For retail store operators, it makes sense to sell products online as well. Likewise, with Shopify Store, it can make sense for merchants to expand with physical stores. In both cases, a reliable interface between the virtual and physical worlds is needed. This is where the Shopify POS system comes in.
What is a point of sale system?
A point-of-sale (POS) system is a software and hardware solution used in retail and hospitality businesses to process transactions and manage the business efficiently. The POS system plays a critical role in recording sales, managing inventory, tracking revenue and expenses, managing customers, and generating reports.
POS systems help businesses streamline the sales process, keep accurate records, improve customer service and gain insights into business performance. As technology evolves, POS systems are becoming more advanced, offering advanced features such as cloud-based data management and integration with e-commerce platforms.
What makes Shopify POS stand out?
The Shopify POS is characterized by the seamless link between the online store and brick-and-mortar stores. Everything can be managed in the Shopify admin area, so it's easier to keep track of all sales channels and there are no discrepancies between online and offline.
The Shopify POS is not limited to stationary stores, but can also be used for temporary events such as trade fairs, festivals or even in pop-up stores.
How much does Shopify POS cost?
The cost of Shopify POS varies depending on the version. There are two plans for the POS system: Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Pro.
The Lite version is included for free in all Shopify plans, but as the name suggests, the Lite version is reduced to the minimum. With the Shopify POS app, you can manage products and orders and create customer profiles.
On the other hand, Shopify POS Pro offers significantly more features. Here, an unlimited number of employees have access rights to the POS. At the same time, the rights of each employee can be defined.
The Pro version also offers advantages for customers. They can buy products in the store, but have them delivered to their homes. It is also possible to order online, but pick up or return the goods in the store. In addition, daily sales reports are generated, which facilitate accounting. On the other hand, there is the price. There is an additional $89 per month per location on top of the regular Shopify cost.
Since the launch of Shopify POS, Shopify also offers in-house hardware that enables seamless and legally correct use of the POS system. We have summarized which hardware you absolutely need and what you can optionally add.
iPad or iPhone
To be able to operate Shopify POS legally correct, an iOS device is recommended. The app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store, not only works better than the Android version, but also has some additional features that are indispensable for the German market.
An iPad is particularly recommended as the centerpiece of the POS system, as the larger screen promises better operation and user experience.
Card reader
To enable card payments in your physical store, you can use the WisePad 3 from Shopify. The pad has the latest technology and supports contactless payments via NFC in addition to regular card payments. However, you don't have to rely on Shopify here, there are also other card readers that support Shopify POS. Common alternatives here are SumUp or Zettle.
Receipt printer
Since the beginning of 2020, cash receipts have been mandatory in Germany. That's why every store needs a receipt printer and the corresponding thermal paper. Here, too, store owners have the choice between Shopify hardware or third-party providers.
Cash drawer
No store owner can get around a cash drawer either. Here you need to pay attention to TSE compliance, Shopify offers a suitable solution for this as well.
iPad stand (optional)
To give your customers an even better user experience, a swiveling iPad stand is a great option. This way, your Shopify POS center has a firm seat on the counter and customers can be presented with all the details of their purchase, if necessary.
Conclusion: Shopify POS offers an ideal interface
If you run a store, you can't do without a POS system. If you also want to operate an online store, Shopify is even more suitable thanks to the in-house POS. This way, everything remains from a single source and is always synchronized in real time. As a result, it has never been easier to take the plunge into e-commerce, while at the same time it is becoming increasingly necessary to sell online as well. The trend is clearly going in the direction of online stores. Here Shopify offers the ideal springboard for every retailer with Shopify POS.
I hope this overview was helpful if you are interested in the Shopify POS system. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us. As Shopify experts, we're happy to advise you, just book a free consultation appointment.
Luke Schmidt
Senior SEO Consultant
As an SEO expert and content marketing manager, Lukas successfully increases the visibility of our clients in Google. He shares his in-depth knowledge of online marketing, SEO, e-commerce and Shopify on the Golden Web Age blog.
