What to Look for in a POS System When You're Understaffed

Understaffing is a common problem in retail businesses. Sometimes staff go on sick leave or maternity leave, sometimes they quit, and sometimes customer bases grow rapidly before managers have time to hire new staff. Whether you expect to be understaffed for a long time or you just want to protect yourself against frequent temporary understaffing, a point of sale system (POS) can help you combat the effects of not having enough employees. Here are 3 things to look for in a POS if you want to be able to sell more without hiring more.

Speedy Processing

When you don't have as many staff as you'd like to, one of the most important things you need in a POS system is speed. Checkout queues can build up quickly in understaffed shops, causing customers to become disgruntled and less likely to return. A speedy POS system will help you process transactions quick enough to keep the queue moving, even when there's only one employee at the till. Aside from making sure you get a system with smooth-running software and powerful hardware, there are many features that can improve speed. A touchscreen, smart-user interface, for example, means staff have to press fewer buttons to process a transaction. Upgrading your customer display, scanner and printer can all help get customers through the tills quicker too.

Online Integration

Another effective way to combat understaffing in your shop is to get a POS system that integrates with an online platform so you can sell your goods online. The best modern POS systems have comprehensive inventory management and payment features, allowing you to sell both online and in-store without accidentally selling products you don't have or messing up your finances. Nowadays, many customers prefer to buy online. Referring these shoppers to your online store can help keep the number of customers buying in-store low, reducing your staffing needs.

Self-Service Options

If space allows on your retail premises, self-service kiosks are by far one of the most effective ways to combat understaffing. A self-service kiosk is like an employee that you don't need to pay, handling every element of a customer transaction automatically. Having self-service checkout options can reduce queue wait times dramatically. As an added bonus, if you sell items shoppers may be conscious about (such as adult products or even plus size clothing), self-service kiosks also increase spending by removing a customer's fear of judgement. However, not all POS systems can integrate with self-service kiosks, so it's important that you look out for this specific feature when selecting your new system.