Just as all retailers aren’t created equal, neither are point of sale vendors and the products they offer. Asking a few key questions when selecting a point of sale system is essential to making the right choice and maximizing your return on investment. These questions should include the following:

1.    Do we already have new computers and peripherals in place, or do we need those, too? If the former, ensure that the software you ultimately pick satisfies hardware and operating system requirements before committing to purchasing it. Most software requires a certain version of Windows, Unix or Linux, and not every program works with every type of printer, bar code scanner, cash drawer or credit/debit card reader.

2.    Does the software provider also carry hardware? Buying hardware and software from multiple vendors often leads to big headaches. For one thing, the more companies that are involved in the purchase of a point of sale system, the longer it will take to program it and to eliminate any glitches. For another, figuring out which vendor should handle a given problem isn’t always easy. That’s why pcAmerica offers, in addition to its Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express software, a full array of hardware to complement operators’ retail or restaurant point of sale systems.

3.    Is the software feature-rich? For example, does it offer a touchscreen command for ringing up items that do not have bar codes? Does it automatically calculate sale and specialty pricing? Does it integrate easily with other programs, such as a loyalty or gift card component or accounting software, and can gift/loyalty card holders check their balances online? How’s the setup interface—i.e., how easy is it to change prices, items, employees, etc? Can changes be made in advance; for example, can you create a Thanksgiving menu in September and set it to automatically take effect in the system on Thanksgiving Day?

4.    Is the software customizable? Is it scaleable to suit multiple retail sectors? Retailers’ needs vary by vertical. An apparel store and an auto parts retailer, for instance, require very different inventory-tracking features, and many merchants now operate e-commerce sites with an entirely new set of “must-haves”.

5.    What about the “extras”? Some companies include training, support, updates/maintenance and the like in their fees. Others do not. It’s best to be prepared ahead of the game.

pcAmerica stands ready to help you investigate these and other important issues, and to make the point of sale software choice that’s right for you.