Every successful small business owner knows that a reliable point of sale (POS) system is key to improving your business operations. POS systems allow merchants to accept transactions and streamline essential, day-to-day procedures so you can focus on other areas of your business. That’s why 79% of stores that use POS systems are small and mid-sized brands. Keep reading to learn how upgrading to the best POS systems available can enhance your small business.
What should you look for in a POS system?
When you’re looking at some of the best POS systems available, it’s important to keep your brand goals in mind. If your focus is on your brick-and-mortar storefront, you don’t want to choose a POS system geared towards online retail.
Here are some features to look for in a POS system for your small business:
- Cloud-based features
- Inventory management
- Credit card processing
- Excellent customer support
You can also pick a system that plugs into hardware, software, and apps that you already have. For example, if your business already uses iPads, you might want to pick a POS system that runs on iPads. You want to make sure that your new system supports your small business website. And of course, keep your budget in mind when you’re shopping around. You may have to pay for additional features, such as the number of users or transaction volume.
1. Lightspeed
This POS system refers to itself as “the one-stop commerce platform for retail, hospitality and golf merchants around the world.” Lightspeed allows you to sell products both online and offline, so you’re always covered. If you own a restaurant, you’ll be able to serve both delivery and takeout, all while Lightspeed manages your stock and suppliers for you. The company shows their dedication to innovation by constantly adding new and improved tools for merchants to use.
2. Square Point of Sale
Square was voted the Top Tested Pick by PC Magazine—and for good reason. This POS system offers amazing features with flat, predictable pricing. With Square, all aspects of your POS system are connected by a suite of tools. You’ll be able to pay your team, drive sales, ship and deliver products, and manage cashflow all from one system. They also have many customer support channels available, so you’ll never be without help if you run into a snag.
3. Vend POS
If you want to test out a POS system without fully committing, try Vend’s 14-day trial or the free version of the system. You can test out their cloud-based POS and e-commerce inventory management, as well as real-time reporting. The interface is user-friendly and easy to learn, which cuts down on training time. Vend has been helping small business owners launch and grow their businesses for 10 years, so you know you’re in safe hands.
If you’re curious about cloud-based systems like Vend, learn more about why it’s time for small businesses to go cloud-native.
4. Revel Systems
The first iPad POS platform to hit the market, Revel Systems offers a modern, 100% cloud-based environment that’s perfect for small businesses. They offer flexible payments that allow you to accept a variety of payment types, from chipped cards to mobile checkout. One of their prime features is their self-service kiosk, which offers enhanced options and helps increase efficiency. They even have a Pizza POS System and Coffee Shop POS System, tailored specifically for your business needs.
5. SkyTab
SkyTab is an all-in-one restaurant platform that lets you manage every aspect of your business from one platform. With are zero up-front costs, you can enjoy commission-free online ordering. SkyTab has your back, with 24/7 customer support and local hardware installation. With the InCharge mobile app, you can access your data from anywhere, no matter where your business takes you.
Lightning-fast internet to fuel the best POS systems
When you’re investing time, energy, and love into your small business, the internet needs to work. Fortunately, business fiber internet is reliable. With its super-thin glass or plastic filaments, fiber internet uses optical signals to transmit data at the speed of light. Other types of internet use electricity to do the same thing. It’s not only slower but also more susceptible to electrical interference. Fiber’s characteristics all add up to deliver a stable, reliable internet connection for your small business. Whatever the future brings, you’ll be ready for it with internet that’s built for your small business.
