Finding the right software for any shop is vital for the right software can add tens of thousands of dollars to the bottom line of your business. The wrong software, on the other hand, can cost a retail business tens of thousands of dollars.
The right software is the software that best serves your needs for a cost that is genuinely affordable and is flexible for you as the business evolves.
Here are our recommended 5 steps to finding the right software for your shop.
Step 1: be sure of what you need.
Make a note of everything you want to use the software for, with sub notes as to the detail. Make notes about the service expectations you have – for example, how easy is support to access, what are the hours of availability, what additional training options are there, is there a process for suggesting software enhancements.
The more detailed your approach before engaging any company the better the outcome for you. This is not something to wing.
Choose the software and the team behind it and not one individual.
Step 2: know your budget.
How much do you want to spend monthly all up for all terminals in your business and any additional facilities you want to use? Is the contract a lock-in or can you quit at any time? How do you pay? Are there any additional costs – some software companies require you to use a specific payments platform for transactions in the shop, which can have a cost beyond average.
Total cost of ownership is a thing – be sure you fully understand this for each POS software package you consider.
Good software companies are transparent about their pricing.
Step 3: see it for yourself.
Have the software demonstrated to you, completely to your satisfaction, covering every area of the software you request. Ask many questions. Get them to record the demonstration and give you a copy – their response speaks to their transparency.
If you are not sure, see it again. A good software company will welcome demonstrating the software to you again.
Each demonstration is an opportunity to learn more about the software company as well as the software itself.
Step 4: do it yourself.
Don’t outsource this. Do the work yourself. Treat it as the big decision it is. Take your time. Raise every doubt you have. Get every promise in writing. The more thorough your approach, the better the outcome for your business.
Consultants can be helpful. But, they are not the ones who will use the software, and, sometimes they can bring a bias to consideration that is not in the interests of your specific business.
Step 5: get to it.
Okay, you’ve made your decision. Now work it, get the most from it. Learn it well and make sure all in your business do too. Use it. Push it. Treat it as an asset that needs to deliver a return. Prove through your approach that your homework paid off.
A bonus step: be in control.
Take your time. Make the decision when you are ready. Beware tricks and manoeuvres designed to get you to make a decision when you are not read.
This is your decision to make, when you are ready.
Choosing your software is not just a one-off purchase; it’s the start of a long-term relationship with the software provider. The company you choose will become a key partner in your business operations. Their approach to service, their culture of innovation, and their understanding of your specific retail needs will directly impact your ability to grow and adapt. This is why Step 1 (being sure of what you need) and Step 3 (seeing it for yourself) are so critical—you are not just assessing a product, you are assessing a partner.
The advice provided here will stand the test of scrutiny. Our approach here at Tower Systems is to provide transparent advice on which you can rely. If at any time in our discussions with a prospective customer we feel we are not the right fit for a business, we will say so.
Our ideal POS software customer is a local independent small retail business, a specialty retail business with no more than 10 retail outlets. Most of our customers have one shop. Our focus on small businesses gives us a customer community where all are equal.
As a company based in Hawthorn, Victoria, we are situated to serve Australian and near by businesses well. We are grateful to count plenty of shops in New Zealand as customers.
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While the right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business, Tower Systems was built to serve Australian and New Zealand local small business specialty retailers. To see how we can help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today.
Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au.
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