What is the best POS System for my business in San Francisco and the Bay Area?

Sintel Systems! We are not just a point-of-sale POS company, but also a one-stop solutions provider. Why are we the best to deliver high quality products and attentive services to you?  Because:

1. STAFF: The greatest and most dedicated staff anywhere. We don’t have a sales force, we all techies! You’ll love our staff because we are helpful, friendly, and honest. We believe that a living is earned best honestly. We won’t flood you with fine print and we still do a lot of business just on a handshake!
2. Monitor and control the inventory control, increased and secured processing speed!
3. Connect with your website.
4. Start gift cards and loyalty programs to attract and keep more of your customers.
5. Easy customization.
6. Each POS system has endless features to help you.

Increase your efficiency and profits! Be the best in San Francisco.

Why else Sintel Systems? Because we know San Francisco and its great way of living. All of our staff have traveled to San Francisco and enjoy what it has to offer. If you own a store in San Francisco, chances are you have ran into one of our staff members or already heard of Sintel Systems. Instead of trying to sell, we observe and study every business and understanding the needs. Bet you find no other POS provider knows about Gelato and appropriate POS systems as much as we do!

We share San Francisco’s spirit and are fast becoming the first name and last name to call when you want San Francisco style personalized and friendly service.

Contact us at (855)POS-SALES or (855)767-7253 and let one of our technical staff assist you.

Sintel Systems has a long history of serving the frozen dessert industry. We have the fortune of working in some of the most delicious industries out there. We still love those frozen delights as much as we did when we were kids looking forward to the next gelato (I personally prefer sorbet), ice cream, or frozen yogurt and of course smoothies. While gaining the trust and relationship of new gelateria makes our business succeed, it gives another tastier benefit.

Gelato & Ice Cream POS System

Every time we come across the next gelateria to offer our point of sale POS system, we also get a taste of this rich and fruity delight. Can you find a better job to do? We are a professional, but fun cultured organization and like to allow our staff intellectual freedom. As we expanded into serving the San Francisco gelato industry, we set up a fun challenge. Instead of introducing our POS systems to the many gelato creameries in San Francisco, we decided to try each and rate them for taste.

Now given San Francisco’s rich Italian heritage we knew that we should be able to find many gelaterias (hopefully also sorbet) serving it up We’ll tell you the results of the challenge shortly, but we are very excited.

So what’s the problem you ask? Why is this happening?

When purchasing the POS systems, the wrong decisions are made to buy a point-of-sale solely based on the lowest price. There is little fault with the business owner since they are so busy with their business that they don’t have the time and resources to thoroughly research the topic.

Complete Restaurant POS System

A POS system is the center of a bar or restaurants revenue flow. To put this in perspective, the typical business runs revenue many times the value of a POS system thought the system IN A SINGLE DAY, so why would a business owner opt out for cheap system? Lack of knowledge coupled with untrustworthy sales methods typically lead to system failure. A one day failure or lack of needed support when needed can wipe out any perceived savings. The owner of the particular establishment I visited decided to go for a system that simply advertised “Complete POS systems for $…..” Well, the system ended up not being complete, was not user friendly, was not integrated with the POS machine and lacked many needed attributes. Most importantly, there was no support or training. Now the owner is left with an expensive counter top decoration and daily frustration.

Solution: Sintel Systems will help stop the mess and literally “wipe the counter” clean and start right. All the items previously on the counter were replaced by a single integrated POS System with a credit card reader on the side, a Kitchen Display System (KDS) (no need to shout out orders anymore), an attached customer display monitor, a thermal printer, an under counter heavy-duty cash drawer, and a back office station for total control. MOST importantly, Sintel Systems provided training and is always available to assist with any technical or functional issues as they rise. The owner of this business now saves over a hour a day in accounting and is not worried about leaving his restaurant for a couple of hours. He knows that with Sintel Systems behind him, his employees can simply contact Sintel Systems for any challenge.

The question now is “What to do with the time and money he is saving?” Expand operations, spend time with family, vacation, or all the above????

Moral of the story: You don’t need a franchise level budget for a high level of service.

You can also find us on
PointofSaleSanFrancisco.com
PointofSaleBayArea.com
SanFranciscoRestaurantPointofSale.com
SanFranciscoRestaurantPOS.com

Most of us have heard the phrase “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch” or “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” or other variations of this phrase. Or how about if “it’s too good to be true then it probably is.”
Then how is it that you see advertisements claiming “free POS” or “free point-of-sale. So, is there such a thing as “free POS” for your business? Here are some common phrases and mostly misleading we found when researching this topic:

“Upgrade your business to Point-of-Sale FOR FREE”
“FREE POS System for Hospitality, Bar or Retail”
“Is a FREE POS in your budget?”
“A comprehensive FREE point-of-sale solution for your business!”

To better understand, lets quickly look at the components and pricing of a POS system:
1. Hardware: This includes many times the POS touch screen, all-in-one touch pc or separate processor (computer), customer display, barcode scanners, cash resister drawer, kitchen display, and thermal printers.
2. Software: It is defined as the specific program than runs the point of sale operations and can have a variety of features.
3. Credit Card Processing
4. Training
5. Service & Warranty
It is easy to understand that all the above components cost money. Some imagine that the revenue from credit card processing may be able to allow seller of POS systems to offer the system for free. This is typically NOT true. The share of revenues the POS provider receives is way too little to cover the costs involved if you are to get a real system.
So, how is it that you see advertisements for “free POS systems?”

Pre-Installed POS Systems For Restaurants, Fast Foods, Bars, Coffee Shops and more...

We went searching and found the answers and here is what we found when we tried to purchase a two station POS system for FREE for a restaurant from one of the nations leading advertisers of free POS:

1. Basic Package: $60/month per station: Total: $120/month. Includes touch screen with credit card reader, cash drawer, receipt printer, and customer display pole.
2. Optional Equipment: Total: $33/month. Includes Kitchen Display and remote printer
3. There is a $60 per quarter maintenance. That is an extra $1,200 in the five year term.

Then we moved on to the fun part: THE FINE PRINT! Commonly, most business owners are so busy with setting up their business that they don’t read the pages of fine print and this is where you can come across surprises. We suggest that you spend the time to always read the fine print and ask questions. Here are a few interesting and frankly scary parts from it:
Terms: The monthly payment agreement is for 60 months and then it is automatically renewed for an additional 48 months if you don’t give them notice 60 days period to the termination of the first 60 months. Early termination fee is equal to the number of months remaining and the entire amount is due upon termination! So if after operating for 36 months, you want out, then you need to pay them 24 months worth of payments immediately.

RATE HIKE!!!!!! The POS seller can adjust the monthly service charges upon 30 days written notice. So at any point, they can raise the fees and you have to accept it.
Credit Card Processing: You have to maintain this service with them and pay any fees they like.

Equipment Ownership: They own the equipment and upon termination, you must return all the equipment in working condition.

The actual provider: Your POS provider is actually a bank. Don’t know if I want the bank to know everything about my transactions.

We know it’s hard to believe, but feel free to read the entire contract yourself.
Cost of ownership: Basic Package + Optional Equipment + Tax
$120+$33= $153 x 60 months = $9,180
Plus 20 quarterly of $60 = $1,200
Total: $10,380 (Depending on what State you are in, you may have to add applicable taxes to it.

This is the cost if they don’t decide to raise the monthly fee as they seem fit and if you forget to cancel the term 60 days before the expiration, then you are stuck for another 48 month or $8,300.
And you still don’t own the EQUIPMENT and are the mercy of the seller.

CONCLUSION:
When we tried to bring up this to them and asked “how is this free,” with a condescending attitude, we were told that this is like a cell phone contract. I am no fan of mobile phone companies, but at least with the cell phone companies you own the phone at the end and they can’t just raise rates on you if you are in a contract.
Directly stated, it is not only dishonest, but also grossly deceitful! One must wonder, if this is how a relationship starts, how will the rest of it go? The only factor we are not certain about is the service they provide when you have the system. You are stuck, so you can be at their mercy. They may be wonderful service providers, but in business, trust is everything and if they are this way in the beginning, who knows. A POS system is an investment in your business just like your employees who need to be trustworthy.

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch” and “it’s too good to be true then it probably is.”

SOLUTION:
If you want an honest and reliable POS solution provider, then contact Sintel Systems. Our goal is to help you build your business instead of locking you into fine print. Your success directly reflects upon us and bring success to us. Contact us today with any questions:

SINTEL SYSTEMS
www.SintelSystems.com
POS@SintelSystems.com
855-POS-SALES or

Complete Bookstore Point of Sale System. Click for System Details.

The Bookstore POS System can help you manage all books and search them by ISBN numbers (serial or SKU number). Keeping inventory of the thousands of books in your bookstore is just got a whole lot easier with Sintel Systems bookstore POS system. The comprehensive inventory data files can carry critical characteristic information and history.

Schools need to replenish according to expected student class participation during each session. The bookstore POS system can provide historical data which can better predict the inventory needs in the future. Stop under stocking, stop over stocking, and prevent shrinkage by knowing what you have.

Built in Time Clock Manager helps bookstore owners manage employee payroll. In addition it allows for thorough tracking of employee activity on the bookstore POS terminal. Deduct break and lunch time with accurate time management included free with the retail POS software.

Professional Edition Features:

CCS Professional Retail Edition is intended for bookstores wanting to use the POS for more then just managing transactions.  It includes features such as Loyalty Cards, Gift Cards, Inventory Control, and much more.  See Product matrix for details. This works great with students who can really use the discounts.  Gift Cards are also great because parents can give them to their children knowing they will be spent for its intended use.  Gift Cards Modules typically charge a fee for processing, but this feature is included in our professional POS software.  Inventory Control features allow for periodic reconciliation of inventory.  Create shelf tags and labels for the retail showroom and individual product tags when necessary.

Complete Coffee Shop POS for under $2,000

Enterprise Edition Features:

CCS Enterprise Retail Edition main users are bookstores with coffee shops.  The Enterprise Edition allows for both retail and restaurant versions to run under one database.  The Coffee Shop POS terminal would consists of a touch menu interface whereas the Bookstore POS terminal would have a retail scan interface with touch screen (optional).  The end of the day reports would include both terminals with individual details. Enterprise Customers are custom designed POS system.  Call (888) Sintel-6 to speak to a POS Professional and learn how you can manage your business using Enterprise Solutions.yee payroll all with one system.

Click to Enlarge

Yogurt With a Twist’s owner, Samhi Salty, is determined to making a statement in Studio City, California as he puts on the finishing touches getting ready for the grand opening.  Besides the furniture, lights, and music playing in the background customers demand still demand fast service.  After all who wants to wait for the frozen yogurt on a hot sunny day? I know I don’t, and with one frozen yogurt shop on every street it is easy to skip and go to the next one. “All our ingredients especially the fruit is cut fresh daily,” said Mr. Salty. “We take everything serious.  From out staff’s appearance to our stores cleanliness we are dedicated in providing the best experience in frozen yogurt today,” he added.

One factor Yogurt With a Twist expressed to Sintel Systems was the ability to process customers as efficiently as possible.  Mr. Salty understood the importance of keeping the customer happy by providing a smooth transaction process. “This is why we choose the weighted method of charging for our frozen yogurt. Plus the customer knows best what they want with their frozen yogurt, and processing the sale is very important.”

Yogurt With A Twist – Opening May 18, 2009

Sintel Systems offers a Frozen Yogurt Point of Sale System complete with Touch PC, thermal printer, cash drawer, customer display, credit card reader, scale, and software.  Customers simply hand their cups to the cashier, the cup is weight and data is transmitted from the scale to the frozen yogurt point of sale system.  The total is displayed for the customer and payment is collected.  The key is processing the customer the fastest possible. The speed of the transaction is directly related to the happiness level of the customer.

For our Southern California Point of Sale customers  we offer on-site installation and on-site training.  You can also contact me directly at marsel@sintelsystems.com if you are interested in a custom point of sale system setup.  We offer single terminal system, multi terminal systems, and multi store systems.  If you multiple locations with a headquarter, we ca set up up to monitor your location form headquarters.  We offer everything from frozen yogurt point of sale to grocery, produce, meat & deli.  We also offer retail point if sale with inventory control.  Our showroom is located in Glendale, CA on the border of Glendale and Burbank.  We provide service to Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Orange County, New Port Beach, Irvine, and more.  Appointment for demonstrations can be schedules via email or phone at (818)400-6161.

Kiosks are everywhere.  Weather you are walking through the mall or hanging our near the promenade.  They are hard to miss and drawn in customer with everyday useful goods such as cell phone accessories, make up & jewelry, hats, purses, and much more.  The more complex Kiosks equipped with plumbing and gas can be used as coffee shops and hot dog stands.

Kiosks can have different uses around the world but difficulty to manage seems to be one attribute common along carts and kiosks. They are usually placed in walking area with exposure to all sides attracting people as they pass.  Given their size most are covered by one employee, who is in charge of sales, service and overall managerial needs of the day.

Given all the duties the employee is responsible for it leaves no room for loss prevention and security.   The most common cases of theft are omitted by groups of individuals who distract employees while accomplices do the stealing.  Other cases are driven by employees who find it easy to pocket items and sell them on the black market.

So what’s the solution?

I’m sorry to break it to you but there is no easy button for this one.  Shrinkage is actually almost never eliminated.  Given some exceptions such as jewelry, cars, and houses shrinkage is always given an allowance.  Smart companies budget for loss prevention and account for shrinkage. So what is considered acceptable shrinkage?  Depends on what you’re selling, but generally anywhere between 1 to 2 percent is OK.

A major reason in bankruptcies is uncontrollable shrinkage.  This is not because the inventory is not controllable, but rather lack of management tools to control inventory. Point of Sale & Surveillance Systems are two major management tools used to control shrinkage. When used together in combination with some policy, sales and inventory can be controlled, monitored, and adjusted properly.

Theft can occur by customers and employees. Which one hurts the pocket more? Employees can definitely cause more damage then customers can. Customers are limited to a certain degree and usually blocked by access control devised. Employees have access to areas with valuables and can always manipulate the system. Hand written invoices can always be altered and ordinary cash registers can’t explain much either.

A Point of Sale System can control the in flow and out flow of all inventory. All employee activity is tracked including time clock. A Surveillance Security Camera System can monitor all register activities and cover inventory presented to customer in the show areas.

Since inventory is controlled from the time it is order to the time it is re-ordered you always now how you’re doing.  A Surveillance works to confirm what your point of sale system reports are presenting.  If you suspect employees clocking in and out for each other, it is only a matter of time for you to confirm by reviewing security camera footage.  This also makes it necessary for your surveillance system to be of high quality.  You should never cut back quality in order to compensate for price.  It is better to install 4 high quality cameras then 8 low quality cameras in the same area.  You need your surveillance video recording not at the time of install when you pay for it, but rather when you are trying to compile evidence.

Time and time again you witness news channels report of criminal activity sometimes with surveillance video recovered by the authorities.  Have you ever wondered why the video collected is always blurry and people’s faces are always unclear.  The video surveillance world is barley entering the high-resolution color stage and recorders are becoming better and better.

Kiosk Solution

A 4 Camera surveillance system with a 4 Channel H.264 Compression DVR can cover a small kiosk on all four sides.  Accompaied by a Kiosk Point of Sale System that can be Mobile you can mamage all aspects of your business remotly.  Imagine sitting in your office and haveing video and database acess to every kiosk location.  Using Intenet and Network Solutions we are able to give you remote access to all important imformation.  Get real-time reporting on all business activity inclugin instant profit loss reports.