| > | | | | Software Company |
| If you're like most retailers, you're worried about making | | | | When you invest in point of sale software, you're |
| amistake when you choose point of sale (POS) | | | | buying arelationship, not just a product. In fact, the |
| software. Idon't blame you. Buying POS software is a | | | | "quality" ofthe software company is usually just as |
| big investment. | | | | important as theproduct. |
| Not to mention, POS software can have huge impact | | | | Why is the software company so important? |
| on theefficiency and success of your retail business! | | | | Well... |
| What's more, there are around 1,000 different POS | | | | After you purchase the software, you will rely on |
| systems tochoose from. And they're all different. All | | | | thesoftware company to supply updates, training, |
| these choicescan be overwhelming and confusing. | | | | technicalsupport, and possibly hardware. |
| The truth is... choosing POS software is very difficult. | | | | Let me ask you a few questions to help you |
| Andtoo many retailers end up with the wrong system. | | | | understand whythe company is so important... |
| In fact,it's common for retailers to go through 2, 3 or | | | | - What if the software company went out of |
| even 4different POS systems before they find one | | | | business? (Dozensof POS software companies come |
| they're happywith. Those mistakes probably cost at | | | | and go every year!) |
| least $10,000 - | | | | - What if they don't give you software updates when |
| $100,000. | | | | you needthem? |
| Here are a few mistakes that I see retailers making | | | | - What if it takes 2 days to get your technical |
| over andover again. | | | | questionsanswered? |
| They Buy Hardware First | | | | - What if the software has a bug and they don't fix it? |
| I can't tell you how many times I've heard a retailer | | | | - What if they didn't give you sufficient training? And |
| say, | | | | as aresult, your sales reports are showing the wrong |
| "I just bought new computers, printers and I have | | | | totals! |
| everythingready to go. Now I need to find POS | | | | - What if you can't print and it takes 6 hours to get |
| software." | | | | helpfrom a support technician? |
| As soon as I hear that, I think to myself, "This guy | | | | The truth is, the level of service and the financialstability |
| couldhave saved himself a lot of time and money if he | | | | of the software company is very important. It'scritical |
| selectedhis POS software first!" | | | | to evaluate the software company; otherwise |
| Why? | | | | youcould run into some frustrating and expensive |
| First of all, your POS software will have hardware | | | | problems. |
| andoperating system requirements. For example, the | | | | They Pass The Buck |
| softwarewill require a certain version of Windows, Unix | | | | Too many owners give the responsibility of choosing a |
| or Linux. | | | | POSsystem to an employee or a computer consultant |
| (Unless it's an "open architecture" system like ASP) | | | | that is notfamiliar with your industry. This is a huge |
| Inaddition, each program will only function with certain | | | | mistake! |
| typesof printers, scanners, cash drawers and card | | | | Top management and other key personnel must be |
| readers. | | | | involved inthe selection and implementation process. |
| Second, and more importantly, not all POS systems | | | | You should neverrely solely on a consultant's |
| are thesame. And the system that you choose is very | | | | recommendation or input. |
| important. Itwill have a huge impact on the efficiency of | | | | The person that evaluates the software must have |
| your business! | | | | in-depthknowledge about your business! |
| If you install your computer system first, you will | | | | POS software is complicated. Not to mention it can |
| limityour POS software choices. The perfect fit for | | | | make ahuge difference in your businesses productivity. |
| your | | | | POSsoftware is too important to pass the evaluation |
| "unique" business might run on UNIX but you already | | | | process tosomeone else! |
| bought a | | | | I see owners and managers make this mistake all the |
| Windows 2003 Server! You might also find that the | | | | time. |
| printersand scanners you just bought aren't compatible | | | | Don't make the same one! |
| either. | | | | They Overlook Important Features |
| You can avoid frustration and save money if you | | | | Unless you are a retail POS expert, it's difficult to |
| choose the | | | | sortthrough countless POS systems and figure out |
| POS software first. Then you can ask the software | | | | what you need. |
| companyabout their recommended hardware and | | | | What's more, it's difficult to understand the |
| operating systems. | | | | "true"potential of your POS system. As a result, many |
| They Ask the Wrong People | | | | retailersget confused and they overlook important |
| All too often retailers ask a local computer consultant | | | | features that wouldsave them a lot of time and |
| forsuggestions about POS software. Most computer | | | | money. |
| consultantshave good intentions but they tend to give | | | | Most people don't realize that every POS system is |
| poor advice whenit comes to choosing POS software. | | | | VERYdifferent. Some are designed for large ticket |
| Computer consultants are great sources for | | | | items liketractors. And others are designed to work in |
| information aboutcomputers, hardware, and networking. | | | | fast movingretail environments like a grocery store. |
| However they don'tusually understand the intricacies of | | | | As a result, it's common for retailers to end up with |
| POS software andretail management. Nor do they | | | | POSsoftware that isn't really designed for them. That's |
| realize that there arealmost 1,000 different POS | | | | whyit's important to properly analyze the needs of |
| systems to choose from and it's | | | | yourbusiness (even if you're a small retailer). Then you |
| VERY easy to choose the wrong one. | | | | cancreate a list of features that are important. That |
| Every retail business is different and has different | | | | listwill help you compare and choose the right system. |
| needs. | | | | This might seem complicated, but with a little guidance, |
| If you get poor advice and select the wrong type of | | | | youcan quickly find the right POS system. You just |
| system,your business will lose money. | | | | need toknow which mistakes to avoid, where to look, |
| They Don't Place Enough Focus on the Character of | | | | and the rightformula. |
| the | | | | |