EPOS systems for retail shops
Electronic Point of sale (EPOS) systems for retail stores have developed significantly in recent years, and are now sophisticated enough to do more than simply process customer payments. Understanding the new technological features involved in retail POS can help businesses find the best point of sale system for to suit its needs which will, in turn, help increase profit margins, efficiency and accuracy with stock control.
At Merchant Advice Service, we specialise in finding EPOS systems to suit a variety of retail business needs. We work closely with business owners and managers to find the right solution based on your immediate and long-term business plan to ensure you have the best deal possible. Whether you are searching for a more complex retail POS system for a big business or want to know what’s the best POS system for a small retail business our experts are at hand to give expert advice so you can make the right decision.
The Merchant Advice Service team has experience in EPOS implementation across the following retail businesses:
Shops and boutiques
Selecting retail software that suits the way your business operates now as well as how you forecast its growth is crucial to selecting the right deal. The right retail point of sale software will largely depend on the footfall to your store, the percentage of these visits that then convert to a sale and the value of the sales. Large chains and franchises should also consider using retail EPOS software to streamline internal communication, manage stock levels across multiple stores and also plan staff timetables. Smaller shops or boutique looking to implement a retail EPOS system should consider iPad system as this may provide many of the same advantages as a complete solution without the hefty price tag. Of course, it’s not one-size fits all but these systems are often suitable pop-up shops or businesses that trade in varying locations. Either way, most shops prefer touch screen tills so that checkouts remain uncluttered and the customer experience is more positive.
Hair and beauty salons
Industry specific retail systems can go a long way towards improving the customer experience and streamlining business operations. The best retail software available to hairdressers and beauty salons work can be easily integrated with existing booking apps and websites, so adding an EPOS system should cause minimal disruption. The implementation of an EPOS system means clients will be able to arrange appointments without picking up the phone. For hairdressing and beauty salon businesses, EPOS systems work with diary management, and can be pre-programmed to include length and cost of treatments as well as staff working hours to help reduce risk of human error when making bookings. This, coupled with stock control management as well as payroll and back office statistics, is a breakthrough offering to the industry and could have a hugely positive impact on retailers if the right deal is selected. Why not speak to us about merchant services for your salon, we’ve put together some handy tips to help you in this area too.
Motor trade
Implementing a point of sale retail system within a business in the motor trade could set your business apart from competitors. The motor industry has largely been slow at uptake on EPOS systems, but with software available that deals with customer enquiries and back office management means introducing this to your business could really set it apart.
Some retail software systems have the ability to contact customers prior to their MOT expiring, prompting them to book an appointment. The ease of this process for the consumer from a supplier they already know and trust could create thousands of pounds worth of extra revenue, with little effort or expense.
Trade desks
EPOS systems for retail don’t just cover businesses that sell directly to the customer – we work with a number of business to business retailers too. Choosing the best POS retail system could mean a more streamlined process across operations from email invoices, generating orders, taking deposits and providing a service to other businesses that will improve brand awareness via word of mouth.
Service providers such as Jewellers
Service industries can benefit from POS systems for retail as much as product led retailers. Jewellers are a good example as, although most sell products alongside services such as valuations and repairs, both elements of the business can be inputted into a retail sales system, ensuring combined management for both areas of operations.
Cash and carry
Selling wholesale goods to businesses can be just as competitive as a consumer facing high-street store. Implementing a retail management system for stock counts and marketing purposes could not only save time and money but provide business insight you might otherwise not have access to. In large warehouses or where there’s multiple sites, reporting becomes even more important for management. Introducing retail POS system software will help streamline this process and reduce risk of human error with aspects like stock control. A cloud based retail POS can be assessed from anywhere with an internet connection – proving particularly useful for site visits and management meetings.
Regardless of the size or location of your business, our team of experts are on hand to provide free and impartial advice to ensure you make the right choice for your business needs. Get in touch for a quote, price comparison or for any questions you have around merchant services.
Retail point of sale options
To help you understand the options available a little more, here’s our guide to point of sale systems and how they best suit businesses.
IPAD and Android based systems
Cloud based POS systems for retail is best suited to pop-up shops or start-ups. It often runs using very similar software to the larger, more complex hardware available but the benefit of this solution is that the system is portable, enabling orders to be taken remotely and away from the cash register. This type of EPOS system is usually compatible with cash draws, barcode readers and printers too, making integration simple and effective.
Complete solutions
The ‘check-out’ points in shops have improved in recent years and now retail EPOS systems are more sophisticated than ever. This means customers can expect a more efficient service whilst businesses can digitalise its operations with the likes of email receipts. Retail point of sale systems allow prompts to upsell products as well as staff performance reporting and target setting to motivate employees. Stock control and orders are streamlined using an EPOS system and cashing up also becomes easier for till systems and general processing.
Industry specific solutions
Running a booking system alongside an EPOS system can sometimes complicate processes. Merchant Advice Service has software available for businesses that provide a combined package, helping to streamline operations by integrating with apps and websites. There’s also cloud based and mobile options available to streamline further.
Customer made EPOS
The growth in EPOS technology has meant customised packages are more competitive and readily available to retailers. If you have specific business requirements that are more complicated than usual you’ll be sure to find a suitable bespoke option – you just need to know where to look. At Merchant Advice Service our programmers and developers can create custom designs for businesses based on specific needs to ensure your EPOS system works perfectly for the demands of your business.
Merchant Advice Service specialise in the following areas:
If you need help with sourcing an EPOS system get in touch and speak to our expert advisors today.
Retail computer systems
POS systems for retail
Retail management software
Retail solutions for small business
Portable retail POS
Touch screen tills
Merchant accounts for your retail business
Processing fees on merchant accounts can be small but this depends entirely on your businesses unique circumstances, as well as things like contract length. Average credit card processing fees for shops and other retail outlets can vary considerably depending on the size of your average transaction.
At Merchant Advice Service we can advise you on suitable options based on your individual needs to make sure you get the best deal possible.
Get in touch today for a no fee, no obligation quote.
