How To Prevent Your Point-of-Sale System From Ruining Your Day Part 2

As the sister blog discusses, many problems can be solved without calling your service provider, and it's a wise idea to troubleshoot all the common problems before you call support.

So, diving back into the world of malfunctioning POS systems, here are 5 more ways your point-of-sale might be failing you and how you can troubleshoot them on your own.

#1). My POS system is erroring

This could mean the printer is out of paper and just needs to be refilled. Reloading the ribbon ink cartridge is important to check before calling IT, if it’s run out replace the ink cartridge and it should work.

#2). My point-of-sale software isn’t working

Just like computer software, POS systems can error if too many programs are running. Check to see how many programs are open, and close unnecessary items.

#3). My POS keeps shutting down

We all tend to have bad habits with technology, leaving our computers on constantly is one of them. POS systems need to be restarted, and some systems come automatically programmed to restart at certain times.

There should be a feature in your program to control this and set an automatic "shut-down" option. Try resetting the number to zero, and it should prevent random shutdowns. Please do restart your system often, since it needs a chance to refresh.

We’d even suggest restarting it after closing your business for the day.

#4). My point-of-sale accuracy is off, despite being new

It's amazing how a small amount of dirt can ruin the most advanced technology. POS terminal screens need to be cleaned to run smoothly. Make sure you clean your POS terminal screen every day with the right equipment. Be sure to use recommended cleaning products on the device, not just any old rag.

#5). The power button isn’t responding at all

You may have blown a fuse, which can be common if your outlets aren't wired to handle the kind of power a POS system needs. Check the outlet to see if any other outlets work by looking for the system lights to glow.

If the outlet is in fact dead, resetting it by pushing the button on and off may solve the issue (if you're lucky). If that doesn’t work, the more complicated step of flipping the circuit breaker may be needed.

These issues will more often than not be solved through these hacks, but at the end of the day, if none of these areas working, you will have to call your point-of-sale system provider.

Learn how we can help your bar and restaurant

While other problems can arise, these are the most common that could usually be fixed without a long phone call with IT. There comes a time for every business when they need to weigh their current point-of-sale system and see if it is performing at the level it should be.

If you’re unsure whether your current system is up to the challenge or want a free consultation on if it’s time to upgrade, contact our team for a free consultation.

How To Prevent Your Point-of-Sale System From Ruining Your Day Part 1

There’s nothing like technology, it can be the greatest ally in a business owner’s fight to grow their company. But as great as it is, it can also bring about some stressful situations.

Point-of-sale systems are a prime example, they can help busy restaurant turntables at lighting speed, process complicated orders between front-of-house and kitchen, but when they don’t want to process credit cards and it’s rush hour, it can lead to some stressful situations.

While no POS system will always run flawlessly, it’s possible to try these quick tips for common errors and prevent a call to tech support. Every point-of-sale system is different, but we at BNG Point-Of-Sale present some of the most common glitches and how to fix them on your own, DIY style.

#1). My point-of-sale system isn’t printing properly

Most likely the cables are not connected properly or are malfunctioning. POS systems come with color-coded cables, so check to see if the colors are attached to their designated matching hookup.

Another common problem is loose connections. Check to see if the cables are tightly and properly fastened in their proper hookup. More often than not the cords were pulled loose from constant usage, or tripping or stepping over them. Simply checking for a tight fit will solve the issue.

No cables? If you have a bluetooth printer, you’ll need to check your wifi connection. Spotty wifi throughout your business is likely to affect your printer, so be sure to segment your wifi between customer-facing and business.

If printing problems persist, a more nefarious cause may be to blame, and you’ll have to call your point-of-sale support.

#2). My card reader has difficulty reading some credit cards

If the card scanner is damaged, you may have trouble reading the magnetic strip or chip properly, try sliding the card down and towards you first. Otherwise, you will manually have to enter the card’s data into the system.

A quick note, if you have to manually enter the card’s number it will be seen as a less secure transaction by your processing company and cost more to process. Additionally, if you’re not able to read the chip on the card, in the case of a chargeback, your business will be liable.

For keying in a few cards, it’s not a big deal, but you’ll want to replace your card reader sooner rather than later.

#3). Why do I have to keep adding pressure when I use my touchscreen?

Over time your screen will lose its sensitivity, making it difficult to register the correct input.

To easily rectify this, keep your manual nearby, and walk through the directions to calibrate the screen. This should do a trick, and your screen should be as good as new.

If the screen is having problems post recalibration and restarting the device, the screen will need to be fixed and you’ll have to contact support.

#4). My point-of-sale system is slow/ showing an error message

Most likely this is a network problem, and the first step is to check your internet server connection. Resetting the server by unplugging it will typically solve the issue.

One of the best ways to prevent issues during busy times is to plan updates and checking your network outside busy hours frequently.

#5). My POS system is running slowly/longer operating

This could also be related to your network, but sometimes it comes down to POS system updates. Depending on what package and support you have, some providers offer free updates as part of their package, while others do not. Like all computers, your POS software will need regular software updates to keep running at top efficiency.

Many times, if you are not on a support package agreement with your point-of-sale provider, your system will not be receiving regular updates. Be aware of what support and updates are included in your package upfront will save you trouble down the road.

Keeping up on system updates will help keep your POS flowing, along with your business. It’ll ensure employees can continue ringing up items, tracking inventory, and accepting payments seamlessly.

A quick tip: If you need to update your POS, do not install update not during high traffic hours.

#6). The receipt paper keeps turning black

Chances are you’re using the wrong kind of paper. Different point-of-sale printers require special paper to perform the different environments. If you are using thermal receipt paper, it will turn black when exposed to hot environments.

How can you tell if it’s thermal or impact paper? Impact requires a ribbon, where the thermal paper does not. If you don’t want to completely replace the printer, then you’ll have to move the printer to a cooler area.

Final thoughts

While other problems can arise, these are the most common that could usually be fixed without a long phone call with IT. There comes a time for every business when they need to weigh their current point-of-sale system and see if it is performing at the level it should be.

If you’re unsure whether your current system is up to the challenge or want a free consultation on if it’s time to upgrade, contact our team for a free consultation.

Top Features In A Point-of-Sale System That Caters To Your Bar or Restaurant

“I learned more from one bad restaurant that didn't work than from all the ones that were successes” Wolfgang Puck.

Even with a Point-of-Sale system; running a restaurant could be the most difficult business to keep alive. From slim margins and employee theft, to long hours, owning a restaurant is hard.
(for those who do it regularly, we salute you!)

Then there’s other problems that can occur like mistakes on food/alcohol orders, employee theft, accounting issues when tracking of food inventor the list can be endless.

Aside from the above, you also have to deal with changing menu items, keeping track of tables, and making it easy to split up tabs.

To help with this, we’re going how a POS system can help you ultimately more profitable and which features you should consider when shopping a POS system for your bar or restaurant.

A system that will not crack under pressure

As someone who's worked in fast food and as a barista, we know how busy it becomes, and how hard it is to keep track of orders.

Invest in a system that's able to handle busy times. This may mean skipping out on the cheapest model, but your servers and customers will thank you when the system doesn't crash on a Friday or Saturday night.

Easy management of menu updates and pricing changes

Ah specials, menu items that are seasonal can bring in tons of money (I'm looking at you McRib and Pumpkin Spice), but also drive employees and owners insane since they have to update menus and alter the items in your system. Look for a POS that can add menu items and alter prices with ease.

Eliminated the stress of theft through inventory management

It's unbelievably simple for employees to fleece your establishment and steal from your inventory.

This can come in the form of offering free meals without permission, or employees directly stealing food.

Now this isn't the same as giving out food that has to be thrown since it wasn't sold. That food is already been accounted for as a loss (you can give your employees someday old cookies and not go bankrupt). This is related to stealing food that has not been counted as a loss, throwing off your ordering and numbers of products in store.

Get a POS system that will help you catch employee theft with an excellent tracking system in it.

Have customer service and support

A lot of companies want to skip this feature, like waving insurances thinking it won't be necessary since technology never fails (when has that happened, name one time).

Look, even the best systems have the risk of faltering. So before the machines gain consciousness and take over the world through Skynet, you need to invest in customer support for your businesses.

It's even better if it's automatically included with your POS.

There's lots of other available features for POS systems, but these are some essentials you shouldn't skip.

For a world class POS system, look no further

If you’d like to learn more about what technologies steps to take with your own business, or would like a free demo, contact us here.

2 Best Point-of-Sale Solutions for Bars, Restaurants, and Small Retailers

So your small retail business is finally taking off, and you're making a name for yourself in the community.

Steady customers, returning guests, and the like are adding more profits so you're not scraping together pennies at the end of the month just to stay open.

You've made it right? Your earnings are greater than your expenses, so now it’s time to relax and sip on a daiquiri, and not waste money on a Point-of-Sale System.

Not so fast

It’s time to start investing your profits into your growing retail business.

Investments into things like inventory management, transnational history for customers and receipts, time tracking for employee, etc. What should you do?

What’s the best option for a POS solution for your operation?

There's two options

One. Completely ignore the issues and pretend they don't exist (Congress does it all the time).

Or, option two: you could devote your funds into a product that will aid in your business flourishing.

If you picked option two, congratulations, you're an intelligent business owner.

The next step in growing your business may involve investing in a solid point-of-sale system.

According to Jim Hawkins in his article, "How Integrated Point-of-Sale Systems Can Help Reduce Inventory Shrinkage," the retail industry reports that 20% of inventory loss is due to poor paperwork, 50% is due to external theft, and 30% is due to internal theft.

Don’t miss what’s important

POS systems help your retail business to not miss important aspects by streamlining your inventory tracking, making shrinkage detectable before traditional paperwork would catch it.

Not having a POS system costs business owners in the long run, since they lack a standard system to track their profit margins.

Even the tightest bookkeeping, kept in spreadsheets, will still let inventory slip through the cracks (even if you did spend 20 hours on your epic excel spreadsheet).

POS systems will aid in predicting how much merchandise to order for the coming quarter, and predict future profits based on previous sales.

It can be overwhelming to invest into a POS system, after you've spent time and effort to have extra profits.

Overall, you'll lose less by using a POS system paying the upfront costs of owning one, rather than lose funds from over ordering and theft.

In the end, even if you're not a large business, your company can still reap the benefits from an essential piece of technology.

Learn more about POS

If you’d like to learn more about what technologies steps to take with your own business, or would like a free demo, contact us here.