Before we discuss handheld POS systems, we need to know exactly what they are. Also known as mobile POS systems, they come in many shapes, sizes and configurations.
Many mobile point-of-sale systems use downloadable, cloud-based POS applications. So all you need to use a mobile system is a mobile device, like a tablet or smartphone (equipped with a card reader), and a wireless internet connection.
Some mobile POS (mPOS) systems use dedicated, standalone devices that can print receipts and read barcodes for added functionality.
6 Reasons to Use a Handheld POS System
Close Sales Anywhere
This is the biggest benefit of mPOS systems. Many restaurants have taken advantage of mobile POS to complete transactions at the table, versus taking the customer‘s credit card to a central terminal.
But even standard retail businesses can use MPOS to complete transactions with customers on the spot, versus taking them to the checkout. Retailers can also accept sales at tradeshows, fairs or other public gatherings. And contractors can easily offer their clients the option of paying by card at the client’s home or place of business.
Easy to Implement and Use
Compared to traditional POS terminals, mPOS systems are fast and easy to implement. All you need is a mobile device (a tablet or smartphone) a downloadable mobile POS application, and a card reader (that connects to your mobile device). If you need to handle cash transactions, you will need to connect your device to a traditional POS terminal or a cash drawer.
Always Up-to-Date & Backed-Up
With a cloud-based mPOS app, users can continue to make sales knowing that their POS system is up-to-date with the latest version of the software. And back-ups are automated so there’s no need to worry about losing data.
Do Anything a Traditional POS System Can Do
If you use barcodes to keep track of your inventory, all you need is to add a mobile scanner to your mPOS device. As mentioned, you can accept cash transactions by adding a cash drawer. And you can also use a dedicated mPOS device that has a printer to produce paper receipts.
Secure Transactions
In addition to standard web encryption security protection, mPOS systems are also protected by standards set out by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). These standards are mandated by major credit card companies, (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, etc.) for all credit card transactions.
Scalability
Whether yours is a sole proprietorship, or you have a chain of operations, your mPOS system easily scales to fit your requirements. This can include handling many cashier stations, or many users of a single device. The ease of implementation remains a benefit to growing your POS system as your business grows.
To learn more about POS systems, check out our recent article How Do POS Systems Work?