Switching POS software can feel like a big disruption. And it can be — but usually the disruption comes from not asking the right questions before you commit, not from the switch itself.
Here are the questions that matter.
About the contract
Is there a minimum term? What’s the cancellation process and notice period? Does the contract auto-renew? Are there exit fees? These questions reveal a lot about how a company treats its customers. A vendor confident in their product doesn’t need to lock you in.
About the true cost
What is the all-in monthly cost — every module, every terminal, every integration you need? Are there transaction fees on EFTPOS payments? Is there a penalty for using your own bank or payment provider? Get a written quote, not a verbal estimate, and make sure it covers everything.
About your specific business
Does this software have features built specifically for your type of shop? Can it handle the way you actually sell — by weight, by the metre, by serial number, with repairs, with special orders? Does it connect to your suppliers and buying groups? If the salesperson hedges on these questions, that’s your answer.
About support
Where is the support team based? What are their hours? How do you reach them — phone, email, chat? What’s the typical response time when something goes wrong? Support quality is invisible until you need it. Then it’s everything.
About the demo
Ask to see the software running in a real business like yours — not a sales demo, but a working shop. Any vendor worth dealing with can arrange this. Talking to a real customer in your industry for ten minutes tells you more than an hour of sales presentation.
About long-term stability
How long has the company been operating? Who owns it? Is the software actively developed and updated? Software companies get acquired, pivot, or wind down. Knowing who you’re dealing with and what their long-term model looks like is worth asking about upfront.
If a vendor answers all of these questions clearly, in writing, without hesitation — that’s a good sign. If they’re vague, evasive, or rush you toward a decision before you’ve finished asking — that’s worth noting too.
Tower Systems has been serving independent specialty retailers in Australia and New Zealand for over 40 years. They’re happy to answer every one of these questions and connect you with a real customer in your industry before you make any decision.
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