
What Makes a POS Cash Drawer Different?
A POS cash drawer can only be operated in conjunction with the right POS cash register equipment and software. This helps prevent theft and also helps keep better track of sales. Sales are tracked in real time over the Internet through the POS software. On a manual cash register, sales might be added up, but they are not saved or transmitted in real time. A POS cash drawer also tracks inventory, customer information, refund dates and more.
Why Use a POS Cash Drawer?
Accounting is made simpler through the use of a point of sale cash register. There are fewer steps and less paperwork to be processed compared with a manual cash register. If your company has several locations and your customers wish to use their accounts at more than one of these, point of sale equipment makes that simpler.
For example, say that a customer purchases a vacuum on Saturday. The customer has an account with your business, so his information, along with all of his sales transactions, are stored within the POS system. On Monday he decides he no longer wants that vacuum, but he has lost his receipt to prove he has paid for it. With a POS cash drawer, this isn't a problem because the customer's information can be looked up easily.
Do You Really Need a POS Cash Drawer?
Compare the benefits of a POS cash drawer to your company’s needs. Most companies will likely find that the benefits outweigh the risks. It’s much less difficult to track valuable customer data that is within easy access. That being said, if your company only does a few transactions per day, you may want to stick with your current method or use the most simplified version of POS cash drawers available.
A regular cash register can be operated by anyone. However, a POS cash drawer can only be operated by registered users with a password. This adds a measure of security. The best POS cash drawers are made of steel for durability, since they are opened and closed so many times during the day. Getting price quotes and product details from various vendors can help you choose the right system for your company's needs.
*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network