Review of Retail Pro Point of Sale Software

Since there are many new point of sale software programs coming on the market, I thought it would be helpful to compile some information on the Retail Pro solution which has been around for as long as I can remember.  It has been several years since I have worked directly with the Retail Pro point of sale software solution (I'm working on getting up to speed on the software), below are thoughts compiled from multiple user reviews of the software.

• Retail pro makes our business more efficient
• Easy to train staff on
• Be sure to buy from a company that can provide a complete solution including support and training
• Retail Pro is a great solution for any medium sized retailers ($1.0M plus in annual gross sales per location)
• Easy to use
• Multi-location polling does not work correctly
• Difficult system to use
• Good but not great

All of these reviews are from the last 18 months. Overall, most folks appear happy with the solution. It does appear that trying to install Retail Pro yourself and not getting a Retail Pro Partner to help you can create problems.

Overall, Retail Pro is a great solution for specialty retail stores generating more than $1,000,000 in annual gross sales per location.  I believe there are also some specials being offered - even if you already use a different software solution.

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Review of Spark Solutions Group/Cowans Restaurant Soluitions

Update June 2016: RITE Solutions has officially expanded to offer retail point of sale systems in the markets formally served by DirectPOS/RVP Business Systems. The includes the states of Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington with a special focus on the Boise, ID, Salt Lake City, UT and Spokane, WA markets.

Back in September of 2013, the point of sale company that I used to work for, DirectPOS, sold their customer lists to One Step Retail Solutions and Spark Solutions Group/Cowans Restaurant Solutions. I wanted to pass along some feedback from former DirectPOS customers specific to Spark Solutions Group/Cowans Restaurant Solutions. Unfortunately the feedback has been mostly negative.

• Local techs have all quit
• No local support like we used to have
• No commitment to helping customers
• No local presence
• I've already switched to Khamu Solutions as they can offer me local support and training
• Keep pushing me off to a call center for support even though my business is near their office
• Expensive

I wish that I had better reviews/comments to pass along - especially since there are hundreds of businesses using the Micro's solution from DirectPOS.

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Update 24.April.2013:  Since Jason C. posted his comment and offered to to speak with unhappy customers I have not heard any additional complaints related to Cowans/Sparks.  The same can not be said about One Step Retail Solutions.

Review of Aldelo Point of Sale Software

I've worked with the Aldelo point of sale software back to when it was branded as NextPOS and QuickPOS so I thought that I should share some of my experiences with the program.

The Good:

• Windows-based so no unique hardware requirements like Micro's has
• Simple to learn and use
• Flexible for different types of bars and food service related businesses
• Very affordable

The OK:

• Reasonable reporting and menu changing functions with proper training
• Basic functions for pizza and delivery businesses
• Does a good job of handling special functions like split checks, loyalty and discounting
• Confusing support options

The Less than OK:

• Can go too in depth when it comes to food cost
• Limited ability to handle physical items (ie. gum and mints)
• Unclear future

Summary:

I really enjoyed working with the Aldelo solution and customers have had positive results using the software. However, times are changing and it appears that the software is slowly being phased out in favor of the XERA POS solution which incorporates mobiles devices and similar newer technology.

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.