What's your Point of Sale Preference?
- Thread starter theRKF
- Start date
Ryan,
That's exactly why I chose to go a different route. I wanted the option of buying the best hardware for my budget, not was 'approved' by a WS. I'm limited in some choices by the availability of drivers (pin pads are a good example).
Now from a support standpoint I realize that this is a monumental task and for a WS the 'closed system' approach makes sense.
I'm not overly enthusiastic about SaaS. The future they would have us believe is 'Cloud Computing' but I'm happy to keep my data safely in my control. There is an open source project that will integrate a POS into my website and when that matures, that maybe worth a look, but only because we have a VPS that we host our sites on so I have closer control.
Doug
Hello All- First off WE ARE TOTALLY 1000% behind an interface that lets us all talk together !!! Hence the relationship that Floristware and MAS has started. 2nd not all "POS" should be "bunched" together. You have glorified cash registers then you have business management technology with POS capabilities.
Unfortunately we havent developed the interface as quickly as we would have liked as both companies are extremely busy with the Certification process of PCI Compliancy as well as conducting daily business. Hopefully by summer/fall, together we will have accomplished our communication link. Currently MAS thru the MAS Direct Network is sharing orders with each other without wire service intervention if they so choose. With options to be paid immediately by credit card or be billed makes this function a very viable asset to those who realize the savings and the customer service they provide to both Florists and the customer. With the newest feature of controlling what, how much and from who MAS Direct Network allows Florist access without turning off equipment and sacrificing local customers. It also assists the sending florist in providing 100% service to their customer as well, without providing a negative shopping experiance thus making the gift of flowers a special gift rather than a last minute thought. Have a great summer !!
Hal
Unfortunately we havent developed the interface as quickly as we would have liked as both companies are extremely busy with the Certification process of PCI Compliancy as well as conducting daily business. Hopefully by summer/fall, together we will have accomplished our communication link. Currently MAS thru the MAS Direct Network is sharing orders with each other without wire service intervention if they so choose. With options to be paid immediately by credit card or be billed makes this function a very viable asset to those who realize the savings and the customer service they provide to both Florists and the customer. With the newest feature of controlling what, how much and from who MAS Direct Network allows Florist access without turning off equipment and sacrificing local customers. It also assists the sending florist in providing 100% service to their customer as well, without providing a negative shopping experiance thus making the gift of flowers a special gift rather than a last minute thought. Have a great summer !!
Hal
OB1
Joanne Plummer AIFD,CAFA
It's no wonder some of us are intimidated when it comes to purchasing a POS system. Reading this thread is like reading a trigonometry textbook written in a foreign language.
For many of us, logic tells us that it is in our best interest to invest ina POS, but when it comes to choosing, the language, and the choices are all so varied, and so foreign, that we become a bit frightened, and can easily be talked into purchasing something that we do not understand well. So it's easy for someone to sweet talk us into purchasing something we know little about, especially if we feel comfortable with the sales person making the pitch. It's not unlike many purchases we make daily...the trick is to stay focused, research as best we can, and not be rushed into making a decision.
I chose to go with Floristware, and, for the most part, I am happy with my choice. However, it does require committment, and no matter what you are told, there is a big learning curve, and like most things in life, it is not the be all and end all.
I still don't understand much of it's cpabilities, although those I do understand are great, and offer much help, especially in the marketing department.
But don't think it needs more" Bells and Whistles"...I think there are still many little things that need to be worked out, for better basic functionality.
The thing is, until you start working on a POS, it's hard to identify what needs improving.
One of my staff said it really well. He says that it is us, the users, that really write the programmes for these systems, because it is us that gets back to the developers to let them know what we need. Until we tell them, they just don't know what it is that we need.
Case in point... when a corporate client orders flowers, we have a list of people who are allowed to order on behalf of the corporation...Floristware hasn't figured out a way for us to identify just those people yet...but once we told them about it, they got to work, and no doubt will have a solution for us soon. There are similar little things that need to be worked out on every POS system. I'm really glad that I chose to go with a small independant company that is willing and able to address these concerns...I doubt that a huge multinational would be positioned to respond quickly to a single user's needs.
I don't believe that a WS POS would respnd to our queries so quickly, if at all.
Personally, I don't see any reason for POS developers to give us any more "bells and whistles", just work on what will improve the product to make it as great as it can be, in the most basic of ways. Boring, perhaps, but that is what we need.
JMHO.
JP
For many of us, logic tells us that it is in our best interest to invest ina POS, but when it comes to choosing, the language, and the choices are all so varied, and so foreign, that we become a bit frightened, and can easily be talked into purchasing something that we do not understand well. So it's easy for someone to sweet talk us into purchasing something we know little about, especially if we feel comfortable with the sales person making the pitch. It's not unlike many purchases we make daily...the trick is to stay focused, research as best we can, and not be rushed into making a decision.
I chose to go with Floristware, and, for the most part, I am happy with my choice. However, it does require committment, and no matter what you are told, there is a big learning curve, and like most things in life, it is not the be all and end all.
I still don't understand much of it's cpabilities, although those I do understand are great, and offer much help, especially in the marketing department.
But don't think it needs more" Bells and Whistles"...I think there are still many little things that need to be worked out, for better basic functionality.
The thing is, until you start working on a POS, it's hard to identify what needs improving.
One of my staff said it really well. He says that it is us, the users, that really write the programmes for these systems, because it is us that gets back to the developers to let them know what we need. Until we tell them, they just don't know what it is that we need.
Case in point... when a corporate client orders flowers, we have a list of people who are allowed to order on behalf of the corporation...Floristware hasn't figured out a way for us to identify just those people yet...but once we told them about it, they got to work, and no doubt will have a solution for us soon. There are similar little things that need to be worked out on every POS system. I'm really glad that I chose to go with a small independant company that is willing and able to address these concerns...I doubt that a huge multinational would be positioned to respond quickly to a single user's needs.
I don't believe that a WS POS would respnd to our queries so quickly, if at all.
Personally, I don't see any reason for POS developers to give us any more "bells and whistles", just work on what will improve the product to make it as great as it can be, in the most basic of ways. Boring, perhaps, but that is what we need.
JMHO.
JP
Joanne, I agree with you completely. The more bells and whistles , the harder it is to use and understand. Just make the systems we have work better!
Flowerchatter03
Co-Owner and Floral Composer
Wish list:
1. When you call for support, the person on the other end actually knows what they are talking about.
2. When your POS company does an "upgrade" it doesn't mess up other things that ran well prior to the new enhancement.
3.When you develop other programs (such as marketing, delivery info, etc) it is reasonably priced and not blatantly hosing the florist with a ridiculous fee.
4. Interactive with your website and e-mail.
5. Understand that we are florists not hardware/software professionals. Be fair and honest. Don't treat us like a 20 year old woman going to an auto repair shop for the first time and telling her "you need a flux compassater" (sp?).
1. When you call for support, the person on the other end actually knows what they are talking about.
2. When your POS company does an "upgrade" it doesn't mess up other things that ran well prior to the new enhancement.
3.When you develop other programs (such as marketing, delivery info, etc) it is reasonably priced and not blatantly hosing the florist with a ridiculous fee.
4. Interactive with your website and e-mail.
5. Understand that we are florists not hardware/software professionals. Be fair and honest. Don't treat us like a 20 year old woman going to an auto repair shop for the first time and telling her "you need a flux compassater" (sp?).
lori042499
Well-Known Member
- May 3, 2006
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I tried the non-pos route for 3 months after working the last 10 years with one. I was like a fish out of water. I didn't know any of my customers buying habits, I couldn't remember their important info, dates, likes, dislikes etc...I was at a disadvantage to sell them what they were used to buying and in a manner I was used to selling. I am a one man operation and find that my system saves me huge on time, sanity and organization for holidays. It makes me a better service oriented professional and my customers love that they can call me on the fly and know that I have all their info with just their last name, most of the time I have all their info in the system before I even answer the phone because of caller ID...they absolutely love it and I am now know as the service plus florist for the area, because of it...
I am new to the world of POS having just started using Floristware in November 2009. I totally get what Cathy means about being a small shop and not being very technically inclined. I still have many days when I long for my pen and order pad. I felt like I was already giving great service and knew all my customers info anyway. What finally made me take the leap was 1) Knowing I may want to retire someday and the added value of having all the customer info , likes , dislikes etc, for the future owner makes the business worth more.
2) The marketing abilities of being able to e-mail receipts and invoices as well estimates/quotes.
3) Integration with my web site in preparation for quiting wire services
4) Bad economy made me decide to take some risks and do everything differently in order to survive and when the economy improves, thrive.
So it remains to be seen if I am smart or stupid, but never let it be said I am stuck in the past.
2) The marketing abilities of being able to e-mail receipts and invoices as well estimates/quotes.
3) Integration with my web site in preparation for quiting wire services
4) Bad economy made me decide to take some risks and do everything differently in order to survive and when the economy improves, thrive.
So it remains to be seen if I am smart or stupid, but never let it be said I am stuck in the past.
Rhonda
Well-Known Member
Cathy, there is just me and a part time delivery girl experiencing one of the best years in many as of right now (thanks to a shop closing - finally - they had no clue) and people wanting quality design here! I use FloristWare and for a small shop with few employees, it really, really makes things go so much smoother. Yes at first entering new customers and getting all the info was a pain but now I can enter quickly, returning customers require just a few clicks, process CC's smoothly, quickly, email receipt and can even email a picture if wanted. Now to integrate with my website is my next step. I call my orders out now, mostly direct by CC and returning orders out of town provide the filling florists I've used in the past and notations can be made to their service, attitude, delivery charges etc. My Mother's Day was the most profitable in over 10 years with just me and my delivery girl (who does not design) and I credit a great deal to my website and POS for making it seamless............
lori042499
Well-Known Member
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Rhonda, I must say that my pos makes it possible for me to do a great deal alone without being here an insane amount of time. I can remember holidays where I did nothing but write cards out at the end of a long design day, those days are now over....I can even remeber hiring 2 people to process paperwork at holidays with all that writing and taking every bit of info every time a person called, I pared back my staff at a 500,000 dollar a year biz from 6 to 2 and the wife was able to not come in to do the book work any more, a job she hated and despised just getting a POS...that is how much work writing slips can amount to...now for a small business like oours it may be over kill at first, but many of us will have a life outside the shop, more time to work on marketing plans instead of just doing the work and getting the bills out...You will work smarter not harder and play harder because you have the time, not to mention the added value to a potential buyer, and the ease to pull up the info they need to pay you for what you have worked hard to accomplish and grow.
Well there wasn't a "I'm totally indifferent to our POS" so that's my write in vote.
Also add in there I hate feeling like I can never divorce TF since we have the Dove POS.
However when I had Visual Ticket up in Durango, I really did like it. Sometimes, it would make me mad, but for the most part I liked it.
Also add in there I hate feeling like I can never divorce TF since we have the Dove POS.
However when I had Visual Ticket up in Durango, I really did like it. Sometimes, it would make me mad, but for the most part I liked it.
conchandler
Well-Known Member
That's my husband's comment whenever I bring up the subject...until that once a year customer comes in and says I want you to send the same thing you did last year to my cousin in East Jabip. Then I spend the next half hour going through several months of paper orders. Drives me nuts - I'm sending hubby to the box next time. I do like the option of "try it before you buy it" that some of them offer.
Mikey the Flower Guy
It's a GREAT DAY to live, and love!
- Nov 10, 2002
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whatever ANYONE decides is good, as long as a decision is made!!....having a well performing POS at your business, is NOT only crucial for your your day to day activities, BUT, ALSO gives your business a wealth of stored info ABOUT your customers, their retention rates, their buying habits, and contact numbers.
I'll be straight up here.....do NOT "complain" about having a wire service POS!!...EVERY TIME that this discussion comes up, yet ANOTHER shop gripes about THEIR "version" of who said what about the "package" that entails the wire service POS system!!
As MANY times as we've spoken to so many shops about NOT getting a WS system, and the ramifications of doing so, many just go ahead and IGNORE the advice, and later, "complain" that THEY should have "listened" to you!!
Off the shelf programs just don't cut it, so, you're GONNA pay for the features that YOU want, and FORGET about paying for the features that you DON'T...MAS and FLORISTWARE do this very well, BUT, we use a system called FIS, the very FIRST florist specific software package in North America, and we've been "networked" since 1987, and it was a huge investment THEN, and ANY of these, WILL BE a huge investment TODAY!!
I'll be straight up here.....do NOT "complain" about having a wire service POS!!...EVERY TIME that this discussion comes up, yet ANOTHER shop gripes about THEIR "version" of who said what about the "package" that entails the wire service POS system!!
As MANY times as we've spoken to so many shops about NOT getting a WS system, and the ramifications of doing so, many just go ahead and IGNORE the advice, and later, "complain" that THEY should have "listened" to you!!
Off the shelf programs just don't cut it, so, you're GONNA pay for the features that YOU want, and FORGET about paying for the features that you DON'T...MAS and FLORISTWARE do this very well, BUT, we use a system called FIS, the very FIRST florist specific software package in North America, and we've been "networked" since 1987, and it was a huge investment THEN, and ANY of these, WILL BE a huge investment TODAY!!
ChristiBrown
Well-Known Member
The previous owner of my shop bought Dove POS 6 months before I bought it. I used it for about a year and despised it. I now am just entering my orders in a massive Microsoft Access Sheet that eventually my software Hubby is going to convert into a POS software system he is going to write to my specifications. So convenient to have him to bad he hasn't gotten to it yet.....I can't wait till he does!
Mikey the Flower Guy
It's a GREAT DAY to live, and love!
- Nov 10, 2002
- 9,206
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ChristiBrown
Well-Known Member
I cancelled the maintenance on it ($100/mo which also includes the licensing so legally I can't use it) and switched to Dove Plus for my ordering (which actually I like better). Basically the Dove POS software is just unused in my shop (what a waste of $178 a month!!! I only have I think a year and a half left on the loan though) I still use the actual computer and printer (I love my Dell laser printer!) for all my daily business. I have my own independent Merchant Services from a local guy from my Chamber of Commerce. My husband does my website. I do my own books in quickbooks (I looked at the Dove POS Quickbooks add on and didn't think it was worth the extra grand for what it did) For me Teleflora is only a wire service, nothing more. I am counting the days till I can pay off the loan and be wire free, right now I just don't have the money to pay off the loan in one payment.