Top 8 Best POS For Small Retail Business
Written by
Daniel Zvi
Running a successful small retail business requires more than just great products and excellent customer service. In today’s competitive market, having the right point of sale (POS) system is essential to streamline operations, manage inventory, and provide a seamless checkout experience. A well-suited POS system for retail businesses or POS for restaurants can help you track sales, reduce manual errors, and gain valuable insights into your business performance.
Whether you’re managing a boutique, gift shop, electronics store, specialty food shop, or home goods store, a tailored POS system can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 POS systems for small retail businesses, focusing on features like inventory management, payment processing, and ease of use. These systems are designed to meet the unique needs of various retail businesses and help you thrive in 2024. Let’s find the perfect fit for your store!
Our top picks for December 2024
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Inventory management
1. Lightspeed Retail POS
Key Features:
- Inventory Management: Efficiently manage large volumes of data, including inventory, payments, transactions, and stocking.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Tools to manage customer relationships, enhancing customer experience and loyalty.
- Staff Management: Features to manage staff operations, improving overall business efficiency.
- Data Analytics: Provides insights and analytics to help make informed business decisions.
- Customization Options: Rich customization options to tailor the system to specific business needs.
Pricing:
- Software: Starts at $89/month when billed annually for the Basic plan.
- Transaction Fees: Card-present rate of 2.6% + $0.10; card-not-present rate of 2.6% + $0.30.
- Hardware: Custom pricing based on specific business requirements.
Pros:
- All-in-one solution suitable for various retail industries, including apparel, electronics, and home & garden.
- Excellent customer support available to assist with system setup and troubleshooting.
- Rich customization options allow businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
Cons:
- Limited variety in pricing packages, which may not suit all business sizes.
- Some advanced analytics tools come at an additional cost.
Best For:
Small to medium-sized retail businesses across various industries, such as apparel, electronics, and home & garden, seeking a comprehensive POS solution with robust inventory and customer management features.
Our top picks for December 2024
2. Square POS
Key Features:
- Free Software: Square Point of Sale software is free, making it an excellent choice for small businesses at any stage.
- Integrated Payments: Supports all major payment methods, including mobile payments, chip cards, magstripe cards, and card-not-present transactions.
- Inventory Management: Real-time tracking of stock levels with alerts for low inventory.
- Employee Management: Tools to manage schedules, permissions, and performance tracking.
- E-commerce Integration: Syncs with Square Online to streamline online and in-store operations.
Pricing:
- Software: Free for basic POS functionality.
- Transaction Fees:
- Card-Present (in-person): 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction for tapped, dipped, or swiped payments.
- Card-Not-Present: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for online payments, including invoices and e-commerce sales.
- Manually Keyed-In: 3.5% + $0.15 per transaction for payments manually entered into the POS system.
- Hardware:
- Square Reader: Free with a new account or $49 for the contactless and chip card reader.
- Square Terminal: $299 for an all-in-one device that accepts payments, prints receipts, and manages sales.
- Square Stand: $149 for iPad-based POS setup, turning your iPad into a countertop terminal.
- Square Register: $799 for a fully integrated POS system with two displays (one for the cashier and one for the customer).
- Accessories:
- Cash Drawers: Starting at $109.
- Receipt Printers: Starting at $299.
- Barcode Scanners: Starting at $119.
Pros:
- Free software with no monthly fees.
- Transparent and competitive processing rates.
- Wide range of hardware options for businesses of all sizes.
- User-friendly interface with quick setup and minimal learning curve.
Cons:
- Higher transaction fees for manually entered payments.
- Add-on features and hardware costs can increase overall expenses.
- Limited phone support; does not extend to weekends.
Best For:
Small businesses, such as boutiques, pop-up shops, and cafes, looking for an affordable and easy-to-use POS system with flexible hardware options and built-in payment processing.
Our top picks for December 2024
3. SumUp POS
Key Features:
- Affordable and Portable: SumUp POS is designed for small retail businesses seeking cost-effective, mobile-friendly solutions.
- Simple Payment Processing: Accepts all major credit and debit cards, as well as digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Flexible Options: Offers various hardware bundles to cater to different business needs.
- Customizable Features: Includes inventory management, advanced reporting, and receipt printing, depending on the selected plan.
- Compact Hardware: Lightweight devices suitable for businesses on the move, such as pop-up shops.
SumUp POS Subscription Plans:
- POS with Connect Lite: $99/month – Ideal for small retail stores, includes standard POS software features.
- POS with Connect Plus: $199/month – Adds customer loyalty programs, detailed analytics, and more.
- POS with Connect Pro: $289/month – Comprehensive solution with advanced reporting, marketing tools, and integrations.
Hardware Options and Pricing:
- SumUp Plus: $54 – A compact card reader for contactless and chip payments.
- SumUp Plus Cradle Bundle: $64 – Includes the SumUp Plus card reader and a charging cradle for continuous use.
- SumUp Solo: $99 – An all-in-one card reader with a touchscreen and built-in SIM card for 4G connectivity.
- SumUp Solo Printer Bundle: $169 – Combines the SumUp Solo card reader with a printer for receipts.
- POS Lite and Solo Bundle: $499 – Includes the POS Lite terminal and SumUp Solo card reader for a complete point-of-sale solution.
- SumUp POS: Custom pricing – A comprehensive POS system with a tablet, stand, printer, and cash drawer.
Transaction Fees:
- In-Person Payments: 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
- Online or Manual Entry Payments: 3.5% + $0.15 per transaction.
- Invoicing Payments: 2.9% + $0.15 per transaction.
Pros:
- Flexible hardware options to suit various business needs.
- No long-term contracts, making it ideal for small and seasonal businesses.
- Portable hardware that’s easy to use and set up.
Cons:
- Higher transaction fees for online or manually entered payments.
- Limited advanced features compared to more robust POS systems.
Best For:
Small retail businesses, pop-up shops, and mobile vendors looking for a versatile and affordable POS system with tailored hardware options.
Our top picks for December 2024
4. Merchant One POS
Key Features:
- Customizable POS Solutions: Merchant One offers tailored systems for businesses of all sizes, ensuring compatibility with existing hardware and workflows.
- Integrated Payment Processing: Accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels, set low-stock alerts, and manage inventory in real-time.
- Customer Management Tools: Create customer profiles, track purchase histories, and send targeted promotions to drive loyalty.
- Reporting and Analytics: Generate detailed reports to monitor sales trends, identify top-performing products, and manage employee performance.
Pricing:
- Monthly Fee: $13.95.
- Transaction Fees:
- Qualified Swiped Rate: 0.29% - 1.55% per transaction.
- Qualified Keyed-in Rate: 0.29% - 1.99% per transaction.
- Setup Fee: $0.00.
- Equipment Lease Terms: Flexible lease terms are available for all business types.
Hardware Options:
- Clover® Station: A comprehensive POS system with a 14” high-definition versatile display, offering speed, power, and reliability.
- Clover® Mini: A compact yet powerful POS system that fits into any space, customizable to be as minimal or full-featured as needed.
- Clover® Flex: An all-in-one system in a single, compact device, accepting all payment types, including magstripe, chip cards, and NFC payments like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
- Clover® Go: A mobile solution that pairs with your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, allowing you to accept payments on the go.
Pros:
- Highly customizable solutions for businesses of all sizes.
- Transparent pricing with tailored quotes to fit unique business needs.
- Comprehensive customer support available 24/7.
Cons:
- Lack of upfront pricing transparency may delay decision-making.
- Advanced features may require additional costs.
Best For:
Small to medium-sized retail businesses looking for tailored POS solutions with integrated payment processing and strong customer support.
Our top picks for December 2024
5. SpotOn POS
Key Features:
- Customizable POS Solutions: SpotOn offers tailored systems to meet the specific needs of small retail businesses.
- Integrated Payment Processing: Accepts all major payment methods, including contactless options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Advanced Inventory Management: Real-time tracking, low-stock alerts, and seamless integration with the POS system.
- Marketing Tools: Built-in features for email campaigns, customer loyalty programs, and promotions.
- Reporting and Analytics: Provides insights into sales trends, inventory performance, and customer behavior to optimize operations.
- Employee Management: Features for scheduling, time tracking, and staff performance monitoring.
Pricing Plans:
- Terminal Plan:
- Monthly Fee: $25/month.
- Features: Includes a basic terminal for in-person payments, simple inventory management, and payment processing capabilities.
- Processing Fees: 1.99% + $0.25 per transaction.
- Terminal + Website Plan:
- Monthly Fee: $90/month.
- Features: Combines the terminal with an integrated business website to accept online orders and payments. Includes basic e-commerce tools for small businesses.
- Processing Fees: 1.99% + $0.25 per transaction.
- Custom Plans:
- Pricing and hardware are tailored to meet specific business needs, such as additional hardware, advanced analytics, or integration requirements.
Hardware Options:
- SpotOn Terminal: Compact and sleek payment processing device included in the Terminal Plan.
- Website Integration Hardware: Optional devices to enhance online and in-store operations, such as receipt printers and cash drawers.
Pros:
- Affordable plans tailored for small businesses.
- Real-time inventory tracking and marketing tools included.
- Terminal + Website plan provides an all-in-one solution for in-person and online sales.
- 24/7 customer support with personalized onboarding.
Cons:
- Higher transaction fees compared to some competitors.
- Add-ons and custom setups may increase costs.
Best For:
Small retail businesses looking for a streamlined and affordable POS system with options for online and in-person payment integration.
Our top picks for December 2024
6. Clover POS
Key Features:
- All-in-One POS Solution: Clover offers integrated hardware and software solutions tailored for retail businesses.
- Inventory Management: Real-time tracking, low-stock alerts, and detailed reporting to streamline operations.
- Customer Engagement: Tools for loyalty programs, promotions, and feedback collection to enhance customer relationships.
- Employee Management: Features for scheduling, time tracking, and role-based permissions.
- E-commerce Integration: Options to establish or integrate with online stores, managing sales across multiple channels.
Pricing Plans:
- Starter Plan:
- Hardware: Compact terminal system with a 3.6" screen.
- Cost: $13/month for 36 months or a one-time payment of $279.
- Transaction Fees: 2.6% + $0.10 per card-present transaction; 3.5% + $0.10 per keyed-in transaction.
- Features: Basic payment acceptance; additional features may require upgrades.
- Best For: Small retail businesses needing a simple, cost-effective POS solution.
- Standard Plan:
- Hardware: Station Duo with a 14" merchant-facing POS and an 8" customer screen.
- Cost: $170/month for 36 months or a one-time payment of $1,799, plus $84.95/month for software.
- Transaction Fees: 2.5% + $0.10 per card-present transaction; 3.5% + $0.10 per keyed-in transaction.
- Features: Comprehensive inventory management, detailed sales reporting, and customer engagement tools.
- Best For: Retail businesses seeking a robust POS system with advanced features.
- Advanced Plan:
- Hardware: Station Duo with a 14" merchant-facing POS, an 8" customer screen, and a handheld Flex device.
- Cost: $230/month for 36 months or a one-time payment of $2,448, plus $104.90/month for software.
- Transaction Fees: 2.5% + $0.10 per card-present transaction; 3.5% + $0.10 per keyed-in transaction.
- Features: All Standard Plan features plus enhanced capabilities for multi-channel sales and employee management.
- Best For: Growing retail businesses requiring a scalable POS solution with mobile capabilities.
Pros:
- Flexible hardware and software options to suit various business needs.
- Comprehensive features for inventory, customer, and employee management.
- Scalable solutions that grow with your business.
- 24/7 customer support.
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs for advanced hardware setups.
- Monthly software fees add to overall expenses.
Best For:
Retail businesses of all sizes seeking a versatile, all-in-one POS system with robust management features and scalability.
Our top picks for December 2024
7. 247 Payments POS
Key Features:
- Integrated Payment Processing: Accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Secure Transactions: Advanced fraud prevention tools and PCI-compliant solutions protect sensitive customer data.
- Customizable POS Systems: Adaptable to retail needs, offering inventory management, sales tracking, and employee management.
- Next-Day Payouts: Ensures quick access to funds, improving cash flow for businesses.
- 24/7 Support: Provides round-the-clock assistance to address any issues promptly.
Pricing:
247 Payments offers custom pricing based on the specific needs and transaction volumes of retail businesses. Hardware is often provided for free, including card readers and retail terminals. Transaction fees and monthly costs vary and are tailored to the business type.
For detailed pricing, businesses are encouraged to request a quote directly from 247 Payments.
Pros:
- Free state-of-the-art POS equipment, reducing upfront costs.
- Competitive transaction rates, tailored to your business needs.
- Quick setup process, enabling businesses to start accepting payments promptly.
- Comprehensive support and advanced reporting tools to aid business operations.
Cons:
- Pricing requires a custom quote, which may delay decision-making.
- Primarily serves U.S.-based businesses; international merchants may need to seek alternative solutions.
Best For:
High-risk small retail businesses or those requiring tailored payment processing solutions and secure POS systems.
Our top picks for December 2024
8. Stax POS
Key Features:
- Subscription-Based Pricing: Stax offers a transparent subscription model with no percentage markups on transactions, making it ideal for businesses with high transaction volumes.
- Integrated Payment Processing: Accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Advanced Reporting Tools: Provides detailed insights into sales, customer behavior, and operational efficiency.
- Customizable POS Solutions: Offers tailored systems with features like inventory management, employee tracking, and real-time analytics.
- E-commerce Integration: Seamlessly connects with online stores to manage inventory and sales across multiple channels.
- Secure Transactions: PCI-compliant with end-to-end encryption for secure payment processing.
Pricing:
- Subscription Plans:
- Processing up to $150,000 per year: $99/month.
- Processing between $150,000-$250,000 per year: $139/month.
- Processing over $250,000 per year: $199+/month.
- Transaction Fees: No additional percentage-based fees; businesses pay a flat monthly rate for unlimited transactions.
- Hardware Costs: Custom pricing based on the required setup, including terminals, tablets, and printers.
Pros:
- Predictable, flat-rate pricing is ideal for high-volume businesses.
- Advanced reporting and analytics to optimize operations.
- Tailored POS solutions to meet specific retail needs.
- Secure payment processing with PCI compliance.
Cons:
- Higher monthly subscription costs may not suit low-volume businesses.
- Hardware pricing requires a custom quote.
Best For:
Small to medium-sized retail businesses with high transaction volumes, looking for a predictable pricing model and advanced reporting tools.
Our top picks for December 2024
Comparison of Top POS Systems for Small Retail Businesses
| POS System | Best For | Key Features | Pricing | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightspeed Retail | Advanced inventory management and multi-location stores | Inventory management, customizable reporting, and multi-channel sales tools | Plans start at $69/month | Read Review |
| Square POS | Budget-friendly and easy-to-use system | Free software, affordable hardware, and Square Online integration | Free software, 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction | Read Review |
| SumUp POS | Portable solutions for mobile vendors and pop-ups | Compact card readers, no monthly fees, simple transaction processing | Hardware starts at $39; 2.75% per transaction | Read Review |
| Merchant One | Tailored solutions for diverse retail needs | Customizable hardware, inventory tracking, and detailed sales reporting | Custom pricing; 0.29% + $0.15 per transaction | Read Review |
| SpotOn POS | Marketing and loyalty tools alongside robust POS features | Built-in email campaigns, loyalty programs, and scalable employee management | Plans start at $25/month | Read Review |
| Clover POS | Versatile all-in-one solutions | Wide range of hardware, customer loyalty tools, and advanced reporting | Plans start at $13/month | Read Review |
| 247 Payments | High-risk businesses needing secure payment processing | PCI-compliant security, free hardware, and next-day payouts | Custom pricing | Read Review |
| Stax POS | High-volume businesses with predictable pricing needs | Flat-rate subscription, advanced analytics, and unlimited transactions | Plans start at $99/month | Read Review |
Key Features of the Top POS Systems
Each POS system covered in this guide stands out with its unique features tailored to different retail needs:
- Lightspeed Retail:
- Advanced inventory management with multi-location support.
- Customizable reporting for data-driven decisions.
- Square POS:
- Free software with affordable hardware options.
- Seamless integration with Square Online for omnichannel sales.
- SumUp POS:
- Portable and budget-friendly card readers.
- Simple, pay-as-you-go transaction fees.
- Merchant One:
- Tailored POS systems compatible with existing hardware.
- Flexible pricing for businesses of all sizes.
- SpotOn POS:
- Built-in marketing and loyalty tools for customer engagement.
- Scalable plans with advanced employee and inventory management.
- Clover POS:
- Wide variety of hardware options, from mobile devices to dual-display stations.
- Robust customer loyalty and engagement features.
- 247 Payments:
- High-risk payment processing with PCI-compliant security.
- Free state-of-the-art hardware for retail businesses.
- Stax POS:
- Flat-rate subscription pricing for unlimited transactions.
- Advanced analytics and tailored solutions for high-volume businesses.
Choosing the Best POS System for Your Small Retail Business
Selecting the right POS system for your retail business is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your operations, customer experience, and profitability. Each of the systems covered in this guide offers unique strengths tailored to specific business needs. Here's a quick recap to help you decide.
Our top picks for December 2024
Tips for Choosing the Right POS System
- Evaluate Your Needs: Consider the size of your business, the complexity of your operations, and whether you need mobile, countertop, or hybrid solutions.
- Compare Features: Ensure the POS system offers essential features like inventory tracking, employee management, and detailed reporting.
- Check Pricing and Fees: Look at both upfront hardware costs and ongoing subscription or transaction fees to find a system that fits your budget.
- Consider Customer Support: Choose a provider that offers reliable, 24/7 customer service to resolve issues quickly.
- Test for Compatibility: Ensure the POS integrates seamlessly with your existing software and hardware, as well as any e-commerce platforms.
Ready to find the perfect POS system for your retail business? Explore in-depth reviews and compare features, pricing, and more on our website. Get started today to boost efficiency and streamline your operations!
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