Discover Your Liquor Store POS Needs

Considering a change in Point of Sale systems can be overwhelming. By determining what your needs – and wants – are, you are on the right track to figuring out what is best for you and your business. We have compiled a list of 6 of the most common questions on the beginning path of change.

1. Is your system outdated and lacking the tools you need to compete? 

It is human nature to resist change. Even more so when we get used to what we know. However, with the ever-changing consumer environment, consumer purchasing is very different than it was not only 10 years ago, but even 2 years ago. Today’s Point of Sale solutions have much more capacity to handle inventory and deep functionality that can help you run your business more efficiently.

A couple of signs that your system is out of date can be that your reporting is not providing you enough data. Can you manipulate the reports and see the information you want to see? If not, you may need to upgrade to a more in-depth inventory management system. Another sign is that your current system does not give you any omni-channel capabilities. In other words, there is no e-commerce capability. These are only two signs that your system is outdated, and are the most common reasons business owners decide to make a Point of Sale change.

2. Is your current software designed specifically for your industry?

There are many Point of Sale software’s that are either industry specific or try to tailor to all industries. The issue you may find with the latter, is that they are unable to handle your specific needs. For example, Liquor Stores can sell product of all sizes. The biggest challenge Liquor Store Owners/Managers face while managing inventory, is finding a POS that can help them manage singles, packs, and cases seamlessly. A one-for-all POS will more than likely not be able to handle this as easily as an industry specific system. With an all-in-one POS, it may require extra work on your end to see the correct reports to order what is needed.

3. Do you have to pay to upgrade or to receive customer support?

Does your current system require a software contract before receiving assistance? If so, is it per month, per call, or per email?

Do you have to purchase upgrades for each register? How will you be charged – per user, per register, or per location?

These are important questions to consider when you are looking to make a software change. Some software companies may charge a fee per call to receive assistance. Additionally, they may charge you a hefty fee to upgrade your current system to their new-and-improved version. Try to find a POS solution that combines software and upgrades for yearly renewal fee as it will save you money long term.

4. Do you have to pay for integrations with 3^rd parties?

Does your company use QuickBooks for accounting? Do you have to pay your current Point of Sale company a fee to integrate a QuickBooks export? What about e-commerce? Can it handle integrating with a website and/or app?

These are important questions to ask your representative. Make a list of all your wants in a software and ask your representative if they are available. If so, do you have to pay an additional fee or are they included in the price?

5. What is your system for using a Credit Card Processor? 

Some POS companies will require you to use their credit card processor. Ask them if they have just one or multiple options to choose from. It is very important to ask all questions regarding credit card processing. You will want the processing to be integrated for seamless checkouts. You will also want to find out if the integration is direct or through a gateway. Direct integration may provide you the best, and affordable, option as gateways may often require extra fees or unknown technical support.

6. Would you like to better manage your customer experience?

Do you currently experience long wait times with an outdated cash system? Are you able to manage gift cards and customer loyalty programs (state allowed)?

If your answer was Yes and No (in that order) to these questions, you will want to think about upgrading to increase your customer experience. Customers want to be able to get in and out of the store quickly. By utilizing barcode scanners your employees will be able to scan product and make the checkout process quicker. Additionally, by utilizing gift cards and a customer loyalty program, you are engaging customers to come back to your store.

Thinking about upgrading your Point of Sale is never easy. However, by asking the right questions you can narrow down the correct choices for you, and your business.