Replacing Cash Register

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FraminGal

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Posts
376
Loc
Pittsfield, MA - The Berkshires
I should've started earlier but I need to replace my cash register. I'd like to purchase one asap, have December to set it up and then start using it Jan. 1. Any information would be helpful.

How many departments to you have?
Do you use the PLU feature?
 
Would it be easier to purchase a cash register drawer that connects to your existing POS system?

Do you do a lot of misc (gifts, cards) sales, or mostly framing?

Most systems offer this as an optional item, and you can combine all of your calculations into a single system. (taxes collected, inventory, reports, billing, etc)

Just some ideas...

Mike
 
Why bother with a cash register!

Prior to POS (FrameReady and Fullcalc previously) I used a simple spread sheet for the 4-6 transactions per day. The orders were stapled to the spreadsheet and filed in date order.

Prior to computers, I did the same thing only with a pencil and a ditto'd work sheet.

In other words with only a few transactions per day (less than 10) a manual system will work fine.
 
Judy -
Like Mike & Jerome said, go to a POS system. We also had a cash register, but switched to a POS using an old computer (I think it's a 486) with a cash drawer & a Star 200 receipt printer - although any printer would do the job.

We have been using this program for several years - although it will not compute for custom mats & framing, it will handle up to 10,000 items in 236 departments. Best thing about it is it's FREE :D

http://pages.prodigy.net/daleharris/pos.htm

This program is used by many different types of businesses all over the world. The "owner" of the program is Dale Harris and he regularly updates the program. Like I said, we have used his program for several years and have been very happy with the results.
 
I still use an old metal NCR cash register that a friend gave me about 10 years ago. It doesn't calculate anything fancy but it weighs about 90 lbs. and it locks automatically so most of the idiots that break and enter wouldn't have a clue how to get into it! And it's gonna take 2 strong men and a large boy to lug that ol' monster out of the shop!

Unless you are taking in alot of daily sales, I can't see the justification for a fancy bells 'n whistles register when most of the POS programs will track all sales for you. I provide printed invoices for sales off my POS program and occasionally a preprinted dupe copy hand written receipt for the small item sale. My bookkeeper understands all my sales so I let it up to her to sort things out.

Framerguy
 
I use a desk drawer with the drawer from a register like FG described. Most transactions, with the exception of lunch money, are by check or credit card.
 
Framerguy
Just a suggestion, I worked 5 years security/loss prevention for major retail chain (May Co.) Think about leaveing your cash drawer open and leave 5 ones 1 five and 1 ten in the drawer. Post a note on register that bank deposits must be made every day. The proven results are as follow:

If you get broken into and they find your register closed it will be destroyed trying to open (crowbar, screwdrver, hammer). Loss $100.00 to $300.00 replacement even if no cash in it they don't know that until broken into.

Leave it open they find it empty they ramsack the place looking for the $$$$.

By leaving $20 in register may be enough that they will get in & out as fast as possible. Helps more times than not. If no money they may look for it causing more $ damage.

Take what you want leave the rest
 
James, I agree completely! Living in what used to be "Mayberry", all the merchants did exactly what you said. I never knew any of them that left a note, but it's not a bad idea.

'Cause the scofflaws and ne'er-do-wells will either destroy the register, or take it with them. One of my friends daddy used to leave 1 five, 2 ones and a quarter and a dime. Every night. Don't know why he settled on $7.35, but he did.

If the B&E crew were smart enough, they'd take FGII's register, 'cause most of 'em aren't 'into' art, but it might occur to them that the register, itself, would be worth some money to an antique dealer who wasn't prone to ask questions.
 
I use a POS system, but don't use a cash register. For years my counter had a built in cash drawer and in September, for the shop's 30th birthday, I had a divine new counter custom built and installed. When designing the counter I forgot to include a cash drawer! I'm so excited about this counter that I don't even care about the cash drawer. I use a bank money bag for the little amount of cash we get. Most of my transactions are credit card and check.
 
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