If you are interested in Shopify’s e-commerce platform, refer to our other article: Shopify Online Store Plans Comparison: Basic, Shopify, Advanced – What Are the Differences? Which Plan is Suitable for Your Business?
What is a POS (Point of Sale)?
A Point of Sale (POS) system is used to handle offline transactions and accept payments. Typically, it consists of a tablet or computer running POS software, a payment terminal for credit and debit card transactions, and a cash drawer for cash payments and change. Additional accessories may include receipt printers and barcode scanners.
Shopify POS Lite vs. Shopify POS Pro
Shopify offers two versions of its POS system: POS Lite and POS Pro. Both integrate seamlessly with Shopify’s online store features and support a range of Shopify’s robust hardware devices.
Shopify POS Lite
Included in all Shopify online store plans, POS Lite allows for face-to-face payments, basic customer information collection, and limited returns and exchanges.
Shopify POS Pro
Priced at CAD $119 per month per store, Shopify POS Pro is an enhanced version of POS Lite. It offers unlimited employee logins, more detailed employee permission controls, comprehensive customer profiles and lifetime value reports, streamlined workflows for returns, discounts, local pickups, inventory transfers, and in-depth inventory reporting.
Feature Comparison
Shopify POS Lite
- Included in all Shopify plans
- Face-to-face payments
- Capture basic customer information
- Limited returns and exchanges
Shopify POS Pro
- CAD $119 per month per store
- Advanced features designed for fixed retail locations
- Unlimited employee POS logins
- Enhanced employee permission controls
- Comprehensive customer profiles and lifetime value reports
- Faster workflows for returns, discounts, local pickups, and inventory transfers
- Detailed inventory reports
Core Features of Shopify POS Lite
If your business subscribes to a Shopify online store plan, you already have access to the following core features of Shopify POS Lite:
- Secure Encrypted Payments: Ensures the security of every transaction.
- Unlimited Registrations: Set different permissions for an unlimited number of users.
- Unified Online and In-Store Inventory: Inventory information is synchronized across your online store and POS terminal.
- Quick Payments: Simplifies the checkout process, enhancing the customer experience.
- Cash Tracking: Easily manage cash transactions and change.
- Online Sales: Utilize Shopify to build and manage your e-commerce website.
- Hardware Connectivity: Enhance your POS system with compatible hardware accessories like barcode scanners and receipt printers.
- Batch Payments: Allow customers to pay large orders in multiple installments.
- Gift Cards: Support both physical and digital gift cards to increase sales channels.
- Free Shopify POS App: Use on smartphones or tablets at no additional cost.
- Refunds and Returns: Simplify the refund and return process, improving customer satisfaction.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Available anytime to provide assistance.
Use Cases
Shopify POS Lite
Suitable for small retailers or those new to using POS systems, as well as retail businesses already using Shopify’s e-commerce platform.
Shopify POS Pro
Ideal for retailers with high foot traffic, multiple employees, numerous store locations, and extensive product catalogs. It is designed for businesses that require advanced features and detailed reporting.
Relationship Between Shopify Online Store and Shopify POS
Shopify is a comprehensive platform that supports business operations by allowing you to manage products and orders, accept payments, and build customer relationships all in one place. Whether you sell online or offline, Shopify provides the necessary tools to support your sales channels.
When you subscribe to a Shopify online store plan, you gain access to the core features of Shopify POS.
Integration Between Shopify Online Store and Shopify POS
Yes, your Shopify online store and Shopify POS can be integrated seamlessly. With Shopify POS, you can manage daily operations, accept payments anywhere in your store, and build customer relationships to foster loyalty. Shopify’s powerful e-commerce solution integrates offline and online sales, connecting your website with social media and the POS system.
Conclusion
Shopify offers robust POS solutions tailored to different business needs, whether you’re a small retailer or a large enterprise with multiple locations. By integrating Shopify POS with your online store, you can streamline your sales operations and enhance customer experiences both online and offline.