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In the restaurant industry, there is much disagreement between whether a used POS system will actually save you money or not. However, if you?re just starting your business, you may not have much of an option.

New systems start around $3,000 and can get much more expensive. A used POS system, on the other hand, can be a cost effective way to get started. Consider these 5 tips to ensure you are in fact saving money.

1. Do You Have Manufacturer Support?
Buying a used POS may conjure up thoughts of spammy Craigslist ads or garage sales. Yet, as a professional business you want to make professional purchases. While many may frown upon buying used POS systems for lack of manufacturer support, there are options to avoid that.

Global marketplace, PowerSourceOnline.com suggests, ?The secondary market for used POS equipment plays a vital role in supporting our entire infrastructure.? Getting your system from the proper retailer will be key.

• Purchase directly from the manufacturer. When doing this, you can ensure that your used or refurbished product is up to their standards. Also consider purchasing from a company that specializes in POS service and repairs.

2. Is it Up To Date?
The POS industry is changing quickly. From online commerce to mobile credit card processing, it?s tough to keep up. And thus, it may seem counterproductive to purchase a used POS system. However, with a high percentage of businesses failing before their first year of business is through, there are many up to date systems on the used market to choose from.

• Try to find a system that allows for integration with other POS options such as online and mobile.

3. Does it have Equipment?
The benefit of buying a new POS system is often that it comes with cheap accessories. Many companies will offer packaged deals to make the high price a bit more attractive. If you can buy a cheap used POS but it comes with no software or accessories, you may end up spending just as much.

• Be sure items such as receipt printers, cash drawers, and software are all included. A used POS system can be beneficial, but not as a singular entity.

4. Can You Use the Software?
The most important question to ask yourself is whether the software is up to date and usable, or not. This is the brains behind the equipment, and without it you have nothing. Purchasing a used POS however, does not mean you have to use old software.

• Be sure that the software license is transferrable which will allow you to update it. Some are and some aren?t, and some companies may charge a fee for this service.

5. Have You Tested it Yourself?
As a business owner, you have certain practices in place that make your business run the way it does. From customer care to quick dining room service, you want your POS system to reflect that. However, not all systems are created equal.

• See and use the system before buying, regardless of how new it may be. You want to be sure that you can customize the system to your liking, or that it?s already in working order for you.

Used POS systems can be a valuable asset for your small and growing restaurant business. However, it doesn?t have to be a permanent solution. Investing in a used system until your business is able to purchase a brand new one can be a great way to save money.

(Source: Jessica Sanders ?
Marketing Copyeditor; Business.com; ResourceNation.com)

Bio: Jessica Sanders is an avid small business writer. As the marketing copyeditor of Resource Nation, she touches on a range of topics such as business credit cards and payroll software.

Source: http://www.advancerestaurantfinance.com/blog/uncategorized/5-tips-for-saving-money-with-used-pos-systems.html

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