Pos Equipment: Certified Pre Owned Or Brand New, Which Should You Buy?
Are you an established retailer who is looking to update and replace your current POS equipment, such as your POS cash registers? If you are looking to do so, you should know that you have a number of different options. Two of your most common options include certified pre owned POS equipment or new POS equipment.
When it comes to determining if you should outfit your establishment or establishments with certified pre owned POS equipment or new POS equipment, it may be best to examine the advantages and disadvantages of each of your options. These advantages and disadvantages may assist you in making your POS equipment purchase decisions. The most influential advantages and disadvantages to buying both new POS equipment and certified pre owned POS equipment are outlined below for your convenience.
As for new POS equipment, the biggest benefit of purchasing new POS equipment is the fact that you and your business will be the first owners of each equipment piece in question. For many business owners, possibly just like you, this is worth the extra costs. Many feel as if they are given a guarantee, when buying new POS equipment. Although there are no guarantees, many automatically assume that the chances of poor quality equipment or equipment malfunctions are significantly lower than those associated with certified pre owned equipment.
Another one of the many advantages to purchasing your POS equipment, like a POS cash register, new is the selection that you should have access to. While certified pre owned equipment is rapidly increasing in popularity, a limited number of POS suppliers and distributors have quality reconditioning processes. For that reason, you may find a larger selection of POS equipment to choose from, when buying yours in new condition. With that in mind, it is also important to know that it all depends on where you are making your purchases from.
Although there are a number of advantages to buying your POS equipment new, you should also know that there are a number of disadvantages to doing so as well. One of those disadvantages is the cost. As nice as it is to have new equipment, you need to pay for that and the cost can be quite high. If you have unlimited financial resources this may not necessarily be a problem for you, but if you are operating a business on a budget or if you are just looking to reduce your business investments, you may want to examine certified pre owned POS equipment.
Speaking of certified pre owned POS equipment, you will find that there are a number of benefits to purchasing it. Perhaps, the greatest benefit of buying certified pre owned POS equipment is the money that you can save. Certified pre owned POS equipment is equipment that has been owned and used by other retailers; however, the equipment often undergoes a rigorous reconditioning process that leaves each piece looking and operating like it is brand new, but for a fraction of the cost.
In addition to saving you money, certified pre owned POS equipment also comes in a number of different formats. Whether you are looking to completely replace all of your POS equipment pieces or if you are just looking to replace individual components, like a handled POS barcode scanner, you should be able to find what you are looking for with POS equipment. Granted, not all POS suppliers or POS distributors sell certified pre owned POS equipment, you should be able to find a number of reputable suppliers and distributors who do.
As for the disadvantages to outfitting your retail establishments with certified pre owned POS equipment, you will find that are few, if any. With that in mind, there are still many business owners who are uncomfortable with the thought of owning pre owned equipment. If you are one of those business owners, you just need to proceed with caution. It is important to remember that there is a difference between used POS equipment and certified pre owned POS equipment. That is one of the many reasons why it is important to choose a reputable POS supplier and distributor, like VisionPOS.com.
Vision Point of Sale, specializing in certified pre owned point of sale systems, comes highly rated and recommended among some of the world’s top retailers. Examine their selection of point of sale equipment today.
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Live Long and Prosper with POS Retail Software
No one ever starts a business thinking that it will fail. The goal of any business endeavor is to grow and make money. With the economy of today, that may seem like a challenge. All around, we are seeing increased fees for medical services, higher taxes, and the fear of investors and loan sharks has never been higher. If you, as a retail chain owner, still have any hope for the potential of your company, it will be essential for you to invest in Point of Sale (or POS retail) software. The organizational and protective elements of POS software systems will enable to you go onward and upward in your business pursuits.
Upgrading to the POS software service is a necessary improvement for your business. Beginning with inner security, the POS software system is one that will protect you from any possibility of employee theft. How? The design of the POS software system is an intelligent one. Every item that is sold is instantly credited to your inventory. As the sale is totaled and the sales tax is added, the POS software system will calculate the change to the inventory spreadsheet, alerting you of the change. You will then be able to assess whether the amount of inventory still in stock matches the amount of revenue gained. If there are inconsistencies, you can then take further measures to “correct” the problem with the guilty party. This becomes the ultimate in inventory management.
The protection of a POS software system reaches even further. There is a danger of fraud on many levels, including credit card fraud. The POS software system not only tracks the sale and all of the order placements, it will also be able to act as a security guard, right there at the checkout. If a client hands you a credit card, the POS software system will be able to determine, at the swipe of the card, if there are funds available to pay. If the answer is negative, you may then ask for another form of payment without wasting time or having trouble with credit card companies later on. The POS software system essentially works as the “force field” that keeps your business—no matter how many locations that includes—safe and sound.
Besides the security measures a POS software system offers, the organizational benefits are spectacular. The POS software system you install will pool all of your many spreadsheets and information files into one easy-access system. In fact, the recommended POS software company to look for in the first place will actually offer a hosting of your software as a service (SaaS) in real-time. This will allow you to access the important information on your business from almost anywhere at any time. The POS software system will fill the need of having accountants or other organizational help that will take more time and money to put into place. The sales and services of all of your locations can be integrated into one great pool of POS software organization. And with the POS software company managing your system, you can more efficiently manage your business.
Your business is meant to flourish. With a POS software system as the assistant to you, the commanding officer, your chances of encountering success are great. By investing in a quality POS software system, you are sure to live long and prosper in your business pursuits.
POS Software
Run.It Systems has created the industry leading point-of-sale system. We pride ourselves in designing fully-integrated business solutions specifically for the independent specialty retailer-whether that means a single store or sixty stores. POS Software
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Purchase of Point of Sale Equipment is Not a Simple Decision
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.
Searching for the right sales equipment for your retail store? We offer quality reliable retail software and Point of Sale software! Up your competition today!
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Restaurant POS Systems: Enhancing Revenues Through Innovation
It doesn’t seem so long ago that hospitality operators were excited to see Remanco POS Systems hit the marketplace. Does anyone out there still remember the original Remanco POS System? You had a sleek looking keypad, a little black plastic “key” and a bible of PLU codes to memorize. You punched in your food and beverage orders, and miraculously, your beverage orders printed out at the bar while your food orders printed simultaneously in the kitchen. It was exciting, sleek, and revolutionary. In many restaurants, the main Remanco terminal was proudly located next to the Pac-Man machine. Enough said.
The world of restaurant POS systems & POS technology in general has come a long way since those early days. Today’s hospitality operators are much more tech savvy than they’ve ever been, and the point of sale industry is slowly responding to this fact. With this said, here’s the top features you, as a hospitality operator in 2009, should be looking for once you’ve decided to invest in a new restaurant POS system.
Data Reporting
The top two issues every hospitality-based business wants to get a handle on are food cost, and labor costs. Keep those things in check, and your chances of succeeding in such a competitive market are greatly increased. Modern POS systems will help you get a handle on these profit killers by allowing managers access to important, easy to understand data on demand, and in real time. A POS system with state of the art data reporting capabilities will allow you to forecast business volumes, which gives managers the information they need to fine tune scheduling and avoid unnecessary labor costs. Time and attendance can be precisely monitored. Real time and instant access to data also allows managers to spot problems quickly and make snap decisions to address discrepancies in cash flow and adjust inventory levels. The POS system will pay for itself many times over if it can help you get a handle on these two issues alone
Back Office Management & Database Integration
Having all your POS terminals linked together, combined with the ability to run reports, make menu and pricing changes on the fly, check inventory levels and consolidate payroll at one central location is crucial to running your business efficiently and profitably. Your POS system should allow you to do this quickly and easily, all from the back office. Database integration and back office management capability should be at the top of your shopping list.
Customer Relationship Management
Effective promotions can go a long way in boosting profits. Determining if your coupon or gift card program is working as it should, however, can be difficult. POS systems that can quickly help you evaluate which promotions are working and which ones aren’t, can save you time and money in spades. Having a POS system that can keep track of customer histories, their likes and dislikes, comments, etc. can give you valuable insight into what future promotions to put in effect, and which ones should bite the dust. Effective customer loyalty and points programs keep your customers coming back. When it comes to CRM, let your POS system do most of the thinking for you.
Wireless Mobile Computing & Handheld Devices
Wireless point of sale is imperative for businesses that operate outside of traditional, brick and mortar locations. Venues such as ski resorts, theme parks or even stadiums can greatly benefit from wireless POS systems (think concession stands or private suites for instance). In a more traditional environment, such as a restaurant, the benefits of having wireless, at the table ordering capabilities through handheld devices are many.
With wireless handheld units, serving staff save time by not having to line up to get access to the POS terminal, and therefore are much more productive. Managers can reduce staffing levels by scheduling just a few skilled staff, give them larger sections, and make their primary focus greeting customers, taking orders and up-selling. Non-serving staff can then be hired (at significant payroll savings) to dispatch food and clean sections. When serving staff are able to remain on the floor, the result is a superior customer service experience for your patrons and increased sales for you through up-selling and faster table turns. Also, waste is cut down considerably, since placing orders at the table greatly reduces errors.
Wireless handheld devices have been greatly refined in recent years, with increased battery life for handheld units and improved ease of use for staff. The time indeed has come to embrace wireless POS technology.
Payment Security & PCI Compliance
Payment security is crucial in today’s marketplace. With the incidence of fraud and identity theft reaching epidemic proportions, safeguarding the safety of your client’s credit card data is vital. The PCI Security Standards Council is an open global forum for the ongoing development, enhancement, storage, dissemination and implementation of security standards for account data protection. It’s imperative that POS systems today follow this standard. Is your POS system secure and PCI compliant? If it’s not, it needs to be.
Self Service Technology
Self service technology has created quite a buzz in recent years. Having moved beyond kiosks, POS systems now offer self serve options that give restaurateurs’ the ability to delegate the food ordering process to customers themselves. Touch screen terminals are now intuitive and easy to use, and offer add on/up sell items items instantaneously, which boosts average check totals. The traditional “Server” is replaced by food runners, or counter staff, who can also do quality checks. Even the payment process can be taken care of by the customer, allowing for quicker table turns and increased cover counts. Self service technology may not be appealing for patrons looking for a fine dining experience, but it certainly is attractive for those who operate fast food or quick serve/casual dining establishments.
Enterprise POS & Multi Location Capability
For those who operate large and multi-location operations, choosing the right POS system has never been easy. Due to logistics and a host of other obstacles, businesses with multiple locations were forced to be creative in how they coordinated the collection of cash and data. Businesses such as these require enterprise wide POS systems that offer features such as client recognition capabilities, hospitality and retail sales, gift card processing, quick and easy debit and credit options, and more. They also require a POS system that can get around cabling and network issues, and preserve precious data in case of a system or network failure. If your company fits in this category, a reliable and flexible enterprise POS solution is a must.
With the above points in mind, one POS system is without peer in the point of sale industry. Toronto based Volante POS Systems offers a state of the art, modern and flexible POS system. Volante has seamlessly embraced all the above features and more, and is fully PCI compliant. Volante is also cross platform compatible, meaning it will run on Windows, Linux or Unix. Linux POS solutions are very attractive these days, since they allow business owners to cut costs by saving on Windows licensing fees, and are easy to use.
According to Eddie Stutz, VP of Operations for Woodbine Race Track in Toronto, Volante’s flexibility has been key to ensuring smooth operations on a day to day level.
“We are a very complex company.” Says Stutz. “Woodbine has given Volante much more exposure than anticipated, due to the fact that it can be used in many venues. It’s an all encompassing system. I’m able to pull up any menu I want from any location, I can pull up a dining room menu, then switch to a lounge menu, for instance.”
Other reasons for choosing Volante POS systems included Volante’s array of other applications, including purchasing, rewards and retail, as well as the ability to integrate with Woodbine’s player-reward application. Woodbine installed Volante at all their various venues (club, casual and fine dine, cafeteria and quick service), numbering some 200+ registers in a mixed Linux / Windows enterprise topology.
“Nowadays everything is about convergence and getting all systems into one”, says Randy Folmes, director of IT at Woodbine. “We want to get to the point where we can say ’how much did we sell today?’ and run one report to find out”.
Volante also utilizes peer-to-peer technology, which allows each terminal to be connected, yet operate independently, without being reliant on a main server. Volante’s unique implementation ensures that your business will continue to run smoothly in the event of a terminal or server failure. In other words, if your system crashes, your POS terminal still operates without losing any data or interrupting service.
Volante is a perfect fit for many different types of hospitality operations, having been successfully installed in such venues as restaurants, hotels, stadiums, race tracks, ski resorts, universities, outdoor sales areas (patios), casinos, theme parks and pizza chains. Its multi location capability makes it a full enterprise POS solution. For more information, visit www.volantesystems.com.
From a self service perspective, Volante POS Systems has recently announced a partnership with uWink, a new interactive restaurant and entertainment concept from Nolan Bushnell, of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese fame.
The two companies have partnered to offer the “uV Hospitality Solution”, an end-to-end self-order, self-pay and at-the-table digital entertainment delivery solution, which was pioneered and proven in uWink’s prototype interactive restaurant in Woodland Hills, California.
The “uV Hospitality Solution” is a seamless integration of uWink’s innovative touch screen user interface software and micro-transaction game credit and redemption system with Volante’s point of sale and back office enterprise system. At the uWink restaurant in Woodland Hills, customers self-order and self-pay for food, drink and digital media, including short form video games (uWink offers a library of 70+ casual and social single-player and multiplayer games) all from tabletop touch screen terminals located at each seat. This technology is really the new wave of self service technology, and was recently awarded Best Technology Innovation from Hospitality Technology magazine.
With the above points in mind, restaurant & hospitality operators should feel even more prepared when looking at new restaurant POS systems. If the POS software you’re looking at doesn’t offer the features mentioned above, move on. In today’s economic times, you can barely afford not to. However, if worse comes to worse, you could always sell that Pac-Man machine.
Derek Meade is a writer, webmaster, and owner of Meade Internet Services, a search engine optimization, internet marketing and public relations company in Ottawa, Canada.
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