Choosing the right partner for POS software matters more than choosing the cheapest quote. The wrong choice usually costs twice: once for the first attempt and again to fix or rebuild it. These are the questions, warning signs and contract points that separate a reliable company from a risky one.
Questions to ask every company
- Does billing continue when the internet is down? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- Is FBR integration included and tested? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- Which printers and scanners are supported? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- How are stock transfers between branches handled? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- What are support hours during peak trading? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
Red flags
- Cloud-only billing with no offline mode
- No pilot branch before full rollout
- Support only during office hours for a restaurant open late
- Pressure to sign quickly with a large upfront payment
- No named person responsible for your project
Freelancer, agency or in-house team?
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer | Small, well-defined tasks and tight budgets | Availability, continuity and limited skills outside one area |
| Software house or agency | Projects needing several skills, deadlines and accountability | Make sure senior people actually work on your project |
| In-house team | Long-term core products with constant work | Hiring time, salaries and management overhead |
What to compare in proposals and contracts
Compare the written scope, milestones and payment schedule, warranty and support, and ownership of code, designs and accounts. The contract should include an NDA, IP assignment on payment, a change-request process and an exit plan with full handover.
Typical price levels to expect
| Level | Price (PKR) | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Single outlet | 150,000 – 350,000 | Billing, stock and reports for one shop |
| Multi-branch | 350,000 – 950,000 | Central dashboard, transfers and FBR integration |
| Chain or franchise | 950,000 – 3,000,000 | Many branches, loyalty, integrations and custom workflows |
At RankGhar we put these answers in writing before you commit. See how we deliver POS software, read our process, or ask for a proposal.