What Is A Standalone POS?

A standalone POS offers a robust, independent solution that operates efficiently without the need for constant internet connectivity, providing reliability and control right at your fingertips. As you delve into this article, we’ll explore “What is a Standalone POS System?“, compare them with modern cloud-based alternatives, and uncover the unique benefits they can offer to businesses like yours.

What Is A Standalone POS? 

A standalone POS, or Point of Sale, is a compact, all-encompassing system designed for businesses to conduct sales transactions independently. It doesn’t require integration with external systems like eCommerce platforms, making it a reliable option for brick-and-mortar stores.

This type of POS system provides all the necessary tools to handle sales, including transaction processing, inventory management, payment management, and receipt printing, without requiring an internet connection.

Standalone POS systems are especially useful in settings where speed and efficiency are critical. Retailers, for example, benefit from these systems as they allow customers to swiftly place and pay for their orders, often with little to no staff interaction, keeping the checkout process smooth and fast.

Depending on your demands and business model, you may prefer a standalone POS or a cloud-based one like ConnectPOS, which is linked with the eCommerce platform.

Comparison Of Standalone POS vs. Cloud-Based POS System

As mentioned, there are two main systems a business owner like you may contemplate: standalone POS and cloud-based POS systems. Each has distinct features that cater to different business needs.

Data Storage and System Accessibility

• Standalone POS: A standalone POS system stores all data locally, meaning you can access your sales information directly from the device or server where it’s saved.
• Cloud-based POS: These systems store data on remote servers, which you can access from anywhere with an internet connection. This distinction affects not only where your data is stored but also how you can retrieve and interact with it.

Initial Setup Costs and Ongoing Maintenance

• Standalone POS: The initial investment for a standalone POS system can be higher due to the cost of purchasing hardware and software licenses. However, since it’s less reliant on external services, the ongoing maintenance costs might be lower.
• Cloud-based POS: This type of system often comes with lower startup costs but may require monthly subscription fees for cloud services and support.

Reliability and Performance Under Varying Internet Conditions

• Standalone POS: They are generally more reliable in areas with poor internet connectivity, as they don’t depend on real-time access to cloud services to function.
• Cloud-based POS: These systems need a stable internet connection to perform optimally, which can be a limitation in certain geographic locations or when service interruptions occur.

Security Considerations and Data Control

• Standalone POS: Standalone systems keep data in-house, which can be a double-edged sword. It allows complete control over data security, but it also means that protecting that data is entirely up to you.
• Cloud-based POS: Managed by third-party vendors, these systems often offer robust security measures that are regularly updated to combat new threats. However, this also means trusting a third party with sensitive information.

Understanding these differences is key for you to make an informed decision that aligns with their operational needs, preferences for data control, and the level of investment they’re willing to make.

Benefits When Using Standalone POS Systems

Choosing a standalone POS system comes with a suite of advantages that can significantly benefit a business’s operations.

• Integration with Online Orders

Even as a self-contained unit, a standalone POS can be configured to integrate with online ordering systems. This ensures that businesses looking to maintain a physical and online presence can synchronize their sales, providing a cohesive experience for both staff and customers.

• POS Hardware becomes more Functional and Cost-effective

With a standalone POS, the hardware is designed to handle a multitude of functions without the need for constant upgrades. This multipurpose nature makes it a cost-effective solution, as it reduces the need to invest in new hardware to meet evolving needs.

• Allowance for a Mobile Cash Register

Many standalone POS systems are mobile-friendly, meaning they can be set up as mobile cash registers. This mobility allows businesses to process transactions anywhere within the store or at off-site locations, making it versatile for events, pop-up shops, or outdoor dining.

Using a mobile tablet cash register can have these functions: 

• Discounts, reimbursements, and write-offs are all applied.
• Offering customers special deals depending on their buying history by bundling related products.
• Tracking each employee’s sales.
• Displaying information about taxes.
• Creating digital receipts that may be texted or emailed to customers.
• Barcode scanners, printers, digital scales, cash registers, and card readers can connect with it wirelessly or through cable.

• Enhanced Control Over System Customization and Updates

When you have a standalone POS system, you have full control over the customization and timing of updates. This means you can tailor the system to your exact business requirements and choose when to implement updates to avoid disrupting peak business hours.

• Reduced Dependency on Internet Connectivity for Basic Functions

A key benefit of a standalone POS system is its ability to operate without internet connectivity. This reduces the risk of business interruption due to connectivity issues, ensuring that sales can continue even during an internet outage.

• Potential for Greater Longevity and Durability of the System

Standalone POS systems are often built to last, with durability in mind. Since they are not as reliant on rapidly changing cloud-based technologies, they can continue to operate effectively for many years with proper maintenance, providing a better long-term investment.

These benefits highlight the standalone POS as a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective option for businesses that value independence and control over their point of sale processes.

Top 3 standalone POS that you should know

Lightspeed

Restaurants, retail, and e-commerce businesses can benefit from Lightspeed’s customized point-of-sale systems. Businesses can use its cloud-based software to manage inventory and marketing, track sales, manage staff, and process payments. For extra marketing, customer loyalty, and personnel management functions, the software integrates with third-party platforms.

Vend

Owned by Lightspeed, Vend has its simplicity of configuration and customization. Vend provides a number of reporting and analytics capabilities to aid in the management of sales, customer data, inventory, and the overall customer experience. For all plan tiers, Vend provides free customer support via phone, email, and live chat.

Square

The POS system from Square is famous for its simple pricing, minimum hardware, and user-friendly interface. Square’s POS system includes software for customer relationship management, invoicing, customer loyalty, inventory management, and reporting and analytics, in addition to standard payment acceptance.

Conclusion

In short, the standalone POS system remains a strong contender in the point-of-sale arena, offering reliability and control that many business owners still value highly. For those who prefer a system less dependent on the whims of internet stability and more on tangible, immediate results, it could be the ideal match for your company’s needs.

Deciding on the right POS system is a significant business step, and ConnectPOS is here to provide the expertise and support required for making this choice. If you are in need of a consultation on this matter, give us a call! Our team is ready to assist you in navigating your options and equipping your business with the tools it needs to succeed.