Step-by-step instructions: how to work with a cash register for card payment

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Content

• What are POS terminals?
• Why do I need POS terminals?
• Operating principle and functionality of the POS terminal
• What does a POS terminal consist of?
• Setting up the POS terminal: operation and device of the device
• What else can the terminal do?
• How does a POS terminal differ from a POS system?
• What types of POS terminals are available on the market
• Let's sum up the results

Automation of trading systems is an unavoidable process, and now almost everywhere at the cash registers special equipment is used - POS terminals. With their help, customers can pay with bank cards, and for business owners, this technique is convenient for its advanced functions. Terminals can be used in various business areas, but for proper operation, you need to choose the right device.

What are POS terminals?​

In trading, you can also find mention of POS systems. In terms of function, they are similar to POS terminals, but the difference is that the systems are separate devices that connect to the control unit, and the terminal is a monoblock where the computer, monitor and other components are connected in one case. Interestingly, there is no such division abroad, and all the equipment is simply called POS machines.

POS means accessories used in trading (point of sail). The name POS terminal is an ambiguous term. Sometimes this means a separate device that reads bank cards that allow customers to use non-cash payment. In addition, a POS terminal can be called a complex equipment that includes a special computer with software, a barcode scanner, a receipt printer, and a card reader.

Why do I need POS terminals?​

With their help, you can significantly simplify most trading operations – accept payments, calculate the amount of non-cash, control their security and reduce cash in the cash register.

All companies that sell goods and services to individuals and other organizations need to configure the equipment. They are required to keep an open current account.

Among the advantages:

• People can pay for purchases without cash, and you can also cancel the transaction if the customer changes their mind;
• All data about payments made will be stored in memory – so you can track your profit and generate reports.
• Special identifiers are embedded – each employee has their own username and password to communicate with the device, this eliminates shortages, surpluses or other deception on the part of employees.

You can use this tool to track your sales volume and remaining inventory. It makes it easier to recalculate and get information about balances.

Operating principle and functionality of the POS terminal​

This technique copes with wide responsibilities that are necessary for the normal functioning of any retail outlet:

• At the time of purchase, the employee uses a special device to read the individual code from the label of the sample being sold.
• If the code is not detected or damaged for some reason, you can enter the name on the keyboard.
• The name, quantity to be sold, and stock balance should be displayed on the screen.
• The buyer can pay by bank card or in cash at will.
• When using a POS system, it becomes easy to make a refund – just scan the receipt and get a refund for the product.
• If the goods are paid for in cash, the cashier can find the change in the cash drawer if necessary – it opens after entering the amount that the customer will give.
• A cashless refund is also possible – After scanning the receipt, follow the instructions on the screen and attach the card to the terminal at the right time.
• The equipment works with a bonus and discount program – this allows you to present a discount to regular visitors in accordance with their loyalty cards.
• This technique is used to open and close cash shifts and generate reports.

Connecting a POS terminal takes a little time. The device itself performs a limited number of actions without a system:

• accepting payments;
• printing out receipts;
• making a refund;
• creating a non-cash report.

If there is no agreement with the banking structure, the presence of pin pads is useless.

What does a POS terminal consist of?​

Each terminal has a unique name, which is not duplicated in Russia. At the same time, the structure of the software and hardware complex is typical. Its components:

• Screen.
• The system block.
• Buyer's display.
• POS keyboard.
• A plastic card reader.
• Printing device.
• Fiscal equipment.
• Software.

The State Register of Cash Registers provides a detailed description of the structure of the POS terminal. Any hardware and software changes, installation of additional equipment, as well as changes in the structure of the complex are prohibited by the current Russian legislation. This means that the POS terminals used in the Russian Federation operate according to the same principle, regardless of what field of trade or service they are used for.

Setting up the POS terminal: operation and device of the device​

After the buyer has expressed a desire to pay with plastic for the purchase of products, you need to provide him with this opportunity. Please note that some models do not accept all types of cards. This is clear from the labels indicating payment systems. For the transaction to be successful, the client must check whether the required amount is available on the account.

The number is read or entered into the computer manually or automatically using the software. The total appears on the screen. After reading the barcodes and entering the number of all purchase items, the seller names the cost of the entire basket.

How to use the post-terminal, algorithm of actions:

• Displays the price to be paid.
• A bank card is inserted, held, or attached.
• A connection is established and a request is sent to the bank.
• Authorization is performed, and the cost of purchased products is reserved.
• If everything went well, "Thank you" appears on the pin pad screen.

The equipment can connect and then issue a refusal to perform the operation. This happens if there is not enough money in the buyer's account, if the PIN code is entered incorrectly several times in a row, or if there is a suspicion that the plastic was stolen.

After making a purchase, the device issues two receipts – the seller keeps one and files it in the daily financial statements for the accounting department. The second one is given to the client. Data that the payment has been made is transmitted to the tax service through the operator.

What else can the terminal do?​

The POS terminal allows you to cancel a payment or make a refund. It stores all information about completed operations: you can quickly calculate profit and create reports on sales results.

Each employee who works with the POS terminal is assigned an ID. This helps to monitor the work of the staff.

How does a POS terminal differ from a POS system?​

The concept of "POS terminal" has three meanings:

• in a narrow sense, this is a device for accepting payments from cards;
• in a broader sense, it is a complex of hardware and software for accepting non-cash payments;
• sometimes users confuse concepts and call a POS terminal a cashier's workplace-a POS system.

A POS system can consist of many elements: a monitor, a system unit, a buyer's display, a card reader or POS terminal, a barcode scanner, a mini-printer, a fiscal storage device, a money box, and so on.

A POS terminal is a small device that we attach a card or smartphone to for payment. It can be self-contained: with a receipt printer and Internet access, such as you can see at the courier who brought you pizza. Sometimes it replaces the online sales register if it transmits data about purchases to the tax service, prints receipts with fiscal details, and stores them in memory.

The terminal and the system also differ in the location where the memory module is installed for operations. The system has it installed in the fiscal registrar, which automatically transmits data to the tax service. At the terminal - in the case of a computer unit; and in order for the terminal to transmit information to the Federal Tax Service, you need specific cash programs that are listed in the State Register of Cash Registers.

The features of the program installed on the terminal largely depend on its functions. The capabilities of the device for a convenience store or restaurant may differ, not to mention the terminal for traveling trade. Take the time to choose the software and get advice from the terminal vendor.

What types of POS terminals are available on the market​

Integrated devices work in conjunction with cash register equipment.They are only needed for reading cards and entering a pin code. The receipt is printed by the cash register printer. They will connect to checkout via a USB, COM, or Ethernet connector. Suitable for stores with a fixed payment location. There are more models of such terminals than standalone ones.

Stand-alone POS terminals are independent devices, they are not connected to the cash register and work separately from it. Sometimes they replace the cash register. Such a terminal has a card reader, a keyboard, a mini-printer, an Internet connection for communicating with the bank, and a cash register program for transmitting data to the tax service. There are several types of offline terminals:

• portable devices with built-in battery: they can be used in cafes, taxis, and courier delivery of goods; data is transmitted via a GPRS channel, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth;
• stationary devices with a power supply connection: they are good for stores where customers themselves approach the place of payment; data is transmitted via a USB port, a GPRS channel, or Dial-Up.

Mobile mPOS terminals are miniature card readers that connect to your smartphone via an app. Couriers and taxi drivers also have such terminals.

Let's sum up the results​

Acquiring terminals are suitable for any activity, from hypermarkets to small convenience stores. These devices enable cashless payment for goods or services. Now the presence of an acquiring terminal is not a virtue and competitive advantage, but an absolute necessity for business.

There are different types of terminals: mobile, stationary, with or without a remote pin pad, with different types of communication, and so on. You need to choose your own terminal based on the passability of the outlet and the needs of the business.

The main thing to remember is that not only the terminal is important, but also the bank that serves it. It is he who provides you with support, repairs equipment and deals with complex cases. It is important to choose a reliable partner who will offer the best conditions and is distinguished by a truly "humane" support service.