There are a number of different payment types a POS system might accept: Each time a customer buys an item, your POS system processes the transaction. Payment processing is one of the core functions of a POS system.
Other systems may require you to use outside software to get the features you need. Some POS solutions, like Square, include the features below.
It can also be a quick way to check the price, stock level, and other details. Receipt printer: A paper receipt shows customers exactly when and what they purchased and how much they paid.īarcode scanner: A barcode scanner reads an item’s product details so you can ring it up. POS software that’s connected to a cash drawer can minimise fraud by tracking exactly when the drawer is opened. Purpose-built hardware with an integrated computer and display.Ĭredit card reader: A card reader lets your customers securely pay by debit or credit card while in store.Ĭash drawer: Even if you accept contactless payments, you may still need a safe spot to keep your cash.Mobile-based display hardware such as an iPad with a POS app installed and a case or stand to hold the iPad (such as Square Stand).Computer-based display with a computer case that might sit beneath the counter or attached to the display.It allows you to calculate and process customer transactions and comes in three main forms: Touchscreen display and computer – the central piece you might refer to as a register. Keep in mind that what you need depends on your business. Here’s a rundown of common types of POS hardware and software. If you operate a food truck, a phone or tablet could be all you need to process orders. But if you have a cafe, you may need a register and a credit card reader. If you have an online store, then all of your sales happen on your website, so you don’t need POS hardware to help you accept payments. What types of hardware and software does a POS system typically include?Įvery POS system uses POS software, but not all businesses need POS hardware. The payment goes through, a digital or printed receipt is created and you ship or hand your customer the items they bought. This is the moment when you officially make a sale. The point-of-sale transaction is finalised. Depending on the type of payment they choose, your customer’s bank then has to authorise the transaction.Ĥ. To finish their purchase, your customer will have to use their debit or credit card, mobile, loyalty points, gift card, or cash to make the payment go through. Your POS system calculates the price of the item, including any GST, and then updates the inventory count to show that the item is sold.ģ. For online stores, this step happens when a customer finishes adding items to their cart and clicks the checkout button.Ģ. Some POS systems, like Square Point of Sale, also allow you to visually scan items using the camera on your device. That assistant could use a barcode scanner to look up the item’s price. If you have a physical shop, they may ask a sales assistant to ring them up. A customer decides to buy your product or service.
So what does a POS system do? Usually, it works like this:ġ. All you need is a POS app and an internet-enabled device, like a tablet or phone. Today, modern POS systems are entirely digital, which means you can check out a customer wherever you are. In the past, a point-of-sale system referred to the cash register at a shop’s counter. It sounds simple enough, but the setup can work in different ways, depending on whether you sell online, have a physical shop, or both. How does a POS system work at a small business?Ī POS system allows your business to accept payments from customers and keep track of sales. Your point-of-sale system is the hardware and software that enables your business to make those sales. When customers check out online, walk up to your counter, or pick out an item from your stand or booth, they’re at the point of sale. A point of sale, or point of purchase, is where you ring up sales for customers.