Your ability to succeed as a liquor shop owner depends on how well supply and demand are balanced. Burglary is a persistent problem, and margins are small. Sales are unpredictable, and inventory management is challenging and expensive.
Hence, you require the best POS system for liquor store to handle thousands of goods effectively, arrange suppliers, and enforce security measures against illicit sales and theft
However, since each liquor store is unique, picking the best point of sales system for liquor stores will rely on its particular requirements. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 5 best liquor store POS systems and in which cases you should choose one over the others.
Contents
1. POS system for liquor store: A quick look
Liquor shop POS systems are hardware and software solutions specifically for inventory, sales, and other crucial tasks related to selling alcoholic beverages. Unlike generic ones, liquor store-specific retail POS systems come with features like age verification, bottle tracking, and compliance with liquor laws and regulations.
Sometimes, running a liquor business may be difficult, which is when a point-of-sale system is helpful. You may feel overloaded with customers, which makes the sales process less effective and uses up all of your inventory. Ultimately, you would go mad with manually managing cash registers, tracking sales, and monitoring inventories.
Thus, acquiring a point-of-sale (POS) system for your business is essential. If you use online POS software explicitly tailored for bottle stores, you will experience a notable increase in sales during peak hours. This technology notifies you when your stock is running low and ensures that every transaction is carefully recorded.
The best pos system for liquor stores in 2024
- Magestore POS – Best for iPad-based liquor stores
- Shopify POS – Best for small or medium liquor businesses
- KORONA POS – Best for liquor businesses running multiple stores and terminals
- mPower Beverage POS – Best for high-end liquor businesses
- Bottle POS – Best for independent liquor retailers
2. What is the best POS system for liquor store: Our top picks
POS system | Free trial | Price | Transaction fees | Best for | |
Magestore POS | ✅ | One-time payment at $1,299 | No fee | iPad-based liquor stores | |
Shopify POS | ✅ | Starting at $89/month | 5% + 0¢ | Small or medium liquor businesses | |
Korona POS | ✅ | Starting at $59/month | No fee | Businesses running multiple stores and terminals | |
mPower Beverage POS | ❌ | Starting at $1,000 upfront/one register/one location. After that, it’s $120/month | Get a quote by contacting the provider | High-end liquor businesses | |
Bottle POS | ❌ | Starting at $69/month | Get a quote by contacting the provider | Independent liquor retailers |
2.1. Magestore POS
Best for | iPad-based liquor stores |
Free Trial | ✅ |
Price from | One-time payment at $1,299 |
Transaction fee | No fee |
2.1.1. Overview
The Magestore POS system offers many features that improve productivity, simplify processes, and support business success. If you prefer an iPad interface, this POS system is a good bet, as it comes with inventory tools that allow you to handle any aspect on the go.
Its objective is to assist you in swiftly launching your goods or services so that they may immediately take advantage of market prospects.
It takes pleasure in providing profitable and cutting-edge software solutions customized to your unique demands in the food and beverage business. It creates state-of-the-art technology that improves productivity and offers a flawless user experience by drawing on your wealth of expertise.
2.1.2. Key features
- Operate on iPads smoothly, even without an Internet connection
- Purchase online, pick up in person
- Exchange and refund options
- Gift cards, order history, and loyalty programs
- Work with various POS hardware
- Clever sales and personnel data to monitor shop performance
- For a model omnichannel business, support a variety of payment methods with a payment gateway ecosystem, including ERP, CRM, Magento eCommerce, Point-of-Sale, and POS Reports.
2.1.3. Cost/fee
- They don’t publicly display their pricing, so you must contact and get a quote from a Magestore business expert. However, according to our research, Magento POS has two versions: CE and EE, with EE starting at $2,599 and CE at $1,299. This is a one-time payment.
- No transaction fees
- Here’s a summary of Magestore’s main hardware, but no prices are displayed, so you need to contact them for precise numbers:
- Receipt printers
- USB and Bluetooth barcode scanners
- Card reader
- Cash drawer
- Label printers
2.1.4. Why we pick it
With its mobile-friendly point-of-sale system, Magestore POS equips liquor store owners who are always on the go by allowing them to remotely control workers, inventory, and sales from any location with an internet connection. Its cloud-based POS design ensures real-time data access, which helps with well-informed decision-making.
It is the perfect option for busy liquor shop owners because its features improve productivity and customer happiness. These include mobile payments and customer relationship management.
2.1.5. Who should use it
Magestore POS is ideal for liquor businesses that prefer an iPad interface and take control of operations on the go.
2.1.6. Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Powerful on-the-go management tools ✅ Highly customizable, reliable, and scalable ✅ Expert support and consultation are available as needed ✅ No hidden costs | ❌ High one-time upfront cost ❌ More investments are needed if you want further customization |
2.2. Shopify POS
Best for | Small or medium liquor businesses |
Free Trial | ✅ |
Price from | Starting at $89/month |
Transaction fee | 5% + 0¢ |
2.2.1. Overview
Next option on the list is Shopify POS – the best free pos system for small liquor stores. The ecommerce platform’s integration with Shopify POS enables liquor shop owners to establish online storefronts with a visually appealing and useful presence.
Constant product listings improve customers’ omnichannel shopping experience and order tracking capabilities, guaranteed by an intuitive interface.
By using this most popular POS system for small liquor store, your employees can serve clients from anywhere in the warehouse. Shopify POS makes it easier for employees to conduct “on-the-go” transactions, allowing them to engage with customers, check inventory, and collect payments from any location within the business.
These characteristics were necessary to conduct wine tastings and make sales at exhibitions or events.
2.2.2. Key features
- Instantly update the inventory levels after an online or in-store transaction is made.
- Support a loyalty program that made beverage recommendations based on past customer purchases.
- Link customers’ past online and in-store purchases to their customer profiles, allowing employees to provide highly customized suggestions and increase in-store sales.
- Manage physical and online stores from a single platform.
- Work on a tablet or smartphone.
- Ask consumers to confirm their age before purchasing to guarantee legal compliance with built-in age verification tools.
✨ Our Shopify POS Reviews takes a closer look at the platform’s features, integrations, and real-world performance to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your store.
2.2.3. Cost/fee
- Shopify POS Lite, which is a part of your initial Shopify subscription costs, starts at $5/month or Shopify POS Pro at $89/month/location
- Transaction costs vary based on your subscription plans, starting at 5% + 0¢
- Here’s a summary of Shopify POS’s main hardware prices below:
- A Chipper 2X BT card reader or Tap & Chip card reader: 49$
- Retail Kit: $219
- Shopify POS Go mobile device: $399 ($429 with case)
- Barcode scanners: $229 to $329
- Label printers: $299 to $499
- Receipt printers: $299 to $369
- Cash drawers: $139 to $159
2.2.4. Why we pick it
Thanks to its multiple advanced features, this most popular pos system for small liquor store can benefit pizza establishments. It is perfect for companies that wish to properly maintain inventory, optimize order management, and combine offline and online sales channels.
The number of employees might change depending on the company’s size, but Shopify POS allows you to manage several employee accounts and adjust permissions as needed.
2.2.5. Who should use it
Shopify POS is ideal for small or medium businesses that want a POS system that seamlessly integrates their online and physical stores.
2.2.6. Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Free plan available ✅ User-friendly interfaceSeamless integration with thousands of apps ✅ Multi-channel selling ✅ Flexible payment options ✅ Age verification | ❌ Limited offline mode ❌ Additional apps may incur extra fees |
2.3. KORONA POS
Best for | Businesses running multiple stores and terminals |
Free Trial | ✅ |
Price from | Starting at $59/month |
Transaction fee | No fee |
2.3.1. Overview
KORONA POS is a retail specialist serving various industries, such as convenience stores, tobacco, books, alcohol, and CBD. The business also provides solutions for ticketed events, wineries, QSRs, theme parks, and multi-store franchises.
Pricing for KORONA POS is completely open and clear. Long-term commitments, sign-up costs, surcharges, canceling policies, or hidden costs are absent. Your monthly subscriptions cover all costs, including round-the-clock in-house customer support
You may contact this best POS system for liquor store by phone, email, or chat support whenever you have questions regarding setup, features, or difficulties; assistance is available around the clock, seven days a week. For new liquor stores or those wishing to transfer POS providers, there is remote installation support and training for staff and management.
2.3.2. Key features
- Organize your wine, beer, and liquor in a computerized database.
- Differentiate between individual numbers and cases received.
- Do routine cycle counts to ensure your records correspond with what is on the shelf.
- Establish reorder thresholds and get alerts when inventory is getting low.
- Order-level optimization that is automated
- Gain valuable insights into your business through its advanced reporting and analytics features.
- Track popular brands, see sales trends, and identify your most loyal customers.
- Market your business and promote special offers with customized email campaigns, text messages, and social media posts to connect with customers.
- Create discounts, coupons, and loyalty programs to drive repeat business.
2.3.3. Cost/fee
- KORONA POS has three main pricing options for monthly subscription plans: Core ($59/month), Retail ($69/month), and Add-Ons ($10 to $50 per month(
- No credit card transaction fees.
- The hardware is sold separately and available for lease. Here’s a summary of KORONA’s main hardware, but no prices are displayed, so you need to contact them for precise numbers:
- Mobile POS Tablet
- Receipt Printers
- Ticket & Inventory Scanners
- Scanners
- Credit Card Readers
- Terminals & Cash Drawers
2.3.4. Why we pick it
With its array of options, KORONA POS can manage every facet of your liquor company. Furthermore, KORONA POS’s value for money helped it reach the top of our rating of liquor POS systems.
Excellent point-of-sale features are combined with fantastic contract conditions, including an infinite free trial, reasonable monthly rates, no long-term commitment, and many possibilities for processing payments.
Since KORONA POS runs on desktop PCs, iPads, and Android tablets, it probably works with your own gear. But for a custom-quoted price, you may buy hardware from KORONA POS if you want new, unique POS devices.
2.3.5. Who should use it
KORONA POS is suitable for liquor stores of all sizes with multiple store locations.
2.3.6. Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Solid reporting ✅ No Additional Charges ✅ Robust inventory management with case-break features and vendor management ✅ No long-term agreements ✅ POS is independent of the processor; therefore, you may compare prices. | ❌ Steep learning curve and longer training time ❌ The basic plan does not include inventory management ❌ Limited third-party integrations ❌ Lack of an integrated payment processing option |
2.4. mPower Beverage POS
Best for | High-end liquor businesses |
Free Trial | ❌ |
Price from | Starting at $1,000 upfront/one register/one location. After that, it’s $120/month |
Transaction fee | Get a quote by contacting the provider |
2.4.1. Overview
mPower Beverage, a Texas-based company, is specifically designed for beer, wine, and liquor sellers. It provides a specialized point-of-sale system that guarantees liquor shop owners will save time and maintain the smooth operation of their operations.
With features like product descriptions, automated reordering, and multi-store administration, it makes managing a variety of liquor stocks easier and helps you maintain well-stocked shelves.
Furthermore, mPower Beverage’s solution provides an integrated age verification system to guarantee that all sales are authentic, which assists in upholding compliance with local legislation.
All things considered, this best POS system for liquor store gives liquor stores a lot of the tools they need to handle issues with inventory, compliance, promotions, and managing several locations.
2.4.2. Key features
- Incorporate 10 distinct eCommerce tools
- Assist businesses with creating bespoke promos, eCommerce websites, local delivery, and mobile app branding.
- Combine with Drync and BottleCapps for branded mobile applications
- Simple synchronization for local delivery services using Minibar and Drizly
- Integrate with WineFetch, Sellr, and CityHive to create eCommerce websites
- Intelligent ordering and automated reporting
- Integrated age verification and personnel management with QuickBooks and other third-party connectors
2.4.3. Cost/fee
- mPower Beverage POS pricing starts at $1,000 upfront for one register, one location. After that, it’s $120/month. Adding an extra register costs $250 upfront plus $120/month.
- Transaction fees vary by payment processors
- mPower allows you to use your own hardware and third-party options or buy from their hardware packages. However, no further information or illustrations were disclosed, including prices, so you need to contact them for precise hardware costs.
2.4.4. Why we pick it
Easy online sales are made possible by this best point of sales system for liquor store’s user-friendly platform, designed specifically for beverage companies. Its user-friendly interface makes ordering processing and inventory management easier, guaranteeing smooth operations. Its customizable storefronts and integrated payment gateways improve the online buying experience, increasing consumer happiness and sales.
2.4.5. Who should use it
mPower POS is ideal for top-notch liquor businesses that want to deliver their luxuries to customers.
2.4.6. Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Strong reporting gadgets ✅ Effective inventory control ✅ Simple compliance | ❌ Limited processing flexibility for payments ❌ Unavailable automatic reports ❌ Limitations on social media integration ❌ Limitations on mobile dedicated apps |
2.5. Bottle POS
Best for | Independent liquor retailers |
Free Trial | ❌ |
Price from | Starting at $69/month |
Transaction fee | Get a quote by contacting the provider |
2.5.1. Overview
Bottle POS is a robust cloud-based point-of-sale system created especially to satisfy the requirements of booze shop operators like you. This program has all the features required to satisfy your consumers, your shelves well-stocked, and your high sales.
This best point of sales system for liquor store, trusted by hundreds of shop owners nationwide, provides businesses like yours with the automation, analytics, and functionality you require to manage your back office and simplify operations easily.
Additionally, Bottle POS provides limitless customer assistance and tailored onboarding for all users, giving you the resources to properly manage your booze shop’s back office now, in the future.
2.5.2. Key features
- Automated inventory includes vendor and purchase order management, low stock alerts, auto-generated suggested orders, etc.
- Built-in customer loyalty to create personalized coupons for loyal customers and alert buyers to new products.
- Native ecommerce tools to drive online orders.
- Dual pricing—one for cash sales and the other for credit card sales—allows you to pass credit card processing fees on to customers legally.
- Built-in SKUs for many common products
- Auto ranking and detailed reports
- Pairing with BottleZoo, a user-friendly solution for setting up a website and offering online sales.
- Liquor-specific information storage
- Centralized alcohol inventory databases for easily managing thousands of bottles and SKUs
- Auto-invoicing and one-click receiving
- Integrated ID scanning and age verification capabilities
2.5.3. Cost/fee
- Bottle POS does not have a free version. Its paid version starts at $69/month.
- Transaction fees are custom-quoted.
- Here’s a summary of Bottle POS’s main hardware, but no prices are displayed, so you need to contact them for precise numbers:
- Touch-screen PC/POS Terminal
- Barcode scanner
- Receipt printer
- Cash drawer
- Wireless pinpad
- Customer displays
2.5.4. Why we pick it
BottlePOS targets liquor establishments. This system front-loads inventory management, loyalty, and e-commerce features. Thus, you can use your point of sale (POS) to make replenishment orders, award loyalty points for every transaction, and sell online using simple buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) options.
Besides, BottlePOS is one of the best liquor store POS systems for most independent liquor retailers since it offers adjustable pricing and cash discounts.
2.5.5. Who should use it
Bottle POS is ideal for independent liquor retailers that are operating on tight budgets.
2.5.6. Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Most user-friendly inventory system ✅ Anytime, anywhere cloud-based access and management via web and mobile ✅ Free, fully integrated ecommerce site ✅ Flexible payment options | ❌ Invoice tracking requires an additional monthly fee ❌ Fairly expensive ❌ Hard learning curve |
3. Conclusion
Selecting the best POS system for liquor store is essential and depends on your unique company needs and goals. Making the necessary efforts to ensure that all of your demands are satisfied will ensure long-term success and profitability.
Your point-of-sale system will be the most useful member of your team because it can process all transactions, balance inventory, generate comprehensive sales reports, and increase customer happiness through loyalty programs and alluring promotions.
💡 Related topic you should read: best brewery POS system
If you have trouble or need more tips, contact us at eComStart.io and we’d love to be helping you.
4. FAQs
A POS system for a liquor store should include features that streamline operations and ensure compliance with liquor laws. Key features include age verification to ensure customers meet legal drinking age requirements, inventory management that tracks stock levels in real-time and helps prevent stockouts, barcode scanning for efficient sales processing, sales reporting and analytics to monitor sales trends, and compliance with state liquor laws to ensure proper tax calculations, excise duties, and other local regulations are followed. These features help optimize operations, improve accuracy, and ensure legal compliance.
Yes, a POS system is essential for efficient inventory tracking in liquor stores. It provides real-time updates to stock levels as products are sold, reducing the need for manual inventory counts and minimizing errors. The system can also trigger low-stock alerts to notify managers when it’s time to reorder, helping avoid stockouts. Additionally, advanced POS systems can track stock rotation and expiration dates for perishable goods, ensuring products are sold in the correct order and nothing expires unnoticed. Some systems even integrate with suppliers for automatic reordering based on sales trends.
Yes, age verification is crucial for liquor stores to comply with legal requirements and avoid selling alcohol to underage customers. A good POS system includes age verification tools such as ID scanning, which verifies a customer’s age by scanning their ID or driver’s license, and manual entry of birth dates for additional verification. If the system detects the customer does not meet the legal age requirement, it will prevent the sale. Additionally, POS systems typically include an audit trail to track verification attempts, which can be useful for legal compliance during inspections or audits.