subject: 5 Real Benefits For Using Point Of Sale Software [print this page] Using point of sale software in any retail situation has numerous benefits for the retailer as well as the customer. When customers are lining up at the checkout the only thing on their mind is how to get out of the store as quickly as possible. The last thing they need is to be delayed at the checkout for any reason.
It is an important principle in customer satisfaction to make sure the shopper enjoys the experience as much as possible and that once a product has been selected, the purchase proceeds as quickly as possible.
When used properly, a point of sale software system can deliver these benefits to you and your customer in one fowl swoop. But there are other benefits as well. So, let's take a look at how an automated sales system can assist your business.
Reduce Expenses and Maximise Profits. By simply generating a report at the end of every day's trading you can see your gross profit for the day in an instant. If your gross profit target has not been reached you can take immediate action to reduce expenses and maintain your profit margin. You can even check during a trading day and make minor adjustments to ensure that your profit is maximised.
Reduce Fraud. Once a sale has been scanned into your system the electronic funds transfer is implemented immediately. This means there is no chance of you remaining unpaid by having to accept cheques or credit cards for small amounts that you would normally check at the end of the day's trading. Electronic cheque verifications are also possible with some systems and this can also save you and your customer a lot of time.
Speed up the Sale. By utilising barcodes you can quickly process any payment and update your stock levels in one simple transaction. This has a two-fold effect on efficiency by ensuring that your stock levels are always maintained at the appropriate levels, and by processing the customers payment quickly so they can take their purchase and leave.
Using Screens. In high volume areas a touch screen enables your staff to quickly process a higher number of sales in the shortest possible time. They no longer have to type in complex bar-code numbers or product details. By simply touching an image on the screen the sale is processed immediately.
Easy Load Receipts. By installing a system that allows receipt rolls to be easily and quickly replaced, you will save downtime and avoid customer dissatisfaction at the delays incurred by having to manually load a difficult receipt roll holder.
These five benefits are really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to business efficiency and customer satisfaction in any retail business. The benefits are self evident and the fact that most major retailers have implemented POS software systems is a timely reminder to small businesses to follow suit and keep customers completely satisfied.
