By Steve Bemister on March 10, 2018

10 MISTAKES INDEPENDENT RETAILERS MAKE WHEN ADOPTING A POS SYSTEM

It’s been said that independent retailers often lag behind their larger competitors when it comes to the adoption of new technology. The investments in time, money, data entry and/or conversion, and staff training are significant. We’ve compiled the most frequent mistakes retailers do when adopting new technology.

10 mistakes to avoid when choosing a POS system

#1 Not knowing what your needs are

When purchasing a POS system, you should have a complete knowledge of your businesses operations. The provider you purchase your system from should also have an extensive knowledge of your industry and its needs.

#2 Not obtaining references

Find three local retailers who are using the version of the POS system you are thinking of adopting and ask them about the system: how it’s working for them, how they are using it, how easy it was to adopt, etc.

#3 Not researching the provider

When making a major investment, such as a POS system, always thoroughly research the provider you are planning to purchase from. How long have they been in business? How large is the provider? Do they sell POS systems exclusively?

#4 Not providing proper training

Be sure that your staff receives proper training on the POS system’s use. In the long run, the extra cost of having the provider supply the initial training and then return for follow-up training post-installation is worth it.

#5 Buying the lowest-priced system

While the temptation may be to buy the cheapest computers and printers, these consumer-level products are not meant to handle the stress of a retail environment, while a quality POS system is designed to handle day-to-day operations. Also make sure that your provider offers options to meet your requirements, be it purchasing the software separately, as well as leasing and financing options, among others.

#6 Going the “one-size-fits-all” route

If you own a clothing store, your POS system needs are obviously going to be vastly different from a health food store. Find a POS solution that’s best suited to your specific industry, and that offers further options or modules that can be tailored to your retail stores needs.

#7 Customizing software

95% of the features you require can be found in most Smart Vendor POS software packages and can be easily upgraded. While your store may have its own unique needs, having a POS provider customize your software means that you won’t be able to upgrade when the time comes. You should plan for obsolescence when purchasing POS software.

#8 Not avoiding clutter

If you are using categories, you should try to keep things as simple as possible. When it comes to data input, only use the proper amount of categories and sub-categories; for instance, if your store has 10 departments, there should be no more than 10 classes, 10 sub-categories, and so on.

#9 Failing to always backup your data

Whether it’s a system crash, fire, flood, or other disaster, you should always have your data backed up. Ask your POS provider about options; they will likely recommend an automated, secured online backup solution or external hard drives.

#10 Selecting the wrong partner

When selecting a POS provider to partner with, always select one with longevity, a proven track record, and who exclusively offers POS solutions and isn’t just a reseller. They should also provide ongoing support and training. Also, make sure they are affiliated with recognized retail associations.

Need help?

Adopting the right POS system for your business will save you precious hours and allow you to avoid spending extra hard-earned money both in the short-term and down the road. Selecting a point of sale system is an important decision that should lead to retail stores becoming more efficient and being able to streamline their processes. Need more help deciding? Talk to one of our POS systems experts. We can help you decide if our POS solution is right for you without cost or any obligation on your part. Contact us.