When a shop opens or starts to grow, a notebook and a calculator stop being enough. There are more products, more customers, and it gets harder to remember who owes what. That is when you need POS and accounting software.
Choosing one is not easy, because from the outside they all look alike. These 8 questions will help you decide.
1. Does it work without internet?
Internet connections can be slow or drop out. If the software only works online, sales stop when the connection does — and that is lost money.
Choose software that keeps data on the computer itself, keeps selling offline, and syncs automatically once the connection is back.
2. Does it work with a barcode scanner?
A scanner makes checkout several times faster and nearly eliminates pricing mistakes. The software should work with any simple USB scanner. A bonus: being able to use your phone as a scanner.
3. How complete is the inventory?
You need to know not only “how much did I sell” but also “how much is left”. Good software:
- reduces stock automatically on every sale;
- warns you when items are running low;
- calculates your margin when you receive goods;
- imports your product list from Excel in one go.
More on this: Inventory management for a small shop.
4. Does it track selling on credit?
In many shops customers buy on credit. Debts written in a notebook get lost or forgotten. The software should show each customer’s debt, payments and remaining balance.
5. Are the reports clear?
At the end of the day you should be able to answer three questions: how much did I sell, how much did I earn, and how much cash is in the drawer. Reports should be simple — even if you are not an accountant.
6. Is it easy to use?
A cashier should learn it in minutes. A clear interface in a familiar language means fewer mistakes and easier training.
7. Can you oversee your staff?
With several cashiers, each should have their own user and permissions. Discounts, returns and deleted records should be logged — that keeps order and trust.
8. What about price and support?
Pricing should be transparent: monthly, half-yearly or yearly. Local support matters too, so you can call and ask when something is unclear.
Summary
Good accounting software saves time, reduces losses and makes your shop easier to understand. Always try it before you buy.
OnHasap ticks all 8 boxes: it works offline, supports scanners and your phone as a scanner, and keeps inventory, customer credit and reports in one place. See pricing or contact us for a free trial.