Retail POS and E-Commerce

As more and more retailers realize they need to have an e-commerce solution, they encounter the task of finding (or replacing) both a POS system and an e-commerce (or shopping cart) platform that integrates with their POS system.

I've had quite a few calls and emails about this over the last month or so - thus this post with some general advice:

1. You will find that most retail POS systems only work with certain e-commerce site and vice versa. It is not a universal solution in most cases. Be prepared for this and realize that your choice of POS software may dictate the e-commerce options available to you (or vice versa).
2. There are some exceptions but the complexity of a POS system usually drives the e-commerce options.
3. Custom development of an e-commerce site may be an option for retailers who have a large online presence.

So, when searching, you need to weigh in on were your sales come from as well as your POS and e-commerce "wish lists" for features and functions.  If you find that most of your sales come from in-store sales, then weigh more heavily finding a great POS system. If online sales bring in the most revenue, then spend time finding the best e-commerce platform. 

Retailers whose online sales are fairly small (less than 3 to 5 orders per day), may find it easier to not have the POS system and the e-commerce site share inventory and customer information.

Each situation is somewhat unique so please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com with any questions or personalized advice.