential information for your customers. 📖 Find more tips on how to strategically organize your store here Create an email marketing campaign during the weeks before Black Friday: With this, we want to highlight the importance of having a customer database. With this tool, you will be able to launch campaigns through eye-catching emails where you promote exclusive products for these dates. Keep in mind that the earlier your customers find out about your offers, the more certain the intention to purchase . Remember that customers plan their purchases! Don't hesitate to name your campaign, for example: Best sellers at the best price. Your customers will want to know more!   Create a digital marketing campaign on social networks: Social networks have become the most important diffusion channel for businesses. By creating a marketing campaign where you highlight all the products you will have on discount, you grow expectations and persuade your customers. Create need and urgency in your customers: Make your customers feel that they cannot miss these offers, awakening the desire to buy, use phrases such as: Last chance, Only for a limited time, Exclusive edition, etc. Create cross-selling strategies: the ideal way to sell more is to promote products and add others that complement for a small fee. Hire extra staff: Keep in mind that countless people will visit your store, make sure it is pleasant and that your staff provides adequate customer service. Prepare the inventory: When launching promotions of certain items, keep in mind that you can cover the demand. Analyze what you have in stock and if necessary, stock your warehouse so you can sell more.   Take advantage of this season to acquire more stock and sell more. We recommend a service like Merchant Cash Advance . It allows business owners to get money quickly and use it to invest in whatever their store requires: from renovations to inventory. Note: All cash advance loans, working capital financing, and related services are offered by Universum LLC, All financing services are managed by our banking partners. Want more information on how Universum can help you? Contact us at 1-888-507-6614. 🚨 Last but not least: Online Presence: Online sales have progressively skyrocketed, many customers have chosen to buy on digital pages because it is faster, they can take a look at the products and order them without having to wait in lines or deal with full warehouses. Here is a good sales percentage!   Universum offers software solutions that help organize and systemize your business . With our Point of Sale Systems, you will have full control of your inventory and sales reports. In addition, you will be able to work smoothly with WooCommerce , integrating your online store with your POS to keep your inventory in real-time. We help you start your online sales and, with just one click, you will reach those digital customers that are waiting for you, offering them the best shopping experience. Trust us, we help you generate more sales with our services! If you want to learn more about our benefits, visit our website: https://www.universumsolution.com Call us at +1-888-507-6614 ! Don't forget to follow us on our social networks: Facebook ,  X  and  Instagram LinkedIn:  Universum

Many businesses need to increase their sales and thousands of business strategies are devised to achieve it, however, there is one that you might not be aware of that can allow you to connect with a market that is promising and ensure more sales. Is your business already accepting WIC program cards? If your answer is no, this is a great opportunity to further investigate the requirements to become a WIC Program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provider. Accepting this payment method has many advantages for businesses, the most notable of which is an exponential rise in sales. This is because your market expands as a result of meeting the needs of new customers who fall under the program's preferred demographic by providing them with particular goods that satisfy their nutritional needs. WIC program provider benefits In the United States, more than 7.5 million people benefit from the WIC program each month. Here’s a list of the most characteristic benefits for your business should you start accepting these cards for payment. 1. Businesses committed to society: Commercial establishments are positively differentiated as businesses committed to the health and well-being of the community. Strengthening the connection with your customers, generating visibility and preference among them. 2. Wider market: You have a greater variety of products to offer your customers. 3. More sales: You can attract and retain more customers through an intelligent strategy that allows you to boost sales by offering WIC Program products. 4. Alliances and relationships: Your business has more opportunities to generate alliances and better relationships with government entities. How to apply to be an authorized WIC program provider? Depending on the state in which you are located, there may be differences in the requirements to be selected as a WIC Program authorized provider. If your business is in Massachusetts and you want to be part of the suppliers, there are several ways to apply. How and where to do the application process? You can make the official request in three ways: By completing a form on the internet ( Here ), by sending an email or by contacting the WIC Program office hotlines directly. It is important to understand that your business acquires a social responsibility by being a supplier. Online Application: The commercial establishment must complete the online application to be a provider of the program. In the following link, you can access and read it carefully. Click here MA WIC Provider Portal . Make sure your business details are complete and correct. Because the data is provided via an application ID link, keep in mind that emails must be enabled. Applying by Email: To apply by email, you must submit the completed application and all attachments described in the Provider Application Package Massachusetts WIC Provider Application Package (PDF) | ( DOCX ) Application via phone lines: You should contact the MA WIC Retail Hotline at 1-800-552-9425 or by email at masswicretailers@mass.gov for more information. Here is an Application Guide for WIC Program Retailers 🚀 What type of foods must you sell as a WIC program provider? The WIC program has within its policies that providers must offer specific foods that help strengthen the health of pregnant and lactating women as well as children up to 5 years of age. One of the official rules is that businesses must keep product prices below the limits set by the nutrition program's price management system. Examples of food that authorized establishments must provide: 1. WIC-approved infant formulas. 2. Foods such as Milk, fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, poultry, chili, and soups. 3. Cereals, bread, pasta, brown rice, whole wheat, and corn tortillas. 4. Peanut butter, string beans, eggs, and tofu. 5. Fruits and vegetables. 6. 100% fruit and vegetable juice. 📖 If you wish to know more about the WIC program Universum and the WIC Program Remember that, with our Point of Sales System and as well as all our terminals , you can accept all types of payment: Cash , Debit Card, Credit, EBT Cards , and soon WIC cards . Trust us! With our services, we help you increase your sales! If you want to know more about our benefits, contact our sales agents at +1-978-416-9964 o visit our web page: www.universumsolution.com Don’t forget to follow our social media: Facebook , Twitter and Instagram LinkedIn: Universum

The government's WIC program, which benefits pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 5 years of age , has improved the nutrition quality of many families in the United States. To comply with the requirements established by the governments of each state, certified supermarkets must meet certain standards to correctly implement it. This task ( WIC Program implementation ) is not always an easy task for supermarkets, who face the challenge of understanding and correctly applying the WIC food codes, which are essential to ensure that approved products are easily identifiable and accessible to beneficiaries. In this blog, we will learn about the importance of the codes, how they work, and how a supermarket must operate to comply with this regulation and provide an excellent experience for customers using the EWIC card as a payment method. WIC Program Food Codes These are the established numbers that identify the products that are eligible to be purchased by the population benefiting from this program. These codes allow supermarkets to easily identify the items that can be purchased with the Ewic card. Each product has a unique and exclusive code! PLU Code The PLU (Price Look Up) Code is a 4 or 5-digit number, mainly used in the fresh fruit and vegetable trade. It will normally be displayed on a small label sticker on the product. The PLU Code recognizes fruits and vegetables based on the group the product belongs to, the variety, and the size. These numbers are designated by the International Federation of Produce Standards (IFPS) . Organizing the inventory, taking into account this code for the registration of the mentioned products, helps to facilitate the WIC certification process. 🚀 Know more about PLU codes here The list of WIC-approved foods and codes in the U.S. varies by state, and checking that these are appropriate ensures that there are no errors in transactions.   Supermarkets must comply with the WIC Program regulations, the most important thing is to know the correct handling of approved products and to be trained on the subject. Here are some key tips for your grocery store to ensure that it performs well as a WIC supplier and provides quality care to beneficiaries. Recommendations for WIC supermarket providers Updated list of approved foods: Remember that the foods approved by the program may vary depending on the state in which your business is located. As a grocery store owner or manager, make sure you have the most current listing and adjust your inventory. Doing so will save you from penalties. Pro tip from Universum: -This is the list of products with their codes: Massachusetts, New York . -List of Eligible Foods in the state of Florida . Implement a POS System: Acquire a POS system that is compatible with the EWIC card payment method. Remember that your POS should not only help you to organize inventory with the established codes and register your sales, but it should also integrate your operations so that you can make secure transactions, and a unique experience with your WIC customer! Train your support staff: Keep in mind the importance of your employees knowing everything related to the WIC Program. They should know the codes and the approved products, this will help better the operation of your supermarket and avoid mistakes that may cause penalties. Legal Standards: It's no secret how important it is to comply with state laws. That's why correctly handling WIC-approved product codes ensures that supermarkets operate smoothly and avoid penalties or fines that could result in removal from the program. Complying with these standards promotes the store with a positive image, which is sure to attract more customers. Apply to become a WIC supplier: Remember that "official state" websites are your best allies, and keep in mind that you must check your supermarket's state, specifically. Also, you must fill out the form to apply. You can do so online, through email, or by asking for advice in the established offices. 💡Universum's Pro Tip: Here are a few web pages where you can read everything you need to know about how to become a WIC Program provider in the states where Universum has a presence. Massachussets, here . Rhode Island, here . Florida, here . New York,  here . Note: Read more on this blog How to become a WIC Program provider . Universum helps you to improve your WIC customer service. If you wish to integrate EWIC card payments into your Point of Sales System, we have the solution for you! Call us at 888-507-6614 and we will provide you with the best service, so you can receive this payment method, our goal is to help your business grow. If you wish to know more about our business, products, and services, follow us on our social networks, so you can receive official up-to-date information. Facebook ,  X  and  Instagram LinkedIn:  Universum

Halloween marks the start of the fall season in the United States and symbolizes one of the favorite holidays that unites children and adults. It is without a doubt, a great opportunity for businesses to market more items related to this holiday that moves millions of dollars, with a significant impact on the U.S. economy. ⚠️ This Halloween, it is estimated that expenses will exceed $11.6 billion dollars. In 2013 , a record $12.2 billion dollars was reported. *According to data from the National Retail Federation, NRF and the annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. In this blog, we are going to tell you the basic dynamics you can take into account to make your supermarket an excellent choice for Halloween shopping. Prepare your inventory and marketing strategies to join a spectacular tradition that every American loves. 👻 So spook the competition! And get your business ready for this month; If you haven't started, consider hurrying... customers want to buy everything they need in advance and have their home decorations ready from day one, in addition to planning the costumes and makeup to wear at the parties at the end of the month. This is an exciting celebration, where everyone who participates wants to be the center of attention with their creative costumes and perfect make-up, which on many occasions, are spooky. Candy, pumpkins, and decorative items represent the soul of the season and are the most sought-after products by consumers, who want to design spaces that awaken pure entertainment, adventure, and creativity. Dress up, hand out candy, and decorate your terraces! These are the most representative activities during the month of Halloween. Universum's recommendations 📻 Listen to this Podcast to get inspired and better understand a magnificent sales opportunity. How to boost sales in your supermarket: The first thing is that you can increase your sales by creating sections focused on Halloween, potentiating themed events such as: Costume contests Promoting decorating ideas and workshops where they offer classes to learn how to carve pumpkins. Holding a live make-up workshop or offering themed make-up for customers for great prices. Adjust your inventory with these products   Candy: Organize your shelf and create islands with packs of assorted sweets. Market all the name brands, we assure you there won't be any left. Costumes: Research trending costumes, keep in mind that families can represent characters. Remember that children, adults, and pets are potential customers. Keep a varied assortment of masks, wigs, and makeup, among other items that could work as add-ons. Children: Pumpkin, fairy, witch and wizard costumes. Characteristic characters from movies, zombies, ghosts, among others. Adults: Costumes of skeletons, vampires, gothic, horror movie characters. Here we leave you a reference with the trending costumes this 2024 . Decorations: What's trending? Halloween is Pumpkins, skeletons, ghosts, and other traditional items of this great holiday. Seasonal products: Don't forget that many customers will be looking for glasses, napkins, pastries, and beverages with common Halloween flavors and packaging. 📌 Just because we like you here's an extra tip: Adapt your supermarket to the month's trend, this allows customers to connect with the establishment and feel attracted and motivated. Don't forget that if you decorate it you will create a brand identity that promotes the Halloween spirit and encourages them to buy: Create promotions or combos to motivate the purchase, for example, buy this costume and we give you the makeup, 2X1 on bags of candy. Combos of drinks and food, etc. Create a space where you can give tastings of candy or themed drinks.   Remember the importance of improving your supermarket's layout , and strategically placing the products at the points where there is more customer traffic, such as checkout points and exits. If you place eye-catching signage, you will make more customers crave Halloween items. If you like what you read or want to purchase a Point of Sales System with Universum, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, we have tips every week for your business to increase sales and the best equipment to optimize your business and take it to another level. Our Social Media: Facebook ,  X  , and   Instagram LinkedIn:  Universum

In a country-wide market where ultra-processed and easy-to-prepare products dominate shopping, you may be overlooking one group of loyal consumers. They are Ewic card users, looking for specific products that allow you to increase sales when strategically included in your inventory. It's time to boost your sales and make your store their favorite destination. If you are ready to turn this opportunity into real growth for your business, find out how to attract this valuable segment and make a difference in your community! 💡What is the WIC Program ? It is a State Government program that benefits pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies, and children under 5 years old, to access food and pay for it through an electronic benefit card, eWIC . Currently, in the United States there are approximately 46,000 supermarkets authorized to receive eWIC payments and 9 million people receive this benefit. Profit figures for your establishment can benefit positively as sales of eligible products increase. 💡If you are not part of the WIC Program providers, access this link  and find all the information. What are the product requirements to comply with Ewic card sales? We want to provide the most complete info on the requirements suggested by the government to operate with WIC (do not forget to always check the local regulations). Here are some product characteristics that supermarkets must have, inventory wise, to sell to the WIC program  beneficiaries. 🍊  Fruits and vegetables : You can have any brand and a wide variety. Within the inventory, you can handle organic products. What are the characteristics? Fruits and/or vegetables should not be pre-cut or packaged in glass. No packaged fruits or vegetables with added sugars and high sodium do not apply. Nuts do not apply in this category.   🗞️ You may also be interested in this blog about organic products . 🫘  Beans, lentils and/or legumes: These foods should be natural, not refried. If they are canned, they should be unseasoned, low in sodium and have no additives. 🥣  Cereals:  Check the eligible brands and remember that they must be whole grains (No added sugars or preservatives). 🌾  Whole grains:  Brown rice, whole wheat bread, pasta and tortillas apply within this category. 💡 Always have them on your shelves and make sure they are WIC aproved brands. 🥤  100% natural juices: Check the brands you have in stock and make sure they apply to eWIC card sales. The containers must not be cardboard and should be refrigerated. ⚠️  Keep in mind that artificial juices with fruit flavor and high in preservatives do not apply. 🐟  Fishline: Fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines must be in your inventory. 🥛 Milk: Milk should have no additives or artificial flavoring. It also applies to have powdered and lactose-free milk in your assortment. ⚠️ Note: Soy milk with no additives or artificial flavors apply. 🧀 Cheese: This food should be handled in block presentation, it can be regular and/or low in sodium. ⚠️ Note: Can not be individually wrapped, nor belong to the sausage section. Spreadable product derivatives do not apply. 🚨 Important tip: Make sure that the foods approved by this program are always available and visible to the customer, so they can easily find them! Important recommendations for your grocery store: If your supermarket receives payments with eWIC cards, the first thing we recommend is that you adjust your inventory and make sure your suppliers provide the products on the program's list. Keep these practical tips in mind, so you can operate better: If you are a WIC supplier , remember that supermarkets must have the minimum amount of food approved by WIC Program officials available. Click here to find out what are the characteristics of the products you must have in stock. This is super important!! . Keep in mind the price regulation, these must be competitive, since the Health Department does not take into account the businesses that sell food at excessive prices. That's why reviewing the standard prices should be a repetitive task. Set fair prices! Organize and control food quality. Create strategies to supervise that they are not damaged and/or contaminated, as well as that they are packaged in containers, and in good condition. Verify the expiration dates of each product. There are some rules to be part of this program, if you are a small business you must manage between one (1) and three (3) cash registers and if you are a large supermarket, you must have four (4) cash registers or more. Remember that there are certain stipulated foods, but for the most part they must be low in sodium, no added sugar, and no preservatives. Train your employees in the use of technology and remember that the electronic WIC benefits card, EWIC, is used as a conventional debit card. Let your employees and customers know that the eWIC card only applies to the state where it is currently registered. Make sure you have a POS system that can receive this type of payment and provide a better customer service experience. If you still have doubts after this blog? Here are some links that may help you: 📌 If your super market is located in the state of Massachusetts (MA), this information is important for you. Click Here . 📌 If your supemarket is located in the state of Rhode Island, this is all you need to know to become a WIC provider. Click Here . Note: The Rhode Island, RI Department of Health WIC Program serves over 28,000 residents, who make use of EWIC cards . If your supermarket is a vendor, here's a complete guide to the products customers can buy. Click here . 📌 If your supermarket is located in the state of Florida, this information is for you. Click here . If your supermarket already manages the inventory proposed by the WIC Program but you are having difficulties operating services or you are tired of using different payment terminals for invoicing, we have a solution for you! With Universum you'll leave that problem behind, we offer you a terminal that allows you to accept WIC, OTC, EBT, credit and debit payments , call us at +1-888-507-6614 and we will provide you with the best service to integrate this payment method to your Point of Sales System, POS. We can help you generate more sales with our services! If you want to know more about our benefits, visit our website: https://www.universumsolution.com Don't forget to follow us on our social networks: Facebook ,  X   and   Instagram LinkedIn:  Universum

Supermarkets in the United States are saturated with processed foods. Yeah, we know... not new. This fact is known to be one of the main reasons for the healths issues in a great percentage of the population, which isn't new either. But now you can step in and profit from it. Are you a supermarket owner or are you planning to own one? Do you want to obtain better profits and position yourself in a premium labeled sector? Want to sell organic  and higher quality products without breaking the pocket? In this blog, we are going to give you some recommendations for your supermarket to take a turn towards natural products and make your image stand out by promoting healthy products. A recent analysis of the market has shown that the consumption of natural and organic products is generating millionaire sales. Only in 2023, around 70 billion dollars were sold, a significant figure that shines a light on the great potential of revenue in this business, where it was also determined that fruits and vegetables were the best selling products. This information is based on the Organic Industry 2024 survey, published by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) . It is no longer a secret that consumer preferences have changed and now they are more concerned about their health and responsible consumption habits. Here, your supermarket can play an important role, respecting and preserving the environment, reducing pollutants and, without a doubt, supporting the local agricultural industry that promotes conscious eating, which translates into higher sales while helping your customers. At Universum we want to help you introduce organic products in your supermarket and sell more.  How can you do it? ⚠️ The first thing you should know is that not all products are organic, the ideal is that your products are based on a clean production, free of chemicals (This type of products are usually a little more expensive than the traditional or processed ones). 1.     Make sure you have a diversity of products:  Within this reference you can confirm that you have the following in your inventory : Fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy and other products of natural origin that are sustainably processed. 2.   An excellent way to reduce costs and support your community is to purchase local products:  This initiative, currently on a growing trend, not only strengthens the local economy, but allows you to offer entrepreneur's and farmer's products that meet strict quality and sustainability standards. When looking for suppliers, make sure they handle USDA-certified productions. By opting for these suppliers, it not only lowers costs but also offers your customers high-quality products and contribute to the well-being of your community. 💡 What is the USDA seal? The USDA organic certification guarantees that products have been grown and processed under standards that promote sustainable agricultural practices, free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and with a significant reduction of the negative impact on the environment. The USDA (Department of Agriculture)  awards this seal in the United States. 3.   Supermarket Signage : Start giving visibility to natural products. Let your customers know the health and environmental benefits of consuming these products. 👌 Remember to highlight organic products in your inventory, it is the best and most effective way to show your customers that they are purchasing high quality items. Make sure labels clearly state that products are organic, free of pesticides and genetically modified ingredients (GMO), and that they promote sustainable agriculture. This reinforces customer's confidence in the product quality and checks off your commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. 4. Know your customer:  Organic products are the most sought-after by consumers who have a healthy lifestyle and take care of the way they eat. If you doubt the audience of this type of products, we will contradict you, the demand is wide. The state government promotes the consumption of natural foods, fruits and vegetables through the ETB, WIC and OTC programs. Everyone with this payment method, will shop these items. 🔥 Universum Pro-Tip:  If you do not have a Point of Sales System (POS) that integrates these payment methods, click on this link  to know the best options for your business. 5.   Organic Products Marketing Campaigns:  Implement programs that encourage the regular purchase of organic products. You can use strategies of special offers or discounts. Remember that these products are usually more expensive than products without the seal and, in general, this is a drawback to convince a normal consumer to put it in their shopping cart. Use your social networks  to promote their consumption: Social networks have a great reach in the public that supports sustainable initiatives, do not use them just to sell them, you can create content strategies focused on sharing viral products, tips for physical and mental health, as well as natural and rich recipes. Content tip:  You can give a voice to the brands you sell in your business. Tell the story behind entrepreneurs and farmers that provide you with these products, surely, many people will feel identified and will know more about this sector. 6.    Zero waste:  Make your supermarket a leader in practices that implement the three R's: reuse, recycle and reduce . Reduce plastic use. There are multiple alternatives, do not use plastic bags to deliver shopping to your customers, opt for reusable bags or those made from natural biodegradable products. Encourage your customer to bring their own bags and/or boxes by giving them a discount, since you are benefiting by not having to invest in more plastic bags. 💡 Offer products in bulk:  With this sales strategy, you avoid packaging waste and promote re-using glass containers, in which they are normally packaged. 7.     Implement these strategies for your supermarket to promote sustainable practices , how? Well, you already have general information distributed in this blog. Remember that in the consumerism world, it is not an easy task to change people's mindset, but small steps can make a big difference. For your business to go hand in hand with the products you offer, you must also provide a positive image. Create a supermarket with a green sense! Keep these tips in mind and you will soon see how everyone will love you and recognize your supermarket as 100% committed to the planet and health of it's habitants. Do you want to apply one of these tips in your business, but there's not enough capital at the moment?  At Universum we help you with the uCapital  program, which offers you economic solutions  so you can implement these changes and many more in your business. Contact us at 1-888-507-6614  or visit our website: www.universumsolution.com  for more information. Don't forget to follow us on our social networks: Facebook ,  X   and   Instagram LinkedIn:  Universum

As a supermarket owner, we want to tell you that we have once again anticipated your needs. Although it may seem like organizing the merchandise on the shelves is a simple task, it's a painstaking job requiring persuasive strategies. By applying the following tricks, you will be able to get your customers to take products that were not on their shopping list. How? Keep reading this blog and find out. Have you ever noticed that, when you visit the supermarket, you often end up buying products you weren't even looking for? If this has happened to you, you have experienced firsthand how businesses use our persuasion techniques to increase sales. If you want to discover how you can apply these strategies in your supermarket , here are some tips to help your shelves drive more sales and soon you'll need to order more inventory. 🛒 Step one: Create a planogram: Make a plan where you specify and illustrate how you will use the space available for display and how you will distribute your items. This planning will allow you to improve the customer experience and explode in sales. It is the model to follow to achieve aesthetics in your supermarket. Practical advice when making a planogram: When designing it, keep in mind that all the information about the shelves and aisles must be there, describe the dimensions, products and brands that you will place.   💡 Here is an example: Type of display that you should take into account when making the plans. Block design: Placing the products in two or three levels of the furniture. Horizontal design: Placing different product presentations in the same product line. Vertical design: Products of the same brand are placed on different levels, taking into account the presentations by size. Take advantage of the exit: The exhibition is made on the shelves that lead to the cash registers. Special design: Shelves are used in prominent spaces or in islands to promote a particular product. Important fact: Set a commercial objective to ensure that the products are visible. Choose to organize by categories to facilitate your customer's journey through the supermarket. Also, remember to have an inventory of the products you sell, so that the supply is timely and your customer feels that he can find everything in your supermarket. Get ready to sell more! 🛒 Step Two : Consumer psychology influences shelf design. By arranging your shelves in a way that connects emotionally with customers through the way products are displayed, based on consumer preferences and budget, you can push certain products. For example, place popular products at eye level and group them according to usage or lifestyle. Also, consider your customers' budgets and highlight options that offer good value. This way, you can guide purchasing decisions and promote specific products effectively. Don't forget the little ones, place products aimed at children, such as cereals, small toys or candy, at their height and on colorful, eye-catching shelves. Use characters from their favorite movies or shows on packaging to capture their attention. Also, place kid-friendly products near the cash registers, where they are more likely to ask their parents to buy them while they wait. With these tricks, you can attract little ones to certain products, thus influencing their parents' purchasing decisions. 🛒 Step Three Organize your shelves according to these quick tips So far, are you one of those who think that designing a supermarket shelf is unscientific and that placing products randomly will help you sell more? We're sorry to contradict you! Functionally organizing products creates psychological impacts and surely more programmed and intuitive purchases. How to achieve this? Here are some basic persuasion tips to increase sales in your supermarket: 1.     Identify the flow areas: Analyze which are the areas with the highest and lowest traffic, based on this information, choose the products and place them in the aisles, previously marked. This will undoubtedly improve the customer service experience. Cold zones: Normally in this space are the products that the customer goes to look for directly, because they need them. Regular customers, they already know where they are and go to them. Hot zones: They are the ones with more circulation, they are perfect to place promotions or new products. If you want to draw attention to a product, place it in these areas! you will motivate the sale. 2.     Placement of products of the family basket: Strategically placing these products allows your customers to walk through the supermarket trying to find staple products, such as food, meats, chicken, eggs, dairy products, cereals, among others. The best location is to place them at the back of the supermarket, so that the customer walks through the aisles and is tempted to buy other products. 3.   Hygiene on every shelf: The impression is the first thing that counts, make sure that the furniture in your supermarket complies with basic cleanliness and that customers feel that it is a safe, clean and organized establishment. 4.     Take into account the height at which you place the products: Follow the advice to arrange the shelf from highest to lowest, according to the request of the products you sell. A strategy that almost always works is to place products according to their rotation and demand. Above the head: Generally, products with low turnover and that are less frequently purchased by consumers are placed. At eye line and waistline : Inevitably, the most profitable and most demanded products for the supermarket are organized, the idea is to promote their purchase as they are more visible. Below the waist or floor: Organize the products that customers must carry with them in their purchases. For example, detergents, sugar or salt. On the floor line, give priority to heavier products or cheaper products. 5.    Use the cross-display as a strategy: It is highly recommended to encourage shopping in supermarkets.  You should place products that complement each other nearby. For example, hair care: shampoos, balms or hair treatments. Food: type of hams, breads, olives and fresh cheeses. Chances are that the customer will end up taking several in his shopping cart! 6.     Increase your sales! With offers and promotions: To boost products that have a discounted price, 2X1 offer and/or another type of promotional marketing strategy, keep in mind that you should place them in a place exclusive to them. This way they can be more visible to the customer's eye and they will be able to interact much better. They will find them faster and maybe you will promote an impulse purchase for fear of missing the opportunity! 7.     Create product islands: Create spaces dedicated to new or exclusive products, allowing the customer to recognize and see them immediately. Use this strategy for promotions or for products that are just entering the market. 😎 Universum PRO-tip: Before you re-organize your shelf, you should have accurate info on the products in your store, here we recommend this post: 📖 How to choose a good Point of Sales Systems (POS) . And to further increase your profits you can do it by accepting payment methods such as EBT , WIC and OTC cards in your business. If you already have a Point of Sale System or if you need advice, call us at 888-507-6614 and we will explain how to do it. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, where every week we share tips to help your business sell more and stand out from the competition. Follow our social media: Facebook , X   and Instagram LinkedIn: Universum