Benefits of handheld POS systems

You may have already determined that a point of sale system (or POS system) is right for your business. But you aren't sure if a standard flatbed scanner is the way to go, or if you need a touchscreen or handheld POS system. For different businesses, you may need to find the most ideal options.

There are a few different types of handheld POS systems available (and hundreds of options within each type), so you'll want to check with multiple vendors before making a purchase. You don't want to buy the first off-the-shelf solution you find; take your time and do your research to make the best purchasing buying decision.

It's important that any system you purchase has components that work together. Everything from the scanner to the software to the receipt printer and cash drawer should operate seamlessly. If you're buying a total solution, make it sure it can handle tasks for your specific business. One way to ensure you're getting a handheld POS system that's the right fit is to ask the vendor to let you try it out for yourself. Since POS solutions can be expensive, you want to make sure it does everything that you need it to.

Handheld POS systems offer portability

With a handheld POS system, products are scanned with a portable scanner which can be wired to your computer hardware or kept completely wireless. Compared to a stationary POS system in which items are scanned with a flatbed scanner, the handheld POS system offers greater flexibility that can speed up checkout times.

Handheld scanners are often used together with large countertop scanners. In the case of an item that's too large or bulky to fit on a scanning bed, a handheld scanner can make it easy to log and record items which are difficult to place on the scanner. Without a handheld system, the cashier would typically have to leave the register area, walk around the large item, write down the barcode information, and enter the data into the register by hand. This not only slows down the checkout process but can cause errors as well.

Compatible handheld POS systems

If you already have a POS system in place and need to move to a handheld system, don't worry! You can purchase a handheld scanner as an add-on, which can be integrated into your current system.

For instance, if your employees are used to flatbed scanners but want to make it easier to deal with large oversized item, a handheld scanner becomes very useful. You can also purchase handheld scanners for just one or two registers. Just make sure to check system compatibility with both your existing hardware and software.

Who needs a handheld POS system?

While most businesses can benefit from adding a handheld POS scanner, there are some businesses that will benefit more than others. In particular, businesses that sell large, heavy items that can be difficult to lift by hand.

In an electronics store or a discount warehouse, for example, many of the items are wrapped in bulky, oversized packaging too large to fit onto a conveyor belt. A handheld POS system would allow these businesses to scan and track the items without needing to lift them off a hand truck.

Other businesses, like clothing retailers and tuxedo rental shops, can benefit. In particular, they'll be able to access barcodes located in hard-to-reach areas, such as tags tucked inside a shirt collar or a pair of pants.

Ready to add handheld POS systems to your retail location? Use BuyerZone's free request for POS system quotes service today and get matched to multiple suppliers in your area.