Are you looking for a Cloud-Base O2O Retail Solutions for your retail or F&B business?
Or maybe you are toying with the idea of moving from the traditional POS System to Cloud?
Maybe you are just wondering what other Cloud POS providers offer?
How sure are you that a particular POS system you are interested in, is THE ONE suitable for your business?
Why should you consider getting a Cloud POS?
In its early days, the point of sale consists of a cash register. It is a pretty simple device where you key in the cost, payment and the change. The cash is kept in it and at the end of the day, the cash is taken out to store in a safer place before it is banked in the next day.
Times have certainly changed, and it is expected. Today, we have moved on from bulky cash registers and have adopted a faster, smarter and lighter machine. Today, we are also presented with cash register equivalents that make use of technology advancements. A notable move is to have point-of-sale reports on cloud.
So should you consider getting a Cloud POS? It depends on what you want.
Would you like to keep tabs on your business without having to head to the store? Would you like to access to all reports no matter where you are?
Would you like to set promotions and control the going in and out of your stock no matter where you are?
Would you like to expand your business easily by just clicking on a duplication button for each new store?
If you want efficiency, immediate and complete reports and growth for your business, a Cloud POS is recommended.
Is the system designed to fit your industry?
You might have told your potential POS provider about the type of business you are doing, some might not. It is important for you to disclose as many details as possible about the features you need and the ones you will want to implement in the future. Your POS provider may claim to handle retail, warehouses, café’s or full service restaurants but it is always best to enquire further and present your requests and see if it can be fulfilled. If not, ask about the alternatives that will not hinder your customer’s experience. Carefully consider your options and compare it with other POS platforms. Another question that should follow after meeting with your potential POS provider is this; do I have to alter the way I run my business because of the limitations of the POS I am considering?
Is your system provider continue to provide protection as your workload increases?
A business should not stay stagnant but continue to grow. Hence, the elasticity of the cloud is one of the reasons why you should get a Cloud POS provider. It will be able to accommodate the volume of growth of your business. The elasticity enables you to open new stores, expand inventories, and grow exponentially without the need to get a whole new software or hardware. Always remember that cloud is only for large and established companies. This scalability helps with the advancement of your business, leaving you with more time to focus on non-automated issues that matter for the business. A good POS solution should not restrict you with data limits. Therefore, do consider your growth plans and choose wisely.
How easy is it to access your back-office? (Or do you even have a back-office for your system?)
Everything (in terms of information and data) is online and so easy to access these days and it should be the same for your store’s data. If you have to be in the store to check reports and sales, it is time you considered getting another POS software. Cloud POS can give you access to your business data whenever and wherever you are. Do ask your POS provider the types of devices you can check your data from. Is it a website or an application on your smart phone and other portable device? Ask if the information provided is in real-time as well. Manual syncs will take up time and file downloads will take up space on your device.
Are you require to purchase new hardware to suit the POS system?
Are you starting a new business? Or are you just switching your POS provider? If you are just starting out, it is important that you choose good hardware that will be with you for the long run. It will be great if it is user friendly and works in accordance to how you intend to run the business. If you are looking for a new POS provider, ask if you will need to purchase new hardware that is compatible with the software or if the hardware is provided by the software provider. This can mean new terminals, scanners, cash box or printers. Some allow you to use your current hardware and just download the software.
Does the POS provider offer mobile hardware or mobile application options?
More and more POS providers are offering more features to fulfil business needs. One of them is the ability to sell from anywhere through the use of mobile hardware – smartphones, tablets and the like; moving from a single terminal checkout counter to purchasing where you are with the help of a sales person. Another revolutionary way for your customers to make their purchases is to select and pay via mobile application in which they will swing by your store to collect the items they bought. Other features include making collecting loyalty points or paying via app. Ask the POS provider if they are developing such purchasing strategies, if it is in their blue print and you are also thinking of applying such services in your store, it would be good to grow with your POS provider.
Does the POS system still work if your Internet goes off?
Oh yes, the last but equally important question because you can’t have the POS inactive during business hours even though the internet is not connected, or if the network is lost. Be sure to ask your potential POS provider if you will still be access the POS and still not miss a single sale if the Internet is disconnected.
