The Shopify process starts off with the business owner providing information on the product they’re selling – they’re either about to sell a product or they’re using the platform to scope its functionality. Business details are easily added and then navigation leads users to their online store. See how Shopify fares against other POS systems in our Best POS systems buying guide.
Shopify's dashboard is an easy three-step process of loading products, customizing the theme and adding a domain for the online store. The Shopify Academy is on hand as free, one-on-one training to help users get going.
Shopify POS review: Features
- POS is available for in-person sales
- Fully customizable reports
- Allows integration of third-party apps
Online / Offline access – offline mode allows for normal operating with selected hardware
Stock / Inventory management – integrated with dashboard and available on mobile app
Data / Reporting – Analytics available on-demand and in real time
Customer engagement – support and discussion forums available
eCommerce features – eCommerce is core
Staff management and control – Several employee management options available
Operating systems – Android, Web and iOS
Hardware – Android, Web and iOS
Free trial – 14 days
Payment options – 3 options to choose from depending on the size of the business
Support – 24/7 support via email, phone or live chat
Bringing the product to the audience is as important as a store that is accessible 24 hours a day. Markets and events require point-of-sale devices that are included in the packages, but their features differ depending on the chosen package.
Shopify users are able to choose the basic Shopify plan with 2.0% transaction fees and retail Shopify POS for markets and events. The Shopify standard package with 1% transaction fees offers up a POS solution for retail stores and pop-up shops. They are able to register shifts and are accessible via the POS app.
The advanced option carries the same usability as the standard plan but enables 15 staff members to be registered and can be used across eight locations. Shipping policies can easily be added and to ensure security, there is a verification section to authenticate the email address used.
Shopify Reports are easily customizable allowing users to not only add sales data such as products, channels and staff transactions, but also indicate which parts of the world purchases are being made. Insights about the customers, such as visitor behavior and conversion trends, can be added. Live views of interaction and page views are also accessible via the dashboard.
Apps like Oberlo can be used to source products that can be sold on Shopify. Order Printer enables the printing of invoices, labels, receipts, packing slips and more. Kit allows businesses to run better Facebook ads and Product Reviews allows customer reviews to be shared. The use of this rather bouffant bouquet of external apps is rather fabulous as Shopify allows users to create ads with built-in marketing tools to add even more weight.
Shopify POS review: Design and usability
- Comprehensive website and business-oriented dashboard
- Shopify Academy has a comprehensive set-up guide
- Fully integrated and linked online and offline POS
The Shopify Dashboard is a combination of web and transaction data. It marries the need for digital traffic understanding with the need to keep track of transactions, growth metrics and order information.
The marketing benefits include indications of a returning customer base, conversion rates as well as an indication of the top landing pages making targeted promotions more strategic.
Shopify academy guides take users through the process of understanding Shopify and what it can do for the business, then walks through the signup and start-up, then design, product launch and online customer service.
This point includes management of orders as well as management of customer satisfaction, taking the novice business owner into a better position to manage and run the business.
Shopify Academy courses are on-demand and the company offers live coaching calls, a business template library as well as access to a community of entrepreneurs.
Shopify lets you quickly see items that need your attention and you can easily track trends. Products, inventory, orders and customers are automatically synced between the Shopify app and the online store. Adding products, taking product photos, changing a price or adding inventory can be done from a cell phone.
Shopify POS review: Performance
- Online based but retail and barcode friendly
- Hardware included in the subscription
- Different support methods available 24/7
Shopify uses smart collections to automatically sort products based on vendor, price and inventory level, offering the option to sort them by category, type, season and more. The point-of-sale allows for barcode support where existing barcodes can be assigned to products or new barcodes can be created.
Shopify subscriptions include a free credit card reader. It can be plugged into a tablet and be functional immediately. Shopify can provide you with a wireless barcode, cash drawers, receipt printers and any other customized items you may need. All hardware has free shipping and a 30-day return policy.
Shopify has a dedicated 24-hour, seven-days-a-week support team that’s available via email, live chat and phone. Community is a big part of their approach and discussions on topics such as marketing and accounting are encouraged among users. The Shopify Help Centre will answer any FAQ and you can work with Shopify-approved POS consultants who can help set up Shopify POS.
Shopify POS review: Should you buy?
Shopify structures its offering to suite the different business needs of the users. This fully integrated system is the ideal tool for the novice user. Starting a business doesn’t have to be daunting with usually complex tasks such as inventory management happening in the palm of your hand as the mobile app allows you access to many key features.
Start-up and design is a breeze with the Shopify academy and the entire user set is tailored to make every part of the journey as simple and enjoyable as possible.
What other POS systems should you consider?
While Shopify POS is one of the best POS systems around, it may not be the best for your business. Here are a few more you might consider. We've indicated what each system is best for; click through to read the full review:
We think Square is the best POS system for startups; Lightspeed is the best all-round POS solution; Intuit QuickBooks POS is the best for retail; ShopKeep POS is the best for interoperability; TouchBistro is the best POS system for restaurants; Toast is the best for bars and coffee shops; and Vend is the best for retail outlets of all sizes.
To see all these point of sale systems tested head-to-head, check out our Best POS Systems buying guide.