Types of POS systems
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 10:35 am
o help you decide which POS system might work best for your company, here is a brief description of each, as well as a few suggested businesses for which they are suitable.
These are the most common types of POS systems:
1. Mobile point-of-sale systems
Smartphone and tablet POS services can process payments and manage some inventory new zealand phone number search and customer information. In most cases, the app is free in exchange for payment processing. The best payment processors will send you the credit card reader for free. This is a suitable POS option if you do not manage a lot of inventory and you need to be mobile. Most will work with a portable receipt printer, or you can email receipts to your customers directly from the app.
Suggested applications: Street or farmers market vendors, fair or event vendors, freelance or contract workers, contracted professional services, music merchandise vendors, mobile services, day care providers, limo services, lawn care services
2. Tablet POS systems
iPad and Android point-of-sale solutions are increasingly popular, since they require minimal upfront investment and you can often use a tablet that you already own. Some tablet POS services are "free" with credit card processing; others require a low monthly subscription fee but allow you to choose your own credit card processor. Many support compatible hardware such as barcode readers, cash drawers and tablet stands. Some are rather simple applications; others can manage complex inventory situations and track employee time.
Suggested applications: Mobile vendors, quick-service restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, small retail stores, professional services, pizzerias, juice bars, sandwich shops, ice cream parlors, art galleries, small theaters, salons
3. Terminal POS systems
Terminal point-of-sale systems are the type you are used to seeing at the counter. While they are hardware- and software-based, most still require access to the internet and might even use cloud-based software. They are often sold as all-in-one solutions that include barcode scanners, cash drawers and such. Many of these services provide 24/7/365 support and cloud backup.
These systems make it easy to restrict employee internet access, since they can be configured to run only the POS software. Restaurant solutions can integrate with tableside Wi-Fi portable devices, kitchen printers, patron tablet ordering and online ordering. Retail versions can include extensive inventory tools, label printing and e-commerce integration. Some are "free" in exchange for paying for credit card processing.
Suggested applications: Full-service restaurants, busy retailers, grocery stores, boutiques, antique stores, book or magazine stores, salons, spas, electronic stores
4. Online point-of-sale system
With an online POS, you can use your own hardware, which might be a PC or tablet. Another advantage is the minimal startup costs. PC solutions cannot replace the convenience of a touchscreen; however, if your business has low-volume, big-ticket sales, it may prove speedy enough to suit your needs. Low-volume business also makes the use of a standard printer feasible. You can log in to online solutions from anywhere, using any device.
These are the most common types of POS systems:
1. Mobile point-of-sale systems
Smartphone and tablet POS services can process payments and manage some inventory new zealand phone number search and customer information. In most cases, the app is free in exchange for payment processing. The best payment processors will send you the credit card reader for free. This is a suitable POS option if you do not manage a lot of inventory and you need to be mobile. Most will work with a portable receipt printer, or you can email receipts to your customers directly from the app.
Suggested applications: Street or farmers market vendors, fair or event vendors, freelance or contract workers, contracted professional services, music merchandise vendors, mobile services, day care providers, limo services, lawn care services
2. Tablet POS systems
iPad and Android point-of-sale solutions are increasingly popular, since they require minimal upfront investment and you can often use a tablet that you already own. Some tablet POS services are "free" with credit card processing; others require a low monthly subscription fee but allow you to choose your own credit card processor. Many support compatible hardware such as barcode readers, cash drawers and tablet stands. Some are rather simple applications; others can manage complex inventory situations and track employee time.
Suggested applications: Mobile vendors, quick-service restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, small retail stores, professional services, pizzerias, juice bars, sandwich shops, ice cream parlors, art galleries, small theaters, salons
3. Terminal POS systems
Terminal point-of-sale systems are the type you are used to seeing at the counter. While they are hardware- and software-based, most still require access to the internet and might even use cloud-based software. They are often sold as all-in-one solutions that include barcode scanners, cash drawers and such. Many of these services provide 24/7/365 support and cloud backup.
These systems make it easy to restrict employee internet access, since they can be configured to run only the POS software. Restaurant solutions can integrate with tableside Wi-Fi portable devices, kitchen printers, patron tablet ordering and online ordering. Retail versions can include extensive inventory tools, label printing and e-commerce integration. Some are "free" in exchange for paying for credit card processing.
Suggested applications: Full-service restaurants, busy retailers, grocery stores, boutiques, antique stores, book or magazine stores, salons, spas, electronic stores
4. Online point-of-sale system
With an online POS, you can use your own hardware, which might be a PC or tablet. Another advantage is the minimal startup costs. PC solutions cannot replace the convenience of a touchscreen; however, if your business has low-volume, big-ticket sales, it may prove speedy enough to suit your needs. Low-volume business also makes the use of a standard printer feasible. You can log in to online solutions from anywhere, using any device.