One of the top manufacturers in the computer industry and one of the top software producers have teamed up to create an extensive POS system. Dell offers a variety of package solutions and a host of additional peripherals, all equipped with QuickBooks POS Pro v10.0 to take care of every aspect of your retail store. The pro version of the software is the standard version that comes with the Dell system, but if you want to save a few dollars, you can downgrade to the basic version. The basic version does not have nearly the capability of the pro, but some small businesses may be fine with that.
The biggest advantages to the Dell/QuickBooks package are versatility and customization. This combination can manage all sales operations, including managing peripheral components such as barcode scanners, card readers and more. Additionally, the computers used can perform all standard desktop functions. You can access the internet, run office programs and even use it for accounting purposes—everything you need to run your business successfully in one system. Advantages like these give the Dell/QuickBooks POS system an edge over much of the competition, which is why it has received the TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award.
Through Dell, you can customize the computer and any of the peripherals that come with your POS system package to meet the needs of your business. They offer multiple options for most equipment. Our review is based on the standard package that they offer, but if something does quite work for you then there are options.
The Dell/QuickBooks retail solution comes standard with a 17-inch flat panel monitor, a compact cash drawer, a small POS keyboard with over 50 programmable keys, a barcode scanner and a thermal receipt printer. You can add additional peripherals, like a touchscreen monitor, a customer pole display, a signature capture and other keypad devices. The hardware of this system can truly be customized to fit your business – add what you need and do not pay for items you will never use.
Unlike some of the other complete POS systems, the Dell/QuickBooks unit is a fully functional computer. This means you can access the internet, use office applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint and any other applications you might consider, including accounting applications. There is no need to have a separate PC to operate other software for your retail business. QuickBooks Pro and Premier are both available as software additions that you can add your bundle.
The Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 powers the standard computer that comes with the Dell/QuickBooks POS system. It can process information at 2.8 GHz and has a front-side bus speed of 800MHz. If that is not enough, they offer two different Core 2 Duo processors that will improve performance. In addition, it comes with 2GB of 1333MHz DDRs SDRAM. To take advantage of the 64-bit Windows 7 operating system, you will want to take their optional 4GB upgrade.
This POS system has a 160GB SATA 3.0 hard drive. If that is not enough or you need a protected drive, then you have the option of a 500GB or even a fully encrypted 160GB drive. The standard Dell/QuickBooks solution uses integrated video processing, but you can choose to add an ATI Radeon HD 4550. Last, but not least, you get an 8X Slimeline DVD-ROM optical drive. If you want to upgrade that to a DVD +/-RW drive, you may.
Dell/QuickBooks is a user-friendly system that is more than sufficient for any retail store or chain. The pro version of this software allows you to manage up to 20 separate inventories. That includes tracking the inventory of each, creating purchase orders for stock that is low and tracking shipments – whether they are routine, back orders or special orders.
Using the software is simple and it allows for a variety of transaction options. Through the main screen, you may access any part of the application including inventory, purchasing, quick find, learning and other tasks. Simply select the icon of the task you would like to perform, whether it is make a sale, receive items, sales history, reports and so forth. The software will take you to that section of the application where you can enter the information. The Dell/ QuickBooks POS system updates the inventory immediately.
Dell/QuickBooks offers a complete and straightforward solution, and you can do much more than simply make transactions. You will be able to track inventory in real time, track customer information and purchase history, and even integrate with your accounting software. This POS system will allow you to process layaways, gift registries and set up multiple payments for a single transaction. You may also setup a rewards program for your loyal customers.
Recorded customer information, such as a billing address or a transaction history, work great for matching customers up with similar items that they may want. It also allows for quicker online transactions because their payment and shipping information is ready to go. Dell/QuickBooks can track customer information, but at this time, they do not offer a feature for keeping track of lines of credit like running tabs.
The Dell/QuickBooks POS system is password protected, and you can even set multiple levels of security to restrict access. You can set it so that only the managerial decision makers have permission to access important areas, thus you cut off other employees' access to areas that they are not associated with. At the same time though, all employees can interact with the time clock and view their commissions.
Dell/QuickBooks comes with an incredible 3–year parts and labor warranty on the computer system itself. If you need support, you can contact them via phone, email and instant messaging. They have training videos and manuals that you can access to help you get to know and use their POS system. You can also find answers and help in their forums.
The Dell/QuickBooks is an excellent software-based POS system for merchants just getting started, or those who want to operate their store more efficiently by upgrading to a fully functioning computer POS system. With a host of package options and some additional hardware choices, this solution is easy to customize. Whichever package you decide to go with, you can be assured that your system will be great because of the combination of Dell hardware and QuickBooks software.
