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To conclude, the capabilities of POS systems have no limits. When all the hardware and software are tied together rightly, it streamlines your online and offline sales and transactions for better sales and customer experience.
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Though there are still people who consider paying with cash, more and more modern consumers are shifting to credit or debit card payments. There were times when retail stores would only accept cash as their sole payment method, but in this digital era, acquiring new customers and increasing sales can be way more difficult if you do not have a system to accept and process credit/debit card payments.
From scanning products at the point of purchase to accepting card payments, printing receipts and ringing up sales, every process needs a push from POS systems that are compatible with one another to run frontend and backend office smoothly.
If you a retailer wondering exactly what hardware equipment your business needs for seamless operation and great customer service, this guide will take you through different types of POS hardware in the market and how each of them will benefit your business.
What Kind of POS Hardware do Retailers Use? Every modern POS system consists of five essential hardware devices that contribute to the checkout transaction in their own way.
Barcode Scanner The transaction process begins when an employee uses a barcode scanner to identify the price of each purchased item. Without the scanner, the employee has to manually enter a Universal Product Code (UPC) which is labelled in every product, making the whole process time-consuming and prone to errors.
Scanners come in different shapes and sizes that are suited to different environments. For example, handheld scanners are good to go when an employee needs to check out large or bulky items while stationary scanners work best in a high-volume environment where you have to check out similar sized products quickly.
Monitor or Tablet After passing the scanning phase, the corresponding product shows up on the monitor, allowing the staff to view the list of items, price, tax, saving, subtotal and other related information about the customer purchase in real-time. Combining the monitor with point of sale software and other hardware peripherals like barcode scanner, cash drawer, receipt printersbrings out better functionality.
While some businesses stick to standard PCs or desktop computers as monitors, iPads, and touchscreen tablets and android devices are becoming a preferred choice of monitor for remote retailers that seek on-the-go functionality.
Payment Terminal Years ago, cash registers were the only POS terminals for merchants. Though it is still used by many merchants, modern payment terminals have surpassed these traditional registers in terms of functionality, reliability and performance.
These come in a variety of styles – from magstripe readers (MSRs) to touchscreen payment terminals with number pads, allowing users to input their PIN number to verify transactions.
Cash Drawer Easy to understand and simple to function, a cash drawer is exactly what it sounds like- a drawer that secures money, receipts, cheques and other important paperwork. As the drawer connects to the POS system, it opens only when a sale is billed and prevents unusual theft.
Receipt Printers At the end of every transaction, the employee must generate a receipt to hand the customer as a proof of the transaction. This printed record of transaction can be used later to return or replace an unsatisfactory item.
Besides, if you are shopping around for the right POS hardware, here are some helpful tips.
Determine if your checkout employees stay in one place or move through the store while interacting with customers. Handheld hardware works better for mobile employees while cashiers who stay at the counter will perform well with a large monitor.
How many backend processes can you automate? If you can combine POS hardware with an inventory system, you may be able to save expensive man-hours on accounting in the long run.
Do you sell in tight quarters or in a large store? Considering your store size helps you invest in POS hardware that increases space-efficiency.
There is a wealth of information available online (check out YouTube videos, demos) and offline (ask fellow retailers about their POS equipment and experiences). Use that information to your advantage.
Once you have the important information in hand, a POS system can benefit your business in the following ways.
Provides better inventory control • Accurately tracks transactions and related-accounting operations. • Helps with reporting and analysis • Improves employee scheduling • Offers detailed receipts • Manages customer data with intuitive customer management software
To conclude, the capabilities of POS systems have no limits. When all the hardware and software are tied together rightly, it streamlines your online and offline sales and transactions for better sales and customer experience.
Contact Us POS Sales PO Box 7921 Baulkham Hills BC NSW 2153 Email: sales@possales.com.au Phone: 1300 026 062
