7 Top Questions to Ask When Choosin …

If you’re a business owner in Alaska, choosing the right POS system can be the difference between thriving and barely keeping up. From hospitality businesses to retail and the restaurant industry, a modern point of sale (POS) system isn’t just a tool—it’s the hub of your operations.

At Cornerstone Credit Services, we help local businesses unlock the full potential of their POS technology. Whether you’re seeking the best restaurant POS system or a flexible sales system for retail, this guide outlines the essential questions to ask when evaluating your options, and why Clover® stands out as a leading choice.

Ready to find the right POS system for your business? Schedule your free consultation with Cornerstone Credit Services today.

1. What Core Features Does the System Offer to Support My Business Operations?

Not all sales systems are built equally. Some act as glorified cash registers, while others, like Clover, offer advanced features such as:

• Inventory management tools that help you manage inventory in real time
• Integrated employee scheduling and employee permissions
• Seamless payment processing, including credit card payments, mobile payments, and online ordering
• Built-in reporting to help you monitor sales trends and make smarter decisions
• Tools for customer relationship management and customer loyalty programs

Choosing a system with the right functionality ensures your business can operate smoothly today and scale tomorrow.

2. Is It Designed to Meet the Specific Needs of My Industry?

A restaurant POS system has vastly different needs from a retail POS. If you’re in the restaurant industry, ask if the platform supports:

• Fast-paced restaurant operations with multiple stations or POS terminals
• Table mapping, multiple orders, split checks, and tip tracking
• Back-of-house coordination, like kitchen display systems
• Integrated restaurant POS software for menu and modifier flexibility

Clover is considered one of the best restaurant POS systems because it combines ease of use with tools designed specifically for restaurant owners who need fast, reliable service with zero friction.

3. Can It Help Me Track Sales Trends and Make Informed Decisions Through Built-In Reporting?

Data drives smarter business. Your POS system should provide valuable insights into:

• Daily, weekly, and monthly sales trends
• High-performing menu items or products
• Peak customer traffic periods
• Labor-to-sales ratios and employee performance

Clover’s dashboard empowers you to make informed decisions that improve margins, adjust your offerings, and stay ahead of the competition—without needing to export to another system.

4. How Does the System Support Customer Experience, Loyalty, and Satisfaction?

A great POS software experience helps you deliver exceptional service and keeps your customers happy. Ask about:

• Integrated loyalty programs and promotions
• Quick, flexible payment options
• Ability to personalize offers or rewards for loyal customers
• Interface speed and ease of use for both employees and customers

Clover offers an intuitive interface that supports faster service and frictionless customer interactions, improving the overall customer experience at the point of sale.

5. What Level of Support and Training Does the POS Provider Offer?

When something goes wrong, or when you’re just getting started, you’ll want help you can trust. Ask:

• Does your POS provider offer 24/7 support?
• Is local help available?
• Are training resources included for new staff or system updates?

Cornerstone Credit Services provides local, real-time support to Alaska businesses. We don’t just sell systems—we walk with you every step of the way to provide exceptional service and solutions tailored to the way you do business.

6. Is the POS Scalable and Flexible Enough to Grow With My Business?

Think ahead. If you plan to open more locations, expand your team, or diversify your offerings, your POS solution needs to grow with you.

Ask:

• Can I add new POS terminals, users, or features later?
• Does it integrate with accounting software, scheduling tools, or inventory platforms?
• Will it support new services like delivery, pickup, or mobile payments?

Clover is built for future growth. Whether you’re starting with one terminal or managing a multi-location restaurant, you’ll have access to the built-in tools and integrations you need to enhance efficiency and support expansion.

7. Does It Offer Secure and Reliable Payment Processing?

Security should never be optional. You’ll want to ensure your POS system is:

• PCI compliant
• Equipped with end-to-end encryption
• Able to handle high-volume payments securely
• Regularly updated to protect customer data

With Clover, you get built-in security and compliance features, so your restaurant or retail shop can operate confidently, knowing every sale is protected.

Choose a POS System That Works the Way You Do

The right point of sale system isn’t just about processing transactions; it’s about creating seamless workflows, happy teams, and satisfied customers. Whether you’re in search of a restaurant POS system or a retail-ready platform, asking the right questions is the first step.

And when you partner with Cornerstone Credit Services, you get a local team that understands Alaska’s business environment and is ready to help you succeed.

Let us help you find a system that fits your goals, your team, and your business. Contact Cornerstone Credit Services today for your free consultation.