From improving transaction processing capabilities to helping inventory tracking and more, a retail business POS system can play a major role in the success of your business. However, keeping the right retail business POS software and hardware requires an important procedure. Part I of this blog post, offers five steps for selecting retail business POS software.
Identify must-have features
Do you need a solution that will allow you to keep a database of customers and their favorites? Or, do you require automatic order-generating capability? Or both? A good place to start when assessing POS software is to list areas where your business is grappling. Common pain points include payment processing that takes too long, difficulty ensuring you have the right items in inventory, lack of inventory visibility across multiple locations, and problems optimizing labor.
Look for retail business POS software that has the features that address your pain points.
Research retail business POS software other businesses like yours are using
Understanding how POS software works in a similar business can help you narrow the field of choices. Read reviews and speak to users if possible. Don’t limit your research to product features. You’ll also want to find out how difficult the solution was to deploy and use, and the support you can expect from the software vendor. For example, ask if the vendor responds quickly when there is a problem and whether software upgrades are provided regularly.
Narrow down your options
Produce a short list of the retail business POS software solutions and their vendors you think will discuss your business needs. Check retailer sources from the vendors for helpful perspectives about them and their solutions. In addition to speaking with references, assess each vendor to ensure that it has a solid base of customers, understands your business, and possesses a working knowledge of your industry.
Evaluate vendor training and support
Consider only those vendors that provide installation, remote and on-site support, and data conversion (if you have an existing POS system). Look into whether vendors offer training in ways that work with your business, such as on-site, in a training center, or by webinar. Also find out if the vendor provides support through a help desk, online chat, or other methods.
Request a demo before making your decision
You will most likely need to try the software first-hand through a demo to determine whether it is the right choice for your business. Look for short transaction times, an intuitive, user-friendly interface, and airtight data security. Compare features of the software you are considering side-by-side to draw comparisons that can assist you with your choice.
Understanding these steps will help you choose the right retail business POS software and make the process a few easier. Once you have chosen POS software
For more help choosing POS software for your retail business, demo our free POS Software.
