Why an All–in–One POS System?

As a retail owner, or future retail owner, you know the importance of providing fast, first–class customer service. A positive experience at the point of sale can turn a first–time shopper into a regular customer that will recommend your business to friends and family. A friendly and helpful store clerk can create a positive experience for customers; nevertheless, it also takes an efficient POS system that will provide the clerk with valuable information and make the checkout quick and easy.

Whether you choose a software–based POS program or one that is hosted on the web, these solutions save time at the point of sale, manage your inventory, track and store customer information, create a variety of labels and provide valuable reports. You’ll have instant access to all aspects of your store and have the information you need to make educated business decisions.

Many POS providers offer the hardware as well as the software. A basic point of sale system includes POS software (or service), a PC (or module), a screen, keyboard and mouse, cash drawer, card reader, barcode scanner and receipt printer. Most manufacturers will customize your system to fit your business with peripherals like touch screens, customer displays, label printers and electronic scales.

In this site, you’ll find articles on retail and comprehensive reviews on point of sale systems that will help you make an informed decision on which solution is right for your retail business. At TopTenREVIEWS, we do the research so you don’t have to.™

What to Look in a POS System

Whether you’re looking for a web–based or software–based POS solution, you’ll want it to have all of the options needed to operate your retail effectively and successfully. Additionally, it should be simple for you, your manager and employees to learn and use.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate POS systems.

• POS Hardware – A compete POS solution should include a PC or module, display, keyboard/mouse, high–quality cash drawer, barcode scanner, credit card reader and receipt printer. Top manufacturers will customize the system to fit your business.
• POS Software – POS software or web based programs should contain practical features pertaining to point of sale, customer tracking, inventory, employees, security, reporting and labels.
• Functionality/Ease of Use – The best POS solutions are user–friendly so storeowners, managers and clerks can learn to use the system easily. The system ought to be practical so checkouts are fast, the inventory is easy to search and the software and hardware are compatible.
• Price/Value – Manufactures should offer complete systems at a competitive price.
• Training/Support – The best manufacturers provide training through videos, manuals and even over the phone. Many providers offer technical help through FAQs and online tutorials as well as 24/7 phone and email support.