If you are just starting a small business, using an existing computer as a cash register is one way of saving capital while streamlining the sales transaction process. Install a point-of-sale application on your computer and connect the necessary peripherals, such as a barcode scanner, to turn your computer into a cash register. Point-of-sale software has advantages over a regular cash register, such as the ability to track inventory and capture customer information.
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Insert the point-of-sale installation disc into your computer's disk drive. QuickBooks Point-Of-Sale, Wasp Point-Of-Sale, and Microsoft Dynamics POS are examples of point-of-sale software that you can install on your computer. The installation wizard automatically opens.
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Follow the directions from the point-of-sale software's installation wizard to install the software. For example, agree to the terms of service and choose the location on your hard drive to save the installation files.
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Connect the peripherals, such as the receipt printer when prompted by the wizard. Use each peripheral's connector cable to connect it to the computer. Click "Finish" when the wizard is complete.
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Launch the point-of-sale software and enter the information that is relevant to your business, such as the products for sale and their prices. This includes entering the correct sales tax for your state, product names, descriptions and the UPC codes for each product.
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Test the new point-of-sale system by scanning a few products and running a few transactions. Make sure the peripherals are working with your computer properly during a transaction. For example, the receipt printer should print a receipt at the completion of a transaction.
