Apoint-of-sale system is a computerized system to link the cashier and the customer to an entire digitized network of information, transaction handling between the customer and store, and updates on pricing and promotions.
There are various types of systems currently in use in both online retail and offline industries. One can use Software-based systems that accompany cash registers and compatible hardware. Besides, are those systems that are online web-based and used at e-commerce websites.
Getting started with POS system solutions won’t cost you so much. But before you make a decision, there are few factors that one should consider. And these factors include outweighing the risks and disadvantages that you can come along with as a user.
In some cases, it’s important to overlook POS systems’ disadvantages and consider the many advantages it has. Here are a few important points one needs to know to be a successful POS system user.
Cost of Web Access
A point-of-sale system allows you to connect a single record to a large network of information that would otherwise be inconvenient to access or unavailable. Due to this, many businesses opt to go for web-based systems rather than a software-based approach. One may need to pay for internet access or an additional monthly fee to the service provider that you had not budgeted.
Reliability of Connection
A web-based POS system requires a reliable internet connection and ISP for it to function normally. In case there is internet outrage, it will be hard to access the system.
Fail-Safe options may put in place, but there is still the discomfort of waiting for the pos system to get back up and functioning.
Software Updates
Software-based point of sale system tends to update from time to time from one version to the other. These may lead to complications and additional costs that come with this update resulting in investment in hardware updates. These updates may result in continuing high cost on a product that is supposed to be a long term investment and bring better returns.
Security Risks
Customers who tend to use a debit card on apoint-of-sale location tend to risk divulging their pins to fraudsters. Web-based systems run their usual security and privacy risk accompanied by doing business on the internet.
Web-based POS system fees
While using the web-based POS system, you will be required to pay a monthly subscription fee. This fee can affect your investment return in one way or another. It is important to figure the monthly subscription fee into your budget when purchasing this POS system.
The problem caused by hardware
Fixing the hardware of a web-based POS is never a walk in the park. Despite contacting the manufacturer to help you troubleshoot the problem, the process may still be costly, time-consuming. Sometimes you have to hire a service technician to fix the problem.
Conclusion
It is good to weigh your options carefully as each approach has its disadvantages and advantages. And every business has its own risk. Although there several POS disadvantages that can cause discomfort, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
