Customers expect a seamless shopping experience whether they’re browsing online or visiting a physical store. And in recent years, multi-channel shopping has surged in popularity, driven by the end of the pandemic and the reopening of brick-and-mortar shops.
For retailers, this means that a unified system that bridges the gap between ecommerce and traditional retail is vital to success. But thankfully, Shopify offers its own POS (point of sale) system that helps merchants to meet consumer expectations while simplifying their operations.
This guide dives into what Shopify POS is, how it works, its pricing, and the ways it can help retailers deliver an unparalleled omnichannel experience.
What is Shopify POS?
Shopify POS is a Point of Sale system designed to help retailers manage in-person sales and sync them with their online Shopify store. It’s an all-in-one solution that integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s ecommerce platform, enabling businesses to sell anywhere, from physical stores and pop-up shops to markets and events.
The system includes a POS app that runs on mobile devices (iOS and Android), Shopify’s proprietary hardware, and powerful backend tools for inventory management, analytics, and customer insights.
How Shopify POS works and getting set up
Shopify POS works by connecting your physical retail operations to your Shopify online store. It’s a cloud-based system that syncs with Shopify to track your orders and inventory across your retail locations, online store, and other active sales channels.
Here’s how to get started:
Set up Your Shopify account: if you’re new to Shopify, start by creating an account and setting up your ecommerce store.
Install the Shopify POS app: download the Shopify POS app on your iPad, iPhone, or Android device. This app serves as the interface for processing in-person sales.
Choose your hardware: Shopify offers a range of hardware options like card readers, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers. These tools make in-store transactions fast and efficient.
Sync your inventory: all inventory data is unified, so sales in your physical store automatically update your online store and vice versa.
Start selling: use the app to scan items, process payments (including cash, credit cards, and digital wallets), and issue receipts. You can also apply discounts, track sales, and manage returns directly from the app.
Access reporting and insights: Shopify POS provides detailed analytics to help you track sales, understand customer behavior, and optimise your operations.
How much does Shopify POS cost?
Shopify POS offers two plans:
1. Shopify POS Lite
This plan is included with all Shopify ecommerce plans at no extra cost. It’s ideal for small retailers and businesses that occasionally sell in-person. Key features include:
- Basic in-person payment processing
- Inventory syncing between online and offline stores
- Email receipts
2. Shopify POS Pro
Shopify POS Pro is an advanced solution designed for larger or more complex retail operations. It costs £69 per month per location, in addition to your Shopify ecommerce plan. Pro features include:
- Advanced inventory management
- Staff permissions and role-based access
- Detailed reporting and analytics
- Omnichannel selling tools like in-store pickup and exchanges
- Custom receipts and store branding
For retailers who don’t need an ecommerce website but do want to sell on social channels, there is also the Starter plan available for £5 per month, which gives you one POS login and one POS Lite location. All Shopify POS plans offer a free trial.
Additional costs to consider
Hardware: Shopify’s hardware ranges from £49 for a card reader to £335 for POS Terminal Countertop Kit, which includes things like a terminal and tablet stand. You can however opt to accept payments on an iPhone or Android, but this limits you to contactless payments only.
Transaction fees: transaction fees depend on your Shopify ecommerce plan. For in-person transactions, Shopify charges a small fee, which decreases with higher-tier plans. Transaction
How does it benefit your business?
Shopify POS will reap the biggest benefits for omni-channel sellers, operating both physical and digital stores. Shopify takes omnichannel selling one step further, bringing everything into one place to create a unified ecommerce experience.
In the past, businesses operating in this way have had multiple systems set up and left backend systems unconnected, increasing the risk of data conflicts and errors. Shopify POS makes it a lot easier to offer flexible shopping options across different channels.
Here are some of the key ways it helps:
1. Unified inventory management
Shopify POS syncs inventory across all sales channels, so you always have an accurate view of stock levels. This ensures you never oversell and can restock popular items quickly.
2. Flexible fulfillment options
With features like in-store pickup, local delivery, and ship-to-home, customers can choose how they receive their purchases. These options make shopping more convenient and encourage repeat business.
3. Centralised customer data
Shopify POS consolidates customer data from online and offline interactions. Retailers can view purchase history, track preferences, and offer personalised recommendations, developing deeper customer relationships.
4. Robust reporting and analytics
Track performance across all sales channels in one dashboard. Shopify POS provides insights into what’s selling, when, and where, helping you make informed business decisions.
5. Streamlined returns and exchanges
Customers can buy online and return in-store, or vice versa, without any hassle. This flexibility enhances the customer experience and builds trust.
Shopify POS in action
In 2024, we worked with men’s formalwear retailer S&S Attire on a new ecommerce website. The goal? To unify the brand’s online and offline sales channels.
The business operates two brick-and-mortar stores in the North East of England, at which they offer in-person appointments. We had to come up with a solution that unified the ecommerce website with in-store sales of both locations and appointments to enable the S&S Attire team to easily manage and track all three from one dashboard. Our developers used a combination of Shopify, Shopify POS and apps, plus a custom theme, to provide the functionality the business needed to thrive.
Is Shopify POS right for your business?
Shopify POS is an excellent choice for businesses looking to bridge their online and offline operations. Whether you run a boutique, a multi-location retail chain, or seasonal pop-up shops, Shopify POS equips you with the tools to create a seamless and modern shopping experience.
Running a multi-channel store but finding it hard to keep track of everything? Shopify might be the solution – get in touch to find out.
