Advice on how to choose POS software for a small retail business

Let’s be honest. Choosing a POS system isn’t something you should be doing often. If you find yourself shopping for a new one every couple of years, your selection process is broken.

We’re connected with a POS software company, Tower Systems, so why are we telling you this? Because we believe the best customer is an informed one. This isn’t a pitch to choose us; it’s a guide to choosing the system that’s genuinely right for you.

I founded Tower Systems decades and and am proud to note that it serves 3,500+ retailers today.

Here’s how you do it. This is authentic and honest advice anyone will say is good.

First, figure out what you actually need. What drains time from your day right now? What operational changes would make you more profitable? And what would simply make running your business more enjoyable? Get clear on that first. Then, think about where you’ll be in three years. Will you be selling online? Do you plan to expand? Your next POS needs to handle that future.

Second, decide what kind of company you want to partner with. Does supporting an Australian business matter? Do you want to know you can call and speak to a real person who understands your challenges? These aren’t minor details—they define your long-term relationship with the provider.

Now, do the work yourself. Don’t hand this job off to a manager or a consultant. As the owner, you need to own this decision. You’re the one who will live with the consequences, good or bad. See the demos, ask the hard questions, and get a feel for the people behind the software.

Trust what you see, not what you hear. Anyone can promise you the world. The real proof is in the demonstration. If a salesperson tells you the software has a feature, make them show you, live. And ignore the free lunches or gifts; the only thing that matters is how the software will help your business make a profit.

Finally, and this is the most important part: read the contract. We heard from a retailer this morning who is locked into a system that’s failing their business. They asked if we could help them get out of their contract. We can’t.

Don’t let that be you. Avoid inflexible, long-term contracts that serve the software company’s interests, not yours. You want a contract you can exit with 30 days’ notice. That flexibility is your safety net.

The right POS system is a money-making tool. The wrong one is an expensive anchor. Take your time, do your homework, and you’ll make the right choice.

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Okay, here’s a pitch: Tower Systems is a specialty retail POS software solution operating in 16 different vertical markets. Take a look. If the company feels it’s not right for you, the sales person will say so. That’s a promise!

Now, for transparency, my name is Mark Fletcher. You can reach me on 0418 321 338 or at mark@towersystems.com.au.

Have a wonderful day!