Running a golf course is easy, but running a golf course effectively is not that easy at all. The best POS system for golf course will assist you in managing every task needed for your business and ensure the best experience for your customers. However, this is a pretty hard problem to solve for most beginners in this field.
If you’re among them, this blog is destined to find you. In this basic POS training session, we will provide you with an A-Z guideline on the POS systems for golf courses, from an overview to a list of the best recommendations to a detailed POS systems for golf courses review for each of them, and finally tips on choosing the best POS system by yourself.
Contents
1. The best POS system for golf course: A quick look
In general, a golf course POS system is a system that was specifically designed to help golf course businesses run smoothly and improve the overall customer experience.
Without a golf course POS system, a golf course may have to face a lot of challenges, including inefficient operation that will lead to inefficient budget use, difficulty in inventory management, and a lack of effective marketing strategy.
All things considered, using an appropriate golf course POS system is crucial since it helps you streamline your business operation, improve efficiency, and ultimately enhance the customer experience.
The key features of the best POS system for golf courses may include these features:
- Teatime management system: manage teatime bookings, cancellations, and modifications
- POS inventory management feature: manages stock numbers, golf equipment, appeal, and accessories
- POS payment processing system: accepts all types of payments
- The CRM feature: build and maintain strong relationships with your customers
- The reporting and analysis feature: provides detailed reports and analysis on sales, inventory, and customer behavior
For this section, we will provide you with a cursory examination of the best POS systems for golf courses and what they are best for to ensure that they meet your demands and give direct solutions for your golf business.
- Clover POS system: Best for customization
- Lightspeed POS system: Best for the majority of golf courses
- Revel systems: Best for easy-to-use interface
- Shopify POS system: Best for entrepreneurs
- Square POS system: Best for golf courses with a tight budget
2. The best POS system for golf course: Our top picks
Clover | Lightspeed | Revel | Shopify | Square | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating | 3.8/5⭐ | 3.9/5⭐ | 3.7/5⭐ | 4.6/5⭐ | 4.6/5⭐ |
Price | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Starts at $99/month | Starting at:2.9% + 30¢ online2.6% + 10¢ in person | Starting at $0/month |
Ideal for | Businesses that look for a variety of customization options | Most golf courses regarding their size thanks to its flexibility | Golf courses that are looking for an easy-to-use POS system | Businesses selling on omnichannel | Golf courses with a tight budget |
Visit POS |
2.1. Clover POS system: Best for customization
Suitable for | – Businesses, quick-service and table service that require features like inventory tracking, order and employee management. – Service-based businesses that need appointment scheduling, payment processing, and gift card management. |
Not suitable for | – Very large businesses or complex operation enterprises often require more customized POS system. – Businesses with specific needs like complex manufacturing processes. |
Clover is the best POS system for golf courses that need customization options.
2.1.1. Pricing
When talking about its pricing, Clover has 3 levels for you to choose from; each of them is different in terms of cost, hardware, and some specific features. However, you’ll need to contact sales for the exact number that you need to pay.
| Starter | Standard | Advanced |
| $0+ $14.95/mo | $125/mo for 36 months or $649+ $84.95/mo | $160/mo for 36 months or $1,699+ $84.95/mo |
| Accept payments and manage your business through a web browser. | Accept payments anywhere with a portable, handheld POS system. | Accept payments at your counter. |
2.1.2. Features
Besides, Clover offers some specific key features that you may want to know and how they assist your current business. The features include:
- Offline mode that allows operations even without internet connectivity that will your golf course run smoothly even when the internet connection is disrupted
- Process payments and manage your business through mobile devices, making it more convenient for customers to pay for services at the golf course
- Seamless integration between online and in-store activity, for instance, makes it easier to manage tea time orders through both online and offline channels
- Customize hardware to fit your golf course needs
2.1.3. Hardware
Clover offers 4 options of hardware for you to choose: they are handheld POS, station solo, receipt printer, and card drawer.
2.1.4. Payment method
On this basis, the system accepts payments through credit debit cards, cash or check, and keyed-in payments. However, for other types of payments, you’ll need to change the level of the system to process.
2.1.5. Pros and cons
Pros | ✅ Intuitive interface that is easy for staff to learn and use, reducing training time and increasing efficiency. ✅ Comprehensive features, including inventory and employee management, customer relationship management, reporting and analytics. ✅ Dedicated customer support. ✅ Flexible, can adapt to most business model. ✅ Cloud-based data gives access to your data at any time, from anywhere. |
Cons | ❌The initial cost of hardware can be significant. ❌Software and payment processing are charged monthly, which can add up over time. ❌ Customization options are limited compared to other POS systems. ❌ May not be easy to use for beginners. |
2.2. Lightspeed POS system: Best for the majority of golf courses
Suitable for | – Quick-service and table-service restaurants that need features like order management, kitchen display systems, and online ordering. – Golf course businesses need specialized features like tee time management, pro shop inventory, and restaurant operations. |
Not suitable for | – Very small businesses that need a more basic and more affordable POS system. – Businesses in specific industries need a more tailored POS solution. |
Lightspeed Retail, the best POS system for golf courses, provides excellent tools for golf course businesses, ranging from tea sheets to promotional features such as SMS marketing and promotional engines.
2.2.1. Pricing
Unfortunately, the system does not disclose its pricing on the website, so you’ll need to talk to their expert to get a tailored solution for your store and get the pricing.
2.2.2. Features
Besides, the Lightspeed POS system offers many key features to help manage your golf course business more easily. The features include:
- Track stock levels, product variations, and serial numbers at your golf course restaurant to ensure food safety for your customers
- Create and organize customer profiles and purchasing histories; to be more specific, create profiles of your golf course customers to easily track their activities and bring more emerging activities and promotions that spark their interest
- Easily integrate with an e-commerce platform to establish an online presence for your golf course and better promote it
- Suitable for golf courses of all sizes, or the system is scalable as your business grows or expands in the future
2.2.3. Hardware
Besides software, Lightspeed offers hardware that will help elevate your store management and keep you updated on the latest technology. The hardware includes Apple devices such as iPads, Mac Minis, and iPad stands, as well as printers such as label printers and receipt printers, a scanner, a drawer, and other items.
2.2.4. Payment methods
When talking about payment methods, the system supports a variety of them, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets like PayPal and Samsung Wallet, gift cards, and contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
2.2.5. Pros and cons
Pros | ✅ Robust inventory management, customer profiling, and reporting capabilities are among the comprehensive features. ✅ The interface is user-friendly, with an intuitive design and simple navigation. ✅ The online and in-store operations are effectively integrated. ✅ Mobile capabilities include an iPad app for on-the-go sales and inventory checks. ✅ Strong customer assistance. |
Cons | ❌ System outages and syncing issues may occur. ❌ Depending on an internet connection for optimal performance. ❌ Some businesses may need help to afford monthly subscription fees. |
2.3. Revel POS system: Best for easy-to-use interface
Suitable for | – Businesses that need features like order management, kitchen display systems, and online ordering. – Businesses that need POS system to handle point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs. – Golf course of gym businesses need to manage memberships, class schedules, and retail sales. |
Not suitable for | – Small businesses or start-ups who need a more basic system with lower pricing overall. – Businesses in specific industries that need more customization options. |
Overall, Revel is the best POS system for golf course for growing businesses. The system is marketed as the best POS system for multi-location businesses.
2.3.1. Pricing
Although the exact pricing is not disclosed on their website, here are some specific fees you need to consider before choosing the Revel POS system:
- Pricing: it is quote-based pricing so you’ll need to contact their sales team to get the exact price
- Hardware cost: devices like tablets, printers, barcode readers, etc. can add up to the initial cost
- Monthly fees: usually for software licenses and payment processing
2.3.2. Features
Revel is the best POS for golf courses because it offers a lot of key features that cater to the needs of golf course businesses and help them to run smoothly. The features include:
- Inventory management: keep track of golf equipment, apparel, and accessories
- Online booking: Allow customers to book tee times and services online
- Loyalty programs: Reward loyal customers with points, discounts, and special offers
- Scalability: adapt to business growth and expansion
2.3.3. Hardware
When it comes to hardware, Revel offers a wide range of high-quality devices to ensure your business’s functionality and security. The hardware is divided into different regions, including:
- iPads
- Revel Premium Stands
- iPad Stands
- Payment Devices
- Printers
- Cash Drawer & Till
- Barcode Scanners
- Networking
- Scales
- Additional Peripherals
2.3.4. Payment methods
The Revel POS system supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, contactless payments, cash, checks, gift cards, digital wallets, and QR code payments.
However, some specific payments are only available in some specific locations, so you’ll need to check before purchasing the system.
Are you looking for a POS system to kick-start your small business? Look no further; check out our blog on the list of the best POS system for small business here.
2.3.5. Pros and cons
Pros | ✅ Flexible and can be customized to fit a wide range of businesses: restaurants, retail stores, nightclubs, golf courses, etc. ✅ Powerful built-in features include inventory management, employee management, and customer relationship management. ✅ Scalability that the POS system will grow with your business expansion, including offering more new features and necessary hardware. ✅ Support various payment methods to leverage your customers’ experience. |
Cons | ❌ The initial cost can be specifically high due to hardware and software investment. ❌ The customization option can be limited when compared to other POS system. |
2.4. Shopify POS system: Best for entrepreneurs
Suitable for | – Businesses that present online and offline need features to manage and run stores smoothly across various channels. – Businesses that offer table service, like restaurants or cafes. |
Not suitable for | – Businesses with highly specific needs. – Large-scale businesses that need more powerful features operate their stores. |
Overall, the Shopify POS system is the best POS system for golf course looking to expand their presence across multiple channels, including online and offline presence.
2.4.1. Pricing
Shopify POS currently offers four plans to choose from, all of which are paid monthly, except for the Plus, which is only available for a 1-3-year term.
- Basic (for solo entrepreneurs): $39/month
- Shopify (for small teams): $105/month
- Advanced: $399/month
- Plus (for more complex business): $2,300/month
2.4.2. Features
The Shopify POS system for golf courses has a lot of key features that your golf course business can benefit from; some of the most highlighted features include:
- Develop strong customer relationships by offering comprehensive loyalty programs and personalized offers to spark the interest of your golf course customers and attract more people to go to your golf course
- Provide reliable reports and analytics to help golf course owners understand sales performance, customer behavior, and product trends to make better strategy and plans for their golf course shortly
- Accepting a variety of payment methods guarantees a smooth checkout process at the golf course and ultimately leverages your customer experience
- Manage inventory, such as food, supplies, and accessories at your golf course, to ensure your golf course will always be able to meet customers’ needs.
2.4.3. Hardware
The Shopify POS system comes with many interesting options for hardware that you can choose and customize your POS system. Hardware includes barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, and shop tablet stands.
2.4.4. Payment methods
The system also accepts a variety of payment methods, making it easier for your customers to pay with both cash and credit cards. They can pay with credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and so on), debit cards, and contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
2.4.5. Pros and cons
Pros | ✅ The interface is simple to navigate and use. ✅ Integrate seamlessly with Shopify. ✅ Provides valuable information about sales performance and customer behavior. ✅ Mobile POS allows for the flexibility of processing sales while on the go. |
Cons | ❌ Due to the limited customization options, it may not meet all business requirements. ❌ May be disrupted if not connected to the internet. |
2.5. Square POS system: Best for golf courses with a tight budget
Suitable for | – Small retail businesses that are looking for a simple setup, user-friendly interface, and affordable pricing. – Table-service businesses that are looking for features like online ordering, inventory management, and employee scheduling. – On-the-go or contemporary stores. – Service-based businesses that need online ordering, inventory management, and employee scheduling. |
Not suitable for | – High-volume restaurants that require extremely high-volume transactions and complex menu items. – Businesses with highly specific needs. – Large retail chains with complex inventory and supply chain management needs. |
In general, Square is the best POS system for golf courses, especially when it comes to keeping your business budget under control, but you should still look for a system with comprehensive features.
2.5.1. Pricing
Square currently offers three options, with monthly fees starting at $0 per location. The plans are:
- Free: $0 per location/month
- Plus: $69 per location/month
- Premium: $165 per location/month
2.5.2. Features
Also, the system offers many strong and comprehensive key features, including:
- Order-taking and processing have been streamlined making serving at your golf course teatime more effective than ever
- Create customer relationships using customer management tools like loyalty programs and marketing tools
- A free basic plan with no initial cost, ideal for small businesses or start-ups
- The user-friendly interface makes it simple to set up and use, helps save their time and starts operating your golf course as soon as possible
2.5.3. Hardware
Square offers a wide range of hardware options, including store stands, card readers, registers, and terminals. You can take a look at their website to find out which is most appropriate for your golf course.
2.5.4. Payment methods
In terms of payment methods, Square accepts different methods like other POS systems, including card payments (both credit, debit, and contactless payments) and other payments like cash, gift cards, invoices, app pay, check-out, etc.
2.5.5. Pros and cons
Pros | ✅ There are no upfront costs to start using the system. ✅ This includes free online ordering and invoicing. ✅ Easy to set up and use with the Square interface. |
Cons | ❌ Additional fees for advanced features such as inventory management and loyalty programs. ❌ Difficulty tailoring the system to specific business requirements |
3. How to choose the most suitable POS system for your golf course?
- Essential features
When choosing a POS system for a golf course, make sure that the system has all the essential features needed to manage and help your golf course run smoothly. The features may include:
- Tea time management: manage tea times booking, orders, and cancelations
- Inventory management: track golf equipment, apparel, and food and beverage inventory.
- Payment processing: Different payment methods like cash, credit cards, debit cards, etc. are processed.
- CRM features: Build customer profiles, track preferences, and implement loyalty programs
- POS integration capacity: works well with other systems like online booking platforms and accounting software
- Reporting and Analytics: Generate detailed reports on sales, inventory, and customer behavior.
- Ease of use
Your golf course POS system must be user-friendly, meaning it should be simple to navigate and use for all users, including those with little knowledge or experience with POS systems if you are new to using them.
It should also be mobile-friendly, allowing you to use and manage your golf course from anywhere, at any time, on any device.
- Scalability
Your golf course POS system should be scalable to accommodate future expansion and growth. It should also be customizable, allowing you to modify the system to meet your current business needs.
- Customer support
When it comes to choosing a POS system for your golf course, responsive and helpful customer service is essential. Furthermore, before selecting one of these systems, you should consider the POS training session, which is required to ensure that you understand and can use all of the system’s features.
- Your golf course’s specific needs
Besides all of the above criteria, you should also consider your business needs at the moment and choose the most suitable POS management system that offers a direct solution for your problems at this time.
- Pricing
POS pricing is also an important consideration when selecting an appropriate POS system for your golf course. You must differentiate between initial costs, monthly costs, and POS hardware costs for the POS system and select the one that best fits your budget.
To wrap up
We hope our blog today has provided you with everything you’re searching for on the topic of the best POS system for golf course.
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