The 10 Best Ecommerce Point of Sale (POS) Systems Shortlist
Here’s your cheat sheet for the top 10 point of sale (POS) systems for ecommerce SMBs. Find the other 10 picks after our reviews.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
There are many important points along a customer's journey, tracing a line through your sales funnel that ultimately leads to them giving you money. While all very nice, the one where they hand you the cash seems pretty awesome to me—and that's the point of sale.
This point of sale, shortened nicely to POS, can be both physical and digital. When you're doing the online shopping thing, it's called an ecommerce POS.
If you just sell online, this is what you'll want. If you straddle the digital and real world of selling, you also want this.
We found some real gems for you, in either case. Using our extensive retail and ecommerce experience, we've found the best ecommerce POS systems out there.
What is an Ecommerce POS System?
An ecommerce POS system is designed to unify online and offline sales into one platform.
Unlike traditional POS systems that only manage in-store transactions, ecommerce POS systems handle omnichannel sales—syncing inventory, processing payments, and managing orders across physical stores, websites, and even social media.
This integration allows businesses to track real-time inventory across channels, offer flexible payment options, and provide a seamless experience for customers regardless of where they shop.
In essence, while traditional POS systems are locked to physical locations, ecommerce POS systems manage the entire retail ecosystem—both digital and physical.
Why Trust Our POS Systems Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021.
As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology.
Comparing the Best Ecommerce POS Systems for Small Businesses
Below, you’ll find a quick comparison of pricing for our top POS system picks. If you then click Compare Software below that, you’ll find a deeper comparison of all the other features.
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
Stax Pay | From $99/month | Website |
Payment Depot | From $79/month | Website |
Shopify POS | Plans start at $31/month | Website |
CAKE | From $69 /month | Website |
ePOS | Pricing upon request | Website |
Helcim | From 0.50% + $0.25 per transaction | Website |
Clover | From 2.3% + $0.1 per transaction | Website |
Merchant One | From $13.95 plus 0.29% + 1.55% per transaction | Website |
Zoho Creator | From $10/user/month (billed annually) + $20 base fee per month | Website |
Stripe | From 2.9% + 0.30/transaction | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose an Ecommerce POS System
Choosing the right ecommerce POS system isn’t just about selecting the one with the most features—it’s about finding the system that best supports your business goals and day-to-day operations.
To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
- Define your needs. Outline what you need from your POS system. Are you expanding into omnichannel sales, improving inventory management, or enhancing the customer checkout experience? Identifying key business objectives will help you focus on essential features.
- Identify key users. Determine who will be using the system. If it’s just you or a small team, prioritize ease of use. For larger teams, look for a system that allows multiple users with varying access levels and includes tools for employee management and customer tracking.
- Evaluate integration capabilities. Ensure the POS system integrates with your existing ecommerce platform, accounting software, or CRM. Seamless integration prevents data silos and manual updates, and consolidating tools can streamline your operations.
- Define success metrics. Clarify what success looks like post-implementation. Whether it’s increased sales, better inventory management, or smoother customer transactions, choose a system that offers features and reporting to help you achieve those goals.
- Consider scalability. Ensure the system can grow with your business. Whether you’re adding new locations or expanding online, pick a POS that can handle increased volume, more registers, and complex inventory needs.
By considering these factors, you’ll be equipped to choose an ecommerce POS system that meets your business needs and supports your growth.
The 10 Best Ecommerce POS Systems, Reviewed
OK, here’s the main event. Our top POS systems, complete with why we chose them, top features and integrations, and their pros and cons.
Stax Pay provides integrated payment processing solutions for businesses, enabling seamless transactions and robust analytics. It helps businesses streamline their payment operations while gaining valuable insights to drive growth.
Why I Picked Stax Pay: Stax Pay offers robust solutions tailored specifically for B2B transactions, which are often more complex than B2C payments. Features like automated invoicing, support for large transactions, and ACH payments make it easier for businesses to manage their B2B payment processes efficiently. This specialization is particularly beneficial for companies dealing with high-value or recurring transactions.
Stax Pay Standout Features and Integrations
Features include advanced analytics and reporting tools, seamless integration with various business software, and a highly customizable platform that caters to specific business needs, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making.
Integrations include popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, and online payment processors like Stripe and Square. Additionally, Stax Pay connects with Salesforce for customer relationship management, Netsuite for enterprise resource planning, and Zapier to enable automation with thousands of other apps.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust B2B payment solutions:
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
Cons:
- Integration complexity for certain 3rd party tools
- Limited international support
Payment Depot is a merchant services provider that specializes in offering businesses a transparent interchange+ pricing model for credit card processing. This approach is designed to help businesses save on transaction fees by providing a clear and straightforward pricing structure without hidden costs.
Why I Picked Payment Depot: Payment Depot offers a compelling solution for ecommerce POS systems, leveraging its subscription-based pricing and robust integration capabilities to create a cost-efficient and versatile platform for online businesses. The inclusion of a free payment gateway and virtual terminal capabilities, provided through partnerships like SwipeSimple, allows merchants to process payments online, via mobile, and over the phone without incurring additional gateway fees.
Payment Depot Standout Features and Integrations
Key features include subscription-based pricing, free payment gateway, virtual terminal through swipesimple, compatibility with pos systems like clover and vital select, user-friendly interface, support for mobile and ach payments, integration with major ecommerce platforms, no hidden fees, and dedicated customer support
Integrations include OpenCart, PrestaShop, 3dCart, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Zen Cart, NCR, Authorize.Net, PayTrace, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cost-effective for businesses with high transaction volumes
- User interface is straightforward and intuitive
- Comprehensive equipment offerings
Cons:
- Not ideal for low-volume businesses
- Limited to US-based, non-high-risk merchants
Shopify POS is a popular ecommerce point-of-sale system for businesses that sell products online. But, these merchants can also use the system when considering selling in person, either temporarily during an event or permanently in a brick-and-mortar location.
Why I picked Shopify POS: When planning for the next growth stage of your ecommerce business, you might consider opening an in-person location where your customers can see and feel your products before buying. So, I wanted to kick start this list with Shopify POS because it’s able to handle multichannel sales and connect the inventory from all locations. If you only want to focus on online sales, Shopify POS has you covered because the platform provides integrations to help you sell on social media channels.
Shopify POS Standout Features and Integrations
Features include staff management tools that allow you to track each staff member’s performance and generate customized reports to match your staff training requirements for each team member. Shopify POS also provides a significant number of reports you can develop, such as cash flow, retail sales, discounts, products, and so on, that gives you actionable data to help you optimize short- and long-term operational strategies.
Integrations include connections with tools that will help you enhance your store’s processes and share information between applications, such as ApparelMagic, Ordoro, PartnerStack, PayPal, QuickBooks Commerce, ShippingChimp, Shopventory, SMS Storetraffic, Valigara, Zinrelo, and other software options. If you need to make custom integrations, you can use third-party applications such as Zapier or APIWORX, or Shopify POS’s API to make the connections you need.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple navigation
- Significant number of features
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not customizable
- No free plan
CAKE is an all-in-one restaurant POS that allows you to handle online ordering, in-house ordering, back of house, and process payments. It is a versatile POS system that helps you create better dining experiences.
Why I picked CAKE: I selected this system because of how versatile it is and the way it seamlessly connects your FOH and BOH. FOH staff can benefit from taking orders at both the POS and from tablets that facilitate mobility. They can even create QR codes for tables to manage their orders from their table and reduce wait times.
Meanwhile, BOH benefits from a mirror system that displays orders for them in the same way they come in. These orders will communicate if the order is a dine-in, to-go, or online delivery so they can handle it accordingly.
Finally, CAKE's self-service kiosk and gift card management capabilities will give your restaurant a whole new dimension and the ability to increase your revenue through different avenues.
CAKE Standout Features & Integrations
Features that I'd like to highlight are its loyalty program and kitchen display system. The loyalty program is great to help increase repeat visits from customers and this particular one does not require loyalty cards. Every time a customer registers, they will provide their email which will be the channel where they'll be receiving points and rewards information. I also had to highlight the kitchen display system as it provides an order management view for the kitchen that mirrors what has been ordered at the POS plus any online order that comes in. This will keep everyone in sync and serving orders FIFO-style.
Integrations are available with 15+ apps, including Quickbooks, Xero, 7shifts, Paytronix, Orca, Uber Eats, Doordash, and CheddrSuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Connects FOH & BOH
- Reduces order errors
- Helps you reduce lines at the counter
Cons:
- Pricing only includes the first hardware terminal
- Loyalty program unlocks in PRO plan
Epos Now is a POS system designed for various sectors, including retail and hospitality. It delivers a suite of features aimed at centralizing business processes, from transaction handling and stock management to client relations and staff oversight. Epos Now is ideal for businesses seeking a flexible, adaptable, and easy-to-use solution that integrates effortlessly with online sales platforms.
Why I Picked Epos Now: As an ecommerce POS system, Epos Now stands out for its robust integration capabilities and features tailored specifically for online businesses. The platform enables seamless synchronization between physical and online stores, ensuring that inventory levels, sales data, and customer information are always up-to-date. This integration is crucial for businesses that need to manage multiple sales channels efficiently. Additionally, Epos Now is designed to scale with growing businesses, accommodating increased inventory and sales volume.
Epos Now Standout Features and Integrations
Features include advanced inventory management tools that offer real-time tracking and automatic stock adjustments across all sales channels, and comprehensive reporting and analytics, providing insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory performance.
Integrations include BigCommerce, Magento, Deputy, Workforce.com, APO, Worldpay, Deliveroo, Mr Yum, Hopt, QuickBooks, Xero, simpleERB, WooCommerce, Mailchimp, Shopify, Appointedd, PayPal, Stripe, Sage, Zapier, Google Analytics, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time data synchronization
- Reporting and analytics for various metrics
Cons:
- Some integration limitations
- Set up can take some time
Helcim is a full-service merchant POS system that can handle high sales volumes for ecommerce brands.
Why I picked Helcim: What I believe makes Helcim stand apart from the other options on this list is its ability to handle large sales volumes. Helcim does this by offering competitive rates and discounts for ecommerce businesses with over $25,000 in card transactions. Helcim also provides extensive tools such as merchant accounts, payment gateways, invoicing, and other business management capabilities.
Helcim Standout Features and Integrations
Features include up-to-date inventory management with automated synchronization that helps you set up and manage your product inventory and understand that everything is accurate. Helcim’s reporting feature enables you to learn what your customers want with details such as sales trends, best-selling products, and other actionable insights.
Integrations include efficient connections with popular third-party applications to help integrate payments with your current systems. These integrations include tools such as Foxy.io, Great Exposure, QuickBooks, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Transparent pricing
- Responsive customer support
- No monthly payments
Cons:
- Not many integrations are available
- Complicated dashboard
Clover is a robust point of sale (POS) system designed to simplify transactions for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on efficiency and ease of use, it integrates seamlessly with payment processing, inventory management, and customer analytics, all in one streamlined platform. Clover's flexibility allows for customization according to specific business needs, making it a reliable ally in managing daily operations and enhancing customer experience.
Why I Picked Clover: Clover excels in offering a versatile and intuitive point of sale system that caters efficiently to various business needs. Its strengths lie in seamless payment processing, comprehensive inventory management, and insightful analytics, enabling businesses to streamline operations and make informed decisions. The system's adaptability allows for easy customization with apps and accessories, ensuring that it fits the unique demands of any business, from retail to restaurants. and Integrations
Clover Standout Features and Integrations
Features include its extensive app marketplace, which allows businesses to enhance their system's functionality by integrating a wide variety of third-party applications. From advanced inventory management tools to customer loyalty programs and beyond, Clover's open ecosystem supports a broad array of add-ons, enabling businesses to create a highly customized POS solution that caters to their unique needs.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Shopify, Gusto, Xero, WooCommerce, Square, Google Sheets, Slack, and TSheets.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive feature set
- Versatility and customization for all business types
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for advanced features
- Limited offline functionality
Best customizable payment solutions tailored to specific business needs
Merchant One is a payment processing tool that specializes in direct credit card processing, providing businesses with a direct link to credit card networks for efficient transaction handling. With over 20 years of experience and serving more than 100,000 customers, Merchant One stands out as a reliable choice for businesses seeking a cost-effective and trustworthy solution for their payment processing needs.
Why I Picked Merchant One: Merchant One excels as an ecommerce POS system by offering seamless integration with online stores, supporting a wide range of payment methods to accommodate diverse customer preferences. It ensures transaction security through strict adherence to PCI DSS standards, protecting both merchant and consumer data. The system is designed for high approval rates, even for high-risk businesses, broadening access to reliable payment processing solutions. With dedicated account management, Merchant One provides personalized support, helping businesses optimize their POS setup and troubleshoot any issues swiftly.
Merchant One Standout Features and Integrations
Features include support for a wide array of payment acceptance channels, including in-store POS systems, online payments, mobile payments, and telephone payments. This versatility ensures businesses can cater to customers regardless of how they choose to shop, providing a cohesive payment experience across all sales channels. Plus, the platform offers detailed reporting and analytics features, giving businesses valuable insights into their sales trends, payment method preferences, and transaction history.
Integrations include Authorize.net, Payeezy Gateway, Payflow Pro, Paytrace Gateway, USAePay, Aloha, Micros, Maitre’D, 1ShoppingCart, BigCommerce, ecwid, Fishbowl, Magento, PrestaShop, Salesforce, and dozens more ecommerce platforms, shopping cart solutions, and sales enablement tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable payment solutions tailored to the specific needs businesses
- Dedicated account managers for each client
- High approval rates for high-risk businesses
Cons:
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Cost cosiderations for smaller businesses
Zoho Creator enables ecommerce businesses to create custom point-of-sale processes without the need for an experienced coder or programmer.
Why I picked Zoho Creator: Zoho is a popular business software vendor that provides applications for many business aspects, and for the purpose of this article, I’ll be focusing on the Creator application. Under the Zoho Creator application, you can use the provided POS app from the App Deck to manage all retail sales data. Zoho Create is fully customizable with a drag-and-drop builder, allowing you to add new functionality and modules to fit your ecommerce needs.
Zoho Creator Standout Features and Integrations
Features include KPI tracking capabilities that will help you make informed decisions after keeping an eye on sales and best-selling products. Zoho Creator can also help you maintain proper inventory levels through its reordering process tools.
Integrations include connections with popular business management platforms to help you pass along vital information and sales data to improve efficiency. These include integrations with systems such as ActiveCampaign, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Pabbly Form Builder, QuickBooks, Salesforce, WordPress, Workato, and other software options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use
- No code workflows
- Great for small businesses
Cons:
- Integrations are complex
- Customer support needs work
Stripe provides a POS solution that can help ecommerce merchants operate their business in over 135 currencies, making it an excellent option for stores that have a global reach.
Why I picked Stripe: If you have any kind of experience in ecommerce, you’ve likely heard of Stripe. The platform offers a point-of-sale solution that allows you to expand your business globally thanks to its ability to work in an extensive number of currencies. You can also operate in multiple online locations, such as Amazon, Facebook, Etsy, and other marketplace options, as well as on your website.
Stripe Standout Features and Integrations
Features include risk management tools that will help you feel more confident about fighting fraud with a machine-learning fraud system that’s integrated with the payment features. The platform also offers payment management capabilities that help you get paid fast and allows you to manage historical and future deposits.
Integrations include native ecommerce software connections to help you efficiently set up payment processes in your online store and manage them, such as 1Password, Accenture, Bench Accounting, Better Reports, Chargebee, ChartMogul, Databox, Flatly, HubSpot, Jotform, and other software options. You can also use Stripe’s API to create custom integrations with your systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible platform
- No monthly fee
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Support is slow sometimes
- Refunds take a few days to process
Other Options
The following are other ecommerce POS system options that are worth your consideration:
Our Selection Criteria for Ecommerce POS Systems
Choosing the right ecommerce POS system is essential for businesses looking to manage both online and in-store operations seamlessly.
With so many options available, we’ve developed a framework to evaluate POS systems based on specific criteria to ensure they meet the needs of modern retailers.
Here’s the framework we use:
Core POS functionality (25% of total weighting score)
To be considered among the best, a POS system must support these essential use cases:
- Real-time inventory management across multiple sales channels (online and offline).
- Smooth payment processing, including support for multiple payment methods (credit cards, mobile wallets, etc.).
- Integration with ecommerce platforms and third-party tools (like accounting software and CRMs).
- Comprehensive sales tracking and reporting to inform business decisions.
- Multi-location management for businesses operating from more than one physical store.
Additional standout features (25% of total weighting score)
We look for systems that offer unique features, such as:
- Omnichannel capabilities that link in-store, online, and social media sales.
- Customer loyalty and rewards programs to enhance repeat business.
- Advanced reporting and analytics for deeper business insights.
- Integration with popular shipping and delivery services.
- Mobile POS options for flexibility in physical locations.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
When evaluating usability, we assess:
- An intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface that reduces the learning curve.
- Mobile-friendly functionality for sales on the go.
- Minimal downtime and seamless workflow for faster transactions.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
We also look for smooth onboarding experiences, including:
- Access to training resources, tutorials, and customer support during setup.
- Interactive tools like setup wizards that streamline the onboarding process.
- Comprehensive guides for both new users and experienced staff.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
Effective customer support is key, and we evaluate:
- 24/7 support through multiple channels (live chat, phone, email).
- Proactive options like dedicated account managers for larger businesses.
- Access to an online community or forum where users share solutions and best practices.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
Assessing value involves considering:
- Transparent pricing models with clear tier options.
- Plans that grow with your business, from startups to large enterprises.
- Inclusion of essential features in base plans without hidden costs.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
Lastly, we examine customer feedback, looking for:
- Positive experiences related to ease of use, reliability, and scalability.
- Success stories where the POS system improved business efficiency and sales.
- Overall customer satisfaction, especially regarding the system’s impact on operations and growth.
Trends in Ecommerce POS Systems for 2025
The world of ecommerce POS is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the trends is crucial for businesses looking to optimize their operations.
Here are the key trends to watch going into 2025:
- Mobile POS solutions. Mobile POS systems are transforming how transactions are handled, providing flexibility for businesses to sell anywhere—whether on the sales floor, at outdoor events, or through pop-up shops. This trend offers real-time insights into sales and inventory, making it easier to serve customers and optimize stock levels on the go.
- Cloud-based POS systems. Cloud technology is reshaping the landscape by allowing businesses to manage their operations remotely. Cloud-based POS platforms offer scalability, real-time data synchronization across multiple locations, and easier integration with other digital tools like ecommerce platforms and CRMs.
- Omnichannel integration. In 2024, seamless integration between in-store, online, and mobile sales channels is more important than ever. Customers expect consistent experiences across all touchpoints, and POS systems with omnichannel capabilities enable businesses to unify customer profiles, manage inventory, and process returns across all platforms.
- Contactless payments and digital wallets. With the ongoing shift towards touch-free transactions, contactless payments and the use of digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Wallet) continue to gain popularity. This trend not only enhances convenience for customers but also speeds up checkout times.
- AI and machine learning. AI is being increasingly integrated into POS systems, driving smarter inventory management, personalized customer experiences, and fraud detection. Machine learning helps predict sales trends, optimize stock levels, and enhance decision-making for businesses.
- Enhanced security measures. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, POS systems are focusing on advanced security features like encryption, tokenization, and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive data. This is crucial for maintaining customer trust and compliance with regulations.
Key Features of an Ecommerce POS System
To run your business smoothly, your ecommerce POS system needs to be packed with essential features. Here’s what you should look for:
- Inventory management. Stay in control with real-time tracking that syncs your stock across online and physical locations. Advanced systems also offer detailed insights, like tracking components or enabling automated reordering through vendor management.
- Omnichannel selling. Seamlessly connect your in-store and online sales. Whether it’s from your website, physical store, or social media, your POS should unify sales channels, keeping inventory, customer data, and orders consistent across platforms.
- Payment flexibility. A modern POS system must support multiple payment methods, including credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, digital platforms (like PayPal and Apple Pay), and even gift cards. This flexibility ensures customers can pay the way they prefer.
- Customer relationship management (CRM). Build loyalty by capturing key customer details like email addresses, purchase history, and preferences. Advanced CRM features can help you personalize customer experiences and create targeted marketing campaigns.
- Loyalty programs. Reward your customers with built-in loyalty features. Track purchase behaviors and offer rewards, discounts, or points to encourage repeat business. Automated loyalty programs save time and boost engagement.
- Employee management. Manage your team efficiently by setting role-based access permissions and tracking employee performance. Features like built-in time clocks and sales monitoring give you the insights you need to manage shifts and productivity.
- Mobile POS. Give your business flexibility with mobile POS capabilities. Whether you’re at a trade show, doing curbside pickup, or operating pop-up events, mobile systems allow you to process payments on the go.
- Detailed reporting. Gain valuable insights into your business with real-time reporting. Look for systems that offer customizable reports on sales, inventory, staff performance, and customer data to make informed decisions.
- Returns and exchanges. The buying experience doesn’t end with a sale. Ensure your POS handles returns and exchanges seamlessly, making the process quick and efficient for both customers and staff.
- Security and compliance. Protect your business and customer data with PCI-compliant payment processing and encryption. Built-in fraud detection ensures that your transactions are secure, safeguarding your business from financial risks.
Top Benefits of an Ecommerce POS System
An ecommerce POS system does more than just process payments—it offers several advantages that can boost both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here are some key benefits:
- Scalability. As your business grows, an ecommerce POS system can grow with you. Whether you're adding more locations, increasing product offerings, or scaling online sales, these systems are designed to adapt to your expanding needs without a significant overhaul.
- Seamless omnichannel management. An ecommerce POS system unifies your physical and online stores, ensuring inventory, sales, and customer data are synced in real-time. This reduces the risk of overselling, minimizes stock discrepancies, and provides a consistent experience across all channels.
- Improved customer experience. By offering a wide range of payment options and loyalty programs, ecommerce POS systems make the checkout process smoother and more personalized. You can also use customer data to offer personalized marketing and rewards, increasing customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Streamlined operations. With features like real-time inventory management, employee tracking, and automated reporting, ecommerce POS systems reduce manual work and streamline day-to-day operations. This frees up time to focus on growing your business rather than managing back-end tasks.
- Better business insights. Robust reporting tools give you deeper insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory performance. These data-driven insights help you make informed decisions, optimize inventory, and identify growth opportunities.
- Flexibility and mobility. Mobile POS systems allow you to take your business anywhere—whether at a pop-up shop, a trade show, or offering curbside pickup. This flexibility can help expand your customer base and improve sales outside traditional store locations.
- Enhanced security. Ecommerce POS systems come with built-in security features like encryption and PCI compliance, protecting both your business and your customers from fraud and data breaches. This reduces the risk of financial losses and boosts customer trust.
Cost & Pricing of Ecommerce POS Systems
Ecommerce POS systems come at a wide range of price points, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes.
The cost typically includes three main factors: hardware, software, and payment processing fees. Additional features or integrations may also affect pricing.
Factors affecting pricing
- Hardware requirements: Basic setups might include just a card reader and tablet, while more advanced setups need full registers, barcode scanners, and receipt printers.
- Software features: Pricing varies based on whether you need inventory management, employee management, CRM tools, or multi-location support.
- Payment processing fees: Rates usually range from 1.5% to 3.5% per transaction, with some systems requiring you to use their in-house processors.
- Scalability: Some POS systems offer scalable plans, allowing you to start small and add more features as you grow.
- Support and integrations: Integrating your POS system with ecommerce platforms, accounting software, or other tools can result in additional costs.
Common pricing tiers for POS systems
Here's a breakdown of typical plan options and their pricing for ecommerce POS systems, along with the type of business each plan best suits:
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Free | $0/month | Basic features like card payments, limited sales tracking. | Solopreneurs, pop-up shops |
Basic | $25 - $60/month | Basic inventory management, card processing, basic reporting. | Small businesses, startups |
Professional | $70 - $150/month | Advanced inventory, CRM tools, multi-location support. | Growing businesses |
Advanced | $150 - $300/month | Full reporting, omnichannel features, employee management. | Medium to large businesses |
Enterprise | $500+/month | Custom integrations, advanced analytics, priority support. | Large enterprises |
Additional costs
- Hardware costs: Ranging from $20 for basic card readers to over $3,000 for full POS terminals and self-service kiosks, depending on business needs.
- Installation fees: Can range from $0 to $1,000 depending on system complexity.
- Add-ons and integrations: Features like customer loyalty programs or online ordering systems can increase costs.
Payment processing fees
Most ecommerce POS systems charge transaction fees ranging from 1.5% to 3.5% per transaction, depending on the type of payment and processing provider. Some systems, like Square and Shopify, offer free software but require you to use their in-house payment processing.
By understanding these pricing tiers and additional factors, you can choose the ecommerce POS system that best aligns with your business’s current needs and growth potential.
Ecommerce POS Systems FAQs
We tried our best at guessing what your burning questions on this topic may be and came back with what you see below. Hopefully, your answers have been obtained and your questions are no longer burning.
What ecommerce POS system is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, the best ecommerce POS system should be user-friendly, affordable, and scalable. Here are a few top choices:
- Square POS is great for small businesses due to its free software and pay-as-you-go pricing model, which keeps upfront costs low. It covers essential features like payment processing and inventory tracking, making it a solid option for startups.
- Shopify POS is ideal if you’re already running a Shopify store. Starting at $29/month, it seamlessly integrates with your online store, synchronizing inventory and offering omnichannel selling capabilities.
- Lightspeed POS is a bit pricier but offers excellent inventory management and reporting features, starting at $69/month. It’s perfect for small retail businesses that expect to grow and need more advanced tools over time.
Each of these systems provides affordable, scalable solutions for small businesses, helping them manage in-store and online sales efficiently.
Can I integrate my POS system with my existing ecommerce platform?
Yes, most modern POS systems offer seamless integration with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and others. This integration allows you to sync inventory, sales, and customer data across both online and in-store channels, making it easier to manage all aspects of your business from a single system.
What hardware do I need for an ecommerce POS system?
Most ecommerce POS systems work with a variety of hardware options. Basic setups might include a tablet, card reader, and receipt printer, while more advanced setups could require POS terminals, barcode scanners, cash drawers, and self-service kiosks. Some POS providers offer bundled hardware packages, while others allow you to mix and match your preferred devices.
What kind of reporting and analytics do ecommerce POS systems offer?
Most systems provide a range of real-time reporting and analytics that help you track sales performance, customer behavior, and inventory levels. Some POS systems offer more advanced reporting features, such as customizable reports, predictive sales analytics, and AI-driven insights to help you make data-driven decisions.
How much do ecommerce POS systems cost?
Costs vary depending on the features you need. Basic plans can start as low as $25 per month, while more advanced setups can go up to $500+ per month for enterprise-level features. Additionally, hardware costs and payment processing fees should be factored into your total budget.
Other Payment Software Reviews
These software review lists may complement your search for POS software. I focused on software reviews for payment or payment-adjacent technologies, like fraud prevention or BNPL.
- Ecommerce Sales Tax Software
- Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) Platforms
- Mobile Payment Solutions
- Ecommerce Fraud Prevention Software
- Ecommerce Accounting Software
We Have a Great Point (of Sale) Here
We get it, there are tons of software decisions to make in this day and age. Your tech stack can make or break your ecommerce brand, especially as you test their limits by going and scaling your operations.
That's why we exist. We put the effort into finding cool tools, like ecommerce POS systems, to make your life easier. Life is already hard enough—decision paralysis shouldn't make things even tougher.
You'll certainly find the ecommerce POS solution you need in this post. Plus, you may find my puns a little funny. That's worth it, too.
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Related Read: What Is A Payment Gateway & How Does It Work For Your Online Store?