10 Points To Take Into Account While Opting For A Retail POS System

In this article I discussed ten points to take into account when purchasing your new POS System. Choose a POS system that suits you and a system that helps you. It would be nice if we could expand this article, so reactions are welcome.

First of all, it is important to set up a framework. We determine on the basis of which criteria we will choose a POS system. Here we have to distinguish between hardware and software. In this article I will limit myself to the software. Let’s start by listing the criteria. There are two types of POS system, namely catering and retail. I will limit myself here at the moment to retail.

1. The budget of a POS system: For obvious, but certainly an important part. Perhaps difficult to determine first, because perhaps the other criteria give more insight into all your wishes. In addition, many POS system with hardware and software are sold together.
2. Operating system: On which operating system do you want the POS system to run. Many, many current Point-of-sale system run on a version of Windows XP (Windows POS also runs on the basis of windows XP). Windows XP no longer supports updates from April. If you already have hardware on which Windows XP is running, you may be able to search for a Point-of-sale system that also runs on the free, and very secure Linux (for example Ubuntu), so that this is also in order. If you purchase a new POS system, it is also important to look carefully at the operating system.
3. Inventory: If you want to keep track of stock in your store, the POS system will also have to be suitable for this. The somewhat older simple Point-of-sale system often use groups where no inventory is kept. The somewhat newer (often digital) POS system do have a stock management system. If you would like to keep track of your stock, you realize that a system of barcodes is quickly desired. The reason is that then each article can easily be scanned with a barcode scanner and the chance of errors is minimal. If you have few products (0-30, and sometimes more), you can still lose the products on your screen. There are also systems where you can look up each product via a scrolldown menu. This does in turn affect the speed at which you strike products. Also check out the options for the stock regarding your other sales channels, such as webshop and invoicing.
4. Product management: This part often takes a lot of time. New products must be added to the POS system. Check carefully how easily you can create a new product, and whether there are possibilities to do an import via an xls or csv file.
5. Functions: It is important to determine which functions should be present at the POS system. This could include functions such as discounts, payment transactions, gift certificates.
6. Safety: How is the security of your Point-of-sale system regulated. This is the safety of operating the system. Is the POS system block, so the cash drawer is not easy to open. And of course the online security. This is especially important when your POS system and / or computer connect to the internet. How is the POS system secured? How are data transferred and what operating system is used.
7. Updates: It is good to think of supporting updates when deciding for a new POS system. Updates are often made for more security, new functionalities and so on. View at the purchase how often you will receive updates and whether you have to pay extra for this.
8. Multiple branches and / or POS system: An important choice for the POS system is the possibility of expansion, but also of shrinkage. You are probably full of ambition and think big, but it is nice if there are opportunities for flexibility. How is this paid for and what about the synchronization between the different POS system. See if special modules have to be purchased here or if this is standard.
9. Support: How is it settled with the support, Where can questions be asked and where else can you read the documentation?
10. New functionality, the thought about the future: What kind of business do you do? What is the structure, vision and accessibility? Are there opportunities for innovation and new functionalities? One can think of new payment modules, sending receipts by e-mail or SMS, or for example picking up an order in the store. How is the POS system arranged for this. As a retail entrepreneur, you can also make suggestions, contribute ideas and participate. Send receipts by e-mail or SMS, or for example to pick up an order in the store. How is the Point-of-sale system arranged for this. As a retail entrepreneur, you can also make suggestions, contribute ideas and participate. Send receipts by e-mail or SMS, or for example to pick up an order in the store. How is the POS system arranged for this. As a retail entrepreneur, you can also make suggestions, contribute ideas and participate.

Also, If you own a liquor store and wants to purchase POS System for your shop, I recommend you to first read this review for liquor store pos system here.