When it comes to checkout, people really hate having to wait. Spending just one minute standing in line can feel like five. And heaven forbid you have to use a self-checkout system that everyone hates.
For a small business, you can’t afford to waste your customer’s time. Once they have what they need, they want to pay and get on with their day. A good portion of their wait comes down to the small business POS software you use.
Choosing a good POS software is easier said than done. The market is replete with dozens of competing options. There are dedicated cash registers, tablet systems, and hybrids that are somewhere between.
Keep reading as we discuss seven important tips for choosing your POS system.
1. Find Small Business POS Software That Makes Checkout Fast and Painless
You guessed it, the most important thing to look for in a POS is ease of use. If you’ve ever used an old cash register at just about any retail store, you know why this is so important.
Many cash registers still look like they’ve never left the ’90s. They have unintuitive features that make it near impossible for an associate to guess how to do something beyond a typical checkout.
It’s not just about pleasing impatient customers, such as if you cater to the retiree community. It’s about making training easier and avoiding costly mistakes. Employees won’t hate the register, either, when they have to count the drawer at night.
2. Get the Right Types of Software
Every POS system can ring up a customer for a product out of the box. But they might not be able to sign up a customer for a new in-store credit card.
Much of the additional functionality for a POS system comes in the form of apps that you download on the side. These apps may be crucial to some of the core functionality your business provides.
For example, many employers use the register as an employee time clock, too. They enable loyalty programs, and the ability to issue and redeem company gift cards. Sales reporting may be essential to determine which employees are performing best.
Further, choose a system that can adapt further down the line. If your business needs to change, you want to know if your register can as well.
3. Make Sure It Is Secure and Receives Regular Updates
There’s one thing that tech experts are telling others all the time: update your devices! Software updates don’t just provide new features and increase system stability. They also close off a lot of potential vulnerabilities.
In our internet-enabled world, hackers are getting more clever than ever. They can find sneaky ways to mess with or gain access to your system, even with devices that aren’t connected to any network.
Make sure your POS has stable software that gets updated as necessary. Further, get a POS that keeps all digital and card transactions secure.
In addition to this, ensure the physical assets are secure as well. A good cash drawer should lock easily and feel robust.
4. Make Sure it Supports All Needed Peripherals
Every business has different needs when it comes to peripherals. An ice cream shop might not have any need for a handheld scanner, but a clothes shop certainly does.
Troubleshooting non-functional peripherals can be a nightmare, especially if they stop working halfway through the day. Most of this comes down to conflicts in software compatibility.
Ensure with your supplier beforehand that the POS they’re selling you will work with the tools you need.
5. Get POS Software That Integrates with Inventory Management
Most POS business software options include some means of deducting inventory as you ring it up. This is invaluable for keeping track of all your SKUs when doing counts at the end of the day.
However, don’t spend too much on a POS that has more features than you’ll use. A POS with advanced inventory options may be overkill for a small shop.
6. Consider a POS That Allows for Remote Management
With a physical cash register, you often feel the need to remain onsite. You either have employees you don’t trust or new employees that are still learning the ropes. With modern POS systems, you can often keep track of things while you’re away from your business.
Software options vary, but some may even allow you to do so with a simple phone app. This will be crucial when you’re on the road for important business dealings. You can keep close track of sales, employee clock-ins, and other valuable data.
7. Find One that Fits into Your Budget
If you can afford it, you can certainly find a top-of-the-line POS with all the bells and whistles. Premium devices that look, feel, and work very well. But if money is tight, a tablet and card reader will always be an option for you.
As far as POS systems go, companies tend to spend less overall on this particular part of their business. As you can imagine, going cheap might not be worth it in the end. You get what you pay for, so buying the lowest-shelf POS system you can find create more problems than it’s worth.
Make sure the POS fits your business type, and choose a subscription type that is in the Goldilocks zone of value vs. needs.
Find the Right POS Today
Small business POS software is only a small part of your business, but often the most important. It’s a multi-purpose device for ringing up purchases, clocking in employees, and so much more. Choose a quality POS with the above criteria in mind to ensure your lines run as smoothly as possible.
At Tower Systems, we specialize in both the hardware and the software side of POS. You can try out the software yourself with a free personal demonstration. Book a demo today and see what you’re missing out on!
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