Running a small business takes the right tools. Your Point Of Sale (POS) system will be the backbone of your store, handling everything from sales processing to customer management. In this post, we'll explore the top POS checkout systems that cater to diverse retail needs, offering you insights to choose the best fit for your business.
What POS System Is Best for Retail?
Choosing the best POS system for your retail business depends on the size of your business, the type of products you sell, customer engagement strategies, and your budget — you shouldn’t need a large retail business loan to buy a basic POS system. Below, we’ll compare the top POS systems available, highlighting their key features and ideal use scenarios to help you pinpoint which system might be the best fit for your store.
Best POS Systems for Retail Businesses:
1. Square
Square is famous for its simplicity and efficiency, offering an all-in-one POS solution that supports both physical and online stores. If you want a straightforward system that customers will recognize right away, Square is the way to go.
Key Features: Integrated online and offline sales features, customizable hardware options for different types of businesses
Best POS System for Retail Stores That: Focus on ease of use and brand recognition.
2. PayPal Zettle
PayPal's Zettle mobile POS system integrates seamlessly with other PayPal services, making it a perfect choice for businesses that already process transactions on the platform. We recommend Zettle for smaller businesses that want to make quick sales with customers who have PayPal accounts.
Key Features: Quick setup with existing PayPal accounts, real-time access to sales data and reports
Best POS System for Retail Stores That: Need on-the-go payment solutions.
3. Stripe Terminal
Stripe Terminal extends Stripe's online payment processing to the real world, providing a holistic payment solution that's developer-friendly and easy for customers to use. If you plan on modifying the purchase experience to put your signature touch on it, their developer tools and API integration is extremely helpful.
Key Features: Customizable for online and in-person sales, extensive developer tools and APIs
Best POS System for Retail Stores With: Tech-savvy owners looking for a customizable, integrated online and offline POS system.
4. Shopify POS
Perfect for retailers who already operate online with Shopify, this POS integrates your physical and online stores seamlessly. We highly recommend a solution like this rather than running one POS system in your physical store and using another online; you’ll save tons of time.
Key Features: Unified dashboard for sales, inventory, and customer data, extensive app integration
Best Retail POS System For: Existing Shopify users wanting to expand into or enhance their brick-and-mortar presence.
5. Clover
Clover is a flexible POS solution with modular hardware and software. You can easily customize their platform to make it easy for your team to use, and Clover can scale as your business grows.
Key Features: Highly customizable with apps and accessories, built-in capabilities for inventory and staff management
Best POS For: Retailers needing a tailored solution with scalability.
6. Toast
Primarily designed for the food service industry, Toast can work perfectly well in a retail setting. If you need an order management feature integrated into your sales, Toast can help you there, keeping you organized and helping you schedule deliveries.
Key Features: Specialty tools for order management and kitchen operations, integrated online ordering and delivery features
Best POS For: Retail businesses in the food and beverage sector looking for comprehensive service management.
7. Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed provides powerful cloud-based POS solutions specifically designed for high-volume retail environments. If you’re making thousands of sales each day, they can help you stay on top of inventory, manage your customer base, and keep careful track of the numbers to monitor and measure growth.
Key Features: Advanced inventory management tools, detailed analytics and reporting
Best For: Medium to large retailers needing detailed inventory tracking and sales analysis.
8. Vend by Lightspeed
Vend offers versatile POS features that empower retailers to manage sales, inventory, and customers from any location. If you often take your store on the road for pop-ups or other events, Vend can help you maintain a consistent experience for customers as you go.
Key Features: Works offline and syncs when online, user-friendly interface and easy hardware integration
Best POS For: Retailers requiring a reliable POS system that performs well in any setting.
9. Revel Systems
Revel Systems has a robust iPad-based POS interface that supports a range of retail operations, from quick service to traditional retail. They make your customers a top priority and help you engage with your regulars and newcomers by creating a unique purchasing experience.
Key Features: Strong focus on customer experience features, integration with third-party apps
Best For: Businesses seeking a mobile-first approach with strong customer engagement tools.
10. Epos Now
Epos Now offers a cloud-based POS system that helps retailers streamline their operations with efficient, easy-to-use features. If you’re just starting your store, Epos Now can help you get set up quickly and keep the sale process simple, leaving you room to focus on your growth strategy.
Key Features: Quick setup process, scalable for businesses of all sizes
Best POS System For: Growing businesses looking for a POS system that can scale with their expansion.
FAQs About POS Systems for Retail
What should I consider when choosing a POS system?
Consider your business size, industry, budget, and specific needs like inventory management, customer relationship management, and whether you need an integrated e-commerce system.
Can these POS systems integrate with other software?
Most modern POS systems have integration capabilities with popular software for accounting, customer management, and more. Make sure to check the compatibility of a POS system with your existing software before you buy.
Are there options for businesses with multiple locations?
Several of the systems listed above have features that support multi-location stores, allowing you to manage all locations through a single platform.
How much does a good POS system cost?
The cost of a good POS system can vary quite a bit based on features, scalability, and the type of hardware required. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for basic models to thousands for more advanced systems with additional features. Make sure you consider both upfront costs and any ongoing fees for services and updates as you budget for a POS system.
Do all POS systems have monthly fees?
Not all POS systems have monthly fees — some may offer a one-time purchase price, while others operate on a subscription model that includes monthly fees. These fees often cover customer support, software updates, and cloud services.