Five Common Point of Sale System Mistakes

There are five common mistakes I see business owners make when it comes to their point of sale (POS) systems. Whether it be a tablet POS, a touch screen system, a Windows type software system or any other form of POS technology, these are mistakes that can be avoided.

1- Trying to solve an operational problem with technology. Technology is a great resource, but its not necessarily a great problem solver. A lot of POS salesmen will come into your business and promise that their technology will make all your problems go away, and that simply isn't true. A POS system is a tool to increase the efficiency of your existing processes. If your business is losing money, you have to find the root causes of  why you're losing money- don't look at a PO system as a magic wand that's going to solve all your problems.

2- Not considering future changes. EMV chip cards are the way of the future in the card payment industry. A tablet POS system I like is Global Bay by Verifone. Verifone makes EMV ready PIN pads that can plug right into the Global Bay tablet. A business owner that makes a POS system purchase without considering the future is going to be looking at purchasing a brand new system or an expensive up-fit next year when the changeover to EMV ready technology rolls out. Any sort of payment technology decision made now should be made with EMV cards in mind. 

3- Not considering integration with current systems. Bob down at Bob's Diner is all excited about his shiny new touchscreen POS system. One of his biggest reasons for getting a POS system was the ability integrate his email list into the POS system. Unfortunately he has just discovered that his email list is on Mail Chimp...and Mail Chimp doesn't integrate with his new system. Always make sure beforehand that all of your existing systems are going to be able to be integrated with your new POS system.

4- Not getting very much from the system. I was just looking through the ITunes app store. There are at least 100 different apps that turn your IPad into a POS system. But what do they offer in terms of support, coaching and training? Do they provide advanced training on how to use the system? Do you have to pay for technical support? Is technical support even provided? These are important questions that you need to find the answers to if you are going to get the most out of your new technology.

5- Not having a POS system at all. In today's economy a retailer or restaurant owner that is still using a cash register and ink and paper isn't doing all she can to make her business successful. There is really no excuse for not having a POS system. For a little more than $1000 we can offer you a complete tablet system that keeps your book, does your inventory, does your menus, tracks employee hours and does your payroll and more. For a little more than $3000 we can offer a touchscreen POS that  provides you the same systems and benefits that your Big Box competitors pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for. We do the installation, provide you with upfront training and all the ongoing training you need, and free technical support for four years. It's time to put away the cash register and compete on the same level with the national chain store down the street.