Tablet-based POS systems aren’t just cool—they’re smart, too. Retail business or restaurant, new startup or local favorite, merchants of all shapes and sizes are falling in love with tablet-based POS systems. Take a quick look at five of the top features driving their growing popularity, and you might fall in love, too.
1. Low Cost
Operating expenses can eat away at a business’ profits. For small and midsize merchants, a traditional POS system is a major investment that comes with a high price tag. But a tablet-based POS system generally comes at a fraction of that cost.
Most tablet POS systems consist of a software program that runs on an iPad or Android tablet with a sturdy protective case. Rather than forking over thousands of dollars for POS computers and associated hardware upfront, merchants can purchase the tablet and simply subscribe to the POS software application. Many tablet POS systems operate on a pay-as-you-go model for the software license, and some even offer leasing programs for the tablets themselves, essentially eliminating startup costs.
2. Easy Implementation
The time it takes to research, select, and implement a POS system is often shorter with a tablet POS. Most tablet POS providers offer robust demos that can be viewed online and some even offer a trial period, allowing the merchant to try the system out for days or weeks before committing to the purchase. Implementation can be as simple as downloading the software, and certain customizations are available with the touch of a finger.
With the low initial cost and ease of implementation, the perceived risk is much lower for merchants purchasing tablet POS systems. Choosing a tablet POS helps eliminate the risk of spending thousands of dollars upfront, committing to lengthy contracts, investing time for in person demos and customizations, and business down time for installation, only to discover the system does not fully meet the business’ needs. With a tablet POS, a merchant can switch to a different software program and keep the same tablet. If they aren’t satisfied with the program, switching to one better suited to the business is much easier when a $20,000 investment isn’t (literally) sitting on the table.
3. Simple Maintenance
Merchants with prior POS experience know that POS glitches can bring business to a screeching halt. Few things can be as frustrating as trying to get tech support during a rush. And if a problem can’t be solved by rebooting the system and jiggling cords, it may require an in-person service call from the provider to straighten things out.
The advantage of a tablet POS is that merchants can receive remote technical support. A POS provider will likely not need to visit the merchant on location to troubleshoot and solve technical problems. Many systems even have a built in diagnostic tool that speeds up the diagnosis to resolution process, minimizing downtime and eliminating the hassle of scheduling service calls.
Likewise, software upgrades can be pushed automatically, further eliminating the need to schedule maintenance with the provider and interrupt business. A tablet POS enables providers to push enhancements and security updates to the software behind the scenes, automatically.
No comments:
Post a Comment