Photo by Christiann Koepke

Originally Posted On: https://winposonline.co.uk/when-is-the-right-time-to-switch-pos-system/

 

We all know that change can be difficult—especially in your business, where change can involve training staff and putting new practices in place, change means upheaval.

However, change is also inevitable.

Technology has brought wonderful new ways of doing things—if you have the right tools to use it. Dining apps, social media, and online reservation systems have altered the landscape for businesses and restaurants around the world.

Consumer behaviour is changing—is your business keeping up with new trends? Your POS system is one place where you can harness the opportunities and face the challenges of these new ways.

Are you considering a POS switch for your business?

Read on for all you need to know about the right time to change POS.

What Is a POS System?

POS stands for point of sale.

This is the place where your customer makes a payment for your goods or services. A POS ranges from something as simple as a cash box to a cash register or a technology like a POS system.

A POS system couples software with your point of sale. The software helps track the business you’re doing. Its software can run powerful tools and reports that will give you the knowledge to plan and succeed.

As technology has expanded rapidly over the past few years, POS systems have changed as well. From data analysis to web-based applications, the POS systems of today look like whole new animals.

Your POS system may have been installed at a time when cloud-based systems weren’t available. Or some of the more helpful tools may have been developed since then.

Either way, it may be time to consider updating your POS system. Your system should be working for you, not making your life more difficult.

Why Make a POS Switch?

There are two main reasons to make a switch to a new POS system: consumers and shopping.

Simply put, consumer behaviour—how and where they spend their money—has shifted drastically since the rise of e-commerce.

Online shopping has changed the landscape drastically across industries, even in the restaurant business. Mobile delivery apps have grown in popularity, and it’s projected that this trend will continue. Your POS system should be something that can integrate with an online delivery app.

Social media has also made inroads into commerce, with marketing pages and influencers at the forefront.

Signs It’s Time for a New POS

If you’re answering “no” to any of these questions, it might be time to update your POS system:

1. Are You Scanning Yet?

You probably accept cash and credit cards already, but can your POS system process digital wallet payments as well?

Many people are switching to mobile payment apps that are easy to use online or between friends. WeChat, Alipay, and Apple Pay all boast hundreds of millions of users. However, stores and restaurants have been slow to respond.

Your POS system should be able to process payments from digital wallets. This usually entails a bar code scanner that can recognise the payment and complete the sale. If your POS system can’t do this, get one that can, and soon!

2. Do You Deliveroo?

Chances are good that you’re experiencing orders from an online delivery app.

However, does your front of house staff have to manually input orders into your restaurant’s system? If so, it’s probably an indication that you need to update your POS.

Deliveroo and other ordering apps have started offering integrations with POS systems. These integrations allow orders to hit your system directly, freeing up your staff to take care of your in-house customers. Your POS needs to have the capability to interface with internet orders.

3. Does Each Employee Have Their Own Login?

One of the biggest benefits of a POS system is employee management tools that can simplify your management time.

Your POS system should be able to assign a particular login for each of your employees, giving you the ability to see who is selling and who isn’t.

4. Can You See Customer History?

Another POS system capability allows you to see who is returning to your business and who isn’t.

This gives you the chance to appreciate those loyal customers and to reach out to the business you may be losing. Customer history is a POS feature that most restaurants and businesses can’t live without.

5. Have You Checked Fees Lately?

Charges for processing payments and storing data change over time.

If you haven’t been paying attention to this, you should. Some POS system charges have risen rapidly over the past few years.

What to Look for in Your New POS System

There are so many POS systems on the market, it’s difficult to know which one is right for your business.

Here are some tips for weeding out the POS systems that are not a good fit for you.

Look at Transaction and Data Fees

Some POS systems charge much more than others. Look closely at any cloud-hosting fees, transaction rates, or other hidden charges before buying.

Tools for Customer Management

Can you pull up a client history through your POS? If you want to have email marketing or a customer loyalty program, your POS should be able to store that information for each customer as well.

Tools for Employee Management

POS systems can create individual logins for each employee and help you communicate with employees Other employee management tools included in many new POS systems include scheduling and performance reports.

Good Reviews

Do your research before you buy. You can find reviews of most POS systems online.

What are other businesses like yours using? Do they like the features? You have lots of information available to you to help make your choice.

We Can Help

POS systems are our passion.

Our team can help you find the right-priced solution that is going to work for you.

Contact us today to talk about your POS switch.