A Point of Sale (POS) system is a digital setup used to carry out transactions at a business location, such as a retail store. It’s a blend of hardware and software that helps track inventory, manage customer data, and process sales transactions. POS systems are commonly used in retail environments, but they’re also prevalent in specialized businesses like restaurants, franchises, hotels, and service providers.
The hardware components of a POS system usually consist of a computer, a cash drawer or payment terminal, a printer, and a barcode scanner or other special input device. The software component is used to manage inventory, process transactions, generate reports, and analyze sales and other data. POS systems are designed to streamline the sales process, making it easier for businesses to manage their operations and track their sales data. By using a POS system, businesses in South Africa can reduce the time and effort required to process transactions and can access real-time data and insights to help them make better business decisions.
Top Point of Sale System Providers in South Africa:
- iKhokha
- Yoco
- WAPPoint
- Digitot
- Adumo
- HRK Retail
- InTouch
iKhokha POS
iKhokha has been a player in the Point of Sale Systems industry for over a decade. They offer globally recognized POS systems (software and hardware) tailor-made for small businesses, retail, hospitality, and larger enterprises. All iKhokha POS systems work seamlessly with their card machines, which are among the most affordable in the market.
What Makes iKhokha POS Stand Out:
iKhokha offers a range of options for different budgets. Whether you’re starting small and planning to upgrade later, or want to purchase everything at once, they have a variety of essential POS accessories. They also offer a free mobile app that runs on Android and iOS devices. This app not only tracks your sales activity but also allows you to sell prepaid services like airtime, mobile data, Dstv payments, and Telkom bills. In terms of POS hardware, iKhokha offers the option to buy components individually or as bundled packages. Plus, their hardware is a one-time purchase, with no monthly fees.
iKhokha POS Pricing:
Globally Recognized POS Software for retail, hospitality, and enterprise from: R660/month (Ex.VAT) Reliable POS Hardware packages from R11999 incl. VAT. Custom packages for your budget/business are also available.
Final Thoughts on iKhokha POS:
iKhokha stands out as a comprehensive solution provider, offering a wide range of cutting-edge POS hardware and software products. They offer a harmonious and interconnected setup, making them a great option for businesses at any stage. iKhokha’s POS emerges as one of the most cost-effective options on this list.
Yoco POS
Yoco Point of Sale Software is an excellent choice for businesses that need to streamline their operations and increase efficiency using minimal POS hardware and world-class cloud-based POS software for free. The software offers a wide range of features that can help you run your business more smoothly and effectively, including inventory management, reporting tools, employee management, invoicing, eCommerce integration, and more.
What Makes Yoco POS Stand Out:
Yoco’s POS software stands out for being free to start and offering a wider range of digital payment options than all the options on this list. With Yoco, the hardware provided is limited to just POS card machines and a few card machine peripherals such as chargers, stands, and print rolls. The POS software is what supercharges all the income streams of your business, combining the best features of cloud-based accounting software with those of enterprise-specific POS software.
Yoco POS Pricing:
Approx. Price for Card Machines: R649 – R1999.
Final Thoughts on Yoco POS:
Yoco Point of Sale System is an excellent choice for anyone looking to reap all the benefits of a digital POS system without incurring high capital costs. However, Yoco’s system may not be the best choice for businesses that want to build a full cash register with all hardware components preferably needed. Yoco is best for business owners who prefer to handle most of their sales digitally and with minimal hardware.
WAPPoint POS
WAPPoint offers a fully customizable Point of Sale system for small businesses. They have software for desktop and mobile, as well as cloud-based POS solutions. The company also has all the necessary hardware, mainly card machines and fully integrated POS units that you can buy to own, rent to own, or just rent.
What Makes WAPPoint POS Stand Out:
WAPPoint stands out for its product offering. They offer a cloud-based POS system like Yoco, but also provide all the necessary hardware like iKhokha. They allow you to rent their equipment for short-term events and expos, as well as for the long term. Plus, they offer 24/7 customer service, which is not common among other POS companies.
WAPPoint POS Pricing:
WAPPoint Point Of Sale App & Desktop /Cloud Software: Free – R285/month Rental card machines from: R79/month – R399/month Once Off purchase card machines from: R999 – R3899 Tablet POS Card Machine: R999/month (Rental) or R999 (Once OFF)
Final Thoughts on WAPPoint POS:
WAPPoint offers a well-rounded POS service that is backed by their reputation as a reputable company that is available to help you 24/7, 365 days a year.
Digitot POS
Digitot POS is the best system for small and large hospitality businesses, restaurants, hotels, as well as franchised systems in the hospitality and restaurants sector. Once you have it set up, your business will run smoothly, from stock intakes to billing customers from anywhere in your business.
What Makes Digitot POS Stand Out:
What makes Digitot stand out is that they are a specialist in the hospitality and restaurant industry, offering POS systems and industry-specific equipment that integrates seamlessly with their POS.
Final Thoughts on Digitot POS:
For larger restaurants and hospitality businesses, Digitot is simply a perfect choice.
Adumo POS
Adumo (formerly Sureswipe) is an all-in-one POS Solution for retail, restaurants hospitality, and many other service-based businesses. They have payment solutions that allow businesses to process traditional POS transactions as well as alternative payment methods such as digital payments from online stores and shareable payment links.
What Makes Adumo POS Stand Out:
Adumo stands out for its wide range of products, including card machines and an integrated POS system that can be used for almost any industry or business.
Final Thoughts on Adumo POS:
The Adumo Point of Sale system is a great option for businesses looking to grow and provide customers with various payment options.
HRK Retail POS
HRK is a specialist in providing POS solutions for a variety of industries, including liquor stores, butcheries, hardware stores, and the hospitality industry. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise and knowledge to provide customized retail POS systems to meet the unique needs of each business.
What Makes HRK Retail POS Stand Out:
HRK Retail is a specialist in providing customised POS Systems for Liquor stores, Butcheries, Hardware stores, and the Hospitality industry. They offer custom hardware such as fruits & veg scales, butchery meat scales, meal scales, card machines, barcode scanners, and monitors/screens that you can buy as singles or full packages.
Final Thoughts on HRK Retail POS:
HRK Retail is a great specialist in providing customised POS systems and hardware for a variety of industries. If you own a liquor store, butchery, hardware or a hospitality business, it is a good idea to start by looking at tailor-made POS solutions, Of which HRK Retail seems like a great place to start.
InTouch POS
InTouchPOS offers a wide range of advanced, feature-rich point-of-sale systems for restaurants, cafes, and businesses alike. Their POS systems are designed to help businesses improve efficiency and increase profitability.
What Makes InPoint POS Stand Out:
InTouch POS offers POS systems for specific types of restaurants, including bars, nightclubs, cafes, delis, and bakeries, as well as reservation and table management systems you see in most busy restaurants.
Final Thoughts on InPoint POS:
InTouch POS is a top-rated point-of-sale system for restaurants. Their advanced combustibility and features is what makes them a leader in the industry.
Which Point Of Sale Software System Should You Choose?
The point of sale systems mentioned above will benefit each individual’s business differently. Here’s a summary of how each point-of-sale system may benefit you, mainly looking at the budget and best-use scenarios.
Best for Budget
If you’re a small, medium, or growing-large business, the best options for budget-friendly POS systems are iKhokha, Yoco, and WAPPoint (in that order).
Best for Restaurants
If you’re in the restaurants and cafes business, the best options are Digitot and InTouch POS. They are specialized and allow you to manage a network of restaurants in a single system.
Best for Retail and All Other Industry
Retail is a broad niche, and many POS systems can work in different environments. However, the best POS systems for retail are iKhokha, Yoco, WAPPoint, Adumo, and HRK Retail.
Best for Franchises
If you’re a franchise business, the best options are Digitot and InTouch POS. They allow you to manage multiple locations in a single system.
Best for Hospitality
If you’re in the hospitality business, the best options are Digitot and InTouch POS. They offer industry-specific features that can help you manage your business more effectively.
Best for Service Providers
If you’re a service provider, the best options are iKhokha, Yoco, and WAPPoint. They offer a range of features that can help you manage your business and process transactions more efficiently.
Conclusion
Choosing the right point of sale system for your business is crucial. It can help you streamline your operations, manage your inventory, process transactions more efficiently, and provide you with valuable insights that can help you make better business decisions. The best POS system for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider the options listed above and choose the one that best fits your business model and growth plans.
Remember, the best POS system is the one that can grow with your business and adapt to your changing needs. So, choose wisely and invest in a system that can support your business now and in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Point of Sale System?
A Point of Sale (POS) system is a combination of software and hardware that allows businesses to conduct and manage transactions. It’s essentially the modern version of a cash register, but it does much more than just process payments. It can also manage inventory, track sales, and provide business analytics.
How Does a POS System Work?
A POS system works by processing transactions at the point of sale. When a customer makes a purchase, the POS system calculates the amount owed, generates a receipt, and updates the inventory to reflect the sale. Some POS systems also have additional features like customer relationship management (CRM) and business analytics.
Why Do I Need a POS System?
A POS system can help streamline your business operations, making it easier to manage transactions, track sales, and monitor inventory. It can also provide valuable insights into your business, helping you make more informed decisions.
How Much Does a POS System Cost?
The cost of a POS system can vary greatly depending on the features and capabilities you need. Some POS systems are available for a one-time purchase, while others require a monthly subscription. The cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Can I Use a POS System on My Phone or Tablet?
Yes, many modern POS systems are designed to work on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. This can be especially useful for businesses that need to process transactions on the go, such as food trucks or pop-up shops.
How Do I Choose the Right POS System for My Business?
Choosing the right POS system for your business depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider what features are most important to you, such as inventory management, customer relationship management, or business analytics. Also, consider the size of your business and the volume of transactions you process.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a POS system is a significant decision for any business. It’s essential to do your research and choose a system that fits your business’s needs and budget. Whether you’re a small business owner looking for a simple solution or a large enterprise needing a robust system, there’s a POS system out there for you. The key is to understand your needs, evaluate your options, and make an informed decision.
