Before you want to be a POS system reseller, do you know which type of POS System is the most suitable for your clients? This article will help you to have a deeper understanding of various types of POS Systems.
POS System Definition
POS System, also called Point of Sale System, is mainly used to record the data of commodity sales transactions and complete the payment process. It usually includes hardware devices and software programs, supporting functions such as cash register management, inventory management, member management, and data analysis. It is widely applied in commercial fields such as retail and catering. Through the POS system, merchants can conveniently manage inventory, analyze sales, and make marketing decisions.
Deployment Types
Traditional POS Systems
Traditional POS Systems are configured with a computer host, touch cash register, printer, keyboard, barcode scanner, etc. Data needs to be stored locally, so a local server is required. It is generally applicable to large chain stores, group companies, or government restaurants.
Cloud-Based POS Systems
Cloud POS system, also known as SaaS POS system, mainly operates through the Internet and stores data on servers in the cloud. Generally speaking, it can run with just one application and is usually paired with a tablet or a smartphone as a cash register terminal. It is mainly applicable to small and medium-sized enterprises, pop-up stores, and merchants that need mobile checkout. Representative company: Adora.
Hardware Types
Mobile POS Systems
Mobile POS, typically using tablet computers (such as iPad POS) or smartphones as the main terminal devices, combined with small card readers and printers, feature high portability and flexibility. Suitable for food trucks, market stalls, small coffee shops, outdoor activities, or busy retail stores that require “line-busting”. Representative companies: Square, Lightspeed & Toast.
Terminal POS Systems
Terminal POS is an intelligent terminal device integrating functions such as payment, settlement, and data analysis. It is mainly used to receive and process consumers’ payment requests, and complete the collection, processing, and transmission of transaction data. It usually cooperates with financial institutions such as banks and payment companies to provide merchants with convenient and efficient payment services. POS machines not only support traditional bank card payments, but also various payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. Representative company: Verifone.
Kiosk POS Systems
A Self-Checkout POS system is a device that allows customers to scan goods and make payments by themselves. Its feature is that it does not require the operation of a cashier.
After clicking “Start Shopping” on the touch screen of the self-checkout machine, a product scanning page will pop up. Customers can scan the barcodes of each product one by one by aligning them with the scanning port. The names, prices, and quantities of the products will then be displayed on the screen one by one. After clicking “Complete” and making the payment, various payment methods such as bank cards, stored-value cards, and even Alipay and WeChat will be displayed on the screen. When you make your selection and enter the password, the cash register will automatically print out the transaction receipt and shopping list. It is generally used in supermarkets, fast food restaurants (such as McDonald’s and KFC), cinemas, airports, etc. Representative company: Bimi. For more details, please refer to the Bimi self-checkout kiosk, SCO-01.
Counter POS Systems
The Counter POS system, usually referring to the touch pos system placed on the cash register counter, is the most widely used type of cash register in various stores. It is used to handle customers’ payment operations and combines hardware and software to help merchants efficiently complete the sales process and record transaction data.
Counter POS Systems are widely used in various retail and service scenarios such as supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and pharmacies. For instance, a dual-screen POS system enhances transaction transparency and efficiency through the division of labor and collaboration between the main and secondary screens. The main screen faces the operator, while the secondary screen faces the customer, displaying information such as the name, unit price, quantity, amount, and total amount payable of the purchased goods in real-time. If you need to choose a counter POS system with high working performance and stable quality, you can refer to the POS-0093 of the Bimi brand.
Multichannel POS Systems
The biggest problem that many supermarket and convenience store owners encounter after purchasing cash registers is installation. The Multichannel POS System is a type of all-in-one POS system that integrates all the external devices required for daily operations onto a single device, such as a printer and scanner. It does not need to be installed by the store owner themselves and can be used immediately after purchase, saving installation costs and the cost of purchasing additional external devices. The mainly applied in supermarkets to improve the efficiency of payment and operations. For more details, please refer to the machine of Bimi Company, model POS-0072.
Application Types
Restaurant POS Systems
A Restaurant POS system, including both software and hardware, is a device specifically designed for restaurants to manage their payment solution. The software generally supports table management, order input (dine-in/takeout/delivery), kitchen display system (KDS), separate order settlement, menu customization, and tip tracking, etc. Hardware generally includes various touch POS machines with different screen sizes, 58/80mm printers, barcode scanners, cash boxes, etc. It is mainly applied in restaurants, cafes, bars, fast food restaurants, etc. For more POS system hardware, you can refer to the Bimi model POS-0070.
Retail POS Systems
A Retail POS System is a specialized POS device designed for the retail industry. It consists of POS system hardware and software, and is used to record transaction data, count inventory of goods (supporting color/size/style), manage members, make payments, and perform other functions.
Retail POS systems are typically used in large department stores, convenience stores, fresh food stores, clothing stores, boutiques, etc. Their main functions include scanning goods, weighing, cash change, printing receipts, shift handover management, etc. For instance, the POS system used in convenience stores might be equipped with a dual-screen touch pos system. The secondary screen is convenient for customers to confirm order information and amounts, such as Bimi’s POS-0060. For weighing products, a cash register or an AI POS, such as the POS-0069, is required.
Hospitality POS Systems
A Hospitality POS system, also called Hotel POS System or Accommodation POS System, is a device specifically designed for recording and managing hotel operating income. It can calculate the total amount, receivables, and change of each document, and automatically record and save this information, generally necessary to integrate with the property management system (PMS) to manage room bills, reservations, and payments at various consumption points within the hotel, such as restaurants and spas. It is mainly applicable to various chain hotels, resorts, and homestays. Bimi POS-0073 is your best choice for a hotel POS System.
Service Industry POS Systems
A Service Industry POS system includes both POS hardware and software systems. The software system focuses on appointment management, employee scheduling, customer file management (especially member management, including card opening, recharging, and points redemption for members), and employee commission settlement.
This kind of machine is mainly applied in service industries such as gyms, beauty salons, and spa centers. If you want the best hair salon pos system or beauty salon pos system manufacturer, Bimi will be your best choice, and model POS-0070 is the most suitable model for you.
Operating System (OS)
At present, the popular POS systems in the market, classified by operating systems, mainly include POS systems for Windows, Android, and Linux. They each have their own characteristics and advantages:
Windows POS Systems
Windows POS System: It has a relatively high hardware cost and low flexibility, but it is extremely stable and is the most widely used type of POS machine. The software has a high degree of customization, the operation interface is relatively repetitive, and the functional depth is relatively high. It is especially suitable for large group companies, large chain stores, or government agencies.
Android POS Systems
Android POS System: It has the lowest hardware cost, the highest flexibility, and average stability. It is a popular trend in the market. The software is highly customizable and provides an SDK for easy secondary development. Suitable for small and medium-sized stores, fast food restaurants, retail stores, coffee shops, milk tea shops, etc.
Linux POS Systems
Linux POS System: Moderate hardware cost, moderate flexibility, extremely high stability, and not easily hacked. The software offers the highest level of customization, is completely open source, and can be modified as needed. For instance, when it comes to Raid, Bimi Company has extensive experience, and its machines have been widely used in the National Bookstores in the Philippines. Most suitable for companies that use Linux software or merchants who still use Linux software.
How to choose a POS System that suits you?
Clarify your business type and requirements.
If you have opened a restaurant, then what you need is the restaurant POS System. The software function must have an open table feature and support kitchen data printing so that chefs will not miss orders. In terms of hardware, Bimi’s POS-0093 and Kitchen Display System can be considered.
Evaluate the core functions and integration capabilities
A good POS system should be a business ecosystem rather than just a single POS. Regarding the software aspect, if you have opened a snack store, you need to consider whether there is an inventory function, such as whether the inventory is updated in real time and whether it supports low inventory reminders to enable early restocking. If you have opened a restaurant, then you need to consider whether the software supports food delivery apps such as Meituan and Uber Eats. If you have opened a clothing store, you need to consider whether the software supports online Shopify.
Determine your deployment method and hardware
When your store is a small one but has stores in multiple locations, then the Cloud-based deployment method is more in line with your needs, as it has the advantages of low cost, easy installation, remote access, and automatic updates.
Target cost and pricing model
As is well known, the POS System mainly consists of three parts: hardware cost, software cost, and transaction fee.
Hardware Cost: Generally speaking, hardware cost is a one-time procurement cost. The price varies greatly depending on the brand, ranging from $150 to $2000. Square’s is generally $300-$1000. If you want to purchase cheaper hardware, you can consider importing from China, for example, Bimi’s POS-0093. Price range: $250- $450.
Software Cost: This depends on different software companies. Some charge annually, some charge monthly, and some charge a certain percentage of commission based on the amount of each order. There is also software that can be purchased in one lump sum.
Transaction fees: Generally speaking, when transaction fees are charged, they specifically refer to terminal POS. For example, the percentage handling fee charged by the payment processor for each credit card or mobile payment transaction in the terminal POS of Verifone.
Consider ease of use and after-sales support.
No matter how good the POS System is, as long as your employees don’t know how to operate it, it is meaningless. Therefore, you need to consider simple operability and after-sales support technology, whether it is hardware or software.
Simple operability: For instance, whether the operation interface of the software is simple, clear, and intuitive; Is it easy for new employees to get started? In terms of hardware, is the touch sensitive enough to save checkout time and enhance the shopping experience of customers?
After-sales technical support: In terms of software, does it offer 7-day / 24-hour all-day service, as some retail stores are open 24 hours a day? When problems arise, can there be someone who can solve them in time? In terms of hardware, when the machine fails to operate normally, is there a professional technician who points out which hardware component has the problem and has already prepared the easily damaged parts in order for replacement?
Security and Compliance.
Generally speaking, this is the characteristic terminal POS because it involves the support of bank cards and credit cards. What you need to verify is whether this terminal POS complies with the PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance standards. Is peer-to-peer encryption (P2PE) used to protect cardholder information? In fact, Verifone is your best choice.
FAQ:
How Much Does a POS System Costs For Your Business?
A POS system consists of the costs of three main parts: hardware, software, and operating system(OS).
Hardware(One Time Cost): Mainly the cost of devices such as: touch computer, printer, barcode scanner, cash box, etc. Different models have different prices. Bimi supplies a whole set at around $1000.
Software (Normally Per Month): The charges of each software company vary. Adora: $40-$59
Lightspeed: $89-$339
Toast: $69-$275.
The functions of each software are different. You need to choose the appropriate software based on your own store.
OS (One Time Cost): Only the Windows license needs to be paid for, costing around $50-$150.
Who Are the Top 10 Best POS System Hardware Manufacturers?
If you are a reseller of POS systems, here are the top 10 best POS System hardware manufacturers that you must know.
- Square POS System
- Clover POS System
- Toast POS System
- Lightspeed POS System
- ELO POS System
- NCR POS System
- Sunmi POS System
- Bimi POS System
- IBM POS System
- Toshiba POS System
Square, Clover, Toast & Lightspeed are a company that integrates POS system software, hardware, and services. Their POS solution is specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, covering the retail, catering, and service industries.
ELO, NCR, Sunmi, IBM & Toshiba are the companies that mainly produce the hardware of the POS system and provide various POS system solutions for all kinds of enterprises involved in smart retail, HoReCa, and other industries.
Bimi, as an OEM & ODM POS System, Self-Checkout & Price Checker hardware manufacturer, always supplies a variety of cash register solutions to different applications such as restaurants, retail stores, supermarkets, shopping malls, and so on. Bimi helps thousands of shops run faster with a reliable POS solution.
What is the difference between a Cash Register and a POS System?
When you want to buy a cash register, you will find that there are both button keyboard cash registers and touch screen POS systems on the market. Do you know what the main difference is between a keyboard cash register and a POS system?
| Cash Register | POS System | ||||
| Hardware | built-in printer: 58mm | built-in: 80mm printer or no | |||
| main display: 128*64 LCD | main display: 15.6” 1366*768 touch panel | ||||
| SSD & RAM: embedded | SSD & RAM: Plug-in motherboard type | ||||
| Software | free, machine program & PC | paid, buy additional | |||
| Cost | $80~$150 | $150~$150 + software cost | |||
| Shop Type | Small shops | Large / Chain stores | |||
So with a clear direction, you know what you need.
How does a POS System Help Your Restaurant?
Ding, your order is here ~ At the back of the kitchen, there is such a KDS that has received an order from the front restaurant POS System. Chefs, it’s time to get busy now.
At the front desk, the POS system is working now.:
Opening tables
Placing orders
Sending orders to the kitchen & water bar
Collecting payment
Financial reporting
Scheduling staff’s shifts
Optimizing the menu
…
A good POS system helps you a lot in your restaurant. It is not just a POS system; it is like a robot that can work 24 hours for your customers.
Let your restaurant no longer lose orders! Let your customers no longer wait in line to pay.
How to Find a Good POS System for Retail?
Don’t know how to find a suitable retail POS system? Find the following key factors you should know:
Scale: Is your store operated as a single store or in a chain with multiple stores?
If single, a POS system that is easy to operate and user-friendly is suitable for you
If a large chain store is needed, a comprehensive POS system is needed.
Sales Channel: Is your store only for physical sales, or does it also run an online shop?
If an online shop, then the software is required to achieve the integration of online and offline (OMO) and inventory synchronization functions.
Software Functions, hardware requirements & technical support are also factors you need to consider. Only by clearly understanding your own needs can you better choose a POS System that suits you and increase the value of your retail shop.
What Are the 6 Powerful Benefits of a POS System?
Before you want to be a reseller of the POS System, you need to know the 6 powerful benefits of it:
Improve Transaction Efficiency: Use Bimi’s POS-0093 to accelerate the payment process and reduce customer waiting time.
Real-time Inventory Management: POS software can update inventory in real time and has an inventory reminder function, allowing merchants to prepare goods in advance and avoid stockouts.
Data Analysis: The software has a data analysis function, which can analyze the sales trends of products based on customers’ consumption preferences and help merchants make wise business decisions.
Enhancing Customer Experience: POS systems typically provide customers with a better experience through three channels. Personalized services, accurate orders, and faster services.
Reducing Cash Flow: POS systems basically support electronic wallet payments, such as AliPay and WeChat Pay.
Safety and Compliance: This is particularly important for customers who make payments by credit card or bank card.
How Many Types Of POS Systems for Retail?
There are 16 types of retail POS systems, as follows:
Pet POS System
Clothing POS System
Laundry POS System
Gift Shop POS System
Bookstore POS System
Pharmacy POS System
Automotive POS System
Liquor Store POS System
Supermarket POS System
Hypermarket POS System
Jewelry Store POS System
Grocery Store POS System
Home Appliance POS System
Department Store POS System
Convenience Store POS System
Tobacco and Alcohol POS System
How Many Types Of POS Systems for Restaurants?
There are at least 11 types of POS Systems for restaurants.
Bar POS System
KFC POS System
Pizza POS System
Bakery POS System
Delivery POS System
McDonald’s POS System
Country Club POS System
Ice Cream Shop POS System
Bubble Tea Shop POS System
English 
Spanish 
Arabic 
Russian 
