What is the difference between a traditional POS and a mobile POS?
Mobile POS (mPOS) systems are POS systems that operate on hand-held devices such as smartphones and tablets. Full point-of-sale functionality in a small, agile device can be a major benefit for many retail businesses. This article explores the many advantages of mPOS systems and introduces our Mobile POS system.
Traditional POS systems are stationary, such as cash registers or self-checkout kiosks. A mobile POS operates on hand-held devices like iPads. Sales, transactions, and other functionality are no longer tied to specific locations around the store. This opens up new business opportunities, which can be the ultimate freedom for many. Let’s dive into the benefits of going mobile!
8 benefits of mobile POS systems
Mobile POS systems (mPOS) are transforming businesses' operations in today's fast-paced retail and service environments.
Unlike a traditional POS system, which relies on stationary terminals, mPOS provides flexibility, convenience, and enhanced business capabilities to improve customer experiences and streamline operations.
Below, we explore the key benefits of adopting a mobile point-of-sale system over traditional POS systems.
1. Mobile flexibility for transactions anywhere
Unlike traditional POS systems tethered to counters, a mobile POS system allows businesses to process transactions anywhere. Whether running a pop-up shop or food truck or offering services on-site, the portability of mPOS empowers your employees to meet customers wherever they are.
Restaurants, for instance, can use mobile POS solutions for table-side payments, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. This mobile point flexibility is essential for businesses offering personalized, on-the-go customer service.
2. Customer-first approach
Moving to a mobile POS system prioritizes customer convenience. With the ability to process payments on the spot, employees can focus on delivering seamless and personalized customer experiences.
Many mPOS also integrates with omnichannel strategies, ensuring a consistent shopping experience across all touchpoints. Customers can easily access loyalty programs and promotional campaigns, enhancing their engagement and satisfaction.
3. Ease of use and quick adoption
Modern mPOS are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, minimizing employees' learning curve. With straightforward POS software, staff can quickly adopt the system and efficiently handle transactions, even in high-pressure situations.
Features like digital receipts, including email options, further simplify the checkout process and provide customers with a smoother, faster experience.
4. Enhanced security for sales transactions
Retailers handling sensitive customer data, such as credit card details, must prioritize security. Most mobile POS systems offer robust security features, including data encryption, to protect payment information from unauthorized access.
In contrast to traditional POS systems, many mPOS do not store customer data locally on devices, reducing the risk of security breaches in the event of device theft or hacking attempts.
5. Flexible store layouts
With mPOS, the need for bulky stationary POS terminals is minimized, freeing up valuable floor space in your store. Retailers can design more dynamic and customer-friendly layouts, optimizing the space for product displays or interactive shopping experiences.
This added flexibility allows businesses to create a shopping environment tailored to customer preferences, increasing foot traffic and boosting sales.
6. Increased checkout capacity during peak times
For retailers managing high-traffic periods, such as holidays or promotional events, mPOS provides the scalability to handle increased demand. By supplementing traditional POS systems with mPOS solutions, retailers can avoid long queues and improve customer service.
During peak seasons, mobile point devices can be additional checkouts to improve customer service.
7. Support for diverse payment methods
Modern consumers expect various payment options, from credit cards to mobile payment solutions. Mobile POS systems support multiple payment methods catering to customer preferences, including contactless payments and app-based transactions.
By adopting mPOS, retailers can streamline payment processing across all channels while maintaining operational efficiency.
8. Real-time inventory management
One of the standout features of advanced mPOS is its integration with inventory management. Employees can access real-time product information, check stock levels, and even set up reorder automation.
This functionality ensures that inventory is always up to date, reducing stockouts and overstock situations while empowering staff to provide accurate product information to customers.
Why retailers are embracing mobile POS systems
The shift from traditional POS systems to cloud-based and mPOS reflects a broader evolution in retail. Businesses are increasingly prioritizing flexibility, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. By leveraging the benefits of an mPOS system, retailers can stay competitive and meet the demands of today’s tech-savvy consumers.
Whether you’re looking to replace your traditional POS system or complement your setup with modern tools, investing in mPOS offers a future-proof solution for businesses of all sizes. From reducing dependency on stationary POS terminals to supporting diverse payment options and mobile payment solutions, mobile POS systems are the key to transforming your retail operations.
Mobile POS systems on different devices and operating systems
Many mobile POS systems are on the market and have been adapted to different devices and operating systems. Some run exclusively on iOS and Apple devices, while others offer greater flexibility or run on Android. It is important to keep the devices and operating systems in mind if you have demands or preferences, e.g., integrations with specific technology or regulatory concerns.
How much does a mobile POS system cost?
Prices of mPOS and traditional POS systems vary greatly across the market. To make a fair comparison, it is important to consider upfront costs and have maintenance, scaling, and training costs in mind. Your business requirements must be matched, ensuring you will get the best possible long-term returns on your investment.
As with all POS systems, examining the subscription model closely is essential. Do you pay per month, per user, or transaction, or how does it work? Are there any hidden costs you need to take into account?
Shift from traditional pos systems to mobile POS systems
The shift from traditional POS systems to cloud-based and mobile POS systems marks a significant evolution in retail operations. While traditional POS systems provided a reliable foundation, their stationary nature, and limited flexibility often fell short of modern business needs.
Cloud-based POS systems transformed this landscape by offering scalability, real-time data access, and streamlined omnichannel management. Building on this, mPOS systems took flexibility even further, enabling transactions anywhere, from in-store to on-the-go, while enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency.
Adopting modern POS solutions is no longer a choice but a necessity for businesses aiming to stay competitive and agile in today’s dynamic marketplace.
Introducing the Extenda Retail Mobile POS System
The Extenda Retail Mobile POS System allows in-store staff to complete transactions and accept payments using portable devices anywhere in the fitting room or around the product shelves.
With an optimized UX for mobile use cases and a customizable UI, it can run on enterprise devices and mobile phones. It is based on the same transaction engine as your other checkout channels, guaranteeing consistent behavior and a shopping experience.
Enjoy all the benefits of a truly mPOS solution, improving your business by busting queues and exceeding customer expectations by meeting them in the aisles.
Ready to upgrade your payment solution? Move to a mobile POS and exceed your and your customer's expectations. Book a DEMO!
