(ThyBlackMan.com) When you are setting up your business, you have to think about investing in a new POS system. However, there are so many different software and hardware systems available; choosing one become a little confusing and very overwhelming. How do you choose a POS system that will suit your individual requirements?
Understand Your Requirements
You have to understand fully what you want in a POS system, according to Merchant Maverick. Take a sit and write down your needs and expectations when it comes to the ideal POS system for your business. For example, do you want the system to focus on sales or do you need more of an integrated system that checks sales along with inventory? Regardless of what you need, discuss your requirements and expectations with the POS vendor. Companies like Shopify have years of experience in customizing POS systems to suit customer needs. They will tailor-make your POS system to suit your needs and make sure you know what you are getting out of your POS system.
Do Your Due Diligence
Most people make the mistake of selecting the very first POS system that they see. This is a horrible idea, especially since you would not know much about the company’s reputation. Research the various POS vendors
available and stick to the company that deals exclusively with POS systems. After making your final decision, keep in mind that you will be stuck with that choice for a considerable amount of time. Study the history of the system, features, capabilities, applicable warranty coverage as well as customer support before making any commitments.
Available Accessories Offered with the System
All vendors offer several supportive systems and accessories with the POS system. For example, your POS vendor should offer accessories like barcode readers, wireless scanners, wireless printers, etc. The company should help you choose the right accessory for your particular needs and it should help you set up the system at your office.
Training Sessions for Staff
Retailers should train your office staff in how to use the POS system, according to Jdapos. However, almost all vendors try to save money on this option. Technology is not easy to grasp and understand fully for many people (especially in a business environment) so their specific learning needs may require multiple training sessions in order keep the staff up-to-date. Fortunately, customers can request extended training programs in order to achieve this goal.
It is recommended to use the pre-installation training sessions provided to educate and prepare the staff for using the POS software. Some vendors offer extended training sessions for additional instruction if necessary. The vendor will then install the software and run it through the system to ensure it does not malfunction. Taking the time to educate your staff ur staff knows exactly how the system works due to the continuous hands-on training sessions.
Focus on the Total Cost of Ownership
Cost is vital to buying a POS system. For most retailers, a mobile or tablet POS system is ideal as it is cheap and effective. For example, a mobile or tablet POS system will cost between $1000 and $1500. Traditional POS systems are fine for larger businesses since they can cost about $15,000. This is not the only cost you have to consider as retailers also have to calculate the total cost of ownership.
Apart from the total payment, you also have to consider the cost of software updates and maintenance charges. Traditional retailers will charge you these extra fees, but tablet POS systems will just charge you a flat fee every month. They will also offer software updates and security updates for your system free of charge. Cloud based systems that store information online are the way to go for most retailers as they offer far more features as compared to traditional POS systems. They are cheaper and much more efficient in the end as well.
Disaster Recovery
You’ll be surprised at just how important disaster recovery is for businesses. Natural disasters can happen at any time, but a good POS system can store data locally and on a cloud-server as well. Make sure your vendor offers this feature as it can be critical in case of a serious problem.
Independent retailers cannot afford to make a mistake while choosing their store POS systems. According to Entrepreneur. This is because all POS systems are considerably expensive. After taking the steps necessary to purchase a POS system, it is vital that it functions properly. If it does not, they will not be able to simply replace it without suffering a major loss of both time and money. Take the time to research all options as much as possible before committing to any investment choices.
Staff Writer; Ronald Moore
