POS (Point of Sale) Basics

What is Point of Sale (POS)?

The term "Point of Sale" actually has a very broad definition. It can mean any type of restaurant or retail store, to the actual station, check stand or counter where a transaction takes place.  It is also commonly used to refer to the hardware and software components themselves.  Point of Sale systems act as an electronic version of a cash register.  Today's ever-advancing technology is continuing to offer new solutions in the POS industry which grant more and more functionality to a Point of Sale System.  The primary driving force behind the functions and abilities of a POS system is the POS Software.

POS Overview: Point of Sale Software

Point of Sale software is typically a program installed on your POS Terminal.  All of the functions performed at a Point of Sale station are carried out through the installed Software. Like an ordinary computer with an operating system, the Point of Sale terminal can be operated using a keyboard, mouse and monitor.  However, in most cases it is most practical (and most common) to use a Touch Screen Monitor with a Point of Sale system.

Users will interact with the software simply by tapping options on the screen. PC America Restaurant Pro Express and Cash Register Express are two of the best examples of a quality POS Software. In addition to being the only restaurant software offered by Dell Inc, PC America offers a wide array of features and functions to fit any retail or hospitality application.  From pizza delivery maps to table seating charts, there is a tremendous value in PC America software that you can't get at a lower price.

POS Overview: Point of Sale Hardware

Point of Sale Hardware includes any and all of the physical components that make up a typical POS System. For example, most Point of Sale stations will typically have a Touch Screen Monitor, a Magnetic Stripe Reader, as well as a Cash Drawer and a Receipt Printer.  The unique thing about those four items is that they will almost always be found on both Restaurant and Retail POS Systems, whereas there are more components that you might only find on either Retail or Restaurant counters, such as Pole Displays. 

A grocery store will probably include a Pole Display in its check stands. But your diner down the street might not see a need for one.  But, where the diner didn't need a Pole Display, they probably have a Kitchen Printer, so they can send orders to chefs in the back.  Again, that's a restaurant-only device because a grocery store would see little need for Kitchen Printers.  Regardless of which business uses a given POS Hardware Device, the fact remains the same that there is great diversity in the POS Hardware available, but if you plan on setting up a Point of Sale in your business, you'll need a Touch Monitor, Cash Drawer, Receipt Printer and MSR.  The wisest choices will come from selecting the best additional hardware options for the Point of Sale system at your business. Bars and night clubs might benefit from Age Verifiers and ID Scanners. Anyone running a Pizzeria would surely grab a Heat-Resistant Thermal Label Printer so the labels on their pizza boxes don't turn black from the heat.  Whatever the application, whatever the need...HCDI Trading.com is dedicated to helping you succeed.

Setting up for Success - Installation and Credit Card Processing

POS Hardware and Software are the key components to creating an electronic cash register system, complete with features and functions designed to improve the efficiency of your business and the overall customer experience.  However, you won't be making money (or saving money) without setting it up and maximizing its potential. 

If you are new to Point of Sale, it might prove wise to seek the help of a Professional Installer.  HCDITrading.com offers various services for Computer and POS Support, including partnerships with professional POS Installers. You can find these resources and more right here at our Computer Services page.  In addition to installation services, there are myriad other offerings of support, training and warranties available to secure your valuable Point of Sale investment.

With such low costs available for the valuable services you can secure, it is entirely in your best interests to consider the resources at your disposal while you prepare for your business opening or renovation.  The knowledgeable professionals in our industry are more than willing to offer the highest level of expertise and know-how to resolve any challenge involved in setting up your establishment for success.  You are investing hundreds of dollars in a POS System to produce a return. So taking advantage of every opportunity available is imperative to your progress. The most lucrative of these options is Credit Card Processing and Credit Card Terminals.

Whether your business is big or small, selling machinery or macaroni, you will have patrons paying with plastic. Therefore, it is most wise to ensure that, not only do you accept credit cards at your Point of Sale station, but also that you pay as little as possible for the transactions.  That's why we have chosen an industry leading technology partner in Credit Card Processing services.  Merchant Warehouse is committed to helping you capture all the business you can with many varying forms of electronic payments in the market.  No contracts, no commitments and a lowest-rate guarantee on transactions are only a few of the reasons we've chosen Merchant Warehouse.

Want to accept credit cards at your establishment? Just CLICK HERE.

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