We are looking at both systems. We own a marina with a separate restaurant and will run POS registers in both the marina (convenience store) and the restaurant. Would appreciate any comments from anyone familiar with either system, or especially if you went through the comparison process already and why you chose one over the other.
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Halo vs. NetPOS
- Thread starter gcharth
- Start date
TLowder
Programmer
- Mar 20, 2002
- 224
Why either? They seem over priced - $11,000 for 2 stations. or why not go with Aloha for 2 stations for $11,000 if you want to spend that kind of money.
Tom
Tom
- Thread starter
- #3
We are just not sold on web-based POS. Someday maybe, but can't jump on wagon yet.
1st concern, POS is a long term purchase. You'll have it at least several years. The concern is the relationship between user and provider w/o face to face interaction.
2nd concern, when 90% of any aspect of the POS fails, the service provider comes to you for on-site service. Web-based POS will advise you call a local computer company for on-site service. That's another vendor involved in supporting one product. IMO, when one product (especially a product linked so heavily to operational efficiency) is supported by multiple vendors the overall satisfaction level of those services will decline. Will there be situations where the on-site computer technician must now coordinate their arrival date and time on-site with the software provider's (web-based POS) support staff in order to "fully" resolve a problem that does not have an absolute and obvious origin? The risk is increased down time.
3rd concern, a good POS installation is the result of a lot of time and expertise. Coordination of events; carpenter, electrician, Bar Mgr, Kitchen Mgr, training staff, delivery, internet provider, database developement, menu advise, financial reports, proper locations for the POS stations and printers etc, the list goes on and on. A restauranteur who decides to make themselves responsible for all of these dynamics is IMHO no different than the person who decides to build a house and takeover the role of head contractor even thou they have never built a house before. I think it's unwise to place oneself in such a position if you don't have any experience because you are going to live in the house for a very long time. Only one in ten people can pull that off. Very honest self evaluation is required.
4th concern, the web-based providers ability to turn the POS service off w/o notice. Restaurants are not always the most timely payers. Consider a web-based POS company that has your customers gift card balances, has the frequent diner club members history and balances, all your financials etc. and they suddenly decide to turn the service off because you are 15 days late on a payment. They can turn it off for other reasons as well. What are the end-users options if they feel they have been unfairly billed by the POS service provider. How do you argue against rate increases or new fees when the POS service provider can shut you down with "the flick of a switch"?
Just concerns I would have...
1st concern, POS is a long term purchase. You'll have it at least several years. The concern is the relationship between user and provider w/o face to face interaction.
2nd concern, when 90% of any aspect of the POS fails, the service provider comes to you for on-site service. Web-based POS will advise you call a local computer company for on-site service. That's another vendor involved in supporting one product. IMO, when one product (especially a product linked so heavily to operational efficiency) is supported by multiple vendors the overall satisfaction level of those services will decline. Will there be situations where the on-site computer technician must now coordinate their arrival date and time on-site with the software provider's (web-based POS) support staff in order to "fully" resolve a problem that does not have an absolute and obvious origin? The risk is increased down time.
3rd concern, a good POS installation is the result of a lot of time and expertise. Coordination of events; carpenter, electrician, Bar Mgr, Kitchen Mgr, training staff, delivery, internet provider, database developement, menu advise, financial reports, proper locations for the POS stations and printers etc, the list goes on and on. A restauranteur who decides to make themselves responsible for all of these dynamics is IMHO no different than the person who decides to build a house and takeover the role of head contractor even thou they have never built a house before. I think it's unwise to place oneself in such a position if you don't have any experience because you are going to live in the house for a very long time. Only one in ten people can pull that off. Very honest self evaluation is required.
4th concern, the web-based providers ability to turn the POS service off w/o notice. Restaurants are not always the most timely payers. Consider a web-based POS company that has your customers gift card balances, has the frequent diner club members history and balances, all your financials etc. and they suddenly decide to turn the service off because you are 15 days late on a payment. They can turn it off for other reasons as well. What are the end-users options if they feel they have been unfairly billed by the POS service provider. How do you argue against rate increases or new fees when the POS service provider can shut you down with "the flick of a switch"?
Just concerns I would have...
TLowder
Programmer
- Mar 20, 2002
- 224
Price Halo quoted for two systems was about $5,500"
Yeah I priced for 3 years, 1 drawer and one kitchen printer and its 11,000+. $5,500 sounds good but, I'm unsure of the hardware as no details are given. There are many companies out there selling seperate components as opposed to all-in-ones. Seperate components are cheap as are all the Atom all-in-ones I've been seeing lately. Regardless I was off subject and did not answer the OP's question, I appologize.
I don't understand their math, support/financing must be a few hundred per month, I guess. They call it subscription cost.
Terminal Equipment $4,686.00
Activation and Training $1,349.00
PCI Compliant Payment Processing $499.00
Software $0.00
Back-Office Equipment $0.00
Total Volume Discounts by Paying in Advance $2,242.00
A. Total Upfront Cost (Equipment, Activation, Training, PCI) $6,534.00
B. Total Subscription Cost $5,346.00
A + B = Total Overall Cost $11,880.00
Tom
Yeah I priced for 3 years, 1 drawer and one kitchen printer and its 11,000+. $5,500 sounds good but, I'm unsure of the hardware as no details are given. There are many companies out there selling seperate components as opposed to all-in-ones. Seperate components are cheap as are all the Atom all-in-ones I've been seeing lately. Regardless I was off subject and did not answer the OP's question, I appologize.
I don't understand their math, support/financing must be a few hundred per month, I guess. They call it subscription cost.
Terminal Equipment $4,686.00
Activation and Training $1,349.00
PCI Compliant Payment Processing $499.00
Software $0.00
Back-Office Equipment $0.00
Total Volume Discounts by Paying in Advance $2,242.00
A. Total Upfront Cost (Equipment, Activation, Training, PCI) $6,534.00
B. Total Subscription Cost $5,346.00
A + B = Total Overall Cost $11,880.00
Tom
- Thread starter
- #6
Tom,
I appreciate that. And, yes the $5,500 certainly does not include any support / subscription cost. It's $99 per month for each terminal, unlimited. (Discounted if paid for upfront.) It's a double edge sword. Since the system is not PC based there's no hardware other than what you purchase from Halo (part of the $5,500 cost). If any of that 'breaks' and cannot be fixed by them online or by us with telephone support, they guarantee delivery of a replacement piece of equipment within 24 hours. Since all the software is at their end there is nothing to restore, just reconnect. And no need for any local service provider. Halo does not sell through resellers, and there's nothing that should have to be fixed by anyone locally anyway. With PC based systems sold by local providers I will be dependent on that provider, probably, to resolve service issues. My sister and her husband own and operate a restaurant and have for several years. Their first experience with a POS system was a $25,000 investment with a local reseller, who subsequently went out of business. No one else would service it. They canned it and started over. He said his current provider charges $150 an hour and travel time. When I told him about paying $99 a month for unlimited support he nearly fainted. His monthly bill for support could be $0 or it could be $1,000...or more. His PC crashed last month and so his POS system was down for 3 days. Bottom line is there are opportunities to pull your hair out regardless of the system. Been a CPA / CFO for too many years, in charge of IT Dept, to think otherwise. Also, became familiar with SaaS, cloud based, ERP (accounting) systems, so the concept is not new. I'm really just looking for someone that is familiar with NetPOS to help me understand if I need to invest as much time in evaluating that company as I have Halo. I haven't pulled the trigger on Halo yet, but haven't seen any reason not to either. All comments and responses are very much appreciated as I learn something from each of them.
Glenn
I appreciate that. And, yes the $5,500 certainly does not include any support / subscription cost. It's $99 per month for each terminal, unlimited. (Discounted if paid for upfront.) It's a double edge sword. Since the system is not PC based there's no hardware other than what you purchase from Halo (part of the $5,500 cost). If any of that 'breaks' and cannot be fixed by them online or by us with telephone support, they guarantee delivery of a replacement piece of equipment within 24 hours. Since all the software is at their end there is nothing to restore, just reconnect. And no need for any local service provider. Halo does not sell through resellers, and there's nothing that should have to be fixed by anyone locally anyway. With PC based systems sold by local providers I will be dependent on that provider, probably, to resolve service issues. My sister and her husband own and operate a restaurant and have for several years. Their first experience with a POS system was a $25,000 investment with a local reseller, who subsequently went out of business. No one else would service it. They canned it and started over. He said his current provider charges $150 an hour and travel time. When I told him about paying $99 a month for unlimited support he nearly fainted. His monthly bill for support could be $0 or it could be $1,000...or more. His PC crashed last month and so his POS system was down for 3 days. Bottom line is there are opportunities to pull your hair out regardless of the system. Been a CPA / CFO for too many years, in charge of IT Dept, to think otherwise. Also, became familiar with SaaS, cloud based, ERP (accounting) systems, so the concept is not new. I'm really just looking for someone that is familiar with NetPOS to help me understand if I need to invest as much time in evaluating that company as I have Halo. I haven't pulled the trigger on Halo yet, but haven't seen any reason not to either. All comments and responses are very much appreciated as I learn something from each of them.
Glenn
Given your brief piece of resume, I would guess you are a technology hound, chasing the latest-greatest technology.I on the other hand stay a step behind chasing what is most stable based on consumer reviews and personal research.
That being said, here is my opinion.
Went to both their websites for information.
Halo sure does have alot of words on theirs,![[neutral]](/data/assets/smilies/neutral.gif "[neutral] [neutral]")
and Partner Tech hardware, I know from 15 years experience in the industry that, that stuff is high fail. Hate the fact there are no screen shots or a free demo without having to consult with a sales rep., which I guess becomes one of those high pressure sales situations.
Went to Netpos site.
It seems a little more simplified and streamlined. Plus, for both of them, your POS does not have to be web base to back up your database off-site or reveiw reports remotely, which appear to be 2 of their biggest selling points.
Overall opinion of web base vs server based:
After 3-5 years, you will have invested the same monies, don't care what they say. New hardware cost, support desk personnel cost, and hardware repairs cost. They are correct when they say less upfront cost, but the savings ends there. Plus, many people still prefer local support and training.
For your sister's POS dealer going out of business and leaving her on her own, ooops. When people post asking how to shop for a POS system, the general consensus of the regulars on this forum are that the dealer makes it what it is. If you are in the restaurant business, you should be checking with other establishments in your area for their recomendations. And that is the only way for you to hear what you want to hear about Halo, because that is a product that techs out here in the field will not be able to touch, since it is proprietary to a centralized company.
Good Luck, and post back when it is up and running so future Halo interest will have something to confirm with.
Bo
Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)
That being said, here is my opinion.
Went to both their websites for information.
Halo sure does have alot of words on theirs,
and Partner Tech hardware, I know from 15 years experience in the industry that, that stuff is high fail. Hate the fact there are no screen shots or a free demo without having to consult with a sales rep., which I guess becomes one of those high pressure sales situations. Went to Netpos site.
It seems a little more simplified and streamlined. Plus, for both of them, your POS does not have to be web base to back up your database off-site or reveiw reports remotely, which appear to be 2 of their biggest selling points.
Overall opinion of web base vs server based:
After 3-5 years, you will have invested the same monies, don't care what they say. New hardware cost, support desk personnel cost, and hardware repairs cost. They are correct when they say less upfront cost, but the savings ends there. Plus, many people still prefer local support and training.
For your sister's POS dealer going out of business and leaving her on her own, ooops. When people post asking how to shop for a POS system, the general consensus of the regulars on this forum are that the dealer makes it what it is. If you are in the restaurant business, you should be checking with other establishments in your area for their recomendations. And that is the only way for you to hear what you want to hear about Halo, because that is a product that techs out here in the field will not be able to touch, since it is proprietary to a centralized company.
Good Luck, and post back when it is up and running so future Halo interest will have something to confirm with.
Bo
Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)
Halo does not sell through resellers, and there's nothing that should have to be fixed by anyone locally anyway"
No intentions of starting a debate here. We all agree to share information that makes us more informed than we were yesterday. Now having said that... regarding the above comment.
We were approached by a restaurant that was having continious intermittent problems with their POS. The POS was a well known national brand purchased locally. The site had already replaced multiple components and reloaded various applicable softwares with no resolution of the problems. The site had also purchased and installed power filtering hardware seeking a fix. The site had been having issues for approx six weeks prior to our involvement. The POS had been installed over two years at this point. We immediately suspected it was environmental. Our team simply started taking voltage readings at the site and found the problem. There was intermittent voltage on the ground leg. When we removed the the AC panel cover we found ground wires twisted together with a wire nut, as soon as we touched it, it arced. The wires were all loosely touching causing arcing and the earth ground to come and go. We tightened them up and the problems went away.
My point... what if the web-based POS company had been sending multiple hardware components seeking to solve the multiple issues this site was having? After it was discovered the problem was in the AC panel, would it be reasonable for the POS provider to expect payment for their services and hardware. After weeks with no resolution could the POS provider have said "sorry we refuse to continue to send you more hardware"? How much would it cost to return all the hardware that was sent to this site? How likely is it a support person on the phone would discover the source of the problem? What if the site had purchased the power filtering hardware based upon the recommendation of the web-based POS provider and it turned out to be unnecessary?
As far as 24hr component replacement... let's say you have three POS's (2-for food servers, 1-for bar). At 5PM on Saturday night the Bar POS fails.. what good is 24Hr replacement? What if Monday is a Holiday, is delivery available? Must you wait until Tuesday for your component? What if the cause of failure is not the component, you plug in the replacement component (on tuesday) and the problem remains? Now you've had the problem for four days and you're starting all over. You now begin to worry if the problem will be resolved prior to the coming weekend. You call the local folks and request help but they understandably are a little slow to respond because after all you are the customer who bypassed them and sourced all your own software and hardware.
Being an Island is not always all it's cracked up to be.
Stating that there's really no reason to need a local support option is naive but that's just my opinion.
No intentions of starting a debate here. We all agree to share information that makes us more informed than we were yesterday. Now having said that... regarding the above comment.
We were approached by a restaurant that was having continious intermittent problems with their POS. The POS was a well known national brand purchased locally. The site had already replaced multiple components and reloaded various applicable softwares with no resolution of the problems. The site had also purchased and installed power filtering hardware seeking a fix. The site had been having issues for approx six weeks prior to our involvement. The POS had been installed over two years at this point. We immediately suspected it was environmental. Our team simply started taking voltage readings at the site and found the problem. There was intermittent voltage on the ground leg. When we removed the the AC panel cover we found ground wires twisted together with a wire nut, as soon as we touched it, it arced. The wires were all loosely touching causing arcing and the earth ground to come and go. We tightened them up and the problems went away.
My point... what if the web-based POS company had been sending multiple hardware components seeking to solve the multiple issues this site was having? After it was discovered the problem was in the AC panel, would it be reasonable for the POS provider to expect payment for their services and hardware. After weeks with no resolution could the POS provider have said "sorry we refuse to continue to send you more hardware"? How much would it cost to return all the hardware that was sent to this site? How likely is it a support person on the phone would discover the source of the problem? What if the site had purchased the power filtering hardware based upon the recommendation of the web-based POS provider and it turned out to be unnecessary?
As far as 24hr component replacement... let's say you have three POS's (2-for food servers, 1-for bar). At 5PM on Saturday night the Bar POS fails.. what good is 24Hr replacement? What if Monday is a Holiday, is delivery available? Must you wait until Tuesday for your component? What if the cause of failure is not the component, you plug in the replacement component (on tuesday) and the problem remains? Now you've had the problem for four days and you're starting all over. You now begin to worry if the problem will be resolved prior to the coming weekend. You call the local folks and request help but they understandably are a little slow to respond because after all you are the customer who bypassed them and sourced all your own software and hardware.
Being an Island is not always all it's cracked up to be.
Stating that there's really no reason to need a local support option is naive but that's just my opinion.
- Thread starter
- #9
I will certainly do that. Not really a tech hound. Am a CPA that's been in private industry as a CFO for over 10 yrs (was in public over 25 yrs), with 2 different public companies. Now with a start up. The marina is mostly an investment with my sister and her husband who will run it. (But I'm in charge of back office issues, telephone, internet, POS, etc. They get to do the fun stuff.) I have too much experience with large server based systems, IT staff, hardware issues, software updates, local and long distance support...nothing you don't know, I'm sure. I've done the cost and ROI analysis, best I can. But I have no experience with either of these two companies, so I was looking for commentary specifically on one vs. the other. This is my first time to post, so this may be inappropriate. If so, let me know and I'll shut up. All the posts have been useful, so thank you.
Glenn
Glenn
- Thread starter
- #10
TobeThor,
I was directed to this forum by a friend who thought it might serve useful, and there has been some informative commentary. But, it seems as though the discussion has focused on why I shouldn't invest in a web-based system and should invest in a PC based system. I passed that stage a long time ago. And, I really, honestly resent the 'island' comment. I certainly could not have been the CFO of two large public companies with an island mentality. Without proper support for all aspects of the business I certainly would not have been able to do my job. In fact, perhaps the most important aspect of what I did was to create and maintain a team, both internal and external, that was responsive. I hated having to re-invent wheels, so we tried hard to stay current.
I will say that you worked hard on creating your dooms day scenario for a web-based system. I'm not sure I understand why you felt the need to go to such extremes. I've already acknowledged that no matter the system something will go wrong and you will have problems with resolution. I will make sure I have an electrician, a plumber and a QuickBooks professional in our support group. I've gotten the impression that most participants to this forum are local, PC system support and maintenance guys that get their panties in a wad when someone starts talking about bypassing a PC for any software service. Maybe I'm wrong. Just sounds that way.
I was directed to this forum by a friend who thought it might serve useful, and there has been some informative commentary. But, it seems as though the discussion has focused on why I shouldn't invest in a web-based system and should invest in a PC based system. I passed that stage a long time ago. And, I really, honestly resent the 'island' comment. I certainly could not have been the CFO of two large public companies with an island mentality. Without proper support for all aspects of the business I certainly would not have been able to do my job. In fact, perhaps the most important aspect of what I did was to create and maintain a team, both internal and external, that was responsive. I hated having to re-invent wheels, so we tried hard to stay current.
I will say that you worked hard on creating your dooms day scenario for a web-based system. I'm not sure I understand why you felt the need to go to such extremes. I've already acknowledged that no matter the system something will go wrong and you will have problems with resolution. I will make sure I have an electrician, a plumber and a QuickBooks professional in our support group. I've gotten the impression that most participants to this forum are local, PC system support and maintenance guys that get their panties in a wad when someone starts talking about bypassing a PC for any software service. Maybe I'm wrong. Just sounds that way.
Hey Glenn,
It was not my intentions to dismiss Web based solutions in my post, but to let you know that it is not necessarily better or cheaper, just a different concept and platform to run on. And in so many words explain why. Sorry my knowledge is not directly on the products themselves.
And because it is proprietary to a centralized company, the technicians that frequent this site are not going to be able to help, unless someone chimes in that use to work at one of their corporate headquarters.
Important:
I will say again, find an end user who is using the product, call them, and get their opinion. This is even more important in your situation because of the propriatary nature of the product, because noone else will be able to touch it.
Bo
Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)
It was not my intentions to dismiss Web based solutions in my post, but to let you know that it is not necessarily better or cheaper, just a different concept and platform to run on. And in so many words explain why. Sorry my knowledge is not directly on the products themselves.
And because it is proprietary to a centralized company, the technicians that frequent this site are not going to be able to help, unless someone chimes in that use to work at one of their corporate headquarters.
Important:
I will say again, find an end user who is using the product, call them, and get their opinion. This is even more important in your situation because of the propriatary nature of the product, because noone else will be able to touch it.
Bo
Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)
gcharth... it seems it is your panties in a wad. Sorry if I instigated that. 100% unintentional. As you are not considering purchasing anything from me I really don't know what purpose it serves to try to convince you to buy one POS or the other. I truly have nothing to gain.
And yes IMHO you do risk becoming an island. History has taught me that a business with a 5-8% profit margin, a transient work force that holds the highest rates of substance abuse doesn't generally allocate or even have the funds necessary to accomplish an internal IT department such as you envision. So in this restaurant and Marina if you don't manage to clone yourself, all the eggs will indeed be in one basket. A ironic situation based upon your resume.
I don't consider recollection hard work but I did it for your benefit nonetheless and I consider the scenario's reality vs. theoretical. 35 Years of supporting POS systems, over 1,000 POS systems personally installed give me a different perspective, but it's not necessarily a right or wrong perspective. Same goes for yours.
Despite my experience, I'm sure there's nothing I could bring to your knowledge table. I wish you good luck.
And yes IMHO you do risk becoming an island. History has taught me that a business with a 5-8% profit margin, a transient work force that holds the highest rates of substance abuse doesn't generally allocate or even have the funds necessary to accomplish an internal IT department such as you envision. So in this restaurant and Marina if you don't manage to clone yourself, all the eggs will indeed be in one basket. A ironic situation based upon your resume.
I don't consider recollection hard work but I did it for your benefit nonetheless and I consider the scenario's reality vs. theoretical. 35 Years of supporting POS systems, over 1,000 POS systems personally installed give me a different perspective, but it's not necessarily a right or wrong perspective. Same goes for yours.
Despite my experience, I'm sure there's nothing I could bring to your knowledge table. I wish you good luck.
- Thread starter
- #13
TobeThor...I appreciate that. I didn't mean to sound agitated. As noted, I'm not a user of forum so I may have violated protocol and my needs / wants may not be suited for such. The restaurant is small, seats 40 (for now at least w/ room to expand), will be run by my sister-in-law who has 20 years in the hospitality business (hotel management) and is quite comfortable with web based systems. My wife and daughter will work there 3 days a week, we live elsewhere and will commute back and forth weekly, so its by no means absentee ownership. I have a experienced IT support guy that is helping with those needs (LAN, system install, etc.), just no experience with POS systems. No offense, but I wouldn't make any decision on what POS system to buy based on comments on this forum, but I will take very seriously everything that is posted as it is part of the process of reaching that decision. The only thing I've decided on is the web based system, and you guys have given me plenty to think about in that respect. It just seems to fit our specifics better than a PC based system. Again, thanks for everything and I'll post back my experiences, maybe with some crow on the menu...hopefully not.
Glenn
Glenn
Thanks, we're buds. Many of us on this forum are indeed suppliers of software and hardware services as you clearly noticed. IMO throwing spaghetti on the wall is part of what I believe our responsibilities include as a service provider, you in turn will always decide what (if any) spaghetti ends up sticking. No offense taken. Your post was completely appropiate for this forum. The ability to consider and absorb any and all information presented is a very good trait to possess and it is applicable to many things outside of POS. I wish I had coaches for every important decision I face... I might have bought a more reliable car. Good Luck and lets keep the crow off the menu.
Before someone beats me to it...
While my efforts were to emphasize the down sides of no local POS support, you certainly can't dismiss the irony that a majority of the posts here are from POS users that purchased their POS systems locally and are now doing everything they can to avoid using, contacting or paying these locals for their services. That's a shame. Many of us are reliable and fair and thus deserve/desire to carry the weight/burden of your POS support.
While my efforts were to emphasize the down sides of no local POS support, you certainly can't dismiss the irony that a majority of the posts here are from POS users that purchased their POS systems locally and are now doing everything they can to avoid using, contacting or paying these locals for their services. That's a shame. Many of us are reliable and fair and thus deserve/desire to carry the weight/burden of your POS support.
- Thread starter
- #16
The long term cost for SOME SAAS systems is considerably lower than SOME conventional systems. ("some" being an important factor as there is no way to lump all of the hundreds of software options in one or two groups) If the SAAS includes upgrades, 24/7 support and the service itself at a reasonable rate then it will be considerabley cheaper than many of the conventional systems. (conventional meaning fileserver in the building, you buy the "right to use the software, you pay annually or per instance for support from a local reseller...)In the case of the SAAS I use the service is cheaper than "membership" alone with Aloha and that only covers upgrades. Add support and the original price you pay for the right to use the software and the math from earlier in this thread does not work out. That is not to say that there are other non-SAAS systems that are not more competative in short term or long term cost.
There is no "right" or "wrong" technology or solution. Pick what fits your short and long term needs as well as your budget.
There is no "right" or "wrong" technology or solution. Pick what fits your short and long term needs as well as your budget.
- Thread starter
- #18
posrescue,
Is the SaaS system you use a POS system? If so, can you say if its either Halo or NetPOS, which are the two I'm currently looking at. Determining long term cost / benefit on this (or any IT) investment is a challenge, so anything you can share specifically is much appreciated.
Thanks.
Is the SaaS system you use a POS system? If so, can you say if its either Halo or NetPOS, which are the two I'm currently looking at. Determining long term cost / benefit on this (or any IT) investment is a challenge, so anything you can share specifically is much appreciated.
Thanks.
gcharth,
I do use a SAAS cloud based POS system and I love it. I have not used Halo or NetPOS but I do see them around occasionally. Be sure to check out the hardware they use as well as the software. I didn't look at hardware on either site but did see mention of a brand earlier in this thread that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Also look into quality of the support. Everyone claims 24/7 but many don't deliver.
Prior posts in the thread do bring up some valid concerns in regards to hardware and network support. Be sure you will be taken care of in any event. I was contacted by a casino in Montana recently that had me fly out and reinstall their entire POS system due to a "self install" that didn't work out. When they requested on-site assistance a guy from "The Geek Squad" showed up. Needless to say that didn't work out either. This wasn't with a system I sell or support by the way, just a referal from another casion I had worked with before.
Halo looks really steep on monthly subscription. Does their subscription include hardware replacement? I didn't see any pricing for NetPOS.
I assume both of the systems you are looking at are written to handle an internet interuption. Be sure to check how credit card transactions are handled in that event.
Good luck and be sure to ask about anything. The old saying "the only bad question is the one you didn't ask" could not be more true.
I do use a SAAS cloud based POS system and I love it. I have not used Halo or NetPOS but I do see them around occasionally. Be sure to check out the hardware they use as well as the software. I didn't look at hardware on either site but did see mention of a brand earlier in this thread that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Also look into quality of the support. Everyone claims 24/7 but many don't deliver.
Prior posts in the thread do bring up some valid concerns in regards to hardware and network support. Be sure you will be taken care of in any event. I was contacted by a casino in Montana recently that had me fly out and reinstall their entire POS system due to a "self install" that didn't work out. When they requested on-site assistance a guy from "The Geek Squad" showed up. Needless to say that didn't work out either. This wasn't with a system I sell or support by the way, just a referal from another casion I had worked with before.
Halo looks really steep on monthly subscription. Does their subscription include hardware replacement? I didn't see any pricing for NetPOS.
I assume both of the systems you are looking at are written to handle an internet interuption. Be sure to check how credit card transactions are handled in that event.
Good luck and be sure to ask about anything. The old saying "the only bad question is the one you didn't ask" could not be more true.
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posrescue,
You didn't say which cloud based POS system you use. Would you mind sharing that, and perhaps your cost? Also, what bandwidth internet connection do you operate with? One of my challenges is that the business is a marina, obviously on a lake and away from the commercial sector. My only option may be a wireless connection. That is a bit of a concern. If I can't get a sufficient internet connection I'll change course from a cloud based system. All feedback is appreciated.
Thanks.
You didn't say which cloud based POS system you use. Would you mind sharing that, and perhaps your cost? Also, what bandwidth internet connection do you operate with? One of my challenges is that the business is a marina, obviously on a lake and away from the commercial sector. My only option may be a wireless connection. That is a bit of a concern. If I can't get a sufficient internet connection I'll change course from a cloud based system. All feedback is appreciated.
Thanks.
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