If you want to start a new retail business and are looking to find the best POS provider for your system, this is the right article for you!
A good POS system can help you improve customer’s purchasing experience as well as support running your business easier. But not anyone can choose the right POS system from the beginning.
There are 3 main criteria that need to be considered when choosing the best POS provider.
Understand your Business Situation
Understanding your business is critical since different POS systems are suited to different types of businesses. Furthermore, you may have an anticipated budget, so it is preferable if you can get a suitable POS inside that budget.
What is your Business Type?
The type of POS system you select is ultimately determined by the nature of your business. For example, a clothes store or a mobile food truck has different requirements than a coffee shop.
If you own a brick-and-mortar store, you’ll generally want a typical setup with a full-service POS. But a mobile POS may be the best option for you if you manage a mobile food truck, pay-at-table restaurant, or festival booth. Instead of letting clients wait too long, these portable devices allow you to take payments straight at the point of sale.
What is your Expected Budget?
Price is also an important factor when choosing the best POS system for your business. There are two common types of POS software: Cloud-based POS and On-premise POS. Each type has its own price model.
Cloud-based POS usually has a lower monthly subscription that you may continue to pay indefinitely, whereas the on-premise alternative is a one-time license that costs more upfront. Cloud-based POS is now more widely chosen by retailers because of its pricing structures and convenience.
We can recommend some good cloud-based POS such as Magestore POS, Vend POS, Lightspeed POS,….They have all the necessary features of POS systems that are needed for any store type. Besides, there are also other factors affecting your budget including POS features, number of locations, number of users, transaction volume, catalog zie and customer database size, etc.
Check available features of POS that Suit your Demand
After considering your business type and budget, you also have to check carefully the features of the POS provider that your business need, including:
Scalability: As the owner, you always wish to grow and expand your business shortly. It also means that the POS system should be able to scale up as needed to match the size of the business.
Ease of Use: The POS system should also be simple enough to set up and operate that you won’t need to ask for support and consultation regularly.
Hardware: The sort of hardware you require is determined by the size and type of business:
A tablet, card reader, and cash box may be required if you are a small retailer.
You may need terminals, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and other equipment if you have a larger operation.
Software: POS systems begin with software, so look over the features and pricing of each choice to be sure it’s the right fit for your company.
Integration: Is the POS system compatible with the tools, apps, and software you now use? It’s advisable to look into POS systems that work well with third-party apps.
Automation: Is the system able to automate operations and reduce the number of manual inputs? For example, a good POS solution should be able to update inventory and order information using data from your logistics and supply chain.
PCI Compliance: Security of payments is also critical, especially true for small organizations that are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Any POS system you select should be compatible with the Payment Card Industry’s data security standards (PCI). The system should protect consumers’ payment data.
Support: It’s beneficial to have customer support, regardless of how technically proficient you are. Look for a POS solution that offers 24/7 support, whether you’re having problems or need assistance setting up the system.
Inventory management: If you have both online and offline stores, it is necessary to apply a POS system that can synchronize all data from different channels and stores into one system. In that case, you can manage inventory and transactions just from the POS.
Small Tips
After narrowing down your choices by looking into all the above criteria, find out who is using those same solutions that you intend to apply. They can give you the most reliable reviews about the POS provider.
In general, A POS system is one of the most important investments you can make. Make sure that you already think about all elements of your business before making your decision.
