Everything You Need to Know About Mobile POS
Mobile POS or point of sale software has changed the way modern businesses process payments, manage inventory and interact with customers. With mobile POS, businesses aren’t confined to static cash registers, and on and offline operations have become more in sync than ever.
How does mobile POS work? What can it do for a business? These questions and more will be answered in this short guide on everything you need to know about mobile POS. Keep reading to learn why these tools are used by businesses of all sizes worldwide.
iOS vs. Android
There are mobile POS options for both Android and iOS users available, and some that work on both operating systems. Whether you’re using an iPad or some other mobile device, you’ll be able to find a POS system that works for your business.
Portable POS
The advantages of mobile terminals can’t be overstated. Not only are you eliminating the need for static registers and counters that take up a lot of space in a retail environment, but you’re also giving your business the ability to operate on the go. Let’s say you visit trade shows or other events where you take your products to sell; you can take your mobile POS anywhere and use it to make sales that much easier.
The portability of mobile POS always makes your employees more flexible. Instead of having employees stationed at a static register, they can be walking the sales floor and helping customers while accepting payments.
Ecommerce and Storefront Capabilities
Most POS systems will work both in-store and online, effectively joining your on and offline operations for greater synchronicity. We all know how irritating it can be to have different inventory counts across these two platforms, and it leads to more than just frustrated customers. Not to mention, when you’re using the same software to process payments from each outlet, you’ll get the same accurate numbers every time.
You won’t need to worry about manually entering data and comparing notes at the end of the day. Simple set up your mobile POS on your website and your in-store terminals, and you’re good to go! It’s that simple.
If you choose cloud-based software, you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection, so you’re always in control of your business.
Cloud-Based Software
Speaking of cloud-based software, what’s the deal with that, anyway? Cloud-based software syncs all of your POS data to a digital storage point known as the cloud. There, your data is securely stored and managed, so you can be certain that sensitive information isn’t be leaked or threatened by malicious cyber threats.
Cloud storage also means you won’t need hard drives to store data, which can save you a lot of space and money. When the system goes offline due to an internet outage or other reason, your data is localized until the connection is re-established. Then, everything syncs once more and you can get back to running your business.
Inventory Management
One of the biggest problems in the retail environments of today is inventory management. Good inventory management is crucial to the success of a retail or eCommerce business, and mobile POS software can help.
Your inventory will be tracked in real-time, so you won’t have to wait for older software to catch up or for manual counts to be completed. This helps reduce the risk of costly and time-consuming errors and provides accurate numbers at all times of the day.
It’s Affordable
Modern POS software is affordable for large and small businesses alike. Many companies offer month-to-month payment plans that range anywhere from $20 to hundreds per month based on the volume of sales and your individual company needs. Some POS systems charge on a per-transaction basis, like Square POS. This is great for those small businesses who are just getting their feet yet and don’t want to pay a monthly premium or for software and hardware all at once.
Tons of Features
Besides inventory management and the other features we’ve mentioned, mobile POS software is full of other tools that you can use to your advantage. While features vary across brands, some of the most common POS features are:
- Loyalty program management
- Customer databases
- Integration with tax software/bookkeeping software
- Employee management tools
- Marketing tools and promotion management
- Discounts and gift cards
- Report generation and analytics tools
If you’re not using a modern POS system for your business, there’s never been a better time to give it a try. There are thousands of options available, each with their own features and tools, so you’re certain to find exactly what your business needs no matter where you are on your journey.
Conclusion
A POS system has become something of a necessity for the modern business due to its flexibility, powerful tools and information, and cost-effectiveness. Get on board the path to innovation and success with a mobile POS solution today!