Whether you are starting a new business or you have decades of experience in the retail industry, choosing the ideal POS system is necessary to succeed.
POS means Point of Sale, and the POS system is the engine or the heart of your business, and a business enterprise without the right POS system cannot function.
If you ask most people what a POS system is for, they’ll tell you that it’s a tool for accepting customer payments. But there’s more to it.
Other than providing customers with an option to pay for their purchases, a POS system can also:
- Ensure effective inventory management
- Ensure accurate accounting
- Ensure effective employee management
- Sales reporting
- Ensure effective customer relationship management and more
Choosing a POS system is no small investment. It costs time, money, and energy. In this article, you will discover the top things you must consider when buying your retail POS.
The Hardware
When choosing a POS system, you need to first decide on the perfect hardware options. The most common devices for retail stores include:
- Monitor or tablet
- Card reader
- Barcode scanner
- Cash drawer
- Receipt reader, etc.
There are so many factors to consider here, but these two are the most important ones.
Usability and Nature of Activities
How usable is the machine? Better yet, what are your activities, and what can the POS machine do to help?
There are several types of POS devices. These include:
- GPRS card machine
- Static machine
- Bluetooth/ portable
- Wi-Fi machine
A static machine, also known as a countertop, is a more common option for retail stores, especially those that do not require movement a lot. On the other hand, a GPRS card machine is perfect for businesses in transit. In addition, credit card readers must be compliant with all the relevant standards to facilitate secure transactions.
The Cost
The swiping machine charges are another crucial factor to consider when choosing hardware for your system. Unfortunately, not all POS machine providers are genuine, which can significantly impact the transaction experience. As a result, even though it is best to look for cost-efficient options, it is advisable to partner with trustworthy providers.
The Software
As you choose your physical devices, it is best to think about what you want from the software. That said, below are some factors to consider when choosing your software:
Customer Support
Buying a POS system is not just a transaction; it is also the beginning of a long-term partnership with a provider who can offer you the support you need. As a result, please make sure you understand the kind of customer care to expect. Also, it is best to learn about the pathways for contacting the vendor, how fast they respond, and how long they take to solve an issue.
The Features
What would you want your POS system to do for you? Is it to prevent theft and unnecessary loss? Plan your retargeting marketing campaigns? Or is it to monitor your business performance?
Whatever it is, it is best to compose such a list that complements your business requirements and find software that can deliver the features you want.
The following is a list of some of the best features for retail businesses:
- Loyalty program
- Inventory management
- Employee management
- Customer management, etc.
The Cost
Just like hardware, the cost is a critical factor to consider when choosing software too. It is advisable to determine the upfront fees, per transaction charges, monthly charges, etc. You can sum them up then to see how they affect the touch screen billing machine price. Then, compare that with your benefits to find out if the option is worth it.
Conclusion
This blog outlined the tips for helping retail businesses purchase the ideal POS system. You can employ the information and make a sound decision for selecting the correct POS system provider.