What's more, there are around 1,000 different POS systems to choose from. And they're all different. All these choices can be overwhelming and confusing.

The truth is... choosing POS software is very difficult. And too many retailers end up with wrong system. In fact, it's common for retailers to go through 2, 3 or even 4 different POS systems before they find one they're happy with. Those mistakes probably cost at least $10,000 - $100,000.

Here are a few mistakes that I see retailers making over and over again.

They Buy Hardware First

I can't tell you how many times I've heard a retailer say, "I just bought new computers, printers and I have everything ready to go. Now I need to find POS software."

As soon as I hear that, I think to myself, "This guy could have saved himself a lot of time and money if he selected his POS software first!"

Why?

First of all, your POS software will have hardware and operating system requirements. For example, software will require a certain version of Windows, Unix or Linux. (Unless it's an "open architecture" system like ASP) In addition, each program will only function with certain types of printers, scanners, cash drawers and card readers.

Second, and more importantly, not all POS systems are same. And system that you choose is very important. It will have a huge impact on efficiency of your business! If you install your computer system first, you will limit your POS software choices. The perfect fit for your "unique" business might run on UNIX but you already bought a Windows 2003 Server! You might also find that printers and scanners you just bought aren't compatible either.

You can avoid frustration and save money if you choose POS software first. Then you can ask software company about their recommended hardware and operating systems.

They Ask Wrong People

All too often retailers ask a local computer consultant for suggestions about POS software. Most computer consultants have good intentions but they tend to give poor advice when it comes to choosing POS software.

Computer consultants are great sources for information about computers, hardware, and networking. However they don't usually understand intricacies of POS software and retail management. Nor do they realize that there are almost 1,000 different POS systems to choose from and it's VERY easy to choose wrong one.

Every retail business is different and has different needs. If you get poor advice and select wrong type of system, your business will lose money.

They Don't Place Enough Focus on Character of Software Company

One of most memorable quotes that I heard from a trainer came from a man I knew named Rizal:

"As trainees, you are supposed to interrupt me if you don't understand something. You are supposed to ask questions. But you are not to go ahead of where we are in class. All of sections will be covered in due time."

As a trainee, I could not have agreed more with Rizal. He made an impact on me. He was one of best trainers I have ever known. What made him a great trainer was that he loved his career. (Notice I didn't say job.) I knew he viewed his classroom as more than just a place to go to work everyday.

As a trainer, what are YOU doing to enhance spirit of your trainees?

One great tactic that worked for me happened when I was a restaurant manager. When I would train employees, I would purposely ask them questions that were contradictory. For example, I would ask, "This order is to go, right?" When trainees answered yes or no, I always asked them why they gave their answer. I wanted them to discover for themselves what should and should not be.

The tactic worked because they learned to rely and trust their own reasoning. Their productively rose as a result. They were empowered to decide what actions needed to be done, and they took necessary steps that generated results.