Running a successful and healthy business has never been an easy task and is not one for the faint of heart. The world is uncertain, and this is certainly the case for the business world. Trends are forever changing, global events have far-reaching effects, and technology advances so quickly it’s hard to keep up.
If you’re a retail business owner, looking to modernize your company and stay ahead of the curve, you need to embrace any kind of technology that will help streamline your processes and boost your sales. A great deal of this helpful technology is surrounding the point of sale.
The point of sale (POS) or point of purchase (POP) is the exact time and location where a transaction reaches completion. It is the crucial point at which a customer is notified as to the amount they owe and makes the payment in exchange for the goods or services. The point of sale has evolved a great deal over the years, and many businesses today are increasingly implementing point of sale systems.
These systems remove the need to price tags as product codes are used instead. Various types of discounts can also be added, you can integrate a loyalty program for repeat customers, and you can have a better overview of your stock levels. These are just a few of the compelling reasons that motivated many to switch to digital point-of-sale systems.
If you’re starting your journey into the digital age, establishing a new business that needs a modern feel, or simply evaluating the system you currently have, you may have a lot of questions about point-of-sale systems. Therefore, this article will help you to understand what key points to look for in a point-of-sale system and what you can do to find the best one for you and your business.
Why Should You Invest in a Point of Sale System?
One of the best features of modern point-of-sale systems is their ability to accept multiple forms fo payment. This is a necessity of growing value as a recent study showed that one in four people prefer to pay without cash.
In fact, now that digital wallets are on the rise, mobile payments reached five hundred and three million dollars in transactions by the year 2020. Whatever form of payment your customer wants to make, a point of sale system will help you to cater for that.
Not only will you prove yourself to be a business that’s in keeping with the times, but you will also provide an easier and more convenient purchasing experience for your customers means that they will be more likely to shop with you again in the future.
What to Look For in a Point of Sale System
The amazing thing about point-of-sale systems today is the sheer number of capabilities they have – they have grown into more than just a system that handles payment transactions. Every aspect of your business can be helped with the implementation of this technology. You can manage invoicing and inventory, and deal with accounting and reporting, all while doing the ever-important task of selling.
With so much at your disposal, and so many options to choose from, where do you start when it comes to finding a system for you? First of all, really get to know your business and what it needs. Thinking about questions like these:
- How is my business doing? If it is a new business, maybe you need to stick to something simple and functional. On the other hand, if you are upgrading from a traditional point-of-sale setup, you need to think about a point-of-sale system that will help you to deal with any discrepancies with reports from the till and bank balances. Lastly, if you are switching from a different point of sale system, are there any reasons as to why you want to leave your current provider? If there are, look for an alternative that fills in the gaps you’re currently missing.
- What are the struggles within my business? There is no business that does have some kind of difficulty or struggle. Be honest with yourself about what these are and try to find a point of sale system that will deal with some of these issues. Furthermore, many point-of-sale systems can be adjusted and enhanced to suit your business which could prove to be a very helpful aid to you as a business owner.
- What would I like the point of sale system to simplify? The right system will be a game changer for your business in the things that it can automate. Identify which processes and tasks you would like to make easier: accounting? Managing the inventory? Analysing sales and competition? Monitoring your employees? Once you’ve decided what you would like to simplify, find a system that does just that.
Things to Think About
Now you’ve established what you need, it’s time to start researching, investigating, trialing, and exploring. Look for systems that are user-friendly and read reviews of other businesses to see if it has truly done for them all it claims to do.
Think about the hardware you have currently and if you will need to purchase any more. If you have other tools and platforms that you’re using, look into the integration options available. If you can find a provider that also offers 24/7 support, that will make it a lot easier when problems arise. It’s also a good idea to check for pricing when you’ve found a good option and consider the cost against what you have set out in your budget.
Many solutions have various pricing models, depending on the size of your business and the support you will need. See which option gives you the most value for money and the highest return on your investment. It will take some effort, but with some research and diligence, you will find a point-of-sale system to take your business into the future!
