As the retail establishment business owner, you have to ensure that your profit is secured in many ways. You can easily loose money from simple customer’s change mistakes and from an abusive employee of yours that keeps helping themselves to a few extra bucks or giving away free meals!

If you’ve already experienced these, then don’t let it happen again! Now would be the best time to consider having a POS system. With the features a POS can offer your business, you can prevent these issues from happening and may even be able to completely eliminate them:

• Long lines which prevent you from working with as many customers as possible
• Frequent customer complaints
• Limited staff
• Overstocking of poor performing items
• Shrinkage (lost or stolen inventory that eats into your profit margins)
• Wasting too much time going over the books
• Financial inaccuracies (overbilling, underbilling, thin profit margins)
• Unorganized data

For as long as money is involved, might as well invest on quality POS systems can improve your business’ efficiencies as well as take good care of your customers. Buying cheap, low quality POS systems may cause your busines to loose money because of its poor features and easy-to-break components.

A good and reliable POS vendor can tailor the appropriate POS solution for your needs, which will allow you to enhance your business’ performance and satisfying more customers. So requesting for a free POS system quote is always a great idea, because expert POS vendors can provide exactly what your business needs, complete with the features that will make your business boost its sales, without having to spend an extra thousand dollars.

Questions to consider

When requesting for a free POS system quote, below are some of the pointers you might want to consider asking to a POS vendor. The main key to this service is that when you submit your details, it will be matched to the most qualified POS sellers in your area. And only they will be able to acquire your details which in return tailor the proper POS solution that will fit your needs and then send you their offers. These are some of the questions you might want to ask:

• Is the POS software user friendly? Which OS will it run?
• Is POS software compatible with my current business management applications?
• Can I have a try out of the POS system before purchasing it?
• Do I need more than one terminal? What about cash registers?
• Will I be able to use the same POS for different marketing tools such as gift card systems?
• How reliable are the reporting features?
• Will I be able to point out where my profit losses are coming from?
• Can my POS system be set up fast?
• Does it require extensive staff training?
• When it comes to customer support, at what level should I consider?
• Is there a loaner available if repairs can’t be made on-site?
• Are there POS all-in-one solutions available or do I have to buy everything ala carte?

More information and an online resource

If you wish to know more about restaurant point of sale system, please visit POS-For-Restaurants.com

The author of this article is the Customer Relations Vice-President at POS-For-estaurants.com with its 20 years and more of restaurant POS systems experience serving the automation needs of restaurants of all types throughout the U.S.

1. Network cables. The majority of systems are PC-based, designed to run on MS Windows technology. This means that the workstations and peripherals will communicate over standard Ethernet networking. Although wireless communications have been the talk of the town these days, I would still prefer to “hardwire” your computer stations. Some vendors include this service in their bid; others specify that cabling must be contracted through a third-party vendor.

Inspite of who will work on the cabling, make sure all cables are properly plugged and tested before installing any equipment. Each piece of equipment needs to have a cable drop. A cable drop is the cable that connects a device to a network, like your computer or remote printer connecting to a networking source such as a patch panel in the mechanical room or office.

For a restaurant POS system, the restaurant should be wired with CAT 5 or 6 network cabling that runs from every conceivable POS workstation, remote printer or KDS, office computer, hostess station, delivery order desks, cashier stations and network server to a “home run” area such as a central patch panel, preferably located in your telephone or electrical room or closet. Cabling routes need to ensure that cables are at least 24 inches from fluorescent fixtures, neon transformers and electrical motors, because these devices can sometimes interfere with the communication of each devices.

2. Electrical. Installing a dedicated and isolated circuits for your restaurant POS equipment such as your POS computers, network devices such as hubs and routers, and phone systems that can share. No other electrical equipment should be placed in this circuitry. Preferably, your network, phone, and electrical service will be near one another. An isolated circuit means its a separated ground from that of the main electrical service. This helps prevent spikes and surges that may destroy motherboards and hard drives. Note, however, that you’ll still want to use surge protectors at each workstation.

3. Designing workspace. When it’s time to design workstation areas, make sure to leave enough space to comfortably fit all needed equipments there. Tabletop space for server stations should be large enough to hold a computer monitor, guest check printer, and possibly a credit card terminal if you’re planning to use separate credit card equipment. Make sure you have enough space underneath the tabletop to hold your computer, the surge protector, power strip and UPS.

If you’re planning to place your workstations on mill-manufactured surfaces such as granite or woodwork, have your contractor pre-drill holes if needed to run cables or power cords beneath the surface. A 2-inch hole should be enough space for cords and cables on most POS systems.

For the cashier and bartender stations, the tabletop space should also be ample enough to fit a cash drawer and an order confirmation customer display. Most cash drawers have a footprint (space requirement) of 15- to 17-inch depth; 16- to 20-inch width; and 3.5 to 4 inch height. Be sure to get the drawer specifications from your supplier in advance if you are building a custom countertop so that the drawer is recessed into or underneath the counter.

4. Service plans, as part of your system. Your supplier may offer different types of service plans as part of your original purchase. The fact is, business grade systems are composed of hardware that are not built to last forever especially in retail establishments like a restaurant. Printers will eventually break, fans will slowl fail, and hard drives will crash. How often is dependent upon the conditions under which they operate. Dirt, dust, heat and moisture are the most common terror to office and restaruant POS equipment.

I’ve seen some systems that rarely experience problems while others deal with them constantly. The best thing a restaurant owner can do is to invest in good equipment and then protect that investment by maintaining it. Many restaurant POS solutions provider will offer ongoing service contracts that are basically extended warranties. The annual cost for these services usually ranges anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent of the original purchase price.

Computer systems represents as a sizable investment. But if you dedicate the time and planning required to properly put in place and maintain the system, you are more apt to be rewarded a return on your investment by getting the most from your system in cost reduction, labor savings, and ensuring that you can account for all cash.

The Author of this article is the VP of Customer Relations at POS-for-Restaurants.com — With over 20 years of restaurant experience that helps ensure that your technology is more efficient and your business more profitable .

The credit card industry came down hard on many restaurants that have not sufficiently protected their customers’ credit card information from potential theft, with Visa, MasterCard and financial institutions that process electronic payment over recent months sending warnings letters and holding seminars. Such moves forces restaurants into taking actions on how to further safeguard their diners’ credit card info.

According to companies that process card transactions, there are still tens of thousands of eateries that do not comply with the security rules set by the credit card industry.  So all companies that takes plastic are required to follow a set of security regulations instituted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

Data recorded by Visa indicates that since January 2005, restaurants made up around 40 percent of incidents in which criminals gained unauthorized access to credit card information — accounting for the largest percentage of incidents for a merchant category.

Separately, AmbironTrustWave, a Chicago-based data security auditor for merchants, reported that 62 percent of the security violations it witnessed during the prior 18 months occurred in the restaurant industry.

The violations involved different kinds of security lapses such as poorly guarded wireless networks — which easily enable thieves to access sensitive information just outside of the parking lot using a laptop — and lax systems that makes it a lot easier for bad employees to access credit card data.

Mostly, consumers have no clue when their credit card information is in danger. Although, not all security breaches succeeds, and mostly, merchants do not acknowledge these incidents unless there’s a significant probability that a major fraud has already been identified or about to take place. In addition, companies that issues credit cards don’t usually close a customer’s account except if fraud has taken place.

Restaurant owners may have a rough time with credit card security rules, since the regulations can be difficult for smaller merchants. The National Restaurant Association trade group says that it hears from restaurant owners who thought they complied with rules, but found out their systems were not functioning properly and were penalized.

Fines for restaurants that violate credit card industry rules by storing credit card information have amounted to more than 0,000 in some cases. In 2006, Visa fined merchants across all categories .6 million for security violations, an increase from the .4 million in fines the previous year.

Visa, believes a merchant group needs additional attention, held special security briefings with several hundred restaurants.

At the same time, the companies that process credit cards have also turned the heat on restaurants. Credit card companies have threatened to end services to those that do not follow security regulations.

Since most restaurants uses software combining such features as tabulating bills, delivering orders to the kitchen and tracking reservations, credit card companies are worried because they cannot force software developers to follow their security rules, so they put on the pressure to restaurants. In Visa’s web site, they maintain a list of software programs that meet its requirements.

But software programmers that even with the best software, restaurants could be in trouble if they do not use password protection or firewalls. For software companies, they say that it’s not their part to let restaurant owners know what they must do to be in compliance with credit card rules.

The author of this article writes for POS-For-Restaurants.com, a VP of Customer Relations with over 20 years experience in restaurant point of sale system, helping restaurant owners nationwide increase their efficiency and bottom-line profits.

To learn on how our national POS network of restaurant point of sale experts can help your business achieve greater success in these difficult economic times, visit POS-For-Restaurants.com.

I’m sure you often think “Does my business needs a POS system?”. You may not mind relying on your cash register and sales ledger for your transactions because it’s affordable and reliable. But is it really the most efficient way to run your business?

While it’s true that POS requires an initial investment, it’s important to understand the vast benefits a POS can bring to your business. Regardless of what industry you are in, the goal is to gain more sales and generate more revenue. POS can help set the groundwork for achieving those goals – and many others. Here are some of what POS systems can do for your particular business:

Gives you more focus on your business - POS systems allow companies to concentrate on growing the business. Since POS systems can take of your transactions, scheduling and inventory, you can have more time working on new techniques, promotions, and other initiatives to improve your business.

Functionality - Your POS system is not just a cash register! It has the abilities to take reservations, process special orders and provides guest beeper systems to keep your business running smoothly.

Work Efficiently With Your Operations - With a POS system, there’s little room for error. Every detial is entered and recorded accurately so the lines of communication are always clearly outlined. It can speed up the ordering process with improved accuracy which in return improves your productivity and customer service level.

Proper Inventory Management - A particularly important in food service industries where you need enough supplies to serve all of your customers but don’t want them to go to waste if they’re not sold. With POS systems, you know what’s in stock, which stocks are running low, and what your best sellers are so you can plan ahead.

Reduce Shrinkage – With a POS system, you can keep your staffers honest all the time. By using only an old-fashioned cash register and paper receipts, the temptation will always be there to pocket a few dollars or give friends a free meal or two. With a POS, your business is in good hands by providing exact records which traces your merchandise (and money) and where they are going.

Reducing Errors – If you’re in the food service industry, you no longer need to decipher chicken scratch from busy wait staff! POS allows you to key in orders, including specifics, to decrease the chances that it will come out wrong. You keep customers happy and save money by serving them the right orders.

Track Costs - If you don’t have prices clearly entered in a database, you might as well let customers shop with their own pricing gun. You can use price stickers and label each item, but this doesn’t prevent witty thieves from swapping their price stickers. Using a POS, each item you sell is bar coded and tracked so you always know each item will sell for the right price. And if there are changes needed, your POS terminal can do all the changes at once!

Increasing Customers That Patronize Your Estanlishment - Get more customers coming in by quickly and accurately serving customers waiting in line. And when customers no longer waits for a staff to bring their checks, collect payment and clear their tables, your staff can servce more customers and increase your sales.

Get Accurate Reports - With POS, you can do more than what you could with multiple ledgers and spreadsheets. You can record, track, sort, and organize data in any format and make revisions whenever necessary. Reporting is a valuable component to a POS system. It allows you to track what is sold, see what products needs to be restocked and reordered, and help you plan ahead. You can use it as a reminder tool when supplies are running low.

Tracking Customers’ Data - You can also build customer loyalty with the help of POS systems. Consider this, every customer that enters your restaurant will be entered into your POS system when they order something. Keep tabs of meals they order and how often they visit your restaurant. Then use this data to compile information for targeted sales and advertising campaigns. This inforamtion is also helpful to limit the poor selling item you keep in stock and assign funds for more popular items.

There are several critical things in restauratn POS systems purchase in any industry. Just be sure to meet with at least 3-4 qualified vendors before making this important decision. In any case, you can always request for a free POS system quote, where vendors will be able to help you meet your your needs once you supply them enough info of your POS needs. Provide them with the details of the information you wish to track and the features that are important to you. Always be aware when the software appears to MAKE you do things differently. This is often the recommended set of procedures that allow the software to improve your business efficiency. With the proper restaurant POS solution at hand, makes your business more efficient, more profitable, more enjoyable, and keep your customers coming back!

For more information or an online resource:

Go to POS-For-Restaurants.com

The author of this article is the Vice-President of Customer Relations at POS-For-Restaurants with over 20 years of experience serving restaurants of all types throughout the U.S.

To be able to run your business to success, keep in mind the basics: good food, good service and the right location. These days, there’s another important consideration: in order to run your POS system, you’ll be needing a good restaurant software you can rely on.

Though the harware are more visible, your POS software is the the core of your POS systems. Doing a careful evaluation of restaurant POS software is key to getting a system that will satisfy your customers and employees.

What to look for in restaurant software
First of all, identify your needs, know exactly what task you want to be done using a software. Any reasonable restaurant software can handle checks by diner or table, track orders per server, has the ability to move diners at the bar to a table, manage waiting lists and reservations, and many more.

After you’ve found that restaurant software that can meet your needs, give it a test drive to learn how to use it. While there will always be a learning curve for your staff when you purchase a new POS system, choosing restaurant software that’s easy to use can reduce the learning curve to manageable levels.

You may learn more about ease of use by having one or two of your servers involved in the evaluation. They’ll be able to try out the kinds of oddball situations and changes that can cause problems with some software.

• Security – each employee should have their own user account. You should be able to limit access to sensitive reports and functions (such as comping meals) to managers, if desired.
• Flexibility – servers or waiters should be able to manipulate checks to match the whims of your patrons: easily splitting checks and tracking special orders, for example.
• Reporting – this is one of the best features of POS software it can create detailed report which is a great advantage for business owners. So you better make sure the software you choose gets detailed information either per check, per server, or overall, ranging from daily to annually.
• Multiple location support – if applicable, make sure the system is capable of tracking and reporting on multiple locations, including local differences in staffing and pricing.

Don’t forget your hardware
Of course you’ll need to invest in restaurant POS hardware as well: computers to run the restaurant software on, touch-screen displays for servers to enter order, and printers to produce order slips for the kitchen. The software will use will dictate any special hardware requirements – The only big deicision with it comes to using hardware is how many will you need.

Think you need learn more when it comes to searching for the right POS dealer? Get more details on restaurant Point of Sale systems at POS-For-Restaurants.com and receive free unbiased quotes from the Restaurant POS professionals serving your area.

The author of this article is the VP of Customer Relations at POS-For-Restaurants with over 20 years of POS experience meeting the automation needs of many restaurants in the U.S.

Whether you already have a computer system or you’re going to configure a new one yourself — it’s important for you to make sure everything is done accordingly.

Please don’t let me be guilty of giving you the wrong idea. I don’t always recommend configuring your own computer system! I recommend letting a computer professional do the work. But I know some of you will do it yourself no matter what I say. So this is for those of you that insist on doing your own system installations and for everyone else to double check and make sure everything was done properly. This could help you avoid some major problems and save hours of precious time.

So here’s your retail computer system configuration checklist for a Windows network:

1) Install a UPS
The main cause of electronic component failure is from fluctuations in electricity (up and down). A good UPS can solve this problem by regulating the power. I recommend that you at least put a good UPS on your server. And it’s a good idea to use them on all your workstations too.

2) Plug All Your Cables Into the UPS
Check if all cables that power your computer and network are plugged into your UPS. It’s also important to make sure cables that can carry electrical charges are plugged into a surge protector or UPS. For example, the phone line for your modem can easily fry your computer if it’s not plugged into a surge protector. So you better make sure that all cables are plugged properly. Your modem line, network cables, and power cords can cause serious damage if not plugged properly.

3) Tightening Up Security
It is advisable that you lock your server with a hard-to-decode password on all Windows accounts so that no one will be able to access it especially hackers who love to mess up servers damage your server].

4) Install Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware Software and Configure For Automatic Updates
It’s also very important to configure that software to update automatically every day, so you don’t forget.

5) Limit Your Employees’ Internet Access
Employees will surft on anything they can on the internet. You mave the lastest antivirus and antispyware software installed but if an employee inadvertently downloads the wrong program or accepts the wrong message, it can bring your system down. You can avoid this by disabling internet browsing on your computers. Or you could password protect internet access.

For a restaurant, this is very important! In order to protect secured files from the hands of the dirty minds, limiting employee internet access is a must. A retail business owner has to strickly implement rules to protect his business as well as his profit. Otherwise, what good will a restaurant POS system do if it’s run by a misbahaved or ignorant personnel.

6) Configuring Your Back Up To Run Regularly
In many situations, it’s best to configure your back up to run automatically after work hours. But you still need to remember to change your back up media (like tapes) every day.

7) Test Your Backup By Restoring Files Once A Month
I have talked to dozens people who think they have a good back up for restoring damaged files. But when they try to restore they find it hasn’t been working. That’s why you need to do a “real” test restore once a month to make sure it’s working. By the way, you should restore to an alternate file location so you don’t mess up your existing software.

So please, start checking your computer systems now and do the neccessary updates, configurations and back ups.

With over 20 years of restaruant experience, the author and Vice President of Customer Relations at POS-for-Restaurants.com, helps you use your technology to be more efficient and more profitable.

Whether you’re the one who’s going to configure your restaurant’s computer system or not somebody else to do it for you] — you better make sure that everything is done accordingly for your own sake.

Please don’t let me be guilty of giving you the wrong message. I do not always recommend configuring your own computer system! I recommend letting a professional do it for you. But I know some of you will do it yourself no matter what I say. So this is for those of you that insist on doing your own computer installations and for everyone else to double check and make sure everything was done properly. This could help you avoid some major problems and save hours of precious time.

So here’s your retail POS system configuration checklist for a Windows network:

1) Using a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
One of the main causes of your electronic component failure is due to fluctuations in electricity (up and down). A good UPS can solve this problem by regulating the power. I recommend that you at least put a good UPS on your server. And it’s a good idea to use them on every worstations too.

2) Plug All Your Cables Into the UPS
All cables that powers your computer and network must be properly plugged into your UPS. It’s also important to check if cables that can carry electrical charges are plugged into a surge protector or UPS. For example, the phone line for your modem can fry your computer if you don’t plug it into a surge protector. So you better make sure that all cables are plugged properly. Your modem line, network cables, and power cords can cause severe damage if not plugged properly.

3) Passwords and Security
At the very least, I suggest locking down your server with a strong password on all Windows accounts so your employees and hackers have more difficulty messing with your server.

4) Intalling and Configuring Security Tools Like An Antivirus Software and AntiSpyware Software
It is gravely important for you to make sure that these security tools are configured to updating automatically, so you would never forget.

5) Limit Your Employees’ Internet Access
Employees that surf the internet can cause more problems than anything. You mave the lastest antivirus and antispyware software installed but if an employee unwittingly downloads the wrong program or accepts the wrong message, it can cause some serious problems to your system. You can avoid this by disabling internet browsing on your computers. Or another option is to password protect internet access.

For restaurant owners, this is very important! In order to protect secured files from the hands of the dirty minds, limiting employee internet access is a must. A retail business owner has to strickly implement rules to protect his business as well as his profit. Otherwise, what good will a restaurant POS system do if it’s run by a misbahaved or ignorant personnel.

6) Configure Your Back Up To Run Every Night
As well proven in many situations, it’s best to configure your back up to run automatically after work hours. But you still need to remember to change your back up device (like tapes) daily.

7) Testing Your Back Up At Least Once A Month
I can’t remember how many times I’ve talked with business owners that have hard drive failure and think they have a good back up plan to restore. But when they try to restore they find it hasn’t been working for months or years. That’s why you need to do a “real” test restore once a month to make sure it’s working. By the way, you should also remember o restore to an alternate file location so you don’t mess up your existing software.

So please check your computer system now. If you don’t, you might regret it later. Have a happy and successful 2009!

With over 20 years of restaruant experience, the author and Vice President of Customer Relations at POS-for-Restaurants.com, helps you use your technology to be more efficient and more profitable.

At Contactless, a leading provider of advanced, open-standard contactless chip technologies, and First Data, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing services, announced that they have signed an agreement for 3 years in developing contactless payment stickers, which will be marketed by First Data as GO-Tag products. On the agreement, INSIDE is to supply the MicroPass payment sticker prelams entirely to First Data-qualified card manufacturers for production.

The agreement leverages the core technology from INSIDE Contactless and the issuing and transaction processing power of First Data. First Data will be marketing and distributing GO-Tag products to financial institutions, major U.S. merchants, and other distribution channels in a variety of form factors.

“First Data’s GO-Tag Solution represents an important step in the evolution from today’s plastic cards and fobs, offering a bridge to the future of mobile payments,” says Barry McCarthy, general manager, Mobile Commerce and Point of Sale Solutions for First Data. “Our partnership with INSIDE Contactless enables us to offer consumers an opportunity to turn just about any personal item, from a mobile phone to an employee ID badge, into a payment device.”

It’s the versatility of the MicroPass platform to support a variety of contactless payment applications and form factors, as well as stickers stickers, that highlights their agreement.

You might also want to consider updating your restaurant POS system to Contactless credit card acceptance in the near future, because their technology is becoming more and more common in the marketplace. And we all know that customer service is all about the speed and fast transaction to a restaurant point of sale terminal, the better the service is the better your customer experience will reflect on the value of your services.

The author of this article is the VP of Customer Relations at POS-For-Restaurants.com with over 20 years experience helping restaurants nationwide increase their efficiency and bottom-line profits using restaurant POS systems.

To learn on how our national POS network of restaurant point of sale specialists can help your business achieve greater success in these difficult economic times, visit POS-For-Restaurants.com.

In our world today, even a single cent counts so by adding them to your bottom line is also a big help. The steps here will increase your profits, either by boosting sales, reducing credit card fees and expenses, or blocking theft.

For businesses in the food service industry, running a restaurant point of sale system, this can greatly help you!

Taking Checks

Checks are still widely used, especially among older customers. So if you’re still not accepting checks, starting soon would be a good idea. There’s equipment that will scan the check as quickly as a credit card, measure them against a nationwide database of bad check writers, electronically deposit the money, and can guarantee that you’ll receive the funds within a couple of days. In addition, the cost is typically lower than for credit cards and could add 10-15 percent to sales—possibly more if seniors make up the majority of your customers.

Cards

If you do accept credit cards, you’re probably accepting Visa and MasterCard already. What about Discover and American Express? The latter, in particular, generally accompanies larger transactions. You might have hesitated because of the high fees, but do reconsider—a 1% difference may not look worthy of consideration for you, and because American Express transactions are often larger than those of other cards, you’ll make it up in gross profit. Furthermore, it helps keep your customers coming back because they know that your business is accepting all forms of credit cards.

Researching

Most merchants think their fees are 1.69 percent plus $.19 because that’s their qualified rate on a tiered pricing program. But often fewer than 20 of 100 transactions receive the low qualified rate and all the rest downgrade and cost one, two, or even three percent. Researching alternate programs that offer different interchange rates could end up saving more than you think.

Understanding Statements

Neither you nor your bookkeeper would have to scratch the back of your heads over a complex credit card statement that just doesn’t fit. There are several companies that have made far more than usual efforts to simply their reports. You should be able to reconcile your statement and rates within 15 minutes or less.

Getting Your Reports Online

Don’t wait for the post office to deliver a letter disputing a charge. With Internet reporting, you’ll exactly know what’s up within 24 hours, which gives you the ability to aggressively defend against chargebacks. This type of quick action will increase your success rates and reduce your losses.

So there will be no more scratching of the head for you and your bookkeeper over complex credit card statements.

Use the Card Validation Value and Address Verification System. They are highly effective fraud screens proven to reduce losses, and when using them correctly, you can achieve the lowest possible rate for discounts.

In addition, avoid by being PCI compliant. There are mammoth fines charged to merchants who are hacked, and they can drive you out of business. Find time to read Visa’s report on noncompliant systems, so you’d always be alert.

Reducing Chargebacks

If you run an online or phone ordering business, it’s always a great idea to implement the “Verified by Visa” or “MasterCard Secure Code” plug-in on your web site. This helps eliminate the chargebacks on cardholder nonauthorization. The state of being legally obliged and responsible for these chargebacks is shifted away back to the issuing card bank, and you qualify for the lowest discount rate available. This simple step could eliminate up to 80 percent of all chargebacks and increase your profits.

The author of this article is the VP of Customer Relations at POS-For-Restaurants.com with over 20 years experience helping restaurants nationwide increase their efficiency and bottom-line profits with restaurant point of sale systems.

You may visit POS-For-Restaurants.com for further understanding of how our national network of restaurant point of sale professionals can help your business achieve greater success in these difficult economic times.

Here are the 3 computer dangers you should keep away from:

1. Hijacking and spoofed e-mails. Spammers are now using a new tool used to make you believe that their spam e-mail is coming from YOUR computer. This can cause your connection to the internet be terminated or put on hold by your service provider – without you even knowing it. A good spam blocking software blocks inbound spam as well as unauthorized outbound spam from your serves. That’s why it would be a better idea to install one for your own protection.

2. Virus infected spam e-mails. Accidentally open a spam e-mail carrying a nasty virus and you can end up with big problems ranging from the slowing of your system to more serious threats such as system crashes, data loss, identity theft, endless popping of unapproved sites, and more.

3. Phishing spam. Also called phishing scam. The attempt to acquire personal information of an individual either to steal money from their bacnk accounts or use the money to spend it online shops without the owners knowledge. A phishing spam e-mail sends some kind of fake notification or warning to an individual asking for his or her online bank account, social security numbers, passwords, and credit card information. To be able to make someone believe that their spam e-mail is from a trusted website, phishing sites mimics the exact same look of the authentic website..

What to do to prevent this?

First and foremost, it’s absolutely critical that you get a quality spam blocking software installed as a first line of defense.

Many retail business owner over look into this, so their restaruant POS system pays the price.

Next, you want to make sure you don’t get on a spammers list in the first place. The moment your e-mail gets listed on a spammer’s list, there’s no way to get off; and changing your e-mail address can be a big hassle especially if you’re using it to stay in touch with your business contacts.

Below are some of the tips that can help you protect your e-mail from ending up on a spammer’s list:

1. Using disposable e-mail accounts.

Using a free e-mail address like with Yahoo or Gmail can reduce the chance of ending up on a spammer’s list. Always use free e-mail accounts when you’re shopping online or when subscribing to avoid getting your e-mail on a spammer’s broadcast list.

2. Never forget to double-check those tick boxes that are automatically filled in.

Better make sure you don’t check the box that says “Yes! I would like to get other offers from third party companies.” when shopping online. There’s a big chance your e-mail address will be sent to every online advertiser.

3. Don’t post your personal or business e-mail address in public places like your website or blog.

Spammers uses a special program that can collect e-mail addresses from web sites without your consent. If you really want to post an e-mail address on your web site or business blog, it’ll be much safer to use “info@” so all replies are forwarded to a folder in your in-box that won’t interfere with your main address.

4. Don’t open, reply to or try to opt-out of obvious spam e-mails.

Replying or clicking a link on a bogus opt-out link in an obvious spam e-mail signals that your e-mail address is active, and more spam will follow.

The only time it is safe to click or reply to the e-mail is when it is sent by a company you know or do business with (for example, a company that you purchase from or a newsletter you subscribed to).

For more information or to have a local POS professional serving the restaurant industry and your location see more information at POS-For-Restaurants.com.