The modernized point of sale (POS) system combines both the hardware and software to perform transactions and complete efficiently. Hardware comprises of both the input and output devices that enhance the function of the POS software at the point of purchase.
Hardware for ShopKeep POS depends on the type of business ShopKeep will operate in. For instance, a retail business can have its hardware as the cash drawer, bar reader, printers for printing receipts, debit card reader, and the iPad enclosure.
Many hardware components are designed to work with specific types of software. The cash drawers help the cashier to store all the cash, receipts from credit cards, and other paperwork. It is signaled by the POS software or receipt printers and opens when required. Cash drawers should be keen to withstand the opening and closing during the business operations.
Factors to consider when looking for POS hardware
Merchants should consider several factors to choose compatible POS hardware that will improve their services to retain and attract many customers:
- The hardware products should be from having the right brand name. Suitable brand hardware is thought to be efficient and offer excellent services that will attract many customers. It will also help to reduce market competition and the best packages for the ShopKeep.
- They should also consider the bulkiness of the hardware components because it will ease or harden their service to the customers. Bulkiness will also limit the merchant operation from one place to another. Portable hardware facilitates business operations from one place to another. Thus the merchant can walk over a long distance while using a movable mobile point of sale. It also enhances customer interactions with the merchant because it occupies less space. Some merchants may consider buying bulky hardware components because it allows ventilation for the software units, especially when the room is big.
- Merchants should buy hardware products that are affordable to them. Affordable prices save on more extra costs that can be used to purchase other software packages.
- Many merchants likely consider hardware products that have extended warranty periods. This is because it helps the merchant to return the products in case they fail to work, reducing the costs of incurring other expenses in the double purchase. Warranty prices vary depending on the type of hardware product and place of purchase. Most of the hardware products are warranted one year from the day of purchase. ShopKeep warranties its product s within thirty days from the day of purchase (non-apple) and fourteen days for all Apple products.
- The hardware components should have portable and compatible peripherals for the software. All ethernet cables and Bluetooth devices should comply with the system to enhance business operations. All external hard drives of the computer or Android devices should be well used and ensure that they are free of viruses to avoid loss of essential information within other tools.
- The network server solution should also comply with the software packages to ease work and enhance a user-friendly environment for the user.
ShopKeep hardware features
Monitor screen
The monitor screen displays the information after processing. Traditional CRT and LCD monitors may be used in different enterprises. Still, the modernized POS touch screen is commonly preferred because it saves time and can allow users to interact with the computer.
The touch functionality saves on space at the counter and has replaced the keyboard and mouse technologies. However, some businesses may prefer the keyboard and mouse technology because of the programmable characteristics and the magnetic stripe functionality. Therefore, modernized technology has improved employee-customer interaction.
Credit card reader
Many customers use credit and debit cards; therefore, business managers should have credit terminals. When the keyboard or mouse has the integrated ability to read the credit cards, the user will only require a pin pad to apprehend the signature of all customers.
Devices that capture these signatures work best with gift cards and other loyalty programs. Credit cards enhance simplified transactions and minimize the charges associated with depositing paperwork uniquely when integrated with EMV and NFC transactions.
Printer
Customers are always given receipts after every transaction. The receipt printers generate these receipts. Receipts provide detailed information of the operation conducted by the customer and can use it to buy more items later or return any products if they are unsatisfactory.
Thermal printers are the most preferred printers because they are fast and not noisy. Some merchants may use printers with a check reader like the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition that describes symbols and numbers on the bottom of checks.
Barcode scanner
Barcode scanners are also part of the hardware system that helps users to read the product barcodes. Scanners vary in technology and size and can be determined by the type of business. Small retailers prefer the hand-held scanners because of their portability. Most barcode readers are accurate and efficient as they read the codes on the product and send the information to the computer. They also save on time, especially when the customer buys similar products and adds the inventory to the POS software’s database.
Benefits of combining the right hardware
All these hardware components enhance fast and secure transactions, especially using updated scanners. This also saves time and improves inventory databases. Compatible hardware system to the software unit helps the manager to track inventory records of the business, even in different locations. It enforces security and reduces cases of theft as all products are encrypted with codes that can be read by the barcode readers.
Integrations
POS systems integrated with accounting add-ons improve the financial status of the business as it works to reduce the liability and other expenses. The accounting software creates balanced sheets, all income information, and cash data that helps in improving the business. Detailed receipts promote customer loyalty, and the reward system acknowledges the return policies and links to help access the customer’s experience.
Finally, an appropriate hardware system improves seller-buyer interaction promoting customer satisfaction. Applicable prices, discounts, and rewards/ gifts retain customers and attract new customers.
ShopKeep Starter Kits
ShopKeep starter kits are determined by the type and size of the business. For instance, the starter kits for a retail shop like a clothing store include; an iPad enclosure, cash drawer, barcode scanner, receipt printer, label printer, and credit card reader. The restaurant hardware kit for startups consists of an iPad enclosure, cash drawer, kitchen and receipt printers, credit card reader, and ethernet cable for internet connectivity.
- The Quick-service hardware kit is commonly used, especially when conducting faster transactions. Its components include; an iPad enclosure and Air stand, receipt printer and credit card reader.
- Complete retail hardware kit constitutes Cash drawer, Epson 2″ receipt printers, iPad Air stand, 1D laser barcode scanner, 7series USB charging cradle, cash drawer, label printers, and ethernet card, readers.
The most common cash drawers with ShopKeep are the 14*16 cash drawers popular when coupled with Apple iPads Air or Air2, especially when connected with Bluetooth printers. It can be hand-held and saves on time when conducting transactions. Most of these hardware units are bought with the manual feature guide that directs users on connectivity and usage.
à la carte hardware options
Merchants who don’t buy these hardware components in packages, or may have some parts compatible with ShopKeep purchase the necessary hardware on a la carte. The a la carte card readers range between $49-$329 depending on the type the user needs. The price of printer ranges between $119 – $331 depending on the printer’s attributes. The cash drawers’ price ranges from $29 – $ 235, and the Barcode scanners from $79 to $449. The iPad enclosures range at $99- $139. These prices vary depending on the attributes of the device.
Primary retail hardware
The hardware products depend on the type of business one is establishing. For instance, primary retail products are quite different from primary restaurant hardware products. Basic restaurant and bar hardware products include; Epson Bluetooth printer, iPad stand, Epson kitchen printer, ethernet cable, cash drawer, and compatible Apple iPad Air. The cost for these products ranges between $1166 and $ 1196.
Primary retail hardware products whose price ranges from $1297- $1327 include; Epson 2″ ethernet printer, iPad stand, 1D laser barcode reader, credit card scanner, cash drawer with compatible Apple iPad pro 9.7″.
Complete retail hardware
Complete Quick Service Hardware products are priced from $1369 – $1399 when Bluetooth printers are used. The products include; Cash Drawer Epson 2″ Ethernet Printer, iPad Air Stand, Epson Kitchen Printer, Ethernet Cable, Cash Drawer, Thermal Paper – 50 Roll Case, Ethernet Credit Card Reader Compatible with Apple iPad Air.
- Complete Restaurant and Bar Hardware products for android and iPads are priced at $1369 to $1399 when one chooses Bluetooth printers. Its products include; Cash Drawer, Epson Bluetooth Printer, iPad Air Stand, Epson Kitchen Printer, Ethernet Cable, Standard Cash Drawer Mount, Thermal Paper – 50 Roll Case, 1-Ply Bond Paper – 50 Roll Case, Credit Card Reader and Compatible Apple iPad Air 2.
- Complete Retail Hardware Kit for iPad is priced at $1519 or $1549 if you choose Bluetooth printer. Some of its products include; Cash Drawer, Epson 2″ Bluetooth Printer, iPad Air Stand, 1D Laser Barcode Scanner, 7 Series USB Charging Cradle, Cash Drawer, Thermal Paper – 50 Roll Case, Barcode Labels, Label Printer, Ethernet Credit Card Reader and Compatible Apple iPad Pro 9.7. Lastly, Mobile Register Kit costs $198 and contains some products like; iPad Mini Handheld Enclosure, Lightning Credit Card Swiper, and Compatible iPad Mini 2/3.
Shopkeep POS Hardware Shipping And Warranty
Shipping
Shipping refers to the physical movement of products from the point of purchase to the customers’ location. ShopKeep packages all the customer goods and controls the transport or shipping logistics. Shipping takes several forms, and the size of the products determines its prices. Large-sized products are shipped at a higher cost compared to small-sized products.
ShopKeep ships all its hardware products depending on the customer’s orders the same day the requests are made before 5 pm EST. The product should reach the customer within seven business days. In case the products run out of storage, the customer is notified before the seven business days are done.
Orders on shipping are not changed once they are placed. The products are delivered mainly within the business days. Products shipped overseas are transported within two business days, and the customers may pay extra fees to complete the process. ShopKeep does not ship Apple products beyond the USA. Large orders are delivered at different times with different distributors depending on the location of the customer.
How do Warranties work?
Warranty is a documented condition between the manufacturer and the buyer that allows the buyer to return the product if it does not suit their expectations or satisfy them.
Warranties represent a specific term of the contract with the consumer from the manufacturer. Warranties may also state a particular fact concerning the product. Warranties can either be express or implied depending on the manufacturer. Express warranties are stipulated in documents while the implied warranties are verbally communicated (unwritten). Warranties can either be terminated or extended, depending on the manufacturer-consumer agreements. Most warranties have a specified time of validity.
ShopKeep Warranty
ShopKeep offers a warranty on an annual basis for all new non-Apple hardware products ordered on all ShopKeep Stores. This warranty is guaranteed when these products fail to function under regular use within one year from the original purchase date. The manufacturer can offer additional warranties.
Refurbished products of non-Apple hardware are eligible for the warranty when they fail to work within ninety days from their original purchase date. ShopKeep offers a fourteen-day limited warranty on all Apple products purchased on ShopKeep Store.
The warranty is applicable when products fail to function under regular use within fourteen days of the original purchase date. However, the customers can contact the ShopKeep management for any repairs and replacements within the fourteen days under this standard warranty.
Warranty Exceptions
ShopKeep stores do not offer warranties without proof of purchase. If they term the product deem and defective and with a warranty, they usually send a replacement product of the same kind within 24hours and ensure the customer gets it in the next business day.
The product is accompanied by a prepaid FedEx return label to return the defective product to the store. The returned product is also taken to the manufacturer, who returns the products’ cost. If the defective product is not given back with the return label within ten business days, the customer is charged the replacement costs.
Paying for ShopKeep Hardware
ShopKeep has various payment platforms that enable its customers to pay for the shipping and product costs. The common payment platform used is ShopKeep Payments which accepts cash, credit and debit cards, mobile payments, and EMV chip cards.
ShopKeep offer gift cards because of the integrated features and add-ons on their products and other promotion programs that they might be running. Gift cards require approval from the artwork systems, which takes approximately three to five days and shipped within fifteen days after approval. Orders on ShopKeep store shipped via FedEx are shipped at zero charges in the US. The customer is charged extra fees when the product is shipped overnight.
Hardware returns
ShopKeep allows returns of all non-apple hardware products within thirty days from the date of purchase if they do not meet the client’s needs or are incompatible with the software. The products should be returned with receipts that were given during purchase. Apple-based products that are not opened should be returned within fourteen business days. Opened Apple products are returned at 15% of the original price of the product.
All returned products are shipped on at free mode basis. The customer should ship the products with all original manuals and all packaged materials the product was bought with. All returned products are 100% refunded. ShopKeep does not refund any charges of shipping during the initial purchase of any goods.
According to the return policy, gift cards are prohibited for return. This is because the customer always approves them before printing. Most of them are individualized, and it is challenging to get another customer with the same specifications. All customers who use credit cards during their original purchase are given back their credit once they return their products, and most of them are notified via the email. The customer can issue a new separate order for the product at any point or through a specialist of the POS on with a specific serial number.
Buying Hardware through a merchant
Currently, many merchants conduct their business online. Therefore, their customers can pay the cost of purchase through credit or debit cards. Appropriate payment codes interface the buying with the merchants. Transactions are conveniently made automatically from the customer to the merchant. Merchants prefer processing their payment services depending on the service cost, available and convenient virtual terminals, fraud security, and the support of the online stores.
Appropriate payment flow provides better customer experience by allowing integrated services from the main gateway payment sites. Customers are redirected by most programming payment software, which assures security to the whole process. Customers should choose their hardware products correctly to avoid return and exchange costs. This should be accompanied by a sense of safety and security from the merchants.
This can be done by enhancing security features by installing security software like anti-fraud protection. Merchants can also have specific logos and brand name to promote the confidence of their customers, primarily in the online markets. Service fees and wants should be standardized. Payment gateways should ensure valid pricing for all transactions in the business models. These transactions should effectively run in all devices, and any changes should comply with the whole system.
Qualifying a merchant
The payment system should ease the operation by giving customers a variety of features to choose from. This is also dependent on the type of product bought by the customer and transaction conducted. An online business should consider all market policies within the range of its operation. If the merchant agrees to use the cash mode of payment in store all over the world, he should be able to accept the different currencies. This promotes the industry as it motivates customers from different societies to purchase their products.
Add-ons to look for
Integration characteristics on the hardware and software packages attract more customers. These integrated features, combined with the add-ons, improve and enhance the services to the customer. For instance, ShopKeep uses the MailChimp to email receipts to their customers. The emails can also accept customer feedback and appreciation messages that will help to improve the business.
QuickBooks is another integrated operation on the merchant accountant services that improves payment services. QuickBooks is preferred because of its automatically downloads, categorizes, and reconciles credit transactions. This integration helps one to document all expenses and generate professional invoices that suit the business. It also allows one to control account operations from any place at any time with any device. Its inventory capacity adjusts product quantity and values automatically during sales.
Generally, this accounting software is affordable, easy to learn, and appropriate due to its varied services. A merchant should choose hardware operations that suit their business model and improve its activities to all customers in all its places of operations.