Restaurants and retailers around the world are realizing – and reaping – the benefits of implementing a mobile POS system. They’re saving money, saving time and making more sales. Thus far, the retail sector has been the main area of adoption for mobile POS – and the size of the sector has continued to grow.

So how does it work?

Time – As technology advances and is able to run faster, time has become valuable more to customers. Being able to make quick payments while they are on the go or in a hurry is important to them. Mobile POS lends to customers’ time-sensitive needs as it not only allows them to make payments on the go, but can also offer high-speed processing through ultra-broadband internet access like 3G and 4G. Because of this, businesses who use mobile POS are able to offer customer convenience and speed up customer service.

Cost – Mobile POS systems are smaller and more compact than traditional systems, yet include many or all of the same functionalities at a lower cost. Not to mention, mobile POS allows retailers to make more sales in more places, offering an increase in the return on their investment. The cost efficiency and improved results realized by implementing mobile POS have made it a no-brainer for many businesses.

Mobility – Mobile POS gives retailers the power to make profits anywhere, anytime. Technological innovations of the past few years have paved the way for smartphones and tablets to be used as mobile POS devices. They are able to run on Apple and Android devices – and, as mentioned, internet access via high-speed 3G and 4G. Dongles, docks and grips can be purchased at minimal costs to allow payment processing and, depending on the durability, protect your investment.

Upgrade path – Since mobile POS systems run on Apple, Android and other software, updates are as easy as downloading the latest version – it takes a few minutes at most. Upgrades to traditional PC-based POS systems could mean implementing new software all together or hours without internet access while it is being implemented. Also, upgrades to these traditional systems could call for a costly house call from your provider’s support staff or hours of work for your own in-house support staff. Businesses are recognizing that mobile POS eliminates the need for a support staff as well as saves time and money. Not only do quick and easy upgrades keep your system top-of-the-line, they save you the headache.