Your online store is up and running, you have created your e-commerce website, but you’re missing the register. Though you can run your online store smoothly without a cashier, physical cash registers are still the best option.
They allow you to track down your sales data more effectively, and they help improve inventory management. Shopping online has become much more convenient than shopping in retail stores, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t require any extra effort from small business owners to keep up with people’s expectations.
Choosing the right cash register for a small business can be confusing as business owners have many options. Some are suitable for certain types of companies. But which one best fits your business?
Cash Registers
A cash register is a type of POS system. Point of sale refers to any software, hardware, and peripherals used to complete transactions at your business. Many retailers used only a cash register in the past, but today you have many other options.
Some businesses still use only a cash register, while others use a combination of a cash register and computer-based point of sales systems. Still, many are replacing them with computer-based POS systems. With computer-based systems, the business owner gets more versatility in their functions.
Considerations When Choosing a Cash Register for Your Business
Cash registers may seem simple, but several factors to consider when choosing the right one for your business.
- Size and weight: If you’re planning on moving your cash register, look for a lightweight model that’s easy to carry around.
- The number of keys: You need a minimum of one key per clerk or employee using the register, so if you have three employees, look for a model with at least three keys.
- The number of departments: Each department can store different items, which is vital if multiple business locations.
- Manual or digital: Manual registers are usually cheaper but don’t have as many features as digital registers. Digital registers cost more and often require more training to use.
- Display options: A large display with big numbers is helpful for customers who want to see the price of their items and calculate the total quickly. It’s also suitable for older clerks who may have trouble seeing small numbers on the screen.
Cash Registers for Small Businesses in 2022
Cash registers have come a long way since the days of the mechanical drawer. Today’s cash registers are complex machines that use technology to make business operations more efficient and profitable.
Best Overall Cash Register: Casio PCR-T273
The Casio PCR-T273 is a go-to choice for many small business owners because it offers robust features and can handle medium to heavy volume traffic. The two-station receipt printer makes it a good fit for food trucks or small restaurants.
Pros
- It comes with a thermal printer for fast printing
- It has an affordable price
- It can add and subtract functions for quick calculations
Cons
- The register can’t program sales tax rate
Best Touchscreen Cash Register: SAM4s SPS-520RT
It’s a mid-range model that offers plenty of functionality and is not overly expensive, making it ideal for small businesses.
The SPS-520RT has a larger, 10.1-inch touchscreen display and two built-in receipt printers, making it suitable for multi-lane operations.
Pros
- The SAM4s SPS-520RT is one of the most affordable touchscreen cash registers available.
- It has all the basic features you need, including inventory management and customer tracking capabilities.
- It comes with a detailed PDF manual that makes setup easy.
Con
- It does not have a USB port to import your data into another program or save it as a backup file.
Best Beginner Cash Register: Casio SE-S400
This is a perfect starter cash register for any small retailer. It’s well-designed and easy to use, with a simple interface that doesn’t require much training. It has a high-contrast backlit LCD screen that displays sales information and menus, making it easy to use even in low light conditions.
Pros
- Barcode reader for quick item lookups
- Has eight departments for organizing your inventory
- Automatic tax calculations
- Easy setup of custom prices and add-ons like shipping
Con
- No credit card processing capabilities
Best Budget Option: Royal Alpha 580MC
Source: https://www.ebay.com/p/1064593213
If you’re looking to save money and don’t need the absolute best cash register on the market, the Royal Alpha 580MC is a great budget-friendly solution. It’s an all-in-one register with a drawer, receipt printer, display, and software that can hold up to 99 items.
Pro
- The Royal Alpha 580MC is inexpensive and has everything you need in one package.
Con
- It does not track invoices like higher-end models
Best High-end Cash Register: Samsung ER-650
Samsung ER-650 offers the best security and POS features. This cash register comes with a built-in scanner, barcode reader, thermal printer, and touch screen display. It also includes an integrated receipt printer, SD card slot, USB port, Ethernet port, and PC connectivity.
Pros
- It has a large color touchscreen
- It comes with customizable display templates
- Can handle up to 50 departments
Cons
- Expensive setup costs
- It requires a cloud subscription for some features
Best Cash Register for Restaurants: Sharp XE-A407
The Sharp XE-A407 features a raised keyboard with quick access to menu functions commonly used in food service. Its durable construction and heavy-duty metal cash drawer make it a good fit for busy environments. This model also supports barcode scanners, receipt printers, and kitchen printers.
Pros
- Has a large number of PLUs
- The design is durable
Con
- No built-in thermal printer or scanner
Best Cash Register for Retail: Casio PCR-T280
Casio’s PCR-T280 is a versatile, high-quality cash register. It’s also Bluetooth compatible, meaning users can pair the machine with their smartphone or tablet to print receipts.
Pros
- The Casio PCR-T280 offers a range of features that make it perfect for use in small retail stores.
- It’s easy to use
- It has a fast print speed
Con
- Lack of Ethernet connectivity or built-in Wi-Fi means it can’t connect to a POS system or send data directly to the cloud.
Conclusion
What option is best for your small business? The answer lies in what you intend to do with the cash register. A wireless Bluetooth cash register can be beneficial for running a retail store since it allows easier data transfers and other communication between registers.
If you want something more professional, find a cash register that uses Ethernet or a wired connection. It’s also essential to consider the software on the cash register. The best one will provide customer dockets, stock levels, and other information to help your business run smoother.
