MacPOSX - 1.4

The price listed is wrong (still): $159 for basic version, $239 for standard (single user), $359 for pro (networkable) and $100 for each additional user after 1, then $599 just for the ability to charge credit cards. If you want full accounting, add another $500 for MoneyWorks (which actually loks pretty good, but doesn't seem to have POS capability, nor the ability to charge credit cards).
I'm frustrated enough with MYOB ($300+150 for additional workstations) that I'm considering other options, but with this being just about the only other option, having to dish out triple the cost of MYOB makes the cost of entry a bit steep. The $600 to run credit cards seems usurious since there's virtually no other options for doing it, especially when companies will often furnish credit card machines at no cost with a contract.

I used the OS 9 version of this program for 2 1/2 years, and have been using the OSX version for about 3 months now.

I can not say enough great things about it: Highly Customizable, Stability and Tech Support that is outstanding.

If one takes the time to look at the on-line tutorials, you will find that you can customize this software to suite you own tastes, in everything from item details to window color.

I can unplug the computer from the mains while this program is running and it recovers elegantly without issue.

I have emailed Tech Support at four in the morning and received a reply by seven. No question, no matter how newbie-stupid, goes unanswered.

If you are running a small business, this is the inventory and point-of-sales program you are looking for, at considerably less money than other programs on the market.

I can't say my experience with MacPOSX has been entirely satisfactory. I wish that were not the case because I generally like supporting small developers.

The software itself is functional enough. Screens are customizable, if a bit dated looking. It will do the job but it is somewhat buggy in key areas and abstruse in others (I won't go into those frustrations given that only top-notch applications avoid kludges and unfortunately, this app is not in that category). The Filemaker layout functionality is difficult to use and so you will need to rely on the developer for help in this area (which he will give at first).

Reporting from the app initially seems extensive but in reality, is not that user-friendly, nor are reports easily customizable. One can view lists of items but these are read-only views and not editable. One must return to a single record mode to edit rather than in a spreadsheet form which would be much faster and more intuitive, especially if you have lots of items in your database. The developer recommends printing out the list view for reference when editing but it would be easier if the app used the standard OS X convention of double-clicking on an item in a list and having an edit dialog pop up at that point.

Because there are dozens of individual databases and config files, don't expect to troubleshoot the app on your own if you run into problems. It is labyrinthian. This is one program that requires hefty support from the developer to keep it functional. There is no "phone home" feature built into the app for you to send the developer information about an error so one must dig through hidden files and logs to send back information that will help him resolve the problem. Of course, if the POS station is in use, this is a nearly impossible task and must be done after hours.

Unfortunately, customer service for the app is a mixed bag at best. The developer, while knowledgeable and responsive, is surly, terse, and prefers to avoid writing complete sentences. He makes no attempt to hide his contempt for users who don't appreciate or completely understand his software. He will make an attempt at being thorough, even providing screen shots of how to do things but he is loathe to take responsibility for his software's shortcomings nor will he explain how to get around these shortcomings without you having to weed through dozens of brusque, contradictory, or "oh yeah? so's your old man" style emails. Programming is this developer's specialty, not customer service.

While purchase of MacPOSX ostensibly includes email support, the developer may tell you that he won't give you that support and to simply rely his marginally organized and somewhat incomplete online support docs. This can be problematic if your issue is not addressed in those docs. There is no reference section in the support pages, only a tutorial (which is not accessible from any menu on the home or support page but can be found here if you want to peruse it) so looking up specific issues by index is not, from what I can tell, possible.

Ultimately, if you don't mind working with a developer who is highly defensive and easily angered, then this software will do the job for you. If you have higher expectations of a Mac developer, look elsewhere.

I give the application MacPOSX itself a grudging thumbs up as it does the job. The support for the app makes the thumb go the other direction however. Too bad too, it has potential.