Before you start shopping for a system, make sure you familiarize yourself with some common terms that vendors will use.  Here are a few terms to know:

Card Reader: Essentially a credit card terminal that is included in the system, usually it is physically attached to the cash register, such as a magnetic swipe machine on the side of the screen.  A card reader eliminates the need for a separate credit card terminal or for printing two receipts- one for the credit charge and one for your own register records.

Cash Drawer: The “cash register” portion of the system, or a drawer that stores cash payments of customers. 

Central Control Unit: The main “hub” or computer to which all POS terminals are linked.  This can be one monitor among many, like some retail stores use, or a separate computer in a back office. 

Check reader: A device that scans a customer’s check and verifies available funds.  A check reader can be linked to a merchant account to convert a check payment into a debit transaction.

Check conversion service:  A service provided by your bank or merchant account that allows for processing of checks as debit transactions.  You will need a check reader to scan and verify checks.

Credit card terminal: A device that accepts and processes credit card transactions. 

Customer display: Sometimes called a customer pole display, a screen that displays information for customers at a POS terminal. 

Hardware: The physical components of a POS system, such as scanners, touch screens, etc. that allows your business to accept credit cards.

Keyboard: A hardware component of a POS terminal that allows an employee to input purchase information so the merchant processing can begin. 

Scanner: A hardware device that “scans” barcodes on products.  The barcodes correspond to product information already recorded by the system. 

Signature capture device: A hardware component used to capture and record the electronic signature of customers paying by credit card.  A signature capture device eliminates the need to keep and store signed paper receipts. 

Software: The customizable program components of a POS system. 

Terminal: The “station” where sales information is input, such as a cash register or touch screen.

Touch Screen: A hardware component that allows a user or employee to easily specify the items a customer is purchasing.  Touch screens are easy to use, and are common in industries that cannot “scan” products, like restaurants and bars.

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