<![CDATA[South Dakota Retailers Association - Online Retail Journal]]>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:09:28 -0500EditMySite<![CDATA[Alcohol Licenses for Video Lottery Establishments]]>Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:28:00 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/alcohol-licenses-for-video-lottery-establishmentsBy: the South Dakota Department of Revenue
By definition, a business may not be licensed as a video lottery establishment unless it is a bar or lounge licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.1 State law further defines a bar or lounge as an enterprise primarily maintained and operated for the selling, dispensing, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises.2 Therefore, each video lottery licensed establishment must obtain its own sales tax license and its own on-sale alcoholic beverage license, even if there are multiple establishments in the same building. Each licensed establishment must also abide by all alcoholic beverage laws and video lottery laws.

​South Dakota law limits the number of video lottery machines to no more than ten in any licensed establishment.3 Some video lottery machine operators are offering more than ten video lottery machines under one roof by creating multiple licensed establishments within the building.

In addition to any video lottery requirements for multiple establishments under one roof, several alcoholic beverage laws must be considered to ensure compliance under this scenario.
  • Since the law requires selling and dispensing alcohol, each licensed establishment must maintain an inventory of alcoholic beverages and have point-of-sale capability. One bar area may not service multiple licensed establishments.
  • The inventory of alcoholic beverages must be stored within each licensed establishment.4 There cannot be one common storage area or cooler to store the alcoholic beverages for all licensed establishments.
  • Each licensed establishment may only receive alcoholic beverages directly from an alcoholic beverage wholesaler.5 Multiple licensed establishments under one roof may not order in bulk, share, or trade alcoholic beverages.
  • Patrons of the licensed establishment cannot carry alcoholic beverages from one licensed establishment to another.6 Each licensed establishment must have controls in place to ensure alcoholic beverages do not leave the licensed premises where they were sold.

In short, the alcoholic beverage laws do not vary simply because there is common ownership of multiple licensed establishments under one roof. Each licensed establishment must be treated individually, just as if it were across town with different ownership.

Failure to comply with the alcoholic beverage laws may result in suspension or revocation of any alcoholic beverage licenses,7 and the loss of video lottery privileges.

For questions about alcoholic beverage laws, call the Department of Revenue at (800) 829-9188 ext. 1. Questions about lottery laws may be directed to the South Dakota Lottery at (605) 773-5770.
1  SDCL 42-7A-1 (6)
2  SDCL 42-7A-37.1
3  SDCL 42-7A-44
4  SDCL 35-1-9
5  SDCL 35-4-60
6  SDCL 35-1-5.6
7  SDCL 35-2-10
]]><![CDATA[Modern Retail Using QR Codes in Your Business]]>Tue, 04 May 2021 16:51:26 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/modern-retail-using-qr-codes-in-your-businessQR codes are everywhere today — on pizza boxes, flyers, receipts, signs, shop doors, and even plants and statues! Consumers have learned how easy it is to scan QR codes with their smartphone camera. Once scanned, QR codes can send the user to a PDF, website or video, and much more.

A QR code is a type of barcode anyone can scan and read with the camera in their smartphone. QR code stands for Quick Response code; users can scan the QR code and instantly access the information or be directed somewhere such as a website to take action.

Ways to use QR codes in your business
  • To replace multiuse items, like menus, maps, or local guide books
  • Direct people to your social media page, website, or online review site, especially web pages with a long URL
  • Provide a link to more information on a specific product or location

How to create a custom QR code
  • Visit a QR Code generator - like qr-code-generator.com
  • Using Google Chrome? Right-click anywhere on the website you want to link and select "Create QR code for this page," and download the image provided
]]><![CDATA[Tips and Tricks to Using Video | Social Media and Website]]>Tue, 23 Feb 2021 20:52:57 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/tips-and-tricks-to-using-video-social-media-and-websiteMore and more video content is being watched now than ever before. With social media being a destination for nearly all consumers, adding video content is a great way to reach and engage with your followers. A few essential tools and tips will ensure your production comes together with ease and little intimidation!
First, start small! Luckily, almost all of us have a video camera in our pocket. Using the camera on your phone is a great way to start shooting videos and become comfortable with the process. For example, do a quick tour of your store, a behind-the-scenes look to your nightly food specials, or shoot a timelapse of putting together an outfit! The more you explore your phone's offerings, the more confident you will be creating video content.

Second, add a little extra. Once you feel comfortable shooting video, consider adding music or audio. Programs like iMovie (Apple) or Movie Maker (Windows) make it simple to add an audio track to your production. These programs also make it easy to piece together multiple clips to create one video.

If you plan to talk during your video, make sure you're in a quiet place and test your speaking volume before you begin. It might be worth investing in a small microphone to plug into your phone. At SDRA, we use an external microphone and a free iPad teleprompter app called PromptSmartLite. These tools guarantee that our audio and content are clear.
​
Finally, keep it short! In a world of constant information, try to keep your videos quick and fun.
But the best way to develop strong video content is to start shooting! Play around with different techniques available on your phone, explore the video editing software and be creative with what you want to feature.
]]><![CDATA[Cyber Security Tips from Infotech Solutions]]>Wed, 09 Dec 2020 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/cyber-security-tips-from-infotech-solutionsCyber Security is typically associated with brick and mortar organizations. With today’s landscape, organizations have had to utilize any means necessary to keep revenue coming in; this includes an online presence.  This move does not lessen the need for cyber security or habits an organization should still be doing to keep them and their data safe. Here are some tips to lessen the likelihood of a breach to your online sales portal.
  1. Use HTTPS. This is designated by a closed green lock on the URL address. To obtain this, you will need to acquire a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate. This serves as a trusted site for your consumers. Many potential customers are scared away if your site isn’t secure.

  2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) anywhere and everywhere you can. This will serve as a stop gap for any hacker that obtains a username and password to any piece of the organization. If the organization does not have MFA enabled, the hacker now has full access. If the organization does have MFA enabled, it will serve as an indication of compromise and you can now reset the password without incident.

  3. Do not store customer information. The end game for hackers is generally not to destroy the business and livelihood of families (although it can and does happen as a corollary of a hack). The purpose is usually to obtain the personal data of customers - especially credit cards - creating more targets. Use a trusted third party credit card processor and meet all required standards so they assume the liability in the event of a breach.

  4. Choose a secure platform. Historically, many platforms were picked based on how they “fit” into the brick and mortar buildings. Now, cloud based solutions don’t have to have perfect fit to that organization anymore. They are more customizable to every type of client: small, medium, big, on-site, or cloud based.

  5. Backups: Be clear who is responsible and liable for backups. Is it the platform, or is the organization in charge of backups? Regardless of who is responsible for the act, make sure you have a reliable source, and spot check it.

  6. Passwords: Choose unique passwords for every login in the organization. The password must be strong, unique to you, and should never contain sensitive information like your social security number, date of birth, or answers to any sort of security questions. This is best accomplished by a password manager.   

Click here to learn more about SDRA's service with Infotech Solutions.

By: Tyler Ruhd
Director of Business Development, Infotech Solutions, LLC
   
]]><![CDATA[SCORE Resources for Your Business]]>Wed, 25 Nov 2020 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/score-resources-for-your-businessIf you’re intimidated about wading into the world of ecommerce, SCORE has some tips to help you take the plunge. 
 
SCORE also has volunteers who can provide personal, practical guidance based on their own business experience. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE is the largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors in the country. They’ve helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals.

​To learn more about SCORE, for information on upcoming virtual workshop, or other resources, visit https://southdakota.score.org.
 
In South Dakota, SCORE is headquartered in Aberdeen; phone 605-280-3642.
]]><![CDATA[TEN Social Media Prompts]]>Thu, 22 Oct 2020 18:06:31 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/ten-social-media-promptsFeeling stuck on social? We get it! It is hard creating new content week after week! But, having an online presence is extremely important in today's business world. Give your customers a reason to come visit or call your business!

​See TEN social media prompts below to get you started on the path to social success!
  1. What is the founding story of your brand? 
  2. Two truths and a lie with a key team member 
  3. A peek behind your supply chain 
  4. Customer Testimonial 
  5. Product Testimonial & Tag someone who needs to know! 
  6. Giveaways 
  7. Inspirational/Funny Quote 
  8. Industry Commentary 
  9. Celebrate a Social Media Holiday (National Day of...) 
  10. Behind the Scenes "Day at the Office"

Now have fun, and start posting!
]]><![CDATA[Free Help to Develop a Plan for Your Online Business]]>Wed, 14 Oct 2020 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/free-help-to-develop-a-plan-for-your-online-businessDeveloping a business plan is a crucial step to get an online business up and running, make it profitable and remain competitive.

That’s where South Dakota’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) comes in. Their seven regional offices offer free, confidential assistance to first-time entrepreneurs and existing businesses.

SBDC tools and resources walk a person through that process. For example, check out their Business Planning Guide at sdbusinesshelp.com/resource-category/business-planning-guide.
Once a person drafts a business plan, SBDC will review it to make sure it is complete and realistic, and to make sure the person isn’t overlooking a key aspect of starting or expanding a business.

State SBDC Director Mark Slade says developing financial projections is the biggest challenge for many entrepreneurs.

“We help them through the process of taking all of that information and turning it into a profit and loss statement, a cash flow statement and a balance sheet.”

SBDC offers software that will lay out an entrepreneur’s financial figures in a format wanted by bankers. It can help determine if the businessperson needs to make adjustments in their planning.

Once the financial analysis is complete, SBDC can help identify potential loan and funding sources that may be available based on factors such as job creation, wages, product or service offered, and geographic location.

Visit sdbusinesshelp.com for more information.
]]><![CDATA[FedEx has new, bigger discounts for SDRA members]]>Wed, 30 Sep 2020 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/fedex-has-new-bigger-discounts-for-sdra-members​Our friends at FedEx understand that businesses have had to adapt to a new demand in the past few months. That’s why you can now save 40% on FedEx Express® shipping and 30% on FedEx Ground when you sign up for and use the SDRA Shipping Program, managed by PartnerShip®.
SDRA members now have access to higher FedEx discounts off list rates than ever before. When you sign up for the SDRA Shipping Program, you’ll save 40% on FedEx Express and 30% on FedEx Ground. If you’re currently using the program, be sure to re-enroll to get the improved discounts. With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of cost-saving benefits. Whether you’re shipping orders to customers, getting shipments in from suppliers, or managing customer returns, you’ll be able to reduce your costs. Enroll today.

For members who are already using the program, but don’t have the current FedEx discounts, make sure you re-enroll to receive the improved pricing. If you have any questions about the program or would like a free rate comparison, PartnerShip is available to help.
]]><![CDATA[Not a Taxing Situation]]>Wed, 23 Sep 2020 21:04:37 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/not-a-taxing-situationWhen customers order items from your online store, you obviously need to wrap and box them carefully for shipping. When you purchase shipping materials from a supplier, be sure to check the bottom line to see if you’re being charged sales tax.
 
Why? Because online businesses located in South Dakota generally don’t owe sales tax when they buy the packaging materials used to ship customer purchases as long as:

  1. The retailer is using the containers and wrapping materials to hold other tangible personal property sold by the retailer, and
  2. The boxes, bubble wrap, etc. are supplied free by the business as a convenience to the customer
The tax exemption pertains to items such as:​
  • boxes
  • cartons
  • lids
  • wrapping paper
  • labels
  • packing cases
  • bags
  • containers
  • twine
  • glue​
  • bottles
  • shipping case
  • wrapping film
  • strapping
  • rope
  • tape
  • cans
  • pads
  • dividers
  • stockinette
  • casings
  • and similar articles and receptacles used or consumed by manufacturers, processors, or fabricators
MORE INFORMATION
  • Call the South Dakota Department of Revenue at 800-829-9188
]]><![CDATA[Adding SNAP EBT to a grocery store website]]>Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:40:57 GMThttps://www.sdra.org/onlinejournal/adding-snap-ebt-to-a-grocery-store-websiteSouth Dakota’s request to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households to take advantage of online food ordering options received approval from the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) in June 2020.
If you want to offer an online option to your EBT customers, requirements include:
  • You must be an eligible SNAP retailer
  • A separate FNS authorization to participate in SNAP online purchasing; submit a letter of intent to the SNAP Online Purchasing mailbox at sm.fn.snaponline@usda.gov
  • Your company must have an online ecommerce presence
  • The business must abide by the FNS retailer stocking requirements   
  • You must meet online purchasing requirements, such as ensuring that only eligible foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits
  • As with in-store purchases, you can’t charge sales tax on online SNAP purchases
  • Your website must have a method for handling estimated pricing for items that are variably priced based on weight

For additional information, check the technical assistance questions and answers from FNS.
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