Have you ever gone shopping in another retail store? Maybe during a market survey, while travelling, or simply to buy what you don’t sell and found yourself frustrated at the checkout counter?
Perhaps the cashier’s machine was slow, no multiple payment options except card, and cash payments took forever to process, or refunds were delayed for days. It’s easy to blame the cashier, but the real issue is often with the POS machine itself.

Now, imagine your own customers experiencing that same frustration in your store. That’s the danger of using the wrong POS system. A poor POS choice will slow down transactions hurt your reputation, reduce repeat sales, and create unnecessary stress for your staff.

In this post, we’ll examine the common mistakes business owners make when selecting a POS machine and how to avoid them.

1. Overlooking the Payment Options the POS Has to Offer

Many business owners rush into buying a POS machine without checking what payment options it supports. A machine that only accepts card payments but not transfers, mobile wallets, or QR codes can frustrate customers who prefer flexibility.

What to Do

Choose a POS machine like PayCliq that supports multiple payment methods debit card, USSD, mobile transfers, and even digital wallets. Payment flexibility helps your customers to pay conveniently, which increases your chances of closing more sales.

2. Focusing on the Price Alone

Price is important, especially when you are on a strict budget. It shouldn’t be the only deciding factor because a cheap POS machine that always malfunctions or delays settlements will cost you more in future through lost customers and wasted time.

What to Do

Compare beyond just the initial price. Consider factors such as settlement times, transaction fees, durability, customer support, and the provider’s track record. Sometimes, paying a bit more up front can save you major headaches later.

3. Ignoring Settlement Time and Transaction Reliability

Many merchants don’t ask how quickly funds are settled after transactions. Some POS machines delay settlements for up to 48 hours or more. For small businesses that rely on daily earnings, that will affect their cash flow.

What to Do

Go for POS providers that offer same-day or instant settlement. Read reviews from other businesses to confirm their reliability.

4. Neglecting After-Sales Support and Maintenance

A POS machine isn’t a “buy and forget” device. Like every tech tool, it may need updates or repairs. Some business owners ignore the quality of customer support until problems arise and by then, they’re stuck with long queues and angry customers.

What to Do

Before choosing a provider, test their customer service responsiveness. Do they have a 24/7 support line? Can issues be fixed remotely or through an agent visit? Excellent support can save you time and customer trust.

5. Not Considering Internet Connectivity and Network Coverage

Even the best POS machine is useless if it constantly loses connection. Poor network coverage leads to failed transactions, double debits, and long queues; all of which frustrate customers and tarnish your brand image.

What to Do

Pick a POS machine that works well with multiple network providers or has dual SIM options. This way, if one network is down, the machine automatically switches to another.

6. Failing to Check Security Features

Payment fraud is real and rampant. Some business owners choose low-cost POS machines without proper encryption or fraud protection. This can expose your business and customers to major fraud risks.

What to Do

Ensure your POS has secure encryption, EMV compliance, and real-time transaction monitoring. Additionally, work with reputable payment partners to add another layer of safety which gives you and your customers peace of mind.

Our Take

Choosing the right POS machine is both about processing payments and protecting your brand reputation, customer experience, and business growth. Avoiding the mistakes discussed above can save you money, stress, and time.

In a nutshell;

• Don’t rush the decision.
• Compare options carefully.
• Prioritise reliability, flexibility, and support.
• When in doubt, choose PayCliq because it is the POS machine that handles payments and helps your business thrive.