As a value-added reseller (VAR) there are multiple selling points that give you the upper hand against free point of sale (POS) systems. You have value to offer as a VAR! Making sales will depend on your ability to sell that value to small and medium-sized merchants shopping for a new POS system. With a little research about the downfalls of free POS systems, you can:
When weighing the costs of a POS system provided by a VAR versus a free POS system, make sure your customers and prospects understand the hidden costs that come along with “free POS,” which may include:
After adding up these potential hidden fees, you’ll probably be able to demonstrate that it’s more cost effective to go with a VAR where all costs are transparent and predictable and there’s no guessing game for the merchant.
In the “free” POS system contract merchants are required to meet obligations. These obligations could include:
As a VAR, you can explain that free POS is often best considered a short-term fix, rather than a long-term solution. Taking into account the costs, obligations, and contract, your customers can be confident that their agreement with your VAR was the best move for their businesses.
In addition to subpar value and undesirable contract terms, free POS systems often have only minimal features. Businesses often need more functionality than free POS systems can provide if they want to stay ahead of the competition. Some free POS systems limit use on multiple registers, allow no more than five employee logins, and lack capability to process sales that exceed $20k per month. Merchants may need costly integrations if they want to add, for example, inventory management, loyalty programs, or customer relationship management (CRM).
As a VAR you can offer value to your customers that a free POS system vendor cannot provide, including:
The in-person service you provide will also enable you to listen to your customer’s needs and customize a solution that addresses their challenges and goals. With a POS solution tailored specifically to their business, your customer can confidently avoid the pitfalls of free POS systems while watching their business grow.
After covering the advantages and disadvantages between the systems, the merchant will leave the sales pitch knowing that a “free” POS system is often not free after factoring in hidden fees, expensive contractual obligations, and limited functionality. By offering the right software with the features merchants need, at the price point they can afford, you can effectively compete with free POS and help your prospects succeed. Contact TallySoft today to learn more about our innovative retail POS software and industry-proven reseller program.
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