Session: Making the Most of Sales Data

All of us who operate a reuse retail store are constantly wondering how best can we boost productivity and increase the bottom line.  Some reuse retail operations use point of sale systems, some do not. Some have elaborate ways of tracking the flow of product, some keep no data at all on production.  Since so many of our operations are developed organically and can be so distinct, it can be difficult to know which data to keep, what systems to implement and how best to customize those systems to fit your specific needs.

At Finger Lakes ReUse and Construction Junction, we both track a lot of data and have been able to utilize our point of sale systems in creative ways to increase product turnover and drive our sales growth.  This session will share some of the ways we both collect data and utilize our point of sale systems to boost productivity and support sales growth. There will also be a short Q&A where other reuse operations can share some of the creative systems they’ve developed.

Chris Pletcher is currently a Special Projects Manager at Finger Lakes ReUse, a not-for-profit in Ithaca, NY.  Finger Lakes ReUse operates two retail stores, a deconstruction program, a computer refurbishment and repair program and job training programs.  Over the five years Chris has worked at ReUse, he has overseen all aspects of the operation, with sales revenue increasing nearly fourfold and the workforce nearly tripling.  He has previously worked in the energy efficiency and solar industries. Chris has a Master of Regional Planning from UMASS-Amherst with a concentration in Economic Development.

Jeff Honnold is a consultant at of ClearMind Consulting, a technology consultant assisting non-profits and small-to-mid sized businesses with web-based and data-centric applications.  ClearMind specializes in the needs of reuse organizations around Pittsburgh, such as Construction Junction, Global Links, and The Education Partnership. Jeffrey has worked with Salesforce, his current specialty, for eight years, and web applications for 20 years as a web developer and database specialist.