MerchantOS Cautions Against POS Mistakes That Could Cost Retailers Big Bucks
As if all the other things that a retailer needs to remember when setting up a shop weren't enough, POS system headaches can crop up at a moment's notice if not careful. Fortunately, MerchantOS - a leading POS solutions provider - offers retailers education on the most common (and costly) POS pitfalls.
San Jose, CA, February 07, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Retailers looking to make the purchase of a POS system as painless as possible can take heart in knowing that MerchantOS has their best interests in mind. Justin Laing, co-founder of MerchantOS, offers a number of solutions on their blog which will help ease the process of integrating a POS solution into any retailer's business.
The first mistake most commonly made by retailers is to purchase a POS system before ascertaining whether or not it will work for them. There are a number of things Laing says are important to take into consideration before buying a POS system; namely, whether the simple processes such as adding inventory, making a basic sale, looking up a customer's purchase history, giving refunds and generating reports are actually simple enough for a retailer and their staff. Laing states that if these simple tasks are too complicated, then the retailer is better off choosing a different system.
Laing says another common mistake retailers often make is to purchase POS hardware and credit card processing services before choosing the POS software they will be using. It is important for retailers to choose their software first, as not all hardware or merchant processing accounts will be compatible with all POS system software.
Also common is not keeping the process as simple as possible. All too often, retailers go into the process of trying to choose a POS system based on a long list of features they want to have. The most important thing to remember is that your POS system should be as efficient as possible, as well as easy to use. Laing also cautions against hiring someone to choose your POS system for you; as an outside consultant may find a particularly complicated piece of software easy to use, while you and your employees have difficulties.
Laing also cautions retailers against trying to import their inventory from an existing POS system into a new one. He states that often older POS systems have poorly organised information, and importing this disorder into a new system can cause more problems than solutions. However, he does recommend always importing customer data into a new system, as this data is vital to a business and not something a retailer should chance losing.
Last but not least, the team at MerchantOS cautions strongly against waiting until opening day to test your POS system. All too often, it would seem, retailers will wait until they have an actual customer before attempting to input a sale into their new systems. This can cause confusion for employees who are trying to learn the new system, and frustration for customers trying to make a purchase. Retailers should always make certain that they have tested their new POS system and instructed employees as to its use prior to making any actual customer sales.
Retailers who want to learn more about the best process for choosing a POS system for their business can visit MerchantOS on the web at www.merchantos.com.
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The first mistake most commonly made by retailers is to purchase a POS system before ascertaining whether or not it will work for them. There are a number of things Laing says are important to take into consideration before buying a POS system; namely, whether the simple processes such as adding inventory, making a basic sale, looking up a customer's purchase history, giving refunds and generating reports are actually simple enough for a retailer and their staff. Laing states that if these simple tasks are too complicated, then the retailer is better off choosing a different system.
Laing says another common mistake retailers often make is to purchase POS hardware and credit card processing services before choosing the POS software they will be using. It is important for retailers to choose their software first, as not all hardware or merchant processing accounts will be compatible with all POS system software.
Also common is not keeping the process as simple as possible. All too often, retailers go into the process of trying to choose a POS system based on a long list of features they want to have. The most important thing to remember is that your POS system should be as efficient as possible, as well as easy to use. Laing also cautions against hiring someone to choose your POS system for you; as an outside consultant may find a particularly complicated piece of software easy to use, while you and your employees have difficulties.
Laing also cautions retailers against trying to import their inventory from an existing POS system into a new one. He states that often older POS systems have poorly organised information, and importing this disorder into a new system can cause more problems than solutions. However, he does recommend always importing customer data into a new system, as this data is vital to a business and not something a retailer should chance losing.
Last but not least, the team at MerchantOS cautions strongly against waiting until opening day to test your POS system. All too often, it would seem, retailers will wait until they have an actual customer before attempting to input a sale into their new systems. This can cause confusion for employees who are trying to learn the new system, and frustration for customers trying to make a purchase. Retailers should always make certain that they have tested their new POS system and instructed employees as to its use prior to making any actual customer sales.
Retailers who want to learn more about the best process for choosing a POS system for their business can visit MerchantOS on the web at www.merchantos.com.
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Contact
MerchantOS
Justin Laing
(866) 554-2453
http://www.merchantos.com
Justin Laing
(866) 554-2453
http://www.merchantos.com
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