Shopify POS: What you need to know

When it comes to Shopify POS, there are several features that make it stand out from the competition. One of the most notable features is its ability to work offline, which means that even if you lose internet connectivity, you can still process transactions. This feature is particularly important for businesses that operate in areas with spotty internet connectivity or for those who attend events such as trade shows.

Another key feature of Shopify POS is its integration with other popular payment gateways such as PayPal and Apple Pay. By allowing customers to pay using their preferred method, businesses can increase customer satisfaction and streamline the checkout process. Additionally, Shopify POS offers inventory management tools that help businesses keep track of their stock levels and avoid overselling products.

One of the other significant advantages of Shopify POS is its ability to integrate with other apps and systems. Users can seamlessly connect their Shopify store with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero or marketing tools like Mailchimp or Google Analytics. This integration allows businesses to have a comprehensive view of their operations from one platform.

Pricing is an essential aspect of any business, and Shopify POS provides a wide range of pricing options to suit various business needs. The basic Shopify plan starts at £25 per month, with additional transaction fees depending on the payment gateway used. For businesses that require more features and customisation, the Shopify Advanced plan costs £344 per month. Upgrades are also required to sell in person ($79 per month/per location).

Shopify also offers a Lite plan for businesses that don't need a full website but still want to sell products through social media or other platforms. This plan costs only £5 per month, but it doesn't include all the features of the full Shopify plans.

When using Shopify POS in-store, there are no additional monthly fees, but transaction fees apply based on the payment gateway used. Overall, pricing can vary greatly depending on the size and needs of your business when using Shopify POS. It's important to carefully consider which plan is best for your specific needs before committing to a pricing option. 

Finally, there may be additional hardware costs associated with setting up Shopify POS in your brick-and-mortar store such as purchasing a card reader or barcode scanner. However, these costs can often be offset by the increased efficiency and sales that come with having a streamlined point-of-sale system in place. 

Shopify POS is one of the leading point-of-sale systems in the market. However, there are several competitors that offer similar services to Shopify POS. One such competitor is Vend, which offers an array of features for businesses of all sizes. Vend provides inventory management, detailed analytics, and customisable reporting tools. Additionally, Vend's system supports multiple payment processors and integrates seamlessly with other business software.

Square is another notable competitor to Shopify POS. Square's system offers a free basic version that includes key features like inventory tracking and sales reports. Square also has add-ons and upgrades available for purchase to enhance its functionality even further. Furthermore, Square's system supports contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet as well as traditional credit card processing.

Overall, while Shopify POS remains a popular choice for many businesses due to its ease of use and integration with other Shopify services, it's essential to consider alternative options when selecting a point-of-sale system that best suits your business needs.