Merchant resources
POS system checklist
Use a written checklist to compare operations, hardware, integrations, costs and launch responsibilities before signing.
Business requirements
Document the industry, sites, checkout points, payment channels and difficult transactions. Include seasonal demand and expansion plans. A list of real workflows is more valuable than a generic feature count.
- Menus or inventory, variants/modifiers, taxes and returns.
- Employee permissions, tips, shifts and manager overrides.
- Reporting, closeout, deposits and accounting reconciliation.
Equipment and network
Record exact devices, dimensions, power, connectivity and peripherals. Confirm who installs, maintains and replaces each item. Ask what offline mode actually permits and how later declines are handled.
Software and integrations
Demonstrate each required integration against the right software version. Confirm subscription costs, synchronization limits, data ownership and export capabilities. An app-market listing does not prove compatibility with every plan.
Example: evaluate an exception
For retail, test an exchange involving two variants and a gift card. For restaurants, test a split check with a modifier, tip and kitchen reprint. The exceptions often reveal more than a normal sale.
Commercial and launch checklist
Review processing, software, apps, hardware, contracts, funding, support and qualifying benefits. Assign owners for imports, employee training, testing, go-live and escalation. Keep the written scope with the signed agreements.
Common merchant questions
How many systems should I compare?
A focused shortlist with demonstrated must-have workflows is more useful than comparing every platform. Liftoff can help identify suitable candidates.
What should be in writing?
Pricing, commitments, included features, equipment ownership, benefits, implementation scope and support coverage should be clear before acceptance.