What is an iPad POS system?
Learn how using an iPad point of sale system can help you to better serve your customers.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
With the advancement of technology and cloud-based POS Systems, retailers and small businesses have the opportunity to process interactions remotely rather than in-store behind a big bulky computer.
Thebest POS systemsare ahead of the curve and have already established effective ways to incorporate this technology specifically for use on mobile devices and iPads.
Learn about lightweight, slim mobile and iPad point of sale systems that allow your business to thrive wherever your customers are.
An iPad POS system can be utilized for a number of reasons. Because of their integration with SaaS (software as a service) providers, it has state-of-the-art software which allows the vender to track customer data, streamline the sales process, and manage inventory.
Because this software is cloud-based, merchants can use it virtually anywhere. These systems can even be used to take customer orders at a restaurant.
What is an iPad POS system?
An iPad POS system is point-of-sale software that is designed for an Apple iPad. To start incorporating your operations with an iPad POS system, the merchant will need to purchase a credit card reader and POS application, downloadable on the Apple app store. The app is necessary to effectively manage payments and track sales.
Thebest POS systemsutilize Bluetooth to connect to a card reader. When determining which card reader to purchase, it is important to get a newer model that includes a chip reader, which is more effective at preventing fraudulent charges.
MostPOS systemshave their own POS apps which include the software necessary to manage transactions and track data. Setting up the app is simple enough; instructions are typically included with the download. Some systems have the opportunity for personalization such as a branded home screen, mailing and promotions opt-ins, and more to build brand loyalty.
A printer is another necessary item to consider to allow for physical receipts for customers. The POS system can prompt shoppers to have an email, text, or print receipt. Most venders will offer a printer as an option to add to your purchase. If you choose a printer other than the one that the vender provides for cost saving purposes, but be sure to check that it is compatible with your iPad POS system.
For some businesses, this covers the essentials. Other businesses need additional pieces of equipment such as an iPad stand, allowing for the iPad to remain displayed on the check-out counter and rotate from merchant to consumer.
Lastly, some merchants may want to check for back-end equipment, such as restaurants. Back-end equipment allows your iPad to communicate with the back of the house responsible for food production.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
What are the benefits of iPad POS systems?
POS Systems are a necessity in today’s shopping and dining environment. In an article by financesonline.com it states thatPOS systemsare now considered as the core of any business, regardless of size or sales volume.
In fact, the article also conveys that 79% of stores that use POS systems are small and mid-sized brands, while 21% are large enterprises. Below we’ve broken down some of the top selling aspects of the iPad POS System:
How much does an iPad POS system cost?
An iPad POS system begins with the cost of the iPad – around $350.00 on the low end. Then, the system itself can cost anywhere from $79.00 for an older model, to $1,000.00+ for current updated models.
Following these initial fees, the vendor will need to consider a monthly cost as a cloud-based user. This fee is usually no more than $300/month and several systems don’t have a monthly fee at all. Below is an example of three popular brands as referenced bytechradar.com:
What is the best iPad POS System?
When considering which iPad POS system to buy the merchant needs to consider what their budget is, which integrations they need their POS system to be compatible with, and how experienced they are using POS software. Additionally, what do you want your customer experience to be? Many of the newer systems have a variety of customizations and upselling opportunities.
The top-rated systems per industry are:
As it relates to the overall operator and consumer journey, Square tends to be the most highly rated system, stated by fitsmallbusiness.com. With a $0 monthly fee for retail and restaurant owners, (a major perk compared to its competitors), this cloud-based POS system has a low card interest rate of 2.6% + $.10 and a positive consumer experience.
If you’re looking for advice about POS systems for specific type of business, then take a look at TechRadar’s guides to choosing the bestPOS systems for small business,POS systems for restaurants, andPOS systems for retail.
With over 13-years-of-experience in the marketing, public relations and non-profit fields, Erin is a driven copy and content writer, digital designer, strategic planner and public speaker. Throughout the course of her career, Erin has managed multiple teams, bringing sales and marketing success to non-profits and for-profit organizations. She brings empathetic, devoted leadership to the team, drives growth through tactical thinking and a consummate work ethic.
7 myths about email security everyone should stop believing
Best Usenet client of 2024
Arcane season 2 confirms the hit series isn’t just one of the best Netflix shows ever made – it’s an animated legend that’ll stand the test of time
