What defines a great point of sale system?

We can envision the point-of-sale process akin to a key that will unlock the door to future business success. Without using the correct tools, you can never expect to retain customers. This is a bit of an irony, for there are countless websites which possess quality products and services and still remain anonymous in terms of profitability. This is due in no small part to a faulty approach to the point of sale. Let's take a look at how these systems operate before appreciating what to look for in a quality application.

What is a Point of Sale System?

From a very broad perspective, a POS system represents the portion of your website where a customer completes the verification and check-out processes (1). This will normally include features such as:

- Providing personal details and payment information.
- Confirming the purchase.
- Understanding any associated terms and conditions.

Many of these frameworks are based in the cloud. In other words, they are hosted by trusted online providers such as Shopify. This method offers an additional benefit, as all information and client details will be retained even in the event that your website suffers any downtime. So, what should you look for when choosing the best software package for your requirements?

The Hallmarks of a Great Cloud-Based Point of Sale Platform

Versatility is the first major concern that you will need to address. Just as the requirements of no two businesses are ever alike, the architecture itself should be able to be modified depending upon your unique needs. Often referred to as the "modular" approach, this software can be upgraded or downsized as may be needed in the future.

It is also important to keep in mind that customers are no longer making purchases with personal computers alone. They are now accessing websites via remote devices such as tablets and mobile phones. It therefore makes perfect sense that a point of sale system needs to be equipped with a mobile-responsive edge (the ability to display the same across multiple devices).

You must be kept abreast of the performance of an ongoing sales or marketing campaign. Modern point of sale systems will provide you with a host of insightful tools in regards to inventory tracking and sales pipelines. So, you can know whether or not your existing approach is having any effect upon profitability. If sudden changes need to be made, they can occur without suffering from any crippling downtime.

Finally, a point of sale system should always be paired with multiple methods to contact a representative in the event of a problem or question. These will include a dedicated email address, a telephone number and a live chat widget.

Ultimately, a point of sale package can make or break your desires for online success. In terms of efficacy and reliability, there is no such notion as "second best". This architecture will offer a host of benefits and it is a worthwhile investment from a long-term point of view.