Industries Served
Restaurants
Retail
Hospitality
B2B
E-commerce
Events
What is a POS system
A POS (Point of Sale system) is the hardware and software that businesses use to process sales transactions, manage customer orders, and keep track of inventory. It's essentially where a customer makes a payment for products or services, and the business records the sale.
Components of a POS System:
Hardware:
Terminal
A computer or tablet where the transaction is processed.
Card Reader
For processing credit and debit card payments.
Receipt Printer
To print out receipts for customers.
Barcode Scanner
For scanning product barcodes, speeding up the checkout process.
Cash Drawer
Where cash payments are stored.
Software:
Transaction Processing
To handle sales, refunds, and exchanges.
Inventory Management
To track stock levels and update inventory as items are sold.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
To store customer information, purchase history, and loyalty programs.
Reporting
To generate sales reports, track performance, and analyze customer behavior.
Employee Management
To track staff sales, shifts, and manage user permissions.
Types of POS Systems:
1. Traditional/Legacy POS
These are usually on-premise systems that require specific hardware like a desktop terminal and are often used by large businesses or restaurants.
2. Cloud-based POS
These systems can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity, such as tablets or smartphones. They offer more flexibility and are popular with small businesses, retail stores, and cafes.
Benefits of a POS System:
Efficiency
Speeds up transactions and reduces errors.
Data Tracking
Provides insights into sales trends and inventory levels.
Customer Experience
Streamlines the checkout process and supports loyalty programs.
Security
Secures payment information, especially with EMV (chip) card technology.
POS systems are used in a wide variety of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and service-based industries.
Common POS Pricing Structures
POS systems come with various pricing structures depending on the provider, the size of the business, and the specific needs (such as hardware and features). Here are the common pricing structures for POS systems:
Flat Monthly Subscription Fee:
- This is the most common pricing model, especially for cloud-based POS systems. Businesses pay a fixed monthly fee to use the software.
- Example: A retail POS system might charge $30–$100 per month, depending on features like inventory management, reporting, or multi-location support.
Pros: Predictable cost, scalable with your business.
Cons: If your business scales up or you need more features, costs can rise.
Tiered Pricing (Based on Features or Business Size):
- Many POS providers offer different tiers, where pricing increases with additional features or the number of locations/users.
Example:
- Basic Plan: $30/month for essential POS features.
- Premium Plan: $100/month with advanced analytics, multi-location support, and CRM features.
Pros: Flexibility to choose based on business needs.
Cons: You might have to upgrade to higher tiers for features that are essential as your business grows.
Free POS System (Pay-per-Transaction):
- Some providers offer free POS software but make money through transaction fees. The software is free, but each sale incurs a small percentage fee or flat rate.
- Example: You may pay a 2.6% + $0.10 fee for every transaction (credit card payment) processed through the system.
Pros: No upfront costs, ideal for small businesses or startups.
Cons: Over time, transaction fees can add up, making it more expensive than subscription-based models for high-volume businesses.
Custom Pricing (Enterprise Solutions):
- Larger businesses or enterprises may need customized solutions, especially if they operate across multiple locations or have complex needs.
- Example: Pricing is negotiated and typically includes tailored features, hardware, and dedicated support.
Pros: Tailored to specific needs, often includes premium support.
Cons: Usually more expensive, contracts may be long-term.
Hardware Costs:
Some POS systems may require you to purchase hardware like tablets, card readers, barcode scanners, and receipt printers, which are often priced separately.Example Hardware Costs
- POS terminal: $500–$1,500.
- Receipt printer: $200–$300.
- Barcode scanner: $100–$300
Pros: Buy only what you need.
Cons: Upfront hardware costs can be significant.
Processing Fees (for Payment Processing):
- If the POS provider also handles credit card payments, there are typically processing fees per transaction.
Examples:
- Credit card processing fee: 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
- Custom rates for high-volume businesses may be lower, or some providers offer a flat rate.
Pros: Integrated processing is convenient.
Cons: Fees can vary based on payment type and provider.
One-Time Licensing Fee (for On-Premise Systems):
- For traditional POS systems (installed on-premise), businesses may pay a one-time license fee for the software, with optional ongoing support or upgrade fees.
- Example: $1,000–$5,000+ one-time payment for a licensed system, plus optional support fees of $500–$1,500/year.
Pros: No recurring software fees after the initial purchase.
Cons: High upfront cost and may require ongoing maintenance fees.
Hardware
Top 10 POS matches your business with the best point of sale services saving you the time and money you need to keep growing.
3-1 Reader | Terminal Mini | Terminal | Flex | POS+ | PINPAD Pro | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Magstripe payments | ||||||
EMV chip card payments | ||||||
NFC contactless payments | ||||||
PIN debit | N/A | |||||
Built-in barcode scanner | N/A | |||||
Built-in receipt printer | N/A | N/A | ||||
Customer-facing second screen | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Key Features of North Payments POS Hardware Systems:
North Payments POS hardware systems are designed to offer reliable, secure, and flexible solutions for businesses in various industries, including retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses. While Merchant One primarily focuses on payment processing, they offer a range of hardware options to suit different business needs. Here are the main features of Merchant One POS hardware systems:
Range of Devices:
- Countertop POS Stations: These devices are designed for stationary use, ideal for retail and restaurant environments. They often include built-in card readers, receipt printers, and large touchscreens for easy transaction management.
- Mobile Card Readers: These portable devices allow businesses to accept payments on the go, suitable for mobile vendors, pop-up shops, and service providers.
- Smart Terminals and Pin Pads: North Payments offers a variety of smart terminals that feature dual screens, one for the customer and one for the merchant, enabling faster and more efficient checkouts.
Payment Types Supported:
- Credit and Debit Card Payments (including EMV chip cards and magstripe).
- Contactless Payments (NFC): Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets.
- Mobile Payments: Accept payments via mobile devices, making it easier to operate on the go.
- Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs: The hardware is typically integrated with gift card and customer loyalty systems to enhance customer retention.
Security Features:
- PCI Compliance: North Payment hardware systems meet PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) requirements, ensuring secure transaction processing.
- Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE): This security feature encrypts card data from the moment of swipe or tap, protecting sensitive information throughout the payment process.
Dual Displays:
- Many North POS devices feature dual displays, with one screen facing the merchant and another facing the customer. This setup improves transparency during the checkout process and allows customers to verify details like transaction totals.
Customizable Touchscreen Interfaces:
- The touchscreens on these POS devices are customizable, allowing merchants to adjust menus, product listings, and system features according to their business needs.
- App Integration: These systems typically support integration with apps for inventory management, sales tracking, and customer relationship management (CRM).
Built-in Receipt Printers and Barcode Scanners:
- Many of the POS hardware devices offered by North Payments include built-in receipt printers and optional barcode scanners, enabling faster and more efficient retail checkouts.
Cloud-Based Functionality:
- Cloud-based data management allows businesses to store and access transaction data, inventory levels, and customer information from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Real-time synchronization across multiple locations or devices ensures that all data is up to date.
Real-Time Reporting and Analytics:
- The POS systems provide real-time reports on sales, inventory, and customer behavior. This allows businesses to analyze trends, optimize stock levels, and track employee performance.
Portability and Flexibility:
- The mobile devices offered by North are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for businesses that need flexibility, such as restaurants with tableside payments or vendors at events.
Third-Party Integration:
- North Payments POS hardware integrates with various third-party software solutions, including accounting software (like QuickBooks), CRM tools, and e-commerce platforms, making it a comprehensive solution for omnichannel businesses.
Scalability:
- Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, North Payments POS systems are scalable, allowing you to add more terminals or expand functionality as your business grows.
Hardware Examples:
- Pay anywhere Smart Terminal: A portable all-in-one device that handles payments, prints receipts, and offers a touchscreen interface for ease of use. It’s perfect for businesses that need mobility.
- Smart PINPad Pro: A dual-display terminal with both customer- and merchant-facing screens. It is ideal for quick-service businesses needing rapid transaction capabilities.
- Pay anywhere 3-in-1 Card Reader: A Bluetooth-connected mobile device that allows businesses to accept payments on smartphones or tablets.
Our Expert Opinion
These features make North Payments POS hardware systems highly versatile and suitable for a variety of business environments, from small retail shops to restaurants and service providers. If you need more specific information, I recommend reaching out directly to North Payments or visiting their website once the page becomes accessible.
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