| The "point of sale" in any retail store, restaurant, | | | | business needs |
| grocery store, and so on refers to the location where | | | | - Costs a fraction of traditional POS Systems (ideal for |
| transactions typically occur (i.e. check-out). At most | | | | independent retailers) |
| retail stores, the POS terminal consists of the following: | | | | - Software hosted on secure servers and in multiple |
| computer hardware, computer software, checkout | | | | data centers, so your information will always be |
| hardware, checkout software, and any hardware | | | | backed up |
| specific to a a particular store. Computer hardware | | | | Disadvantages of Web-Based Point of Sale (POS) |
| includes the computer component and monitor, while | | | | System |
| checkout hardware include a printer for checks and | | | | - Could be problematic with a slow Internet connection |
| receipts, in addition to software that processes credit | | | | - If you do not already own POS hardware, you will |
| cards. | | | | need to purchase it separately |
| While point of sale systems come in many shapes, | | | | - Web-based POS Systems often come with monthly |
| sizes, and price tags, we are only going to focus on | | | | fees |
| one type of POS system in this article. The contents | | | | Whichever system you decide to purchase, be sure to |
| of this article will outline the advantages and | | | | research your options carefully before purchasing any |
| disadvantages of internet-based point of sale | | | | type of point of sale system. Assess your business |
| software. | | | | needs, objectives, constraints and budget. Whatever |
| Advantages of a Web-Based Point of Sale (POS) | | | | system you choose, however, it will save you time and |
| System | | | | money, as well as increase productivity, in the long run. |
| - Real-time POS solution | | | | The right POS software will be able to help you |
| - Compatible with most computers as long as they are | | | | increase profit margins, track your inventory, increase |
| connected to the Internet (perfect for businesses that | | | | efficiency, help improve customer relationships, as well |
| already own POS hardware) | | | | as manage other important business relationships. |
| - POS solutions often customizable to suit your | | | | |