Shopping for new point of sale (POS) technology can be stressful, and the industry changes quickly. It’s tempting to shop around for rock-bottom pricing and do the leg work yourself, but more time and energy spent shopping for a system means less time in your store or restaurant, serving customers, and taking care of business. Instead of evaluating vendors, comparing component prices, and preparing for an installation yourself, a value-added reseller (VAR) can take care of those items for you.
Here are four reasons why you should be working with a value-added reseller to manage your POS project:
1. Value-added resellers are prepared and informed about best practices and procedures for POS implementation.
You could spend days, weeks, or months researching POS systems, staying ahead of technology developments, and preparing for installations and upgrades. But why should you spend time doing that when you’ve got a business to run? When new technologies like mobile wallets or tablet POS hit the market or when changes like the EMV shift arise, VARs are already ahead of the curve. They make it a priority to learn about standards and best practices of how to incorporate and implement these technologies. These companies live and breathe the POS industry, so you don’t have to.
2. VARs draw from years of experience.
A value-added reseller has seen and heard it all—any issue you may be facing is one they have already dealt with. Value-added resellers have years of experience in the industry, completed hundreds of installations and continue to learn about up-and-coming trends, companies and services. These companies are a wealth of information if you’re wondering what the most economic POS strategies are, how to save money, and what areas of your system and install you definitely shouldn’t skimp on.
Although it’s tempting to look for the lowest prices, beware of internet businesses advertising cheap systems. Yes, they will sell you a system for a bargain basement price, but the system is all you get – they offer no local or onsite support. When you work with a VAR, you’re investing in a partner.
3. They understand and are familiar with the latest in the industry.
It’s tempting to think you need all the bells and whistles some POS systems offer, which may not be necessary. It’s also easy to look for the lowest cost option, which may be limited in features or flexibility for the future. A value-added reseller is invested in your business’s success and will help you evaluate your needs, identify your budget and determine what features are important and which technologies you may want down the road, without overselling your business. Partnering with a VAR means gaining a trusted advisor and consultant with years of experience in your industry and with the technology.
4. VARS are constantly striving to expand their knowledge base.
Choosing a VAR that is a member of an industry association means they are continuously attending industry learning sessions, participating in educational panels and making new connections. And since their priority is continuous industry education, VARs have up-to-the-minute learning on the approaches that can benefit your business. You have everything to gain from their knowledge base—so choose a value-added reseller that is a member of an accredited industry association and regularly attends events.
You will also find that an experienced and dedicated value-added reseller is more of a trusted business advisor than just a POS technology provider. VARs usually offer in-person meetings and service, when needed, so you will have the opportunity to meet with them at your business and show them first-hand the challenges you face. By building a close partnership with the VAR, you can build a roadmap that will help you reach your goals related to IT — and to your business as a whole. Give your business an edge: don’t just buy a POS system, work with a VAR.
