How to choose the right EPoS software (five top tips)
Advice on how to select point of sale software for your shop
So, how on earth do you find EPoS software that will suit your business and deliver true benefit? Here’s a guide to help.
1. Choose an EPoS partner not a supplier.
Head and shoulders the number one priority is to find a partner you are comfortable with. This is not like buying a television from Comet. It will not be a one-off transaction, you are actually selecting an IT partner for your business. A good partnership should result in your IT partner being available to advise on how different technologies can further improve your business.
So, gaining an understanding of the company is important. Find out who will be your contacts there. You should have an account manager who is very accessible, someone who has your interests at heart, not just someone who wants to flog another computer system. Secondly who is your technical support contact? Try calling the helpline, how easily you can get through? Thirdly and most importantly who will be your technology adviser, the person helping you move your business forward, offer you fresh ideas through technology… and this should not always end in another sale!
You cannot be an expert in everything. If technology is not your area then get a good partner. A strong partnership with a technology company that understands your business needs will be highly valuable asset.
2. Be clear about what you want
The key to selecting the right system first time is to write down a prioritised list of what you want to achieve with your EPOS system. I strongly suggest you do this before you talk to any vendors. As you talk to potential partners you may add new ideas to the list and re-prioritise, but it’s important you start with your own list. You know your business better than anyone and your EPoS software should complement it - not necessarily reinvent it.
A few examples for your list might include; reduce stock holding, speed up customer transactions, manage returns efficiently, create and manage a website to sell 10% of my stock, track average sale value daily for each sales assistant.
3. Software selection
Once you feel comfortable with a company and have your list to hand, now look at their software. Ask the supplier to structure a demonstration around the needs on your list. This has a few advantages; it structures the demonstration around YOUR business needs, it stops the sales person going off on a well-meaning but confusing waffle, thirdly it helps you understand the software better.
It is important that you feel comfortable very quickly with the software. If you need a manual to understand it, walk away. These days computer software should be very pleasant to look at and intuitive to use. Just with a quick overview you should be able to do the basic functions, particularly the till. Simplicity here is vital.
Because EPOS looks after many of your shop processes, one size does not fit all. You should be able to find software that meets 95 percent of your needs. I suggest looking at systems that are used by retailers in your sector. This means the vast majority of functions should fit and few, if any enhancements will be required.
Finally, check for all ongoing costs and how charges are made for enhancements if required at a later date.
At this stage if you are in any doubt about your potential partner, walk away.
4. Hardware selection
Your hardware decision really boils down to a consideration of cost versus features and durability.
Actually, your main decision is likely to be whether you buy a standard office PC or spend a few hundred pounds more and buy a retail PC. Here are a few points on each:
Standard Office PC
1. Lower price.
2. Faster and more powerful.
Retail PC
1. Robust design to withstand the bangs and knocks of retail life. Shops rely on their till being operational far more than a typical office worker with their PC. Retail PCs tend to be specifically designed with reliable components.
2. Covers and lockable cases designed to stop staff or customers touching switches and ports. This improves reliability as failures occur from fiddling.
3. Specific ports on the back to connect the special till peripherals like receipt printer and customer display screen.
4. Smaller, designed to be installed as a till with cash drawer.
Whilst a standard PC may initially look attractive, the retail PC’s generally offer good value for money over their lifetime.
When selecting additional components, simplicity is key again. Particularly look at how easily you can change till rolls, the best ones allow you to just drop a till roll in and shut it, taking about 3 seconds.
5. Cash or lease
A final choice may be to lease or pay up front. Many businesses lease computer equipment nowadays which is an efficient way of paying and can be spread over the life of the equipment. Most leases allow you to purchase the equipment for a nominal sum at the end of the lease period. Simply put, you will be using the system for years, so why not pay for it over the period rather than all up front. If the interest payments put you off, we often hear that the tax advantages of leasing counteract the interest.
1. Choose an EPoS partner not a supplier.
Head and shoulders the number one priority is to find a partner you are comfortable with. This is not like buying a television from Comet. It will not be a one-off transaction, you are actually selecting an IT partner for your business. A good partnership should result in your IT partner being available to advise on how different technologies can further improve your business.
So, gaining an understanding of the company is important. Find out who will be your contacts there. You should have an account manager who is very accessible, someone who has your interests at heart, not just someone who wants to flog another computer system. Secondly who is your technical support contact? Try calling the helpline, how easily you can get through? Thirdly and most importantly who will be your technology adviser, the person helping you move your business forward, offer you fresh ideas through technology… and this should not always end in another sale!
You cannot be an expert in everything. If technology is not your area then get a good partner. A strong partnership with a technology company that understands your business needs will be highly valuable asset.
2. Be clear about what you want
The key to selecting the right system first time is to write down a prioritised list of what you want to achieve with your EPOS system. I strongly suggest you do this before you talk to any vendors. As you talk to potential partners you may add new ideas to the list and re-prioritise, but it’s important you start with your own list. You know your business better than anyone and your EPoS software should complement it - not necessarily reinvent it.
A few examples for your list might include; reduce stock holding, speed up customer transactions, manage returns efficiently, create and manage a website to sell 10% of my stock, track average sale value daily for each sales assistant.
3. Software selection
Once you feel comfortable with a company and have your list to hand, now look at their software. Ask the supplier to structure a demonstration around the needs on your list. This has a few advantages; it structures the demonstration around YOUR business needs, it stops the sales person going off on a well-meaning but confusing waffle, thirdly it helps you understand the software better.
It is important that you feel comfortable very quickly with the software. If you need a manual to understand it, walk away. These days computer software should be very pleasant to look at and intuitive to use. Just with a quick overview you should be able to do the basic functions, particularly the till. Simplicity here is vital.
Because EPOS looks after many of your shop processes, one size does not fit all. You should be able to find software that meets 95 percent of your needs. I suggest looking at systems that are used by retailers in your sector. This means the vast majority of functions should fit and few, if any enhancements will be required.
Finally, check for all ongoing costs and how charges are made for enhancements if required at a later date.
At this stage if you are in any doubt about your potential partner, walk away.
4. Hardware selection
Your hardware decision really boils down to a consideration of cost versus features and durability.
Actually, your main decision is likely to be whether you buy a standard office PC or spend a few hundred pounds more and buy a retail PC. Here are a few points on each:
Standard Office PC
1. Lower price.
2. Faster and more powerful.
Retail PC
1. Robust design to withstand the bangs and knocks of retail life. Shops rely on their till being operational far more than a typical office worker with their PC. Retail PCs tend to be specifically designed with reliable components.
2. Covers and lockable cases designed to stop staff or customers touching switches and ports. This improves reliability as failures occur from fiddling.
3. Specific ports on the back to connect the special till peripherals like receipt printer and customer display screen.
4. Smaller, designed to be installed as a till with cash drawer.
Whilst a standard PC may initially look attractive, the retail PC’s generally offer good value for money over their lifetime.
When selecting additional components, simplicity is key again. Particularly look at how easily you can change till rolls, the best ones allow you to just drop a till roll in and shut it, taking about 3 seconds.
5. Cash or lease
A final choice may be to lease or pay up front. Many businesses lease computer equipment nowadays which is an efficient way of paying and can be spread over the life of the equipment. Most leases allow you to purchase the equipment for a nominal sum at the end of the lease period. Simply put, you will be using the system for years, so why not pay for it over the period rather than all up front. If the interest payments put you off, we often hear that the tax advantages of leasing counteract the interest.
