Point of Sale POS FAQ
Q> How do I set up my POS System once I receive it?
A> Once you receive your bundle, contact tech@pointofsalepos.com to schedule installation with one of our experts.
Q> I received a shipment with only part of my order. What do I do?
A> Your order may include items shipped from different warehouses depending on availability. As such, they may arrive a few days apart. Should you not receive all components within 10 days please contact us at sales@pointofsalepos.com.
Q> Do the POS Systems need cloud or internet to run?
A> No internet / cloud needed to run the POS System, unless you have purchased software-as-a-service (SaaS). If you are paying for the POS software on a monthly basis then you are using SaaS and internet connection is required. We do recommended that internet is available for the initial set-up of the system as well as for training.
Q> Can I use the POS System if I don’t have barcodes on all of my items?
A> Yes, you can simply punch in the price and collect payment due.
Q> What kind of printer should I attach to my cash drawer?
A> Any thermal receipt printer 58mm or 80mm with USB connection and cash drawer kick-out
Q> I bought a cash drawer and hooked it up to the POS System but it doesn’t open. What do I need to do?
A> The cash drawer connects to the receipt printer.
In your POS System select “setup” from the top drop down menu.
Select “hardware”
Choose the receipt printer that the cash drawer is attached to. Once you indicate which printer you may be prompted to enter the printer decimal code.
Decimal codes (printer kick out /open codes) can be found here
Q> I have an account with a merchant services provider (payment processor), through which I carry gift cards. Can this be used in the POS System?
A> You can use gift cards with your current credit card processing provider and machine, or with one of 3 included payment processing apps built into the POS software that is included.
Q> Do I need to open a Credit Card Merchant Account with you to use your bundles?
A> Our POS System bundles DO NOT require you to sign up for a new credit card merchant account. You may use your existing credit card terminal independent of your POS System.
There are 2 options with any POS system:
1 - POS system and a separate credit card terminal
2 - Credit card processing via POS system with connected credit card chip/tap terminal
In both instances the reseller (ISO), that you have signed a merchant agreement with, can also setup up your credit card terminal with integration with your POS system if so desired by you.
Q> Do your POS System bundles work with all credit card merchant services providers?
A> Multiple software options are available. Each POS software choice works with their own select choice of payment processors.
The default software that comes standard with our POS Systems works with Global, TSYS and Chargeitpro.
Here are 25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Point of Sale (POS) systems to help you better understand how they work, their features, and the factors to consider when selecting one for your business:
General POS System Questions
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What is a Point of Sale (POS) system?
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A POS system is a combination of hardware and software that allows businesses to complete sales transactions, manage inventory, track customer data, and run reports. It often includes components like a register, receipt printer, barcode scanner, and payment terminal.
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What are the main components of a POS system?
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The key components of a POS system include hardware (e.g., POS terminal, cash drawer, barcode scanner, receipt printer), software (POS platform), and a payment processor (for handling transactions).
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What types of businesses need a POS system?
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Retailers, restaurants, e-commerce businesses, service-based businesses, and any organization that handles transactions, inventory, and customer management can benefit from using a POS system.
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What are the different types of POS systems?
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Traditional POS: Usually an on-site, standalone system with hardware (e.g., terminals, cash drawers).
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Cloud-Based POS: A web-based system that stores data in the cloud, enabling remote access and real-time updates.
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Mobile POS (mPOS): A mobile or tablet-based system that can be used on the go, especially for small businesses or restaurants.
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What are the benefits of using a POS system?
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Streamlined transactions, accurate inventory management, better customer insights, ease of reporting, improved sales tracking, and integration with other business tools.
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POS System Setup & Integration
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Do I need to buy my POS hardware separately?
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Some POS providers offer all-in-one packages that include both hardware and software. However, in some cases, you may need to purchase hardware separately, especially if you are switching to a new POS system.
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Can a POS system integrate with my existing software (accounting, inventory, etc.)?
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Many POS systems offer integration with popular software like QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, and others. It's important to choose a POS system that can easily integrate with your existing tools.
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Can I use a POS system on multiple devices?
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Yes, especially with cloud-based POS systems. You can use your POS software on multiple devices, including tablets, smartphones, and desktop computers.
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Is it easy to set up a POS system?
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The ease of setup depends on the system. Some systems are plug-and-play, while others may require more complex configuration, especially if you need to customize features or integrate with other tools.
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Can a POS system be used for multiple locations?
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Many POS systems allow you to manage multiple locations under a single account, making it easier to track sales, inventory, and employees across all sites.
POS Payment Processing
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What types of payments can a POS system accept?
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POS systems can handle various payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), gift cards, and even cryptocurrency in some cases.
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How do POS systems process credit card payments?
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Credit card payments are processed through integrated payment processors that securely transmit transaction data between the customer’s card and your bank or payment gateway.
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What is a payment gateway, and do I need one for my POS system?
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A payment gateway is a service that authorizes and processes payments between customers and businesses. Many POS systems include a built-in payment gateway, but in some cases, you may need to choose an external provider.
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Are POS systems PCI-compliant?
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Yes, most POS systems are designed to be PCI-DSS compliant (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), meaning they meet security standards for handling credit card information securely.
POS Features & Functionality
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What is inventory management in a POS system?
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POS systems help track inventory by automatically updating stock levels as items are sold. Some systems also allow you to set low-stock alerts, manage stock from multiple suppliers, and generate inventory reports.
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Does a POS system track sales and generate reports?
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Yes, most POS systems provide detailed sales reports, including total sales, item-level sales, taxes, and employee performance. Reports can often be exported to Excel or integrated with accounting software.
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Can a POS system manage customer data?
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Many POS systems store customer data, including contact information, purchase history, and preferences. This allows businesses to offer personalized experiences and loyalty programs.
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What is employee management in a POS system?
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Some POS systems offer employee management features, such as tracking employee hours, monitoring performance, setting user permissions, and creating schedules.
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Can I accept online orders through a POS system?
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Yes, many POS systems allow businesses to integrate with e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, enabling you to manage both in-store and online orders from a single system.
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What is a loyalty program in a POS system?
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A loyalty program feature allows businesses to reward customers for repeat purchases with points, discounts, or other incentives, helping to increase customer retention.
POS Support & Maintenance
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Do I need to provide maintenance for my POS system?
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Maintenance requirements vary based on the system. Cloud-based systems generally require minimal maintenance, as updates are handled by the service provider. For on-premise systems, you may need to handle regular updates and technical support.
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Is technical support available for POS systems?
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Most POS providers offer customer support, either through phone, email, or live chat. The level of support may vary depending on the pricing plan or contract you choose.
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How secure is my POS system?
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POS systems generally include various security features, such as end-to-end encryption for payment transactions, secure cloud storage, and data backups to protect sensitive information from cyber threats.
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What happens if my POS system goes down?
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Many POS systems include fail-safes, such as offline modes that allow you to continue processing transactions without internet access. Additionally, cloud-based systems usually have backup options to minimize downtime.
Costs & Pricing
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How much does a POS system cost?
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The cost of a POS system depends on the hardware, software, features, and services you require. Basic systems may cost a few hundred dollars for hardware, while advanced systems with features like inventory management, reporting, and payment processing can cost anywhere from $50 to $200+ per month in subscription fees, plus additional hardware costs.
These POS system FAQs should help you get a better understanding of how POS systems work, their functionality, and how to choose the right one for your business. Would you like to dive deeper into any of these topics?