This is how it works. You'll receive your Shopify POS app to download to your smart device. This enables you to sell all the merchandise you usually sell on your online Shopify store, in-person.
It's simple.
Shopify POS Lite (or Shopify POS) is the standard version of the solution, and it comes as part of all SHopify packages.
Just flick through your Shopify product catalog, and select the product(s) the shopper wants to buy, process their credit card, and provide them with a receipt.
You can do all that with the help of Shopify POS.
Needless to say, Shopify POS integrates near-on every aspect of your online and in-person sales via its platform.
Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about Shopify's point of sale solution!
What's Shopify POS?
As you probably already know, Shopify‘s (read our Shopify reviews) one of the most popular online sales platforms around. Since 2005 it's been a significant player in the e-commerce industry. However, since 2013, they branched into the world of brick-and-mortar retail with their Shopify POS app.
In short, Shopify POS is an app you can download to either your iOS or Android devices. It's a fantastic system for enabling business owners to sell products in person- from almost anywhere. Whether you're selling merchandise at a local market or from your brick and mortar store, Shopify POS is a great option.
You can use this app to create a shopping cart for each of your customers, accept payment (using a wide variety of methods), and produce recipients- all from the convenience of either your smartphone or iPad.
The beauty of this app is that it syncs with your online Shopify store. That way you can track and manage both your orders and your inventory across all your sales channels.
You should note: if you want to start adding hardware to this system (like a chip and pin machine), you'll need the pricier payment plans, i.e., the ‘Shopify plan' or higher (more on these later…).
Shopify POS or Shopify POS Pro?
Shopify POS comes in two different flavors, depending on what you need. If you’re looking for ease of use from your POS system, and you don’t want to pay extra for payment processing, the standard Shopify POS might be perfect for you.
There’s no extra cost on top of your Shopify package for Shopify POS as a standard package, The “Lite” version, as it’s called, is included with all Shopify plans. Features include:
- Email cart add-on
- Product QR codes
- External card terminals
- Gift cards and discounts
- Partial payments
- Split tenders
- Custom payment types
- Popular payment method support
- Low in-person card rates
- Shopify hardware integration
- Cash flow management tools
- No hidden fees
- POS hardware
- POS software
- Connectivity screens
- Free shipping and returns for POS tools
- Compatible accessories
- Customized checkout
- Global search
- Mobile checkout
- Taxes
- Custom discounts
- Custom receipts
The feature list goes on forever, which is part of why Shopify has such amazing user reviews. Along with things like a free SSL certificate and powerful builder, you also get a comprehensive POS with minimal transaction fees.
If you want a more advanced experience, you can upgrade to Shopify POS Pro. This state-of-the-art POS comes with everything that you get from Shopify POS, as well as some added extras like:
- Pick up in store purchasing
- Shipping support
- Custom receipts
- Save/retrieve cart options
- Unlimited staff support
- Stock adjustments
- Purchase orders, inventory counts, inventory tracking
- Sale item suggestions
- Detailed inventory reports
- Cash tracking and sales reports
- Demand forecasting
- Low stock reports
And so much more.
How Do I Get up and Running with Shopify POS?
First things first, you need to install the Shopify POS app. If you already have a Shopify account, you'll be prompted to log in. So, go ahead and do that.
Then the app will automatically fill up with all the products you sell. If you don't already have an account with Shopify, utilize your free trial. Even if you don't sell online, you'll still need a Shopify account because this acts as the dashboard of your Shopify POS system.
You'll be pleased to hear; there isn't a limit to the number of products you can create. However, there's a cap on the amount of products you can list before your device starts exhibiting performance issues. Also, there's a limit to the number of locations you can sell at. Flexibility on this largely depends on the payment plan you've opted for.
For your convenience, Shopify POS works alongside a mixture of retail hardware, including:
- Cash drawers,
- iPad stands,
- Receipt printers,
- Barcode scanners,
You can utilize Shopify POS while using multiple cash registers in unison because you're able to install the app on numerous devices (at no extra charge). Plus, your store activity from across all your devices syncs automatically with your Shopify admin.
However, if you don't boast these kinds of gadgets, you can still process sales without them. With Shopify POS you can set up custom payment options like- cash, debit cards, and IOU's, etc.
Although, if you're using Shopify POS for Android rather than iOS, you'll need to use a Swipe card reader. Whereas, with an iPad or an iPhone, all you need is the Shopify POS app and a Shopify account.
Shopify POS Review: What Payment Methods Can Customers Use?
If you're using an iPad or an iPhone, customers can use virtually any method of payment. In the US and Canada, customers can just swipe their credit cards to make a transaction.
Alternatively, if you're running your business from the UK or Ireland, you can take contactless payments and credit cards using the EMV-compliant Tap, Chip, and Swipe card reader.
However, if you're operating outside these countries, you'll have to pay for an external credit card terminal from a reputable payment processor.
You can also offer a split payment option for your customers (if you're using your iPad or iPhone). It's pretty easy to permit customers to use numerous payment methods to pay for a single transaction.
Shopify POS Pricing
Shopify POS offers a convenient checkout solution for Shopify users. The Shopify POS included with all Shopify plans. That means that no matter which version of Shopify you go for, you’re still going to get your own POS system thrown in.
The version of Shopify POS included with all plans is just the standard POS. This includes features like:
- Customer profiles for better customer service
- Product and order management for your small business
- A mobile POS and hardware accessories
- In-person rates for credit cards starting at around 2.4% plus 0 cents
The Shopify Lite Plan
This will set you back $9 per month. However, you won't get an online store as part of this package.
Unfortunately, this plan lumps its customers with the most expensive credit card rates. You'll be charged 2.7% for every purchase you make. You'll also have to use one of Shopify's payment gateways.
However, on the plus side, you can register an unlimited number of products and use as many devices as you want. Plus, if you run into trouble you have access to their customer support services, 24.7- yay!
The Basic Shopify Plan
This package is the next level up and costs $29 per month. However, unlike the ‘Lite Plan,' you'll get a digital store. When you make a sale online credit card rates stand at 2.9% + 30¢. Whereas, in-person transactions boast the same rate as the ‘Lite Plan.'
This bundle gives you all the same perks as the ‘Lite Plan' in addition to two staff accounts and Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter sales channels.
The Shopify Plan
This bundle shoots up in price; it'll set you back a whopping $79 per month. You'll get all the benefits of the ‘Basic Shopify Plan,' however, your credit card rates are far more reasonable:
- Online store: 2.6% + 30¢
- In-person: 2.5% + 0¢
- Additional fee for external payment gateway: 1.0%
You'll also get:
- Five staff accounts
- Professional reports
- Abandoned cart recovery
The Advanced Shopify Plan
This is the second most exhaustive of all the payment options. It costs a hefty $299 per month.
Unsurprisingly, it boasts the best credit card rates of all the payment plans listed:
- In-person sales: 2.4% + 0¢
- Online sales: 2.4% + 30¢
- Am additional fee for using an external payment gateway: 0.5%
In addition to everything in the Shopify Plan, you'll also enjoy:
- 15 staff accounts
- Gift cards
- An advanced report builder
- Third-party calculated shipping rates
The Shopify Plus Plan
This is the most elaborate payment plan and is ideal for large-scale businesses. It's tailor-made to suit your needs so you'll have to contact Shopify to iron out the details.
One of the biggest benefits of Shopify Plus is that it also comes with the more advanced version of Shopify POS. Along with crucial features like discount codes for customer loyalty, a powerful ecommerce platform and options to sell through social media, Shopify Plus also includes Shopify POS Pro.
Shopify POS Pro pricing
While Shopify POS comes as part of the package with all Shopify plans, there is a way to upgrade the features and functionality that you get. Shopify POS Pro is the upgraded version of the standard point of sale from Shopify.
To access the advanced version of Shopify POS, you’ll need to buy one of the Shopify packages, then pay an extra fee of $89 per month per location. That means that the more stores you want to support with Shopify POS pro, the more you pay.
Although the Pro version of Shopify POS is a little pricey, it comes with extra features that you just can’t get with the basic service. This includes support for:
- Unlimited store staff
- Unlimited registers
- Intelligent inventory management
- Omnichannel selling
- Staff permissions and roles
- Omnichannel selling features
- In-Store analytics
If you already have Shopify Plus, then you won’t need to pay any extra to access all of those features. POS Pro is included as part of the experience.
Things To Note…
The prices listed here DON'T include state sales tax- so you'll need to factor that into your budget. However, you might be pleased to hear that by opting for their annual plan, Shopify will reward you with a 10% discount, and a 20% discount if you purchase the biannual plan.
Each pricing plan comes with the option of adding the “Retail Package” this costs an additional $49 per month and includes:
- Hardware integrations
- Staff accounts
- Register shifts
If you haven't already got a Shopify account, you can enjoy a two-week free trial. You don't have to register your credit card- so you won't get any surprise charges to your account!
The Benefits of Shopify POS
Overall, the benefits of Shopify POS are as follows:
- You can enjoy a high-quality service with a reasonable pricing structure.
- The design of the software is user-friendly.
- Their customer support is second to none.
- Shopify is continually updating their app to tackle any issues as quickly as possible.
- This software syncs instantly with your online Shopify store.
- Flexibility: Shopify POS offers you a ton of flexibility. There are five different POS tiers and numerous features at your disposal. As such, there's bound to be a POS solution that suits both the needs of your business and your budget.
- Free hardware: We love that Shopify's point of sale users save a lot of money on POS hardware when they opt for either the Shopify or Shopify Advanced plan. You'll receive a free cash drawer, receipt printer, and barcode scanner! Needless to say, this deal saves you a pretty penny or two on what's usually considered to be expensive hardware.
- Use more than one payment method: Shopify POS allows customers to use more than one payment method when making a single transaction.
- Gift cards: If you want to start selling gift cards to your customers (and we strongly suggest you do!), you can do so, effortlessly. With Shopify POS you can either email your customers their gift card or print one of using your receipt printer.
- You can process transactions offline: You can still make sales even without internet access. Then when you next go online, the in-person sales you created will automatically synchronize with the entirety of your Shopify inventory.
- Custom payments: For the convenience of your customers, you can create personalized payment methods. As such, you can accept cheques and other more obscure payment methods.
- Discounts: When you use Shopify POS you can offer shoppers special discounts and promotions on specific products. Alternatively, you can apply a discount to an entire order.
- Apps: You'll have access to over 2,400 apps, so if you want to increase the functionality of your POS solution you're free to do so.
- Customization options: Shopify's point of sale software also allows you to personalize your existing emails, your invoices, and your online shop URL.
- Daily outputs: Shopify's POS allows you to keep a close eye on your every day totals; this is essential for monitoring your bottom line.
Shopify POS is Incredibly Easy to Use
When it comes to design, Shopify POS is top-notch. Navigating through the software is incredibly easy. Once you open the app, both the front-end and back-end features are incredibly simple to understand.
This makes this app a fabulous solution for merchants that neither have the time nor the expertise to get to grips with complicated systems. With just a few clicks of a button you can:
- Run reports,
- Add customers,
- Import products,
- Set variations,
- Make sales,
You can literally be up and running within the hour!
Shopify POS Review: Reporting
Shopify POS gives users access to several analytics tools, including:
- A dashboard to track sales, orders, and traffic patterns.
- Product reports: these tell you which items are your best sellers.
- The ability to filter your sales by staff members, location, date, customers, etc.
- All your reports can be exported and converted into spreadsheets.
Shopify POS Review: Integrations
There are so many integrations to choose from. There's an app for almost everything. From accounting tools to software to help promote your store- there's bound to be something you can make use of!
Alternatively, if you're a coding whizz, you can craft your own apps using Shopify’s API.
However, although the number of integrations Shopify offers is impressive, some of these plugins cost money- so factor that into your budget.
Shopify POS Review: Customer Service
If you get stuck, don't panic- Shopify offers their user's free 24/7 tech support. You can choose to reach out to their customer service team via live chat, email, or telephone.
On the whole, their live chat service is usually quick to respond, and they typically provide handy and friendly advice. However, their email support takes a little while longer- yet, they often get back to you within 24 hours.
Shopify POS Review: Store Management
You can manage the entirety of your store from the back end of your Shopify account. For example, when it comes to refunds, you can give customers their money back via their original method of payment with great ease. (You should note: this option is only available on the Shopify and Shopify Advanced payment plans).
Additionally, with these same bundles, you can keep an eye on all adjustments made to your cash float in addition to any changes in staff. The same is true of staff PINs; you can craft various secure pin codes for your employees to use- that way you can monitor all cash register activity via these unique numbers.
You can also track your order history (both online and offline). To help you find a specific order, you can filter through these transactions by customer, product, or date.
Shopify POS Review: Manage Your Customers
When a new customer makes a purchase, the software automatically creates a new customer profile. This is amazing for getting a better insight into your consumer's shopping habits.
It doesn't matter where your prospects placed their order; your order history is tracked and synced with your Shopify store.
If you need to access your customer's contact info or order history, you can load this data with just a few clicks of the mouse. This is amazing for conducting email marketing campaigns– Use these email addresses to communicate with your following and build a rapport.
For example, you could send out an email blast informing customers of any promotions you're hosting. Alternatively, you might provide them with useful content to help build trust with your email list. There are tons of things you can do with this resource!
Shopify on Mobile
If you're an entrepreneur on the go, then you'll be pleased to hear there are lots of things you can do using Shopify POS from your mobile device.
For example, you can access your Shopify dashboard to handle anything that needs your attention, quickly and efficiently. You can also manage your product inventory- i.e., adding, modifying, and deleting products from your catalog.
The Disadvantages of Shopify POS
Like any software, Shopify POS has a few drawbacks. Here are some of the main issues associated with this app:
- According to users, some of the inventory features are lacking- this might be because the software is still a tad buggy. Many customers complain these errors disrupt their user experience. In addition to this, some consumers say they'd like to see a low-stock alert.
- Their offline mode isn't as proficient as their online settings. For example, you can't process credit cards when you're offline.
- If you want to apply a store-wide discount to a group of products, the process is pretty arduous. All of your deductions have to be handled manually- this is pretty time-consuming if you have a ton of goods on sale.
- As we've already said, you'll have to pay an extra $49 per month for the “Retail Package.” This gives you access to extra features like tracking, hardware integrations, additional staff accounts, etc. Some users claim these standard POS features should at least be included in the more expensive payment plans.
- Last but not least, the analytics features could do with improving. The standard reports are incredibly basic. Even if you’ve opted for one of their more advanced packages, their reports don't compare to that of their competitors.
Shopify POS: Hardware & Operating System Requirements
If you want to use Shopify POS, you'll need the correct hardware in place. Otherwise, you won't be able to process customer payments- albeit cash or card.
If you want specialized hardware designed explicitly for brick and mortar style stores, you'll have to upgrade to Shopify's ‘Shopify plan' or higher. This allows you to integrate the Shopify POS software with devices like barcode scanners, receipt printers, label printers, scales, and cash registers, etc.
Shopify's Point of Sale Solution: Card Readers
The card reader you opt for largely depends on your location, the payment provider you're using, and the device you're utilizing to run the Shopify POS app.
Shopify POS supports its card readers:
- The Tap, Chip, and Swipe card reader
- The Moneris iPP320 terminal
- The Tap and Chip reader
- The Chip and Swipe reader
- The Swipe card readers
All of the above integrate with Shopify POS. When you make a payment via Shopify's point of sale solution, the details of the purchase show up in your Shopify dashboard.
To use Shopify's supported card readers, you have to fulfill the following requirements (the only exception is the Moneris iPP320):
Your brick and mortar store needs to be located in the U.S., the U.K., Canada or Ireland.
You need to utilize either Shopify Payments or some other third-party payment provider supported by Shopify POS.
Shopify's POS: FAQs
Here’s a few quick frequently asked questions surrounding Shopify’s point of sale and their answers:
How Much Does Shopify POS Cost?
Their ‘Basic Shopify' plan provides you with all the fundamentals you need to kickstart a new brand. This will cost you $29 per month.
Whereas the ‘Shopify' package provides you with plenty of tools to grow your business, and this will set you back $79 a month.
Lastly, the ‘Advanced Shopify' plan is best for entrepreneurs looking to scale their business and costs $299 per month.
How Does Shopify POS Work?
In short, Shopify POS is an app for entrepreneurs selling online via a Shopify store. Business owners can download the Shopify POS app to either their iOS or Android device. This software enables you to process transactions in traditional brick and mortar stores and pop-up style stalls.
From the convenience of your Shopify admin dashboard, you can handle all the background management and POS functionalities of both your Shopify store and in-person selling ventures.
Does Square POS work with Shopify?
No, unfortunately, Square POS isn't compatible with Shopify POS.
Can you use iZettle with Shopify?
No, unfortunately, iZettle isn't compatible with Shopify's point of sale solution.
What Methods of Payment Can my Customers Use with Shopify POS?
If you're using Shopify POS alongside your iPad or iPhone, you can accept virtually any payment method. In the US and Canada, you can swipe credit cards. Whereas, if you’re operating in either the US, the UK, or Ireland, you can accept both credit cards and contactless payments via the EMV-compliant Tap, Chip, and Swipe card reader.
Whereas, if you're using an Android device to fuel the Shopify POS app, you can accept cash, credit, and swipe credit cards using the Swipe card reader.
Can I Use Shopify POS Outside the US?
In short, yes.
If you want to use Shopify POS outside of the US and your store’s based in either the US, Canada, the UK, or Ireland, you can still use Shopify POS. Just utilize the Shopify card reader to process your customer’s credit card payments. You can do this anywhere around the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
What Hardware Can I Use with Shopify POS?
If you’re operating your business from the US, Canada, the UK, or Ireland, you can either purchase a hardware kit or individual devices from Shopify’s Hardware Store.
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, Shopify doesn’t sell their hardware kits outside of these countries. So, you’ll have to buy supported hardware from an authorized reseller.
Alternatively, if you already own some retail hardware, you might need to migrate from the platform you’re currently using to Shopify POS in order to re-use your existing hardware.
What Are Others Saying About Shopify POS?
Currently, Shopify POS boasts a 3.1 out of 5-star review on the Shopify app store (out of 71 reviews). However, it's safe to say the comments are a pretty mixed bag. Here is a quick sample of what users have to say about this software:
‘This works well for us! The only complaint we have is that it always defaults to credit and we have to back out to get to cash. Causes us to have to press 2 extra buttons on each and every sale. Not a big deal but when busy the time starts to add up. Would be great if there was just a cash or credit button.' Jps Bears
I use this for my POS in my retail store. It works well on everything accept discounts. It will not apply automatic discounts in the POS. I hate this because I know all the programming is there, as it does it in the online store. Why not the POS??? Lincoln City Gifts
‘This is a great tool to keep both of my in-person and online sales seamless! The hardware options are great too!' Brew Lucky
‘The product was delivered in a very timely manner and worked perfectly. I am a happy camper.'Newmodeus
‘This does not work with something most all businesses have, a computer. You read that right. It only works on tablets and phones. We moved our website over to Shopify after talking with their phone support only to find this out after we launched our site. VERY DISAPPOINTING! The duplicate data entry continues for us.' Biggs Ltd
Viable Shopify POS Alternatives
If you’re looking for a few viable Shopify POS alternatives, then check out the list below:
Shopify POS Alternative: iZettle
iZettle provides a POS solution that comes with a cash register, inventory tracker, and analytics tools. It's a one-stop shop for any entrepreneur wanting to sell their merchandise using a system that's both affordable and pleasing to the eye.
Shopify POS Alternative: SumUp
If you're looking for a mobile point-of-sale solution, this could be the POS software for you. They've been up and running for six years and are the chosen POS solution for hundreds of thousands of small brands across 31 different countries- so it's safe to say, they certainly know a thing or two about the industry.
SUmUP also offers users a unique device where entrepreneurs only need a smartphone to process in-person orders. This makes it a fabulous option for smaller merchants wanting to accept and process card payments while they're on the run.
Not only has the Financial Conduct Authority authorized SumUp as a Payment Institution it's also Europay, Mastercard, Visa, and PCI-DSS certified. So, you can be confident in the knowledge that all your customer's payments are processed to the highest possible security standards.
Shopify POS Alternative: Bindo POS
If you're a local retailer, then Bindo POS is a terrific solution for you. They offer an iPad and iPhone point-of-sale solution which is super easy for business owners to use. You can add and manage your product inventory within minutes all from the convenience of the Bindo POS cloud.
This POS system also helps to extend your reach online by providing your customers with an app. Through this app, you can connect with local shoppers and enable customers to purchase with an option for same-day delivery.
You should also note: Just like Shopify POS, Bindo POS also ensures your in-store and online transactions remain synchronized in real-time. So, you'll always know you're looking at an up to date version of your inventory. You'll also get access to plenty of analytics tools, including the following metrics- profits, sales, consumer behavior, etc.
Shopify POS Alternative: Square POS
Square (read our Square reviews) focuses on simplicity. So, if you're looking for an easy to use POS solution, Square POS is another excellent choice. Plus, it's not too pricey. Depending on which plan you opt for, you'll get a little white card reader to process in-person payments. However, if you choose one of Square's newer readers, you can accept both chip and PIN transactions as well as contactless payments.
Shopify POS Alternative: Lightspeed POS
Lightspeed POS (read our Lightspeed review) provides products and services to retailers that allow them to make data-driven decisions. With this kind of info at their fingertips, they can provide the best possible consumer experience for their customers.
Lightspeed POS provides a cloud-based point of sale solution boasting tons of features and integrations that ensure an impressive level of functionality. This software is better suited to mid-sized and larger independent brands.
Shopify POS Alternative: Air POS
Air POS (read our Air POS review) is a straightforward point of sale system. It doesn't matter whether you want to take cash payments from your customers or contactless card transactions; this software handles it all. That's in addition to inventory management, integration with all major accounting programs, and sales reporting.
Air POS works on iPad, Android, and Windows devices, so you should be able to get this software to work alongside your hardware and credit card readers. Alternatively, Air POS also offers till setups, printers, card readers and barcode scanners, which you'll receive the next working day (should you order one).
Who Should Use Shopify POS?
If you're a brick and mortar store and you're already using Shopify to sell online, you should definitely consider using Shopify POS. This platform will seamlessly sync all the products you're selling on your eCommerce store, with your brick and mortar inventory- at a relatively affordable price.
If you have any experience using Shopify POS let us know in the comments. We'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the subject- speak soon!
And don't forget to check out our full Shopify Review.
The post Shopify POS Review (July 2020): Is it the Best Point of Sale System & Retail POS? appeared first on Ecommerce Platforms.
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