What Is Free Epos Software?

When you start a business, money seems to fly out at a lot quicker rate than it's coming in – particularly in case if you haven’t opened your doors. Thusly, when you see an ad for free epos software or epos system, you’re bound to take notice.

While the best things in life might be free, your POS software may or may not be. As metioned, free POS software exists, but there will be some limitations.

So also, while most free POS software providers won't interupt on your transaction, but you may not get all the features you need or need to maintain an effective business. For example, the free plan allows you to accept a customers credit card and complete a transaction, but you have to buy pos hardware like a card reader to swipe card payments.

Also, that doesn't mean free POS software can't work for your business. The extraordinary thing about free is that it gives you a way to test drive the service: accept a couple of payments, start to build your business. If a business offers a free form of something, there are some premium offers holding up in the wing. If you employ someone else, you should upgrade to the Essential or Advanced plan.

The free version is intended to acclimate you with the product and entice you to upgrade to a premium version sometime in the not too distant future. As such, if you like the free form, you can generally decide to upgrade to the features you need.

For example, a free form of POS software must be used on one register and by one staff member, but you can include unlimited stock items and process the same number of transactions as you'd like.

Inevitably, when your business will grow out of those features. So when you upgrade to our Essential or Advanced plans, you profit by features like unlimited register licenses, eCommerce, a loyalty program, and many more.

Obviously, when you're simply starting, you may not have the idea about all the features and functionality you need your POS to have, and that is alright. Indeed, even veteran business have needs that change after some time. What worked 20 years back may not work today, and that is alright as well. In these scenarios, free epos software is an incredible way to try different things with various systems and service providers to help guarantee you find the best solution for your unique business needs.

What EPOS Software Features To Select For Your Retail Business

Payment technology has emerged a lot during the past two decades. Today we no longer are binded with those huge electronic cash registers. The growth of technology is making work-life easier for retailers. Well, also with every single stage of technology a POS is satisfying the expectations of SME’s retail businesses by managing with each stage of their selling journey.

Thus, with each single technology, the POS system grew instantly. Retail business owners today are looking for the latest trends and features of EPOS software that can draw in more customers for their products and services.

Mobile POS (mPOS)

Today, we have everything readily available. So for what reason should payments be restricted to one place? Mobile POS makes it simple for businesses to accept payments at any place you need and at any point. Mobile POS is the next big thing in the mobile payment solution market. People today want convenience on the go, thus do businesses.

Now-a-days mPOS solutions can take your retail business to the next level. While raising flexibility and mobility it also enhances the customer experience. Mobile POS connotes easy to set-up and use mobile applications. With the help of mPOS, your business will be always in your pocket.

The mobile terminal of EPOS Software goes beyond billing to offer features like stock management, mobile store front, sending invoices to customers through SMS and analytics, and so on. Primarily it takes out the need of having an expensive POS system and helps in managing with your business wherever, whenever with detailed analytics and sales reports.

Stock Management

Retail business needs a one-stop stock management system with reliable modules to deal with every day stock operations. You will relish the stock management tools that a EPOS software offers.

Basic stock management, so you can include products you sell, importing your stock with no additional cost, product reports and a daily email with low or unavailable stock items listed for more stock control.

Advanced features like orders tracking, automated stock adjustments, shortfall alarms are the most valuable POS system features while working onsite inventory. POS monitors your products at various levels, such as size, season and color to guarantee everything is stocked.

Billing And Order Processing

Give your customers the opportunity with options to pay with cash, credit/debit cards, gift vouchers, or some other mobile wallet payment options. An EPOS software includes a credit/debit card module built in your PC rather than an stand alone terminal, to effortlessly record payments from external card terminals.

This makes credit/debit card payments more secure for your customers. Efficient approval of transactions at the retail location is important to guarantee your business maintains a constant cash flow and a secure network.

Your POS system must have the basic functionalities of billing and order preparation. It should have the option to bill orders by scanning products and capturing distinctive payment modes.

Customer Relationship And Experience

Customer relationship has constantly been an essential stage of retail business operations. Here, keeping your customers happy is complicated however a significant task to perform. In spite of the fact that EPOS Software for Retail features can be your helping hand.

EPOS software can help im various ways in retaining a strong relationship with your clients, so you can have them forever. POS systems give you the tools to track customer data, such as contact details, transaction history, and preferences.

Look out for functionalities like simple checkouts and fast appointment booking which will keep your customers captivated to your brand, after at the end a business needs is to keep their customers waiting.

POS collects important information about your frequent footfall and their purchaser persona, by which you can organize loyalty programs for your loyal customers which drives loyalty and create ambassadors for your business.

Reporting and Analysis

The POS report is created based on the data gathered by a POS system. Gathered information and activity is followed at the POS system and that information is stored for future analysis by means of POS reports. This is an extreme tool for organizing and breaking down your business data.

POS reports can summarize up a lot of data, and represent to it in a graphical or cross-tabulated for. Along these lines, it is the best tool to make financial, stock and statistical reports.

This could be a totally new way for your business in reporting and analytics. You simply use your business reporting and analytics for informed decisions. This will push your business beyond the the limits.

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.

How Safe Is Your Retail EPOS Software Data?

It is surprise often to hear about nightmares like losing the data because of system crash. There are many “little known" mistakes that can make computers go down. It is also easy to theft the stored in your computer. Until you get singed! That is when majority people take precautionary steps to secure their system. The following tips help you before something happens to you!

1) Back up your Retail EPOS software data every day!

In case you're not backing up your data, you may be lucky for a few months or even years, however in the long run you'll lose important business data that is stored in your system. When it happens you'll be extremely frustrated!

To secure your data, you need to install a good tape back-up, external hard drive, zip drive etc... Most of these come with back-up software, but you have to check the package before you buy.

Once the hardware is installed, you'll need to configure the back-up software that contains your Retail EPOS software data.

2) Schedule your back up and always check the log

Generally back-up software allows you to schedule the back-up to automatically run in the night time. At that point you should simply check your back-up log the next day. Remember to read the log and check for ERRORS each day!

3) Don't overwrite your back-up

It's a smart idea to keep your back-up data for a few days by rotating the media. This helps combat many potential issues. For example, if you have hardware issues you may find that you need to revert to data from a few days back. In addition back-up media like tapes, zip drives, and so on can turn bad.

 

4) Take your data home

In case if you take the earlier day's back-up media home you'll generally have your important business data safe, in case of fire or a natural disaster.

5) Test the back up once per month

You'd be surprised how many people believe they're getting a good back-up just to find that the back-up hasn't been working or they've been backing up an inappropriate folder all this time. You can restrict this issue by restoring your last back up to an alternate location on the hard drive. Then ensure the back-up restored the correct records. This is the best way to make sure your back up is working fine.

6) Install an UPS and surge protector on your system

Power surges and brown outs can weaken or damage system hardware causing data corruption or your whole system to come up short.

An UPS is a battery that keeps your system running in case if there is a power outage. What you probably won't understand is that the UPS also regulates your power usage shielding your electronic equipment and circuits from getting singed by power surges or brown outs.

At any rate, I prescribe installing an UPS and surge protector on the basic system that stores you Retail POS Software data. At that point plug in the Ethernet cable, modem telephone line and power chord into the UPS. The majority people forget about the Ethernet link and telephone lines, yet in case if they're connected to your system and lighting strikes they can sear you system as well!

7) To gain maximum reliability Install RAID or mirrored hard drives

In case if reliability is very important to you, then you can install RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) hard drives on your server. RAID costs more, but keeps your server running regardless of whether you have a hard drive failure. There are a few levels of RAID security. The easiest and most affordable type of RAID is called hard drive mirroring.

RAID is an extremely complicated subject yet most system specialists can help. I would not recommend installing this yourself. In this case, you need you to learn more you should call a system specialist for advice.

After reading these above tips you may understand that you have to make some changes. Other than RAID, these tips are basic to protect your system safe. I highly recommend finding support from a system consultant and find a way to ensure your system today! I guarantee, you'll be happy you did.

The TOP Most Important Consideration When Choosing POS Software

The most important things to consider while choosing retail epos software for your business. 

Rate of return (ROI) 

This should drive your complete evaluation process.

How would you figure out which EPOS system will give you the highest ROI?

In fact, there are many components that determine your ROI, but first take a look at "HOW" your POS and accounting software will give you a return.

It is broadly classified into 3 basic categories:

•  Reduce expenses 
•  Increase sales
•  Increase gross profit margin

Considering it in simple fashion helps you determine an accurate ROI and also prioritize your needs. Improvising these three areas you can put a lot of money in your pocket. 

How epos software reduce my costs? 

A few possibilities to get the little hamster running.

Improve your overall efficiency and keep payroll expenses down by reducing paper work, calculating sales tax and finding sales transactions instantly.

Reduce stock costs by tracking sales accurately and using a specific ordering method.

Integrate your accounting software and cut the accountant cost. 

Will epos software increase my sales? 

A couple of ideas include:

Use the customer list to send targeted mail messages. Send “thank you notes" to best customers.

Track lost sales and stock right products and increase overall sales.

See the best products and stock the right merchandise and improve store appeal. Keep in mind, your stock defines your store. 

How will epos software increase your gross profit margins? 

A few ideas include:

• End of day sales reports can show your exact profit margin and help you easily figure out why you're missing your target. By drilling down into low profit margins areas will assist you reach your goals and increase profit margins every day.
• Centralising pricing makes it easier to keep your pricing steady. 
• Weekly, monthly and yearly sales reports can show you which product lines gives you the highest profits. With this data you can drop lines with low profit.

There are innumerable ways a POS system can make you more money and improve efficiency.

 The Big Picture

Since you're starting to think in terms of ROI, you can begin to toss in other factors that will influence your decision. Those factors include:

• Cost of the epos software
• Ongoing costs
• Reliability of epos software
• Training
• Support and service
  

A large number of these factors are intangible however you should attempt to fuse them into your decision making process.

For instance, the reliability of the epos software can influence your ROI. If the system goes down constantly, you will waste time and money.

If the company doesn't furnish you with good quality training and prompt technical support, you will lose time and money.

Do some ground work and figure out which POS system will give you the highest ROI. Since in reality, that is the important thing to consider. At the point when you stop to think about the features of a POS system, they all influence your ROI.

How to Gather Customer Data and Improve Loyalty with Retail Epos Software UK?

There are countless reasons behind retailers to track customer data in their retail EPOS software…

The data stored in your point of sale software retail can be used in unlimited number of ways and allows you to perform powerful queries. For example, you can easily create a list of all customers that bought a certain type of product and send them an offering of a related item. You can easily identify and send your 100 most profitable customers a pleasant gift at Christmas. Or identify your customers that haven't shopped in the previous 4 months. What's more, since these customers could be drifting away, you could send them a £20 discount voucher to get them back.

With all the advantages, many retailers still unable to track customer data since it’s difficult to get their customers to volunteer personal data. Also, most employees don't feel comfortable asking for this data.

Luckily there are proven methods to collect customer data consistently...

The simple way is to give customers a compelling reason to give you their data. Furthermore, let them know "why" you're asking their personal information.

For example, you could tell the customer, "Can I get your name and address so we can track your purchases for our customer loyalty program and send you discounts when you qualify?" For example, if you ever need to return something we can easily pull up your receipt in the PC."

There are lots of powerful ways to motivate your customer to give you their data. When you think of a technique that works for you, write a script for your staff to follow and keep it handy at the retail epos software UK.

In addition, you should tell the customer that you will never share or sell their name with anyone!

 

Always remember that your customers will purchase from your competitors in a heartbeat and you have to work hard to keep them returning back! So start working a on the little things to improve your customer loyalty today.

If you need any help in finding a reliable retail till software that will do all the things you need, at that point look at the epos software from Emperium POS - It includes all that you have to quickly find the "perfect" EPOS system for your business.