The Best POS Systems for Retail Shops

There are many point of sales (POS) systems available, but not all are suitable for every industry. These programs differ in nature, and there are some that have been particularly made for certain sectors. Therefore, it’s essential for retail shop owners to carefully choose a POS system that comes with all the features they may require.

Traditional POS systems which were used on local servers and didn’t require an internet connection are barely seen in stores nowadays. All the data was stored on local networks and could only be accessed from that particular computer. However, after the start of the new millennium, businesses switched over to cloud POS systems which lowered their average cost. These systems can be accessed from any device through the internet.

In fact, with the rise in mobile usage, many people have started buying mobile point of sales (mPOS) systems, which are cloud-based.  In 2016, a report showed that traditional POS sales saw a decline of 2.5% per year, while mPOS sales grew at 9.2% per year.

The following are some of the best POS systems we recommend for retail shop owners to use.

1. ShopKeep

• Hybrid system
• User-friendly
• iPad or iPad mini
• SMBs of food or beverages
• Round the clock support

It’s basically a mobile app that is operated via an iPad or iPad mini. The hybrid system app offers an excellent inventory management feature that lets you keep track of your stock at all times. The software provides 24/7/365 support to its customers so if you ever face any technical issues, you know which door to knock.

One of the key features of ShopKeep is that it helps you remain updated with alerts regarding your stock. You can set reorder reminders which will trigger, how much, what, and from which vendor to order when a particular stock reaches a minimum point.

2. ERPLY

• Hybrid system
• Easy to use
• Strong customer management features
• Operates on any computer with an internet connection
• Best for SMBs

This POS system is popular because it’s a software you can use in-house. Similar to traditional POS, this one is also only accessible on a computer. However, with its advanced features that improve your stock and supply-chain management, small and medium businesses are comfortable using it. ERPLY offers both phone and email support and integrates almost every credit card processor.

3. Vend

• Cloud-based
• Works on Google Chrome
• Inventory management
• Best for SMBs
• Enterprise plan

Vend is the all-in-one POS solution for your small retail business. The advanced multichannel inventory management helps you keep track of all your stock. You can easily create your own barcodes and manage all your customers. You can even launch a loyalty program to increase your sales through this system. Vend is compatible on all devices as long as you can open Google Chrome on them. Additionally, it also has an iPad app as a more mobile option.

4. Quetzal

• Hybrid system
• Best for small clothing and shoe retailers
• Inventory management with matrix
• Integrates with e-Commerce

Quetzal was initially created as an iPad app, but it can also be used on a web browser. This easy to use software offers 24/7 service with 12 hours of live call support. You can initiate a customer loyalty program and create an employee leaderboard to motivate both your workers and prospects. The software also has an inventory system that has a shoe and clothing matrix. Quetzal is the perfect option for apparel and footwear retailers.

5. Lightspeed Retail

• Hybrid system
• Purchase ordering
• Mobile application
• Suitable for all business sizes
• Robust reporting features

An old software in the POS industry, it is currently being used by over 50,000 businesses around the world. Lightspeed Retail was announced in 2005, but its cloud version was launched in 2013. Since then it has evolved to become one of the best POS systems. It offers 24/7 customer support and helps in managing both, employees and inventory.

6. Bindo

• Cloud-based
• Compatible with iPad
• Integrates with e-Commerce and accounting
• Businesses of all sizes can use it

Bindo is a tremendous retail POS option because it offers excellent features that improve management of your business. You can easily create a loyalty program, manage purchase orders, create gift cards, and create a wide variety of reports to analyze your business performance.

7. Shopify POS

• Hybrid system
• Mobile app
• SMBs
• Best for eCommerce businesses

When you hear ‘Shopify’, you think of Shopify’s online eCommerce solution. However, they’ve also made a move towards brick-and-mortar retail with Shopify POS system, considered one of the top options. It’s best for SMBs that are running online stores, especially those that are managed through the Shopify network. With its seamless Shopify integrations, merchants can streamline their operations, synchronize inventory, and manage orders efficiently. Though their inventory management feature doesn’t offer a low stock alert, the free 24/7 customer support can help you solve any queries.

8. Ring It Up

• Installed locally
• Offers cloud-based capabilities
• Mobile app for iPhone and iPad
• Built-in scanner
• For small retail businesses

Ring It Up is a cost-effective software that requires a one-time payment only. It offers customizable invoices, integrated barcode scanner, purchase ordering, and unlimited transitions. It also lets you keep a backup of all your data on Dropbox to keep it safe from getting corrupted.

9. Square

• Cloud-based
• Compatible with both iOS and Android
• SMBs (retail shops and restaurants)
• User-friendly
• Purchase order creation and management
• Real-time inventory tracking

Square is known for being a convenient and straightforward POS solution. It features customer and employment management and also helps you keep track of all your receipts and inventory. You can easily edit your customer base and also launch a loyalty program.

10. Franpos

• Cloud-based
• Compatible with almost all devices
• Let’s you create your own website
• Strong customer support
• Suitable for businesses of all sizes

Formerly known as iConnect POS, it has quickly become one of the best. Even though Franpos is at the bottom of our list, the way the creators of the system are launching new updates and hi-end features, it won’t take long for it to reach the top. It even lets you create your own website to expand your business’ reach.

Takeaway

With so many POS system providers in the market, you need to choose the one that suits your business the most and offers the best features. You also need to keep your eyes on the pricing plans as you wouldn’t want your monthly expenditure to rise above your income. The retail POS systems we have mentioned are the best ones to choose from. Pick one today and run your business efficiently.