Revel Systems
Advanced reporting tools
Multi-location support
Employee and customer tracking
Best POS software
For small businesses, having the right Point-of-Sale (POS) system is essential for managing sales, inventory, and customer interactions efficiently. A good POS system should be affordable, user-friendly, and scalable. In this guide, we explore the top POS systems for small businesses, each tailored to different industries and business needs.
Key Features of POS Systems for Small Businesses
For small businesses, the right POS system can streamline operations, boost efficiency, and improve customer service. Key features to look for include easy setup, intuitive interfaces, inventory tracking, mobile payment options, and affordable pricing. Choosing a system tailored to small business needs ensures you maximize value while supporting growth and day-to-day functionality.
- Ease of Use: The system should be intuitive, requiring minimal training for staff.
- Affordability: Look for a cost-effective solution, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
- Scalability: Choose a system that can grow with your business.
- Inventory Management: Real-time tracking of stock and automatic updates for products sold.
- Customer Management: Features like loyalty programs and customer insights to drive repeat business.
Top POS Systems for Small Businesses
| POS System | Best For | Key Features | Price |
| Revel Systems | High-Growth Small Businesses | – Advanced reporting tools
– Multi-location support – Employee and customer tracking |
Starts at $99/month |
| Lightspeed | Retail & Hospitality | – Customizable features
– Omnichannel sales tools – Robust inventory management |
Starts at $89/month |
| Square | Retail & Service Businesses | – Free basic POS tools
– Easy employee management – Built-in payments system |
Free; Add-ons extra |
| Shopify POS | Retail & eCommerce | – Integrates with online store
– Real-time inventory sync – Advanced reporting |
Starts at $32/month |
| eHopper | Budget-Friendly Retailers | – Free POS solution
– Simple inventory management – Customizable receipt options |
Starts at $29.99 |
| SumUp | Small Retailers | – Affordable POS
– Easy to set up and use – Mobile-friendly |
Starts at $99/month |
| SpotOn | Service-Based Businesses | – Customer loyalty program
– Employee scheduling tools – Advanced reporting |
Starts at $99/month |
Best POS Systems For Small Businesses
Choosing the best POS system is essential for small businesses to simplify operations, track sales, and enhance customer experiences. The top systems offer user-friendly interfaces, mobile payment options, inventory management, and affordability tailored to small business budgets. Here’s a look at the best POS systems designed to help small businesses thrive.
1. Revel Systems – Best for High-Growth Small Businesses
Revel Systems offers a robust solution for small businesses that are growing quickly and need advanced reporting and multi-location support.
- Key Features:
- Advanced Reporting: Detailed reports to analyze sales trends and customer behavior.
- Multi-Location Support: Manage multiple stores from a single dashboard.
- Employee Tracking: Monitor staff performance with shift reports and labor tracking.
- Price: Starts at $99/month.
2. Lightspeed – Best for Retail and Hospitality
Lightspeed provides customizable POS tools perfect for retail shops and small restaurants. Its omnichannel features help businesses bridge online and in-store sales.
- Key Features:
- Customizable Interface: Tailor the system to your unique business needs.
- Omnichannel Sales: Syncs online and offline sales to streamline operations.
- Inventory Management: Powerful tools for tracking stock in real time.
- Price: Starts at $89/month.
3. Square – Best for Retail and Service Businesses
Square is one of the most popular POS systems due to its affordability and ease of use. It’s perfect for small businesses, offering a free plan and additional paid features as needed.
- Key Features:
- Free Basic POS Tools: Ideal for startups with no upfront costs.
- Built-In Payments: Square’s integrated payment system simplifies transactions.
- Employee Management: Time tracking and shift management are included in the software.
- Price: Free plan; paid add-ons start at $45/month for loyalty programs.
4. Shopify POS – Best for Retail and eCommerce Integration
Shopify POS is an excellent choice for small businesses that also sell online. It integrates seamlessly with your Shopify eCommerce store, keeping inventory and sales data in sync.
- Key Features:
- Omnichannel Integration: Syncs sales between your brick-and-mortar store and online shop.
- Real-Time Inventory Syncing: Keeps your inventory up to date across multiple sales channels.
- Advanced Reporting: Detailed insights into sales and customer behaviors.
- Price: Starts at $32/month.
5. eHopper – Best for Budget-Friendly Retailers
eHopper is a simple, free POS solution that provides small businesses with essential features to manage sales and inventory without breaking the bank.
- Key Features:
- Free POS Option: Essential tools at no cost for small businesses on a budget.
- Customizable Receipts: Ability to personalize receipts to match your branding.
- Basic Inventory Management: Easy to track products and manage stock levels.
- Price: Starts at $29.99/mo
6. SumUp – Best for Small Retailers
SumUp is a straightforward, mobile-friendly POS system that allows small businesses to quickly start accepting payments.
- Key Features:
- Affordable Pricing: Ideal for small retailers on a budget.
- Mobile-Friendly: Accept payments anywhere using a tablet or smartphone.
- Easy Setup: Simple to install and use, even for first-time users.
- Price: Starts at $99/month.
7. SpotOn – Best for Service-Based Small Businesses
SpotOn is an ideal POS system for service-based businesses like salons, spas, and fitness centers, offering a mix of loyalty programs, employee scheduling, and detailed reporting.
- Key Features:
- Customer Loyalty Program: Built-in features to reward loyal clients.
- Employee Scheduling: Integrated tools to manage staff schedules efficiently.
- Advanced Reporting: Track sales, inventory, and performance across all locations.
- Price: Starts at $99/month.
How to Choose the Right POS System for Your Small Business
- Consider Your Industry Needs:
- Retail businesses should look into Shopify or Lightspeed for eCommerce integration and robust inventory features.
- Service-based businesses like salons or spas may benefit from SpotOn due to its customer loyalty and employee scheduling tools.
- Set Your Budget:
- If you’re just starting out, Square and eHopper offer affordable or free plans with essential features.
- For more comprehensive tools, Revel Systems or Lightspeed offer advanced reporting and customization at a reasonable cost.
- Ease of Use and Scalability:
- Choose a system that’s easy for your team to learn, but also scalable to accommodate growth. SumUp and eHopper are simple, while Lightspeed and Revel Systems provide more flexibility as your business grows.
- Payment Integration and Fees:
- Check if the POS system includes integrated payment processing or if you need third-party services. Square and SumUp come with built-in payment processing, while others, like Shopify POS, may require separate payment gateways.
Conclusion
Selecting the best POS system for your small business depends on your industry, budget, and growth plans. Square and eHopper are great options for cost-conscious businesses, while Lightspeed and Revel Systems offer more advanced features for scaling. For service-based businesses, SpotOn is a fantastic choice, and Shopify POS is perfect for retailers who want to integrate online and in-store sales.
Pro Tip: Always take advantage of free trials or demos to test the software and ensure it meets your needs before committing.
