POS systems vs. paper records?
It will definitely take a lot of time to record every business transaction by hand. And it still doesn’t include the time to make copies of the information into a spreadsheet or database for further analysis! A POS system can keep track of all sales, returns, taxes, inventory, etc. so you are able to concentrate more on other important plans for your business. While your POS system do all the crucial tasks, it saves time and increases productivity more than the expenses you make.
I’m not that good with it comes to computers. Will I be able to use POS and its functionality?
Yes. A vendor can help you to set up the software to perform the tasks that you want. And then be able to navigate a POS system’s menu easily. When the vendor sets you up, they shall provide full training for you and your employees on how to use it. And if technical problems occur, a POS customer service professional is just a phone call away!
What are the required equipments for setting up?
For starters, you’ll be needing a phone connection, internet access and working electrical outlets. If you have these components, vendors can set you up with POS in a cinch! You don’t even need to own a computer since most vendors provide one as part of the entire system package.
How can POS help thwart theft?
A reliable POS system has multiple tools that can help you prevent this. Various applications allow you to track every item in your inventory so you can estimate exactly how much profit you should realize for every sale and pinpoint problems with your margins. And if ever there are differences on the sales reports, it’ll raise a red flag so you can be informed and be able to take actions.
Can I rely on POS to handle my sales or to manage my inventory?
Both can be handled by your POS with no problems! You can enter your daily transactions AND check inventory… but that’s just the beginning! POS terminal and software also allows you to track sales performance, generate different reports, set up reminders for inventory that’s running low, and plan future sales campaigns. You can use the customer data you collect for targeting effective sales campaigns and fill your shelves with their mostly purchased items.
When will I need to use wireless?
Wireless is best used for business people on the go, so they don’t need to go back and fort to a POS terminal to process transactions. Instead, they can easily process transactions using wireless technology.
Should I buy a flat-screen LCD monitor, or a less expensive CRT monitor?
You can get more benefits using LCD monitors over to CTR monitors, and of course it also depends on the work environment. They will last much longer, they don’t require as much electricity, and they take up less space. Plus, they are far more attractive. For low volume of sales, CTR screens will be fine and if you’re not confident that POS is the right one for your business. But with the additional benefits when it comes to flat screen monitors, there will be little cost difference between the two.
What printer is best for my restaurant: a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer?
For most businesses, a thermal printer works best. There are less moving parts so it’s less likely to break down. If you work wireless, it’s the only option you’ve got. However, dot matrix printers are safer choices in hospitality kitchens since the heat from the ovens, grills, and fryers could warp thermal paper and ink.
What happens if my POS suddenly breaks down while conducting business?
This is one of the top reasons why it’s important to back up your database frequently. System failures can happen for a variety of reasons – power outages, system crashes, viruses, natural disasters, etc. By implementing a backup solution (more preferable is an offsite backup so your critical data is protected), you ensure the system is always up and running when you need it the most. More importantly, with backups, you can ensure that you can retrieve all customer information, as well as your sales figures and reports that you’ve saved prior to the crash.
What type of customer support should I expect?
Since customer service policies vary from vendor to vendor, there isn’t a simple answer to this question. Others may have a round-the-clock phone support, while others only offers support during business hours and can schedule you for repairs on the next 24 hours.
This is one of the reasons you should keep in contact with your POS vendor. Since customer support is likely one of your most pressing needs, you can look into the offerings of different vendors and take your time before making a purchasing decision.
What if I need POS for multiple locations?
For large-sized businesses that needs several POS systems in various locations, you generally have two options. The first is each location operates independently with its own terminal and software. You can then send reports over to the corporate offices at the end of the day or week.
For the second option, you can have all their POS terminals connected to a central server so you can easily upload and download data in real time. What you’ll benefit from option number two is that it’s available remotely. But, since several POS terminals will be working on the same server, expect backlogs when all send their information at once.
With both solutions, it’s imperative to have a robust back up solution since all locations are connected to one server – and if it fails, all locations may shut down its operations.
Does my POS software needs license?
Each terminal hosted on your network will need individual license. Vendors can offer volume discounts depending on the number of licenses you need.
Will I be needing a service contract?
It’s certainly worth the expense if you want your business up and running all day. Once your POS system is set up, you can now use it for your day-to-day operations and analysis for future plans. If your computer breaks or suffered a disaster, you probably don’t want to keep it any longer.
There are maintenance contracts offered by vendors, depends on the vendor, which can cost a couple hundred dollars per year who can provide you services each time a POS terminal of yours breaks, so you can go ahead and concentrate more in keeping your business running and growing.
Need additional information or an online resource?
Go to POS-For-Restaurants.com for access to multiple quotes for your Restaurant Point of Sale System.
The author of this article is the Vice-President of Customer Relations at POS-For-Restaurants with over 20 years of experience serving restaurants of all types all over the U.S.
