Small and medium businesses need a wide range of capabilities from their POS systems. While some businesses might be able to get away with a less expensive and feature-rich system, others will need a more comprehensive solution to manage their inventory, customers, and sales.
The best way to determine which system is right for your business is to determine your needs and budget, and then compare the systems based on those factors.
Choosing a cash register is an important decision for any business, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. In this article, we will recommend 5 of the best POS software cash registers for small and medium businesses based on features, price, and reviews.
What Is a Cash Register?
A cash register is a machine that is used to record and track sales transactions. Cash registers can be mechanical or electronic, and they are often used in retail businesses, restaurants, and other customer-facing businesses.
Cash registers typically have a built-in printer for receipts, a drawer for storing cash, and a display for showing the total amount of the sale. Some cash registers also have a barcode scanner, credit card processing, and other features that can be used to streamline the sales process.
Difference Between a POS and a Cash Register
A POS system is a type of cash register that is used to track sales and inventory, as well as customers and employees. POS systems are often more expensive than traditional cash registers, but they offer a more comprehensive solution for businesses.
The main difference between a POS system and a cash register is that a POS system can track inventory, customers, and employees, while a cash register can only track sales.
POS systems also typically have more features than cash registers, such as the ability to accept credit card payments, print labels, receipt printer, and connect to other devices. As such, centralization is what makes a POS system superior to a cash register, as it offers a more complete solution for businesses.
Why Use a Cash Register?
There are many reasons why businesses use cash registers. Cash registers can help businesses keep track of their inventory, sales, and customers. Cash registers can also help businesses streamline their sales process and make it easier for customers to checkout.
Another reason to use a cash register is that it can help businesses with employee management. For example, some cash registers have built-in time clocks that can track how long employees take to complete a sale. This information can be used to improve employee productivity and efficiency.
Finally, cash registers can help businesses manage their finances. For example, some cash registers have built-in accounting software that can track sales, expenses, and profits. This information in the merchant account can be used to make better financial decisions for the business.
Types of Cash Registers
There are two main types of cash registers: electronic and mechanical.
Electronic cash registers are the most common type of cash register. They are typically more expensive than mechanical cash registers, but they offer a more feature-rich solution. Electronic and POS-based cash registers typically have a built-in printer, barcode scanner, credit card terminal, and other features that can be used to streamline the sales process.
Mechanical cash registers are less common than electronic cash registers. They are typically less expensive than electronic cash registers, but they do not offer as many features. Mechanical cash registers typically have a built-in drawer for storing cash and a display for showing the total amount of the sale.
Benefits of Using a Traditional Cash Register
Small and medium businesses can benefit greatly from using a separate cash drawer. Cash register hardware and software can help businesses keep track of their inventory, sales, and customers. Cash registers can also help businesses streamline their sales process and make it easier for customers to checkout.
Here are additional benefits of using cash registers:
Inventory Management
Cash registers can help businesses keep track of their inventory. For example, some cash registers have built-in barcode scanners that can be used to scan products and track inventory levels. This information can be used to order new products and keep the small business stocked with the products that customers want.
Sales Tracking
Cash registers can help businesses track their sales. Some cash registers have built-in software that can track sales, expenses, and profits. This information can be used to make better financial decisions for the business.
Customer Management
Cash registers can help businesses manage their customers. When you have a cash register solution that has a CRM (customer relationship management) system, you can store customer information and contact details. This information can be used to send marketing materials, track customer data and loyalty, and provide better customer service.
Improved Customer Service
Cash registers can help businesses improve their customer service. For example, some cash registers for small business have built-in features that can print receipts, process refunds, and payment processing. This information can be used to provide a better customer experience.
Mobile Sales
Some cash registers have built-in features that allow businesses to accept cash payments on the go. This can be very beneficial for businesses that sell products at trade shows, conventions, and other events.
Best Cash Registers in 2023
As technology keeps evolving, the features and functionality of cash registers are also evolving. Here are some of the best cash registers for small and medium businesses in 2023:
Square POS Cash Register
This is an all-around point-of-sale software and cash register with a wide range of interesting features. With this device, you can accept payments, track inventory, manage customers, and much more.
The sales and check-out process is very simple and easy to use. The touchscreen registers are also very user-friendly. This device is very popular among small businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores.
There is a free Square online sales store, which allows this register to support mobile sales as well. You can use this Square register with an iPhone or iPad.
ShopKeep POS Cash Register
This is another great point of sale software and POS-driven cash register for small businesses. This register has a wide range of features, such as inventory management, customer management, sales data tracking, and much more.
The ShopKeep register is very user-friendly and easy to use. It is also very affordable, which makes it a great option for small businesses.
This register also has a built-in CRM system, which allows businesses to manage their customers. This information can be used to send marketing materials, track customer loyalty, and provide better customer service.
Clover Flex POS Cash Register
This is a great option for businesses that need a mobile point of sale solution. The Clover Flex register has a built-in battery, which allows businesses to accept payments on the go.
This register also has a wide range of features, such as inventory management, customer management, sales tracking, and much more. The Clover Flex register is very user-friendly and easy to use.
It is also very affordable, which makes it a great option for small businesses.
EPOS Now
For small businesses in the hospitality industry, this is the best cash register. This system comes with two screens-one for the customer and one for the staff.
This register has a wide range of features, such as inventory management, customer management, sales tracking, and much more. The EPOS Now register is very user-friendly and easy to use.
There is a feature that provides the option to get comprehensive sales and tax reports. This is a great feature for businesses that need to keep track of their sales and taxes. As such, you will be able to cut on costs of having different software for the same purpose.
The customer management system is also very robust, which allows businesses to manage their customers. This information can be used to send marketing materials, track customer loyalty, and provide better customer service.
Toast POS Cash Register
This is a great option for restaurants and other food service businesses. The Toast POS register has a wide range of features, such as inventory management, customer management, sales tracking, and much more.
The mobile terminal of this register is very user-friendly and easy to use. The Toast POS register is also very affordable, which makes it a great option for small businesses.
This register has a built-in CRM system, which allows businesses to manage their customers. This information can be used to send marketing materials, track customer loyalty, and provide better service.
You can accept countertop orders as well as mobile orders with this register. This makes it a very versatile option for businesses. Restaurants can embrace the diverse ordering options that this register provides.
These are the five best POS cash registers for small and medium businesses. Each register has its own unique features and benefits. As such, businesses should select the register that best suits their needs.
What to Look for in a Good Cash Register
Cash registers are essential components of any business, whether small, medium, or large. The type of register you choose will depend on the specific needs of your business. When choosing a register, there are several factors you should consider, such as:
The size of your business
Small businesses will need a smaller and more compact register than larger businesses. Having the right cash register is imperative and as such, you need to ensure that you have factored in the size of the business. You do not want to end up with a very large cash register, which will be underutilized and take up too much space.
The type of business
The type of business you have will also dictate the type of register you need. For instance, restaurants will need a register that is equipped to handle mobile orders. On the other hand, businesses that do not have many products will not need a register with an inventory management system.
Thus, it is important to ensure that you choose a register that is equipped to handle the specific needs of your business.
The budget
Businesses should also consider their budget when choosing a register. Small businesses, in particular, need to be mindful of their expenses. As such, they should select a register that is affordable but also has the features they need.
Compatibility with other software
Another important factor to consider is whether the register is compatible with other software. This is important because businesses will need to use different software for different purposes. For instance, businesses will need accounting software to manage their finances.
As such, it is important to ensure that the register you choose is compatible with the software you are using. This will save you the hassle of having to use different software for different purposes.
The features
When choosing a register, businesses should also consider the features they need. Some registers come with built-in CRM systems, while others do not. As such, businesses need to decide which features are essential for their business.
These are some of the factors businesses should consider when choosing a POS cash register. By taking these factors into account, businesses will be able to select the register that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of different POS cash registers for small businesses. Each register has its own unique features and benefits. As such, businesses should select the register that best suits their needs.
No matter the size of your business, you need a POS cash register that can help you manage your finances, keep track of your inventory, and provide excellent customer service. The type of register you choose will depend on the specific needs of your business.
By taking into account the size of the business, the type of business, the budget, and the features needed, businesses will be able to select the register that is right for them.
