Choosing a point-of-sale system affects the front desk, technicians, managers, customers, and accounting process. Review the full operating workflow, not only the checkout screen.
1. Industry-Specific Features
List the workflows your salon actually uses: walk-ins, appointments, technician turns, multi-service tickets, tips, commission, gift cards, and customer history. Ask each vendor to demonstrate those exact scenarios.
2. Ease of Use
Your staff will use the system every day. Have front-desk and manager users test common tasks and note where they need extra steps, explanations, or workarounds.
3. Reporting and Analytics
Ask which reports are included at each plan level, how metrics are defined, and what can be exported. Confirm that the available data supports the decisions you make regularly.
4. Integration Capabilities
Document the tools, processors, devices, and data exports you need. Ask for a written list of supported integrations and compatible hardware before signing.
5. Reliability and Support
Ask what support is included, which channels are available, and how onboarding and migration are scoped. Request current security and reliability information directly from the vendor.
The Bottom Line
Use the same workflow checklist in every demo. Involve the people who will use the system, record open questions, and confirm pricing, capabilities, migration scope, and contract terms in writing.