You get what you pay for. It’s true. Free is rarely free. In fact, free can be for more expensive.
Square POS is pitched as free from time to time. Is it really free? We suspect now. But, we suggest you do your own research.
POS systems offering their software for free rarely make it free once you understand how it works, the whole process. The allure of a “free” system can be powerful. But as with most things in business, it pays to look a little closer.
On the surface, a POS system with no upfront software cost, free like we see from Square POS sometimes, seems like an unbeatable deal. However, the true cost often lies in the details, specifically, in the transaction fees. Many popular “free” platforms build their business model around their integrated payment processing. With every tap, swipe, or insert, a percentage of the sale goes to them.
Over time, these non-negotiable, built-in rates can quietly chip away at your margins.
We’ve seen these fees run significantly higher than what a retailer could secure by shopping around for a competitive EFTPOS rate. When you do the maths, that “free” system can end up costing you thousands of dollars a year.
This is where a different conversation about value begins. Instead of asking what the software costs upfront, a better question might be: What is the total cost to my business over the long term?
When we look at it this way, the picture changes. Our analysis shows that a typical independent retailer, by pairing our Tower Systems POS software with a competitive EFTPOS rate, could save thousands of dollars annually compared to a fee-based “free” system.
But value isn’t just about saving money on transaction fees. It’s about what your system gives you. It’s about having the right tools built-in, not bolted on as expensive extras.
here at Tower Systems we see our POS software as a viable alternative to the Square POS software solution.
- Building loyalty, not monthly bills: A great loyalty program encourages repeat business and makes customers feel valued. We believe this is a core function, which is why it’s included in our software at no extra cost. Many other POS systems charge a recurring monthly fee for this essential feature. Not us.
- A human on the other end of the line: When something goes wrong during a busy Saturday service, the last thing you want is to navigate a complex support bot or wait for an email response. We offer 24/7 support from a team that understands retail. We answer the phone because we know that sometimes, you just need to talk to a person.
- Software that grows with you: Your business isn’t static, and your POS shouldn’t be either. Our software is constantly evolving, with enhancements and new features suggested and voted on by our community of users, the people who use it every day.
- Serving specialty retail needs. If you see your business as specialists, look for software that serves your specialist needs.
Here at Tower Systems we understand the challenges and the triumphs. We believe value is a combination of a financial benefit and an emotional one: the money you save and the peace of mind you gain knowing you have a partner committed to your success.
Choosing a POS is about finding the right fit for the business you’re running today and the one you hope to build for tomorrow.
If you are looking for an alternative to Square POS software, consider us: www.towersystems.com.au.
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