FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about CHOOSING an EPOS SYSTEM
It is all very simple when you know how, but at first there are lots of questions that come to mind, these are typical ones
How will a retail POS system help me make more money? ?
Answer:An EPOS system can help you increase your profits in many ways, but they are not one line answers. We suggest you have a look at the Solutions part of the website where the problems are discussed individually and the computer solutions explained. The bottom line is that the savings made will not only pay for the system but increase your bottom line too.
Am I too small to benefit from introducing an epos system?
Answer:This is not necessarily a size issue more will you use and respond to the extra information that epos provides for you. The bigger you are the more imperative you install a system, and if you gave 3 tills or more or multiple shops than it isn't even a question it is Yes.
How much does an epos system cost?
Answer:Like most things in life you get what you pay for. It just depends on what features you asked for hence the software module price. How many users there are to be on the system. The quality and warranty offered on the retail hardware. The support and training provided , and in the sales area of the site we provide some pricing examples. You should compare suppliers on the same requirements and same hardware platform, and you will see a common pricing appear , some way below (not correct) or above budget (too expensive) can then be dropped from the selection process.
Who provides all the computer hardware?
Answer:You should always let the system supplier provide the till hardware as he will know exactly what his software needs to run and also to keep you running. The server and office machines are who can provide them best. Always look to buy hardware with extended warranty.
Do I need new epos terminals?
Answer:Often a first installation of epos does not always work out for some reason. The replacement supplier may well be able to re-use the hardware and run his better software on it. Do not force him if he says he can not as he will know what works, sell yours on Ebay or elsewhere and buy what is needed.
Should I choose a retail software package that was designed specifically for my industry ?
Answer:The best way to decide this is to determine what features you need the system to do for you both now and in the future,and then stick to it. You may need some industry specific features , you may not, it depends what you were looking for.e.g. Do you want to offer customer loyalty ? Do you want integrated credit cards.?
I have a lot of part time and some more senior staff how complicated is it to teach them how to work an epos system?
Answer:A good epos system is quick to pick up on the tills and usually takes no more that a few hours training. The office side is best done by "buddy" learning where we teach a key member of your staff who in turn trains your people. Trainers, manuals and remote dial support al help in achieving a fully trained staff who have confidence in using the system.
I already have electronic cash registers, why should buy an epos system ?
Answer:While an electronic cash register is a suitable way to take money, there is no way of collecting sales information. They don't reduce stock levels. Prices can only be put in out of hours to each till not during the working day to all tills immediately. promotions are just not available being too complicated. Pricing errors have to be rectified , not voided or cancelled and restarted. Layaways , loyalty, q busting, pictures, etc etc just are not available.
How important are backups?
Answer: Backups are critical. They protect your valuable business information from hardware failure and by selecting a portable media such as a usb external hard drive they can be stored at home in the event of a breakdown or copy of a specific period such as year end.
If the system fails can my tills keep serving customers ?
Answer: It is important to pick a system that does not relay on a server or broadband line to a remote centre for its ability to serve. In this way each till is independent and continues to trade. Obviously being electronic it will not work in the event of a power cut , but neither would your cash register.
Should I choose a separate e-commerce solution ?
Answer: You should choose retail software with integrated features. With one integrated system, you can use epos and e-commerce both working off the same stock database. It is not only cheaper but protects from the issues of stock being sold on the that was promised to a shop customer or has caused us to run out
Should I buy or lease an epos system?
Answer:The decision will be based on your budget. Most suppliers can offer leasing , which can be more expensive for a new start up with no trading history. System often are subject to tax allowances in your accounts so check with your accountant. Finally your local business link may be able to provide funding for the introduction of IT systems , so check them out