The best POS system for retail stores has the powerful tools to handle every task of your retail business. It can track sales, manage inventory in real time, facilitate the checkout process and safely store customer data. If you do these things manually, the errors are easy to occur frequently.
Yet, not all point-of-sale systems have the same functionality, so it’s important to know what options are available. So, take your time to go through our hot picks for top POS systems for retail stores and decide which one is the most suitable option for your business.
Contents
1. POS Retail Meaning & Overview
A retail POS system includes a hardware and software that empower retailers to process payments from customers and close deals. Besides, it can helps retail stores manage their sales, inventory, and customer relationships.
The best POS systems for retail stores for 2024 are:
- Shopify POS: Best for in-person retail stores
- Magestore POS: Best for multi-store and omnichannel retailers
- Square POS: Best for small retail stores and pop-ups
- Epos Now POS: Best for growing retail stores
- Clover POS: Best for established retail stores
2. POS System for Retail Review: Our Top Picks
| Shopify POS | Magestore POS | Square POS | Epos Now POS | Clover POS | |
| Free trial | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Price | Starting from $89/month/location | One-time custom pricing | Starting from $0/month | One-time payment of $349 | Starting from $13/month |
| Ideal for | In-person retail stores | Multi-store and omnichannel retailers | Small retail stores and pop-ups | Growing retail stores | Established retail stores |
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| Link | Visit here! | Visit here! | Visit here! | Visit here! | Visit here! |
2.1. Shopify POS: Best for in-person retail stores
Who should use Shopify POS? | – Businesses who want to integrate in-store and online sales – Retailers with large or complex inventories |
Who shouldn’t use Shopify POS? | – Retailers who want cheap processing fees – Businesses that want a physical POS terminal |
Price from | – Monthly fees: $89/month/location cost of a Shopify online store ($39-$399/month) – Processing fees: Starting from 5% + 0¢ |
Shopify retail POS is a great option for physical retail establishments because of its industry-leading online selling tools and stock controls. With product, cash flow, and daily sales reports, businesses can monitor sales data both online and in person.
For a more detailed review of this point-of-sale system, check out our Shopify POS review.
2.1.1. Pricing
At first sight, Shopify’s point-of-sale pricing may appear unclear. For a summary of its primary plans, see the table below; for further information, see our guide on Shopify POS pricing.
| Starter | Retail | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $5/month | $79/month |
| Transaction fees | Online: 5% + 30¢ In-person: 5% | Online: 2.9% + 30¢ In-person: 2.6% + 10¢ |
2.1.2. Feature
- Staff management: It lets you manage what your staff can do, review, or edit in your POS. Especially, it gives you tighter control over operations with the ability to specify which staff have access to certain retail locations.
- POS inventory management: In just a few clicks, you can create, edit, and review stock levels across channels, warehouses, and retail locations.
- Reporting & Analytics: Businesses can track sales data both in-person and online with cash flow reports, daily sales reports, and product reports. These reports give you comprehensive insights of your retail business, so you can react in the moment.
2.1.3. Hardware
Here’s a summary of Shopify POS retail hardware prices below:
- A Chipper 2X BT card reader or Tap & Chip card reader: 49$
- 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
2.1.4. Payment method
You can use Shopify’s native payment method called Shopify Payments which will not cost you any processing fees. Yet, you can opt for third-party options but as we’ve mentioned above, you may get charged for a quite high amount of fees.
2.1.5. Pros & Cons:
Pros | ✅ Excellent e-commerce integration ✅ Round-the-clock phone, live chat, and email support ✅ Compatible with a wide variety of hardware |
Cons | ❌ Solely concentrated on e-commerce and retail ❌ Transaction fees are applicable unless you’re utilizing Shopify Payments |
2.1.6. Who should use it:
- In-person sellers, especially if they already use Shopify
- Multi-store retailers
2.2. Magestore POS: Best POS For Multi-Store and Omnichannel Retailers
Who should use Magestore POS? | – Multi-locations stores – Omnichannel sellers |
Who shouldn’t use Magestore POS? | – Small physical stores or pop-up sellers – Companies that are not ready to pay a huge amount of an upfront cost |
Key features | – One-time custom pricing – No transaction fees |
As one of the best POS systems for small businesses, Magestore POS guarantees that order and product data is updated and seamlessly transferred between your online and physical businesses, maintaining seamlessness across several platforms.
2.2.1. Pricing
Magento POS will charge you a one-time custom pricing. It has a special pricing approach to give each business based on your business scale, unique needs, and goals.
- Number of stores: The POS license fee is one-time payment with the store count at the time of your purchase.
- Business complexity: They will consult with you to find and build your business objectives.
- Level of support and service: You can access their expert help to launch and maintain your retail system.
Fortunately, there are no transaction fees.
2.2.2. Feature
- Stock management: To prevent overselling or stockouts, the POS enables you to closely monitor your inventory across all sales channels, sync data in real time, and provide omnichannel order fulfillment.
- Adaptability: It can function well on desktops or tablets so that you can make sales anywhere, from your physical retail stores to other online sale channels.
- Smooth integrations: You can smoothly integrate your POS system with 3rd-party apps and software, including marketplaces, shipment, ERP, accounting, payments. That helps improve your staff workflow and the overall effectiveness of your retail store.
2.2.3. Hardware
Here’s a summary of Magestore POS retail 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
2.2.4. Payment method
There are various payment gateways for your customers to choose. The system allows you to accept varied payment methods like cash, debit cards, credit cards, reward points, store credits, gift cards, split payment, layaway, buy now, pay later, etc.
2.2.5. Pros & Cons
Pros | ✅ No monthly fees and no additional expenses ✅ Unlimited users and devices at no additional expense ✅ Dedicated assistance |
Cons | ❌ High one-time upfront cost ❌ Only compatible with Apple devices |
2.2.6. Who should use it
- Multi-locations stores
- Omnichannel sellers
2.3. Square POS: Best For Small Retail Stores and Pop-Ups
Who should use Square POS? | – Small brick-and-mortar stores or pop-up sellers – Sellers looking to integrate with their online store |
Who shouldn’t use Square POS? | – Retailers desiring a training mode – Companies that require tools for cost and profit management |
Price from | Monthly fees: Starting from $0 (charges transaction fees instead) Card transactions: 2.6% + 10¢ Keyed-in transactions: 3.5% + 15¢ |
Square’s free plan and low learning curve make it a dependable point-of-sale system that is ideal for small or mobile retail businesses with strong features to support small business owners in running their enterprises efficiently.
2.3.1. Pricing
This best POS for small retail store offers three different price tiers. The transaction quantity handled determines how much you must pay in total.
- Free plan: $0
- Plus plan: $89/month per location
- Premium plan: Custom pricing
Here are the processing fees for Square Retail POS.
| Free | Plus | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person | 2.6% + 10 cents | 2.5% + 10 cents | Custom |
| Online | 2.9% + 30 cents | 2.9% + 30 cents | Custom |
| Manually entered | 3.5% + 15 cents | 3.5% + 15 cents | Custom |
| AfterPay | 6% + 30 cents | 6% + 30 cents | 6% + 30 cents |
2.3.2. Feature
- Inventory Tracking: This POS sends automatic purchase orders, creates low-stock warnings, synchronizes sales and inventory between your retail locations, and facilitates bulk product transfers.
- Order Management: You can accept returns and exchanges at any retail location. Additionally, your buyers can have their items mailed or picked up in-store by your retail staff, which improves their happiness and shopping experience.
- Analytics: You can create informative reports on profits, sales, and more for insights. Moreover, it has a free CRM tool to collect important retail customer data, so that you can better understand their behaviors.
2.3.3. Hardware
Here’s a summary of Square POS retail hardware prices below:
- Non-contactless card reader to fit iPhone/Android (you can get your first one free): $10
- Contactless card reader for a chip or Apple Pay: $59
- Portable terminal: $299
- iPad stand (second gen) with built-in card reader: $149
- Square stand kit: $579
- Countertop POS Kit for Square Reader: $779
- Square register kit: $1,269
2.3.4. Payment method
The Square POS system has the ability to take payment via cash and credit card, but also by check, other Gift Card or Certificate, Cash App, Other Payment Type, etc.
You can accept payments anywhere customers are, such as at your counter or on the go, online stores. Besides, you can allow customers to pay in installments with Afterpay.
2.3.5. Pros & Cons
Pros | ✅ No startup costs ✅ Simple to use ✅ Stylish and modern hardware that makes an impression on visitors ✅ Robust inventory, analytics, and third-party integrations |
Cons | ❌ Fees for large transaction volumes are rising ❌ Options for support differ depending on the plan |
2.3.6. Who should use it
- Small brick-and-mortar stores or pop-up sellers
- Sellers looking to integrate with their online store
2.4. Epos Now: Best POS For Expanding Retail Stores
Who should use Epos Now? | – Businesses willing to pay up-front – Growing businesses looking to set up extra stores |
Who shouldn’t use Epos Now? | – Small retailers and pop-up sellers – Businesses looking to avoid hefty start-up costs |
Price from | One-time payment of $349 up front + a $79 monthly membership Processing fees: 2.6% + 0.10¢ |
Epos Now is among the top rated POS systems for retail companies that are just beginning to grow because it makes it simple for shops to open more locations.
2.4.1. Pricing
We discovered that a $349 up front plus a $79 monthly membership. Keep a look out for other pricing alternatives, though, as EPOS Now modifies its prices every week!
Besides, there is a fixed processing cost of 2.6% + 0.10¢ for all transactions if you use Epos Now Payments. For customized pricing, large businesses should get in touch with the Epos Now team.
2.4.2. Feature
- Customer management: You could create well-targeted promos and offer loyalty programs by updating and syncing consumer data between online and offline businesses. Keep customers informed of your new deals and urge them to shop at your retail business.
- Order & Inventory management: Barcode management, low-stock alerts, automated purchase orders, and other features allow you to track orders and manage thousands of products across channels and locations.
- Multi-location Management: Epos Now makes it simple to grow your point-of-sale system to handle more transactions and more locations. From a single, central dashboard, you can view data from your whole company, including stock levels and sales statistics.
2.4.3. Hardware
Here’s a summary of Epos Now POS retail hardware prices below:
- Pro Cash Drawer: $73
- Caller ID: starting at $120
- Staff Swipe Cards: $58
- Barcode scanners: starting at $73
- Receipt printers: starting at $250
2.4.4. Payment method
Even while Epos now includes a built-in payment processor, it may still interface with other third-party providers, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, to give users other payment options.
2.4.5. Pros & Cons
Pros | ✅ Retail-focused features ✅ Quick and easy set up ✅ Simple interface ✅ Numerous apps for expansion |
Cons | ❌ Only works with Epos Now devices ❌ Minimal personalization ❌ Cancellation costs ❌ No trial period |
2.4.6. Who should use it
- Businesses willing to pay up-front
- Growing businesses looking to set up extra stores
2.5. Clover POS: Best For Established Retail Stores
Who should use Clover POS? | – Medium to large retail stores – Businesses looking for low processing fees |
Who shouldn’t use Clover POS? | – Shops with limited or basic inventory – Retailers who are not interested in bundles of software and hardware |
Price from | Monthly fee: Starting from $13 per month Payment processing: Starting from 2.3% + 10¢ |
Clover POS is the best POS for retail that provides nearly every retail-focused feature in the book, including sophisticated tools like multi-site inventory management and in-house customer loyalty capabilities.
2.5.1. Pricing
For the retail sector, Clover POS offers three pricing tiers. The expenses of the Clover hardware needed for each plan are not included in the rates below.
| Starter | Standard | Advanced | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $13 per month | $170 per month | $225 per month |
| Transaction fees | 2.6% + 10¢ for card-present transactions3.5% + 10¢ for keyed-in transaction | 2.5% + 10¢ for card-present transactions3.5% + 10¢ for keyed-in transaction | 2.5% + 10¢ for card-present transactions3.5% + 10¢ for keyed-in transaction |
2.5.2. Feature
- In-house Customer Loyalty: You can create win-back campaigns to target inactive clients, offer birthday prizes, and personalize bonuses for loyal customers with the Clover prizes program.
- Data Analytics Tools: It enables you to view your sales across many locations and track sales performance in real-time. You can also keep the day-to-day on track with staff roles and permissions to see who is doing the best.
- Third-app Integrations: By selecting your favorite apps from Clover’s app store, you can expand the functionality of this top POS software for small retail shops. There are apps for payroll, hiring retail staff or launching marketing campaigns on retail customers.
2.5.3. Hardware
Here’s a summary of Clover POS retail hardware prices below:
- $599 for Clover Flex
- $799 for Clover Mini countertop POS
- $1,699-$1,799 for Clover Station full POS register package
2.5.4. Payment method
This best POS for retail stores accepts all of the main payment methods. They accept all credit/debit card, PIN debit, and EBT transactions in addition to cheques and gift cards. To pay, your customers can tap, swipe, or dip.
2.5.5. Pros & Cons
Pros | ✅ Quick and easy set up ✅ Good range of hardware options ✅ Highly customizable ✅ 24/7 support via emails and phones |
Cons | ❌ No free plans ❌ No training mode ❌ Clover POS software exclusively links with Clover hardware, which means you can’t use Clover gear if you move to other POS app suppliers. |
2.5.6. Who should use it
- Medium to large retail stores
- Businesses looking for low processing fees
3. How to Choose and Evaluate a Retail POS System
Selecting the best POS system for retail sector is essential to your company’s productivity and success. This part will assist you in assessing and choosing the ideal point-of-sale system for your requirements.
- Your company’s needs: You must understand your company first. To determine what you may require, take into account your business models, target clientele, scale, and future growth goals.
- POS Features: Choose the POS features that will help you achieve your company’s objectives, streamline operations, increase productivity, and please customers to increase sales.
- Cost and pricing structure: It goes without saying that you shouldn’t select the best POS for small retail store that you cannot afford. To get the greatest deal, we advise you to carefully examine the pricing structure and determine what is free and what is extra.
- Customer support: When it comes to the best POS systems for retail stores, quality customer service should not be overlooked. Since calling is typically the quickest way to have a problem fixed, we would advise selecting a point-of-sale system with a customer service phone line.
4. Conclusion
The best POS system for retail businesses can do more than just process in-store transactions. Our selected POS systems have unique powers to help you maximize business operations, boost productivity, and provide customers with a smooth, cross-channel, cross-location purchasing experience.
Choosing the best POS systems for retail is essential if you want to be the frontrunner in a growing retail market. Thus, take your time to examine each option in this eComStart blog.
Good luck!
5. FAQs
