I'm not in my store - how can I access my point of sale system?

I'm often asked just how the heck folks are supposed to access their point of sale systems when they are not physically in the store.  There are several options depending on the type of system that you have and what devices you are using. Here are the main options:

1. Mobile point of sale systems that run on smartphones and tablets:
• You can take the mobile device with you or use a different mobile device to access your system using the internet or the cell data network should your device have a data plan
• Many mobile point of sale solutions also allow you to access the non-selling part of your point of sale system by using a web browser
2. Computer based point of sale systems that are cloud based:
• Generally all you need then is a web browser and internet access on your computer or mobile device. Capabilities vary by program and what type of computer or mobile device you are using
3. Computer based systems that are not cloud based:
• You will generally only be able to access your point of sale system using a computer with remote access software or a virtual private network

If you happen to be using remote access software - make sure that the software is PCI compliant as you don't want to fail a PCI scan. Generally, the business that provides your point of sale system can help you select and use PCI compliant remote access software.

Please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me.

Be Realistic With Your Point of Sale System Expectations

Some harsher titles went through my mind but "Being Realistic" seemed to be the most PC.  Over the last 15 years I have come across this and now I am seeing a rash of business owners acting the same way with the new generation of mobile point of sale solutions.

Folks, you need to be realistic with your expectations of what a point of sale system can and can't do.  This is one thing that we cover in depth at my point of sale workshops and speaking engagements.  A $49/month  point of sale system is not going to do everything that a $8,000  point of sale system can do. If your business volume and point of sale 'wish list' require $8,000 point of sale system then plan and budget accordingly.

If your point of sale 'wish list' requires a $8,000 point of sale system but your budget only justifies a $49/month point of sale system then you will need to make concessions when it comes to certain features and functions.  Here are my key points:

• The current generation of point of sale solutions like Clover, NCR Silver, VEND, Shopkeep, and Bindo do not offer the same level of features, functions, and reporting as computer based solutions like Retail Pro, MICROS, Khamu, NCR CounterPoint, and Microsoft RMS.  That is how it is and you need to be realistic.
• Point of sale equipment is not universal. Your older equipment may or may not work with a newer system.  
• Get everything (hardware, software, supplies, etc) from one source. Some cheap product that you find on eBay is just that - cheap. It may or may not work and you will be the one spending the time to try and make it work.
• Budget and plan for upgrade costs if your point of sale solution does not include the upgrades and updates in a monthly fee.
• Budget and plan for a complete system 'refresh" every 5 years or so. Technology changes and you need to plan for it.
• Be prepared to invest time in researching, selecting, learning and using a point of sale system.

The overall message here is "don't be cheap". Be careful with your business assets but know what your income and expenses are and how a point of sale system fits in to the mix. If all you can afford is a $200 cash register then that is all you can afford for now.  If all you can afford is a $49/month point of sale system then get the $49/month point of sale system. Just don't expect a $49/month point of sale system to do everything that a $8,000 point of sale system can do.

Please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me.

Point of Sale Buying Video Buying Tip - What to Choose Mobile or Computer?

Some information related to the key differences between point of sale solutions designed to run on mobile devices versus point of sale solutions designed to run on computers. Included in the video are some key reasons why you should just focus on mobile point of sale solutions and reasons to focus only on computer based point of sale solutions.

I also share how to not only obtain some free help choosing the best point of sale solution for your business but also how to contact me related to various discounts and promotions that are being offered by trusted point of sale companies that I am familiar with.

You can also reach me via the contact form to the right, via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com, or on my cell at 208.340.5632.

Please note that the information in the video is best suited for non-food service related businesses located in the United States.