Based on my 14+ years of working with over 20 different point of sale software programs, my personal ranking list along with a few comments on each solution (higher on the list = a more favorable experience in personally selling, installing and supporting the solution):
- Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ - best value compared to what the software offers functionality-wise but we'll have to wait until late April 2014 to see what the future holds for RMS and HQ
- RegistWare - a best value entry level point of sale solution for smaller retail stores but fell to the economic downturn and is no longer available
- RetailPro - overcame numerous bankruptcy issues a few years ago and is climbing steadily to match Microsoft in total number of users
- QuickBooks Point of Sale - easiest point of sale program to use but avoid using the built in credit card processing unless you want to pay an arm and a leg in merchant services fees to Intuit.
- NCR CounterPoint SQL - best choice for regional chain stores with complex technology needs but also the clumsiest and most expensive system that I have ever worked with.
- NCR Silver - great tablet system but is stuck in the void that lies between cash registers and computer-based point of sale systems
- Clover - amazing tablet system that will likely now be ruined by First Data (not available for sale as of 20.Jan.2014)
- LightSpeed - simple and easy to use but must be run on a Mac and reviews have gotten worse over the last 6 months or so
- KeyStroke for DOS/Windows - still in use after 14 years at at least 3 stores that I know of but I'm not sure what is happening with new versions of KeyStroke (if any)
- QuickSell 2000/QuickSell Commerce - the forerunner to Microsoft Dynamics RMS that set the stage for what an affordable retail point of sale system should offer
Other programs that I have worked with but am not positive that they are still around (they wouldn't make my "top ten" list anyway).
- Regit 2000
- The General Store
- Comcash
- Cougar Mountain Point of Sale
- RICS
- CamCommerce
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.
