8 Surprising Benefits Of An iPad POS System

If you’re a smaller business, you may be debating whether to invest in a full-fledged point-of-sale system or a simple cash drawer. If you invest in a full-POS system, do you get something big and fancy, or do you go with an iPad or cloud-based system?

While some businesses can certainly get by with old-school practices, the POS industry has changed tremendously, and the tools at small business owners’ disposal can make an enormous difference. So, let’s check out some of the best reasons for owning a cloud-based POS.

Why You Should Use An iPad POS System

Some of the best POS systems for small businesses are iPad-based systems. These systems have advanced inventory tools, low-cost hardware, and features you may not have considered.

Here’s why you should consider a cloud-based iPad POS for your business.

1. It’s Easy To Use

The thought of learning a whole new system or important inventory or other data from your business may seem overwhelming, but today’s modern systems thrive on usability. Systems like Square or Clover make it easy to get up and selling within minutes of signing up for your account and their interface is incredibly simple for customers and employees to use.

Back-end functions like inventory management and reporting are also nearly hassle-free, providing things like real-time updates and the ability to check your business’s efficiency from anywhere you can access the app. And, when paired with accounting software like QuickBooks, it can even make running your books an easier process than it would be with just a cash register.

2. Its Affordability

If you’re on the fence about making the switch to an iPad point of sale system, I wouldn’t be surprised if cost is the biggest factor. Fortunately, point of sale software is actually extremely affordable, with some companies offering completely free basic POS systems. Others may cost just a few dollars a month, and you can find a POS system that allows you to purchase services month to month as well.

And don’t think that, just because it’s free, it can’t still be a powerful business partner. Companies like Square and Loyverse have very generous free POS software packages for small businesses or those just starting out who want to try a system for the first time. Don’t forget to utilize any free trials a company offers as well.

3. Faster Checkouts

Like it or not, speed can play a major factor in the health and success of your business. Getting customers through the checkout process quickly and efficiently plays a major role in your establishment’s bottom line and perhaps even in how well you’re reviewed online. Point of sale companies recognize this and are always trying to make this process faster and easier. Whether it’s providing self-checkout options that reduce errors or providing simple tap-to-pay functionality, a POS system can help you get through that busy rush or those days when you may be short-staffed.

4. Enhanced Customer Management Tools

Building a customer base and enticing those customers to return to your business is the goal of any successful marketing strategy. Most point of sale systems either come with built-in customer management tools or have the option to purchase them as an affordable add-on. These tools help to collect customer information for targeting marketing campaigns and to offer customized discounts and offers.

You may also want to consider a loyalty program that allows customers to accumulate points, giving them an incentive to make more purchase at your establishment. And a gift card program can also help increase sells while improving your branding.

5. Built-In Features

Even your most cost-effective point of sale systems will have an array of features that can help you operate some of the day-to-day functions of your business. Some companies specialize in things like inventory management, while others provide features for more niche industries like salons or pizza parlors.

A basic feature set will come with your normal software fee and, in many cases, you’ll have the ability to upgrade your plan and access more features as well if your business expands. This scalability is another huge benefit for owning a POS system that is much more flexible than a simple cash drawer.

6. Unique Hardware

Point of sale companies are always innovating, and they have made huge strides with the type of hardware they now offer. Many companies have their own proprietary hardware with things like card readers that take contactless payments, mobile processors that allow you to accept payments on the go, or full-fledged desktop systems. Many or most of these systems can be compatible with an iPad POS system.

You can also purchase packages from most companies and buy other hardware a la carte like scanners, scales, or receipt printers — all of which can be compatible with iPad hardware. And if cost is an issue, you can generally sign up for a payment plan to get started. Having sleek hardware can add another element to your establishment and help you sell in ways you may not have anticipated.

7. Bigger Tips

For those in the hospitality business of restaurant business, customer-facing iPad POS systems that facilitate customer ordering and payments have been known to encourage better tipping. This is still the case even as these tipping options have become commonplace in the industry now.

Why? Because it’s incredibly easy, allowing customers to simply hit a button and add their own gratuity. Your system can also do the math for customers who like to give a certain percentage. You wouldn’t be seeing so many businesses implementing these types of systems if they didn’t work.

8. Increased Branding

If your business is the neighborhood darling, you can probably get away with using an old terminal a while longer, but transitioning to an iPad POS system does make a forward-minded statement. The iPad looks cool, runs well, is up-to-date, and can make your business stand out.

Most systems give you some level of customization to really make your POS system yours. They can also help you set up your own website where you can expand your brand further.

Final Thoughts

Even the most anti-technology business owner would probably concede that an iPad or cloud-based point of sale system has its perks.

It’s certainly possible to operate without one if you have a very simple establishment, but if you are expanding at all, whether it is to create an eCommerce or online presence, open a new location, or simply get a little more in-depth information about how your business is functioning, a POS system was literally designed to help you.