Suggestions for hardware for a new small retail store

[cstech]

I was just asked to help a local non-profit with setting up a boutique thrift store. I say boutique as they are getting new items donated as well as higher end goods, and that is how they want to try and market it. What they are needing is primarily a POS system. They do not have any technical knowledge and are looking to me to get them setup. They already have book keeping software setup with QuickBooks and will just be setting up another company file for this. They will have their book keeper entering in daily summary or linking to the POS software. They are going to be a lower volume store and tracking inventory is not a concern at this moment as they are not "paying" for inventory and every item being unique it would be more trouble than it is worth for them. They are currently considering using Square with all the ad-ons (stand, cash drawer, receipt printer, scanner) as their POS device maybe adding a second unit if volume warrants it. The two item I need the most suggestion on would be the firewall/router as well as a quality wireless access point. I have been dealing mainly with residential or office spaces. From what I know so far the wireless will need to be accessed at the front of the store for the register only but I would like something that I could add another access point to the system if needed. (I have done this with consumer level equipment but not business class). As for the router/firewall they want something that can grow if needed but currently they will need one POS system and one "office" computer. They may add in a couple other wireless devices in the future for taking in items so they can have people sign off on their donations and remain paperless.

I was thinking maybe a untangle lite running as the edge firewall but not sure on that one. What suggestions do you guys have as to firewall/router and wireless access points.

 

[clayb226]

I am also looking into untangle as edge devices at a few locations. I have set a test box up, but not really implemented it yet, so I will have to sit back, and see what comments you get from the more experienced folks on the subject.

But, from the research I have done, I feel that untangle would work for you, and should be able to grow, or shrink easily.

 

[ohio_grad_06]

My wife actually does this same thing. Easy way to do this. Get them a PC for basic stuff, email, web etc, maybe a refurb Windows 7? Or if they have a laptop this works as well. Point of Sale, I recommend Square. Get them set up on an iPad, Get the square app, and one of the square stands.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/square-...d-generation-white/1314308.p?id=1219047686153

My wife has square set up on her Android, but would probably like the iPad better because I think the app on iPad can do more inventory stuff, can do discounts and what not, but even on the Android Tablet she's got, she loves it because she can get online with a pc and set up her discounts etc. But I think the iPad is more flexible, and the stand would be nice because the swiper is right on it, looks professional, etc. This is the easiest way imo. For cash handling she has a simple cash drawer with a key and she secures the key at night.

The other big thing is that if someone helps her, she has the square app on her phone, so she can see the amounts they are selling and check in on them without them knowing. You can do cash, check or credit cards right through it. I think it's like 2.75% when you swipe a card, but no monthly fees, unless they start selling such high volume that they want to get into a plan. But usually the money hits the bank next business day unless it's after 7 I think.

For marketing, what she does is gets on facebook, and will post various things, and you apparently can boost posts there for like 5-20 dollars or more, she claims it gets a lot more people looking at you post.

If it was me, I'd consider that route. Fairly cheap, quick and easy. You sell devices, make a little markup, your time to educate and train users, easy $$. As far as security, a utangle device may not hurt. Could always start them on a quality router and secure it well, and let them grow into the other devices.

 

[Markverhyden]

I've setup a number of Square POS systems as well as having been a Square user since the very beginning. The system has improved tremendously in the last 2-3 years since they began. And is quite easy to setup. Now you can edit all of your sales items from your web account (in the beginning you had to manually add them to each iPad - what a pain).

 

[BrentfromZulu]

In regards to the iPad stand, it is built for the iPad 2nd and 3rd Generation (old dock connector). Apple doesn't currently sell either new anymore, so you might have to hunt around for that iPad (Apple replaced selling the 2nd generation with the 4th generation a few months ago).

 

[ohio_grad_06]

If you are in the US check Microcenter if there's one close. They usually offer older ones at a little discount. Looked and they are about 299 for the iPad 2 which isn't bad.

 

[cstech]

With the Square stand, according to the site they are coming out with a new one for the version 4 in May. Don't know how reliable that is or even if that is beginning or end of May. I will be contacting them to see about an idea for a date. Defiantly looking at using Square for these guys at this point.

My question is still what sort of quality router would you suggest. Like I said I have more experience with consumer level stuff and would like to get them something quality for business.

 

[BrentfromZulu]

My question is still what sort of quality router would you suggest. Like I said I have more experience with consumer level stuff and would like to get them something quality for business.

I think everyone here will tell you these 3 options in order:

1) Untangle
2) Sonicwall
3) Watchguard

I would only get a router from these 3. Untangle is nice if you are at a small business that has a few old computers. Throw on a 2nd NIC and you can use that as a Router.

A, erm, more professional choice would be Sonicwall or Watchguard. I believe here Sonicwall is more preferred, but I'm not sure. I personally would go with Sonicwall, as I have a bit more experience with it.

 

[BrentfromZulu]

With the Square stand, according to the site they are coming out with a new one for the version 4 in May.

I'm glad they are finally up to date. I am a big fan of Square (use it for Credit Cards).

 

[deachus]

Highly recommend Untangle. Will do everything you need and some. I use it as my go to router/firewall for my small business clients without issue.

 

[ohio_grad_06]

I would say utangle if you go that way. Remember that are likely a new small business. May or may not have a lot of capital and may not see value in more expensive devices so they can focus on their core business.