Tablet POS—including Windows tablet POS systems—continues to make waves as increasing numbers of retailers deploy the technology to replace or supplement traditional POS hardware. However, getting the most from a Windows tablet POS configuration necessitates ensuring that you have three critical “add-ons,” including: Integrated magnetic stripe reader. Instead of functioning as a separate peripheral, an…
The POS computer is the heart of every retail operation, which is why you cannot be too careful when it comes to selecting one. Several factors merit consideration in evaluating different POS computer options. Let’s take a closer look at three such factors and why they are important: Frequency of component changes – Some PC vendors…
True or false: a point of sale system is a point of sale system, and it doesn’t matter which one a merchant happens to choose. If you said “false,” you’re right. Not only do point of sale systems differ by manufacturer, they also differ in terms of features—so a point of sale system that works…
In the latest and possibly the most hotly debated retail industry trend, merchant service providers (MSPs) have begun to offer free or deeply discounted POS systems as an incentive for their customers to sign a long-term payment processing agreement. But just as there’s no such thing as a free lunch, “free” POS may not really…
Every retailer and foodservice operator considers factors such as software and hardware capabilities when shopping for a new POS system. However, there’s an important angle that’s often overlooked, and that angle is ergonomics. Even if you’re buying one of the new, smaller all-in-one POS systems, ergonomics is a major consideration—especially for retail, restaurant, and food…
Efforts to legalize marijuana continue: California and Washington allow its purchase for recreational and non-recreational purposes, while the sale of medicinal cannabis by prescription is permissible in 23 states. With this trend has come an increase in the number of stores that sell marijuana in a brick-and-mortar environment. In order to maximize their potential, these…
The convenience and ease of use afforded by all-in-one POS systems has made them a popular option in recent years. Many retailers and restaurant owners struggle to decide between an all-in-one POS system and a traditional POS system. Many make their decisions with the price in mind. However, buying anything based on the initial price…
For many retailers and restaurant operators, there’s no question that spending extra money on unnecessary technology and features is simply not an option. However, in most, if not all cases, back-office POS solutions don’t usually fall into the “unnecessary technology” category because of the significant benefits they offer. Let’s take a look at three of…
New technologies are hitting the restaurant market at breakneck speed, with a number of new restaurant POS trends taking hold. Let’s take a look at the top three such trends and what is motivating operators to jump on the bandwagon. Mobile/tablet POS: Of all restaurant POS trends, this one rises to the top of the…
Over the past few years, restaurants and other types of businesses have begun to leverage digital signage and gamification to engage customers. This is becoming easier as the cost of digital display solutions decreases. Meanwhile, the popularity of games on social media sites like Facebook has boded well for gamification – the process of utilizing…