Selecting The Right Mobile Point Of Sale System
Mobile point of sale (mPOS) systems have become a major component of many businesses. The technology takes point of sale beyond the shop counter to anywhere business takes you. From providing services on the beachfront to customers’ homes, the possibilities are almost endless.
Although the technology will not replace the conventional POS systems, it creates new opportunities for both small and large enterprises. With a wide selection of systems on offer, choosing the ideal one can seem daunting. Mobile point of sale systems vary considerably in price, form and function. Selection of an effective system depends on a variety of factors, including industry deployment and potential uses.
Hardware Considerations
The potential uses of a system help determine the type of hardware needed for a business. The final decision should be guided by the compatibility of the hardware and software you want to deploy. Whether you prefer a tablet or smartphone, you must ensure that the devices are also compatible with accessories, such as scanners and card readers. This is particularly critical when integrating with existing systems.
Industry Considerations
The wide array of mPOS systems available on the market is designed to work well in specific industries. Some specialize in various service and retail industries. Choosing an option designed for restaurants can create problems for an automobile parts shop because the system does not come with built-in inventory management capabilities.
Training and Setup
A good mobile point of sale system is both intuitive and easy to use. A system that requires a longer learning curve undermines daily operations. Picking an option that comes with training materials and instructor assistance helps speed up the integration process. Some mPOS systems require hassle-free setup; you simply install an app and card reader. Complex systems necessitate the setting up of a local server, which requires high levels of technical expertise.
Cost Considerations
To make a good decision when selecting a mobile point of sale system, consider possible future expansion needs. Match these possibilities with various types of costs, including software licenses. Depending on the conditions set in the licensing agreement, the number of devices accessing a system can determine the cost of the license. Always make an effort to read the fine print to avoid surprises. In addition, consider monthly and processing fees associated with credit card transactions. The ideal system fits your budget and boasts requisite features.
Security
Security plays an important role in the area of payment processing systems. An insecure system can cost you a significant amount of money due to fraudulent activities, which exposes your business to potential losses since liability may be pinned on merchants. Smartphones and tablets can be targeted by hackers keen on accessing customer data. Select a PCI DSS compliant mobile point of sale system. Devices running a modified operating system are most vulnerable to hacker attacks. Traditional magnetic-stripe card readers lack the capacity to process chip and PIN cards; this creates vulnerability. Newer mobile payment technologies provide a reliable solution by allowing you to process chip and PIN transactions securely.
A well-chosen mPOS solution helps improve inventory management and reduces customer waiting times. Opting for a system capable of integrating robust apps yields customer loyalty benefits.
