Are
you considering opening a new business? Do you have an existing
business that you would like to automate? Do you really need
to automate? Below are answers to the questions we receive
most frequently. If your question is not answered here, simply
fill out this form for a personal reply.
What
if I have a question that isn't answered?
Simply
fill out this form and we will get back to you with a reply
as soon as possible.
Thank
you for your interest.
What
are the differences between a Cash Register and a POS System?
A
point-of-sales system at the front-counter is similar to a
traditional cash register -- sales are rung,
money is exchanged, change is given, cash is secured, and
the drawer is balanced. What is different is how the information
is gathered. A point-of-sales system captures, maintains,
and updates enormous amounts of information that a cash register
can never do. This gives you a powerful tool to help run your
business. Whether it's wholesale, mail order, manufacture,
or retail, POS Profits has the solution. POS systems
are used in retail environments that require inventory control,
customer tracking, etc.
Back
to Top of Page
Is
a POS System Worth the Expense?
A
point-of-sales system will improve your margins, increase
sales, track inventory, and reduce operating costs. These
are tangible benefits that you will see within a few months
of automating. In fact, many retailers see the benefits of
their systems adding 10 - 20% to their bottom lines, an excellent
return on investment! If you are leasing your system, the
monthly benefit of your system should easily surpass your
monthly payment.
Improved
Margins
Improved
margins are generally the most significant financial result.
With a cash register, employees can ring up sales with any
prices they wish. A POS system requires the entry of a specific
item look-up code to process a sale. This protects your margin!
Margins are also improved and protected by knowing what and
when to order to reduce shipping costs and to take advantage
of supplier promotions.
Inventory
Control
This area, too, is impacted in a positive way. A POS system
allows you to know exactly what you have on-hand, what you
need, and when you need to order it! This enables you to keep
your inventory wide and shallow, preventing over/under-stocking.
By knowing your inventory, you are able to better manage your
capital, keeping it off the shelves and in your bank account!
Increased
Sales
Many
people do not realize that a point-of-sales system is a money-making
device! A POS system allows you to know exactly what your
customers are buying, enabling you to respond with mailings,
special promotions, etc. A POS system enables you to respond
to customer buying habits quickly and profitably, giving you
the flexibility and power of a large chain store!
Reduce
Operating Cost
A
POS system reduces operating costs by more efficiently providing
information. Operating costs are reduced in re-ticketing of
items, time spent with your accountant, over-staffing, yearly
physical counts, etc.
Time
Savings
The
biggest benefit is the time savings. Instead of re-entering
sales into a spread sheet, trying to analyze a register tape,
hand writing purchase orders, etc., retailers are letting
their POS system do the work!
Back
to Top of Page
What
computer do I need?
Most
point-of-sales systems use standard IBM-compatible PCs with
various devices plugged in. PC minimum requirements vary depending
on the POS software requirements, but usually will need to
be a Pentium 100 or better to meet Year 2000 compliance.
Most POS software runs on a peer-to-peer network such as Windows
95. In environments with more than 5 stations, a dedicated
server such as Windows NT or Novell is recommended.
Macintosh and client-server based systems are also available.
Back
to Top of Page
What
POS Equipment do I need?
As
mentioned before, most POS devices plug directly into a computer.
The eliminates the need for a proprietary unit. Proprietary
POS registers can be expensive and require high maintenance.
Following are some common items for a basic POS configuration:
- Cash
drawer - either stand-alone or platform style. Plugs into
a receipt printer or serial port.
- Receipt
printer - prints 3" receipt. Plugs into parallel port.
- Barcode
scanner - either CCD or Laser. Plugs into keyboard port
via a "Y" cable.
- Customer
Pole Display - prevents your clerks from overcharging
or making incorrect change. Plugs into 9 pin serial port.
Options
include:
- Credit
card swipe - for use with credit card software. Plugs
into keyboard port via a "Y" cable.
- Iomega
Zip drive - backing up your data is highly recommended!
- Battery
back-up - inexpensive insurance to protect your PC during
black outs and power surges.
- Data
Collection Device - speeds up physical counts and interfaces
with most POS software.