Online POS Software – The good & Bad
An excellent online POS system plays a vital role in enhancing sales in retail business by improving efficiency in service delivery and management of different services such as scheduling employees, marketing and monitoring stock among others. The system also provides high-quality customer service that makes them come back to shop at your business. In recent years, online POS software has become more popular for small and medium retailers. This cloud-based POS can be used as Software as a service (SaaS) and is accessed directly through the internet.
Experts have praised the online POS software because of its ability to cut down business operational costs, improve visibility and productivity in small and medium retail businesses. Therefore, this could be the best software to use in your retail store and be sure of attaining your goals. However, always make sure that you get the system from the best and experienced POS dealer. Sub-standard online POS Software dealers might not offer you the best solution for your business needs.
What you need to know about Online POS software?
The only difference between the online POS system and the traditional POS systems is that the online one you access it through the internet and is not a must to buy hardware to run it. The online POS software offers the best and significant cloud data storage capacity where you can be able to trace all your business transactions any time you need them. However, before you install the system in your retail business consult the experts to check if your software is perfect for your business.
The good
The online POS system has a good side and many advantages that it will bring to your business and help you achieve your business goals. Some of the Cloud-based system benefits include;
- Enhances Customer Service
Many retailers globally are adopting online POS software to help them improve their customer shopping experience. This cloud-based system allows the tablet to be carried around the shop and can be quickly brought to customers for check out. Thus, speeding up the check-out process as well as help get away with the long queues on the cash register. For businesses such as bars or department stores where customers cannot wait in line to make payments, this system will be the best.
- Accessibility
You can easily carry the Online POS to where your customer is, making it more accessible and efficient. This POS system can be the best to check out in music festivals, events, or even at home since you can access it via your tablet. In short, the online POS software allows you to provide your customers with a remote credit card check out which will improve your sales. Today, people are no longer moving around with cash, and this will be the best way to accommodate various customers with different payment options.
Some POS systems support both online and offline modes which makes it easy to retrieve credit card information even when you go to places with poor internet connections. Also, with online POS software, you can access sales data from anywhere, so long as you have the login details and smartphone or tablet.
- Affordable
Unlike the traditional POS where you have to buy the system then specific hardware to run it, the online POS you only need to download the app, buy a card reader or tablet the pay the subscription fee and you are good to go. For a small business that only needs a few registers, this could be an affordable system.
- Integration
Having one system in your business will not be enough to offer a solution to all your business needs. Online POS software can be integrated with other systems such as accounting software, eBay or Amazon account or any other e-commerce shop and improve efficiency in your retail business.
For better services, you will need to have systems to work together in synchronizing your sales information such as inventory and item across all your business systems. The cloud-based POS system presents you with more system integration options, and this could be important for your business growth and long-time planning.
- Service
Majority of the online POS systems have very reliable customer support that operates 24/7, and you are sure of a quick response in case of any problem. The software is also easy to download and to install in your business. Also, for the updates, you only need to download them by a click. Contact the software provider, if you have any questions or concern before or after installing the app.
What about the online POS bad?
Just like any other systems the online POS software has its challenges that you should be aware of and find a way on how to minimize them for better services. Some of the common disadvantages of the cloud-based POS system include;
- Security of your business data –when using this POS, your data will be controlled by the service provider. Thus, it can be hard to tell if your date is secure.
- You will need to integrate the online POS to add more features and enhance your customer service delivery. The system can only perform limited functions.
- The online POS software can only deliver the majority of its services when powered by the internet. Thus, when you move to remote areas with internet problems, you might not be able to use the software effectively.
- Sometimes the monthly subscription fees could be expensive to small retail businesses.
The good news is that the online POS software gives you the options to integrate it with other business systems to improve its effectiveness. Do your research correctly before you download the online POS software to understand it works.
