Your POS System is only as Good as the People Behind it
Who stands behind your POS Solution?
Small-Medium Merchants have lots of options when it comes to selecting POS systems. Many POS companies focus on specific niche markets while others are more generic. Depending on the market served by the merchant, the beginning of the decision-making process usually begins with that in mind. Merchants want the POS software and hardware package that best addresses the needs of their particular business. However, beyond that concept lie some other factors that are often overlooked. The most important factor is the integrity of the company behind the product the merchant selects.
If this factor only comes into play after a decision is made to implement a new POS system, it may be too late. This factor needs to be addressed during the decision-making process. This is no different than any other business investment. However, often times with POS systems, it is overlooked due to all the competition in the market and the circumstances of the merchant at decision time. With start-up merchants, the owners are faced with so many decisions at one time that the POS system becomes a checkbox on a long to-do list. With established merchants, there may be some circumstances forcing them to hurry into a decision just to replace a system that is non-compliant or failing them in some way.
Merchants need to look beyond the features, benefits and cost of the POS system itself and consider the following factors about the people behind the POS system:
- Research the support services of the company providing the POS system. Does the company have positive reviews published by 3rd parties in regard to support? Do the company’s customers speak highly of the support services provided while checking references?
- Research the company’s commitment to R&D. Is there a proven track record of ongoing development work over the years?
- Research the integrity of the upper-level management of the company providing the system. Are the managers, executives and owners of the company accessible to the end user if needed for special projects, conflict resolution, questions and answers, etc.?
- Research the structure of the organization. Does the company develop, deliver and support a POS solution or is it a VAR (value-added re-seller) of another company’s product? This may pose unique challenges from a future development and support standpoint.
For small-medium merchants, there is more to a POS system than 1’s and 0’s. The company standing behind the product can make all the difference in the world to ensure the relationship is more of a partnership than it is a vendor/customer scenario. From implementation to early-stage support to ongoing development as climates evolve, the people behind the POS are the ones that drive the success.
For other things to consider when selecting POS solutions, please click the button below: