Guide to Point-of-Sale (POS) Software and Systems

Web-based point of sale solutions can do it all

Internet-based point of sale solutions and store management software applications offer a flexible, affordable alternative to the outright purchase of POS hardware and point of sale software. Great way to add electronic point of sale at multiple locations for minimal cost.

I recommend: Merchant OS and EffortlessE are two web-based POS services that can help retailers track and organize sales and inventory. The systems are simple and require no special training or software expertise. 

Let your QuickBooks be your POS cash register

If you already use QuickBooks to manage your finances, check out QuickBooks: Point of Sale 5.0. QuickBooks is bundling the POS software with hardware to create an all-in-one solution at substantial savings.

I recommend: Ring up sales on your PC rather than a POS cash register with QuickBooks: Point of Sale 5.0. 

Tap Microsoft's new small business point of sale software solution

Microsoft Point of Sale is a popular POS software solution for small business. You can bundle it with HP hardware, including touch screen display, receipt printer, POS cash register, card reader and keyboard.

I recommend: Microsoft Point of Sale aims to make it easy for small, independent retailers to pull the plug on outdated electronic POS cash registers.

Consider Dell point of sale systems bundles

Dell offers several point-of-sale solutions for small business. The complete system combines all the POS hardware and point of sale retail software you need.

I recommend: Select a point of sale systems package or customize your own solution from Dell POS.

Select a long-time small business point of sale systems leader

Cam Commerce Solutions is one of the largest suppliers of point of sale systems and POS software to small and mid-sized businesses.

I recommend: Visit www.camcommerce.com. You can also visit the Business.com directory for more suppliers of point of sale software.

Find hubs for your point of sale systems

POS Guys is an online point of sale systems "superstore" that offers a full line of equipment, store management POS software and well-done buyer's guides, including credit card terminals.

I recommend: Go to www.posguys.com to see all their offerings on point of sale retail software and hardware.

Bone up on point of sales systems basics

BuyerZone is an excellent place to comparison shop and request quotes on point of sale systems and to bone up on basics.

I recommend: Their detailed and objective Buyer's Guides on POS systems are super helpful. Also check out the directories on Business.com for more on point of sales systems, POS cash registers and POS software.