If you decide that the extra cost of a full-fledged POS system is worth it for your business, we can match you to multiple POS sellers who'll walk you through the process. Some POS systems offer online dashboards that combine data from multiple stores so you can get the info you need in one easy-to-read location. You won't want to be manually capturing data from multiple registers and combining it to get the complete picture of your business performance.

POS systems are practically mandatory for multi-location businesses.

Often, basic jobs like ringing up customers, running basic reports, and cashing out at the end of the day are no more complicated than they would be with electronic cash registers. Part of the reason you'll pay more for a POS system is that the vendor you buy from will handle the setup and installation - and may even train you on the basics of using the system.

Some buyers worry about the complexity of POS systems, but if you want the flexibility and power they offer, the complexity shouldn't get in the way.

Without any requirement for a computer or networking, you can find standalone cash registers that can handle the needs of a very small business for $100 to $500.

On the other hand, if your budget is strapped, cash registers are much less expensive to purchase.

Want to know which of your items is the hottest seller? What's a dead item that should be pulled from the shelf? Standard POS reports make it easy to get at that data.

POS systems also provide a level of inventory management that is nonexistent with basic cash registers.

POS systems let you analyze your sales data over different date ranges, by category or location, and in almost any other way you can think of. While electronic cash registers can give you basic cash out report that will tell you your total sales figures for the day, that's usually about all they can do.

The primary difference is that POS systems let you do much more after the sale.

Both let you ring up customers and track how much you've sold of various items. They both usually have cash drawers, programmable item keys, price displays, receipt printers, and credit card swipe slots. For one thing, don't let the terminology confuse you: POS systems and cash registers have a lot in common.If you're still considering your options, here's a look at some of the differences: If you're looking to buy a cash register, we recommend going directly to business electronic outlets like Staples where you can get a good deal on a cash register. Not every business needs a POS system: modern electronic cash registers can provide many of the same benefits and are easier on your budget. This function may be protected for manager use only and may require that a manager uses a key to put the register in a different mode to access the NO SALE function.Just a cash register or a POS system: which is right for your business? To open the till drawer if you have not made a sale, you can press the NO SALE or NS button.Check: Key in the exact amount of the check, press the CK or CHECK button, and put the check in the drawer.

Credit card: Press CREDIT button (sometimes CR) and use credit card machine to run the credit card.Once the till drawer pops open, you can place the cash or check in the drawer and count out any necessary change. Some do not, however, and you will have to do the math in your head. Many registers will tell you how much change to give the customer. Cash: Type in amount of cash they give you and press CASH/AMT TND button (this is usually the largest wide button on the bottom right hand portion of the register's set of keys).You may also accept gift cards or certificates, which are most often treated as cash. Customers may pay in cash, with a credit card, or with a check. Determine how the customer is going to pay.

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