Considering the cost are POS systems really better than paper records?

It will definitely take a lot of time to record every business transaction by hand. And it still doesn’t include the time to copy all the data into a spreadsheet or database for further analysis! A POS system can keep track of all your sales, taxes,inventory, etc. so you are able to concentrate more on the other plans for your business’ success. While POS takes an investment to get started, the time savings and productivity increase more than the expenses you make.

I don’t know much about computers. Can I still use POS systems?

Yes. Have your POS vendor help you set up the software to perform tasks as you want it to be. And then be able to navigate a POS system’s menu easily. When the vendor sets you up, they shall provide full training for you and your staff on how to operate a POS system. And if you have a problem, a POS customer service professional is just a phone call away!

What equipments are required to set up?

POS customers need a phone connection, internet connection, and working electrical outlets. If you have these components, vendors can set you up with POS in a cinch! You don’t even need to own a computer since most vendors provide one as part of the entire system package.

How can POS help thwart theft?

POS systems provide multiple tools to stop shrinkage before it eats into your profits. Various applications allow you to track every item in your inventory so you can estimate exactly how much profit you should realize for every sale and pinpoint problems with your margins. If there are discrepancies, it will raise immediate red flags so you can take care of the problem before it gets worse.

Can POS handle sales or manage inventory?

Both! You can input all the information you want AND check out the inventory… the best part of it is that’s only the beginning, there are lots more you can do with POS. POS terminal and software also allows you to track sales performance, generate different reports, set up reminders for inventory that’s about to empty, and plan future sales campaigns. You can use the customer data you collect for targeting effective sales campaigns and fill your shelves with their mostly purchased items.

When will I need to use wireless?

Wireless is best used for business people on the go, so they don’t need to go back and fort to a POS terminal to process transactions. Instead, they can easily process transactions using wireless technology.

Do I need a flat-screen monitor, or can I settle for a CTR monitor?

There are too many benefits to LCD displays over CRT that you shouldn’t ignore. First of all, they look great on any counter tables, they take up less space, less electricity and they can last longer. CRT screens would be fine for low volume sales and if you are not really sure that POS fits your business. But with the additional benefits afforded to flat screens, there’s only a little cost difference between the two.

What printer is best for my business: a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer?

For most businesses, a thermal printer works best. There are less moving parts so it’s less likely to break down. For wireless, it’s the only option you have. However, dot matrix printers are safer choices in hospitality kitchens because of the heat from the ovens, grills, and fryers could warp thermal paper and ink.

What happens if my POS suddenly breaks down during business?

This is one of the reasons why you should regualrly back up your database. System failures can and will happen eventually, without warning – power outages, system crashes, viruses, natural disasters, etc. By having a backup solution ready (preferably offsite so your critical data is protected), you are assured of being able to restore lost or damaged files, and run the business smoothly. More importantly, by backing up data, you can ensure that you can retrieve all customer information, as well as your sales figures and reports that you’ve saved prior to the crash.

How about customer support?

As much as we’d love to give you a simple answer, unfortunately there isn’t one. Customer service policies will vary from vendor to vendor. While one might have round-the-clock telephone support and local repair technicians, others may only have phone support during normal business hours and can only schedule repair requests a full day in advance.

This is one of the reasons you should keep in contact with your POS vendor. Since customer support is likely one of your most pressing needs, you can look into the offerings of different vendors and take your time before making a purchasing decision.

What if I need POS for multiple locations?

For large businesses that needs several POS systems in various locations, you generally have two options. The first is each location operates independently with its own terminal and software. You can then send reports over to the corporate offices at the end of the day or week.

For the second option, you can have all their POS terminals connected to a central server so that uploading and downloading of data is in real time. What you’ll benefit from option number two is that it’s available remotely. But, since several POS terminals will be working on the same server, expect backlogs when sending information all at once.

With both solutions, you will be needing a robust back up solution since all locations are connected to one server – and if it fails, all locations may shut down its operations.

Do I need to license my POS software?

You typically need an individual license for each terminal hosted on your network. There are POS vendors who’ll offer you discounts depending on the number of terminals that needs licenses.

Will I be needing a service contract?

It maybe part of the expense but surely worth it. Once your POS systems are set up, you will use it for your day-to-day operations and future business analysis. If the machine breaks down or you experience a disaster, you probably don’t want to keep it for too long.

There are maintenance contracts offered by vendors, depends on the vendor, which can cost a couple hundred dollars per year who can provide you services each time a POS terminal of yours breaks, so you can go ahead and concentrate more in keeping your business running and growing.

Need additional information or an online resource?

Go to POS-For-Restaurants.com for access to multiple quotes for your Restaurant POS Systems.

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