Point of Sale Buying Tip: Developing a Wish List

Based on the calls and emails that I have been receiving via this blog site, it appears that many of you are searching for either a new point of sale system or want to upgrade what you are currently using. One thing that I always recommend before starting your point of sale search is to develop a "wish list" of the functions that your point of sale software program must do.  Here are some of the common examples to get you started:

• Inventory
• Tracking
• Min/Max & Reorder Points
• Put items/categories/departments on sale
• Ability to discount (percentage and/or other method)
• Generate Purchase Orders and Recievers
• Transfers between locations 
• Return to Vendor/Return to Manufacture
• Track cost of goods sold and profit margin
• How many levels of departments and categories needed
• Specific needs like "mix and max", sizes, styles, colors, bulk packaging, etc.
• Physical Inventory
• Gift Cards
• Loyalty Program
• Accounting Interface
• Online Shopping cart interface
• Tablet/Smart phone "app"
• Credit and debit card processing
• Signature Capture Pad interface
• Email marketing interface
• Customer history tracking
• Barcode/shelf tag label printing interface
• Type of Reports 
• Interface to your accounting software
• Timeclock function
• Levels of security
• Vendor information to track
• Remote access for when you are not in the store
• Multi-location capabilities

These are just the basics - I'm sure that you have specific things that come to mind when developing your own point of sale wish list.  If you are in need of help developing a more detailed wish list, be sure to contact me via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time).  I have some common questions that we can go over to help you fine tune a point of sale wish list.

As a reminder, I am not currently affiliated with any point of sale companies or manufactures but have 14 years of experience working with retail, restaurant, and museum point of sale solutions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time) or kevinantosh@gmail.com if you have any point of sale related questions.