Features of POS terminals from Alan's blog

In shops, hotels, gas stations, you can pay for products (services) not only in cash, but also by card. It is important to comply with one condition - the presence of a connected pos-terminal.

Ultra-modern devices work with all kinds of cards. Credit cards are inserted into specialized slots, pin codes are entered and applied to the screens. Now contactless methods are more popular. The clientele only needs a smartphone with a banking application on it.

POS-terminals also have a different definition than the above, it is distinguished by its extensiveness and detail. They are understood as a successfully combined software and hardware, which is designed to pay for trading transactions. This technology allows you to generate check receipts, send data to the OFD, calculate change, and prepare reports for superiors or control bodies.

The pos-system includes a whole range of technical means used in the field of the cash register, these can be:

•  Processors with connected communication with operators;

•  fiscal registrars;

•  POS equipment for card work;

•  Pin pads;

•  Weighing equipment and scanning devices.

The fiscal registrar stores the fiscal memory of the pos-system, and the processor unit is intended for such memory in the pos-terminal.

Important!  All software systems for pos-terminals must be certified and listed in the CCP register.

Any trading company that works with non-cash requires a pos-terminal. But is this device necessary for conducting Internet trading?

For this kind of activity, there is also a solution, expressed in the use of virtual payment terminals. Buyers are dispersed in different cities, there are huge distances between them and cash registers. There is no need to attach the card to the devices, you just need to enter information in the field provided for this.

Let's try to understand the algorithm of POS-terminals in conjunction with other trading devices. The client approaches the cash point, puts the purchases on the conveyor, the further work scheme is as follows:

•  The seller-cashier scans the barcodes of goods. All information about weight, quantity and cost is displayed on a computer screen. If reading the barcode is difficult, then you have to enter the product code, finding it in the list;

•  The client hands money to the cashier or prepares his card;

•  When paying in cash, the change is issued from the cash drawer;

•  If the client decides to refuse part of the goods at the last decisive moment, then the seller has to make a refund in cash or on a card.

With the help of terminals, points from bonus cards are taken into account, cash register shifts are opened and closed.

If we judge the terminal as an acquiring equipment, then it is capable of:

•  To accept payments by cards and through modern gadgets using specially installed applications;

•  Conduct the formation and printing of check receipts;

•  To carry out registration of a cash refund when paying by bank transfer;

•  Make reports on card transactions.

Draw attention!  If you refuse to use non-cash payment methods, the pos-terminal will simply not be needed. It will be possible to sell it or return it to the landlord.

For the full use of the pos-terminal, it is necessary to conclude an agreement with a banking organization. The receipt of finance will be made on the PC, and not in cash. Naturally, banking companies do not service accounts for free, but charge commissions, the rates of which vary from 0.9 to 4.9 percent of income.

For ultra-modern online cash desks, as a rule, a complete set of ready-to-work terminals is provided, because. for competent and optimal functioning, according to 54-FZ, a trouble-free Internet connection is required.

Based on technical characteristics and capabilities, pos-terminals can be divided into the following types:

Autonomous

Devices function without the need for cash register software, have displays and thermal printers. Stationary (from the mains) and mobile modes of operation are available for them. For the latter mode, you must have a rechargeable battery designed for many hours of autonomous operation, and blocks that transmit information. Mobile pos-terminals are suitable for field sales representatives, courier offices, taxi services, for fair trade.

Modular devices

Taking into account their peculiarities of activity, the owners of commercial enterprises themselves choose those pos-devices that they need. In this case, one should take into account the presence of their compatibility, the possession of speed, bit depth, the software used, etc.

mPOS or mini-terminals

For their functioning, there is no need for a system unit, a monitor screen, a scanning device. It will be sufficient to fix such a terminal on the smartphone body, and it is already possible to accept payment. The most important thing here is to provide access to the network.

The use of mPOS-terminals is convenient in courier offices, outlet points of sale, etc. Accepted finances can be credited to the RS of any payment system.

It should be noted that mPOS terminals have not only advantages, but also disadvantages:

•  Very long data processing;

•  It is not possible to print paper check receipts (only electronic checks);

•  If the Internet network is unavailable, trading operations are suspended. Saving receipts and forwarding to OFD "after" is not possible;

•  Charging by acquiring banks of an increased commission.

POS terminals for vending

The pos-device is being introduced directly into vending equipment, pumps at gas stations, into turnstiles of parking checkpoints.

Embedded pos-terminals are capable of performing the following operations:

•  For card payments;

•  By canceling past transactions (implementation of a refund);

•  Closing the cash register shift and reporting.

Selection of pos-equipment for pos-systems

The main advantage of the pos-system is the ability to work with a variety of control software. There are no restrictions regarding the types of cash registers. The presence of a certain brand and manufacturer is not as important as for a pos-terminal.

All of the above does not mean that it is possible to purchase absolutely any pos-system and install it on the territory of your store. It is obligatory to take into account the type of business activity:

•  Retail trade. Implementation of check receipts, acceptance of payments and return of finances. By the end of the shift, reporting is generated. If this is a store with high traffic, then transactions should be fast (take a few seconds);

•  Hotel and restaurant business. Here it is important to book, pre-carry out part of the payment, and account for points from bonus cards. Additional requirements include the presence of a logo or company trademark on the check;

•  The use of mobile pos-terminals will be appropriate in any business, but other equipment may be needed if the clientele needs a paper check receipt.

Models of pos-terminals in demand

The most budget option would be the purchase of used equipment, for the excellent condition and performance of which we are responsible and, moreover, we give it a six-month warranty. Among the bestsellers in this category are the following models:

•  Used  pin pad model iPP320 C98 from Ing enico that supports any kind of cards. 

• The stationary used terminal model iC T 250  from Ingenico is convenient, reliable and easy to use. 

• Portable terminalIngenico ICT 220  meets all modern standards, characterized by mobility and long-term offline operation. 

Take your time with the selection of pos-equipment, carefully study all the possibilities, pros and cons of equipment, highlighting for yourself the best option in all respects, including cost.

It is important to start from the kind of business activities and responsibilities that are required from the seller-cashier. Without a doubt, your business will only benefit from trade automation, provided that the pos-equipment is chosen correctly!