| Given that a point of sale (POS) system is critical to | | | | Sit down with the prospective dealer and get a |
| your business, choosing a dealer to buy from is a very | | | | detailed understanding of the support they offer. |
| important decision. In some ways, the dealer is a more | | | | Perhaps they initially provide phone support. If that |
| critical factor than the actual hardware and software. | | | | doesn't solve the problem, they may send support |
| So how do you zero in on the right dealer? Here are | | | | personnel over. And if the problem can't be rectified |
| some of the things you should look at. | | | | immediately, find out if they will be able to give |
| * The dealer's experience should play a big part in your | | | | equipment on loan till your system becomes functional |
| decision. If you run a fine dining restaurant with | | | | again. |
| up-market clientele, your business needs are vastly | | | | Ask to see a copy of the service contract and |
| different from someone else's who runs a self-service | | | | scrutinize it carefully. |
| cafeteria. A bookstore has different needs than a dry | | | | * Request the dealer to give you a demo of the |
| cleaning outlet. | | | | equipment they are proposing to install for you. The |
| Make it a point to investigate what experience the | | | | demo could be done at your site or theirs. Go along |
| dealer has in your specific industry. And for how long | | | | with some of the actual end users in your organization. |
| they have been dealing with your industry. | | | | A hands-on trial is an excellent way to gauge what |
| * If the dealer does have experience in your industry, | | | | you are getting into, both in terms of the equipment |
| ask for references from within the industry, or in | | | | itself as well as how the dealer utilizes it. |
| closely related operations. | | | | * Get a sense of the dealer's installation procedures. |
| Ask these references questions about all aspects of | | | | Do they have a one-size-fits-all approach? That could |
| their POS system experience. What is it they would | | | | be risky with something as critical and complex as a |
| have done differently in choosing and utilizing their | | | | POS system. |
| equipment? What is it they don't like about the | | | | The best dealers will make a detailed study of your |
| dealership / choice of system? | | | | infrastructure, inspect your power lines and in general, |
| Also find out if they know any other users who are | | | | get an excellent grip on your needs and on your |
| served by this dealer. You may find that people not | | | | present situation before recommending a system. |
| directly referred by the dealer tend to be more | | | | The initial days after installation are critical, to ensure |
| forthcoming about the pros and cons of the equipment | | | | that the system functions as intended. Will the dealer's |
| and the dealer. | | | | personnel be looking in often for the first two weeks |
| * A POS system quickly becomes indispensable to | | | | to a month to ensure that everything is working fine |
| your operations. Any downtime is usually a very | | | | and to answer the questions that will inevitably arise? |
| serious affair and may affect your business in many | | | | The above tips should help you determine which POS |
| ways. That's why support is a critical factor. | | | | system dealer is the best fit for your business needs. |
| Determine what level of support you will need. Will you | | | | Preparing well at the pre-purchase stage can save |
| need 24 hour on-site support? How long can you | | | | you endless frustration later on. |
| afford to run without a live POS system? | | | | |