Clear off your sales counter in favor of new mobile systems

Tony Alvarez — The days of oversized point of sales systems may be over. Those large clunky registers that take up so much space are now being replaced with smaller, sleeker, and mobile POS systems. This year's CES unveiled new designs in POS stands and the ideas keep flowing. This year Griffin displayed their iPad stand with an integrated card reader that will be available to ShopKeep POS customers shortly. Even though this design will be limited to those customers, it has sparked many merchants to turn to mobile devices as their primary point of sales system.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Tablets have quickly become the most innovative business capable device in recent years. For small businesses, these devices can act as their primary tool for starting, running, and maintaining their business. For those who take payments, this device can also become your primary point of sale system. As new mobile card readers and merchant apps continue to emerge, the ability to do more with your tablet than ever before is enticing merchants to turn to the mobile POS solutions.

The Apple Store locations were the first to fully utilize the iPad as point of sale. With tablets equipped with mobile card readers, Apple saw an increase in sales by taking advantage of the single moment where a sale can be closed during the impulse buy feeling within consumers. Now more businesses are taking advantage of mobile options not only within their sales staff but at the counter as well. Since some consumers still prefer to use cash, a cash drawer is still needed at the counter, but sales can be tracked and entered with tablet apps.

Advantages of Mobile POS Systems

As with any new technology, it is only beneficial if it meets your needs. Each business is different and needs may vary. Mobile POS systems are designed to work with a wide variety of industries as well as lower costs and increase sales. Other advantages include:

• Smaller systems allow for cleaner sales counters


• On the spot inventory checking


• Ability to accept cash, checks, or credit cards


• Ability to integrate other payment methods such as Paypal


• Ability to use your choice of merchant account providers


• Reduces wait time for customers

As more businesses turn to mobile POS solutions, consumers are seeing less wait times in line, more options for payments, and more personable service on the sales floor. These few advantages are allowing businesses to increase sales by offering more customer service than their competitors who use only one point of sale. Technology has created a variety filled consumer base where the customer is more knowledgeable and expects more than in the past.

Choosing the Right Products

Depending on your industry, your business may have needs others do not. As your POS system is the core of your profitability, you want to be sure you choose the right products for you. When it comes to mobile technology, you may be overwhelmed by the choices available. Before purchasing a handful of devices, you will need to evaluate your current processes and procedures and find the products that will seamlessly integrate into your current business standards. A few other considerations may include:

Cost

Mobile devices come in a variety of screen and memory sizes, each with its own price tag. Android tablets cost less than iPads, lower internal storage is cheaper than higher storage capacities, and a 10" screen costs more than a 7" screen. Determine your needs and find the best deal.

Merchant Services

Most merchant services now offer mobile card readers and apps that can track sales and inventory. If you currently have a merchant account, you will want to see what they provide and shop around for a service that will meet your needs if needed.

Integration of Devices

Many services offer apps for tablets and smartphones. If you plan to use a variety of devices, you will want to choose a merchant service that allows cross-platform integration.

Ease of Use

Having a new mobile POS system is useless if your employees can't use it. Consider ease of use and training before choosing a device or service.

Support

In a perfect world, your business will always run smoothly. However, nothing is perfect and you will eventually need support. Choose devices and services that offer great customer support in case something goes wrong.

The world of business is changing to be more adaptable to the technology consumers use every day. If you are planning to change to a new POS system, you will need to research your needs and the devices available. Knowing what you need and what is available to you will allow seamless integration and success in your new system.

About the Author

Tony Alvarez writes for Merchant Maverick.