I wanted to know if you guys know of a good POS cash registers. I have been searching online but feel very unsure. What features do you find most useful? TIA

lala,

Ok well can anyone tell me what kind NOT to buy? I'm opening my shop in May and I want to make sure I have it programed and ready to go before then. Thanks again
lala,

I don't have a shop, was just a mngr at one quite some time ago, but the register that we had was a simple one. It was able to departmentalize over 150 items, program separate tax rates, and you could of course program in different users, and user numbers so you would know who was ringing up a sale. It had numerous other features, like locking cash drawer, thermal register tape, etc.... but this is what I can recall of the top of my head. Now the number one feature that we found that was imperative was the fact that it had a detachable storage medium, and we were also able to hook it up the computer. We were able to take the flash drive and download all the sales into the business computer and export the file to excel then use the info as needed. Now as for your actual POS system, there are numerous programs out there. I don't know what sized operation you are planning on having, but a POS system is a wonderful tool. Try looking into the CakeBoss software and see what they offer. If I'm not mistaken, I think it offers customer tracking, inventory, management and some other things. (Not that familiar with the product, sorry )
Anyhoo sorry to ramble on!
Hope this helps a little!

sucresucre I REALLY appreciate that you took the time to answer my question. I have been searching for weeks and just could not make up my mind. Thanks for your help.

My shop opens tomorrow! We just bought a casio simple cash resgister to print receipts etc if customer wants one but I will also be using my computer and quickbooks. It tooks us a day to figure it out we had to call tech support a couple times becuase we didn't know who to not charge tax since it was food/drink but they were very helpful. I don't know how big your place is but mine is small I am the only employee as of now so we just needed something simple. I got it from office max. Good luck

You're welcome, good luck and God bless!

thanks bellaudreycakes. I will only have 1 employee. I just want to make sure I can do returns if an error is made, run totals at the end of each day and has a memory. I am honestly surprised that no one else answered but maybe not too many people use cash registers. Anywho congrats on your shop!

I also looked at POS systems when I opened, but the expense was enormous and totally not justified. I work with a Mac and there was nothing that was compatible and I would have had to buy a PC just to be able to take advantage of the advantages of a POS. My operation is pretty small at the moment, so I just bought a Casio cash register (model is SE-S10 if you want to look it up) - it cost about $100 and does everything I need it to right now. It takes a while to program your items/message etc but it would be worse if it were a restaurant or department store. I take the daily report and plug the numbers in an Excel spreadsheet - it works for me for now!