When it comes to your business, moving forward with a POS terminal can be a big step. They are a large expense and they’ll change the entire workflow of you and your staff.
You don’t have to be technical or computer savvy to get a great deal on a POS terminal.
There are a number of amazing companies to choose from now, and you don’t have to settle for the top three companies anymore.
These seven tips are here to help you make a decision and move your business forward. Picking a product that is specific to your company, great with your employees, and the right price is all within reach!
When Do You Need a POS System?
To make things simple, a POS system is needed when the volume of sales exceeds your business’ ability to track manually. There are businesses that almost always need to start with a POS system, but there are always things to evaluate about the business first.
Businesses that typically need POS systems are:
- Restaurants
- Cafes
- Bars
- Businesses with customizable products (T-shirts, yogurt, signage, etc)
- Grocery stores
If you aren’t running one of these businesses, POS systems can still be a great fit! You’ll need to evaluate where your business is and if implementing a POS system still saves you as much time as it costs.
Configuring a POS system isn’t just for the technical people these days anymore, so it has become a time versus money decision instead of a technical support question.
If the decision has been made to move forward with a POS system, then we are here to help you choose the right one for you!
Top 7 Tips to Choose a POS Terminal
There are hundreds of POS system vendors, and they are all trying to offer you the next best thing that will take your business to the next level! Sorting through all of those choices and “once in a lifetime” offers can be difficult.
We’d like to give you our 7 tips for narrowing down and pinning down your next POS terminal.
What’s the Volume of Transactions Your Business Processes?
Regardless of how you feel about technology, the question about how much volume your business needs to handle is an extremely important question.
You can look at scalable cloud systems or local systems. Whichever you choose, make sure to consult with the company and be honest about your expected volume. Getting a system that can handle the workload is the first thing to ensure.
Consider a POS System For Your Type of Business Specifically
A lot of people aren’t aware that there are POS systems available for specific businesses. Bars need different tools than a company that sells merchandise.
As a result of these differences, some companies have specialized into set niches. If you’re running a business that typically needs a POS system, there is most likely a company like Heartland, which specializes in Bars and restaurants.
There are also companies that specialize in retail, online business, and much more. Don’t settle for a “one-size-fits-all” POS system.
Look Up Reviews On Customer Service
Customer service is a top priority for monitoring POS systems. If something breaks, you need to ensure you aren’t on the phone for two hours on hold. A broken POS system typically means the business is down.
Your company is number one and the customer service team should view it that way. There are a number of review sites for all of the POS systems out there, and checking in to ensure there is support for your business is one of our top tips.
Check Which Features Are Available
There are different features with different POS systems. It is important to know what payment options are available, accounting assistance, employee management, and many others.
Your new POS system can shore up the weaknesses you’re noticing in your business, and finding the one with all the right features can be a boost!
Demo The POS Terminal Before You Use It
Try it before you buy it seems like a gimmie, but you’d be surprised how many people see an advertisement and buy the first thing they see. Asking if you can have a demonstration of the product and try it out is imperative.
POS terminal companies will let you test drive the car more times than not, and knowing what you’re committing to can keep your business running smoothly.
Ask Your Employees About The System
After your company tries out the product, check with your employees. You may have had a few hours a day, but your employees got to use it every day all day.
We’ve all been there with new technology as an employee, and they will have great, honest opinions about what they need. Happy employees make companies run well. Knowing how they view the new system can ensure that you’re making the right choice.
Check Pricing Before You Commit
Some POS systems will have additional costs that aren’t necessarily broadcasted immediately. Some will charge for technical support. Some may charge for setup. Some may charge per month.
If you know the price model, it will help you make the decision. Most companies are competitive and some are outwardly competitive until you’ve committed.
Get to Know your POS Before You Buy It
There are a vast number of resources available on the internet now. Employees testing it out, finding a POS terminal that’s specific to your company, and checking into all the details is more simple than ever!
Ensure that you are moving forward with the right system and the right support team. If you need help making a choice, we are happy to help. Feel free to contact us. We can keep your business running more efficiently than ever!