To Rent or Buy?

IS IT BETTER FOR ME TO RENT OR BUY A CASH REGISTER?

Instructions for Setting Up, Operating and Programming Your Point of Sale System

If you have been thinking about getting a cash register or point of sale system, you may have questions. We work with businesses looking for a permanent solution and those who only need a system for a short term event. Is it better to rent or buy a system? Based on years of experience, we have compiled a list of the top questions used to determine whether renting a cash register is right for your business.

Why Use a Register in the First Place?

Keep money in a secure location.
Calculations are faster and more accurate than doing them on paper or in your head.
Reporting options allow you to quickly track financial information.
Greater accountability from staff.

What is the Price Difference?

Just having a register results in higher revenue. Tighter control of transactions means fewer mistakes and less theft potential.
Typically, you could rent a system 5 times before purchasing hardware would become a similar investment.

Does the Number of Registers Matter?

When dealing with large quantities of machines, renting becomes much more economical than purchasing.
Purchasing requires finding space to store all the registers when not in use.
American Metro has the largest point of sale rental inventory in the country, so no event is too big.

How Long Do Rentals Last?

The rental period can be as long or as short as you need, from a single weekend to several months.
The time needed for shipping to and from the event is included in the rental.
There is no long-term contract when renting from American Metro. You pay for the equipment and credit card processing only for the days you need it.

Is Programming a Cash Register Complicated?

Getting a system from American Metro means you get the register pre-programmed, ready to plug in and use.
Our support staff can assist you with any additions or changes in the field through a direct phone call or easy to follow documented instructions.

How Long Does it Take to Learn?

Our systems are so easy you can learn the essentials in under 5 minutes.
Operational guides and troubleshooting tips are included with each rental.
Training sessions can be performed onsite or online via webinar.
The American Metro support staff is available 24/7 for questions.

What if I Want to Accept Credit Cards?

Several models can have an integrated credit card component.
Stand beside terminals are available to work with or independently from a cash register.

How Do I Keep Up with Changes in Technology?

Point of sale technology has changed a lot in the last few years.
Our commercial grade registers are built to last and software can be easily upgraded on purchases.
Rental equipment is continually upgraded, so you always have access to current technology.

What About Repeated Events?

Whether you buy or rent for repeated events depends on the frequency. The more often the event, the more likely purchasing will be the way to go.
There are additional questions that come into play on what to do with equipment between uses.

What About Storage?

Finding a place to stash your registers in between uses requires extra room.
While the registers are stored and unplugged, the internal battery slowly drains. If the battery drains completely, the programming and sales data get wiped out. To keep this from happening, they should be plugged in for 24 hours at least every 3 months (or every month is recommended).

What Maintenance is Involved?

Maintaining your register is pretty simple. Keep surfaces clean, especially near moving parts.
Keep moisture and debris out of the printer. A can of compressed air is great for cleaning tight spaces.
iPad and PC-based systems have regular software updates and security patches that need to be kept current.

Is Installation and Setup Complicated?

Many point of sale systems are ready to use by simply plugging them in.
Detailed setup instructions accompany rentals that use multiple components (such as scanners, credit card systems, etc.).
On-site support or installation crews are available for both rentals and purchases.

Am I Limited by Other Equipment I Can Attach?

You can add any point of sale peripheral you can think of to a rental or a purchase; scanners, printers, customer displays, price checkers, etc.
With the choices available in our rental fleet, we can find a system that will work with the peripheral you need.

What if I’m Still Looking at Options? Is There a Trial Period?

Renting is a great way to try out equipment before committing to a major purchase.
We provide consulting on purchases to help find a system that does all the things you need it to do.