# Best Retail POS System Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best Retail Software for your organization. Compare top Retail Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Retail POS System Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Retail POS System Software of 2026 Updated June 11, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 328 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 328 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. [Clover](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/clover-profile/) Clover is a POS system designed to help small businesses streamline their operations. The system offers a range of features, inc...[Read more about Clover](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/clover-profile/) **3.8** ([575 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/clover-profile/reviews/)) **99** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp Docusign +8 more +7 more +6 more Clover's Best Rated Features 4.83Partial Payments See All Clover's Worst Rated Features 2.39Barcode/Ticket Scanning See All [Toast POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/toast-pos-profile/) Toast POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system designed specifically for the restaurant industry. It is more than just a tool...[Read more about Toast POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/toast-pos-profile/) **4.2** ([552 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/toast-pos-profile/reviews/)) **78** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations OpenTable 7shifts +43 more +42 more +41 more Toast POS's Best Rated Features 4.93Cash Management See All Toast POS's Worst Rated Features 1.71Delivery Management See All [Rain POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/) Rain is an all-in-one point-of-sale, website, and marketing system for small to midsized retailers. Music, dive, sporting goods...[Read more about Rain POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/) **4.1** ([134 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/reviews/)) **61** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations ShipStation Avalara +2 more +1 more +0 more Rain POS's Best Rated Features 5.0Product Identification See All Rain POS's Worst Rated Features 3.33Pricing Management See All [Epos Now](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/) Epos Now POS systems are an effective business management, sales, and payment solution for single-site, multi-site, and online b...[Read more about Epos Now](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/) **3.8** ([721 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/reviews/)) **56** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Salesforce Sales Cloud +23 more +22 more +21 more Epos Now's Best Rated Features 4.86Order Processing See All Epos Now's Worst Rated Features 1.63Employee Management See All [AmberPOS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pacific-amber-technologies-amberpos-profile/) Pacific Amber’s AmberPOS offers a point of sale software solutions to a variety of retail specialties, ranging from small to mid...[Read more about AmberPOS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pacific-amber-technologies-amberpos-profile/) **4.1** ([51 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pacific-amber-technologies-amberpos-profile/reviews/)) **46** recommendations Free trial Free version [Meevo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/meevo-profile/) Meevo is a management tool designed for salons, spas and med spas to streamline operations. It supports scheduling, point-of-sal...[Read more about Meevo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/meevo-profile/) **4.4** ([276 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/meevo-profile/reviews/)) **46** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Advanced Emma by Marigold +3 more +2 more +1 more Meevo's Best Rated Features 5.0Scheduling See All Meevo's Worst Rated Features 3.13Customizable Reports See All [Epicor Propello](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epicor-retail-cloud-profile/) Epicor retail POS and business management solutions are designed to help independent retailers work smarter, not harder. With mo...[Read more about Epicor Propello](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epicor-retail-cloud-profile/) **4.0** ([5 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epicor-retail-cloud-profile/#reviews)) **44** recommendations Free trial Free version [Rapid POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/285338-Rapid-POS/) Rapid POS is a certified NCR Counterpoint point-of-sale reseller and systems integrator providing software, hardware, installati...[Read more about Rapid POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/285338-Rapid-POS/) **4.5** ([11 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/285338-Rapid-POS/reviews/)) **42** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp Shopify +8 more +7 more +6 more [RockSolid MAX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/rocksolid-max-profile/) RockSolid MAX is a cutting-edge software platform designed to revolutionize the way hardware store and home center businesses op...[Read more about RockSolid MAX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/rocksolid-max-profile/) **3.9** ([40 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/rocksolid-max-profile/reviews/)) **26** recommendations Free trial Free version RockSolid MAX's Best Rated Features 4.50Document Storage See All RockSolid MAX's Worst Rated Features 3.83Financial Reporting See All [Liberty REACT](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/liberty4-consignment-profile/) Liberty React is a cloud-based eCommerce and consignment management solution designed for businesses in the resale industry. The...[Read more about Liberty REACT](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/liberty4-consignment-profile/) **4.6** ([147 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/liberty4-consignment-profile/reviews/)) **25** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Online Shopify +2 more +1 more +0 more Liberty REACT's Best Rated Features 5.0Customer Database See All Liberty REACT's Worst Rated Features 4.82Sales Reports See All [POS Nation for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pos-nation-profile/) POS Nation is built to support retailers, including specialty businesses such as convenience stores, liquor, wine and beer store...[Read more about POS Nation for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pos-nation-profile/) **4.6** ([133 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/pos-nation-profile/reviews/)) **21** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify WooCommerce +3 more +2 more +1 more POS Nation for Retail's Best Rated Features 4.67Reporting/Analytics See All POS Nation for Retail's Worst Rated Features 3.67Payment Processing See All [KORONA POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/korona-profile/) KORONA POS provides point of sale software, inventory management, and CRM services for all types of retailers, such as convenien...[Read more about KORONA POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/korona-profile/) **4.7** ([80 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/korona-profile/reviews/)) **20** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel QuickBooks Online Advanced +8 more +7 more +6 more KORONA POS's Best Rated Features 4.90Payment Processing See All KORONA POS's Worst Rated Features 4.25Inventory Control See All [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce f...[Read more about NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) **4.2** ([2044 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/)) **20** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud Docusign +18 more +17 more +16 more NetSuite's Best Rated Features 4.75Check Writing See All NetSuite's Worst Rated Features 2.71Dashboard See All [Ordorite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/ordorite-profile/) Ordorite offers a fully end-to-end management software solution for furniture, bedding and related retailers. The system can man...[Read more about Ordorite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/ordorite-profile/) **4.0** ([4 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/ordorite-profile/#reviews)) **18** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify Xero +4 more +3 more +2 more [COMCASH Retail ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/comcash-profile/) COMCASH ERP is a cloud-based retail management solution that caters to multi-channel and multi-location retailers. The poin...[Read more about COMCASH Retail ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/comcash-profile/) **4.4** ([27 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/comcash-profile/reviews/)) **18** recommendations Free trial Free version [Bravo Store Systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/) Bravo Store Systems empowers small businesses innovative point of sale solutions. Bravo is the leading provider of an all in o...[Read more about Bravo Store Systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/) **4.6** ([38 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/pawn-shop/bravo-store-systems-pos-profile/reviews/)) **14** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations eyeson +0 more +0 more +0 more [GoldTech Retail Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/goldtech-retail-manager-profile/) GoldTech Retail Manager is a retail management and point of sale system designed for small and midsize retail businesses. It off...[Read more about GoldTech Retail Manager](https://www.softwareadvice.com/inventory-management/goldtech-retail-manager-profile/) No reviews yet **16** recommendations Free trial Free version [JewelMate Enterprise Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/logic-mate-jewels-2000-profile/) JewelMate JM20 is a comprehensive jewelry management software built to simplify retail operations, strengthen customer relations...[Read more about JewelMate Enterprise Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/logic-mate-jewels-2000-profile/) **4.6** ([20 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/logic-mate-jewels-2000-profile/reviews/)) **13** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations QuickBooks Enterprise WordPress +11 more +10 more +9 more [Dylish](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/dylish-profile/) Dylish is a white-labelled platform designed to assist restaurants with online food ordering and delivery using a customizable a...[Read more about Dylish](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/dylish-profile/) **5.0** ([5 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/dylish-profile/#reviews)) **12** recommendations Free trial Free version [AXIS POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/axis-rms-profile/) AXIS Retail Management System is a cloud-based point of sale and inventory management solution for the shooting sports industry....[Read more about AXIS POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/axis-rms-profile/) **4.0** ([1 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/axis-rms-profile/#reviews)) **9** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations ActiveCampaign QuickBooks Desktop +3 more +2 more +1 more [Rapid Garden POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rapid-garden-profile/) Rapid Garden POS is a point of sale (POS) solution designed to assist users with managing their greenhouse, garden centers, nurs...[Read more about Rapid Garden POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rapid-garden-profile/) **4.5** ([11 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rapid-garden-profile/reviews/)) **8** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp Shopify +14 more +13 more +12 more [Phorest](https://www.softwareadvice.com/salon/phorest-profile/) Phorest is a salon management software solution designed for small and midsize businesses that features appointment bookings, po...[Read more about Phorest](https://www.softwareadvice.com/salon/phorest-profile/) **4.8** ([431 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/salon/phorest-profile/reviews/)) **6** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Instagram +0 more +0 more +0 more Phorest's Best Rated Features 5.0Multi-Location See All Phorest's Worst Rated Features 3.67Online Store See All [IT Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/next-profile/) IT Retail is a cloud-based point of sale (POS) solution built especially for independently-run grocery stores and retailers. Key...[Read more about IT Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/next-profile/) **4.6** ([22 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/next-profile/reviews/)) **6** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Mailchimp QuickBooks Online Advanced +1 more +0 more +0 more [Lightning Online](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/lightning-online-profile/) Lightning Retail POS is a cloud-based point of sale (POS) solution that caters to a variety of retail segments such as wine and ...[Read more about Lightning Online](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/lightning-online-profile/) **4.9** ([8 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/lightning-online-profile/reviews/)) **5** recommendations Free trial Free version [Jewel360](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/jewel360-profile/) Jewel360 is a comprehensive cloud-based point of sale software designed specifically for jewelers. It facilitates the seamless m...[Read more about Jewel360](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/jewel360-profile/) **5.0** ([3 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/jewel360-profile/#reviews)) **5** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Clientbook +0 more +0 more +0 more 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?page=5) ... [14](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/?page=14) ## Popular Comparisons [ Square Point of Sale vs PayPal ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/paypal-profile/vs/square-point-of-sale/)[ Odoo vs Shopify ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/vs/shopify/)[ Epos Now vs PayPal Point of Sale ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/vs/paypal-here/)[ Clover vs Lightspeed Retail ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/1932-Lightspeed-Retail/vs/61761-clover/)[ NetSuite vs Cin7 Omni ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cin7-profile/vs/netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)[ SpotOn vs Toast POS ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/spoton-restaurant-profile/vs/toast-pos/) ## Your Guide to Top Retail POS System Software, March 2025 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Retail POS System products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [ACCEO Smart Vendor](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/acceo-smart-vendor-profile/) - [eposbuddy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/eposbuddy-profile/) - [FieldStack](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/fieldstack-profile/) - [ikas](https://www.softwareadvice.com/ecommerce/ikas-profile/) - [KORONA POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/korona-profile/) - [Loyverse POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/loyverse-profile/) - [Nomod](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/nomod-profile/) - [PayPal Point of Sale](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/paypal-here-profile/) - [Poster POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/poster-profile/) - [RetailEdge](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retailedge-profile/) - [Revolut Business](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/341953-Revolut-for-Business/) - [Shopify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/shopify-profile/) - [Shopify POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/shopify-pos-profile/) - [SpotOn](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/spoton-restaurant-profile/) - [Square for Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-for-retail-profile/) - [Square Point of Sale](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-point-of-sale-profile/) - [Toast POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/toast-pos-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Here's what we'll cover: [What is a retail point of sale (POS) system?](#WhatisaretailpointofsalePOSsystem) [Benefits of retail POS software](#BenefitsofretailPOSsoftware) [Competitive advantages of using retail POS software](#CompetitiveadvantagesofusingretailPOSsoftware) [Business sizes using retail POS software](#BusinesssizesusingretailPOSsoftware) [Software related to retail POS](#SoftwarerelatedtoretailPOS) [Features guide](#Featuresguide) [Pricing guide](#Pricingguide) [FAQs](#FAQs) [Tips & tools](#Tipstools) ## What is a retail point of sale (POS) system? A retail POS system is any technology that includes software where a retail transaction is completed. It provides capabilities such as scanning a barcode, making a purchase order or printing a receipt. Features include inventory management, sales reporting, and analytics. The software also helps retailers nurture relationships with customers by providing customer relationship management (CRM) tools. ## Benefits of retail POS software Retail POS systems bring many benefits to retailers aside from simply completing transactions. These include: - **Sales reporting and analytics:** Provides retailers with insight into their sales, helping them make informed decisions that strengthen the business. - **Inventory management:** Automates stock control and helps retailers determine optimal product counts and when and how to reorder top selling products. - **Customer management capabilities:** Help retailers automatically record and track valuable customer information, enabling stronger relationships and encouraging repeat business. ## Competitive advantages of using retail POS software Surprisingly, many retailers we work with at Software Advice have survived without software. In fact, [64 percent of single-store retailers we work with](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/must-have-retail-pos-features/) are operating without retail POS systems in place. But Excel spreadsheets can only go so far in supporting the operational processes retailers need to accomplish every day. As retailers grow, software can: - **Scale the business:** Key insights provided by a POS solution can help retailers identify the strong points of their business. This information can be used to pinpoint top-selling products and the most valuable customers to focus on in order to scale. - **Operate more efficiently:** The operational efficiencies and automations provided by retail POS systems enable shop owners, operators and managers to spend more time training employees and interacting with customers. ## Business sizes using retail POS software The POS market easily accommodates retailer demographics ranging from small retail store operations to large enterprise retailers. - **Small:** If you operate a single store, or even just do pop-up events, you're likely best suited for a basic POS system with limited hardware and advanced features. - **Medium:** If you operate a growing, high-volume single store or up to five stores, you're best suited for a POS system that enables multiple location management and features advanced reporting and analytics. - **Large, enterprise:** If you operate a chain of five or more stores, you're best suited for an enterprise POS system with enterprise resource planning support, including warehousing, shipping logistics and advanced analytics. ## Software related to retail POS Many retail POS systems on the market today offer retailers with all the critical capabilities packaged into one solution. However, if a core capability that retailers need is missing from their POS system, they'll want to look to specialized software to fill the void. Popular specialized software includes: - Inventory management for maintaining desired product counts. - Sales reporting and analytics for pinpointing key performance indicators. - [Customer relationship management (CRM)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/crm-software-comparison/) for generating customer loyalty. - Accounting for managing payroll, taxes and other accounting. - [Ecommerce](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4340-ecommerce/) for setting up an online store. Aside from software for specialized functionalities, retailers might want to consider software designed specifically for the unique needs of their business. For example: - **Restaurant and foodservice business owners** often require [restaurant software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/restaurant-pos-software-comparison/) to process orders, print tickets, analyze ingredient availability and determine how much to charge for meals. - **Jewelers** might need [jewelry POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/jewelry-pos-software-comparison/) software to manage repairs and quotes, in addition to processing sales and inventory tracking. - **Consignment, pawn shop and resale store owners** need [specialized software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/consignment-store-pos-software-comparison/) since they don't own their inventories. These retailers need software with functionality tailored to their store types. * * * ## Features guide ### Feature details and examples Here are some examples showing the top common features of POS solutions: **Reporting and analytics:** Highlights key data. Enables insight into sales data. Supports data filtering options for pinpoint analysis. _Reporting and analysis by_ [Lightspeed Retail](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/420866-Lightspeed/) _(_[Source](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/420866-Lightspeed/)_)_ **Customer management:** Helps retain valuable customers. Create and manage customer profiles. Track valuable contact information and purchase histories. Send personalized marketing and deals. _Customer profile in_ [Rain POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/) _(_[Source](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/rainpos-profile/)_)_ **Inventory management:** Automates the management of supply levels. Deducts inventory as sales are completed and provides alerts when inventory levels reach pre-defined thresholds. Also provides reports on inventory movement trends. _Inventory management in_ [Agiliron](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/agiliron-profile/) _(_[Source](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/agiliron-profile/)_)_ **Employee management:** Optimizes scheduling and tracks commissions (when applicable). Provides employee logins to enable clocking in/out for shifts. _Employee management by_ ShopKeep _(_[Source](https://shopkeep-support.lightspeedhq.com/support/reporting/sales-by-employee)_)_ **Payment processing:** Accepts payments from multiple modes such as credit card, debit card, e-wallet, and cash.   _Processing payments in_ [Epos Now](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/) _(_[Source](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/)_)_ Some retail POS solutions also offer the following advanced features: - **Ecommerce:** Many of the top POS players on the market today offer some form of e-commerce integration, either within their system or through [a specialized e-commerce platform](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4340-ecommerce/). - **Accounting:** Manages the process of generating customer invoices and receiving payments as well as tracking all payments made to partners and vendors. - **Purchase orders:** Tracks items and amounts ordered, including date of order, shipping information and progress. - **Loyalty program:** Manages and tracks customer loyalty by providing rewards or points for purchase frequency or other incentive goals. - **Targeted marketing:** Allows retailers to segment customers and create mailing lists based on custom criteria such as items purchased, total amount spent etc. - **Loss prevention:** Monitors inventory levels and purchase orders and reports discrepancies or missing quantities. - **Variable pricing:** Allows managers to automate the process by which varied prices are assigned to products, typically based on walk-in/phone orders, time of day or season. ### Retail POS buyers' top requested features Our advisors at Software Advice have helped thousands of SMB retailers find the best POS system for their unique business needs. We're able to analyze these consultations to determine trends in POS needs. According to this analysis, these are the top requested POS solution features by your SMB retail peers: ### The retail POS software features you really need Depending on the number of stores your business is operating, certain software capabilities take priority over others. Here are some must-have retail POS features for retailers at different stages of business: **Independent retailers not operating an actual store** _Payment processing:_ Just need the bare-bone ability for retailers to manage transactions and checkout customers. **Single-store retailers** _Sales reporting:_ Identify key performance indicators within the sale system and pinpoint top selling items to help drive more business. **Multi-store retailers** _Multi-store merchandise management:_ Enables creation of the optimal balance of SKUs. Provides analytical tools to plan merchandise based on sales histories, trends and forecasts. **Enterprise retailers** _Shipping and transportation management:_ Helps organizations efficiently transport inventory from distribution centers to store locations and customers. Enables enterprises to plan shipments via air, land or sea with their own or via third-party fleets. * * * ## Pricing guide For an accurate snapshot of what retail POS systems cost, download our [Pricing Guide](https://software-advice.imgix.net/lightbox/2017-Retail%20Software%20Pricing%20Guide.pdf). * * * ## FAQs ### What questions should I ask vendors when evaluating retail POS products? Here are some key questions you need each vendor to answer when evaluating their POS offerings: **Does the functionality of the system suit your specific business needs?** Create a list of must-have functionality that you need your new POS system to do. Walk through each of these with each vendor and record how many each system offers. **How much does the software really cost?** You don't want to be sold on a system based on inaccurate pricing. Figure out how much each system will cost over the next three months, six months and year. **Is your only option to sign a contract?** You don't want to be stuck paying for an inadequate system, so see if there's a monthly subscription you can agree to rather than committing to paying for a system for a year or more. **Are there any hidden fees?** Many POS system costs include payment processing fees. Some even include fees for upgrading or for tech support. Figure out all the potential costs before committing to a system. **Is any POS hardware proprietary?** POS hardware is often just as important for a retailer as the software it supports. Determine if you're required to purchase hardware through POS vendors (which is often marked up). **Do I have options for my merchant service provider?** Merchant service providers (MSP) are [a critical partner for SMB retailers](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/what-is-a-merchant-service-provider/). Some POS systems allow you to work with whichever MSP you prefer, while others require you to work with their partner MSPs. ### What hardware do I need for my retail POS system? These are the critical hardware tools you need to get the most out of your POS system: **Register screen:** Displays transaction information and product database. Visual hub of a POS system. iPads and other tablets are replacing bulky, traditional monitors. **Barcode scanner:** Automatically pulls product details, and adds price to transaction total. Adjusts inventory level once transaction is complete. **Credit card reader:** Processes credit, debit and gift cards. Most new readers accept EMV readers as well as enable mobile payments (Apple Pay, Android Pay). **Receipt printer:** Paper receipts provide customers with data on their purchase. Phasing out in exchange for email and text receipts. **Cash drawer:** A secure place to house cash from payments. * * * ## Tips & tools ### Build a business case for retail POS software If you're having trouble justifying the purchase of a new POS system for your business, take a look at this narrative to see how beneficial such a system can be. ### Relevant articles Here are some recent articles about retail POS systems you should check out: - "[What Is a Merchant Service Provider—And Why Do They Matter?](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/what-is-a-merchant-service-provider/)" - "Why Your Business Should Start Offering Gift Cards Now" - "Improve Customer Experience in Retail Stores With New Technologies" ### Popular Retail POS System Comparisons There are many POS systems on the market that might work for your business, so we've included the following pages for you to see detailed comparisons of a few top systems: - "[Top Square Alternatives](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-for-retail-profile/alternatives/)" - "[Revel POS vs. Square](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/revel-profile/vs/square-for-retail/)" - "Shopkeep POS vs. Revel POS" ### Related Retail POS System Software - [Payment Processing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/online-payment/) - [Point of Sale Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/web-based-point-of-sale-software-comparison/) - [Pricing Optimization Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/pricing-optimization/) - [Retail Execution Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4846-retail-execution/) - [Retail Management Systems Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retail-management-comparison/) - [Store Locator Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/store-locator/)