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Tips for Selecting Retail Point of Sale Software
From Jeff
Haefner
Don't Make These Mistakes When You Buy a POS
System
If you're like most retailers, you're worried
about making a mistake when you choose point of
sale (POS) software. I don't blame you.
Buying POS
software is a big investment.
Not to mention, POS
software can have huge impact
on the efficiency and success of your retail
business!
What's more, there are around 1,000 different POS
systems to choose from. And they're all
different. All these choices can be
overwhelming and confusing. The truth is
choosing POS software is very difficult. And
too many retailers end up with the wrong
system. In fact, it's common for retailers to go
through 2, 3 or even 4 different POS systems before
they find one they're happy with. Those mistakes
probably cost at least $10,000 - $100,000.
Here are few mistakes that I see retailers making
over and over again.
They Buy Hardware First
I can't tell you how many times I've heard a
retailer say, "I just bought new
computers, printers and I have everything ready to
go. Now I need to find POS
software." As soon as I hear that, I think
to myself, "This guy could have saved himself
a lot of time and money if he selected his POS
software first!"
Why?
First of all, your POS
software will have
hardware and operating system requirements. For
example, the software will require a certain version
of Windows, Unix or Linux, unless it's an open
architecture system. In addition, each program
will only function with certain types of printers, scanners,
cash drawers and card
readers.
Second, and more importantly, not all POS systems
are the same. And the system that you
choose is very important. It will have a huge
impact on the efficiency of your business.
If you install your computer system first, you
will limit your POS
software choices. The
perfect fit for your unique business might run on
UNIX but you already bought a Windows 2003 Server.
You might also find that the printers and
scanners you just bought aren't compatible either.
You can avoid frustration and save money if you
choose the POS
software first. Then you can ask
the software company about their recommended
hardware and operating systems.
They Ask the Wrong People
All too often retailers ask a local computer
consultant for suggestions about POS
software.
Most computer consultants have good intentions but
they tend to give poor advice when it comes to
choosing POS
software.
Computer consultants are great sources for
information about computers, hardware, and
networking. However they don't usually
understand the intricacies of POS
software and
retail management. Nor do they realize that
there are almost 1,000 different POS systems to
choose from and it's VERY easy to choose the
wrong one.
Every retail business is different and has
different needs. If you get poor advice
and select the wrong type of system, your business
will lose money.
They Don't Place Enough Focus on the Character
of the Software Company
When you invest in point of sale
software, you're
buying a relationship, not just a product. In fact,
the "quality" of the software company is
usually just as important as the product.
Why is the software company so important? Well...
After you purchase the software, you will rely on
the software company to supply updates,
training, technical support, and possibly hardware.
Let me ask you a few questions to help you
understand why the company is so important...
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