POS Solutions
Article | March 18, 2024
When you think of field research, you might think of an archeologist bent over a dig site investigating civilizations from the past, excavating the terrain and sifting out important artifacts. In marketing, field research is also about the study of the human experience and uncovering those important pieces of knowledge — but as they pertain to your business. Field research can give you insights into your customers' pain points, what they need to solve their problems, their thoughts on how your product helps or even what where they feel your services might be improved.
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POS Solutions, Ecommerce Merchandising
Article | June 7, 2024
Until recently, most brick-and-mortar retail stores relied on local platforms to save their point-of-sale (POS) data, such as transaction records and product price lists. These include a variety of solutions, ranging from larger network servers to on-premises PCs or servers used by service providers. However, a large number of retailers are shifting their business operations to online platforms, with cloud POS emerging as a trailblazer in the transition.
Retailers are heavily investing in the development of digital payments, contactless, and cashless transactions and have begun to implement innovative point of sale (POS) solutions to improve their bottom lines in the long run.
Cloud POS Providers Responding to Transition
Over the years, POS platforms, especially cloud-based POS, have evolved into robust platforms capable of integrating a wide range of retail operations, including data analytics, accounting, inventory, accounting, and marketing.
This evolution of POS platforms from traditional to cloud-based has manifested itself in a variety of ways, ranging from increased inventory management efficiency to improved user experience, data security, disaster management, and increased profitability, positioning themselves solutions as an imperative retail tool, today.
On account of the rising awareness regarding the merits of integrating cloud technology, approximately 52 percent of corporate firms have fully migrated to cloud POS solutions, with more than 40 percent planning to follow the same, as per a study. Citing the trend, cloud POS solutions are anticipated to exceed $9 billion by the end of 2026.
Leading industry players are riposting to this transition in earnest by launching innovative products designed to address the need for advanced POS solutions across the retail sector. For instance, in 2022, Visa unveiled a new cloud-based payment platform, Visa Acceptance Cloud (VAC), which can transform almost every device into a cloud-connected payment terminal.
The Future’s Story
In this digital disruption era, enterprises are gearing up to invest in innovative technologies and enter the new software market. One of these is the cloud-based POS system, which has permitted retail stores to manage customer data and handle sales and inventory digitally. POS software has clearly benefited all business domains, but it has completely transformed the retail sector's facet, making it more progressive, tech-savvy, and customer-oriented.
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POS Solutions, POS Retail, Ecommerce Merchandising
Article | June 7, 2024
Discover cutting-edge innovations, learn about operational efficiencies, and explore ways to enhance customer experiences through modern POS solutions with the most awaited POS events in 2023.
As the significance of customer satisfaction, efficient inventory management, and omnichannel experience grew, the adoption of Point-of-Sale (POS) systems has gained significant momentum in the last few years. These advanced systems offer businesses numerous benefits, including enhanced efficiency, real-time data analytics, and seamless integration with other essential operations.
With the addition of features, such as time data accessibility, seamless integration with other business operations, enhanced mobility, and automatic software updates, these cloud POS solutions empower businesses to make informed decisions, improve operational efficiency, provide personalized customer experiences, and adapt quickly to changing market demands. To stay at the forefront of this technological revolution and garner the latest insights in the sector, industry professionals and enthusiasts are flocking to various events and conferences dedicated to cloud POS. Here are some of the top payment-related POS conferences for businesses to attend:
The Payment & Innovation Forum 2023
November 16-17, 2023 | Budapest (Hungary)
The Payment & Innovation Forum 2023 is a premier event that brings together industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the banking and fintech sectors. With a focus on the European Union regulatory landscape, the forum explores the safe and responsible adoption of the latest innovation trends in banking. Speakers, including Javier Santamaría, The Chair of the European Payments Council; Daniela Bobocea, Chief Digital Officer at Digital Banker; and others, will share valuable insights and exchange ideas on the evolving payments landscape. Attendees can expect insightful discussions on topics such as the new era of customer experience, the relationship between fintech and banks, disruptions and digital banking trends, regulation and innovation, instant payment solutions, and the future of EU cybersecurity.
Driving the Future of Ecommerce in Asia Pacific
October 11-12, 2023 | Marina Bay (Singapore)
Driving the Future of Ecommerce in Asia Pacific, eCommerce Expo Asia is back in 2023 for its highly anticipated fourth edition. With an impressive lineup of industry experts, including David Jou, CEO & Co-Founder of Pomelo Fashion; Jay Teo, Head of Point of Sales Business at Shopline; Alexandra Morris, APAC Head of Marketing at BigCommerce; and Jay Jenkins, Global Tech Evangelist at BytePlus, the event will shed light on the latest innovation and highlight game-changing solutions that will propel their ecommerce endeavors forward. Attendees can expect insightful keynote speeches, informative panel discussions, and thought-provoking sessions on the emerging trends and strategies driving the future of ecommerce in the Asia-Pacific region.
Advanced E-Commerce & Retail Expo
October 25-27, 2023 | Makuhari Messe (Japan)
Advanced E-Commerce & Retail Expo is a comprehensive event showcasing a wide range of products and solutions tailored for the retail and ecommerce industries. It focuses on store operations, customer attraction, customer service, and online-offline store connectivity. The POS event presents professionals from various sectors, such as retail, ecommerce, food and service, manufacturing, and management of industries like hotel and leisure, making it a valuable platform to explore cutting-edge solutions that drive business growth. Attendees can expect to connect with industry experts, discover innovative technologies, and gain insights into the latest trends in retail, ecommerce, marketing, logistics, and systems.
Los Angeles eCommerce Summit 2024
May 16, 2024 | Los Angeles (California)
Los Angeles eCommerce Summit 2024 is a highly anticipated one-day event that brings together a curated group of local eCommerce experts, decision-makers, and industry professionals from the vibrant LA area. The conference is thoughtfully designed to deliver high-impact impressions through panel discussions, presentations, and one-on-one meetings covering a wide range of topics such as eCommerce strategy, marketing, operations, customer experience, payment solutions, shipping logistics, and loyalty programs. With industry leaders and innovators from established retailers and brands as participating speakers, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights, forge meaningful connections, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape.
Payments Summit
February 26-28, 2024 | California (USA)
Hosted by Secure Technology Alliance, the 16th annual Payments Summit will be held in conjunction with an Identity Summit, as well as the Winter Member Meeting of the U.S. Payments Forum and Identity Access Forum. Under the theme of ’Smarter Faster Payments,’ the summit showcases renowned keynote speakers Ben Nemtin, no. 1 New York Times bestselling author and Shola Richards, Founder of The Positivity Solution, who will share their invaluable insights on the future of payments. With a focus on enhancing the user experience, improving decision-making, and reinforcing security measures, Smarter Faster Payments is an important industry event for those seeking to stay ahead of the curve and make a meaningful impact in the world of payments.
Payments Forum
May 6-8, 2024 | Florida (USA)
Payments Forum is a premier event where industry experts, leaders, and decision-makers from financial institutions, card issuers, payments processors, merchants, and retailers gather for strategic discussions on revenue growth and product development. This POS event serves as a vital platform for attendees to gain valuable insights into the latest technological advancements, regulatory impacts, and the evolving landscape of consumer behavior. With a focus on innovation, digital transformation, and staying ahead of industry trends, the Payments Forum provides a unique opportunity for professionals to exchange knowledge, explore new options, and drive their organizations toward success in the dynamic payments sector.
PAY360 Conference
March 19-20, 2024 | London (UK)
An essential event, the PAY360 Conference, is where professionals in the payments industry come together to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the payments ecosystem. With speakers such as Kosta Du, Founder and CEO of Dapio; Charles Damen, Chief Product Officer at Token; and Denise Johansson. Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Enfuce, on the deck, the conference provides a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. Recognizing the growing demand, this POS event has expanded to a larger venue, reflecting its status as the preferred meeting point for forging partnerships, acquiring new customers, and influencing policy. By pushing boundaries and going the extra mile, PAY360 is committed to serving and benefiting the payments community, enabling attendees to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in this dynamic and fast-paced sector.
MoneyLIVE Summit
March 6-7, 2024 | London (UK)
MoneyLIVE Summit, held in the world's FinTech capital, is the premier global event for payments and banking professionals. Bringing together industry leaders at the forefront of their fields, this POS summit serves as the epicenter of ground-breaking partnerships, amplifying innovation, and nurturing the brightest ideas. With five remarkable stages to choose from, attendees can delve into a wide range of topics, including open banking, new revenue models, payments innovation, digital identities, and more. MoneyLIVE Summit provides a unique platform to stay informed, inspired, and connected with the latest trends and advancements shaping the payments and banking landscape, making it an important event for industry professionals seeking to drive success and embrace the future of finance.
Smarter Faster Payments 2024
May 6-9, 2024 | Miami (USA)
Smarter Faster Payments 2024 is an exceptional industry event that recognizes the transformative power of technology and information in revolutionizing the world of payments. This POS event is dedicated to organizations that are at the forefront of driving innovation, delivering value through groundbreaking solutions and services, and utilizing these advancements to meet their business requirements and engage with customers. With a focus on enhancing the user experience, empowering decision-making processes, and ensuring robust security measures, Smarter Faster Payments offers a unique platform for diverse organizations to come together, share insights, and explore the latest trends and strategies in the payments landscape. Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge, establish meaningful connections, and stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry.
CMO in eCommerce Conference - 2023
September 27, 2023 | Online
A must-attend event, The CMO in eCommerce Conference - 2023, designed specifically for eCommerce Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) looking to optimize their online stores and drive business success. This POS conference brings together a panel of experienced eCommerce CMOs who understand the challenges of managing and developing thriving online businesses. With a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to share, these industry experts will provide valuable insights on optimizing store performance, enhancing customer engagement, and boosting sales. Attendees can gain critical insights into the latest trends, platforms, tools, and apps, gaining a competitive edge and making their marketing efforts more effective.
The Future of POS
The future of Point-of-Sale (POS) is poised for significant transformation through the integration of cloud-based technologies. Attending the top 10 POS conferences in 2023 presents a remarkable opportunity for industry professionals to gain invaluable insights and stay abreast of the latest advancements in this ever-evolving field. These conferences serve as vibrant platforms where retailers, technology providers, and industry enthusiasts can converge, share knowledge, and forge meaningful connections. Attendees can stay ahead of the curve by participating in these events, leveraging the power of cloud-based POS systems to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and drive business growth.
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POS Solutions
Article | March 23, 2022
How much does it cost to install a point of sale (POS) system?
It’s a question that we get all the time and the answer might surprise you.
If you’re trying to grow a retail small business, you probably don’t have all the money and resources in the world to commit to an expensive retail POS system.
Moreover, finding the best retail POS system for your growing small business is easier said than done, especially if you don’t know what features to prioritize in your search.
So, what’s the good news? Finding the right POS system for your business is as easy as 1-2-3 and installing a POS system is actually quite affordable!
How Much Does it Cost to Install a POS System?
The short answer: it depends and varies by POS type and by vendor. We've seen POS installation costs range from $0-$700. Installation costs come on top of the upfront hardware costs (up to $1,600), monthly software fees (anywhere from $9-299 per month) and payment processing fees.
When it's all said and done, your total cost of ownership for year one can range from $1,200-$6,500. Controlling POS installation costs is key in minimizing first-year total ownership cost.
There are two types of costs to consider related to installing a POS system: time costs and financial costs. The most significant delays come when the POS system isn’t pre-configured for your unique business. In this scenario, you may spend a considerable amount of time aligning the system with your sales processes.
Additionally, if your inventory management, employee payroll, and other tools are built inside separate programs, you may need to spend time integrating and combing these systems, thus increasing POS installation costs.
Finally, if the provider doesn’t offer online software guides or tutorials, you may spend your time figuring out features and functionality on your own. Without these helpful resources, you’ll spend a considerable amount of time fumbling through the system. No one has time for that!
These time costs tie directly into financial costs. Instead of spending time installing a POS system yourself, you could be spending that time ringing in sales!
Here are some of the other things that influence POS system installation costs.
Number of Stations
If your POS system isn’t pre-configured so that you can “plug and play,” you’re most likely going to require an on-site technician to install your POS. Often, the total number of stations influences total installation cost. The more stations you have, the more time the technician has to spend installing them, and the higher your installation costs will be.
Type of Software/Hardware
This is another downfall of not purchasing an all-in-one retail POS system that comes pre-configured. Some software and hardware come with additional installation costs because they require more time for your on-site technician to complete.
These costs can also be looked at from the type of POS system you purchase: on-site, cloud-based, or hybrid.
On-site POS systems typically take the most effort to install, meaning a higher financial cost. Cloud-based and hybrid POS systems are easier to install, but installation time is dictated by whether the software and hardware is pre-configured or not.
Advanced Features
Many advanced POS system features may require additional time and additional cost for a technician to install.
iPads or other mobile devices for staff to use when serving customers
Handheld scanners for inventory
Payment hardware and their corresponding security systems or software
Data or product migrations from your previous POS system
Number of Users
Certain POS providers price their system based on the number of users. This can also affect install costs. If you require an on-site technician and/or you don’t have access to a tutorial for adding users to the system, the technician will most likely have to do that for you. Again, this means more time spent installing your POS system, increasing the total installation cost.
Training
Some POS providers will wrap POS system training into installation costs. This will require an investment of time from key stakeholders, including management and employees.
Some POS providers will also charge you for additional training outside of the initial training session. If they don’t have online training resources, this means every new employee will either need to be trained by the provider (costing you money) or trained by you or another staff member (costing you time).
POS Nation Reduces the Cost of Installing a POS System
With a POS Nationall-in-one retail POS system, setting up your hardware is easier than you’d think. The benefit of purchasing a full point of sale system from us is that it’s a plug-and-play solution. Take it out of the box, plug everything in, and it’s ready to go! Our team of technicians pre-configures your hardware so you don't have to worry about any installations when it arrives. Most of our advanced features are baked right into the software. There are some that cost extra, but most are pre-installed, making us a more powerful and affordable solution.
Additionally, you are assigned a customer success manager. Their goal is to help you get up and running as quickly and smoothly as possible. They will schedule a hardware setup appointment with you. During this call, they will assist you with:
Remote hardware setup
Hardware testing
A test transaction on the pinpad
Any basic training they can cover during the appointment time
They will book as many training sessions as you need to solidify your understanding of the software and its many functionalities.
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