Three tips for using tablets as mobile POS systems
Tablet devices are no longer just luxury toys for affluent consumers – they have real value for businesses, particularly retailers. When used in conjunction with specific hardware, they can be converted into mobile point-of-sale (POS) terminals for a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. Moreover, they are tremendously more flexible – a tablet can be carried anywhere, whether it's the front of a store or a sporting event, enabling merchants to conduct transactions regardless of location.
That said, Software Advice recently offered some suggestions for brands looking to use tablets as POS devices. The blog spoke with several small-time merchants who recently began using the devices to determine the best way of incorporating them into store operations.
1. Don't go all out
Tablets are inexpensive, but that doesn't mean retailers should go and purchase a dozen for use in the store. Traditional point-of-sale systems still have a number of notable benefits, and tablets do have some drawbacks as well. Not to mention the fact that this could add up and that tablets tend to have a short lifespan compared to other POS solutions.
2. Outsource setup
Using tablets as retail POS terminals may be a foreign concept to many merchants. When deploying these devices, then, it may be a better idea to hire someone more familiar or experienced with integration.
"My time is limited. It was helpful to have an expert set everything up," Stacey Barnes, cofounder of toffee shop GoodyTwos, told Software Advice.
"A reseller can focus on migrating data, setting-up merchant services accounts, and ensuring the deployment goes smoothly. Resellers can also help with integration of previous systems," the news source added.
3. Get people involved
Among retailers, using tablets for checkout purposes is a new concept, but among consumers, it's practically unheard of. As a result, merchants may be able to impress shoppers with their cutting-edge mobile POS systems. The news source suggests getting people involved with the checkout process using the tablets – have them sign receipts using the touch screen or let them finish the transaction by hitting the final confirmation button. It's all about crafting a new consumer experience.
Recent data from RIS News highlights the growing prominence of tablets at retail – approximately 28 percent of merchants are currently using these devices.
