Choosing the Right POS Software for Your Retail Store

 

Point-of-sale (POS) software is the heart of your point-of-service technology. It’s what you use to look up products, check out customers and accept payments. It can also help you manage inventory and reports.

POS software is available in two basic forms: on-premises and cloud-based. Choosing the right one depends on your business’s needs. If you’re an online-only shop, a cloud-based solution may be more suitable for you than an on-site system. However, you’ll have to pay for data storage and backups, which could be expensive. On-premises POS systems are more common for brick-and-mortar stores and retail stores that prioritize in-store sales over e-commerce.



If you want to accept in-person card payments, your POS software needs a credit and debit card reader. You can choose from a variety of card readers, including contactless options like ApplePay and chip cards.

The best POS software also includes inventory management capabilities. This will ensure that your products are always in stock, and make it easy for you to track their movement throughout your store. It should also be able to upload inventory in bulk, so you don’t have to enter each item individually.

Your POS should be easy to set up and use, so you can get started quickly. Most POS systems come with step-by-step tutorials to teach you how to operate the software.

You should also have access to support around the clock, whether you’re using the software on your desktop, tablet or smartphone. You can reach out to a team via email, phone or live chat.

Besides software, your POS Software should have the right hardware to connect it to your storefront. This will include a credit and debit card reader, a receipt printer, and a cash drawer. If your store has a large selection of items, consider adding a barcode scanner and scale to your system as well.

As your store expands, you’ll need more staff to keep things running smoothly. That means you’ll need a POS with staff roles and permissions that let managers set boundaries on what their associates can and can’t do without manager approval. It should also give you visibility into each associate’s daily sales and performance.

If you’re a multichannel retailer, your POS should be compatible with your online store to offer fulfillment options like in-store pickup and ship-to-customer. It should also offer hundreds of reports that unify data from your physical and online stores, enabling you to see how customers interact with your brand in both spaces.

Your POS should have mobile capabilities for taking orders and accepting payments at events, or at your storefront. This can be especially helpful for pop-up shops or when you’re traveling. It should also be able to sync with your accounting software, so you can get real-time insights into your financials.

Some POS providers offer free terminals and mobile apps, which are ideal for pop-up shops or mobile businesses. Some even have loyalty programs that help shoppers collect and redeem points every time they shop with your brand in-store or online. These tools can help boost customer retention and encourage repeat purchases.

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