How to choose a point of sale (POS) system for your business

A point of sale system does more than print receipts. It records every sale, updates your stock and gives you the numbers you need to run your business. Here is what to look for.

Features that matter most

• Fast checkout with barcode scanning and receipt printing
• Cash, card and mobile money payments, including M-Pesa
• Real-time stock tracking and low-stock alerts
• Offline mode that keeps selling when the internet drops
• Reports on sales, products, staff and branches

Think about how you will grow

If you plan to open more branches or sell online, choose a system that supports multiple outlets, shared stock and integration with your accounting software or ERP.

Ready-made or custom POS?

Ready-made systems are quick to start but can be rigid. A custom POS can match your exact workflow, such as table service, wholesale pricing or loyalty programmes, and connect to your other systems.

Questions to ask before you buy

• Does it work offline and sync automatically?
• Which payment methods and receipt printers does it support?
• Can it produce tax-compliant receipts for your business?
• Who provides training and support after launch?