POS Comparison Guide - Updated

Update November 9th, 2014. I can confirm that Bindo, Clover, and Silver have now added the following:

Bindo POS: basic invoicing and quoting functions

First Data Clover (still restricted to using First Data for merchant services): Item attributes, modifiers and barcode label printing.

NCR Silver: Barcode label printing and QuickBooks Accounting interface.

Note that some of the added features may require paying an additional fee and/or using third party software.

As I try to stay on top of the more popular solutions on the market, here is an updated overview and chart showing the more popular retail point of sale solutions for computers and mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. This is a great 'snapshot' but be sure to contact me directly at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more detailed information/questions (no charge for advice/help) or if you spot an error.

Retail Solution Comparison

Cash Registers – variety of models from $500 to $2000. Optional programming, training and installation services. Designed for retail stores and restaurants of any gross sales volume.

NCR Silver – iOS Based (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch) point of sale system for single location retail stores and restaurants. $29-$79/month plus hardware costs. Designed for businesses that need minimal inventory tracking (ie. Kiosks, 2^nd hand stores, thrift stores).

Microsoft RMS Store Operations - $6000+ for a complete point of sale system (includes software, hardware, computer, hardware, installation, training, and ongoing support). Designed for single to multi-location retailers with only basic technology needs (no built-in email marketing, no integrated online shopping cart, no smart phone/tablet needs). Designed for gross annual sales of $400,000+.

NCR CounterPoint - $9000+ for a complete point of sale system (includes software, hardware, computer, training, installations, and on-going support). Designed for single to multi-location retail stores with high technology needs (integrated email marketing, integrated online shopping cart, use on a smart phone/tablet computer, automated email or texts on store activity). Best for retail stores generating $750,000+ annually per location.

Bindo POS - iOS Based (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch) point of sale sale system for single and multiple location retail stores. $79-$149/month plus hardware costs (free hardware offer – contact me for details). Designed for specialty retail stores who want a full functioning tablet based point of sale system.

Clover – Android tablet based point of sale system for single and multiple location retail stores and restaurants. Unknown pricing at this time due to product acquisition by First Data. Clover is designed for retail stores and restaurants who only need basic sales tracking information but would rather have a tablet system versus a cash register.

Retail Pro Prism- $7K-$9K Browser based Modular POS Application. Deploy on iOS, Windows, Android or even mini-devices. Market first Mobile 2.0 Solution, Real-Time, Scalable to tie to back end RPRO or an ERP solution. Lower demands on hardware. Database Neutral – Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL. Fully customizable User Interface (UI). Automated email reporting for store. Best for retail stores generating $750,000+ annually per location.

Retail Pro v9- $9000+ for a complete turnkey point of sale solution (includes software, hardware, computer, training, installation, and refundable support). Scalable single to multi-location retail stores with high technology needs (Near Real time communication, Customizable Screens and documents throughout, integrated online shopping cart, automated email reporting, Franchise capable, Mobile POS options iPhone, iPod touch, Prism POS ). Best for retail stores generating $750,000+ annually per location.

Tabby from Samsung – Unique solution that runs on any device with a web browser (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone, computers, etc.). Purchased, installed, and supported by Samsung dealers. Designed for retail stores and restaurants. More information coming soon.

Update June 2044 - Clover now has a barcode label printing app which has a monthly cost of $5 to use
No – Not Available
Yes – Available and Included
Third Party – Available through third party and additional charges may apply
n/a – Not Applicable
Some Models – Only available in some models
Available – Available and additional charges may apply-Kevin Antosh: kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632

More Information for Microsoft RMS Users

A quick reminder that sales of Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ to new users as well as mainstream support ends next year (2016) so please keep that in mind if you are thinking of purchasing RMS or HQ as point of sale software for your business or organization (not a wise investment at this point).

Another great article related to the recent 2014 Retail Realm conference and the future of Microsoft RMS Store Operations point of sale software:

http://msdynamicsworld.com/story/microsoft-dynamics-retail-essentials-offering-smbs-met-optimism-questions-rms-phase-out-nears

Again, the advice that I am passing along to the folks that I have provided RMS to in the past is to consider these options:

1. If you are current with your annual maintenance agreement, then you can wait and see if switching to Microsoft Retail Essentials makes sense or if you want to look at other point of sale solutions.
2. Aside from support for RMS ending in 2016 or 2021 (depending on your agreement with your Microsoft Partner), there is nothing that would prevent you from continuing to use RMS unless RMS will not be EMV complaint (which would mean that you have until Oct 2015 to replace RMS).
3. If you are not current with your maintenance agreement, then now is a great time to start exploring other point of sale options. 

Note that I am in the process of negotiating some point of sale software and support discounts for all RMS users - whether you continue to use RMS or not. 

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 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

At What Point Can You Afford a Tablet or SmartPhone Point of Sale System?

In the past, there was a general rule of thumb that your business should be generating $350,000 or more in annual gross sales to justify investing in a point of sale system. No so anymore. Tablet and smartphone based point of sale systems have made point of sale available to a business of just about any size. Even better, the next generations of tablet and smartphone systems (like Bindo) have many of the features and functions of a more expensive point of sale system. No longer are the tablet solutions just fancy cash registers with limited capabilities.

Looking at the businesses that I worked with over the last 15 years, tablet and smartphone point of sale solutions are perfect for businesses generating under $750,000 in annual gross sales like:

· Specialty Retail Stores
· Small Museums
· Gift Shops
· Small Golf Courses and Smaller Pro Shops
· Mobile or Kiosk Style Businesses
· Businesses that are Seasonal
· Business that sell at markets, trade shows, expos, etc
· School and Student Run Stores

This means that a whole new group of businesses have multiple options beyond just a cash register. Some folks have already purchased the early tablet systems like Clover and Silver (which have some limitations) while others will be very interested in solutions like Bindo which is a more complete solution.

Everyone has a unique situation but my personal experience would advise that the tablet solutions are best suited when your annual gross sales fall in to the $100,000 to $750,000 range. If you are generating under $100,000 in annual gross sales then it would still work if your business has very low overhead costs (ie: no rent, low cost of goods sold, service only, etc).

Confused? Perplexed? Have Comments/Feedback?

You can always email me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or call me at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time)