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Even though some independent retail businesses rely mainly on high-tech point-of-sale systems, traditional cash registers can still offer value to small businesses. Cash registers are generally low-cost and easy to use. They also offer some basic reporting features to help you stay on top of your bookkeeping and don’t require any special software or subscriptions.
However, there are some POS systems that are more like hybrids, such as the cash register systems for iPad. Square registers are also quite popular, though you’ll have to purchase a separate cash drawer if you take cash at your business.
Fortunately, there are plenty of cash registers for sale on the internet. There are a few things you’ll want to consider before making a purchase, the first being how much you’d like to spend.
Choosing the Right Cash Register for Your Small Business
Every small business owner understands the value of a reliable cash register. Whether you run a local cafe, a corner store, or a boutique shop, the right register can streamline your transactions and keep your operations running smoothly. But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the best one for your needs?
Key Features to Look For:
- User-Friendly Interface: Your cash register should be intuitive and easy to use. Time spent fumbling with complex buttons or navigating confusing menus can lead to longer customer wait times and reduced efficiency.
- Reliability and Durability: Think about the daily wear and tear your cash register will endure. Opt for a model that’s built to last, with a reputation for longevity.
- Advanced Reporting Capabilities: Modern registers often come with features that can track sales, inventory, and customer data. This can be invaluable for business growth and strategy planning.
- Expandability: As your business grows, your needs may change. Choose a register that can be easily upgraded or connected to other systems.
- Secure Transaction Processing: Ensure your chosen register has updated security features to protect both your business and your customers.
Other Considerations:
- Cost: While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, consider it as an investment. Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront can save you in repair or replacement costs down the line.
- Training and Support: Check if the manufacturer offers training for staff and ongoing support in case of technical issues.
Remember, a cash register is more than just a transactional tool—it’s a central part of your business operations. Taking the time to choose wisely will benefit both your customers and your bottom line.
Cash Registers: Options for Your Small Business
| Feature/Item | Top Pick: NRS Cash Register for Small Businesses | Runner Up: Retail Point of Sale System | Best Value: Sharp Xe-A407 Thermal 99 Dept Cash Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor/Display | 15” Touchscreen Monitor | Touchscreen PC | 3.7 inch LCD operator display |
| Customer-Facing Display | Yes | Dot matrix rear customer display | Not specified |
| Additional Hardware | Metal Cash Drawer, Barcode Scanner, Receipt Printer | Cash Drawer, Barcode Scanner, Receipt Printer, Mini Keyboard | Dual receipt tape, 32GB SD card |
| Software Included | User-friendly software | POS Software | Not specified |
| Support/Training | Free training and set-up support | 60 days of free support | Not specified |
NRS Cash Register for Small Businesses
National Retail Systems designed this POS system especially for small businesses, as the name implies. It features a metal cash drawer, a 15” touchscreen monitor, a customer-facing display, a barcode scanner and a receipt printer. Additionally, user-friendly software, free training and set-up support are also available.
NRS Cash Register for Small Businesses
Retail Point of Sale System
This point-of-sale system comes with everything you need – a touchscreen PC, POS software, receipt printer, barcode scanner, cash drawer, mini keyboard, and dot matrix rear customer display. Also included are 60 days of free support from the manufacturer.
Sharp Thermal 99 Dept Cash Register
Sharp’s thermal cash register features dual receipt tape for customer and business copies, 7000 PLUs, a 3.7 inch LCD operator display, 40 clerk IDs, and a 32GB SD card computer connectivity for expansion.
Sharp Thermal 99 Dept Cash Register
NRS LITE Cash Register for Small Businesses
The main difference between the NRS Lite cash register and the one listed above is the size. This model is smaller and more compact, and a cash drawer must be purchased separately. Otherwise, the features are the same – touch screen, receipt printer, and easy-to-use software are all present.
NRS LITE Cash Register for Small Businesses
ROYAL Consumer Cash Register
Royal’s 39285K register features a 40 Clerk ID System and 200 departments for sales analysis by category. It also has a heavy-duty locking cash drawer and automatic tax computation.
Datio Point of Sale Base Station and iPad Cash Register
If you have an iPad for your business, you can hook it right up to this POS station. With a monthly subscription, you get the software, support via phone, text & email, and online reports. A cash drawer, printer, scanner and credit card reader are all included.
Datio Point of Sale Base Station and iPad Cash Register
SAM4s ER-940 Cash Register
This device’s display shows each item as it is entered, connects to popular POS peripherals, and has up to approximately 2,000 PLUs. It comes with a full-size cash register drawer and a large two-line LCD operator display.
Cash Register Electronic POS System
This affordable cash register option features a 48 key moisture proof keyboard, a cash drawer with 3 bill compartments, and 8 coin slots. It supports adding up to 50 clerks and a whopping 10,000 PLUs. This cash register also has two RS232 interfaces for pairing with other devices.
Cash Register Electronic POS System
Sharp XEA207 Menu-Based Control System Cash Register
This smaller and more affordable cash register by Sharp has an easy-to-learn menu-based maintenance. Other features include an easy-changing thermal receipt roll space, menus in English and Spanish, and an SD card slot for register backup and sales capture.
Sharp XEA207 Menu-Based Control System Cash Register
Silver POS Kit Bundle for iPad
Another option for iPad users, this kit comes with an iPad POS stand with a rotary plate, a cash drawer, and an SD410 Counterfeit Detector. Its compact design allows it to fit just about anywhere.
Silver POS Kit Bundle for iPad
PETROSOFT All-in-One SmartPOS
This POS kit’s 15″ touchscreen with touch and swipe technology ensure fast transactions, while the 15″ customer screen ensures customers see their transactions and notice your promotions. This kit includes the POS terminal, cash drawer, scanner, and thermal receipt printer.
Toast – Restaurant Point of Sale (POS) Starter Kit
Toast is a platform built for restaurants and food services businesses, and its intuitive point-of-sale system can help track orders, manage inventory, grow sales, and run your business efficiently. You receive the Toast POS terminal hardware, the Toast payment device, the router, the receipt printer, and a cash drawer.
Toast – Restaurant Point of Sale (POS) Starter Kit
OCASAMI Electronic Cash Register for Small Businesses
This small, affordable register allows you to print your store logo on your receipts. It can be connected to the computer via USB to view product information, sales record data, etc., which can be imported and exported in Excel file format through back-end software. The register includes 36 departments, 10000 PLUs, and 50 employee IDs.
OCASAMI Electronic Cash Register for Small Businesses
Square Register
Square offers payments processing, point-of-sale software and powerful hardware designed as one seamless system, with no tablets or apps required. You get two displays – one for you and one for the customer, expert phone support, and a 2-year limited warranty.
MEETSUN A3D Windows All in one Cash Register
This cash register set includes a 15″ main screen, an 11.6″ secondary screen, a thermal printer, stainless steel cash drawer, a scanner, and software for retail store in Windows. Besides all that, the software is a one-time purchase, meaning no monthly fees.
MEETSUN A3D Windows All in one Cash Register
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