Shopify POS System: Is It the Best Choice For Your Retail Business?

This Shopify POS System review will help you decide whether or not Shopify POS is the right choice for your business.

Shopify POS System: Table Review

Pros and cons of Shopify POS System

Pros of Shopify POS System

• Multichannel selling features: Shopify POS allows customization, easy checkout, custom discounts, digital receipts, and inventory tracking across multiple locations and sales channels.
• User-friendly interface: Shopify POS is easy to set up and has an intuitive design, making it accessible for new and experienced business owners.
• Extensive support resources: Shopify offers a variety of onboarding and support resources, including articles, webinars, community forums, video tutorials, and business courses.
• Mobile-friendly: Shopify POS has its own Shopify POS app. The Pro version even enables accepting payments on the go, accessing customer data, and checking product details while interacting with customers.
• Multiple payment methods, gift cards, and custom payments: Shopify POS allows for various payment options and gift card selling, increasing customer convenience.
• Offline processing capability: Shopify POS can process transactions offline, synchronizing with your inventory when back online.
• Discounts and promotions: Easily offer discounts on specific products or entire orders.
• App integration: Access to apps to enhance the point of sale system’s functionality.

Cons of Shopify POS System

• Limited offline capabilities: Credit cards cannot be processed when offline.
• Ecommerce focus: Shopify POS’s reliance on the e-commerce platform may not be suitable for some brick-and-mortar retailers or food-service businesses.
• Store-wide discounts: Applying store-wide discounts on groups of products can be time-consuming and manual.
• Extra costs for retail package: Users must pay an additional $49 per month for features like hardware integration and additional staff accounts.
• Basic analytics: Shopify POS’s analytics features are rather basic.

Shopify POS System: In-depth Review

Pricing

Software pricing

Shopify POS Lite Subscription

Shopify POS Lite is available for free to all existing Shopify subscribers (except the Shopify Starter Plan users), making it an incredibly cost-effective solution for those already using the platform for their ecommerce store.

• Basic: $39 per month
• Shopify: $105 per month
• Advanced: $399 per month

With no additional fees, you can access essential features such as:

• Mobile point of sale app
• Order and product management
• Customer profiles

If you are not on one of those Shopify subscription plans, you can click here to start your online store and access Shopify POS Lite for free.

Shopify POS Pro Subscription

Shopify POS Pro offers a comprehensive solution at a competitive price of $89 per month. The Pro version delivers exceptional value for money with its extensive range of tools and functionalities, including all Shopify POS Lite features and additional capabilities. You can click here to see the full features Shopify POS Pro offers.

With the ability to offer unlimited registers, we would call the Shopify POS System a big deal compared to other POS systems. Other point of sale systems, such as WooPOS, use a device-based pricing approach. They charge you based on the number of unique devices used. This could cost a fortune if you’re a big retailer and need many devices or users.

Both Shopify POS plans allow you to accept payments via credit cards, cash, and digital payment methods. With Shopify POS, you can use your iPhone or iPad, integrate with hardware accessories, and sync your orders, products, and customer information with your online store.

Hardware costs

With Shopify POS, you have the flexibility to customize your point of sale system to suit your store’s requirements by integrating compatible hardware devices, whether they’re in-house or third-party devices.

For instance, you can buy point of sale hardware like card readers, cash registers, and receipt printers through the Shopify website (their in-house devices). The following are the costs of some common POS hardware accessories:

• Barcode scanners: $229 - $329
• Label printers: $299 - $499
• Receipt printers: $299 - $369
• Cash drawers: $139 - $159

Moreover, Shopify also provides comprehensive solutions such as POS Go or a retail POS package that includes almost all the hardware components you need.

Ease of use

From most customer reviews on G2, Shopify POS is considered very easy to use. This makes it the ideal choice for your ecommerce business wishing to have a simple yet impactful point of sale system.

Intuitive User Interface

Shopify POS boasts a modern and sleek user interface that is designed with simplicity and usability in mind. It is easy to navigate, allowing even first-time users to get started with minimal guidance. This intuitive interface saves you precious time in training employees and ensures efficient daily operations.

Quick and Effortless Setup

Setting up Shopify POS is a breeze. The system seamlessly integrates with your existing Shopify online store, ensuring that your inventory, sales, and customer data are synced across all channels. With just a few clicks, you can have your POS system up and running in no time, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Mobile-Friendly System

Shopify POS offers its own Shopify POS app available for both Android and iOS smartphones, making it perfect for on-the-go business management. This mobile-friendly system allows you to process payments, access customer data, and check product details while interacting with customers, providing a more personalized shopping experience.

Seamless Hardware Integration

Shopify POS is compatible with a range of hardware devices, including cash drawers, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and card readers. The setup process is straightforward, allowing you to quickly connect your devices and start processing transactions.

App Integration and Customization

With access to thousands of Shopify apps, you can enhance the functionality of your Shopify POS System to meet your specific business needs. Whether you require advanced inventory management, in-depth analytics, or marketing tools, Shopify POS offers the flexibility to add these features with ease. Additionally, the system allows you to customize various aspects, such as emails, invoices, and online shop URLs, to provide a consistent brand experience.

Streamlined Inventory Management

Shopify POS simplifies inventory management by allowing you to add, edit, and categorize an unlimited number of products. The system also offers real-time inventory tracking across multiple retail locations, online stores, and sales channels. With automatic inventory syncing, you can avoid stock discrepancies and ensure accurate data across all platforms.

Hardware compatibility

Shopify POS is known for its exceptional compatibility with various hardware devices, making it a top choice for businesses seeking a versatile and adaptable point of sale system.

Support for Multiple Device Types

Shopify POS is designed to work seamlessly with a range of systems, including:

• Web-based platform
• iPhone app
• Android app

This compatibility allows you to choose the device that best suits your business needs and preferences—it could be an iPhone or a Samsung tablet—ensuring a tailored and efficient POS experience.

Third-Party Hardware Compatibility

In addition to supporting popular POS hardware, Shopify POS is also compatible with various third-party devices. This compatibility allows you to integrate specialized hardware, such as kitchen display systems, scales, and label printers, further enhancing the functionality and versatility of your point of sale system.

It’s worth noting that the Shopify POS System supports both in-house and third-party devices. While you can seamlessly integrate their in-house devices with your store, third-party devices must meet several compatibility specifications. To make it the quickest and most seamless to start, we recommend you purchase Shopify POS hardware.

Scalability

When it comes to choosing the right POS system, scalability is crucial for businesses seeking long-term growth. Among the various POS systems available in the market, Shopify POS stands out as a highly scalable solution.

Multi-Channel and Multi-Location Support

Shopify POS is designed to support businesses with multiple sales channels and locations. It allows you to sync orders, inventory, and customer data across online stores, physical retail locations, and other sales channels, such as social media or marketplaces. This seamless integration makes it easy to manage your business’s growth and expansion into new markets.

Advanced Inventory Management

As your business grows, efficient inventory management becomes increasingly important. Shopify POS provides advanced inventory management features, such as real-time tracking and automatic syncing across multiple locations and channels. This ensures that your inventory is always accurate and up-to-date, helping you make informed decisions about purchasing and restocking.

Customizable Reporting and Analytics

Shopify POS offers customizable reporting and analytics tools to help you track your business’s performance and identify areas for improvement. With the ability to generate reports based on various metrics, such as sales, customers, and products, you can gain valuable insights into your business’s growth and make data-driven decisions.

However, the analytics features of Shopify Point Of Sale are rather basic and straightforward. But some users would consider it simple and on point.

Streamlined Staff Management

As your business grows, you may need to onboard more employees to handle increased customer demand. Shopify POS makes staff management easy with features like role-based access control and individual staff accounts. This allows you to assign specific permissions to each employee, ensuring that they have access to the tools and information they need to perform their jobs efficiently.

Cloud-based vs. on-premise system

Shopify POS is a prime example of a cloud-based point of sale system that can greatly benefit your e-commerce business.

Real-Time Access to Data

Shopify POS, being a cloud-based system, allows you to access your business data in real-time from any device with an internet connection. This accessibility enables you to monitor sales, inventory, and customer data from anywhere, at any time, providing you with valuable insights to make informed business decisions.

Seamless Integration with Shopify E-commerce Platform

As a cloud-based solution, Shopify POS seamlessly integrates with the Shopify ecommerce platform, allowing you to sync your online and offline sales channels. This integration ensures that your inventory, customer information, and sales data are always up-to-date, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall efficiency.

Scalability and Flexibility

Cloud-based systems like Shopify POS offer unmatched scalability and flexibility for your e-commerce business. As your business grows, you can easily add new products, sales channels, and employees without the need for costly hardware upgrades or on-premise installations. This scalability ensures that your POS system can grow with your business, accommodating your changing needs.

Automatic Updates and Enhancements

With a cloud-based point of sale system like Shopify, you can enjoy the benefits of automatic updates and enhancements. This means that your system will always be up-to-date with the latest features, security patches, and improvements, ensuring that your business operates smoothly and securely.

Reduced IT Costs and Complexity

By choosing a cloud-based solution like Shopify POS, you can significantly reduce the IT costs and complexity associated with on-premise point of sale systems. There is no need for expensive hardware installations or ongoing maintenance, and you can rely on Shopify’s expert support team for any technical assistance you may need.

Enhanced Data Security and Backup

Shopify POS ensures the security of your business data through robust encryption methods and regular data backups. As a cloud-based system, your data is stored securely off-site, providing you with protection against potential on-site data breaches, hardware failures, or other threats.

Integration

Shopify POS offers access to an impressive selection of thousands of Shopify apps, catering to a wide range of needs and requirements. With such a vast array of options, you can easily find the perfect app to help you streamline your operations, boost sales, or enhance the customer experience.

Customer support

Shopify POS is renowned for its outstanding customer support, ensuring that users receive the assistance they need, whenever they need it.

24/7 Customer Support

Shopify POS offers round-the-clock customer support, providing you with the peace of mind that help is always available. Whether you’re dealing with a technical issue or have questions about the system’s features, Shopify’s support team is ready to assist you at any time, day or night.

Multiple Support Channels

To ensure that users can reach the support team in the most convenient way, Shopify POS offers multiple support channels, including:

• phone
• email
• live chat
• social media

This variety enables you to choose the communication method that best suits your needs and preferences, ensuring a seamless support experience.

Knowledgeable and Responsive Support Team

Shopify’s customer support team is known for its expertise in the e-commerce industry and its responsiveness in addressing user concerns. With extensive knowledge of the Shopify POS System, the support team can quickly identify and resolve any issues, minimizing downtime and helping you get back to running your business.

From my experience, it’s such a pleasure to get support from the Shopify support team. They are responsive and friendly, and more likely to give me the most comprehensive answer.

Comprehensive Resource Library

Shopify offers a wealth of resources to help users get the most out of their POS system. These resources include informational articles, webinars, community forums, video tutorials, and business courses. With access to such a comprehensive resource library, you can continually enhance your knowledge and skills, ensuring the successful operation of your e-commerce business.

Active Community Forums

Shopify’s active community forums provide a platform for users to connect, share experiences, and ask questions. By participating in these forums, you can learn from other Shopify POS users, discover new strategies, and find solutions to common challenges. The community-driven approach fosters a sense of collaboration and support among Shopify POS users.

Security

Shopify POS has robust security features, ensuring that your e-commerce business operates securely and efficiently.

PCI DSS Compliance

Shopify POS is fully compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), ensuring that your customers’ credit card information is securely stored, processed, and transmitted. This compliance provides your business and customers with peace of mind, knowing that transactions made through Shopify POS are secure and protected from potential data breaches.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption

Shopify POS uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology to protect sensitive data transmitted between your POS system and Shopify’s servers. This advanced encryption method ensures that your customers’ payment information and your business’s financial data remain secure during every transaction.

Fraud Prevention and Monitoring

Shopify POS offers built-in fraud prevention and monitoring tools that help protect your business from fraudulent transactions. These tools include machine learning algorithms that analyze customer behavior and transaction patterns to identify potential fraud. If a suspicious transaction is detected, Shopify’s support team will work with you to address the issue and safeguard your business.

Regular Security Updates and Patches

Shopify is committed to maintaining the security of its POS system through regular updates and patches. By staying up-to-date with the latest security threats and vulnerabilities, Shopify ensures that your POS system remains secure and protected from potential attacks.

Secure Hardware

The hardware used with Shopify POS, such as card readers and barcode scanners, is designed with security in mind. Shopify’s card readers are equipped with end-to-end encryption, safeguarding your customers’ payment information from the moment their card is swiped or tapped.

Role-Based Access Control

Shopify POS provides role-based access control, allowing you to assign specific permissions to each staff member. This ensures that employees can only access the features and information they need to perform their jobs, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

To further enhance the security of your Shopify POS account, two-factor authentication (2FA) can be enabled. This additional layer of security requires users to verify their identity with a secondary method, such as a text message or authentication app, ensuring that only authorized users can access your account.

2023 POS System Trends: How to Stay Ahead in the Retail Landscape

Here are the trends you should watch to keep your business at the forefront of point of sale innovation and how the Shopify POS System could be a part of your future:

Cashless and Touchless Transactions on the Rise

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of cashless and touchless payment options due to hygiene concerns. Tap-and-go cards and digital wallets have become essential for ensuring safe, fast, and convenient transactions. With 51% of Americans now using contactless payments and 67% of retailers incorporating this technology in 2020, this trend shows no sign of slowing down.

Shopify POS does keep up with this trend. It supports a wide range of payment methods, including contactless options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. This allows businesses to offer their customers a safe, fast, and convenient payment experience in line with the growing preference for cashless and touchless transactions.

Handy POS Hardware and Software

The bulky and stationary POS systems of the past are being replaced with more advanced and portable hardware, providing greater flexibility for businesses. In 2023, we can expect to see increased use of smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth technology, secure order pickup lockers, electronic shelf labels, and intelligent self-checkout solutions.

Luckily, Shopify POS offers a modern and user-friendly interface that works seamlessly with various hardware devices, including tablets and smartphones. The system can be integrated with barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, and more, providing businesses with the flexibility and efficiency they need to keep up with advanced POS hardware and software trends.

Cloud-based POS Systems Lead the Way

Cloud technology has transformed the business landscape, and cloud-hosted POS systems will continue to thrive in 2023. These systems allow for seamless updates and integration, secure data backup, and storage. Additionally, they are more affordable, usually offered as software-as-a-service (SaaS), making them accessible to businesses with budget limitations.

As said earlier, Shopify POS is a cloud-based system, enabling businesses to manage their operations from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows for easy updates, secure data storage, and seamless integration with other business processes, making it a future-proof solution in line with the growing demand for cloud-hosted POS systems.

Embracing Mobility

Thanks to cloud technology, POS systems can now function on mobile devices over the Internet, providing flexibility and enhanced productivity. The shift from traditional centralized computer stations to mobile devices offers businesses the opportunity to serve customers more efficiently.

As a mobile-friendly system, the Shopify POS System can be accessed on mobile devices, allowing businesses to serve customers anywhere within their store or at offsite events. This mobility ensures an efficient and personalized customer experience, meeting the increasing demand for flexible POS solutions.

Evolution of Self-service Kiosks and Infrastructure

Cloud technology has also facilitated advancements in self-service infrastructure. We will see a greater emphasis on self-service checkouts, restaurant ordering/payment systems, and innovative storefronts like Amazon Go in 2023. These technologies offer convenience, cost-effectiveness, and minimize errors in the ordering and checkout process.

Although Shopify POS doesn’t offer self-service kiosks directly, the platform can be integrated with various third-party apps that support self-service options. This allows businesses to stay ahead of the trend by offering innovative self-service solutions to their customers.

Personalized Shopping Experience

By leveraging customer data, businesses can offer tailored messages, offers, and products based on individual preferences. Ensuring seamless navigation between applications and communication channels, as well as connecting customers with the right resources, will be a priority for businesses looking to enhance the customer experience in 2023.

Shopify POS seamlessly integrates with the Shopify ecommerce platform, enabling businesses to leverage customer data for personalized marketing campaigns and promotions. This ensures a consistent and tailored shopping experience for customers, both online and in-store, aligning with the trend of delivering personalized customer experiences.

Staying ahead of these POS system trends in 2023 will help businesses adapt to the ever-changing retail landscape, and as we can see, the Shopify POS System is leading the way to the future.

Who Should Use Shopify POS System?

The Shopify POS System is most beneficial for:

• Small to medium-sized businesses: Shopify POS is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective, reliable, and scalable POS solution that can grow with them.
• Retail stores: Brick-and-mortar retailers of all sizes and types can benefit from Shopify POS, whether they sell clothing, electronics, or any other consumer goods.
• Pop-up shops and event vendors: Businesses that operate at temporary locations, such as markets or events, can take advantage of Shopify POS’s mobile capabilities.
• Sales associates and store managers: Employees working on the sales floor or managing retail operations can benefit from using Shopify POS to streamline their daily tasks.

Shopify POS System: FAQs

Can I use Shopify POS outside the US?

Yes, Shopify POS is available for use in multiple countries, not just the United States. However, payment processing options and supported hardware may vary by region.

What hardware can I use with Shopify POS?

Shopify POS is compatible with various hardware devices, including cash drawers, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and card readers. If you use a third-party device with Shopify POS, you need to check the specification requirements to see if that device is compatible with Shopify POS software.

Can I run Shopify POS on PCs?

Yes, you can run Shopify POS on PCs, but it is just a web-based version, not software.

Can I use Shopify POS on my phone?

Yes, Shopify POS is available for both Android and iOS smartphones, allowing you to process payments, access customer data, and check product details on the go.

Does Shopify POS take a percentage of sales?

Shopify POS does not take a percentage of your sales. However, transaction fees apply through your payment method, with rates depending on various factors like your subscription plan and your location.

What Payment Methods Can Customers Use?

Shopify POS allows customers to use various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, gift cards, and custom payment methods like checks.

Can you use Shopify POS without a card reader?

Yes, you can use Shopify POS without a card reader by manually setting up a payment gateway and entering card details. However, using a card reader is more efficient and secure for processing card payments.

Can Shopify POS scan barcodes?

Yes, Shopify POS can scan barcodes using a compatible barcode scanner or the device’s built-in camera. This feature helps streamline product management and inventory tracking.

Conclusion

The Shopify POS System is a comprehensive, feature-rich, and user-friendly solution designed to streamline and optimize your retail business operations. Its powerful integration capabilities, cloud-based infrastructure, affordable pricing, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware devices make it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.