Choosing a point-of-sale system

Remember when a cash register and a pile of coins were all you needed to run your business? Those days are long gone. Today’s customers expect to pay with cards, tap their phones and watches, or even order online—and business owners need more than just a till to keep up. That’s where a point-of-sale (POS) system comes in.

What is a POS system? 

Think of your POS as the command centre for your sales. It’s where your customer pays—whether that’s at a traditional counter, on a tablet, or using a mobile app. A good POS lets you accept credit and debit cards, cash, and mobile wallets, and can even handle online orders, track sales, store customer information and manage inventory.

How do you choose the right POS? 

Choosing the right POS system is a big decision, and the best place to start is by understanding your unique business needs. 

Start by asking yourself, what type of system do I need? Do you want something cloud-based (so you can access it anywhere with internet), server-based (runs on your own hardware), or a mix? Keep in mind:

• Cost
• The ease of access to your data
• Reliability of your internet connection
• Data security
• Storage needs

Next, ask yourself what you want your POS to handle. Depending on your industry, you might need:

• Inventory tracking
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Accounting integration
• Online ordering
• Employee scheduling
• Menu or product management
• Age verification
• Barcode scanning
• Appointment booking

Also consider the access to support offered by the system. Do they offer 24/7 support? Is it via chat, phone, or email? This becomes crucial when things break during a busy day. Finally think about whether you are already using other software or apps. Do you want to replace or integrate them? Not all systems integrate, and if you’re under contract for hardware or software, switching could mean extra costs.

Don’t forget about privacy and compliance:

• If you’re in a regulated field (like healthcare), make sure your POS meets privacy laws such as PIPEDA and any relevant provincial/territorial privacy legislation.
• If you’re accepting card payments, your system must be PCI DSS compliant.

So where do you start?

• Ask other business owners in your industry what they use and why—this often reveals what works in the “real world".
• Check industry associations. Many provide lists of trusted vendors or negotiated discounts.
• Shortlist 2-3 POS providers and book a demo to see how user-friendly they are.
• Read online reviews—but focus on recent ones. Things change quickly, so newer reviews are more reliable.

The right POS system can help you run your business more smoothly, keep your customers happy, and free up your time to focus on what you do best. CFIB Business Advisors are here to help you with any questions you may have; reach them at 1-833-568-2342 or cfib@cfib.ca