Welcome to EpoS Wizard!
Hi everyone!
I'm looking to buy a new EPOS system and have looked at several models online. To me it seems the software is more important than the hardware for these systems, although perhaps someone might correct me on this (does an EPOS system really need a quad core processor?) And some software looks complicated for my needs, and some seems a lot simpler. In particular, the systems from the following two companies looks simple and intuitive for my business needs. I've noticed that although the software from the two companies isn't exactly the same, it looks similar, in other words it has been customised for each particular company or retailer. Does anyone know the name of this software?
Online Cash Registers
Eazitouch
Connollys Systems
Eaziscan
Sorry, unable to post links to their respective websites.
Thanks very much!
Alice.
You are quite correct, the software is more important as you need to ensure that it does everything that you need it to for your business. Most of the standard EPoS hardware is very similar in terms of specifications, although the looks can vary greatly if aesthetics are particularly important to you.
I haven't had direct experience of either of the two companies you listed, but friends of mine who run a small store / post-office have a system which was provided by Connollys a couple of years ago and aren't particularly impressed with the support they get.
If you're buying for a hospitality enviroment then I strongly suggest looking at ICR.
Of the several PC based systems I have experience with ICR remains the most stable.
As for hardware, I've yet to come across a till with better reliablitiy than a Poindus VariPos 715.
Thanks for the replies guys! Much appreciated. I'm actually looking for something quite low cost, under the £1000 mark hopefully, and simple. It's for a convenience store, so will need a scanner. Currently we have an old Samsung till with a Metrologic Orbit scanner. Whilst the Samsung has served us well, it is basically a bog standard till with scanning capability. I would like something that can produce reports, so I can better understand my daily/monthly etc sales, which departments are doing better etc. My current supplier showed me a range of Uniwell touchscreen models but they look complicated and will require programming and maintenance.
Having looked online at alternatives, the Windows based systems seem to be easier to use than what was demonstrated with the Uniwell system. Having watched a few YouTube videos such as one from Connellys, it seems easier on that software to product reports with a touch of button, and other features such as being able to see what the previous customer but one bought in case they come back. I also like the fact that products are pre-programmed into the machine, and I only have to add a price. Shelf edge label printing is made easy too.
I understand that some software is also able to connect online and download a new database of products every so often, so as new products are released, they are automatically in the system with their description and barcode, just awaiting a price once an item is in store. I presume there will be monthly fee for this. For example Booker offers a free EPOS system with ShopMate which does this, but you have to commit to buy through Booker.
I cannot find a price for a Poindus VariPos 715. Looks good through, splash proof too, but I presume over £1000, and that's without software? ICR TouchPoint software for retailer is around the £400 mark from what I've gleaned online.
Sorry guys, but is there anything cheaper around which fits my requirements?
Thanks very much! Appreciate your time.
Alice.
The only way you are likely to get what you want for price is to go for a system running on second-hand hardware, or do a rental solution from a reliable supplier, but that will normally tie you in to a minimum term - usually 24 or 36 months.
