A good start would be to create a needs list.
If you need a POS for hospitality such as those in restaurants, then certain things would be mandatory.
The same goes for POS for retail like the ones used in clothing boutiques.
Enumerate your requirements based on the various aspects of your business such as inventory, payables, account receivables, reporting, etc.
If you have everything on paper, it would be easier for you to make a decision later on.
A common mistake that business owners make is to base their decision on their existing hardware.
Remember to choose your POS software first and not the hardware.
You have to determine the requisites of your business based on your needs list and then figure out how the POS software can meet your specific needs.
Then you can consider whether your existing hardware can be used with your chosen POS software system.
You may be enticed to purchase a new cash register or a new computer but you may regret it because POS systems vary widely in terms of their hardware requirements.
So, if you immediately purchase the hardware without analyzing your business needs, you end up shooting yourself on the foot and restricting your options when choosing the right POS software.
Next, you have to carefully consider the POS supplier.
Ask for references or search online for a reputable company.
When you already have a few prospective suppliers, call them and ask pertinent questions such as the number of their clients, how long they have been in business and if they are willing to provide professional references.
A company that is really worth its weight in gold will be more than willing to provide you with as many satisfied clients as you want.
Once you have decided on the best POS supplier, it is highly recommended that you buy both hardware and software from them to avoid any compatibility issues.
Note that POS software systems run on different operating systems.
By far, the most popular operating system is Microsoft Windows.
So if you pick a product that uses the MS Windows platform, it is almost imperative to buy a computer with the latest operating system from Microsoft.
Also, it is always best to go for branded products because your POS software system must be top notch.
Finally, consider the eventual expansion and growth of your business.
You have to take into account certain key aspects such as CRM needs, multi store needs, E-commerce plans, and seamless integration to business applications that you may use in the future.
If you need a POS for hospitality such as those in restaurants, then certain things would be mandatory.
The same goes for POS for retail like the ones used in clothing boutiques.
Enumerate your requirements based on the various aspects of your business such as inventory, payables, account receivables, reporting, etc.
If you have everything on paper, it would be easier for you to make a decision later on.
A common mistake that business owners make is to base their decision on their existing hardware.
Remember to choose your POS software first and not the hardware.
You have to determine the requisites of your business based on your needs list and then figure out how the POS software can meet your specific needs.
Then you can consider whether your existing hardware can be used with your chosen POS software system.
You may be enticed to purchase a new cash register or a new computer but you may regret it because POS systems vary widely in terms of their hardware requirements.
So, if you immediately purchase the hardware without analyzing your business needs, you end up shooting yourself on the foot and restricting your options when choosing the right POS software.
Next, you have to carefully consider the POS supplier.
Ask for references or search online for a reputable company.
When you already have a few prospective suppliers, call them and ask pertinent questions such as the number of their clients, how long they have been in business and if they are willing to provide professional references.
A company that is really worth its weight in gold will be more than willing to provide you with as many satisfied clients as you want.
Once you have decided on the best POS supplier, it is highly recommended that you buy both hardware and software from them to avoid any compatibility issues.
Note that POS software systems run on different operating systems.
By far, the most popular operating system is Microsoft Windows.
So if you pick a product that uses the MS Windows platform, it is almost imperative to buy a computer with the latest operating system from Microsoft.
Also, it is always best to go for branded products because your POS software system must be top notch.
Finally, consider the eventual expansion and growth of your business.
You have to take into account certain key aspects such as CRM needs, multi store needs, E-commerce plans, and seamless integration to business applications that you may use in the future.