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.