Whether just starting out, looking to expand or upgrade, or your current offering no longer suits your needs, a new EPoS system is an important step that you want to get right.
A guide on what to consider before you take the plunge.
Future Proofing
Find a system that can immediately do everything you need it to do. Aside from all the till functions, does it have comprehensive ‘back office’ software included in the price so you can hit the ground running with inventory, purchasing, supplier and customer management, as well as a full reporting package? Better to have everything you need to grow now, rather than suffer the upheaval and expense down the line.
If there is anything unusual that you may require, something specific to you or your industry, can the software provider you go with develop the software further to meet your unique requirements?
Integration Options
In this day and age, it’s important to manage as much as possible from one place, otherwise your working life is consumed in admin tasks in an array of differing applications. Look out for an offering with options to integrate with card payments, ecommerce and accounting packages.
Find an EPoS supplier who has links to high quality hardware and peripherals manufacturers with decent warranty packages, to ensure longevity of provision.
Try Before you Buy
Seek an EPoS company who are willing to demonstrate the features and functionality of their offering online or in person. Make sure the demonstrations are cost free. It is important to be able to ask specifics about how the software works and how it could work specifically for your business.
Installation and Training
Don’t be left paying for a system that you can’t immediately use because you’ve come unstuck while installing the software or configuring the hardware. If you choose a system that is installed in person you can be guaranteed that your hardware is compatible and that your software is properly installed and configured.
In person training is an advantage, even if you have experience of EPoS systems. Find a company that can provide one to one and group training sessions and be on hand to answer any questions.
Ongoing support
Consider companies that have in-house support from that particular product’s experts.
Being able to talk directly to the developers of your software often means any problems can be addressed in a timely manner.
Choose a system with advanced remote software capabilities to ensure excellent levels of service.
Security
Integrate your software with only the most reputable of card payment providers. This will minimise your PCI compliance requirements, keeping you and your customers under the highest levels of security.
For your online presence using a third party gateway, like PayPal or SagePay, will mean that you neither harvest nor store sensitive credit card details yourselves, which is one less headache for you and one less concern for your end customers. Find a supplier who understands and will support this.
Ticking the Boxes
Here at POS, we pride ourselves on being able to offer the highest standards in technology and service.
Whether you are a one till store, a multi-till store or a multi branch operation, we have the perfect fit for you.
Talk to us about the needs of your business and to arrange a free, no-obligation demonstration of the XSELL point of sale and business management solution from POS.