Point of Sale (POS): The Small Business Basic

Recently, you have heard a lot of stores using POS (or Point of Sale, or Point-of-sale). You are wondering what is POS, and whether you can use POS for your business. You have searched for hundreds and hundreds of results on Google but it is still very vague for you to understand clearly what is Magento POS.

Don’t worry!
This article will bring you a broad scope of what is POS (definition, benefits, working process, features, types) and help you “pick” the right POS for your business. Or if you just need a simple overview of “what is POS”, we highly recommend you to watch the video below. Our experts in Magestore have worked their best to make a video telling everything you need to know of “What is POS”.

Point of Sale (What is POS) 1. What is POS 2. What is POS system   2.1. What is POS Hardware   2.2. What is POS Software 3. What are POS Features 4. Why you should have a POS system? 5. Types of POS   5.1. Retail POS   5.2. Restaurant & Bar POS   5.3. Spa & Resort POS 6. How to choose the Right POS system?

What is POS?

What is POS? Simple, POS stands for Point of Sale, also known as Point of Purchase. It is the place where people buy and sell.

You can easily see a point of sale in anywhere. In a macro view, POS is a mall, city, or even the Internet. In a micro view, POS is a checkout/cashier counter. So, POS can be anywhere we complete transactions.

At the point of sale, the merchant calculated the number of products customers take, the amount of money that customers need pay, bring them various payment options, and give them invoices.

Nowadays, POS may be real, virtual or both. In another word, POS can be used in a brick-and-mortar store, over the phone/Internet, or both ways.

So, whether POS is the central component of a business? The answer is “No”.

The heart of the business is POS system.

Let’s dive in “What is POS System?”

What is POS System?

POS (Point of Sale) is the PLACE where transactions happen. POS system is the tool to do transactions.

Basically, POS System is the combination of hardware and software to create a complete transaction process.

Recently, POS System has also been referred to a point of service. It is not just a point of sale but also a point of returning (customers return). Thus, POS Systems can also include additional functions such as Inventory Management, CRM, Accounting, and Warehousing.

In a nutshell, modern POS System = Software + Hardware + Additional Function.

Bonus: Download this ultimate guide to know “How to choose a right POS system for your business”.

what is POS Hardware

It is also known as POS Terminal or POS machine.

No matter which software or additional function you choose, POS Hardware seems to stay the same in any retails. POS Hardware includes:

1. Register Screen

A standard monitor which displays the product database

On Register Screen, you can see the full product line, create order, view customer information and view sale reports. Moreover, with modern POS system, the Register Screen is also synced with your backend site. It helps you manage database easily and save time to enter again the number of products being purchased in a day.

Tablets, especially iPad, are well-known as a good tool for register screen.

2. Barcode Scanner

An essential tool to fasten checkout process.

So what is barcode scanner? A barcode scanner is an electronic device to scan and output printed barcodes to a computer

After you scan the barcode, the product will be automatically pulled out and then added to checkout total.

Besides, nowadays, most of the barcode scanner may also integrate with Inventory Management system to change stock levels automatically and efficiently.

3. Credit Card Reader

A data input device that reads data from the card.

It is easy to know what is Credit Card reader. This device can read data from the card.

High-security is a really important factor to choose a credit card reader.

EMV – Compliant credit card reader is the most recommended. In 2015, EMV became the standard of credit card reader for its high security – making payment cards nearly impossible to copy and reduce the huge possibility of accepting counterfeit cards.

4. Receipt Printer

A printer used to print Receipt only

Recently, email and text receipt have become more popular. Customers can save their bills, and it saves a huge amount of money for a retailer to print.

However, Receipt Paper is still a must-have for any small or medium-sized business because it brings quick snapshot to customers about their purchase.

5. Cash Drawer

A box to save cash on transactions.

Here is an ugly truth: No matter how credit card improves, cash still holds its position on consumers’ behavior. Most people still love to use money paper or coin to shop. Thus, as a retailer, you need be ready to meet your customers’ demands by choosing a secured place to store cash for transactions.

what is POS Software

The mark of a breakthrough in POS systems is the integration of POS machines with POS software.

The POS Software helps you to manage business and control all transactions. It automatically updates the essential database from customers, products, inventory, sales, loyalty programs, and labor.

Up till now, there are two basic deployment methods:

What is On-premise

It is also known as a back-office server or a traditional software model.

Just need to purchase one or more licenses and install the software on your servers. Then use it. But not just that! You need to maintain the software regularly. You may spend “all night long” entering and updating data. Moreover, if your business grows larger, you really need a dedicated IT staffs besides you.

What is Cloud-based POS

It is also known as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) POS Solution.

Perhaps, you’ve heard of “the cloud” for many times, such as iCloud, Google Cloud … So, what is “the cloud”? Is it a nebulous information system in the sky? No. Literally, it cloud-based system is a software/service that stores all data via the Internet.

You just need to access and support the system on the Internet.

Even you are running a small, medium, or large-sized business, the cloud-based system is really very helpful because it is:

– Easy to manage: All your business data from multiple locations and channels is stored in a centralized database. It means all your data stays in one place. You can easily access the data for analysis, compare and even “communicate” between stores.

– Cost-saving: no need to hire a professional IT to solve your issues – a store owner just need to upgrade the system monthly or annually with a minimal upfront cost. (The monthly fee often varies from $80 and $200/month).

– Highly Secured: Cloud-based server never stores sensitive credit card information in a back room. Instead, the data is always encrypted and sent over to a separate secure network. Therefore, your customers are not at risk of being invaded by important information. Better still, devices that integrate with the cloud-based system will be monitored constantly, detecting suspicious activity or rogue accessing.

– Online – Offline: if your system can be connected to the wifi, then that is great. But if not, then don’t worry. The systems will be synced in real-time once you’re back online.

Here are two most trending tools if you want to use Cloud-based POS:

Web-based POS

Your business database will be hosted on secure servers that provide real-time backup. You can use Web-based POS with any kinds of devices (no matter iPad or Windows PC).

Mobile POS app

Many people say: “Modern people can’t live without a phone”. You cannot always take along your tablets, laptop and PC anywhere you go. However, you can never leave your phone. That will be amazing if you want to manage your business efficiently anytime and anywhere with a Magento web POS app system.

Related post: What is an EPOS system?

What are POS Features

To sum up, an effective POS System CANNOT lack any of these features:

– Real-time Synchronization: This is a base of POS Systems. Once your customer purchased successfully, your system will automatically update the Qty. in the inventory, save customer information and even nurture your customer to become a loyal one.

– Sales Management: a good POS system must have automatically made you a report with basic analysis. Then, you just need to look at the report and make business strategies. Better still, it also controls all pricing, tax-counting and loyalty programs (such as reward points, gift card, etc.)

– Customer Management: once your customers sign up, purchases or even do any other actions in your store, their information will be automatically saved in the system. After that, all saved information can be used for marketing strategy.

– Inventory Management: the system manages the flow of stock and releases a report about the inventory status. Besides, it can forecast how much Qty. you need to fill out-of-stock products.

– Staff Management: POS System can manage roles, staffs, clock-in, and clock-out, and schedules.

Related: How POS system works?

Why you should have a POS system?

With these outstanding features above, you can easily see that using POS system have a highly positive effect on your business.

– Manage better

All business data, including sales, customer information, inventory, staff, loyalty programs, etc. will be centralized in the same place. In anywhere and anytime, you can track quickly which products you have sold, how many products are there in the warehouse, and vitally, how much your store earned daily, monthly or annually.

– Make right decisions

The system helps you make accurate reports with basic analysis, such as which product is the best-sold and the tendency of sale. You can save time entering the number and make reports. Instead, you can create the best plan for your business growth.

– Nurture customers

All customer details POS system gathered are very valuable for generating personal offers and developing personal client communication. Based on this information, you can create suitable loyalty programs which are not only personalized but also interesting to your customers.

– Increase business efficiency

All reports about the bills, orders, sales, customers, etc. are released quickly and accurately. Your company can save time on paperwork. Your employees do not need to repeat entering Qty. in every single channel. Even better, you do not need to hire too many staffs.

– Happy Customers

Without a POS System, your customers will have to stand in a long line to wait for their checkout turn. However, with POS System, you can easily check products with a barcode scanner, automatically calculate taxes with software, quickly printing bills or sending them a receipt message.

Types of POS System

WHAT IS Retail POS

Retail POS system is typically programmed for retail environments.

Must-have POS Features:

– Hardware: Register Screen, Barcode Scanner, Credit Card Reader, Receipt Printer and Cash Drawer (for offline stores)

– Software: Cloud-based POS (recommended both Web-based POS and Mobile POS App, if your stores are both online and offline; if your store is only available online, then mobile POS App must be the best choice)

– Add-on features: color-size-type choosing, inventory tracking, gift registry, customer database, layaway and purchase orders, and employee commissions. Especially, it needs to have a feature to release whole reports such as sales reports, customer reports, vendor reports and inventory reports.

– Third-party integration (able to integrate with accounting software, shipping vendor, etc.)

In addition, before you decide to purchase a POS System, you really need to have a meeting with your POS provider to consider which POS will be best for you – reduce time to customize and have full features that you need.

Related Post: POS Data Analysis: How to Use POS Data to Improve your Business?

WHAT IS Restaurant and Bar POS

The POS System in Restaurant and Bar must be strong enough to handle the large volume and “crazy” speed.

Must-have Features:

– Hardware: Register Screen, Credit Card Reader, Receipt Printer and Cash Drawer

– Software: On-premise. The system must be able to work offline, save basic customer database, track sales, and tax data.

– Workflow Integration: the connection between order processing and kitchen setup. Restaurant staffs can easily split kitchen orders between different prep stations

– High speed: able to handle with busy bar/restaurants. The faster it is, the happier customers are.

– Flexibility: you can easily and quickly modify customers’ orders and check seat number.

– Simple to use: simple buttons and fast access. It will help your staffs serve faster.

However, because no two restaurants are the same, you need a POS System that is easy for you to customize yourself to fit the business

WHAT IS Spa and Resort POS

Nail salons, hair salons and spas all require a particular set of POS options due to the nature of the business.

Must-have features:

– Hardware: Register Screen, Credit Card Reader, Receipt Printer and Cash Drawer

– Software: On-premise or Cloud-based.

– Add-on features:

Appointment Reminders / Appointment Calendar

Customer Database with details of previously used service

Employee Scheduling and management

– Simple to use: simple buttons and fast access. It will help your staffs serve faster.

– Inexpensive

How to choose the right POS?

After discovering what is POS system and how it works, we should go to the next essential step that can make a remarkable decision of your life – pick a POS system.

If you choose the POS System for the first time, here are tips to choose the best POS System for you:

1. What is your business?

Consider which types of business you are.

Each type has different POS needs. Some POS system focused on quick service, while others on full service. Others are enterprise management for chains, still, others are quite specific.

The bottom line is going to the POS system tools and processes fit into your workflows and requirements, not just today, but in a long run.

2. General Requirement for POS Systems:

Friendly Usage: Try the demo, both backend, and frontend. Is it easy to use? Do the button and interface make you feel comfortable to use? Does it scale smoothly to the customer volume? Can you use it when you are offline? Does it sync real-time when you’re back to online?

Security: use EMV-compliant POS to protect your customers and yourself from credit card fraud. Besides, system security should be PCI-compliant and allows point-to-point encrypted payments.

Power Backup: ask the provider about hybrid architecture that enables the POS system to run offline or via a local network.

Choose a suitable provider:

– Technical Support: make sure that the Support Team should be 24/7 with quick response time. It should be provided with setup, installation and maintenance service.

– Integration: look at which third-party does the POS System support. You must choose the one with open API and flexible to integrate with your important third-party systems

In addition, the system also must have an open API key to customize intuitive functions to your processes.

Summary of What is POS

It is undeniable to say that “POS System is essential for modern business”.

Through this article, you may clearly understand the definition of POS, the working process of the system, basic POS features, types of POS System and some small tips to choose the right POS for your business.

We sincerely hope this article will be helpful for you to learn about the POS System.

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Thanks for reading!