There are literally thousands of POS providers out there. As a retail business owner you will need to make the right choice when it comes to choosing your point of sale system.
Common mistakes made by retailers when looking at POS providers:
Consulting with inexperienced or indifferent companies
There are great deal of computer sales and service companies out there. Many of them claim to know a little bit about everything. This is the type of company to avoid. It is in you and your company's best interest to go with a specialist.
A local computer shop might be good at helping you with hardware issues, installing your operating system, or even helping you install your POS software. However, chances are they know very little about thee intricacies of your business. Finding a specialist who has experience with your industry is your best bet.
The Blame Game
Even with in the more specialized point of sale solution provider circles, there are often two different sects: those who deal with the hardware, and those who deal with the software. If you get your software from one vendor, and hardware from another, the technical support that can be offered will be a frustrating event. The hardware company will blame your issues on the software company, and vice versa.
Always choose a POS specialist company that provides both the hardware and software you need to avoid the blame game.
Company reputation
When selecting the company you wish to work with, don't be afraid to ask for references, and make inquiries into how much experience the technicians have with businesses like your own. A company generates a good reputation by doing good work and through word of mouth. If the company cannot supply any references of satisfied customers, it is in your best interest to move on.
Also, consider how long the company has been in business for, and even inquire into the state of it's financial affairs. Wouldn't it be horrible to spend $30,000 on a system, only to find that the company goes under just after they get you set up. Then you will be on your own when it comes to support issues, and may even have to pay a third party over inflated prices to come out and fix it.