Interview
Please start by giving us a brief introduction to your company.
Our company primarily operates in the retail business of interior goods. We have around 150 directly managed stores, mainly located in suburban shopping centers, and we have expanded nationwide, except for Okinawa. Additionally, we have approximately 20 franchise stores. Our business includes multiple formats, such as general merchandise and apparel.
What prompted you to consider introducing GulfNet’s services?
This dates back over 10 years. At that time, we were actively planning to open new roadside stores. However, when we attempted to deposit sales cash into banks, they refused to accept anything other than banknotes, as handling coins was too much trouble for them. Keeping cash in the store posed a risk of theft, so we sought advice from an acquaintance, who introduced us to a security company. Unfortunately, the estimate they provided was far too expensive, so we gave up on that option. Around that time, we came across a newspaper article announcing that GulfNet was launching a cash collection service for the retail industry. That was what led us to consider their services.
How did you obtain information about the service at that time?
t was purely by chance that we saw the newspaper article about GulfNet launching a cash collection service for the retail industry. Since our company’s information systems department had prior dealings with GulfNet, we asked them for an introduction.
What were your selection criteria when considering the service, and why did you ultimately decide to introduce GulfNet’s services?
Of course, their ability to handle troubleshooting was important, but what stood out was their responsiveness to various requests from our company, as well as their role in mediating with affiliated companies. Since our relationship with GulfNet began, we have always relied on them whenever we encountered issues. One of the first instances I recall is when our cash deposit machine malfunctioned, and GulfNet served as the contact point for discussions with the security company. Another example was during Golden Week when the deposit machines became congested, and they promptly provided support.
Were there any issues during the introduction of the service?
There were no particular issues. GulfNet also helped us choose the appropriate size for the cash deposit machines based on our sales volume, which prevented any additional problems from arising.
What effects did the introduction of the service have?
Previously, we used night deposit safes, but we did experience robberies. However, after entrusting GulfNet with our cash handling, the number of robbery incidents at our stores significantly decreased.
If you had not introduced the service, what do you think would have happened?
Before introducing the service, we had to visit the bank counters to process sales deposits. However, banks were reluctant to accept anything other than banknotes, as handling coins was a hassle for them. Convenience stores also only accepted banknotes and charged additional fees. Additionally, we might have remained concerned about the possibility of employee theft.
Having worked with GulfNet so far, what aspects do you particularly appreciate?
Not only for the cash collection service we currently use, but we also feel we can consult them about any issue. Additionally, they have a broad range of support channels to answer our questions.
