Don't Buy the Hardware Without Considering the Software

Anyone who has fought with incompatible point of sale devices or struggled with running a brand new retail software package on an outdated computer can understand the value of a buying the retail software and point of sale hardware from the same vendor.

Whether you're upgrading to a newer, more powerful retail point of sale system or you're automating for the first time, the process of choosing a POS system for your business can seem overwhelming. In addition to an in-depth knowledge of your store's particular needs, you need a good understanding of some "best practices" other retailers have used in their selection processes. One of the most common recurring themes for retailers is to purchase all of the point of sale components from one company.

Considering the Hardware AND the Software

The single biggest mistake you can make when purchasing a new POS system is to purchase the point of sale hardware without considering the retail software. By choosing the hardware first, you can significantly limit the software packages that will be available to you. Not all scanners, weight scales, or card readers will work with all retail software packages.

On the flip side, if you purchase your retail software without upgrading your point of sale hardware, you may end up with a software package that simply won’t run on your outdated hardware.

Ideally, you should purchase everything—retail software, point of sale hardware, and technology services—from a single vendor. This single point of accountability will simplify your life when you have support issues arise. You’ll always know who to call with questions and issues, and there won’t be any finger-pointing between vendors. As a result, your point of sale system will work more efficiently, and you won’t have as many headaches to deal with. Plus, when both hardware and software are purchased together, you can reduce or even eliminate compatibility issues.

Your best bet? Choose a fully integrated, end-to-end retail POS solution.

Advice for the Frugal Retailer

If you’re holding on tightly to your wallet, consider this: a fully integrated, end-to-end retail POS solution can actually lower your overall technology costs while increasing your bottom line. You’ll spend fewer dollars on support, and you’ll reduce the number of lost sales due to system failure. With quicker, more reliable checkouts, you can move more customers through the line with less manpower. And if you really want to boost your sales, choose a retail POS solution with built-in loyalty programs and an integrated ecommerce store.

Still feeling frugal? Once you find the right point of sale system for your business, consider implementing an extended roll out cycle and upgrade a few workstations at a time. Or, look for a vendor that offers a leasing program. Many technology vendors offer flexible leasing options for retail point of sale systems, including 100% financing. By leasing the retail software and/or the point of sale hardware, you can reduce the initial start-up costs associated with a new retail point of sale system.

Conclusion

Selecting the right retail point of sale system is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a retailer. Your POS system is an integral part of your customers' checkout experience—not to mention how important it is to managing your entire retail business.

With so much riding on your point of sale system, you need to make the right purchasing decisions. Purchasing the retail software and hardware components from one vendor is a great way to start.