What Should I Look For In a POS System?

When it comes to sales, it’s important for businesses of all sizes to have a robust, secure, and easy-to-use POS system. A POS, or point-of-sale system, can help manage a wide range of functions in store, and it’s the system that enables transactions between your customers and your company. In order to determine what makes the “best POS system,” it’s important to consider your business goals, business size, the amount of transactions your company does, and how integrated you need the system to be (think hardware and software).

Here’s what to look for when deciding among the best POS systems, regardless of your business size.

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Is the pricing model easy to understand?

One of the biggest concerns for any business owner is pricing. You understandably want to save money while being able to access the features you need. Nothing stops this dead in its tracks like a confusing and overly heavy-handed pricing model. When you know what pricing to expect from your POS system, you can feel more confident as your business grows.

Is customer service and support readily available?

Having solid customer service — and support that’s ready to answer questions — can be an invaluable part of any POS system.

Having solid customer service — and support that’s ready to answer questions — can be an invaluable part of any POS system you invest in. What’s more, having customer service that’s available through multiple channels, including email, live chat, phone, and even support desk tickets can help give much needed peace of mind if something goes wrong.

Are there various ways to implement the POS system hardware?

Every business has different hardware configurations and systems that need to be integrated with the POS system. Having a system that’s flexible and adaptive can help ensure maximum usage and correct data. This also allows managers and purchasers to make decisions with confidence.

How does the system handle fraudulent activity?

Striking a balance between convenience and precaution is something that the best POS systems will do right from the start.

Having too many orders very quickly can cause some POS systems to go belly-up. While you want a system that’s focused on security and detecting fraud, you also don’t want to prevent users from making purchases, or have their purchases suddenly and incorrectly be labeled as fraudulent. Striking a balance between convenience and precaution is something that the best POS systems will do right from the start.

Are there modules for other store service capabilities?

Inventory, back office management, distribution … POS systems have evolved to go beyond the actual Point of Sale. When deciding between POS systems, consider what other modules are available that can help you with your day-to-day management tasks.

Which operating system does the POS system run on?

There’s no sense in investing in a POS if it doesn’t play well with others. Today’s POS system has broken free of its software shackles and is no longer tied to any specific operating system. Instead, POS systems now use a cloud-based, always accessible system that can be tailored to any device, system, or platform.

How easy is it to use?

The best POS system in the world won’t help you if it’s too difficult and cumbersome for your staff and associates to use. User-friendliness is key to ensuring maximum adoption and use of any POS system you choose, so take this into consideration as you make your decision.

As you can see, choosing a POS isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. By keeping these points in mind, you’ll know what to look for and can better decide on the right system for your needs, both today and in the future.