Retail Point of Sale (POS) System Overview
Since retail POS systems is a very important component of your business, choosing a POS dealer is a huge decision – bigger in many ways than the decisions you make about your POS software and hardware. Price might be an issue, but in many cases you get what you pay for, so it’s very important to do your research before going to a POS dealer. We have some info that will surely help you make sure that your POS dealer is capable of proving exactly what you need, as well as being dedicated in supporting your business.
Support
Customer support is important for the success of installion of your POS systems. So, you better make sure you know exactly what your POS dealer provides in terms of responses, replacement policies, and phone support. This is the single yet most important aspect of a POS purchasing decision.
Installing POS
A good quality installation of a POS system can last longer than the average installtions. Qualified installers will not take a standardized approach to installation: first, they’ll analyze your needs, test your existing infrastructure, including power lines, and make sure you get a system that exactly matches your needs. On the first week or two of using a POS system will determine whether it flies or flops, that is why a well-tested installation is essential. Ask how often the POS dealer will be on site during and after your launch – only until the system is installed, or will they come back to check in and answer the unavoidable questions that arise?
Experience
As with any major business purchase, potential vendors’ experience in the industry is also important. However with POS systems you can go farther: learn the experience of the retail POS vendor has in supplying systems to other companies same as with your business. computer shops differ in needs with grocery stores, and a county kitchenette varies considerably from a sit-down sushi restaurant. Good POS salespeople will definitely ask you about your business, find out what your particular needs are, then provides solution that exactly fits.
Facilities
Taking a trip to POS dealers’ facilities can be a great way to determine how they operate. You will be able to check out their repair shop and get a sense of how busy they are. You may want to ask for an organizational chart or a tour of their help desk. According to your support needs, proximity may or may not be important to you – if you’re planning to rely on telephone support and shipping components back for repair, it will not matter, but if you want field technicians to come to your location, distance from the POS vendor can be a factor.
System Demonstrations
Nothing will give you a better sense of how easy a system is to use than trying it yourself. Some vendors allow on-site demos, which gives you the added advantage of being able to see how the hardware looks in your location. While other vendors will invite you to test the system at their place, which gives you that quick facilities tour we’ve discussed earlier. Either way, we strongly recommend an in-person demo if you are not familiar with a POS system.
References
Another easy way to investigate POS dealers for your business is by simply asking for references to other customers – just make sure you’re asking for references that are in business similar to yours. Of course, you will be referred to the vendor’s most satisfied customers, but you will still be able to learn a bit from them. Here are some sample questions you might want ask the references:
- How has the POS system affected your business?
- Did you wish you had done differently?
- Ever needed any support or repairs? What kind of respond did you receive from the POS vendor?
- Do you know of any one else who uses this system? — By this you can get additional references to call, and some may be more honest about the quality of the system.
Never be afraid to ask for a reference that dislikes the dealer, as well. Every business has unsatisfied customers from time to time, and you could also learn from them.
Return policies
Most manufacturers offers warranties that allows you to get repairs or replacements for any equipment malfunctions, but returning equipment is more difficult. Many POS dealers charge a large amount of money for restocking fees (0 and up) for returns on complete systems; some vendors may allow you to exchange POS parts for others, but some may not accept returns at all. Again, make sure you understand these policies before signing a contract with them.
How to find the right retail Point of Sale (POS) system provider for your business?
Here’s a convenient way to receive multiple quotes for retail POS systems available on the web at: Retail-POS-Solutions.com
The author of this article is a has over 20 years of experience in retail POS systems serving the needs of businesses just like yours.
