If your business is growing or you’re simply finding that your current POS isn’t fitting your company’s needs, it may be time for an upgrade. There are so many services available that you’ll want to make sure to understand what’s out there and how it suits your needs. Here are some questions to ask before you buy a new system:
What are your company’s needs?
There are so many POS systems and software packages available today that your company can find the perfect one to meet its needs. You just have to determine what those needs are. Do you need something that is simple and fast for entry-level employees? Or does your executive staff use the POS system and have more sophisticated needs?
What are your clients’ needs?
Are you working with hundreds of clients every day who are in a hurry to get in and out of your establishment? Perhaps you serve lunch at a cafe near business offices. If your POS is slowing you down, you’re going to lose customers who are in a hurry. Maybe you’re working with a service or product that consists of many parts and your client would appreciate understanding the breakdown of their costs. In this case, you’ll want a POS that can easily itemize and explain costs.
What is your budget?
In the case that you have minimal POS needs and a small budget, you’ll be able to afford the most basic package. But if you think that a more sophisticated and technical POS system would contribute to your company’s productivity and you have a small budget, you may consider leasing a POS system rather than buying one. This affords your company the chance to stay within budget limits and experiment with a more productive system.
What companies offer POS services and how do they differ?
There are several different options when it comes to choosing a specific POS service. You can choose
- A service that offers systems and software geared toward a specific industry:
These packages offer all of the general features along with industry-specific additions. For example, restaurants might need a faster POS system than a small boutique. A boutique might need a flexible entry system since items change so fast.
- A service that offers in-depth reporting capabilities:
The POS system can be more than a POS; it can also act as your business report and content and consistent manager of finances. Some software will allow you to print out graphs to chart growth or to see where the company is faltering.
- A service that is compatible with other software:
If you have several POS systems and your company keeps track of its numbers through other software such as Excel, you’ll want a POS and software that can import information from these databases as part of its reports.
- A service that offers off-line processing:
If your building has a history of power outages or you participate in sidewalk sales and kiosks where power is spotty, you’ll want to make sure that your POS can function without power. Certain systems allow clerks to continue to work offline and when the server is reconnected, that info is added to the system so that nothing is missed.
Whether you need more options or greater speed, a new POS can help your company to be productive. Just make sure that you do the research to find the right fit.
Editor’s Note: Sumer Bivens writes articles for business sites about credit card processing companies, one of which is Crescent Processing Company.
