My 5 Favorite Dispensary POS Systems & Why You Need One
Seamlessly streamlining and simplifying operations is top of mind for every entrepreneur, especially those in cannabis retail, and your point-of-sale (POS) system is one of the most crucial keystones in your personal algorithm. I have been serving cannabis brands for several years and thought it would be beneficial to the inquiring minds out there (you!) to share some of the professional opinions I’ve collected.
Here are the five Dispensary POS Systems I have been playing around with the most (and enjoying the experience with) (and why):
Dutchie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXRLiFhSH5M
Ever since the Forbes write-up, Dutchie will forever be known as “the Shopify of weed.” They’re the most well-known dispensary point-of-sale (POS) system in the American marketplace with a roster of over 5,500 dispensaries across the US and Canada.
Dutchie has paid close attention to the eCommerce industry as a whole and parlayed the best of the best into one (and probably the most robust) out-of-the-box ecosystem. Their cloud-based software means a unified customer ordering experience online and in-store.
Cova
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vae2TwqyJeA
Hailing from Canada, Cova is a real contender. They made a name for themselves as a market-leading industry disruptor, continuing to buy up innovative technology, products, and services to complement and grow their offerings.
They’re known for their white glove customer service and seamless technology integrations, as one of the few to sync directly with the popular WordPress (WooCommerce) platform. Plus, their alternative payment processing, custom-branded gift cards, and mobile-friendly customer queue status system only make them stronger and stronger.
FlowHub
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zkMi3ndWjg
People love the look and feel of FlowHub. The Colorado-based technology company is a proud home-grown company that was built from need and with the intention to serve. They were at the epicenter of Colorado’s budding cannabis market back in 2015 and were the first states-side offering to adopt and integrate directly with METRC, simplifying the reporting process.
IndicaOnline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnLgMOTcsNA
While not for everyone, these guys people really know their niche. The clients I’m serving that have found alignment and support with IndicaOnline are swooning over their fun hardware and customer service features. They’re also one of the few with clear, definitive, and front-facing payment plans that scale based on inclusion—so you never overpay.
The primary selling factors (that I have heard) include their inventorying wand (which calls on physical geo-tagging chips within product packaging) and their other delivery-related tracking services. They also offer SMS marketing as well as direct integration for digital (TV monitor) displays. Plus, they’re good friends with WeedMaps; making for seamless marketing there.
Treez
Treez has been growing in popularity along the east coast with its particular focus and preference for independently owned cannapreneurial ventures. I have found that mom-and-pop dispensary owners love these guys for their careful collaborative approach and customer service.
Let’s talk about the crucial role POS systems play in day-to-day operations, why you need them, and what makes them so important:
What is a METRC Dispensary Point-of-Sale System (or METRC POS)?
Point-of-sale systems are retail-focused software that help manage and perform every day operations across your store. Regardless of industry, POS Systems are essential to tracking sales and keeping up with (and track of) minute-by-minute inventory across your network of brick-and-mortar and click-and-mortar stores.
The best dispensary point-of-sale systems keep inventory and financial (read: sales and tax) information neatly organized and monitor buying patterns in a tight user interface. The more data you have, the easier it is to streamline restocking and re-marketing efforts like making customer-specific product recommendations and implementing rewards programs.
Some states, territories, and regions require that cannabis dispensaries work with point-of-sale systems that integrate with specific inventory management systems—like METRC. These special dispensary POS systems support age verification, tax reporting, inventory management and tracking, and more.
METRC is the most trusted and experienced provider of cannabis regulatory systems in the United States, however, they are now an out-of-the-box POS system. They are an advanced software and system solution that works with dispensary POS systems to track and trace cannabis from seed to sale. Their seed-to-sale tracking integrates directly across growers, processors, retailers, and regulations for safe, secure, and seamless compliance.
Most US-based medical or recreational markets require access to cultivation, manufacturing, and retail operations data via direct METRC integration through commercial point-of-sale or other inventory management software.
What key features should I look for my dispensary POS system?
First and foremost, the best Dispensary POS Systems (or METRC POS Systems) are those that integrate specifically with your regulatory commission's compliance protocols. (Because we are a US-based firm, we’re focused almost exclusively on METRC systems.) You should read and review the guidance outlined in the state- and locally-governed cannabis law to understand what you are going to be responsible for reporting and which POS systems to weed out completely.
The most popular key features in cannabis dispensary point-of-sale systems (beyond your individual regulatory compliance needs) include customer age and identity verification, real-time inventory management, taxation, and seed-to-sale reporting. You want to consider all of these as well as convenience features like payment processing, remarketing, and the like.
There are a number of other factors you definitely want to consider when choosing a cannabis dispensary point-of-sale system as well, like the technology and hardware that may be required to operate the system as well as the overall accessibility and user interface for budtenders and your customers. You’re an innovative business owner and you deserve an innovative solution with remote access via the cloud and the most robust catalog of features you can find to make work easy (or dare we say: fun).
eCommerce integration is also a big part of the decision-making process in POS selection for dispensary owners and not one to be overlooked or discounted, as accessibility and self-service become more and more of a personal preference for customers. Your POS provider should be eager and willing to show you how their system can integrate with your website and simplify the customer discovery and shopping (and/or delivery) experience.
The best cannabis dispensary point-of-sale (POS) systems are the ones that include the most features and the most inclusions for the best value. Remember that there is almost always a trade-off between offerings; where a subscription to one might include cool gadgets to support otherwise laborious inventory management tasks, another might better complement customer experience or re-marketing efforts. Where you see the most value is always up to you.
Here’s the deal on Dispensary POS Systems:
We’ve covered a lot here but I want to drive one thing home: One size rarely ever fits all especially when it comes to business software. Nor do you want it to when, in any regulated market, compliance should be your top priority.
Opening a cannabis dispensary is a lot of work and requires a lot of focus and resilience on the part of business owners and license holders.
There are a number of ways in which the team and I can support through creative services and longer-term collaboration including turn-key dispensary brand and website design and development.
I’m here to help!
Get in touch with me today or throw time on the calendar for us to bridge introductions at your earliest convenience and let's unpack the needs and get to work.
How to Choose a Dispensary POS System & My 5 Favorites (So Far)
Seamlessly streamlining and simplifying operations is top of mind for every entrepreneur, especially those in cannabis retail, and your point-of-sale (POS) system is one of the most crucial keystones in your personal algorithm. I have been connecting with and supporting a network of dispensary owners for several years and thought it would be beneficial to the inquiring minds out there (you!) to share some of the professional opinions I’ve collected.
Let’s talk about the crucial role POS systems play in day-to-day operations, why you need them (what makes them so important), and get an overview of my Top 5 Favorites.
What is a METRC Dispensary Point-of-Sale System (or METRC POS)?
Point-of-sale systems are retail-focused software that help manage and perform every day operations across your store. Regardless of industry, POS Systems are essential to tracking sales and keeping up with (and track of) minute-by-minute inventory across your network of brick-and-mortar and click-and-mortar stores.
The best dispensary point-of-sale systems keep inventory and financial (read: sales and tax) information neatly organized and monitor buying patterns in a tight user interface. The more data you have, the easier it is to streamline restocking and re-marketing efforts like making customer-specific product recommendations and implementing rewards programs.
Some states, territories, and regions require that cannabis dispensaries work with point-of-sale systems that integrate with specific inventory management systems—like METRC. These special dispensary POS systems support age verification, tax reporting, inventory management and tracking, and more.
METRC is the most trusted and experienced provider of cannabis regulatory systems in the United States, however, they are now an out-of-the-box POS system. They are an advanced software and system solution that works with dispensary POS systems to track and trace cannabis from seed to sale. Their seed-to-sale tracking integrates directly across growers, processors, retailers, and regulations for safe, secure, and seamless compliance.
Most US-based medical or recreational markets require access to cultivation, manufacturing, and retail operations data via direct METRC integration through commercial point-of-sale or other inventory management software.
What key features should I look for my dispensary POS system?
First and foremost, the best Dispensary POS Systems (or METRC POS Systems) are those that integrate specifically with your regulatory commission's compliance protocols. (Because we are a US-based firm, we’re focused almost exclusively on METRC systems.) You should read and review the guidance outlined in the state- and locally-governed cannabis law to understand what you are going to be responsible for reporting and which POS systems to weed out completely.
The most popular key features in cannabis dispensary point-of-sale systems (beyond your individual regulatory compliance needs) include customer age and identity verification, real-time inventory management, taxation, and seed-to-sale reporting. You want to consider all of these as well as convenience features like payment processing, remarketing, and the like.
There are a number of other factors you definitely want to consider when choosing a cannabis dispensary point-of-sale system as well, like the technology and hardware that may be required to operate the system as well as the overall accessibility and user interface for budtenders and your customers. You’re an innovative business owner and you deserve an innovative solution with remote access via the cloud and the most robust catalog of features you can find to make work easy (or dare we say: fun).
eCommerce integration is also a big part of the decision-making process in POS selection for dispensary owners and not one to be overlooked or discounted, as accessibility and self-service become more and more of a personal preference for customers. Your POS provider should be eager and willing to show you how their system can integrate with your website and simplify the customer discovery and shopping (and/or delivery) experience.
The best cannabis dispensary point-of-sale (POS) systems are the ones that include the most features and the most inclusions for the best value. Remember that there is almost always a trade-off between offerings; where a subscription to one might include cool gadgets to support otherwise laborious inventory management tasks, another might better complement customer experience or re-marketing efforts. Where you see the most value is always up to you.
Here are the five Dispensary POS Systems I have been playing around with the most (and enjoying the experience with) (and why):
Dutchie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXRLiFhSH5M
Ever since the Forbes write-up, Dutchie will forever be known as “the Shopify of weed.” They’re the most well-known dispensary point-of-sale (POS) system in the American marketplace with a roster of over 5,500 dispensaries across the US and Canada.
Dutchie has paid close attention to the eCommerce industry as a whole and parlayed the best of the best into one (and probably the most robust) out-of-the-box ecosystem. Their cloud-based software means a unified customer ordering experience online and in-store.
Cova
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vae2TwqyJeA
Hailing from Canada, Cova is a real contender. They made a name for themselves as a market-leading industry disruptor, continuing to buy up innovative technology, products, and services to complement and grow their offerings.
They’re known for their white glove customer service and seamless technology integrations, as one of the few to sync directly with the popular WordPress (WooCommerce) platform. Plus, their alternative payment processing, custom-branded gift cards, and mobile-friendly customer queue status system only make them stronger and stronger.
FlowHub
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zkMi3ndWjg
People love the look and feel of FlowHub. The Colorado-based technology company is a proud home-grown company that was built from need and with the intention to serve. They were at the epicenter of Colorado’s budding cannabis market back in 2015 and were the first states-side offering to adopt and integrate directly with METRC, simplifying the reporting process.
IndicaOnline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnLgMOTcsNA
While not for everyone, these guys people really know their niche. The clients I’m serving that have found alignment and support with IndicaOnline are swooning over their fun hardware and customer service features. They’re also one of the few with clear, definitive, and front-facing payment plans that scale based on inclusion—so you never overpay.
The primary selling factors (that I have heard) include their inventorying wand (which calls on physical geo-tagging chips within product packaging) and their other delivery-related tracking services. They also offer SMS marketing as well as direct integration for digital (TV monitor) displays. Plus, they’re good friends with WeedMaps; making for seamless marketing there.
Treez
Treez has been growing in popularity along the east coast with its particular focus and preference for independently owned cannapreneurial ventures. I have found that mom-and-pop dispensary owners love these guys for their careful collaborative approach and customer service.
Here’s the deal on Dispensary POS Systems:
We’ve covered a lot here but I want to drive one thing home: One size rarely ever fits all especially when it comes to business software. Nor do you want it to when, in any regulated market, compliance should be your top priority.
Opening a cannabis dispensary is a lot of work and requires a lot of focus and resilience on the part of business owners and license holders.
There are a number of ways in which the team and I can support through creative services and longer-term collaboration including turn-key dispensary brand and website design and development.
I’m here to help!
Get in touch with me today or throw time on the calendar for us to bridge introductions at your earliest convenience and let's unpack the needs and get to work.
Prints & Products Available in the Shop
I am stoked to share that the website has expanded to include an online store!
Now you can purchase photography prints (framed and unframed) and some select branded merchandise in the online shop. There’ll be more products rolling out over the coming months, especially as I complete the work on the new social networking site.
I just added two versions of a poster (framed and unframed) made from a popular photo I took a year ago. The photo received a lot of attention on social media and has been used in several advertising campaigns. It’s a monochromatic photo of Barnegat Light House, or “Miss Barnegat Light,” located in on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
You’ll also find a branded water bottle (which people are always asking me about on my Instagram) and—soon!—a branded hoodie (which usually goes out to new clients) (and more prints) as well. Keep an eye on Instagram for when those products drop.
I really am excited. This site has always mostly been an informative and educational resource for clients interested in retaining me for my creative design work and it’s time I do more with it. Don’t you think? I just haven’t had the bandwidth, until recently.
This wasn’t an easy journey, I have to admit. It’s been months of intensive research and planning into the what’s and how’s of nuance elements to make “this eCommerce thing” happen. But, I have to say, my new friends at Printful made it super easy. I have been eager to work with them for years, however, their tech and customer experience team surpassed any and all expectations I had for setup and implementation a breeze.
I chose to go with on-demand manufacturing and fulfillment (aka “drop-shipping”) (for as many of the products that I can) to ensure I wouldn’t be one of the billions of people/brands overproducing products and straining our already inundated ecosystem and infrastructures. This may add a margin of time to the traditional processing and delivery windows, however, I know my customers and clients share in my commitment to doing business ethically. So, I know it will work.
Everything You've Been Wondering: About Special Projects
I had no idea that Special Projects Leadership was a thing until I had been doing it for half a decade: It was a normal-as-anything day in late summer, circa 2018 when a friend and colleague bridged an introduction over email. “Copied here,” the email read, “Is Eric Michael, a good friend, and US-based Special Projects Lead that I know can bring your ideas to life… He’s the best!” (That last excerpt because: butterflies.)
My first thought was, “Is this what we’re doing now? Handing out professional titles?” My second thought was, “Did I do this? Have I put ‘special projects’ somewhere in my messaging?” (No.) And then, I’ll admit, “That’s exactly what I am.” (And then I immediately added the title to my LinkedIn, business cards, and everything else.)
Doing this felt like taking a long (exaggerated) look over my shoulder to learn a whole corner of my creative practice had been completely concealed. I had done so much in presenting the traditional creative services I carry out for clients—print, graphic, and web design—that I had left all of my Special Projects in the dark. Plus, I thought, if I didn’t know I was a Special Projects Lead, surely there had to be others. Maybe?
There weren’t. Turns out most of my network, including past and prospective clients, considered me a reliable (aka “solid”) Special Projects lead. Mostly because of my work with Airthings, The Home Depot, Visit Philadelphia, and countless other collaborators (ranging across fashion, psychedelic medicine, wellness, tech, and travel and tourism) had built me a pretty solid reputation in the space. Groovy.
My hope for this article is to hold some space and shed some light, through some frequently asked questions (aka supplemental reading material), as I work to assemble a dedicated Special Projects page on my site. There you’ll be able to dive deeper into my practice and explore some of the previous work.
Let’s get started but, before we do, if you’re interested in being alerted when the Special Projects page goes live, drop your email below.
What is a Special Projects Lead?
A Special Projects Lead, by my definition, is an individual that works to assume the role and execute duties required of leading projects or assignments towards a productive goal.
What do you consider a ‘Special Project’ to be?
Special Projects run the gamut, for me. I consider anything appealing, attractive, or attainable to be a Special Project. Sometimes a Special Project can be purely conceptual, assisting an organization or brand with a new product or identity. Whereas, other times, a Special Project can be more complex and multi-disciplinary, like designing and presenting unique brand activations and integrated marketing initiatives.
I even look at and approach some digital property (website) design and development assignments as Special Projects, like those requiring content creation or intro-to-market support. It’s safe to say that you (or any client) would want any partnership requiring the activation of 2+ services would be tackled and treated as something special.
How long is the term of a Special Project?
This too is a sliding scale. Historically speaking, Special Project terms have spanned between three and six months—depending on the need and style of collaboration.
How do you select which Special Projects to attach yourself to?
At the end of the day, aside from relational and (corporate) cultural compatibility, I make the decision to propose or accept Special Projects on a case-by-case basis; on the appeal and (probable) success rate of the identified desire or need.
Refreshed and Reset
Welcome back, finally!
I am so excited and proud of this new and evolving iteration of EricMichaelCreates.com that I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to it and to the new-found Why that's governing my work.
Clients, everything that you have come to love about my site, like the Toolbox and other functionality, is still here (in the same places) but with a cleaner look.
I have spent the better part of the last three months pecking away, page by page and post by post, to migrate my digital presence. This included reviewing, restructuring, and reorganizing every page and article on the site while rebranding and repositioning several service items and all of my social media channels.
The goal was really a simple one: I wanted singular digital and social destinations to share my work, as it relates to both my creative and individualized personal and professional development offerings.
I've come to find design deliverables—like brand assets and custom Shopify, WordPress, and Squarespace digital properties—to be just a fraction of the work I do.
The real intention I have for my work, the thing that I breathe into all that I do and hope to leave behind, is a stronger and more sustainable culture. Through a guided approach to consciously redefining what it means to be in creative collaboration, we collectively strengthen the connection to the work and deepen the meaning in the work.
Keep checking back: There’s a lot more coming from new creative service listings to helpful self-serve functionality and a new personal and professional development hub that’s sure to deepen our connection. Don’t worry, I’ll announce and lay it all out here.
Is there something, a particular aspect of my work or supporting feature, you'd like to see integrated into the website? Drop us a note and let's unpack all feedback and suggestions and maybe you'll see it here shortly.
(Re)Introducing the 'Managed Digital' Suite
One thing I know for sure is that creativity, innovation, and powerful performance cannot simply be left to their own devices. Not in an ever-changing digital landscape like the world wide web, anyway. You’ll come to learn, soon enough, nothing here is evergreen.
Success online requires the same things as success anywhere else: skillful and intentional management, regular and recurring maintenance, and (for most) a trusted collaborator who can help you chart and stay the course.
The Shopify, WordPress, and Squarespace platforms have been my personal sandbox for nearly fifteen years and, in all that time, I’ve never known one operating system, theme, or ancillary software to not require regular assistance or support. WordPress especially.
I’ve taken all I’ve experienced in supporting brands in managing their presence online, all of the data and statistics spanning management and maintenance tasks, content creation, and more to introduce a new service suite into my practice: Managed Digital.
Recurring management and maintenance services are nothing new for creative agencies and independent collaborators, like myself. While I don’t, some designers and developers require recurring service agreements for upwards of one, three, or even five years after your digital property launches. And more often than not, you’ll be thankful that you’ve locked yourself into one—anything can happen. (There are a myriad of reasons why I don’t require them but we can get into that later.)
I’ve served as registrar, host, manager, and maintenance support for clients over and over (and over) again throughout my career, however, Managed Digital is still a first-of-its-kind offering for me in many ways.
Managed Digital is the most concentrated-yet-robust service suite I may have ever incorporated into my practice:
The entire suite is á la carte, allowing clients to pick and choose the service coverage that may (or may not) serve their brand, online shop, and ancillary needs best. And snackable pricing means we’re even more in line with our core values of guiding our work through intention. You’ll never pay for tasks or services you don’t need.
The best part? I’ve incorporated the earlier ‘Park’ + ‘Prime’ + ‘Power’ suite and other offerings (for large-scale organizations) into Managed Digital as well. So, it’s more or less a one-stop-shop for all that comes next—and everything after.
Managed Digital offerings are available now, including WordPress and Squarespace Common Space, recurring maintenance and management packages, and more. Book a conversation to learn more or inquire about how Eric Michael can support your digital property.
Thirty-One.
I’m thirty-one, today.
This year, in many ways, felt like finally catching my breath. There is no mistaking it: twenty-twenty dealt the world an unprecedented hand and there were many uncertain, often times scary moments.
True color moments.
Moments of pandemic, chaos, and poor leadership. Moments of shock, shame, and sadness. Moments of loss, heartbreak, and plenty of resource scarcity.
But there were positive, brighter moments too.
Moments of support and togetherness. Moments of compassion and understanding. Moments of listening, consolation, and slow (very slow) yet steady reform.
These true color moments are moments of awakening, growth, and change.
True color accentuate our priorities, principals, and purpose—making them clearer than ever. It’s here, in the thick of it, that we’re shaken, disrupted, and even grounded in ways nothing else ever possibly could. And, if you’re a good and decent person: you put on your shit kickers; get down in the dirt; open your heart and mind to the concept and possibilities for change; and get about doing the good work
I’m proud of The Work we’ve done throughout the studio this year - pivoting and prioritizing our support for small businesses in the wake of pandemic and donating more than 200 hours to well-deserving for- and non-profit endeavors. We saw exponential growth in new- and recurring clients, completed more projects, and signed more new Associates this year than ever before. We expanded our reach into real estate, pharma, and clinical health and tightened our grip across tech, lifestyle, and, of course, cannabis and holistic wellness.
But, arguably, the best work I’ve done all year has been the work I’ve done on myself:
I started this year on a springboard, with the intention to take longer, deeper strides to protect myself and safeguard the light that burns within. And, I promised myself to walk decisively on that journey. And I did.
The side effect of social distance, hindsight, made way for awesome personal discovery while economic uncertainty served as an anchor for what’s important. I, like many people, found gateway to free myself from erroneous commitments and make more space for what truly serves me.
I greeted and explored my issues with abandonment and co-dependency. Opening my eyes to the effects each has had on my personal life (and career!) over the years. And, naturally, gave myself the space and grace to begin the healing journey of furthering my understanding and coping with each.
Truth be told, I’m usually more excited for the professional projects and opportunities that await me moving into a new year. Truth be told, during these “last few weeks,” I hardly ever set a resolute intention on Self; thinking that, if I can just keep the lives around me afloat, clients and family and friends, my life will stay afloat as well. But, *real* truth be told, for the first time (ever), I see that is neither true or in proper service of anyone—let alone sustainable.
I am excited to be moving into 2021 supported by the experiences, opportunities, progress, and connections that this year has brought me. I have never felt so supported. Or, free. And, empowered by that freedom, I am hungry to continue my journeys of healing, building my home, fostering positive and supportive relationships, community, and, of course, entrepreneurial pursuit.
Still, there is a way to go, individually and together, in accepting, understanding, and navigating all of this and all that exists in our truly unimaginable new normal.
Work Order Terms & Conditions
By submitting a Request of Work (or “EM&A Work Order”) in writing or by way of the online form, the Client (submitting party) agrees to the following terms and conditions in addition to the EM&A General Terms of Service, Payment, and Work & Acceptance as outlined below.
- Submission of a Request for Work (or EM&A Work Order) and/or receipt of quotation or proposal documentation does not initiate the assignment. Assignments are initiated on acceptance of said proposal collateral and the timely payment of any/all associated costs. This is not to prolong the process or inconvenience the client, this is to ensure Eric Michael & Associates has all of the required authority and resources to execute the work.
- Unless outlined otherwise (in writing) all work orders commence within 5 business days of receipt of payment.
- Costs and pricing shared in any forthcoming quotation, the scope of work or formal proposal documentation are flat-rate fees based on the (estimated) hours necessary to complete the work. This hourly rate, dictated by the delivery and turnaround requirements, will be called on for any additional or “overtime” required to bring the project to completion.
- Eric Michael & Associates quotes all assignments at one of three hourly rates, determined by the expectations and demand of the client: Standard and long-lead assignments (requiring fulfillment in no less than 10 business days) are quoted at $150 per hour with a five-hour minimum commitment; On-Demand and short-lead assignments (requiring fulfillment in less than 10 business days) are quoted and billed at the hourly rate of $225 per hour with a three-hour minimum commitment; Rushed assignments (requiring delivery in less than 5 business days) are billed at the Rushed Order rate of $300 per hour with a three-hour minimum commitment.
- Quotations and proposal rates include all reasonable and necessary project management (PM) and communication time and are clearly outlined within said documentation. If the Client requires additional meetings or erroneous communications, that time can/will incur additional fees associated with the scope and to the cost of work.
- Eric Michael & Associates reserves and requires all necessary third-party costs and fees in advance of the commencement of work. This includes all software, template, theme, shipping, file storage, and other needs.
- All sales are final and all standard EM&A Terms of Payment apply unless otherwise noted, in writing in advance or in the proposal of the assignment.
- The Client understands that Eric Michael & Associates works with third-party vendors like print suppliers and other partners and suppliers, including sign manufacturers and installers, photographers, illustrators, film-makers, interior designers, external website developers and coders, and other relevant partners to provide an extensive high-quality service offering beyond immediate in-house capabilities.
- The Client understands that there is always an expected variance of colors between color, shape, and size of print and physical products. This is due to the source of the print or visual, the types of inks and colors, the printing process, the substrate use, individual preferences, and other factors. As a result, Eric Michael & Associates is unable to guarantee 100% accuracy or consistency of color on any/all items and may not always be able to achieve the exact result expected by the Client. EM&A always suggests, when this is a concern, the obtaining of a "wet proof" as firm and final proof of production. Wet proofs will always incur additional fees.
- Eric Michael & Associates will never knowingly infringe on any copyright or trademark and will deliver, to the best of knowledge, original and unique creative solutions to the Client. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, it is the responsibility of the client to ensure that no copyright or trademark has been infringed or violated and to make their own application for copyright or trademark with the United States of America Intellectual Property Office - if required.
- Eric Michael & Associates will never, at any time or in any manner, directly or indirectly use for personal benefit or divulge, disclose or communicate any information that is proprietary to the client. We will work to protect such information and treat it as strictly confidential, as outlined in our Client Privacy Policy.
- All general EM&A Terms of Service apply.
AutoPay Terms
Carefully read the Terms and Conditions for the EM&A AutoPay ("AP") option: By enrolling, opting-in, requesting, using or paying for any service provided by Eric Michael & Associates by AutoPay, you agree to these terms and conditions. If these Terms and Conditions are not acceptable to you, please notify the organization immediately.
AUTOPAY ENROLLMENT: (i) I understand that AutoPay enrollment is a manual effort via over-the-phone, over-the-web, and other application-based payment gateways; (ii) I understand that if I enroll in AutoPay online or over-the-phone with an electronic approval or signature, I authorize Eric Michael & Associates to treat that approval as evidence of my consent to initiate electronic payment transactions from my designated bank, debit card, or credit card account. This consent only applies to the initiation of the recurring electronic bank, credit card, or debit card payments. My authorization via electronic signature or written consent has the same effect as a handwritten signature on a paper-formatted agreement; (iii) I understand that AutoPay enrollment applies to the bank, debit card, or credit card account that I designate only; (iv) I understand the need and agree to make manual payments to Eric Michael & Associates until the AutoPay enrollment is established and I have written confirmation that I no longer need to make manual payments; (v) I authorize Eric Michael & Associates to automatically charge my debit card, credit card, or bank account, as applicable, for any/all recurring and incurred charges on my EM&A Account; (vi) I understand and agree that AutoPay payments are withdrawn on or around the fifteenth (15th) day of each month, or on the overwritten dates specified in my formal agreement or individual invoices which Eric Michael & Associates will provide no less than ten (10) days prior to the AutoPay date; (vii) I understand that in order to cancel AutoPay I must telephone or provide a written request to Eric Michael & Associates no less than ten (10) business days prior to the requested cancellation date.
PAPERLESS BILLING: (i) I understand that by enrolling in AutoPay, I also agree with Paperless Billing; (ii) I understand Eric Michael & Associates will issue and deliver statements of work, estimates, quotes, purchase order requests, and invoices to me directly via email, and authorize them to do so; (iii) I understand that it is my responsibility to alert Eric Michael & Associates of any/all virtual or email address changes in addition to ensuring proper forwarding is in place from the previous address; (iv) I confirm and agree that Eric Michael & Associates has my most accurate and reliable email address on record to date; (v) I agree to have Eric Michael & Associates notify me via email and/or SMS text message each month, at least ten (10) days before my payment is to be debited or charred of the amount of my bill and that my bill is available for round-the-clock online viewing, printing, and manual fulfillment; (vi) I agree to promptly and immediately update my email address and wireless phone number with Eric Michael & Associates if it changes.
UPDATES TO FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS: (i) I understand that if there is a need to change my debit card, credit card, or financial institution on record—including billing zipcodes, expiration dates, and security codes—I must telephone or provide written notice along with the necessary revisions to Eric Michael & Associates; (ii) I understand and agree that Eric Michael & Associates may automatically receive updated card information from the financial institution issuing the cards or accounts.
BILLING ERRORS & DISRUPTIONS: (i) I understand and agree that Eric Michael & Associates is not liable for erroneous bill statements, incorrect or accidentally authorized debit/credit charges; (ii) I understand that, if a billing error occurs, Eric Michael & Associates is responsible for correcting it after proper investigation, if and when I notify them of the error.
RETURNED PAYMENTS: (i) I understand that if my payment is rejected, refused, returned, disputed, declined, or reversed by my financial institution or card issuer for any reason, Eric Michael & Associates has the right to charge a returned item fee ($75 per-item) and cancel my AutoPay open enrollment account; (ii) I understand that my participation and AutoPay enrolment is subject to Eric Michael & Associates’ approval and AutoPay may be paused, suspended, or removed from my account for any reason; (iii) Eric Michael & Associates and participating financial institutions reserve the right to terminate my participation in this payment option at any time, as authorized by applicable law.
FEES: (i) I understand and agree that AutoPay is a free and complementary feature provided to clients as a convenience by Eric Michael & Associates and that there is no fee for participation in the program; (ii) I understand that I should verify with my financial institution to determine if additional charges apply.
CHANGES & UPDATES: From time to time, Eric Michael & Associates may revise these AutoPay Terms & Conditions. Eric Michael & Associates will provide notice of such revisions by posting revisions in any number of ways, including posts to the EricMichaelCreates.com website, Client Account Management tools, and even the EM&A Newsletter. Material revisions to the Terms & Conditions shall be effective no sooner than 30 days after posting any/all necessary alerts. If you do not agree to Eric Michael & Associates’ revision(s), you must terminate your AutoPay enrollment immediately in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. By continuing to use AutoPay after revisions are in effect, you accept and agree to all revisions and changes.
On Power
Doesn’t it seem like every month there’s a new release of The World’s Most Powerful from a source no one was even asking? And, isn’t it always a little weird that they use the external things—wealth, status, celebrity—to define and rank power. It is for me. Specifically, it’s weird how one person can go from the top position of power one year and not even make it on the list the next. Did that person have power, or not? Was the power real and it just disappeared? It’s easy to get confused.
This all hit me this morning over tea and I thought a lot about power, and what it means to me; I’ve always defined power as strength, perpetuated. Therefore, it’s not the wealth and status and celebrity that bear the honor but spirituality and resilience. A power that comes from there, our core being, reflects everything that we’re meant to be. And, in turn, shines that light (if it’s light you’re radiating) then brightens those closest to it.
When we see a force like this shining through someone, it’s pretty irresistible and inspiring. It elevates us, motivating and inspiring a better way of living, learning, loving, and growing. I think the times I feel it most, power, in myself, are the times I am delivering something—advice, knowledge, a product, service, or just time in general—to another person who will benefit from it, feel the impact and “get it.”
If we’re lucky when they “get it” they’ll give it too. To someone else, also in need of whatever it is.
Alignment is totally the secret to power. That’s my belief anyway. When you’re conscious of the course you’re on and doing what you’re supposed to be doing to fulfill your own self and leverage that fulfillment to lift up those around you—aware and truly lead by the best of intentions—it’s hard to achieve anything but power. When you’re doing things, on purpose and with purpose, you’re at your most powerful state.
Power doesn’t mean you won’t stumble. It means you won’t fall.