Benefits of a SaaS POS System for Retailers
A common misconception when implementing a SaaS (software as a service) POS (point of sale) solution is that it means ditching existing current systems entirely, making it a significant undertaking. However, switching to a SaaS POS system can be as simple and seamless as your retail business requires. A SaaS POS system can offer retailers substantial benefits over traditional, legacy POS systems.
1. Lower Upfront Costs
When businesses switch to a SaaS pricing model, they are subscribing to an ongoing service. This pay-as-you-go model eliminates the need for a significant initial investment. As a result, a retailer doesn’t have to set aside large sums – generally from capital expense (CapEx) – to implement their POS system. Shifting CapEx to operating expenses (OpEx) can be a smarter way for retailers to stretch their budgets. Because of this expense flexibility, a SaaS POS system could be ideal for new businesses, start-ups, or investing in new ventures with limited capital.
In addition to selecting a POS software and paying for it, your CapEx will need to include the cost of POS hardware and other checkout counter and management hardware solutions. The right POS partner can help you find the best solutions for your business. Moreover, they can help you avoid buying new hardware if you already have a preferred system. So, you can quickly implement software onto your devices and begin to operate.
2. Data Stored Locally
Another benefit to a SaaS POS system is the added convenience of having data stored locally. With the right POS partner, if you need to stop your service for any reason, you can immediately access your data with cloud-based backups. Some POS partners don’t store your data locally. As a result, you would have to wait to get your data if you ever stopped services. The General Store includes cloud data backup, maintenance, tech support, and software updates in the monthly fee. With our solutions, you are always covered.
3. Easy Installation
Traditional POS systems often require software to be manually installed onto each device in a retail store. With a SaaS POS system, the subscription service company provides you with the software during the quick install process to ensure your operation gets off to a good start with the system. Everything is set up for you, so there is no need to download or install anything on the retailer’s end. Retail stores can begin utilizing the SaaS POS system right away.
As a result, employees can quickly get up to speed with new software without learning how new hardware works. In addition, with employee shortages, retailers may not have the bandwidth to spend hours training their employees. So, utilizing previously owned hardware can make the transition to SaaS smooth.
4. Flexibility
Since the retail industry is so fast-paced and no two retailers are the same having a POS system that can offer the flexibility and features can help savvy business owners keep up. If you are still discovering or expanding your operations on what type of software your retail store needs, opting for a SaaS POS system is a great way to get started.
Typically, SaaS POS models offer different pricing levels, allowing you to choose what features your business needs. For retailers in the early stages of business development, opting for a more basic package with lower monthly payments may be more appealing as long as they can upgrade as needed during the contract. In contrast, established retailers might need more capabilities like loyalty or accounts payable, so a premium SaaS model would work better.
The General Store offers 3 SaaS POS pricing options, so retailers can get the flexibility they deserve without paying for features they don’t need.
- Lite
- Standard
- Plus
5. Decrease Downtime During Updates
Updates are necessary to keep your POS system running smoothly, but if you have a traditional system, it can take time to update each device individually. Additionally, this manual update process can cause inconsistencies and more extensive disruptions down the road if retailers forget a device. A SaaS POS system can make it easy to implement updates leading to decreased downtimes. Also, with The General Store, if you ever experience issues with updates, our US-based support team is ready to help get your operation back on track.
Upgrade to a SaaS POS System
No matter what type of retail business you run, if it involves a checkout process, then you can benefit from a SaaS POS system. SaaS systems offer a modernized checkout experience for customers and many benefits for business owners and employees. Plus, it can be an easy switch with the right POS partner. The General Store offers a flexible pricing model, so you have the choice to buy our solution outright or “pay as you go” for as low as $49/month. Learn more about our POS pricing models.
