Beverage Dynamics

Beverage Dynamics Sept-Oct

Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.

Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/172332

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 39 of 55

Retailers in search of a new POS system should ultimately consider multiple factors when making their selection: Functionality. Every business has different needs, and there's no one size fits all POS solution that works for all retailers. Determine what your specific needs are and look for POS systems that can accommodate them. Ease of use. Any new system will require a training and adjustment period, but how well do you envision this system fitting into you and your staff's daily operations? Ask potential new vendors to provide references of other businesses similar to yours who are using the system in their stores. Cost. Pricing is always a factor, but make sure you understand the nature of the product and what features may or may not be included before you sign a contract. Space constraints. Realistically, how will you set up your POS system in your store? How much space is available? Support. Inquire about technical service. if something goes wrong, how easy will it be to get help? How do system updates work? Will you need to install them yourself or do they update automatically? Owner buy-in. If you are a business owner, make sure you weigh in on the POS selection process: don't leave it solely up to your staff. Yes, other people may be accessing the system more regularly that you, but a POS system is a long-term investment in your company and a lasting partnership with the POS provider. Don't leave such an important decision solely in the hands of your employees. Technology. Whether you choose a mobile-based POS system or a more traditional option, you want to make sure the vendor you choose realizes that technology changes as your business changes. How has the system evolved over time? What are the plans for the future? Security. This is a major issue for any business that conducts credit card transactions. What security features does the POS system have in place to protect your customers? Logistics. This step is especially a concern for those opting for a mobile-based system. If the tablet concept appeals to you and you like the idea of customers being able to check out from wherever they are in the store, where will you set up a printer in case the customer requests a receipt? How will you bag purchased items? How will you monitor the store for things such as shoplifting, which may be harder to control if the register isn't in a set location and is easy to watch? With so many POS options and even more questions for retailers to consider before committing to one, it's important to realize that selecting a new POS provider is a time-consuming process that should not be taken lightly. A POS system is at the heart of your business: take time to find the one that's the best fit for you. Filkins appreciates ShopKeep's ease of use and personalized technical support. Describing herself as "not very computer literate," she was amazed and impressed with how easy it was to download the program onto her iPad and get set up. She also utilizes ShopKeep's mobile app so she can keep an eye on the winery when she's away and her husband, Tom, is left in charge. Benefits abound for retail customers as well. Richelson reports that many customers prefer the ease and convenience of being offered e-mail receipts via ShopKeep's program (a green feature that appeals to the environmentally conscious). Tablet portability makes it less of a hassle to complete transactions in general, as customers don't have to line up by registers to checkout: cashiers can bring the tablet to the customer and ring up a sale anywhere. The slick appearance of the tablet-based system is also impressive to customers. "People love the look of the sleek iPads," Richelson says. "They feel good about themselves because they feel like they're shopping in a 'smarter' store that's using the most current technology." With ShopKeep, retailers are charged an initial setup fee of $1,100. That costs includes an iPad, a swiper, a stand, a cash drawer, and a printer. Users may try the system for a free 30-day period, during which time they have unlimited access to technical support over the phone. After 30 days, if the retailer isn't fully satisfied, he or she can return the ShopKeep system and receive a full refund. If the retailer decides to keep the system, ShopKeep charges a monthly operating fee based on the number of tablets the retailer has in use. A single iPad register package costs $50 per month. Retailers continue to have access to unlimited phone support free of charge throughout the duration on the contract. Traditional Systems with Contemporary Style hile tablet-based systems are gaining popularity, they may not be the perfect fit for every retailer. Some critics also believe that mobile-based POS systems haven't evolved enough to meet the needs of most businesses. Jared Isaacman, founder and ceo of Harbortouch, says that while tablet-based POS programs may be an ideal fit for small businesses, larger retailers may find them to be somewhat limited in terms of overall functionality. "Basically, a lot of companies have developed apps to work within the existing tablet framework," he explains. "That's fine for some companies, but there are W 40 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • September/October 2013 (Continued on page 43)

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Beverage Dynamics - Beverage Dynamics Sept-Oct