As a merchant, you have no shortage of options when it comes to retail point-of-sale (POS) systems. Many providers are vying for your counter space and your computer power. However, not all platforms are the same. Some key features differentiate the leaders of the pack from the rest.
With so many payment options, from cash to Bitcoin, there’s no reason not to have a POS system with all the features that fit your specific needs. In this article, we will explore some of the best retail point-of-sale systems retail merchants are choosing and what keeps them at the top of the heap.
What Are Retail POS Systems?
For those who are new to merchant life, let’s review the purpose of POS retail systems. These systems are basically where customers complete their transactions at the till. Or cash register if you prefer. Without one, the business owner would be mired in paperwork and only take cash. Retail POS systems streamline the process for you, recording activities such as:
- Supporting payment methods (credit cards, bitcoin, etc.)
- Recording sales
- Generating receipts
- Tax documentation
- Adding products, discounts, gift cards, and more
Now let’s get into the best retail point-of-sale systems.
Dejavoo
First, let’s take a look at Dejavoo Systems. One of the most widely used platforms among merchants for its many unique strategies. Many times when people think of POS they envision a hardware device. Dejavoo sets itself apart by offering both POS hardware and software solutions in the North American market.
On the software side, Dejavoo writes the code that facilitates the POS terminals to work with processors and interfaces with POS systems. Including those that are cloud-based. So whether it’s a restaurant, retail, QSR, etc., Dejavoo’s technology design supports many variations.
On the hardware side, Dejavoo makes credit card processing machines. Equipment that has been battle-tested in retail stores and restaurant environments. Merchants have the ability to integrate a Dejavoo POS processing machine with the provider’s software– via payment gateway integration. The platform supports major credit and debit cards in addition to EMV chip cards including NFC transactions at the till.
A popular choice among small and medium-sized businesses is the Dejavoo Z11 Tri Comm Touch Screen Terminal. This is a go-to machine that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. One of the favorite features among merchants is the touch-screen display. It is easy to navigate at the touch of a button and is practical with tools such as signature capture.
A keypad is available for those customers who need it, offering a privacy shield so they are more secure. And while most customers are happy with an email confirmation, some people still require a receipt. In this case, there is a handy printer available on this device, too. The machine supports magstripe and chip card readers, contactless payments, Wi-Fi capabilities for wireless connectivity, and certified security protocols.
When it comes to fees, Dejavoo offers a mix of choices so you can find the one that works best for you, including:
- Cash Discount
- Custom Fee
- Surcharge Fee
- Merchant Fee
These options and more are why Dejavoo is included among the best retail POS systems.
Clover
Clover is another favorite retail point-of-sale system. This platform shines for its payment hardware and features that can be tailored for the merchant. Also, while this POS system is perfect for small and medium-sized businesses, it packs a powerful punch with the backing of fintech giant Fiserv, its parent company. Customers flock to the Clover hardware POS retail system for its ergonomics and functionality.
Small and medium-sized businesses like Clover for their flexibility and ease of navigation. Also attractive is the myriad of payment methods it supports. Including secure and trackable transactions and user-friendly interfaces across a dashboard, mobile app, and virtual terminal. The Clover platform boasts a quick and simple set-up process. Making life easier for business owners– for whom time is money.
Whether you run a services business, retail shop, or restaurant, Clover’s hardware equipment shines for its durability and versatility. Making it simple for merchants to take payments at the register or in the field. Its many hardware options include:
Clover Go: This is a mobile POS system that is small enough to fit in your pocket. If your business is on the go, such as a farmer’s market, food truck, or mobile pet grooming service, this retail POS system could be for you.
- Clover Flex: A handheld POS system with a 5-inch touchscreen, printer, camera, barcode scanner, and more. It also supports contactless payments and can run alone or be paired with other Clover devices.
- Clover Mini: As the name suggests, it’s a small system but it packs a mean punch. The Mini supports payments as well as other tasks such as inventory management and payroll.
- Clover’s platform is also compatible with other software systems, including those of major banks like Wells Fargo and Citi. Giving the merchant even more options for security and payments.
In addition to its POS system, Clover also allows business owners to manage other aspects of their business, including employee details, online transactions, and business reports. Something to keep in mind about Clover’s system is that you can expect to pay more for higher quality. The company’s pricing tiers are best explained by its customer service representatives.
Verifone
Verifone also makes our list of the best POS systems for retail. Verifone is famous for its credit card machines, but it boasts what it describes as a family of POS solutions for the connected world. It features out-of-the-box solutions for merchants to support payments and more.
- The company’s integrated systems merge POS and terminal functionality into a single streamlined solution. Leaving more counter space for the business in the process.
- Verifone’s Merchant Marketplace allows business owners to tailor their devices with tools that work for them. Coupled with customer-facing POS apps.
- Flexible Usage supports device functionality across the countertop, portable, or point POS solutions. So merchants can meet customers’ needs.
One of their solutions is the Carbon Mobile 5, which is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Running on Android apps, merchants can integrate the Carbon Mobile 5 with their existing systems. The Carbon Mobile 5 is compatible with in-aisle sales and also supports inventory management and loyalty/rewards programs. This device is designed for business owners who are looking to streamline operations, CRM, and payment solutions.
In addition, Verifone offers countertop devices, multi-lane equipment, and PIN pads. All are built to be convenient and secure. This hardware suite is customizable, so you can tailor it to fit your needs across payments, rewards/loyalty programs, digital coupons, and more. The machines are built with advanced security technology so you won’t have to lose sleep at night.
Fees are competitive and include a monthly subscription model for credit card payments. In some cases, the merchant fees are negotiable if you’re willing to sign up for the monthly subscription rate. Ideal for businesses with high transaction volumes.
If your business oversees multiple credit card terminals, Verifone Point could be the solution for you. The Point can support hundreds of POS terminals across multiple locations throughout the country– even during the busiest times of the day. If you run into any issues, if all else fails, try unplugging your system and then powering it up again. If that doesn’t work, Verifone has a team of human customer service representatives standing by to help.
Square
Square is one of the most recognizable brands for POS retail systems, so it has that going for it off the bat. The company offers hardware systems that are suited for a wide range of business types, from restaurants to beauty salons to pop-up stores. Square also makes POS software with zero fees except for payment processing fees for transactions.
Merchants like Square POS systems for their straightforward flat rate fees, comprising 2.6% plus $0.10 per in-person transaction. Hardware fees start at $1 for Square Reader for magstripe. Furthermore, if your credit card sales happen to exceed $250,000, you could qualify for a customized rate. Another plus is that the free plan has zero monthly fees. While the Plus offerings charge $29 to $69 in monthly fees– depending on the plan you choose.
Moreover, Square made a huge splash with its acquisition of the buy-now-pay-later company Afterpay. As a result, merchants can offer their customers BNPL features through Afterpay. Merchants receive the full purchase price. Because customers repay Afterpay in installments, there’s no real risk to you.
For those times when things go awry, Square offers live customer service. This retail POS system is compatible with mobile devices including iOS and Android, which works great if your business is mobile. Square supports a number of payment methods across major credit cards, Apple/Google/Samsung pay, and of course Cash App, which is owned by Square.
Conclusion of The Best Retail POS Systems
There you have it, a list of some of the top retail point-of-sale systems available for retail businesses in 2023. It’s up to you to decide which one offers the POS features that are most important to you as a business owner.
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