Yes, you really can do this. Many traditional point of sale dealerships and their vendors would have you believe differently. However, the facts say otherwise.
The Internet has long ago made computer hardware a common commodity. For years we have all had access to computers, monitors and printers directly from the manufacturer without the markup of the middleman, otherwise known as the local dealer.
The software that runs the hardware has also taken a turn toward the open marketplace of the Internet. The software that was once nearly impossible for an untrained person to install now has self-install routines built into it that allow almost anyone to properly install and run the software.
More user friendly back office modules for this software has opened up this once feared area to anyone who has the confidence to venture forth. Some software even has wizards, or portions of the software that will ask questions and configure the software for you.
So here are some quick steps to building your own POS system.
- Find your software. The reason you do this first is because of the interface options available. Software packages support different printer interfaces and not all interfaces are supported. Once you determine the software module you can then determine the interfaces for your periphreal devices.
- Only buy new hardware and not refurbished. New hardware will carry the full manufacturer warranty.
- Careful of the colors. Different manufacturers have a different idea of what standard colors should be. Mixing hardware manufacturers can mean mixing colors.
- Look for the best overall price from a single source. Saving a dollar from several individual websites might not be the best thing to do. Try combining orders to get free shipping or some other savings.
- Stage the hardware and test it before loading in your new POS software. Checking printers, displays and network settings before loading the POS software will help eliminate problems later.
- Plan ahead. Don’t get yourself in a rush. Allow time for any problems that may arise.
You truly can build your own point of sale system. We can help.
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