The right POS system (point-of-sale) can be so much more than a cash register with a touchscreen. With modern POS systems, you can access hard data that will benefit you and your customers.
Take advantage of data analytics, accounting capabilities, and much more when you use POS hardware built for your business.
Like any new tool, you have to be sure that the POS system you choose is right for your product or service—you’ll need something different if you’re a restaurant than if you’re a retail store. We’ll break down the different types of POS systems and the features to consider when choosing one for your business.
POS Stations and Your Customers—Where Do You Start?
The first thing to consider when shopping for a POS system is your customer experience. A good POS station should be designed with customers in mind, making transactions easy and stress-free. Here’s what you need to know about what a POS system is and how you’ll benefit from using one.
What Is a POS System?
A POS system (point-of-sale) is a combination of hardware and software that lets you accept payments, track customer behavior, manage inventory, process orders quickly and accurately, and generate sales reports—all with the click of a button.
If you’ve never seen one before, it looks a lot like an electronic cash register. But don’t be fooled by its size and simplicity—it’s much more than that. A POS system can also help you keep better track of your customers, provide insights into their behavior, and give you the ability to have meaningful conversations with them.
What Are the Benefits of Using a POS System?
For retail businesses, this means improved checkout times and better customer service. You’ll be able to process transactions with greater speed and accuracy, while still providing customers with helpful information.
More customers are joining the cashless economy—many of those transactions will be made with debit cards, credit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay.
In addition to improving the customer experience, you’ll also have access to insights about your business that you wouldn’t get from traditional methods. A POS system can help you track your inventory, analyze customer data, and make smarter decisions about what to carry in-store.
Here are a few more of the most valuable benefits a POS station can bring your business:
- Improved sales data accuracy
- Automated stock reordering
- Analytics and reporting capabilities for better decision making
- Enhanced customer experience with loyalty programs & special offers
- Inventory tracking through RFID technology
What Are the Different Types of POS Stations?
Depending on your business, your POS station may need different capabilities. If you accept both cash and non-cash payments, your station will need a cash drawer. If you’ll be using this station in a retail store, you’ll need a barcode scanner.
Just like any tool or software, your business needs will determine the POS station you purchase. If you’re unsure of the different kinds of POS systems, you could work with a POS distributor like TrinWare. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses like yours decide which system will work best and give them the features they need.
Now that you know the basics of a POS system, it’s time to start shopping!
What to Consider When Purchasing a POS Hardware System
When it comes to choosing the right POS hardware for your business, there are a few key features to keep in mind.
Types of Payment
First off, you’ll need to consider the type of payments you’ll be accepting. Cash-only? Credit and debit cards? Digital wallets? Each one requires different hardware technology and capabilities.
Reports Required
You’ll also need to think about the types of reports you want to generate, as well as the data you want or need to track. If you’re a retail business, do you need features like stock tracking and customer loyalty programs? Do you need barcode scanning capabilities?
Cloud or On-Site
Finally, consider whether or not your POS system is cloud-based or on-premise. Cloud-based systems offer more flexibility, scalability, and security, but they may come with a higher initial cost. On-premise POS systems may be less expensive upfront, but may require additional maintenance over time and aren’t as flexible.
No matter what kind of business you own, POS hardware can help make the process of running your business easier and more efficient. You’ll see the benefits with the very first purchase you ring up.
Simplify Transactions With TrinWare
Gone are the days of the cash register; it’s time for an upgrade! With a POS system, you can make transactions faster, easier, and more secure. If you’re looking for reliable POS hardware with all the features you need, we can help you at TrinWare.
We’ll help you find exactly what you need and take care of the procurement for you. Just tell us what you’re looking for and wait for it to show up on your doorstep. Get a quote today or talk with a member of our team for customized solutions.