By Mark Henry

A point of sale (POS) system can have a dramatic impact on the way you run your business — and on your bottom line. Choosing the right one requires careful planning.

Here are some of the things you need to think through to make a good decision when selecting POS equipment and systems for your business. Use this list as a starting point for your planning process.

* First of all, price should not be the main consideration when buying a POS system. The improved efficiency, greater flexibility and better reporting should pay for the investment in a reasonable period of time.

* Don’t start off by calling for lists of features of various POS systems. Instead, start with a comprehensive analysis of what your business… Continue reading

By Amy Nutt

A key component of running a successful business is the use of point of sale equipment. Used in small and large businesses, point of sale equipment helps businesses speed up the transaction process while providing detailed and accurate receipts thereby improving customer satisfaction

Point of sale equipment is used in businesses to accept customer payments in a number of different ways. This includes electronic checks, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, electronic benefit transfer cards, and check guarantee services. By offering a variety of methods to pay for a product, businesses benefit from an increased likelihood of impulse buying, better accounting of inventory, and a reduction in labor costs.

In earlier days, point of sale equipment was just a cash register. Because of progressive technology, point… Continue reading

By Mike Tyler

Budgeting for, choosing, and implementing your new point of sale (POS) process is not a trivial exercise. You need a well conceived and well executed plan. Choosing the wrong POS for your business can be a business killer. Choosing the right one can help make your business grow to the next level.

When you make the decision to use POS, you have essentially decided to change the way you do business. POS is not simply another piece of hardware and software. Think of POS as a process, not a system. The POS process effects your transaction flow, your recordkeeping, your employee management, your ordering and receiving process, your accounting – in other words, every facet of your business.

You should approach the decision of when and… Continue reading

By Mike Tyler

Most large retail stores have migrated from the old trusty cash register to more modern computerized point of sale (POS) systems. This post is an excerpt from POS for Beginners which explores computerized POS technology and provides a roadmap for anyone contemplating acquiring POS systems for their own business.

IS POS for you?

Do you own a retail store? Do you currently use a cash register to ring up sales? If so, you may want to explore the feasibility of converting to a computerized point of sale system. POS systems are finding their way into all sorts of businesses large and small. It may be just the right ingredient to jumpstart your salon or childcare business. A POS system can help your business grow to the… Continue reading

By Daymion Rogers

Many retailers have built a very successful brand without a point of sale system. Whether they rely on pen and paper, or cash registers, credit card machines, and accounting systems, a point of sale system is sometimes merely an afterthought to a thriving retail business. Yet, retail is changing; competition is increasing, customers are revaluating where and how they buy, and point of sale systems have now become standard equipment.

Retailers who are considering point of sale know that critical business information is often lost in the disorganization of multiple systems, and redundant data entry. Employees too, lose productivity when they are faced with complex systems, inaccurate records, and confusing processes. Most retailers know they need to eliminate disparate systems and non-integrated components, but the time… Continue reading