What is a point-of-sale system?

by Ryan David Astrologer

A Point of Sale System (POS) is commonly known as the cash register or charging terminal. It is usually associated with a box (the place where the charge is made) from any establishment.

However, in a stricter term, POS consists of software and hardware that allows you to charge. So the set of these two elements is necessary for it, called point of sale and not simply refers to a device dedicated to charging, for example, a terminal point of sale (POS).

The first registered POS System was a mechanical cash register invented by the owner of a Dayton salon called James Ritty in 1879. The purpose was to keep a better record of sales and cash flow.

However, these changes, little by little, and you do not need several extra elements for your POS that are integrated into a device. Now some solutions integrate all in one: charging, inventorying and being a barcode scanner.

Do I need to implement a POS in my business?

Not every business could implement a point of sale, but you should not immediately throw the idea away, it depends a lot on the needs of it. So here are some features to know if you need to implement it in your company:

You sell physical products

POS products sale

Imagine you have a grocery store, gift shop or stationery shop. An inventory system connected to your terminal point of sale will help you to make payments more simply, maintain control of your inventory and accept all payment methods.

A Free POS can help you with these points, as you can scan your products through a barcode, keep a clear record of everything in your business and keep inventory up to date is indispensable for the growth of your business.

Supplier Dependencies

Maintaining control of everything will help you to know when to request from a supplier.

No customer wants to go buy something indispensable, that they take a long time searching for it so that after that the seller arrives to tell you that they are no longer and offer you something similar. To prevent this from happening in your business, a iPad POS can help you to register all your products.

You need to automate your sales process

Let's take an example that you have a restaurant and a group of friends go to eat something, in the end, they want to split the bill and you did charge the total with your point of sale. You can avoid these situations if you have a POS.

With a point of sale, you can break down each of the prices, print a ticket and show each of the guest's account. You can even mark each purchase in front of them so that they see the account is OK. Also, you can give vouchers for each sale you make.

You want to reduce errors in your inventory

Registering your products would be easier with a POS, as most have a barcode scanner, so every time you can register a product in your inventory and easily do the automation of your stock.

At the time of selling, it will reduce the product from your inventory and you will have control of the warehouse record. If it is time to order or see that it is not sold as you expected, which will help you rotate your inventory better and more easily.

If any of these features are essential for your business or will serve to provide good customer service, you can see them as a good option. Plus, there are always POS options available to anyone, offering almost the same as the solutions that have big chains and fit in the palm of your hand.