In other words, no one is telling our reporters or editors what to write or to include any particular positive or negative information about these products or services in the article. These articles are editorially independent - that means editors and reporters research and write on these products free of any influence of any marketing or sales departments. writes about products and services in this and other articles. Security - Where is your data stored? Who has access? And more importantly, are the card transactions secure?Įditorial Disclosure: Inc.
Speed and mobility - In a high-turnover arena (like a busy restaurant), does the system allow your staff to take a hand-held device around your business, or are your staff chained to a few larger machines? Training - Is the system easy enough for your entire staff to use? Is there adequate training available? Finding the company that charges the least for credit card transactions is key, but you may also need a system that can accept cash or be willing to take your business cashless.
Reliability - Will your POS system, work all the time? If you've chosen a Cloud-based system, will the POS product work if the internet is unavailable or unstable?Īffordability - What are the up-front, monthly, and per-use costs, and are these sustainable? Are you locked in to purchasing more hardware or software options?įlexibility - At this point, many POS transactions are card-based, not cash-based. With the right POS, simple division from one ticket into 10 is easy and quick. Finally, in a restaurant or bar, a party of 10 will almost always ask to split the check. All of this data can help businesses to maximize profits and eliminate waste. More sophisticated POS software will actually compile data on purchases, customer history (so that big spenders can get premiere treatment), what items are moving well and what items stay stagnant. In addition, the POS system may speed up transactions - which is critical in a restaurant or coffee shop, for example, where a long line at the counter leads to grumbling customers. In theory, a company knows how many lattes, sweaters, or golf clubs left the storefront, and if any were returned.
With the POS technology, the system's software uses the barcode on the label of the item you bought (or the key code for the particular entrée or drink, in the case of a restaurant) as an inventory regulation system as well as an efficient way to control the transaction. Think about how often you use a debit or credit card for transactions - buying gas, paying for your daily latte or groceries, or purchasing that awesome new skirt or a set of golf clubs.