LA Point of Sale

Retail point of sale equipment improves productivity if the right one is purchased to fit your business needs. The wrong POS system can be counterproductive. Research will help you locate the most suitable product, from the most suitable vendor.

Retailers as a norm have simpler requirements than those in the hospitality business. In retail the transactions are completed at the same time and with less variance in the products sold. However, for retailers with more complicated needs there are product features in the market to meet their demand. Different types of hospitality purveyors have different requirements and the equipment that meets their needs is also available on the market. For instance, today systems can make frequent diner programs that reward regulars with incentives or discounts available to small restaurants, when before they were exclusive to chain restaurants.

The basic or more sophisticated options available

Point of sale equipment is a computerized product using basically three component parts for scanning, recording data and transmitting it. Some may be too expensive a choice for some businesses. For others, the options available can be confusing.

Systems using swipe technology can be quicker and less fraud-prone than those key-in processing technology. Some systems cash the sale faster than others. Point of sale systems track inventory and helps the business reduce inventory loss from theft, wastage or employee misuse. It makes pricing of products and their sale more efficient by reducing mis-entering of data and make price changes speedily inputted into the system. The amount of cash in the drawer and its profitable component is revealed through this tool. Business forecasting is made easier by the data made available through use of such equipment. A customer database can also be generated to assist in marketing and be useful in other ways to your enterprise.

Your Computer terminal

The main hardware component of this system is the computer. While vendors prefer to include it in the package to avoid compatibility issues, you might prefer to obtain one separately, so long as it is compatible with the system. If your business does not have complex needs to be met by such a system, a computer with basic features may be all you need.

Will you choose a Keyboard or a Touch Screen?

Touch screens are more popular than programmable keyboards, except for businesses who like grocers appreciate the individual key programmable feature of keyboards. Keyboards can be standard or system specific. Generally, touch screens allow usage that is more flexible. LCD touch screens are more popular than traditional monitors because they take up less space, use less power and last longer. Both inputting types have different spill and dust proof levels of protections you might want to inquire about.

Scanners and Hand Held Terminal options

Scanners read and transmit recorded information to the terminal. The cheaper scanners use a technology that requires scanning from a closer range to the scanner than its market rivals those using laser technology. Laser scanners come in different models such as the type that automatically turns on when an item is within range. Customer volume should influence your decision about which scanner to choose for your business.

The handheld wireless terminal is a new kid on the block that allows the same kind of flexibility that comes with a wireless phone. Although, more expensive they allow more business to be done, so are useful for high volume restaurants. As some models are more fragile than others are, you need to purchase one compatible with your needs.

Printers and cash drawers in the market

All systems need a printer to create receipts for customers and a paper trail for your use. Printers available in the market are either dot matrix or thermal printers. Dot matrix printers have moving parts that can break and use an ink ribbon to print on regular paper. They are cheaper and are suitable where the heat would impact the efficiency of thermal printers. Thermal printers use special paper and are faster, quieter, and tend to be more reliable than dot matrix printers. If your business needs cash drawers, your choice should be sturdy enough for your use. In most cash drawers, a signal to open the drawer is received from the printer, which means you will have compatibility issues to consider if your equipment is not purchased from the same dealer. Keep in mind that some cash drawers are easier to service than others are; and you should consider how replaceable are their parts.

Some other factors

Electrical power fluctuation can adversely affect your point of sale system. You might need a designated circuit or power filtering, if this arises. Tell your vendor about your power use and ask about safeguards you might need.

Point of sale software can support many functions commonly applicable to businesses. But, if you require software that can support more complex needs, you need to obtain what is compatible. This requires knowing yourself as much as you need to know what you need the software to be able to do for your needs. Should you need used equipment that option is also available from the appropriate source.

To protect the security of the information fingerprint ID boxes are a new tool that is available on the market. Compatible customer displays linked to your system might also fit your needs.

Training is something you should not skimp on if you want to make the most of your system. And do keep in mind that a vendor’s technical support policy is a critical component in the purchase decision process.