Is your HVAC business mobile? Here's how to turbocharge your sales with a POS system.

When you run an HVAC business, you’re always on the go. Providing top-notch heating and cooling products to your customers at their residence or workplace is a hallmark of what you do. If you haven’t done so already, incorporating the right point of sale (POS) solution into your HVAC operation is an excellent way to make your business more nimble and resilient. 

POS systems defined.

The right POS system will offer so much more than simply a secure way of accepting customer payments. Ideally, it should also help to streamline your other operations with features such as simplified customer, employee, and inventory management. 

Generally, a POS solution consists of three parts:

1. Hardware that enables you to accept payments, including cash, credit and debit cards, and mobile transactions through apps such as Google Pay and Apple Pay. You’ll probably also want accessories like a receipt printer, cash drawer, and barcode scanner.
2. Software. This is the “brains” of the POS hardware and can help you generate simple, analytics-based reports that can increase your efficiency and profitability. 
3. Payment processing, including routing money to your business account after a sale.

Although your POS system may be small or even portable, it can pack a serious punch in terms of the features it brings to your HVAC company.

How the right POS solution can take your HVAC business to the next level.

There is no doubt that adding a POS system into your toolkit will increase customer satisfaction. They will appreciate the ability to pay easily and securely right at the job site via your mobile card reader. However, that is just the beginning of what a modern POS system can do for you.

• Electronic invoicing. No one enjoys chasing delinquent payments, many of which are simply due to forgetfulness on the customer’s part. Instead of spending hours poring over ledgers and making phone calls, use your POS solution to send out automated reminder emails. While personal contact will still be required in some instances, your payments software should do most of the work.
• Offer options such as recurring or split payments. Particularly in an industry where maintenance and service contracts are frequently offered, your customers will appreciate the flexibility and predictability of pre-arranged payments. The right POS system will make setting these up and updating details easy.
• Keep track of your inventory for timely re-ordering. There is nothing worse than running out of a part in the middle of a job. Your POS’s inventory function helps to ensure that you always have what you need in stock while never having surpluses of items you use less frequently. 
• Ensure that payments are secure. The merchant services provider who sells your POS solution to you should be able to demonstrate that their systems comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). By doing so, you can rest assured that customers’ sensitive payment data will be as safe as possible from cybercriminals. 
• Record and analyze sales data. With this information in hand, you can make accurate forecasts and intelligent decisions for your HVAC business.
• Manage employee scheduling and provide clock-in, clock-out, and payroll administration tools.

Considering the numerous ways a POS system can enhance your HVAC business, the only question that remains is which one to choose. Decide based on your business’ size, projected growth, and ability to tolerate upfront and ongoing costs. Ask yourself what tasks you want the system to help you with, factoring in ease-of-use and scalability.

For a provider of HVAC solutions, having excellent products and customer service are crucial. Incorporating a point of sale solution into your business can streamline your operations, increase the quality and flexibility of your payment offerings, and add an unprecedented level of trustworthiness to your business. In an era when every penny counts and competition is fierce, a smart POS system is one of the best investments you can make to ensure your success.