A point-of-sale system is a crucial part in any shopping journey and you want to give your customers the easiest and most efficient checkout experience. Doing this all starts with having the right POS system. There are many factors to consider when deciding what point-of-sale system to purchase such as establishing what type of business you have, hardware, software, your budget, and many others.

Types of Business

When deciding what point-of-sale is best for you, it is important to first establish what type of business you operate. By doing so, you are able to rule out certain POS systems that may not be compatible. Here are some types of businesses that use point-of-sale systems:

• Quick Service Restaurants: Some examples include but are not limited to Subway, McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, KFC, and etc.
• Full Service Restaurants: Some examples include but are not limited to Red Lobster, Applebee’s, Olive Garden, iHOP, Cheesecake Factory, and etc.
• Retail: Some examples include but are not limited to supermarkets, convenience stores, boutiques, and etc. 
• Pizzerias
• Bar & Nightclubs
• Small Businesses

Hardware

If you already have a point of sale system in place and you’re satisfied with your hardware, it may be wise to consider solutions that are compatible with your existing setup, as point-of-sale equipment can be a significant investment. For instance, if you’re using iPads for your POS, you should seek out solutions that are well-suited to the iPad.

Moreover, it’s important to consider other devices such as barcode scanners, credit card terminals, cash drawers, and printers, and ensure that the POS system you select is compatible with them.

Software

Similarly, it’s important to consider the software or applications you use such as accounting software, CRM, e-commerce platforms, etc. If you’re satisfied with these tools, make sure that the point-of-sale system you choose can seamlessly integrate with them.

Your Budget

It’s crucial to find a system that is affordable for you. The pricing and billing structures of POS systems can vary significantly among providers. Some solutions require a monthly subscription fee that can range from $29 to over $500 per month, while others charge a percentage of your sales. Some providers can utilize both pricing models.

Choosing the most suitable POS system for your business depends on your budget and specific requirements. Factors such as the features and functionalities, number of locations, number of users, transaction volume, catalog size, and customer database size can all impact the fees you’ll need to pay.

Determining POS System’s features and offerings

To make it easier for you to select a suitable point of sale system, you should consider the following features and functions that are important to evaluate:

Checkout process:

The checkout process is a crucial part of the point of sale system, and it should be easy to use and efficient. When selecting a POS system, consider the following:

• Product selection and lookup: Can you easily enter products and scan barcodes? How is the search function?
• Sell screen speed and intuitiveness: The POS system should allow for fast and efficient sales processing. Ensure it’s user-friendly.
• Customer-facing experience: The system should enable you to capture the shopper’s signature or accept tips if necessary.
• Supported devices: Choose a system that is compatible with your existing setup, whether it’s a computer or mobile device.

Catalog management:

Whether you sell physical goods or services, your catalog is an essential component of your business. When selecting a POS system, consider the following:

• Catalog input: Look for a system that enables you to upload products in bulk and fill out necessary information fields.
• Variants: If you sell products in different sizes or colors, choose a system that can manage inventory efficiently.
• Bundles: Choose a system that can group items in your catalog if you sell product or service packages.

Multi-channel capabilities:

If you sell through various channels, choose a POS solution that can integrate with your other channels, so you can track and manage sales from one place.

Customer management:

Look for a POS system that helps you grow and manage your customer base. Consider the following features:

• Ability to capture customer details: Choose a system that lets you capture shopper information at checkout.
• Customer communications: Look for a system that lets you email your customers.
• Loyalty program and rewards: Connect with your customers and tailor a program to fit your business and create rewards to reach more customers.

Reporting and analytics:

Your POS system should provide you with the data and insights you need to make informed business decisions. Look for a system that provides the following:

• Sales reports: These reports should show the amount of sales generated in a given period or per store/channel.
  • Track statements: You are able to quickly find details on transactions, chargebacks, and more with 24/7 online access
  • Review deposit history: View and manage important account details with online access anytime, from anywhere
• Inventory/catalog reports: Choose a system that shows your best-sellers, slow-movers, and other important inventory details.
• Customer reports: Look for a system that shows your top spenders, repeat customers, and inactive shoppers.

Integrations:

Choose a system that integrates with your current apps and software, such as accounting software, payment processors, e-commerce sites, and CRMs.

• Clover App Market: compatible with all Clover POS systems with over 200 available apps. Easily download apps and integrate them directly onto your point-of-sale system and change how you run your business.

Security and compliance:

Choose a system that is compliant with all laws and regulations and has updated security features to protect your business and customer data. 

As a business owner, it is important to take all of these factors into consideration when deciding what point-of-sale system to use for your business. There are many systems out there and with BestPOS’ help and consultation, we will guide you in the right direction!