Most Common Point of Sale Pitfalls

A point of sale system is integral to almost every retail business, irrespective of its size. However, it isn’t really easy to buy the right POS system, especially, when you have limited knowledge about its scope and functions. There are several retailers who have bought a point of sale system just going by the brand name, or recommendation from a friend, and not really considering its usefulness for their business. If you don’t want to be counted in the list of those unsuccessful retailers, here is a list of most common pitfalls that you need to save yourself from when buying a POS –

1. Impulsive purchase – Buying a Point of Sale system isn’t the same as buying clothes. Impulsive purchase of a POS can cost you in the long-term and leave your business in a bad condition. It is always recommended that before buying the system, you should always opt for a trial. There are several POS sellers out there who offer a limited period trial or demonstration of their systems to help the retailer in getting accustomed to its features and learn how to use it. 

2. Going for a standard POS system with too many or too little functionalities – This is one of the most common mistakes that retailer make. They fail to recognise the fact that their business is unique and different from other retail businesses. So they cannot use a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when buying the point of sale. The best approach is to go for a system that is customised to your needs.

3. Buying hardware before software – Ensuring compatibility of the POS hardware and software is crucial for smooth operation. However, a large number of retailers buy the hardware first, thereby limiting their choices for software programs that would be compatible to the hardware.

4. Overlooking compatibility of the credit card processing system with the software – Again, signing up for the credit card processing service without first purchasing the software is also a compatibility issue. It is not necessary that the credit card processing service that you opt for would be compatible with the software that you buy later.

5. Not training your employees well in advance – A point of purchase system is generally easy to use. Yet there are certain passwords and functionalities that the concerned employees need to be made aware of before the customers start coming in. Inability to train them in time can lead to confusions, errors and poor customer service.

Don’t keep your customers waiting for their orders or payment clearance. Buy a customised, state-of-the-art point of sale system, and streamline your business operations.