More and more businesses now rely on a modern cloud-based point of sale system to quickly and efficiently process transactions.
From purchasing a latte at the neighborhood coffee shop or buying a birthday gift at an apparel boutique, customers expect the convenience of a speedy checkout. POS systems are becoming the norm as we all move towards a paper receipt-less and cashless society. In certain urban restaurants and big airports, cash is no longer accepted. Therefore, a reliable POS system has become extraordinarily important.
Even though many shops and retail stores have tried to embrace the use of point of sale software, sometimes the platform ends up not working with their business ecosystem. There are certain pitfalls which the average business owner can dodge if they select and install the appropriate point of sale system.
5 Ways (Some) Point of Sale Systems Fail
1. Improper Set-Up Of The POS Software And Platform
Proper set up is vital to ensure the system can be up and running with all the add-ons needed. When in doubt, business owners should invest in having a professional install the system. A reputable POS provider will be able to send one of their certified contractors to handle the installation and deal with any problems with multiple iPads, initial account and software settings, networking cables, and installation of the chip reader/swipe reader.
It is also a good idea to arrange for one-on-one training for 2 employees, so there is more than one individual who knows all the aspects of the system. It is also crucial to deal with a POS provider who has round the clock tech support. Otherwise, if the system malfunctions at 5pm, business will be at a standstill until 9am the next day when tech support available.
2. Usage Issues Lead To Frustrated Employees And Exasperated Customers
Sometimes the software and sell screen are too complicated for employees and clients to use. If any software is too difficult for staff to use, the purchasing process can be painfully long and drawn out. Or if it is simply unreliable and filled with blips and glitches, then it will most likely result in irritating customers with requests to swipe again or reinsert the card.
Today’s consumer might walk away if they cannot use their credit cards for a transaction. A recent survey found that in an average week, roughly 3-in-10 adults in America said they make zero purchases using cash. A malfunctioning POS system which won’t accept cards in the chip reader or swipe reader will result in reduced sales.
If the software is too difficult for staff to use, only the basic features of that sleek pos system will be used, leaving the advanced special features untouched – making it a mere cash register and not a multifaceted management platform designed to streamline business. If no one knows how to access all the functions of the system (like email marketing, inventory control, sales reports, and e-commerce management and employee scheduling), valuable tools are being wasted.
Taking time to train staff properly on a new system is essential, but more importantly, the right software platform needs to be purchased -one which is intuitive and simple, so training takes minutes or hours, not days or weeks.
3. Unreliable Connectivity
A reliable Wi-Fi connection is the foundation for a point of sale system. Spotty internet service will interrupt transactions, leading to long lines at checkout and lots of complaining customers. No Wi-Fi equals reduced or no sales- it’s that simple.
The key to keeping sales flowing is to have a retail platform which operates off-line in the event of any Wi-Fi problems. An offline option allows purchases to continue when the internet is down and automatically resyncs transactions when the internet is restored.
A quality POS will have offline back up modes which queues credit card transactions until Wi-Fi is available again.
4. Lack Of Compatibility
High-quality POS systems will seamlessly integrate into existing ecosystems with multiple iPad units and the ability to link up with mobile devices (allowing managers to keep an eye on sales and their business while they are travel the globe on business or just developing another retail site across town. Ideally, the point of sale system will function on any web browser or iPad app.
All departments – whether accounting, operations, purchasing or sales – can access real-time reporting regarding sales, inventory and staffing and generate their own reports from their laptops or iPads.
5. Not Using A Chip Reader
A business needs to support both traditional swipe card reading as well as a chip reader for transactions. At this point in retail, a chip reader is favored over a traditional card swipe.
Chip readers have an added layer of security to guard against fraud and credit card thieves. The chip on a credit card holds encrypted data which banks offer to reduce the incidence of credit cards being compromised. Use of a chip protects a business from fraudulent charges and only takes a few seconds more than a traditional swipe reading.
Selecting a High-quality Point of Sale System Speeds up Business
With research, owners can make an informed decision regarding what POS system is right for their business to streamline operations and ensure smooth transactions.
Many types of businesses can benefit from using a high-performing point of sale software- whether a coffee shop, restaurant, clothing boutique, beauty salon – and the advanced tools they provide for sales reports, customer relationship management, inventory catalogues, email marketing, and online ordering.
In 2019 and the 2020s, it is going to be important for a business to set up a sleek point of sales system which creates a seamless buying experience with a few touches on a screen.
