Explore Shopify POS Alternatives: Find the Perfect Fit for business success

Shopify POS is Shopify's own point-of-sale system, and it's already used by millions of people on their platform. If you’ve set up your online store with Shopify, this POS option might be a no-brainer for you. But, let’s be real. Shopify POS isn’t perfect. Some retailers have hit snags and ended up looking for other options.

In this article, we’re going to give you some intel on five of the top Shopify POS alternatives you might want to check out. Whether you’re running a small shop or managing a large operation with multiple sales channels, we’ve got you covered with some solid alternatives.

Limitations of Shopify POS App

Shopify POS has some downsides that might make you consider other POS systems. 

For starters, it has limited integration capabilities. If you’re not using Shopify's hardware or sticking within its ecosystem, you can’t use the Shopify POS app. This is a big deal if your store is already running on another platform. You’ll have to move all your data, retrain your team, and deal with a steep learning curve. Many businesses prefer a POS system with seamless integration that works with whatever tools they’re already using.

Shopify POS also isn’t great for growing businesses. The features aren’t very customizable, which can be frustrating if your store has unique needs. Limited customization could also lead to additional costs down the road, especially if you want to scale up or tweak the system to fit your business better. For medium-sized businesses looking to expand, this lack of flexibility can be a real pain.

There are also platform limitations with Shopify POS. If your business uses a lot of different tools, Shopify's ecosystem might hold you back from operating or growing in the direction you want. For instance, if you want to build a custom POS system tailored to your store, Shopify POS might not have the advanced features you need. Plus, it doesn’t have an offline mode, which is a big issue for offline stores.

Another thing to watch out for is the extra cost when using third-party payment processors. If you’re not using Shopify Payments, you could be hit with an extra transaction fee of up to 2% for every sale. This can be a dealbreaker, especially if Shopify Payments isn’t available in your country. Many small businesses end up looking at Shopify POS alternatives like Epos Now which offer better pricing and more features for inventory management, reporting and analytics, and customer loyalty programs.

Why Businesses are Looking for Shopify POS Alternatives

A lot of businesses are on the hunt for Shopify POS alternatives because, let’s face it, the one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it for everyone. As stores grow, they start needing more than what Shopify POS offers. They’re looking for more advanced features, better customization, or just something that plays nicer with the tools they already use. It’s not that Shopify POS is bad—it’s just that it can feel a little limiting, especially when your business starts scaling up or when you need a super specific feature for your store.

Let's talk money. Those extra transaction fees can really start adding up, especially if you’re not using Shopify Payments. For a lot of small and medium-sized businesses, every dollar counts, and finding a POS system that doesn’t nickel and dime you for every sale is a big deal. So, it’s no surprise that businesses are checking out other options, which might offer better pricing, more features, or just a smoother overall experience.

Another reason businesses are eyeing Shopify POS alternatives is the need for better offline capabilities. If your store loses internet connection, Shopify POS doesn’t have an offline mode, which can leave you stuck when trying to make sales. This is a big deal for businesses that can’t afford downtime, especially during busy hours.

Then there’s the whole customization thing. Shopify POS might work well for basic setups, but when it comes to tailoring the system to fit unique business needs—like integrating with specific inventory management software or offering detailed sales reports—it falls short. For businesses with multiple locations or complex inventory levels, the lack of flexibility can be frustrating.

Customer support is another area where some businesses feel let down. While Shopify has decent support, sometimes it’s not enough, especially for businesses needing more hands-on help with setup, troubleshooting, or customizing the system. Other POS systems might offer more responsive or specialized support, which can be a lifesaver for a growing business.

Lastly, as businesses expand, they often need features like CRM integration, multi-channel sales, and more robust reporting and analytics. Shopify POS covers the basics, but when it comes to these advanced features, other POS systems might offer more bang for your buck.

Epos Now 

Epos Now is quickly making a name for itself as a top contender among cloud-based POS systems. It’s packed with features that cater to every aspect of running a business, from loyalty programs and online ordering to staff management and stock tracking. The best part? It’s incredibly user-friendly—you can have it up and running in just a few minutes. Plus, with strong security measures in place, your data stays safe and sound.

Founded in 2011 by Jacyn Heavens, Epos Now was born out of a real need for an affordable and easy-to-use POS system. Jacyn’s experience working in a bar, where finding a simple, cost-effective POS was a challenge, inspired him to create Epos Now. Today, the system is available in countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and more, helping businesses across the globe streamline their operations.

• Integrated payment processing: One of Epos Now's standout features is its integrated payment processing. This lets you handle multiple payment methods through a single terminal, speeding up transactions and reducing errors. Everything is managed through one portal, ensuring a smooth experience for both you and your customers. Plus, you’ll enjoy fixed-rate payment processing with no hidden fees, making it easier to manage costs.
• Inventory tracking: Epos Now’s cloud-based system excels at real-time inventory tracking. You’ll always know exactly what’s in stock, thanks to features like item and order tracking, reordering notifications, and automated ordering processes. These tools help you maintain optimal inventory levels while saving time and reducing costs.
• Employee management: Managing your team is a breeze with Epos Now’s employee management tools. You can easily handle scheduling and time tracking to ensure everyone is working the right hours. Sales goal alerts keep your staff on target, and customizable permissions mean only authorized employees can access sensitive data.
• App Store: The Epos Now App Store offers a wide range of apps to further customize and enhance your system. Whether you’re looking to set up a loyalty program, manage deliveries, or integrate with QuickBooks and Mailchimp, the possibilities are endless. Some popular apps include:

1. Epos Now Loyalty: Build and manage customer loyalty programs.
2. Epos Now Delivery: Streamline your delivery orders.
3. Order & Pay: Allow customers to order and pay from their devices.
4. QuickBooks: Sync your sales and financial data effortlessly.
5. Mailchimp: Automate your email marketing campaigns.

Epos Now is an excellent choice for small business owners who want a secure, easy-to-use POS system. With integrated payment processing, real-time inventory tracking, and robust staff management features, it offers everything you need to get your business up and running smoothly. And if you ever need a hand, their in-house customer service team is always ready to help.

Lightspeed Retail

Lightspeed is a powerful POS system that's been around for over a decade, used by big names like Five Guys and Goodwill. It’s great for retail, restaurants, bars, and e-commerce. You can use it on the cloud, in your browser, or through an iOS app. Here’s what a Forbes review has to say about the company:

Pros:

• 24/7 support: Help is always available.
• Account manager: You get a dedicated manager for your account.
• Inventory management: Keeps your stock organized and updated.

Cons:

• Pricey: More expensive than other options.
• Long contracts: You’re stuck with lengthy agreements.
• Hard to cancel: Cancelling can be a hassle.

Square POS 

Next up is Square POS, a cloud-based system packed with features to make running your business smoother. You’ve got mobile payment processing, easy hardware setup, and tools for managing both employees and customers. It also provides detailed reports and integrates with major accounting systems, so you can get up and running without a hitch.

According to a Forbes review, here are some pros and cons of using this system:

Pros:

• Free to start: Square POS doesn’t cost anything to start using, which is great for small businesses looking to save on initial expenses.
• No monthly fees in basic plan: The basic plan comes with no monthly fees, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Wide range of hardware: You can choose from various hardware options to find what best suits your setup.

Cons:

• Account freezing: Square accounts can sometimes be frozen due to irregular activity, which can be a hassle if you’re not expecting it.
• Not cost-effective for high-volume transactions: If you’re processing a lot of transactions, Square might not be the most cost-effective choice due to its fee structure.
• No phone support: Square doesn’t offer phone support, which can be inconvenient if you prefer talking to someone directly when you run into issues.

Paypal Zettle 

Zettle is PayPal's latest card reader and POS system, replacing PayPal Here. Zettle has a lot more features than PayPal Here (which is being phased out soon). 

You can use Zettle to accept payments through your PayPal account with no monthly fees—just pay 2.29% plus $0.09 for each card or contactless sale. It works with Bluetooth card readers, mobile terminals, and iPad POS setups, and the app runs smoothly on both Apple and Android devices. According to a Forbes article, here’s some advantages and disadvantages of opting for Zettle.

Pros:

• No monthly fees: Start using Zettle without any subscription costs.
• Lower processing fees: It’s cheaper than the old PayPal Here system.
• Multiple payment options: Accept credit, debit, contactless, and Venmo payments.
• Unified tracking: Keep all your payment info in one PayPal account.

Cons:

• Needs Internet: You need a good cellular or Wi-Fi connection for it to work.
• Fewer add-ons: It doesn’t have as many extra features or integrations as some other systems.
• Limited e-commerce and accounting integrations: Not as many connections for online sales or accounting tools.

Toast POS

Toast is designed to help restaurant owners simplify their daily operations and manage their eateries with ease. It’s packed with features for handling payments, tracking inventory, managing staff, and offering extras like promo codes and gift cards.

Here’s what Forbes Reviews has to say:

Pros:

• Multiple payment methods: Accepts all sorts of payments.
• Restaurant-specific: Designed with the restaurant industry in mind.
• 24/7 customer service: Available around the clock, no matter your plan.
• Easy multi-location use: Works smoothly across several locations.

Cons:

• Unclear costs: Scalable plans and pay-as-you-go pricing make it hard to pin down exact costs.
• Expensive to cancel or switch: Changing plans or cancelling can be pricey.
• Poor BBB rating: Not a great BBB rating and minimal online presence for customer queries.

These are just some of the alternative guides, we also have Talech POS alternatives guides.

Benefits of switching to Epos Now 

Epos Now comes with its own payment processing system—Epos Now Payments. This means you get an all-in-one solution that’s designed to work seamlessly with your POS system. With Epos Now Payments, you don’t have to worry about finding a third-party processor or dealing with additional fees. Everything is integrated right into the system, which simplifies your payment processing and makes transactions quicker and smoother for both you and your customers.

When it comes to app integration, Epos Now really shines. It connects easily with a wide range of business apps, whether you’re handling accounting, inventory management, or customer relationship management (CRM). This seamless integration means you can sync all your tools in one place, making it easier to track inventory, manage payroll, generate detailed sales reports, and run marketing campaigns. The ability to pull everything together in a single platform helps streamline your operations and reduce manual tasks.

Epos Now also offers specialized POS systems tailored to different industries. For retail businesses, Epos Now's all-in-one retail POS provides features like advanced inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and robust reporting tools to help you manage everything from stock levels to multi-location operations. If you’re in the hospitality industry, the Epos Now Hospitality POS is designed with features like table management, split billing, and online ordering, making it ideal for busy restaurants, cafes, and bars. These specialized systems ensure that you have the tools you need to run your business efficiently, no matter your industry.

In short, Epos Now gives you an integrated, industry-specific solution with its own payment processing, top-notch app integrations, and specialized POS systems designed to meet the unique demands of your business.

Switching Steps from Shopify

Switching from Shopify to a new POS system? Here’s a no-fuss guide to make the move as smooth as possible:

• Figure out what you need: Think about what’s missing with Shopify POS and what you want in your new system. Do you need better inventory tracking, payment options, or reporting?
• Pick your new POS system: Check out different options and choose one that fits your needs. Look at features, prices, and what other users are saying.
• Export your data: Grab your data from Shopify. Export customer info, inventory, and sales records. Shopify lets you do this in CSV format.
• Set up the new system: Install and get your new POS system up and running. Follow the setup guide from the provider. This might mean setting up new hardware and software.
• Import your data: Upload your old data into the new system. Most POS systems make this easy, just follow their import instructions.
• Connect your tools: Link the new POS with any other tools you use, like your accounting software or online store. Make sure everything syncs up correctly.
• Train your team: Show your staff how to use the new system. Make sure they’re comfy with the new setup before you go live.
• Test everything: Run tests to make sure payments work, inventory updates, and reports look right. Check for any glitches.
• Go live: Switch over to the new POS. Keep an eye on things to catch any issues early.
• Let your customers know: Tell your customers if there’s any change in how they pay or how the store works. Keep them in the loop.
• Get ongoing support: Stay in touch with your new POS provider’s support team if you need help or run into issues later on.

That’s it! With these steps, you’ll make switching from Shopify to your new POS system easy.