Whether you're a small business that only uses a cash register for transactions or a larger retailer that uses multiple systems to run your operations, managing different systems can be inefficient and lead to loss of sales.

This is where point of sale (POS) systems can help. Our buyer's guide provides details on what a point of sale systems is, its common features, its benefits and necessary steps on how to purchase a solution.

Total mobile payment transactions will grow by 23.8% to $161 billion by 2021.

Source: eMarketer

The global POS system market will increase by a CAGR of 14.27% to $35 billion in 2025.

Source: MarketWatch

The POS cloud adoption rate for the restaurant industry is expected to reach 15% by the end of 2021.

Source: ReformingRetail

Point of Sale Systems Buyer's Guide

What are Point of Sale (POS) Systems?

"Point of sale" refers to a payment made from a customer to the seller in exchange for a product or service. A POS system is a central solution that combines software and hardware components in order to help a retailer or other service-based business manage its operations. In a POS, business owners can process payments, track inventory, market to customers and manage their employees. Popular POS system vendors include Square, Lightspeed, Vend, ShopKeep and Clover.

Types of POS Systems

Here are a few main types of POS systems:

Software

POS software components can be deployed on-premise (on a business' servers) or in the cloud (also known as Software-as-a-Service).

Hardware

Some vendors do offer bundles that include specific hardware, but others don't, in which case you'll likely have to purchase hardware at an additional cost. We've detailed the types of hardware in our POS Hardware Components below.

Mobile POS

Mobile POS systems allow retailers to capture credit card payments, manage inventory and access real-time reports.

Self-serve kiosks

Self-service kiosks is becoming common in big-box retailers and smaller coffee shops and cafes. Customers can look up prices and availability and scan and pay for the products themselves.

POS Hardware Components

We've listed the common hardware components below.

Tablet/touchscreen monitors

In today's age, touchscreen monitors and tablets are replacing cash registers and older POS terminals. Not only do employees use them to ring up customers, they can check product inventory or clock in and out. Some tablets also allow employees to swipe a customer's credit card from the sales floor rather than behind the counter.

Credit/debit card reader

Most credit/debit card readers processes magnetic swipe cards (i.e., customers can simply swipe their cards). However, a 2015 regulation requires businesses to provide an EMV-compliant chip reader to consumers to reduce fraud and improve security. The customer inserts the card into the slot at the bottom. Then they are asked to authorize a specific amount or add in a PIN (if it's a debit card). Afterwards, the reader indicates whether the transaction is approved or rejected, and the customer is asked to remove their card.

person

Cash drawer

The cash drawer is still vital even though consumers use credit or debit cards for purchases. It stores not only cash and change, but checks (although rare), coupons and vouchers.

Barcode scanner

Barcode scanner is typically used in retailers and scans the price of the product. That data is then automatically added to the total price and stock information is adjusted in the inventory. The scanner can also be used for accepting mobile payments.

Receipt printer

As the name indicates, this equipment prints the receipt. However, there are businesses that opt to text or email receipts to customers in order to save paper.

Common POS Software Features

POS software offers many features to help businesses increase efficiency. Depending on the vendor, some of the features may be standard while others may be optional. Here are some common POS software features.

Inventory management

The inventory management feature lets companies easily keep track of the items that are in stock. Once an order is processed or a product is scanned, the inventory is automatically updated so employees won't need to handle this manually. The feature also automatically sends alerts if stock is running low and, in some cases, orders new items. Businesses can get high-level visibility of what's in stock and can sort inventory by SKU or transaction history.

Customer relationship management (CRM)

Customer relationship management refers to the process of storing data and interactions between a business and its customers. It can help retailers and other businesses provide better marketing services (e.g., promotions, customer loyalty programs). And because a customer's transaction history is stored in the data, they can create targeted marketing campaigns. The feature also helps employees provide better customer service. For instance, if a customer needs to return an item but forgot a receipt, a cashier can quickly look up the transaction to verify the item was purchased.

Employee management

POS systems can help businesses better manage their staff by allowing managers to create schedules and track employees' attendance. A restaurant-specific POS system can also track tips for better transparency and allocation. If this feature is included, businesses usually don't need to purchase a separate dedicated time clock software, as employees can record and track their time.

Multistore management

With the multistore management feature, businesses can track inventory, orders, employees and other information across multiple stores or locations. For example, if a business wants to move a product from one store to another, the solution automatically updates the inventory rather than requiring manual adjustment for each store. Businesses can also analyze data and trends for each location. Finally, the feature supports online orders that can be picked up in a store rather than shipped.

Reporting and analytics

Reporting and analytical tools let businesses manage performance, generate revenue and spot new trends and opportunities. Users can create dashboards and reports on various metrics, such as sales quotas, inventory levels and length of time in resolving customer issues. Most solutions include prebuilt reporting templates or customizable templates.

Integration to third-party software

POS systems can integrate to third-party software, such as accounting systems, e-commerce systems, payment processors or email marketing systems.

Top Benefits of POS Systems

Using a POS system comes with numerous benefits, including:

Improved customer service and marketing opportunities

POS software components can be deployed on-premise (on a business' servers) or in the cloud (also known as Software-as-a-Service).

Better staff management

Because POS systems include time-tracking and other employee management features, businesses can easily oversee their employees. The system has a code that's unique to each employee regardless of what register they use, so managers can track their time and sales performance to gauge productivity and eliminate the threat of theft.

Enhanced mobility

Some vendors do offer bundles that include specific hardware, but others don't, in which case you'll likely have to purchase hardware at an additional cost. We've detailed the types of hardware in our POS Hardware Components below.

Quick access to reports

Self-service kiosks is becoming common in big-box retailers and smaller coffee shops and cafes. Customers can look up prices and availability and scan and pay for the products themselves.

Reduced reliance on multiple systems

Businesses that only use cash registers would need to purchase additional systems for their needs. A POS system includes multiple features and hardware, so businesses save time and money in using one dedicated solution.

More accuracy

Since POS systems automatically update information, employees won’t need to manually enter data, which deters errors and improves accuracy. For example, if a product goes on sale, the POS system automatically calculates the discounted price and uses built-in checks to ensure there are no discrepancies.

Flexible payment options supported

Businesses need to be flexible in giving customers multiple options to pay rather than relying on one specific method. Most POS systems support credit and debit transactions, and more vendors are now offering the ability to accept payments via mobile apps. Even though credit or debit is a popular payment method, many customers prefer to pay cash or, in rare cases, by check, so most solutions offer this option.

How to Choose a POS System

There are many POS systems out there that vary in features and pricing. It's key to research all of your options before purchasing a software. We've listed four important steps below.

1

Knowing your company's needs

Before researching vendors, you must consider your needs and requirements. What is your business type? Do you manage multiple locations? What hardware do you need? What hardware do you have that must be compatible with the new POS?

2

Creating a Shortlist

After you've outlined your objectives for a POS system, create a shortlist of vendors that best fit your needs. We recommend listing out the must-have features as well as the nice-to-have ones to help determine the type of solution you're looking for.

In addition to features, you'll need to consider the vendor's deployment options (e.g., on-premise, cloud), implementation processes and customer support.

3

Contacting vendors

After you've outlined your objectives for a POS system, create a shortlist of vendors that best fit your needs. We recommend listing out the must-have features as well as the nice-to-have ones to help determine the type of solution you're looking for.

And be sure to compare different price quotes you receive. We explain more on pricing in a separate section below.

4

Conducting due diligence

When you've selected your top two or three vendors, ask for references from their current or previous clients. While vendors tend to give you the clients with the most glowing recommendations or experiences, ask to speak to clients that are in the same industry or are the same size as your company.

It's important to see not just the positives of the solution or vendor but any issues clients have experienced as well.

POS Pricing

One of the most important factors in selecting a POS system is pricing. Prices can vary depending on the type of system, payment processing fees, number of users and customization needed. Also, note that pricing can be based on the type of business (e.g., retailers, restaurants) as there are different features that are relevant to restaurants versus retail (e.g., a menu and floorplan).

Here are a few questions you should consider regarding pricing.

  • What additional hardware components do we need to purchase?
  • How many features do we really need?
  • How many users will require access the system?
  • How much does the vendor charge for processing each credit card transaction?

Software

In the past, POS system vendors used two popular pricing models: perpetual licensing and subscription hosting plans. However, more vendors are now opting to host the software in the cloud, where companies only need to pay a monthly (or annual) subscription cost. An example of a vendor with subscription hosting plans is Lightspeed's retail POS, which starts at $99 per month. That price covers one register, access for up to five employees, omnichannel capabilities, personalized onboarding, 24/7 support and basic reporting features.

Hardware

Although some vendors offer a software/hardware bundle at a single price, others may not. So, you'll want to consider how much the additional hardware will cost. For instance, Hippos offers a pricing plan for retailers that cost $29 per month and includes unlimited users, inventory management, appointment bookings and email receipts. It sells its hardware separately (e.g., cash drawer or thermal receipt printer).

Fees

Another cost to consider is credit card processing fees, which are fees the business pays in order to accept credit cards from consumers. The three types of fees are transaction fees (for processing each credit card transaction), flat fees (usually a monthly service fee with a payment processor) and incidental fees (for any issues such as chargebacks or nonsufficient funds). There are POS systems vendors that include payment processing fees as part of their plans (e.g., Lightspeed's processing fee is 2.6% of the payment received plus 10 cents per transaction). However, others don't, so companies need to think about that as well.

Challenges of POS Systems

While a POS system has many benefits, it comes with challenges, including:

Data security

Data security is a real concern, especially with credit card transactions. There have been cases where major retailers have identified hacking attempts in their systems and have advised customers to monitor their credit reports. Therefore, it's important to ensure that the POS system has strong security and authentication features.

man with checklist and giant pen

Not using an EMV-compliant terminal

As mentioned, businesses that don't use EMV-compliant terminals (chip readers) face financial penalties for any credit card fraud that results from using only magnetic stripe terminals. Businesses may feel EMV-compliant terminals are expensive to purchase, but employing a chip reader is essential to stay compliant and guarantee higher security for both businesses and consumers than swiped cards.

man at desk thinking

Adoption issues

Businesses may encounter staff members that are resistant to using a POS system, especially if they think the solution is hard to understand. Fortunately, most POS systems have easy-to-use features and a short learning curve so employees can adapt to it quickly. The key is to make sure the employees can get training on the new system.

man with checklist and giant pen

Implementation issues

Cloud-based POS systems tend to have shorter implementation times than on-premise solutions. However, expensive issues can still come up that delay the go-live date, such as unclear business goals or incompatibility with hardware systems. It's important to tell the vendor your budget, goals and requirements for using the software, as well as get a detailed timeline of the implementation process and what happens at each stage.

man with checklist and giant pen

Connection Problems

POS systems include wireless connectivity, so if the power's out and the store doesn't have a generator, profit loss can result. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure the POS system has offline functionality as well as consider deploying a backup plan in case of equipment failure.

man with checklist and giant pen
Lightspeed Retail
VENDOR NAME: Lightspeed
READ REVIEW

GOOD

Ability to sell products both in the store and online, mobile point of sale system, scalable pricing plans.

BAD

Lightspeed Payments is only available for U.S. businesses, offline mode feature is not offered.

BOTTOM LINE

Retail POS solution empowering small and midsized businesses to run their operation successfully.

READ REVIEW
QuickBooks POS
VENDOR NAME: Intuit Inc.
READ REVIEW

GOOD

Flexible payment methods for customers, installation on Microsoft Surface Pro tablet to optimize back-office tasks, optional gift cards program to increase consumer loyalty and revenue.

BAD

Not intended for restaurants or food service, initial setup can be cumbersome.

BOTTOM LINE

On-premise point of sale system for Windows that helps small retailers better manage their business.

READ REVIEW
Revel Systems
VENDOR NAME: Revel Systems
READ REVIEW

GOOD

Customizable software for single and multisite businesses, streamlined restaurant management tools, ability to accept flexible payment from customers.

BAD

Initial learning curve for users that aren't familiar with a POS system, may be too robust for small businesses.

BOTTOM LINE

Scalable POS system that empowers businesses to manage their operations in one place.

READ REVIEW
ShopKeep
VENDOR NAME: ShopKeep
READ REVIEW

GOOD

Ability to ring up sales anywhere in the store, intuitive iPad/Android interface, hardware accessories offered in bundles or a la carte.

BAD

Only available to merchants in the U.S. and Canada, some manual data entry into QuickBooks may be required.

BOTTOM LINE

Cloud-based solution with scalable features to help independent businesses successfully run their operations.

READ REVIEW
Square POS
VENDOR NAME: Square Inc.
READ REVIEW

GOOD

Flexible eCommerce features, analytics aspect that gives real-time insights into sales and operations, payment processing fees are the same regardless of credit card issuer.

BAD

Debit/credit payment processing fees can add up quickly, occasional internet connectivity issues.

BOTTOM LINE

Free app with numerous features to help businesses manage their inventory and provide efficient customer service.

READ REVIEW