Point of Sale System Buying Tip: SmartPhone/Tablet or PC?

Excerpt from my Point of Sale Technology workshop presentation:

Smart Phone/Tablet based Point of Sale System vs. Computer based Point of Sale System: 

Learning curve is quicker on smart phones and tablets than traditional computer based systems and you are not tied down to selling right by the computer 

Survey done by a retail technology publication (VAR Insider) indicates that about half of all retailers want a smart phone or tablet based POS system 

But….

Same survey showed that about half of all customers look for a traditional computer cash register to pay for their items

Other Factors to Consider:

• Business Volume: if your business is not generating at least $250,000+ in annual gross sales then it is tough to justify investing in a computer-based point of sale system.

• Technology Needs: if you have high technology needs (complex inventory tracking, managing online & in store customer information, specific reports, etc.) then a smartphone or tablet based point of sale system may not offer everything that you need

  
  

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.

New Years Resolutions

As physical inventories are wrapped up and we head in to 2014, here are a few things that should be on your New Years Resolution List (all business related):

1. I will stay current (or become current) on any point of sale software maintenance agreements which will help make sure that I comply with the new MasterCard Unique Terminal ID requirement coming up in April 2014 and the EMV requirement coming up in fall of 2015.
2. I will learn one new feature/function within my point of sale software each month to make sure that I am getting the most out of my point of sale system.
3. I will budget and plan ahead for new hardware that will need to be purchased in 2015 to meet EMV requirements.

Pretty easy list!

As a reminder, I am not currently affiliated with any point of sale companies or manufactures but have 14 years of experience working with retail, restaurant, and museum point of sale solutions. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 (business hours - mountain time) or kevinantosh@gmail.com if you have any point of sale related questions.