Your website is doing quite well. In fact, your website is doing so well that you have set up your own store. However, you now want some way to efficiently manage both through the same, simple POS system. Is there any particular thing you should know before you buy a POS system to fulfill this particular need?
#1. Examining the Different Types of Systems
There are several different types of POS systems on the market and vendors will promise the world. The accessories and add-ons are so lucrative that most people are lured into picking the first system they come across. This is very wrong – especially since you will not have the time to compare systems, prices, and features.
Before you even think about buying a POS, you should know that POS systems have changed considerably over the last few years, according to Entrepreneur. The most modern systems now run on cloud-technology and use tablets or smartphones to run the POS system. Of course, this might not be the right system for your particular requirements. For that reason, here are a few things that will guide you on to choose the most modern and perfectly fitting POS system for your particular requirements.
#2. Look For PCI Compliance
Almost everyone has heard of data theft and hackers. A POS system stores a huge amount of personal and store data. The system usually has its own protection but PCI compliance ensures that the system is up to date with current federal and state requirements for secure financial transactions. This is critical because if your customer data is robbed from your POS system, then you are financially liable to the customer. Check the vendor’s paperwork to ensure that the POS package has passed the PCI DSS evaluation, recommends Hiscox.
#3. Use a Wi-Fi System
Times have changed. A wireless enabled system is the best system on the market. With this kind of POS, you can operate the entire store’s billing on a single tablet. The tablet uses the store’s Wi-Fi connection to bill sales. Store personnel can use wireless barcode scanners to read product information and update the POS inventory. The advantage with a wireless system is that, it is cheaper states Hiscox. For example, a Wi-Fi system costs about $1000 while a traditional POS system costs about $15,000 or more.
#4. Understand CRM Capabilities
Most POS systems are great with several features that you can use to speed up billing and track inventory. However, that is not enough. Your POS system should tell you as many details as possible about store sales. It should tell you exactly which goods are sold, which store has the most business, and how customers shop at stores. These types of CRM capabilities are perfect to increase business and streamline the ordering process in a store.
#5. Customer Service and Maintenance
All tech systems experience problems and you will require a good technician to help you deal with the system. Vendors should supply customer service, troubleshooting, and expert help as quickly as possible. If your system shuts down, you cannot carry out store billing and inventory and this is a loss of time, money and customer loyalty. Try to find a company or vendor that provides one-hour service or same-day service. The company should also provide a complete warranty on the repair services they have provided.
#6. Buy Smart, Sensible Accessories
Vendors may try to convince you to buy expensive accessories but you do not need that much. If you choose a traditional POS system, you will require a barcode scanner, a receipt printer, a computer, and its accessories. If you choose a Wi-Fi POS system, you can make do with very few accessories. A tablet, a receipt printer, and a barcode scanner can do the job. Of course, you are free to buy other accessories but these are the basic accessories for a small business.
#7. Adaptability and Room to Grow
As you expand your business, your POS system should be able to expand with you. Vendors like Shopify provide basic systems that are easy to use. These systems are simple enough for small business owners and they are affordable as well. A POS system will integrate the website and your store and help you deal with both at the same time. As your store and website expands, Shopify can expand your basic POS system with new add-ons and plug-ins for a nominal fee. This is a very sensible option for small business owners that truly does make financial sense as well, according to Business News Daily.
The Bottom Line
A good POS system should be current with the latest technology, states JD Associates. Yes, the older POS systems are good but if you want to retain a competitive advantage, you need the best. As a result, make sure you buy a system that is technological superior, easy to use, and affordable.
Images: ”Payment flat icon set. All for business payments: POS terminal with barcode scanner and receipt printer, wallet, credit cards and check. EPS 10 vector./ Shutterstock.com“
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