One of the most important things for you to pay attention to, especially if you run a small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or startup with brick-and-mortar quarters, is your ability to create a positive customer experience in your store. If your customers have a good time browsing your products, making a purchase, or simply being in your establishment, they’re more likely to think highly of your brand and will likely become repeat customers. 

You’ll want to know, then, which components to enhance to keep your store operations smooth. Take your point of sale (POS) device, for instance. With a good POS system at your disposal, you’ll be able to streamline your store’s payment process and give your customers a better checkout experience. 

The challenge, however, lies in procuring a POS system that suits your business’s needs. There are a lot of modern POS devices available on the market, and each one comes with its own set of features and benefits. With so many options to choose from, it can be time-consuming and perhaps even frustrating to narrow your options down. 

To that end, you can filter it down to a few good contenders by knowing which characteristics your POS device must possess. Here are six that you can consider as non-negotiables:

1) An Easy-to-Use Interface

As a brick-and-mortar store owner, you’ll want a system that your staff can quickly learn and use efficiently. A POS system with an intuitive interface not only reduces training time, but also minimizes errors during transactions. 

That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a streamlined and easy-to-navigate POS so that your team can focus on providing excellent customer service, rather than grappling with a complex system. Here are some features of an intuitive POS Philippines businesses look for:

  • A responsive touchscreen. A POS system that has a responsive and user-friendly touchscreen interface can simplify the checkout process.
  • Simple navigation. Having a device that comes with easily accessible menu options will guarantee quick and hassle-free transactions on the part of your staff.
  • A customizable layout. If your POS system has a customizable layout, you can tailor its interface to match your specific business needs, which will make it easier to operate.

2) Portable and Lightweight Components 

Some POS systems rely on a traditional hardware-heavy setup, but it may be a good idea for you to invest in a portable and lightweight mobile POS device. Solutions like the Maya Terminal in the Philippines, which is Maya Business’s flagship product, lets you take transactions directly to your customers. This can greatly reduce waiting times during the payment process, enhancing overall customer satisfaction as a result. 

Another good reason to get a mobile POS device is its versatility. Since you can take it anywhere, it can easily adapt to different store layouts and temporary setups. You may even be able to use it during off-site events, like trade shows and markets, making it easier to handle transactions no matter where you do business. 

3) Robust Safety and Security Features

A POS system that offers premium safety and security features is an investment in the trust and longevity of your business. On top of protecting sensitive data and safeguarding you from potential financial losses, this type of POS demonstrates your commitment to providing a secure environment for your customers. 

The Maya Terminal, a POS terminal Philippines businesses are familiar with, is an ATEX-certified device, which means that it’s undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it’s safe to use in specific environments with explosive elements like flammable gasses, combustible dust, and an ignition source. That means that the Maya Terminal and its smaller counterpart, the Maya Terminal Lite, can be used in restaurant and gas station settings with minimal risk. These POS terminals are also EMV-certified and PCI-DSS-compliant, meaning that they use robust security systems to protect card transactions from fraud, data breaches, and identity theft.

4) Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Connectivity

The POS device’s ability to connect through Wi-Fi and mobile data is a crucial characteristic that store owners should prioritize when choosing a system. A device that can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or data will enable transactions to continue even during network outages, ensuring uninterrupted service for customers. 

This feature can also facilitate immediate synchronization of sales data, inventory levels, and customer information across multiple devices or locations. If the POS terminal can connect to different internet sources, you can keep your transactions running smoothly regardless of the situation.

5) The Ability to Accept Modern Payment Options

A POS system that accepts a wide range of payment methods can ensure that your business remains accessible to a diverse customer base. This adaptability will not only enhance the overall customer experience, but also position your store as both forward-thinking and extra accommodating in an increasingly competitive business landscape. When looking for a modern POS system, make sure that the device can accept payments via credit card, debit card, QR code, and e-wallet, among others.

6) Affordable Rack Rates

For store owners, especially those running SMEs and startups with lean budgets, the cost of implementing a POS system should always be of top priority. Opt for a POS device with affordable rack rates to capably manage the initial investment and contribute towards the long-term sustainability and profitability of your business. 

Consider getting a POS system from a company that offers low upfront costs. This will make it easier for you to adopt modern POS technology without straining your budget. You should also look for a POS that offers a reasonable merchant discount rate (MDR) so that you can still maximize your revenue after each transaction.

The humble, but powerful POS device can make checkouts and payments easier for both your staff and your customers, resulting in an in-store experience that’s memorable in all the right ways. Narrow down your search and find a POS device with these characteristics, and you’ll be able to make a worthwhile investment in your customer service and customer experience.