NEWS

Whether you are expanding to new locations and implementing a more robust system or upgrading to an advanced platform with deeper insights to future-proof your market position, transitioning to a new Point-of-Sale (POS) system is a decision that demands careful consideration.

Identifying the ideal POS solution for your growing business can be a complex undertaking. How do you determine the right questions to ask? Which features are essential to support your business expansion and long-term success?

The right technology can be a decisive factor in sales performance. According to our research, 68% of retailers reported a measurable positive impact on their operations after adopting new technology.

Before committing to an investment that may not align with your business needs, thorough research is imperative. To assist you in this process, we have compiled key considerations to guide your evaluation.

Make sure to ask these nine questions that outline what to look for in a POS system:

1. How does the POS handle inventory?

2. How does the POS system sync your online and retail store?

3. Does the POS system empower your staff?

4. Can you offer a personalized experience?

5. Does the POS support your success?

6. Does the POS system offer reporting and analytics?

7. Does the POS system have embedded payments with a straightforward rate?

8. Can the POS system enable you to run targeted marketing campaigns?

9. Will the POS system support your business’ growth?

10. What are the common questions to ask before choosing a POS? 

1. How does the POS handle inventory management?

As a retailer, your inventory is the heart of your business (along with your customer service). You need a system that can keep up. That means when you’re buying a POS, you should ensure the system has not only organizational tools but also built-in purchasing.

You should be able to handle complex inventory, such as serialized items and products with multiple different attributes—jeans that vary in color and size, for example. Beyond just that, you should be able to add custom tags to products so you can organize and manage items that may be grouped together thematically if not at the categorical level. Seasonal inventory, for example: you don’t want it cluttering up your POS when the season is over. Being able to tag inventory means it’ll be easier to find for archiving.

Don’t settle for inefficient purchasing workflows. Your new POS system should have purchasing tools built-in, like allowing you to create and receive purchase orders without leaving the point of sale back office. You should also be able to set reorder points—points at which a report will tell you that you need to order new stock before you have an empty shelf.

What to look for in a POS system:

1. Organizational tools like product matrices, customizable categories and tags

2. An item import tool to get your stock set up quickly

3. The ability to handle serialized inventory

4. Native purchasing functions, like the ability to store vendor information, built-in purchase orders and reorder points 

2. How does the POS system sync your online and retail store?

Imagine a store that never closes—that’s the power of running an omnichannel retail operation. 

There’s little doubt that retailers selling both online and in-store bring in significantly more revenue than those who sell via one channel alone. In fact, in a recent survey Lightspeed conducted of retail businesses around the world, omnichannel retailers beat out single channel retailers for sales growth.

That’s why the right POS helps brick-and-mortar retailers build and strengthen online stores and sell through any channel. It’s not enough to have two disconnected systems. You need a commerce platform that will streamline selling online. 

As Rachel Rosenthal co-owner of Myself Lingerie explains, “When we started talking about adding ecommerce to our business and firming up plans for the second location, we finally made the call. It was so easy to add the second store in Lightspeed, it was a no brainer. I haven’t looked back or regretted it once.

What to look for in a POS system:

1. Synchronization between the web and your physical stores when it comes to inventory, sales and order requests

2. Consolidated reports on total sales, sales per physical store and sales from your eCommerce business

3. The ability to extend your brand consistency between sales channels

3. Does the POS system empower your staff?

Today’s customers are more informed than ever, leveraging a wealth of resources—from online research to peer recommendations—before even stepping into a store. In fact, **81% of shoppers conduct online research prior to making in-store purchases**, arriving prepared with questions and expecting efficient service.

To meet these expectations, retail employees must be equally well-informed. **Smart mobile technologies** play a pivotal role in bridging this knowledge gap, ensuring staff can deliver seamless, confident service.

An effective **POS system** should enhance—not hinder—employee productivity. Rather than consuming valuable time or creating frustration, it should provide **instant access to critical information**, enabling staff to assist customers efficiently and maintain smooth store operations. Your employees are the face of your brand; their tools should reflect the same level of sophistication as your business strategy.

Key Features to Look for in a POS System:

- **Secure, role-based logins** for all employees

- **Customizable dashboards** tailored to individual roles

- **Intuitive interface** to minimize training time

- **Comprehensive inventory management**, including photo integration

- **User-friendly tools** that employees can adopt with ease

By investing in a **modern, employee-centric POS system**, you equip your team with the tools they need to excel—ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.