ICE Demo
"Keep COOL...Put Your Business Problems on ICE"
- What is Retail ICE?
- Is it really free, with no strings attached?
- Is this some very basic system that I probably won't be happy with without upgrading?
- Why are we offering Retail ICE with SQLBase for free?
- Who is retail ICE for?
- What hardware is required?
- Do you support a credit card processing interface?
- How do I learn ICE and get my business fully functioning with the software?
- How do I get support for the software?
- How can I see what the software can do?
- How do I get the software?
Retail ICE, which stands for "Inventory Control Expert," is a new Windows-based software product for helping small, single store retailers manage their inventory and point of sale (POS) functions. ICE comes with a powerful SQL (structured query language) database from Centura Software, called SQLBase. The ICE software is a true 32 bit system, featuring a very easy to use Windows graphical user interface throughout. It offers the latest in technology. The software has also been made as easy to use with a keyboard as it is with a mouse.
Is it really free, with no strings attached?
Yes, CAM is providing $3,390 worth of software to the small retailer for free. This includes SQLBase which has a list price of $395 by itself. There is nothing to buy, although if you need any hardware such as bar code scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, computers or customer display poles, we would certainly appreciate the business. However, you don't have to buy anything from us.
Is this some very basic system that I probably won't be happy with without
upgrading?
No. This is arguably the best system on the market for a single store, single user system. It is the one which we believe most small retailers would buy if they could afford it and knew about it. The Retail ICE software is very full featured, offering a great solution for both softgoods and hardgoods businesses. You really are getting the best software and the latest technology for free, but you be the judge!
Why are we offering Retail ICE with SQLBase for free?
We hope that by providing you with this very powerful software to help you automate your business, that we can help you grow. When you do, we hope you will upgrade to our Retail STAR system for larger single store and multi-store retailers, although there is no obligation to do so. We also hope you will consider our future E-commerce offerings for setting up your own Internet store that links directly back to your ICE or Retail STAR program. This new product will be available later this year and is called I.Star. In summary, we think it makes sense to invest in helping the smallest retailers grow to a size where they will be potential customers for our mainstream products.
Retail ICE is for smaller single store retailers that only need a single user system. If a multi-user or multi-store version is required then ICE would not be a fit. However, our Retail STAR software would be and we encourage you to take a look at this technologically superior software. If you can start out with one user, you always have the option to make a seamless upgrade to Retail STAR later. All the data comes straight across and there is no re-learning to do as the ICE product is based on the Retail STAR feature set.
You need a pentium-class computer with 64Mb of memory and a 2GB hard disk, running Windows 95, 98 or NT. Windows NT is recommended, but 95 or 98 should work fine. A 200MHz or better computer is recommended, and you should have at least 1GB of free disk space. The system will generate receipts on an 80-column or 40-column receipt printer. We cannot guarantee that any receipt printer will work, but most should. If you need a receipt printer, we can provide one at competitive prices. The cash drawer will depend on the printer you have. A cash drawer is not required. Most keyboard scanners should work. Again, if you need a bar code scanner, we have different models for sale that will work with the ICE software. Bar code labels may be generated on any laser printer with a Windows driver. If you would like to speak with a sales person about hardware options, please check this box when filling out your order form on our web site for Retail ICE.
Do you support a credit card processing interface?
While the ICE software does theoretically support IC/Verify credit card processing software, we don't officially support this 3rd party software in the ICE product as we do with Retail STAR. The reason is that it can be problematic and difficult to support. Thus, with a free product like ICE, we cannot justify the support for this product. However, you do have the ability to give it a shot on your own.
How do I learn ICE and get my business fully functioning with the software?
While the system is very easy to learn, there are about 12 things you really need to know which will not be obvious to you when you first get started. We have put these things in a document called "Getting Started Guide " that comes with the software. In order to view the on-line manual, all you need to do is click "help" from the drop down menu. You will need Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 4.0 or better to view this. Most systems come with this. It can also be downloaded for free from the Microsoft web site. It is VERY important that you read over the "Getting Started" document before beginning to enter your inventory and business information into ICE.
If you are having trouble learning the software or just want to go through comprehensive training to get the most from your system, we offer a one-day class in Las Vegas on a regular basis for $295 for up to two people per business. This training will take you through the entire system. So you can take a little vacation, get a day of training on your free software, and write the whole thing off! Please check the training area for class curriculum and availability.
How do I get support for the software?
We have a new web site which is designed for you to be able to get self-help on your Retail ICE software. It features Forums, Discussion Groups and Chats. In the Forums we will report any problems with the software and give better explanation for any part of the software that users seem to be having difficulty with. In the Discussion Groups, we will answer your questions and provide a forum for the exchange of information between users about how to better utilize the ICE software, as well as solving problems which might arise. In the Chat groups you will be able to communicate directly with other ICE users to share information.
Should you still be unable to resolve a problem or want extra help, you can go to our web site and request that a service person call you by filling out a very short "Service Request Form." This gives us your name and contact information along with a brief description of the problem or question. A technical support person will then call you during normal business hours. These types of support calls are billable. There is a minimum charge of $30 for the first 15 minutes. Each subsequent block of 15 minutes is $30. You will not be charged beyond the initial $30 without notification. Access to all the features of the web site for self help are completely free.
What about updates to the software?
If we discover bugs and provide program fixes, or create enhancements for ICE, we will make them available on our web site. It is important that you check back from time to time and visit the Discussion Groups. You may also be included on our e-mail update list for fixes and enhancements. You should make sure to check this option when ordering your free ICE software from our web site.
How can I see what the software can do?
The Retail ICE Product Overview includes "screen captures" of key parts of the system in the form of a demonstration. With each screen is a description of the important features and benefits offered by that area of the system. Simply follow the link above.
The Retail ICE software is a large program. With the documentation, training mode database, and related files, it is over 60Mb. An average download time with a 28.8 connection would take over 4 hours. Thus, initially we are offering to mail out a CD with the software and documentation for just the cost of duplication, materials, shipping and handling, which totals $30 plus tax. There are added benefits to having the software on a CD; in the event you need to reload the software, you are sure to have the correct version which matches your database exactly.
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2000 by CAM Commerce Solutions. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Street Fountain Valley, CA 92708
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• 800-726-3282