Purchasing a point of sale (POS) system is an important investment that will have a direct impact on how efficiently your business operates. You likely spend a lot of time 
researching options that work best for your market or industry, looking for the features and functions your business needs, and matching prices to your budget. With so much attention focused on potential POS solutions, do you also research the best place to buy your POS system?
There are a number of reasons why working with a POS dealer is smart and strategic. Consider these three.
- Location, Location, Location
Proximity can grease the wheels of a successful merchant-POS dealer relationship. The POS dealer nearby can make in-person visits to demonstrate the technology, answer questions and put to rest any doubts you may have. By choosing a POS dealer with an office nearby, you’ll get a responsive and accessible partner ready to spring into action when needed. When something goes wrong with your POS having the ability to call on a local technician can help minimize downtime — and lost sales.
What’s more, POS dealers often offer training, maintenance and support, making them a one-stop shop for all of your POS needs. This is an important point to consider for small businesses that don’t have an in-house IT staff.
- Accomplished Integrators
POS systems can be more valuable to your business if they integrate with the rest of your store systems and technology. Integrated systems offer a number of benefits including greater accuracy by eliminating the need to re-enter data and allowing systems to communicate with each other, making processes such as order fulfillment and inventory management easier. A POS dealer experienced in working with your industry or market will understand your business needs and how to provide an integrated system to address them.
- The Cost/Value Equation
Don’t make the all-too-common mistake that many SMBs do: chasing the lowest upfront POS cost with online companies. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many businesses end up with spiraling support costs, higher than normal processing rates, and integration issues with the POS system they purchased for a “great deal” online.
The partnership you develop with your POS dealer can also provide value by enabling you to focus more on your business, rather than trying to manage technology.
Because your POS system is a significant investment, you’ll want a technology partner who is just as invested in the success of its implementation as you are. Working with a top-notch POS dealer is one way to maximize your technology ROI and minimize total cost of ownership (TCO) as you can keep your costs as low as possible by not having to look elsewhere for service and support.
Choosing an industry-proven POS dealer is just about as important as picking the right POS system itself. Considering these three factors can be the make-or-break difference between the POS deployment that flourishes — or fails.
