The National Restaurant Association had a wonderful guide called the 8 Essential Elements of POS System Ownership. Their guide contains information to help you avoid problems in purchasing a POS system. Below are the 8 elements mentioned in the guide and how Business Software Solutions stays within those guidelines.
1. Know all hardware and software components included in the system and their individual or bundled costs.
When purchasing hardware and software from us, we will let you know exactly what comes with your package. This includes new and used systems. You will also receive an invoice explaining exactly what you have purchased.
2. Establish a clearly defined Service Level Agreement.
A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is an agreement between Business Software Solutions and yourself/company. This includes information about warranties, support services offered, licensing, upgrades, etc. This information will be presented to you completely to avoid any misunderstandings.
3. Require a clearly defined fee schedule for all services, training, upgrades, conversions, gateway services, and support.
Whether you purchase online, or over the phone with a sales representative, will we inform you of any fees with our software.
NOTE: We currently offer a $30 per month license fee schedule which will include Unlimited technical support during our business hours (8:30am to 5pm MST) and Free Updates.
4. Understand the terms and conditions of the hardware and software warranties.
Whether you are purchasing new or used systems, we will let you know the warranties for all components of your system.
5. Insist on PCI-compliant and PA-DSS validated POS systems and payments applications and the associated fees for ongoing hardware and software updates.
As many of you know, the major credit card brands (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), have implemented a new mandatory standard for credit card security called the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS.
Business Plus Accounting is a PCI Compliant Product. PCI compliance helps protect you and your customers from credit card theft and helps you stay compliant with industry requirements.
6. Require the POS System Provider or POS Developer to disclose any financial benefits from relationships with payment processing companies and other service or product providers.
We currently have two preferred payment processors - X-Charge and Payment Processing, Inc. These preferred processors are fully integrated into the Business Plus Accounting software packages, which allows for smooth credit card integration and processing for your POS system. No integration fees are required for these processors.
X-Charge and Payment Processing, Inc. also provide us, and your business, their payment processing software, Free of Charge.
Many of today’s payment processors will have a reseller program that will offer back-end commissions to the reseller. Because we have developed our software packages to fully integrate with X-Charge and Payment Processing, Inc., both of those companies do offer Business Software Solutions back-end commissions.
However, the guide mentions that some POS manufacturers will act as if they are the credit card processor. Actually, they are just providing a “middleman” service with another payment processor. This allows them to charge you a higher rate than if you just went directly to the payment processor.
We do not want you to be left in the dark about your payment processing rates. You will be setting up your merchant account directly with X-Charge or Payment Processing, Inc. So, you will know the exact rates you will be receiving.
Also, if you are currently have an account with another credit card processor, or, if you have receive a quote from another processor, both X-Charge and Payment Processing, Inc. will often match or better any offer you have received from another company.
7. Ensure you can use the supported payment processor of your choice and have fully disclosed pricing for set-up, conversion, and support.
As mentioned above, we currently have two preferred payment processors - X-Charge and Payment Processing, Inc. These preferred processors are fully integrated into the Business Plus Accounting software packages...no integration fees are required for these processors.
For customers who would like to use their own processors, for an additional fee, we also have the option to integrate with Verifone's Payware PC platform. Payware PC is compatible with many merchants, including American Express, Heartland Payment Systems, TSYS Acquiring Solutions, First Data Merchant Services, and more!
8. Understand your contract and know your POS System Provider.
There is no contract to sign. If you stop using our software, you are under no obligation.
We have been in business for over 21 years. Whether you need a package for your restaurant, pizza delivery shop, retail store, or hotel, we have a product to meet your needs.
