POS Solutions, POS Retail, Ecommerce Merchandising
Article | June 10, 2024
The retail sector is no longer a haven for old technologies, where customers refuse to abandon their favorite brands. Every business in a competitive retail ecosystem is struggling to keep customers engaged and delighted and convert every potential opportunity into sales.
Technology has been an important facilitator for the retail sector for years, and with the influx of technological breakthroughs such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the retail environment is experiencing significant transformation.
Perhaps no other industry has been as affected by advanced technologies and digital transformation as retail. As a result, the retail sector has experienced a major transition in the past couple of years, with customer experience becoming one of the most crucial brand differentiators.
Next-Gen POS Solutions Transform Retail Operations
AI-enabled advanced point of sale solutions has brought monumental changes in the retail industry—from the numerous applications in data management and computer vision to the use of machine learning for efficient inventory management.
Despite a substantial rise in the inclination toward online shopping, customers still prefer to shop from physical stores. According to a recent study, nearly 59% of consumers prefer visiting the store before purchasing, while 81% of the people planning to purchase premium-priced products like to check them in person first. This demonstrates that the retail experience is still important to consumers.
With the growing significance of enhancing customer experience, more and more retailers are emphasizing on improving the overall in-store experience. By incorporating AI into POS systems, retailers can collect and analyze massive amounts of customer data to gain valuable insights. AI can be used to integrate automation, allowing POS to process data from various touch points in real-time. Here are some additional features that retailers can benefit from, as follows:
Unlock the Hidden Value of Data
Gather Valuable Customer Insights
Foster Delightful Customer Experiences
Create Secure Payment Ecosystems
Stimulate Intelligent In-store Product Placement
Promote In-store Fraud Detection & Prevention
How Does the Future Look?
There is no doubt that AI has a lot to promise and deliver to the retail sector. AI can take things to the next level, especially in the POS domain, on account of its ability to capture, assess, and deliver valuable facts and statistics that will improve in-store engagement, enhance operations, and positively impact the bottom line.
Hence, numerous POS solution developers and providers are aiming at investing in AI to upgrade their current POS solutions. However, it remains to be seen how AI technology will affect the retail ecosystem as we know it.
Read More
POS Solutions
Article | February 15, 2024
CPG companies have been feeling the pain from store brands for close to a decade now. Increased quality, curated offerings and better graphics have all led shoppers to try and in many cases then switch to the store brand offering. The latest salvo in this war is about data. Supermarkets used to rely heavily on data and insights on everything from shelf placement to how to market and promote foods from the likes of their CPG partners as well as Nielsen and IRI, to name just a couple. Then "category captains" were created. Usually staffed from the leading CPG brand and headquartered at the retailer’s location, those CPG companies offered retailers insights and recommendations on how to sell more product across the entire category—not just their own brand. Those positions are being eliminated. The source and quality of data has changed. Grocers are relying on their own proprietary research to decide how and where and at what price to place products—their own brands as well as those from CPG.
Read More
POS Solutions, POS Retail, Ecommerce Merchandising
Article | June 7, 2024
Running a small business requires a tight eye on profits. More than likely, you will face scenarios in which you incur higher transaction fees you didn’t expect and could have avoided in the first place. Knowing how to navigate processing fees is a key part of your success. Whether you run a single location, a multi-location business, or even a mobile business, avoiding unnecessary fees should be part of the game plan.
Unfortunately, less-than-reputable POS providers are out there, and understanding fees associated with taking payment from customers isn’t easy, but knowing what to look for will help. In this article, we cover fees to keep an eye on and how to save more on your processing fees.
How To Avoid Paying Unnecessary Credit Card Processing Fees
Unfortunately, if you want to accept credit and debit cards as a form of payment in your business, you’re going to experience processing fees. The financial benefits outweigh the transaction costs, but you can still save some money on your POS system and credit card processing.
Negotiate Your Processing Fees
The reason it can be so hard to understand the actual cost of processing fees is that many merchant service providers bury fees in the fine print, and these fees can come back to haunt you. In general, the more upfront a company is about all its charges, the more trustworthy and reliable they are because they have nothing to hide, and typically those rates will be fair. But it also helps to keep an eye on certain aspects of a contract. You can then negotiate them or repackage services to boost your profits.
Transaction Fees: Choose The Right Plan
When setting up your contract, you are given the option of a range of credit card pricing plans. Here are three of the most common pricing models.
Interchange Plus Fee Pricing
This option offers different transaction rates for different card types, bank issuers, methods of transactions, and more. By understanding these fees when processing transactions, you can benefit financially by encouraging the usage of certain cards or procedures that are least costly.
Tiered Pricing
In this scenario, you are charged different rates for different tiers created by your provider. It’s important to evaluate this option carefully because most transactions can fall into a less favorable tier rate.
Flat-fee Structure Pricing
This fee allows for one charge for card-present (CP) transactions and another for card-not-present (CNP) transactions, regardless of card type. This predictable, one-rate pricing model is easy to follow, allowing you to encourage a lower cents-per-transaction option and formulate special pricing deals. However flat-rate can sometimes come out as more expensive than interchange-plus pricing.
How To Avoid Monthly PCI Compliance Charges
A semi-regular fee many merchants run into is not falling in line with PCI Compliant in how they handle payment information. Being PCI compliant means maintaining important standards for customer data protection, and it is taken seriously. Compliance is required for major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard and is becoming more popular as businesses continue to shift to online sales.
Rule enforcement is most often the responsibility of payment processing companies. Your provider will charge you two fees: a PCI compliance fee – which is once a year – and a PCI non-compliance fee – which occurs every month you have not completed your yearly PCI Compliance audit. Providers are free to charge however much they like for each service, and it can range anywhere between $30-$99 a month. Monthly charges are done both directly or indirectly via higher monthly fees, processing rates, or both. In some cases, the charges begin months after originally signing up with the processors hoping you won’t keep a close eye on all your ongoing processing fees.
As a merchant service provider, we at BNG Point-Of-Sale have a long and reliable history in helping our customers practice PCI Compliance within their business and avoid non-compliance fees.
PCI Compliance is necessary and it does require some work by the processors, so the charges aren’t a hoax, but there are some ways to keep costs down:
You can take on the responsibility of PCI Compliance yourself and forgo the processor’s fee; however, you will be on your own if issues arise. In today’s world of increasing e-commerce, it’s not recommended.
You can prevent the risk of non-compliance fees by working with companies that handle compliance internally. If they (not you) are the source of customer purchasing data, they are automatically in charge of it. Square and PayPal are examples of companies that handle all PCI Compliance, and we often account for these services when onboarding our customers and annually remind them to follow PCI Compliance.
At first glance, it may appear you are not charged by these companies for compliance and non-compliance, but in reality, compliance is still built into the standard fee for service; you just won’t see it specified. Still, you won’t be responsible for non-compliance fees since they own the data and are fully responsible for it.
The amount of compliance required of your business depends on how you take in payment and store customer data. Since processors have numerous clients and prefer not to get specific about it, they may charge a basic fee to cover most issues. This means you could be overpaying, so it’s a good area to evaluate this price of the packaged service vs. when it is priced individually.
There may be companies that don’t charge for compliance, but they are rare and may be suspect. In most cases, any free compliance is covered with higher fees in other areas.
How To Avoid Chargeback Fees
Chargeback fees should be avoided since they are more expensive than traditional transaction fees – especially if you are categorized as a “high risk” client. The first step is to avoid chargebacks in the first place.
Chargebacks can be the result of sales errors by you and your team, a misunderstanding by the customer, or the result of identity theft. Here are some ways to combat each.
Reduce Transaction Errors
Know when to stop a transaction. If an error occurs, push the cancel/hold button inside the transaction. If you are unable to do this, the transaction has already been claimed by the processing company.
Accurately process credits as credits and sales as sales.
Receive an Authorization Approval Code (AAC) before running a transaction.
Before batching your credit card processing at the end of the day, review all charges to verify all charges are correct and not duplicated. Keeping this as an active daily routine can prevent costly mistakes.
Ensure shipped items arrive to the customer to avoid disputes. Select the “ship product to billing address” to alleviate data error.
Keep Records Of Voids
Provide records to your customer of any proof of voids and include companion documentation for any disputes showing details of each purchase.
Decrease Risk Of Theft
If your processor charges more for card-not-present transactions, which most do, it’s because the risk of theft is higher. By requiring a driver’s license and signature and doing manually keyed-in card payments in person rather than over the phone, you lower the risk and enjoy lower charges per transaction.
Try to avoid non-qualified processing (when a card isn’t present or keyed or is missing billing information.) This type of processing is considered a high-risk factor, and processors charge accordingly.
When Possible, Run Orders On Debit Cards
Debit cards are considered a lower risk than credit cards and, in turn, the transaction rates are quite a bit less. This has mostly to do with the fact the purchase is a direct bank-to-bank transaction, but other factors make a difference such as PIN verification and signature requirements, bringing these purchases into a lower risk category. And typically the rates hold. You will still experience rate differences among debit cards related to how the purchases are conducted and who the issuing bank is.
Special incentives such as loyalty programs for debit card users help to easily boost profits.
A Final Thought On Keeping Processing Fees Low
As you can see, several variables can affect your processing rates. From fines to the pricing model your merchant service provider recommends, there’s a lot to consider.
As tempting as it can be to just try and find the cheapest option, be careful going with the lowest bidder. Remember, all POS and payment processing providers have to make some money to cover the costs of support their merchants. If you choose a processor with incredibly low fees, you run the risk of getting what you pay for when it comes to supporting your business.
If you’re not sure if you’re overpaying on your processing fees and want a free analysis, let our team review your current monthly statements and we’ll let you know if you’re getting a good deal or not.
Read More
Cloud Based POS
Article | September 7, 2023
Delve into top POS providers and their comprehensive offerings. Discover how these robust payment solutions collectively shape the trajectory of payment experiences and customer satisfaction.
An extensive Point-of-Sale (POS) solution is essential in the current business environment. These solutions seamlessly integrate sales, inventory, and consumer data, enhancing overall operational efficiency. With streamlined transactions, accurate inventory management, and extensive sales analytics, businesses are able to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and improve customer experiences. A robust POS solution exceeds transaction processing to become a strategic tool that enables businesses to navigate complexity and flourish in an increasingly competitive market.
Thus, adopting a POS payment solution from reliable and recognized companies is crucial for businesses. From secure transaction processing to real-time inventory tracking and insightful sales analysis, a dependable POS solution provider equips businesses with the tools to enhance efficiency, optimize decision-making, and elevate overall customer experiences.
Here are some of the leading POS solution providers:
Toast
Toast is a transformative force in the hospitality industry, empowering businesses of all sizes to cultivate exceptional teams, increase revenue streams, maximize operational efficiency, and captivate customers. The company offers an exhaustive platform encompassing point-of-sale, visitor marketing, digital ordering and delivery, payroll and HR functions, as well as restaurant-grade hardware by combining profound insight into the culinary space with innovative cloud software and restaurant-grade hardware. Toast redefines the contours of restaurant administration with its sophisticated technological suite as part of its unwavering dedication to enhancing dining experience.
Lightspeed
Lightspeed Commerce is a cornerstone for the organizations that constitute the core of the worldwide economy. It enables merchants to drive innovation, expedite operations, and deliver unparalleled customer experiences by providing a comprehensive commerce platform. The company's cloud-based solution integrates and harmonizes both physical and online operations, from facilitating multi-channel sales to ensuring efficient global payments and providing financing options. Lightspeed's solution is a strategic enabler for businesses pursuing growth, efficiency, and superior customer engagement when navigating the complex terrain of commerce.
TouchBistro
TouchBistro has established itself as a key participant in the hospitality industry by providing an integrated platform that combines front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest engagement solutions. The company assists restaurant owners in optimizing and streamlining their operations by leveraging its powerful combination, thereby reducing the need for manual tasks and augmenting the focus on customer interactions and business expansion. This advanced solution redefines operational efficiency in the restaurant industry, reinforcing TouchBistro's dedication to facilitating seamless connectivity and nurturing sustained growth for its clients.
Clover
A subsidiary of Fiserv, Clover Network Inc. is at the forefront of innovation with its complete, open-architecture point-of-sale system designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized business owners. As an influential force, the company's products redefine the consumer-merchant engagement dynamics and pave the way for frictionless interactions. Through Clover, Fiserv embarks on a mission to establish a leading operating system, bringing in a new era of commerce-enabling applications and solutions designed to empower business owners in a variety of industries.
Revel Systems
Revel Systems serves as a catalyst for the goals of retailers and restaurants by providing a cloud-based POS and business management system. Engineered for optimal security, user-friendliness, stability, and service excellence, Revel's ecosystem surpasses obsolete legacy solutions by offering an iOS-based POS platform that combines cloud-based innovation with the mobility of the iPad. This transformative strategy positions Revel Systems as the centerpiece for businesses seeking to modernize operations and enhance consumer experiences in a dynamic market.
Talech Point of Sale
Talech Point of Sale emerges as the preeminent solution, providing merchants with practical and user-friendly POS software solution that is enriched with holistic analytics and deep insights. Talech is steadfast in its mission for empowering small and medium-sized businesses to improve operational efficiency and accelerate sales growth in a fiercely competitive environment. Talech intends to provide local companies with insights comparable to those available to large-scale retailers and sizeable online commerce platforms, thereby leveling the playing field for all parties.
Lavu Inc.
Founded on the visionary principle of utilizing technology to design products, Lavu Inc., assists in enhancing the customer experiences by providing POS system for small business owners. The company's cloud-based iPad point-of-sale system integrates the extensive functionality of traditional systems with built-in customization and adaptability powered by cutting-edge technology. This convergence positions Lavu Inc. as a dependable partner for small businesses attempting to navigate the complexities of commerce with innovation and efficiency in the lead.
LevelUp
LevelUp is a pioneering force in the creation of cutting-edge mobile experiences for over 200 national brands. Its mission is to equip businesses with the tools needed to cultivate meaningful customer relationships, accelerate sales growth, and develop a robust, scalable mobile strategy. The company's platform offers a flexible suite of customized functionalities, including mobile rewards, seamless native online ordering, secure payments, dynamic customer relationship management, and a variety of other features. LevelUp's unwavering dedication to innovation positions itself at the forefront of enabling businesses to cultivate long-lasting consumer relationships.
MenuSifu
Menusifu Inc., based in New York City, was founded in 2013 by a group of ambitious and inventive high-tech engineers to introduce next-gen restaurant POS software solution. The MenuSifu POS terminal, MenuSifu mobile apps, and MenuSifu's online order system designed for iPad, iPad mini, and iPhone have helped the company achieve prominence in a remarkably brief period of time. By balancing innovation and cost-effectiveness, Menusifu Inc. has emerged as a significant contributor in the ever-evolving sphere of restaurant technology, offering businesses comprehensive solutions to improve operational efficiency and cultivate dynamic customer engagement.
Trivec
Trivec is a renowned provider of restaurant-specific POS systems in the European hospitality market. Its extensive POS solutions are designed to improve the ordering and payment processes of restaurants, bars, and hotels. Trivec's portfolio comprises traditional POS systems, QR-based solutions, card payment terminals, mobile POS solutions, handheld devices, and beverage systems, among other products. Through its dedication to innovation and seamless integration, Trivec delivers a transformative suite of hospitality solutions that expedite operations and enhance customer experiences.
eHopper
eHopper is a global provider of user-friendly management systems committed to empowering small enterprises worldwide. With a devotion to enhancing seamless interactions and facilitating operational efficiency with customers and clients, eHopper offers wide-ranging solutions, including POS hardware, mobile POS, inventory management solutions, POS software solution, and others, tailored to the particular requirements of small businesses. By effectively addressing the operational landscape, eHopper intends to substantially lower operating costs, thereby fostering increased profitability for small businesses attempting to thrive in the modern competitive market.
Heartland
A division of Global Payments Inc., Heartland is a market leader in the field of payment processing across the US. It offers a range of services, including debit, credit, and prepaid card processing, powered by its cutting-edge security technology, Heartland SecureTM, and a robust breach warranty. Furthermore, Heartland provides point-of-sale systems, e-commerce platforms, mobile commerce solutions, payroll solutions, marketing tools, and various additional business services. The company plays a pivotal role in influencing modern business transactions and services, with a reach of over 400,000 business and educational locations across the country.
Mad Mobile
Mad Mobile is an internationally recognized technology company famous for its exceptional and scalable restaurant and retail solutions. The company specializes in redefining consumer engagement and enables businesses to transform their interactions with customers. Their one-of-a-kind platform enables the seamless incorporation of mobility into existing systems, thereby boosting sales performance and digitizing the passenger experience. As a leader in technology-driven solutions, Mad Mobile is at the leading edge of propelling innovative mobile experiences in the business environment.
ItsaCheckmate
ItsaCheckmate is a notable provider of an all-encompassing two-way integration solution that connects point-of-sale systems to the dynamic realm of on-demand services. This integration not only ensures a seamless transition to the evolving on-demand world but also equips businesses with robust monitoring and reporting capabilities, thereby optimizing profitability, revenue, and operational efficiency. ItsaCheckmate has partnerships with over 150 point-of-sale systems and third-party marketplaces, including industry leaders like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, ASAP, EZcater, and ChowNow. ItsaCheckmate is committed to democratizing technology, thereby making it accessible and cost-effective for restaurants of all sizes.
KwicKPOS
KwicKPOS has emerged as one of the leading full-featured POS providers for restaurant management. The company exceeds hardware limitations by integrating diverse clientele requirements onto a unified platform, displaying the qualities of intelligence, fluidity, and efficiency. KwicKPOS revolutionizes the course of restaurant operations by providing a broad range of features, including POS, kiosk systems, online ordering, CRM, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), marketing tools, delivery services, and cloud-enabled features. This robust solution improves administration and increases profitability, making it an indispensable asset for enhancing restaurant performance.
Bottom Line
In the vast tapestry of contemporary commerce, the function of cloud POS systems extends beyond the mere facilitation of transactions. These top 15 POS solution providers collectively aim to enhance payment experiences, leveraging their individual strengths. By entrusting their payment requirements to these POS solution providers, companies can emphasize their core operations, secure in the knowledge that their technological foundation can adapt and expand alongside the business. As businesses navigate an ever-changing environment, the profound impact of these providers becomes apparent; an integration of technology, competence in business, and consumer-centricity that collectively alters the trajectory of commerce itself.
Read More