We’ve recently purchased an existing online business. We built a new Shopify store and were recently accepted to take part in a market that is in one week. Looking for advice on hardware we should purchase to start and if I should order directly from Shopify or buy used (maybe not for an iPad but for CC reader). I’m concerned about the quick turn around time. Thanks!

Hi,

We have recently purchased a retail shop without an online store. I'm currently building our Shopify store online but as we are a retail shop I need to implement 1 POS system along with a card reader, cash drawer and receipt printer.

Can anyone share their setups, preferably in the UK?

This is probably a really dumb question but wanted to verify before I spend money... can I buy used shopify POS hardware from someone and use it in my store? Or is it somehow serial number protected?

Hey fellow retailers,

I'm considering Shopify POS for our clients and I'd love to hear about your day-to-day experiences with it. We're looking to streamline their operations, so any insights would be super helpful.

For those of you using it:

1. How's the integration between your online and offline channels? Any gaps you've noticed?

2. How's it working for your specific business model?

3. What's been surprisingly good or unexpectedly tricky?

4. Are there any features you wish it had or improvements you'd love to see?

5. What's your favorite thing about it? Anything you're neutral about?

I'm particularly interested in hearing about any unexpected challenges you've faced or workarounds you've developed.

For those who've used other systems too, how does your experience compare?

Hello,

We opened a brick-and-mortar retail store a little over a year ago, and decided on Shopify POS. The POS platform has serious limitations which for some reason are not available publicly, even posts on the Shopify Discussion Board are glossed over by Shopify staff who know the limitations are real. Here goes:

1. The Shopify POS hardware is terrible, Shopify knows it is, yet has done nothing to fix it:

• The POS app runs on an iPad, this part works fine....except the iPad itself cannot scan barcodes or credit cards so it's a manual-entry (and lookup) system

• The peripherals, including barcode scanner, and printer - connect via bluetooth; the bluetooth disconnects constantly and it is a 10-minute multi-step process to reconnect Then it disconnects again in 10-15 minutes, rinse repeat several times per day (usually when there are customers waiting)

• There is a Shopify GO handheld device. This device is very expensive ($350, compared to similar offerings from other vendors) but works OK, and once you have it you don't need the rest of the system anymore, unless someone wants a printed receipt. The GO device cannot print a receipt, go figure. Oh, and neither can txt a receipt.

1. Reporting is extremely limited for a POS system

• THERE IS NO CLOSE OF DAY REPORT, which is absolute tablestakes for a brick and mortar business that deals with cash. The close of day is used to balance the "cash till". This would not be difficult for Shopify to develop, shame on them.

• Other reports are limited

• Add-on apps to do enhanced reporting rely on "syncing" data to the apps cloud - so you cannot run "up to the minute" or same-day reports on anything but the standard, embedded reports which are limited. So, I cannot even write my own close of day report.

In fairness, the benefits that drew me to Shopify in the first place

1. You can integrate an online store and brick-and-mortar store into the same platform. We started as brick-and-mortar, and wanted the flexibility to expand into online sales in the future, we have not done that

2. You can create an online store (website) from the app - there are a bunch of templates you can use to "auto" create a website, there is some ability to make minor modifications to the website (through configuration, not programming). While this helped us spin up a website quickly and at low cost, it is also limited, for example we're not selling online yet there is no option to only show your items (in other words, the website will allow customers to purchase online which we don't want to do).

3. Shopify integrates with a lot of other platforms, for example we purchase probably 50% of our inventory on FAIRE and the product info and inventory automatically updates our system.

Based on experience to-date, we will me moving to another platform before we open our second location. Shopify has done nothing to remedy the problems outlined above in the past 18 months which tells me they are not serious about pursuing the POS space.

We're considering switching from Vend/Lightspeed to Shopify POS but I'm having a difficult time figuring out if our cash drawers, printers, and bluetooth keyboards will be supported by the Shopify POS app. Can anyone point me towards the right resource?

Edit: In case anyone knows offhand, I've listed the hardware we're currently using below.

Keyboards: Logitec models Y-R0061 and K780

Printers: Star Micronics models TSP100 and MCP30

Cash Drawers: Uny POS model UZ-410C4, REV LEV 2.01 model #37965580, and Advantage model #ADVINABOXCN04

I am opening a store and need to get a POS system but literally the price for the Shopify items are ridiculous. Any other alternatives that have worked for people?

I already have the tap and chip reader from when I did pop ups but just want to know about all the other items

• receipt printer

• cash register

• barcode scanner

Do I really their tablet holder?

Hello, we manage a growing online store. We are now adding a brick and mortar location. We plan to continue to use Shopify for online and in-store. What is your preferred hardware?

-

Brick-and-mortar store here. Shopify just isn't up to snuff, and they are making no effort to fix it. Primary issue: the hardware sux and the BEST hardware they have....the handheld PosGo, they have announced they are ending support for. We will likely move to Toast or Square.

• Has anyone else made the transition from Shopify to another POS?

• How difficult/easy?

• Any pointers?

I wish Shopify would decide to either support, or not support, brick-and-mortar retail. Having only one toe in the water is not helpful to anyone.

Hi again friends,

My business is an online grocery store (asian) here in New Zealand and we are fortunate to be opening our first physical shop very soon and I am looking for advise.

I am looking at getting all hardware from shopify website, but if there are cheaper options or suggestion, I am all for it. Items I am looking at are:

• Wisepad 3 card reader

• Boss tab nexus tablet stand

• Epson Omnilink receipt printer

• Socket Mobile 2D barcode scanner and cradle

For the POS system, I intend to stick with shopify POS . I feel like this is a good idea since the root of my business is my shopify e-commerce website. I will be upgrading to shopify POS pro.

For seasoned retailers, may I also ask for newbie tips? I am running a very basic operation right now, and my restocking usually happens when I see my stocks are almost gone. :D No huge backlog of stock which is going to change when I open physical shop soon.

• What is your daily process?

• How often do you do stock take?

• Is the product page only the place where we can add stock when restocking? is there an easier way?

• Any general tips? very nervous right now.

Thank you very much!

I’m wondering what is a good alternative to the Shopify POS system? We have a small online only business but are looking into a brick and mortar location. We would still be doing our online sales so something syncs with inventory both online and at the physical location.

Looking at the POS plans available through Shopify they seem rather pricy or am I just naive?

I am helping a local business get set up with Shopify and integrate a Shopify POS system. What hardware is essential?

We're going to be building out a semi-permanent booth this summer, and upgrading from our normal craft show environment.

Today, we have the handheld POS device that Shpoify recently discontinued - the one with the built in barcode scanner and screen. Such a shame, we love it.

So we need to invest in a proper POS setup - and the POS Terminal Countertop Kit with a small iPad seem to meet the needs - and we already own a bluetooth barcode scanner that integrates well.

My question - when I look at the cash drawer and the receipt printer - are there cheaper options for them? Do I have to buy them from Shopify? The cash drawer isn't too pricey, but the printers are.

Are their better options that support Shopify, but not sold by them? I don't even know if there are third party tools out there like this ...

We currently are running on a different POs platform and will be switching over to Shopify. We’re trying to make this process as economical as possible. We’re currently have a compatible iPad and generic stand. Is the Shopify iPad stand necessary? Or can we make do without it as long as all other accessories are compatible?

Hi, I have a e-commerce thru Shopify and do pop up market check out with Square.

As my sales grow, I would like to unify so I can track best my sale numbers and identify best sellers and what sells best each season.

I looked into the Shopify POS which I’m ok w the $49 dollar Harvard cost, but seems you also have to pay for a subscription of $39/month too?! Is this $39 on top of what I pay for my e-commerce with them?

I would assume besides the cost of hardware and the processing fees, the POS Service will be free for shop owners.

Please let me know if I’m mistaken.

Also any other ideas that works for you too! Thanks!!

Hey everyone! Quick question—do I need to pay for POS to sell products in person? My shop is primarily an e-commerce business, but we will occasionally be setting up booths to sell products in person at trade shows, vendor fairs, etc, and we’d like to be able to take credit cards in person at those events, but don’t really want to pay for POS just to be able to do that since we’ll use it so sporadically.

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are opening our very first grocery store!

We started as an online grocery store using Shopify and are now expanding to a physical shop.

However, we are trying to manage costs carefully and would love to hear some advice from others who have been in a similar situation.

1. Shopify Plan – Is Basic Enough?

We are currently on the Shopify Basic plan and hesitant to upgrade since opening a shop is already expensive. So far:

• My wife and I manage everything with one account.

• When we open our store, one employee will also need to use the system, mainly through POS Pro.

• Would Shopify Basic be enough for this? Or should I consider Shopify for Small Teams for better functionality?

1. POS Pro – Is It Good Enough?

I am looking at Shopify POS Pro and wondering if it’s worth it. My POS requirements are:

• Syncs with my Shopify inventory (both online and in-store)

• Loyalty Program included (or free integration) – I only need simple features like:

  • Customers can create an account & receive email receipts

  • They earn points per purchase

  • They redeem points in-store for discounts

• Receipt printing & email functionality

If you have experience with Shopify POS Pro, would you recommend it?

Any alternative POS systems that might fit my needs better?

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Thanks in advance!

Edit: 3. this more like a Shopify question as well. We are going to purchase handheld barcode reader for the employee's easier transaction with customers. Shopify can support this right? As well as POS Pro.
I haven't used one, I would assume the use of that would be:

- Inputting new product into the store, I would input manually the product and add in the barcode by scanning it using the handheld barcode reader.
- In POS pro, I would scan the products when there is transaction and it will be automatically add to cart?

Another question would be, do any handheld scanner work? Or needs to be shopify one?
Same question with receipt printer.

My business is primarily just e-commerce with a few in person events a year. I am a U.S. business and the holidays are coming up soon. I have a 3 day event coming up and I will be bringing my entire store inventory to this event. I currently use an iPad for checking people out and I do have a cash box. However, cashing people out on the iPad is slow because I have to look up each item and then add to cart as the customer brings the items to me. My thought is I want to improve this process by getting a barcode scanner to help me check customers out faster. The barcode scanner seems waaaay over priced for what it is, and the POS Go seemed like a perfect solution, but now I’m seeing the POS Go isn’t for sale anymore and the only thing available is the POS Terminal, which is a POS Go with less features… is it even worth it to purchase a POS terminal? Sure the customer can see their order and I can process card payments with it, but I already have a card reader…

It seems like a barcode scanner is the better choice for my needs. Why would Shopify remove features from such a great product as the POS Go?

Are there any other barcode scanners that work with Shopify and an iPad that aren’t as expensive?