POS Hardware and Point of Sale Software

 The POS system you choose has a big impact on your business day-to-day and how you grow year-after-year. It’s one of the most important technology investments you can make in your retail or restaurant business. So, it’s critical to take the time to research solutions and find a system that will help you meet the needs of your customers and grow your brand.

The right POS can take your business to the next level, but there’s also a lot of different hardware and software on the market. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a list of the core features you should look for in a POS solution.

Hardware Options

In the past, POS systems relied on a traditional computer with a bar code scanner and receipt printer that were all set up in a specific location in your store or restaurant. Newer POS systems are cloud-based, which means that they run in the cloud and allow you to connect to any PC or tablet with an internet connection. This makes the systems portable, which is especially helpful for pop-up shops or events where you might not have a permanent location to use your POS.

Another key feature of a modern POS system is that it can connect to your business’s existing tools and software, like an ecommerce platform, marketing automation software, customer management tools, and more. This allows you to have a single hub for all of your sales, inventory, and reporting needs. It also helps you streamline your back office tasks and eliminate manual data entry by automatically transferring information between your sales channels.

Whether you’re running a pop-up shop, selling at an event, or have a permanent physical storefront, your POS will need to be connected to payment processors and credit card readers for accepting payments. You’ll also need a cash drawer and bar code scanner for ringing up orders, and a receipt printer to print out invoices and receipts for customers. A good POS will have a number of hardware integrations to accommodate your specific business and make the setup process as quick and easy as possible.

A POS can also help you make the most of your customer relationships by connecting to your CRM or email marketing software. This will enable you to gather contact details from your best clients at the point of sale and then use them for personalized client communication. Ideally, your POS will support this by automatically importing CRM data and sending it to the appropriate channels within your business.

Finally, your POS should provide you with tools for scheduling and tracking employee shifts and hours worked. It should also include support services that are available around the clock, as you’ll likely need to reach out for assistance from time to time. Look for a solution that offers one-on-one support, training materials, and 24/7 helplines. This is the gold standard that you should expect from any reputable POS vendor.

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