The Best POS Systems
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While regular cash registers used to be acceptable, business owners know that Point-of-Sale (POS) systems are needed in today's technologically advanced world. All-in-one POS systems, which replace traditional cash registers, include all the basic hardware and software. Basic POS packages are commonly offered in retail or restaurant packages. The retail packages typically include a terminal, monitor, barcode scanner, cash drawer, card reader, keyboard, mouse, receipt printer and retail software. The restaurant packages usually include a touchscreen monitor, terminal, receipt printer, cash drawer, card reader and restaurant software. POS systems also offer options for kitchen printers, wireless tableside order-entry devices and customer displays. Some POS providers also offer other types of unique packages, such as those for salons or grocery stores. Beyond serving as a method for collecting payments, POS systems help track sales and inventory and streamline the accounting process.
Our sister site, TopTenREVIEWS, does extensive in-depth reviews of POS Systems. Here are the top 3 recommendations for POS Systems:
#1 AccuPOS
AccuPOS was this year's TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award winner for providing increased accounting capabilities. It offers the only software that is line-item compatible with QuickBooks and Sage accounting software. AccuPOS provides all-in-one and a la carte solutions for retailers, restaurants and grocers. All of its packages include touchscreen PCs, thermal printers and easy-to-use software. The grocery package includes charge-by-weight options and multi-line barcode scanning, while the restaurant bundles feature counter service, kitchen printing, frozen yogurt and kitchen bump bar packages. AccuPOS is easy to use and requires minimal training.
After Purchase Care: After purchase, users receive help setting up the system by phone or WebEx. AccuPOS also helps set up menus and inventory databases, provides online training to help business owners and employees learn how to use the software, and offers a number of support plan options that include access to unlimited telephone, WebEx, email and after-hours support. Its Spare in the Air service is also offered, which will overnight replacement parts should users experience a hardware failure.
Mobile and Wireless Technology: AccuPOS offers point-of-sale for Android tablets and mobile phones.
Costs: To compare costs, visit TopTenREVIEWS best POS Systems here.
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#2 Harbortouch
Harbortouch earns high praise for its low-cost POS system. For just $25, business owners can have a POS system pre-loaded with company data. With this system, users have the ability to process payments, manage customers and track inventory.Harbortouch offers two free versions of its software with a payment processing agreement. The Harbortouch POS includes a touchscreen PC, card reader, cash drawer and receipt printers. The retail version also includes a barcode reader, pin pad, keyboard and customer display. The Elite package includes a faster touchscreen PC with a cast aluminum body. Harbortouch offers software versions specifically tailored for retail, C-stores, liquor stores and restaurants.
After Purchase Care: Harbortouch provides all businesses with their own local account representative who can help them onsite when needed. To get started, business can can send inventory items or a restaurant's menu to the account representatives, who will set up the database. They then walk business owners through the system via an online meeting before it even arrives to verify everything is correct.
After receiving the POS system, users are given onsite training and remote training for the remainder of their contract. Remote support is available 24 hours a day directly through the software via a support button.
Mobile and Wireless Technology: Harbortouch provides a number of mobile and wireless payment processing options, as well as tableside order entry for restaurants and bars. Its mobile processing works with a variety of smartphones, including iPhones, Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile.
Costs: To compare costs, visit TopTenREVIEWS best POS Systems here.
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#3 POS Guys
POS Guys is a well-regarded option that offers a wide range of low-cost point-of-sale products, including full systems, equipment, software and supplies. POS Guys has a wide range of all-in-one systems starting for less than $2,000. In addition to retail stores and restaurants, POS Guys also feature packages specifically for salons and spas. Entry-level systems include less-sophisticated components such as impact printers, while more-advanced systems include hardware such as touchscreen PCs. Users have a choice of 20 POS computers, more than 25 receipt printers and nearly 15 cash drawers. Industrial, omnidirectional and in-counter scanners are also available. POS Guys also supplies health-care specific devices such as patient ID bracelet printers and point-of-care barcode scanners. With a POS Guys system, users can use any credit card processor or merchant service
After Purchase Care: POS Guys offers a wide range of support services, including phone and email support, remote training, set-up assistance, and hardware replacement. There are three hardware support plans: Silver, Gold and Platinum. The Silver plan replaces hardware within seven days, the Gold within two and the Platinum overnight.
Mobile and Wireless Technology: POS Guys offers wireless inventory devices, handheld PCs, tablets, mobile printers and Aldelo wireless software for restaurant tableside support.
Costs: To compare costs, visit TopTenREVIEWS best POS Systems here.
See full POS system reviews at TopTenREVIEWS. See BusinessNewsDaily's Small Business Resource Center for more business reviews.
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