Basically, a POS is like a cash register on steroids: You can use it to administer cash transactions and do everything that a normal register would do, plus you can gain more detailed POS reporting on those transactions. A POS usually has a touchscreen interface that employees use to administer purchases.
POS systems were introduced in the s, when cash registers evolved into computerized POS terminals which could perform additional functions, like credit card processing and basic inventory management. Over the years, the POS system has become more advanced.
Now, many POS terminals integrate with other retail business tools, such as inventory management, accounting or warehouse management software. Some are robust enough to act as a retail management command center that handles everything sales, inventory and customer management.
They provide a centralized location for data which allows retailers to stay on top of various channels and stores from a single platform. POS systems also have features for a number of other components to your retail business, including:. Try it for free today! No credit card required. Mobile point-of-sale mPOS are an even more recent evolution of the modern cash register. So, rather than forcing a customer to make their way to the point-of-purchase, the point-of-purchase can come to them.
In fact, more than half of UK retailers rated mPOS as the most important in-store technology for consumers in On the surface, it looks like traditional cash registers and modern POS systems have the same purpose, which is to ring up sales. A cash register is a machine that stores your cash in a drawer and lets you facilitate the checkout process.
The biggest difference between cash registers and POS systems is that the latter is so much more powerful, robust, and feature-rich. Cash registers: Lets you ring up sales and is equipped with a secure drawer for deposits and bills. Some cash registers can be customized based on your tax requirements, and others can also provide basic sales reports. POS systems: Allows you to do all of the above, plus:.
Modern POS systems are more portable and flexible than traditional cash registers. The latter pretty much comes in just one form: a cash register machine. But POS systems like Vend can run on different devices, including Mac, iPad, and PC so your checkout process can be as portable or as fleshed out as you want.
Point of sale systems have another advantage here. Most cash registers can only connect with your payment processor. That being said, a point of sale system should be seen as an investment.
Find a hard, flat surface to set your register on. Ideally, this will be on a countertop with room for customers to place their merchandise. Plug the register directly into an outlet do not use an extension cord. Install batteries.
Batteries provide backup memory for the cash register in case of power failure and should be installed before you program any functions in the cash register. Take off the receipt paper cover and locate the battery compartment. You may need to use a small screwdriver to unscrew the lid to this area. Install the batteries according to the directions on the machine. Put the lid back on the battery compartment.
Some battery compartments are located underneath the receipt paper area. Change batteries once per year to ensure that they will work properly. Install the receipt paper. Take off the cover to the receipt paper compartment. Make sure the end of your paper roll has a straight edge so it will be fed easily into the paper feeder. Feed the paper roll through so that it will run up through the front of the register where you will be able to tear off receipts for customers.
Press the FEED button so that the register will catch the receipt and feed it through. Unlock the till drawer.
The till drawer usually has a key that locks it up for safety. Do not lose this key. You can just leave the key in the drawer when it is unlocked so that it is easily found when you need to lock it up. Turn the cash register on. Others may have a key on the front top of the machine. Turn on the machine, or turn the key to the REG register position. Newer registers may have a MODE button instead of a physical key.
Program your register. Most registers have buttons that can be programmed to categorize similar items. These categories, or departments, can also be associated with taxable or non-taxable items. You can also set the date and time.
Other registers may have a manual lever underneath the receipt tape cover that needs to be switched to a Program option.
Many cash registers have at least 4 tax buttons. These can be programmed at different tax rates, depending on if you have a flat sales tax as some states in the U. Follow the specific instructions in your register's manual to program these functions. Part 2. Enter a security code or password to use the register. Many registers will require that you enter a clerk number or other security code to use the register. Clerk numbers are useful so that each sale is attributed to a particular person.
This is helpful in tracking sales and clearing up errors. Key in the amount for the first item. Use the number keys to type in the exact amount of the item.
Typically you do not need to add a decimal, as cash registers do this for you. Some registers will use a scanner, rather than asking you to manually enter in item prices. The scanner will read a barcode and enter the product's information automatically. If this is the case, you won't need to press the department button in the next step. Hit the corresponding department button. Most registers require that you hit a button after the amount that assigns that item to a category of sale for instance, clothing, food, etc.
Department keys can be programmed to be taxable or nontaxable. Consult your machine's manual for instructions on programming tax rates to correspond with keys. Looking at the receipt: press arrow or FEED key to have the register feed the receipt upwards so you can read what totals are being recorded on the receipt. Every item you add on will be added to a running total, which is usually displayed on the cash register reader or screen.
Add any necessary discounts to the price. If an item is on sale, you may need to enter in the percentage discount. This key is usually in the bank of buttons to the left of the number pad. Key in amounts for the remaining items. Use the number keys to enter in the exact dollar amount for each remaining item. Be sure to press the corresponding department key after each item is entered.
For example, if you have 2 books priced at R6. Hit the subtotal button. This button will give the total of the merchandise rung up. It will add any necessary tax that has been pre-programmed into the department buttons. Determine how the customer is going to pay. Customers may pay in cash, with a credit card, or with a check. You may also accept gift cards or certificates, which are most often treated as cash. Many registers will tell you how much change to give the customer.
Some do not, however, and you will have to do the math in your head. Once the till drawer pops open, you can place the cash or check in the drawer and count out any necessary change. 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. Close the till drawer.
Always close the cash drawer immediately after you use it so that it is not left hanging open. This could put you at risk for theft. Always empty out or remove the till drawer at the end of the business day and store it in a secure place. Ben Davis June 2, Do cash registers do the math for you? Do cashiers need math? Do cash registers show change?
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