Shopify is famous for offering one of the world’s top ecommerce platforms. Thousands of businesses use Shopify storefronts to handle their online transactions. But you can also contact Shopify if you want to handle physical POS transactions.
Shopify is a convenient choice for your in-store sales needs, especially if you’re familiar with the Shopify online platform. You can start selling items in person with a system similar to what you would use online.
A Quick Note
The Shopify POS solution is best for businesses that currently sell products online on Shopify. Shopify provides the resources necessary for helping you start a POS solution that works for you.
The General Process
Shopify uses a unique process for helping you accept in-person transactions:
- You can download the Shopify POS app to an iOS or Android device.
- The Shopify POS app will sync with whatever online Shopify data you have. You can link your online store and whatever retail locations you operate to the same system.
- You’ll then create a shopping cart for each customer you serve. You can add and remove products based on what the customer orders, plus you can add discounts when applicable.
- The cart then lets you accept various payment methods.
Shopify’s POS system lets you accept payments fast. It all syncs with your online Shopify store, plus it doesn’t require any special hardware outside of whatever iOS or Android device you use for accepting payments.
What About the Hardware?
While you can use the Shopify POS on your existing devices, you will require extra hardware for some projects. Shopify offers a free card reader for all members, although you’d have to spend extra for more readers. Any existing hardware you use may also work with the Shopify system, but you’d have to check with Shopify first to see if whatever you’re using works well.
The iOS and Android versions of the Shopify app are for different devices, but they come with the same features. These work on most devices that support those mobile operating systems, so it will be easy for you to get more work done with the Shopify platform.
What Can You Do With the Software?
The Shopify software gives you the power over all your transactions. You can accept multiple payment options in one transaction, plus you can add and remove items from your inventory as necessary. The cloud-based design also ensures you’re always synced with your online work, giving you more data on what you are managing while online.
You can organize all your offerings based on the product type, the price values, and whatever inventory is available. You can also link barcodes to your products through the Shopify software, which is useful for when you’re selling products that already come with barcodes.
The Shopify platform also works with many other dedicated apps. The Shopify App Store provides free and paid apps you can incorporate in your Shopify platform to help you manage everything for your business. You can use various top rate choices for your use:
- ReConvert provides support for upsells and cross-sells.
- Advoz manages social media advertising plans.
- Fancy FAQ helps you create an FAQ on your website.
- The Promo.com app lets you create new videos for display on your Shopify account, whether in-store or online.
- The Super Reports app records details on how well your business is handling different transactions.
There are a few thousand apps available from Shopify, so it won’t be tough for you to find something that fits whatever needs you hold. The convenient design that Shopify offers will be worth exploring for your general demands.
Cost Points
Shopify offers various program choices for your use. You can use the Shopify Lite plan for $9 per month. It doesn’t offer an online store, plus it costs 2.7% for each transaction you manage.
The Basic plan is $29 per month and offers support for a digital store. All transactions are 2.9% plus 30 cents.
You can also use the Shopify Plan for $79 per month. This option is best for businesses that bring in more transactions on average. The Shopify Plan offers in-person charges of 2.5% for each order, while online payments are 2.6% plus 30 cents. You can also use an external payment gateway if you wish, but you will incur an additional 1% fee for this option. The Shopify Plan also provides support for up to five staff accounts and abandoned cart recovery support.
The Shopify programs don’t require long-term contracts. You can pay for services by the month as necessary.
Customer Service Functions
The customer service team at Shopify will always be there for you when you’re looking for a unique solution for your work needs. The customer service department provides 24-hour support for all your needs. The group will respond to your live chat or phone communications in a few minutes on average.
It does take close to a day for the Shopify group to respond to emails. But the email option is still useful if you have a more complex or detailed query that you wish to manage.
There’s also a knowledge base on the Shopify website for people looking for answers themselves. The knowledge base provides details on all the top subjects you wish to support, giving you the help you need for managing data as you see fit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The software is very user-friendly
- Works with iOS and Android platforms
- You can use your own hardware if you wish
- Works with various apps
Cons
- The special features are only available on the more expensive tiers
- Does not provide many discounts or other special loyalty functions
A Final Word
Shopify is a convenient choice when you’re looking for a solution for your POS needs. Shopify offers a great system for work that is easy to plan and use. You’ll also appreciate how affordable the solution is for when you need help with your POS demands.