Improvements in wireless connectivity, network performance, cloud computing and mobile devices have come together to make mobile point of sale (mPOS) solutions more effective and affordable than ever. Today’s systems do more than just process payments; they collect and manage data to help businesses better serve their customers.
With so many choices available, how can business owners make sure they are selecting the right system? Here are four things you need to know before you purchase your POS.
1. Understand the basics
A POS solution handles retail transactions, documenting what a customer buys, how it’s delivered, processing the payment and providing a receipt. It can also provide businesses with instant access to valuable data, such as sales, inventory, costs and customer buying patterns. More advanced technology can make recommendations using real-time data, helping a retailer improve the overall customer experience and ultimately increase sales. It’s critical to understand the variety of capabilities and options.
2. Find the right partner
When you choose a POS provider, you are forming a relationship with a trusted partner who can help you find the right solution. Look for a company that has experience with a multitude of real-world clients, designing systems that meet the requirements of individual businesses. An experienced POS hardware and software reseller should do more than just sell you a system. They should provide direction in making the proper decision as well as deliver customer support and guidance to keep pace with changes in technology and customer expectations.
3. Use best practices to select your solution
Each business is unique, and generic solutions may not address your needs or provide features that can help you improve your bottom line. Familiarize yourself with your options by checking out several POS providers to understand common features and pricing, focusing on solutions that are designed for your type of business. Determine your current operational issues and areas for improvement for the future. Create a list of features you need, such as barcode scanners, a printer, a cash drawer, a credit card reader and a signature pad, and a list of features you may want to incorporate in the near future. Making the right decisions today will help you maximize your ROI in the short-term and long-term. Then ask other business owners what POS solution they use and if they would recommend it.
4. Ask potential solution providers questions
When you know what you need, and have a list of providers, prepare to find a trusted partner by asking the right questions. For example:
- What type of system would you recommend for my business?
- How does this system address my needs?
- How does this system improve my customer’s experience?
- What features does it provide?
- Which payment providers does your software support?
- Is the system customizable to my business, or is it generic?
- How long will it take to set up?
- How easy is it to use?
- How long will it take to train my staff to use it?
- How will it grow along with my business?
- How much will this cost?
- Can you give me a list of references from your customers with businesses similar to mine?
When you’re choosing your POS solution, it’s important that you purchase the right technology from the start. A POS system is an investment—one you’ll want to use for years to come—and it should be able to grow with your business.
Epson delivers innovative, cost-effective solutions, with more than 30 years of experience, ensuring our retail partners’ success.
To learn more about choosing the right system, download our white paper, Making the Move to a Tablet Point of Sale Solution: A Research Guide to Choosing the Right Mobile POS for Your Business.
