Alexis Kestler
A point of sale (POS) system is an essential tool for any retail business. The right POS system can help manage inventory, process transactions, track sales, and provide insights into customer behavior. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming for businesses to choose the POS system that best meets their needs.
This article will provide an overview of 8 top POS systems to consider for growing small and medium-sized retail businesses. We‘ll look at key features, pricing, and pros and cons of each system.
What to Look for in a POS System
When researching POS systems, keep the following criteria in mind:
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Features – The system should have core POS features like inventory management, employee management, reporting, and integrations with other business systems. Additional capabilities like loyalty programs, ecommerce, or accounting may also be desirable.
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Ease of Use – The system should be intuitive and easy to use for staff with minimal training. Look for systems with simple interfaces and role-based access levels.
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Hardware – Most POS systems work with third-party hardware like receipt printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners. The hardware should easily integrate and have mobile options.
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Cost – Compare both upfront costs for software and hardware purchases and ongoing fees like monthly subscriptions, payment processing, and support fees.
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Scalability – As your business grows, the POS system should easily scale up in terms of features, number of users/locations, and transaction volumes.
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Support – Look for responsive customer support via phone, email, knowledge bases, and training resources.
With those criteria in mind, let‘s look at 8 recommended POS systems for small and medium businesses.
1. Square POS
Square POS is a mobile-first, cloud-based POS platform suitable for retail, quick-serve restaurants, and professional services businesses.
Key Features
- iPad and iPhone app POS with robust inventory management, reporting, and employee management
- Integrated payments processing through Square with transparent fees (2.6% + 10¢ for in-person payments)
- Customer database and loyalty program capabilities
- Add-on services like payroll, appointments, ecommerce, and accounting integrations
Pros
- Intuitive iPad app interface
- Low upfront costs with pay-as-you-go pricing
- Built-in payments processing and transparent fees
- Optional add-ons for a unified business management platform
Cons
- Limited back office computer dashboard capabilities compared to other POS systems
- Advanced inventory management requires an additional paid subscription
- Hardware must be purchased separately
Cost
Square POS software is free. The transaction fees are 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person payments. Additional subscriptions for advanced features and add-ons available.
Summary
Square is one of the most popular POS systems for retail and restaurants. It offers an easy-to-use iPad POS, transparent pricing, and seamless integration with other Square services.
2. Shopify POS
Shopify POS combines a cloud-based POS system with integrated payments, making it a great choice for multi-channel retail businesses selling both in-store and online.
Key Features
- iPad and iPhone app compatible POS hardware
- Centralized inventory management across online store and brick-and-mortar locations
- Integrated payments processing through Shopify Payments
- Advanced reporting and analytics
Pros
- Unified inventory and order management across online and offline sales channels
- Shopify ecosystem integration including payments, marketing, and accounting
- Advanced analytics and reporting through Shopify Dashboard
- Scales to support multi-location businesses
Cons
- More expensive than other POS systems
- Does not include hardware like cash drawers, printers, and scanners
- Advanced inventory management and loyalty/discount features require additional paid subscriptions
Cost
Shopify POS plans start at $89/month. Transaction fees are 2.4% – 2.9% for in-person payments. Hardware and additional feature subscriptions are extra costs.
Summary
Shopify POS shines for established multi-channel retailers selling both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. It unifies inventory and provides robust analytics.
3. Vend POS
Vend POS is a cloud-based retail POS system built specifically for small business owners to help maximize sales and productivity.
Key Features
- Easy to set up iPad POS with business management companion web dashboard
- Inventory management with real-time syncing across multiple locations
- Customer profiles, loyalty programs, and gift cards
- More than 200 integrations with accounting, ecommerce, payroll, and more
Pros
- Very intuitive and easy to use
- Reasonable pricing tiers for small businesses
- Good selection of 3rd party hardware support
- Solid foundational features plus extensive app integration ecosystem
Cons
- Less robust back office management and advanced analytics compared to larger systems
- Limited payment processing integrations
- Additional fees for premium features like advanced inventory management
Cost
Vend POS plans start at $119/month with bulk discounts available. Payments processing and hardware not included.
Summary
Vend POS excels at core POS functions like transactions, inventory, and reporting. It‘s very easy to use with flexible pricing suitable for small retailers.
4. Bindo POS
Bindo is a cloud-based iPad POS tailored for small to mid-sized multi-location/chain retailers. It focuses on centralized management and automation.
Key Features
- Centralized reporting and analytics across all locations
- iPad POS app with offline mode support
- Inventory synchronization across multiple warehouses and store locations
- Automated purchase ordering and inventory transfers
Pros
- Powerful centralized back office management and reporting
- Built-in automation for reordering, transfers etc. reduces manual work
- Flexible role-based access control for employees
- Fast setup with instant sync across locations
Cons
- Requires purchase of iPad POS hardware
- Steeper learning curve than other POS systems
- Add-on fees for advanced features like loyalty programs and ecommerce
Cost
Bindo pricing starts at $199/month base fee plus $50/register. Hardware costs extra.
Summary
Bindo shines for established multi-location retailers that need powerful centralized management and automation. It can streamline complex operations.
5. Lightspeed POS
Lightspeed POS is designed to support restaurants and retailers via a cloud-based platform with robust options for outlets, payment processing, and back office management.
Key Features
- Cloud-based POS with outlet management and advanced reporting
- Integrated payment processing through Lightspeed Payments
- Custom floor plans, tables, and menu layouts for restaurants
- Flexible back office dashboard and built-in analytics
Pros
- Ideal for multi-location restaurants and retailers
- Centralized outlet, inventory, and menu management
- Batch payment processing rates as low as 0.8% + $0.10
- Good mix of advanced features without overly complex setup
Cons
- Setup can be more involved compared to simpler POS systems
- Payment processing rates rise quickly for low volume merchants
- Add-on fees for modules like advanced inventory, workforce management, etc.
Cost
Lightspeed POS plans start at $99/month base fee. Payment processing fees start at 0.8% + $0.10 per batch. Setup fees $69-$299. Add-ons extra.
Summary
Lightspeed balances powerful outlet and inventory management with approachable setup and pricing for mid-sized restaurant and retail businesses.
6. Toast POS
Toast POS specializes in serving the restaurant industry with specialized features tailored to food service combined with robust inventory and staff management.
Key Features
- Purpose-built for restaurants with kitchen display systems and bill splitting capabilities
- Advanced restaurant management including online ordering/delivery integrations
- Inventory tracking and cost management tailored to restaurants
- Integrated payment processing through Toast Payments
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant management suite all in one system
- Scales well for both single and multi-location restaurants
- Flexible hardware bundles available
- Competitive payment processing rates of 2.49% – 2.99%
Cons
- Higher learning curve than a basic POS system
- More limited retail/other industry support compared to general POS systems
- Contract required plus account fees and early termination fees apply
Cost
Restaurant POS plans start at $199/month per terminal. Hardware bundles and setup fees extra. Payment processing 2.49% – 2.99% rates.
Summary
Toast leads the market for restaurant-specific POS systems with tailored management and payment features for food service businesses.
7. Harbortouch POS
Harbortouch POS stands out for its reasonable upfront costs including providing a free POS terminal with each software subscription.
Key Features
- Free POS terminal included
- Table mapping and management capabilities
- Robust reporting and analytics dashboard
- Integrated online ordering, reservations, and gift card management
Pros
- Low upfront costs with free POS terminal
- Good for table service restaurants with floor management features
- Reasonable monthly rates and competitive processing rates
Cons
- Support and hardware quality not as robust as higher cost systems
- Additional fees for addons like advanced inventory management
- Long-term contract required
Cost
Plans start at $35/month with a free terminal. Optional credit card rates from interchange + 0% to interchange + 0.05% + $0.22 per transaction.
Summary
Harbortouch delivers reasonable pricing plus robust software paired with included POS hardware. A cost-effective option for restaurants and retail.
8. ERPLY POS
ERPLY POS focuses on integrated inventory management, employee and customer management, and analytics for retailers. They also offer flexible financing for startup costs.
Key Features
- Robust inventory tracking with automatic reordering
- Customer database and loyalty program management
- Employee time tracking and scheduling
- Custom reporting with 50+ preconfigured reports
Pros
- Powerful back office functionality for retailers
- Flexible financing options for hardware and setup costs
- Scales to support an unlimited number of registers and locations
- Reasonable monthly subscription rates
Cons
- Requires upfront investment for hardware and setup costs
- Mid-tier pricing can get expensive for multiple locations and registers
- Contract terms may lock in costs long term
Cost
Plans start at $69/month/location. Hardware and setup fees financed over term. Payment processing extra.
Summary
ERPLY offers enterprise-level inventory management and retail performance tracking. Financing helps offset initial investments.
Which Retail POS System Is Right For You?
With many options available, it‘s important to weigh the pros, cons, and costs for your specific business.
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New/small retailers – Opt for an intuitive cloud-based system like Square or Vend with monthly subscriptions and no lengthy contracts. Low upfront costs but may lack robust management features.
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Established multi-location retailers – Choose a system like Shopify or Lightspeed POS with unified inventory management, advanced reporting, and scalability. Will require significant upfront and ongoing investments.
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Restaurants – Look to restaurant-specialized POS like Toast or Harbortouch for tailored management and payment features. Focus on support for floor plans, table management, and integrations with delivery services.
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Centralized management priorities – Prioritize systems like Bindo and ERPLY that provide strong centralized inventory, employee, and outlet management features. Requires technical expertise.
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Budget conscious – Systems like Square, Vend, and Harbortouch offer the lowest monthly fees. However, add-ons and payment processing rates can impact long-term costs.
The POS landscape can change quickly, so conduct thorough research and ask POS vendors for demos when evaluating systems. Choose the system that best aligns with your business needs and budget. With a little legwork upfront, you‘ll be rewarded with a POS system that provides value for years to come.
