POS Pricing and how to buy
Point of Sale Systems | Buyer's Guide
Most POS systems are sold through resellers, not manufacturers.
These resellers have the expertise to install, program, and support
your POS system. Other vendors sell complete systems over the
Internet or the phone - they tend to specialize in less-expensive,
one-size-fits-all solutions that are ready to go as soon as you plug
them in. BEWARE! Remember the saying: "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"
this applies very heavily here!
| POS Pricing and how to buy |
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Costs for POS systems can vary significantly. A
full-blown POS system, installed and customized to your
business, can range from $2,500 to $6,000 per terminal,
including hardware, software, and support. You can purchase a
complete off-the-shelf system from a discount vendor for much
less - as low as $1,500 (used!)- but you will have to install and
program it yourself, and will not have the support you probably
need. |
Price should not be your most important
consideration when comparing POS vendors. The system will pay for
itself in time through reduced expenses and increased sales, so you
should be making sure you get a system that truly meets all your
needs. It is particularly important that you have confidence in the
vendor you choose.
Almost all POS systems are sold outright; very few are leased.
POS vendors often have arrangements with third-party leasing
agencies if you are interested in spreading the costs out over time;
you can also simply get a small bank loan to purchase the complete
system.
Upgrading POS systems as your business grows is not only easy -
it is almost expected. Regular software updates let you get access
to the latest features. Upgrades may be included in your service
contract, or may involve a small additional fee. Adding new hardware
- entire new terminals, or new peripherals for existing terminals -
is also generally easy, provided the hardware you add is compatible
with your software. Buying "more of the same" is a good way to make
sure everything connects smoothly.
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