What Are The Common Mistakes When You Buy Epos Software?

In case you're similar to most retailers, you're worried about committing a mistake when you choose retail software. I don't blame you. Purchasing EPOS software is an important investment of your business and it can have huge impact on the efficiency and success of your business! In addition, there are around 1,000 different POS systems to browse. Also, they're all are different.

Here we have list of few mistakes that business owners do:

Error #1 - Buying Hardware First

I can't tell how many times business owners I've heard a business owner state, "I just bought new PCs, printers and I have everything all set. I have to find epos software. "As soon as I hear that, I think, "This person could have saved himself a lot of time and cash if he chose his POS software first!"

Why?

At first, your epos software will have hardware and operating system requirements. For instance, the product will most likely require a specific version of Windows, Unix, Linux, or MAC. Also, each software will be compatible with only specific types of printers, scanners, cash drawers and card readers.

Secondly, not all POS systems are the same. Also, the system that you have chosen is important. It will have huge impact on the efficiency of your business. If you install your PC first, you will restrict your POS software functionality. You may also find that the printers and scanners you have aren't good either.

You can stay away from frustration and save money if you choose the right epos software. You can get some information about their hardware and working systems.

Slip-up #2 - Asking the Wrong People

Retailers regularly contact a local PC consultant for suggestions about epos software. PC consultants are incredible sources for data about PCs, hardware and networking but they don't understand the complexities of POS software and retail management. Nor do they understand that there are over 1,000 unique POS systems to look over and it's VERY simple to choose the right one.

Every business is different and has their own business requirements. In such a case, if you get a poor advice in choosing the epos system, then your business can lose money.

Misstep #3 - Not Focusing on the Character of the Software Company

If you are investing in the epos software, then you are not only a product but a relation with the provider. In fact, the "quality" of the software company is typically similarly as crucial as the product.

Why is POS software provider so important?

Well...

Once you have purchased the product, you'll rely on the software company for latest updates, installation, training and technical support.

Think about these common scenarios...

•       If the software provider went out of business
•      In case if it takes a long time for you to print and the support taking a         long time to respond
•      If there are no updates from the provider when you need them
•      In case if the software you have bought has a bug and they don't fix it
•      If it technical team take a long time to answer your questions

·      In case if the training provide by the provider is insufficient then you may not know the functionalities and your sales totals may be providing you with the wrong reports

In fact, the level of service provided by the software provider and the financial stability of the software company is important. It's basic to assess the software provider or else you could run into some disappointing and costly issues.

Mix-up #4 - Passing The Buck

Too many proprietors give the responsibility of choosing a POS system to a representative or a PC consultant that is inexperienced with your industry. The people who assess the product must have inside and out information about your business.

Management must be a part of the selection and usage process. Never rely on consultant’s decision or info.

POS software is complicated. It can have a huge impact on the profitability of your business. POS software is too imperative for passing on the assessment process to another person!

Misstep #5 - Overlooking Important Features

Unless if you're a retail POS expert, it's hard to find out endless POS systems and make sense of what you need.In fact, it can be difficult in understanding the "genuine" potential of your POS system.

Thus, many of the retailers overlook important features that would save them a lot of time and money!

•      If you need to evade these common mistakes, it's important for you           to...
•      Properly analyze the requirements of your business
•      Make a list of important features by simply asking yourself
•      What amount of time and money will this feature save me?
•      Prioritize your feature list and choose the right system

What Should You Be Looking For In An Epos Software?

EPOS software or Point of Sale Software is both simple and complicated. For a person who is new to concept, you can come across a lot of terms, classifications and definitions that appear to overlap and sometimes make no sense. One of the terms that people frequently come across is Cash Register POS Software, but the product doesn't exist.

That's true. 'Cash Register' EPOS Software doesn't exist. The term is another way for software companies to differentiate their Point of Sale software product from the thousands of products available.

What is POS Software?

EPOS software is at its simplest form, a PC program that takes place your cash register. All sales are made through the PC. You enter the data, sales and transactions and it records and tracks everything. Yet, it didn't start that way.

The History of EPOS Software

EPOS systems first evolved from the mechanical cash registers of the first half of the 20th century and were operated with the help of a crank and a lever. Manufactured by the Fabricated by NCR and Burroughs, they recorded data on journal tapes which required a few extra steps to transcribe the data into the retailer's accounting system. The later stage in the evolution of the EPOS software that we know and love today was to move to cash register that were operated with power rather than the crank and lever and which were originally manufactured by NCR.

In 1973 new PC driven registers and the barcode scanner readers on the POS systems were introduced. In 1986, the EPOS systems manufactured with PC technology with the introduction of the IBM 4683. Also during the late 1980's, card readers were developed to work independently thus making card processing easier and secure. 

Today, retail epos software systems are are more advanced than before. They use a variety of operating systems cater to business specific needs, hardware requirements and many more.

EPOS software systems can automate other areas of your business and are not restricted to basic cash register functions. The present systems can upgrade your marketing by tracking customers and generating automated emails, they can automate accounting functions like payroll, accounts payable, they can track stock, control and mechanize price updates and a whole lot more.

Each EPOS software product will have specific hardware requirements. Your POS system will assuredly have a cash drawer. They come in different sizes and materials and have distinctive connection options. By and large the cash drawer part of your system will cost you between £100 and £400.

There are other hardware components to consider along with your cash drawer. They integrate but not limited to the following:

•      PC
•      Keyboard
•      Receipt printer
•      Label printer
•      Digital pad
•      Barcode scanner
•     Customer display
•     Card reader

Every hardware component comes with the options like price, size, and obviously compatibility.

The whole of EPOS software and hardware systems can be overwhelming and often leads to expensive and frustrating mistakes.

One of the biggest mistakes that retailers frequently make is to purchase their Point of Sale hardware before they buy their product. This is a mistake for two reasons. The first is that you may end up wasting a lot of money if the system you choose upon is contradictory with the hardware you have chosen.

The second is that you may severely confine your choices of software leaving you with a system that you truly don't like or worse, that isn't designed for your industry and business size.

The next mistake is that retailer’s regularly make is that they buy software that isn't designed for their industry. While there are a huge number of POS systems available, not every one of them will suit for your business and your industry. A gift shop has different requirements than a car dealer and a liquor store needn't bother the same software as an apparel store.

Slender your search to your particular industry and you will be well on your way to money well spent and a POS software system that makes your life easier and your business more profitable.

There are two last considerations you should ask yourself before you start the search for the correct POS system to meet your requirements.

•      Is your store sufficiently large to profit by a POS system?
•     Is EPOS Software worth the cost?

The evolution of cash register to EPOS software system has achieved many great changes. They enhance efficiency and increase your main concern, allowing you to focus more on your business rather than the occasionally tedious tasks associated with owning a retail business.