Shopify
Shopify POS
Overview
Shopify POS is a point-of-sale system built for small businesses that want to sell both in-store and online from a single platform. It connects your physical shop to your Shopify online store, keeping inventory, customers, and sales data in one place. It suits a wide range of businesses, from cafés and salons to gyms and garden centers.
Key Features
Shopify POS includes inventory management, staff permissions, customer profiles, discount tools, and integrated payment processing through Shopify Payments. The system works on iOS and Android devices, so you can run it on an iPad or smartphone without expensive hardware. Built-in reporting gives you real-time visibility into sales, stock levels, and staff performance.
Pricing
Shopify POS Pro starts at $89 per month on a flat monthly fee, with a 3-day free trial available so you can test it before committing. Keep in mind that you also need an active Shopify subscription, which adds to your monthly cost. Transaction fees apply if you use a third-party payment processor instead of Shopify Payments.
Ease of Use
Shopify POS has a clean, intuitive interface that most staff can learn quickly without formal training. The mobile app makes it easy to take payments anywhere on your shop floor or at events. Setup is straightforward, especially if you already use Shopify for your online store.
Verdict
Shopify POS is a strong choice for small business owners who want a reliable system that bridges in-store and online selling without juggling multiple tools. It works especially well for salons, cafés, restaurants, and retail shops that need solid inventory control and a smooth checkout experience. The combined cost of POS Pro plus a Shopify plan may stretch tight budgets, but the unified platform delivers real value for growing businesses.
Pros
- ✓Unifies online and in-store sales seamlessly
- ✓Intuitive app works on iOS and Android
- ✓Strong built-in inventory management tools
- ✓Real-time sales and stock reporting included
- ✓Easy to add staff with permission controls
- ✓3-day free trial to test before buying
Cons
- ✗Requires separate Shopify subscription adds cost
- ✗Transaction fees without Shopify Payments
- ✗Advanced features locked behind Pro plan
- ✗Limited offline functionality for payments
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Shopify online store to use Shopify POS? ▼
Yes, Shopify POS requires an active Shopify subscription. However, this also means your in-store and online inventory stay automatically synced, which saves a lot of manual work if you sell through both channels.
What hardware do I need to get started with Shopify POS? ▼
You can start with just a smartphone or iPad running the free Shopify POS app. For a more complete setup, Shopify sells card readers, receipt printers, and cash drawers separately, so you can build out your hardware as your business grows.
Is Shopify POS suitable for a food or beverage business like a café or takeaway? ▼
Yes, Shopify POS works well for cafés, coffee shops, and takeaways. It handles quick transactions, custom discounts, and tipping, though businesses needing advanced table management or kitchen display systems may want to check whether additional integrations are required.