Some independent retailers have been known to lag behind their competitors especially when it comes to adopting newer technologies. This is especially true when it comes to adopting POS systems. You should note that your POS system has to be part of your business for years to come, so it is prudent to avoid mistakes such as the ones below when adopting the Point of Sale system.
Not knowing what you need
When purchasing a point of sale system, it is imperative to have a complete understanding and knowledge of your business operations. And the vendor you are purchasing the POS system from should be experienced in the field, so they should have extensive knowledge in it. The last thing you want is working with people who don’t know what they are doing or people who are only after your money.
Not providing proper training
It is very important to make sure that your staffs receive training on the use of the system. You will come to learn that it is worth it when the POS system provider takes their good time to offer initial training to your employees and also return for follow up training. This way, you will not only save on money, but also on time. And you will also increase your sales.
Going the one-size-fits–all way
If for instance you own a health food store, then the POS system to go for should be vastly different from a clothing store. The rule of thumb is to go for a system that is best suited to your health food store. And it is not wrong to include other options that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Not avoiding clutter
Are you using categories? It is wise to try to keep everything as simple as it is possible. And when it comes to data input, always have proper categories and subcategories. So, if for instance your store has 7 live departments, then there should be 7 classes, sub categories and so forth.
Failing to back up
You should always ensure that your data is backed up. Even if you obtain the best of the POS systems, you still don’t know when a disaster will strike. Your provider should give options when it comes to this even if it means external hard drives or cloud backups.
Buying the cheapest system
You may have the temptation to buy the cheapest printers, computers and credit card machines among others, but these products won’t be able to handle the traffic or stress in a retail environment. You should note that your POS system is meant to handle the day to day operations which run day and night throughout the year. It is also imperative to check with your provider if they offer options that will meet your requirements such as purchasing the software separately, leasing and financing options among others.
Choosing the wrong partner
Because you want someone reliable, it is important to choose a POS system provider with a proven track record and has a strong clientele. They shouldn’t just be resellers. Make sure that they are also affiliated with necessary associations.