How to Turn Your iPad Into a POS System

Are you aware of the concept of centralized hiring? In simple words, it means that one system helps recruit human resources for the entire company. As a result, it helps automate some processes and makes life easier for many people. And using the same concept of having one central device to take care of many tasks and make moves easier for business people, scientists created iPad POS systems. 

Turning an iPad into a POS (Point Of Sale) system is a straightforward yet mesmerizing concept. You can use it in salons, offices, restaurants, general stores, and in pretty much any other business that you have. But how do you get started? And what do you need for such a facility? 

3Steps to Turn Your iPad Into A POS System

Getting started with iPad POS systems is not as complicated as one may assume. And to help you believe that, here are three easy steps to get you started with this technology: 

#1. Get A Credit Card Reader

The most important and minimum requirement to switch your iPad into a POS system is to get a credit card reader. Most such systems have a Bluetooth feature that allows them to connect to small card readers. Indeed, you can find them for free, but such models typically confine to the magstripe and only read a small portion. Therefore, it would be best to research, spend some money, and get a new, more modern model with a chip reader. This way, you will significantly reduce the chances of being scammed. 

Choose a card reader that has NFC and EMV capabilities. Such devices will allow you to stick to the laws and regulations regarding chip cards. Plus, you will be able to accept mobile wallets and contactless cards, like Samsung pay, Android pay, and Apple pay. Furthermore, these models are not very heavy on the pocket. 

#2. Find The POS Mobile Application

A vast majority of vendors provide iPad POS apps. These applications have every software feature you will need to operate the mobile POS system and manage it. You can open your Apple App Store and download this application directly from there. If you think that’s too much work or feel anxious about taking this responsibility, you can also go to a vendor. Yes, many vendors install the application and enable all of your equipment for you. They also teach you all the basics and help you understand how to operate the system independently. 

#3. Gather the Right Equipment

Usually, a card reader and an iPad application are enough to create a functional, usable POS system. However, some businesses demand additional equipment to make this system even more practical and convenient. Some of this equipment includes the following:

• iPad stand 

iPad stands hold your iPad in place and keep it stationary, like a check-out station. These stands can rotate 360 degrees and are very stable and functional. You can shift them to face the customers as well as yourself without doing much work. Also, there are many kinds of iPad stands available in the market. In fact, some stands offer multifunctionality. For example, they have built-in credit card readers, making it all the more convenient for everyone. 

• Receipt Printers 

One significant advantage of having an iPad mobile POS system is sending receipts very quickly via text or email. But apart from that, if you want to print your own receipts, you can connect the POS system to your printer. Vendors often include printers in an equipment bundle when you begin setting up an iPad POS system. So ensure that the printer you buy is compatible with all the other equipment you have. 

• Cash Drawers 

Suppose your business plans to accept cash in the future. In that case, you will require a proper cash drawer. Just like receipt printers, many vendors also offer cash drawers in their equipment bundles. These bundles can sometimes save you a lot of bucks as you buy the iPad stand, cash drawer, and printer together. 

• Back-end Equipment 

Last but not least, iPad POS systems can also connect to kitchens. That’s right! This way, they can save people a lot of time and prevent them from getting stressed or frustrated. Such POS systems are ideal for restaurant places since they allow servers to take orders while standing at the table, just with their iPad. Then, this order automatically reaches the kitchen printer or display system.

Conclusion

The iPad POS system is one of the many marvels of modern technology. As they should, businesses and companies are quickly jumping on the bandwagon, experimenting with it, and incorporating it into their processes. So far, there have been no drawbacks of relying on iPad POS systems and letting them take some burden off people’s shoulders! It only makes one think: how far can one really go with these small yet impressive computers?