# Best Retail POS Systems - Page 19 *By [Subhransu Sahu](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/subhransu-sahu)* This page was last updated on June 9th, 2025 Retail point of sale (POS) software provides an easy-to-use tool for employees and customers, helping to complete retail transactions in physical locations (stores, showrooms, etc.). By using POS software, retail employees can find information about products, create sales orders, accept payments, and deliver receipts in an expeditious manner. This helps employees perform more transactions in less time while customers benefit from shorter waiting times at checkout. POS software can also be used to provide information to customers on product availability, pricing, etc. Furthermore, retail managers can use this type of software to monitor retail transactions and analyze sales or inventory data such as volume, amount, or frequency. Some advanced POS solutions may also provide functionality to manage inventory or customer profiles. POS software is usually installed on dedicated hardware designed and built for it. The main benefit of this type of hardware is that it provides users a tactile screen which simplifies navigation. An increasing number of POS solutions are now available on mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones. To deliver maximum efficiency, POS software integrates with ERP or inventory management solutions to exchange data on products, with CRM for customer information, or with other retail solutions such as supply chain and logistics. POS should not be confused with e-commerce software, either, which is exclusively used for online sales. To qualify for inclusion in the POS software category, a product must: - Provide access to information about products, inventory, pricing, or transaction history - Allow customers to pay using various methods such as cash, credit or debit card, etc. - Manage other types of transactions such as returns, sales cancellation, or exchanges - Offer secure data access and functionality to protect sensitive data such as customer information and credit card numbers - Include reporting and analytics to monitor sales indicators for each location, as well as returns or order cancellations ## How Many Retail POS Systems Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 731 ### Category Stats (May 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.11/5 (↑0.01 vs Apr 2026) - **New Reviews This Quarter**: 64 - **Buyer Segments**: Small-Business 72% │ Mid-Market 20% │ Enterprise 8% - **Top Trending Product**: SumUp (+0.367) *Last updated: May 18, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Retail POS Systems Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 4,600+ Authentic Reviews - 731+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Top Retail POS Systems at a Glance | # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say | |---|---------|--------|----------|----------------| | 1 | [Square Point of Sale](https://www.g2.com/products/square-point-of-sale/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (1,181 reviews) | mobile checkout with basic inventory control | "[Seamless Payment Collection with Automation](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/square-point-of-sale-review-12672421)" | | 2 | [Stripe Terminal](https://www.g2.com/products/stripe-terminal/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (70 reviews) | custom in-person payments for Stripe-based workflows | "[Stripe Unifies Online and In-Person Payments with Flexible Checkout and Reporting](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/stripe-terminal-review-12732583)" | | 3 | [Shopify POS](https://www.g2.com/products/shopify-shopify-pos/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (353 reviews) | unified online and store sales | "[Helpful Support, Reliable POS systems, and Flexible Payment options](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/shopify-pos-review-12706183)" | | 4 | [Zettle by PayPal](https://www.g2.com/products/zettle-by-paypal/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (33 reviews) | simple mobile card acceptance tied to PayPal | "[Easy Mobile Card Payments with PayPal Transfers](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/zettle-by-paypal-review-12725585)" | | 5 | [QuickBooks Point of Sale](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-point-of-sale/reviews) | 4.1/5.0 (102 reviews) | sales and inventory tied to accounting workflows | "[Effortless Transactions, Exceptional Flexibility](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/quickbooks-point-of-sale-review-12225618)" | | 6 | [Clover](https://www.g2.com/products/clover/reviews) | 3.9/5.0 (105 reviews) | terminal-based payments with loyalty and recurring billing | "[Efficient for Payments, High Cost for Advanced Features](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/clover-review-12663409)" | | 7 | [SpotOn](https://www.g2.com/products/spoton/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (235 reviews) | restaurant POS with management and marketing tools | "[Outstanding POS Support—Efficient, Knowledgeable, and Proactive](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/spoton-review-12794124)" | | 8 | [Fortis](https://www.g2.com/products/fortis-fortis/reviews) | 4.8/5.0 (19 reviews) | integrated payment collection across channels | "[Seamless Integration and Exceptional Support](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/fortis-review-11791762)" | | 9 | [KORONA POS](https://www.g2.com/products/korona-pos/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (67 reviews) | multi-location inventory and sales control | "[Customization and Analytics Real-Time Inventory and Reporting](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/korona-pos-review-12754162)" | | 10 | [Vibe Retail](https://www.g2.com/products/vibe-vibe-retail/reviews) | 5.0/5.0 (24 reviews) | variant-heavy retail inventory with omnichannel sync | "[Accurate Migration and Real-Time Inventory Sync That Unifies Retail Operations](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/vibe-retail-review-12841408)" | ## Which Retail POS Systems Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [Square Point of Sale](https://www.g2.com/products/square-point-of-sale/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [KORONA POS](https://www.g2.com/products/korona-pos/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Square Point of Sale](https://www.g2.com/products/square-point-of-sale/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Stripe Terminal](https://www.g2.com/products/stripe-terminal/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Square Point of Sale](https://www.g2.com/products/square-point-of-sale/reviews) ## Which Type of Retail POS Systems Tools Are You Looking For? - [Retail POS Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/retail-pos) *(current)* - [Retail Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/retail-management-software) - [Restaurant POS Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/restaurant-pos) - [Omnichannel Commerce Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/omnichannel-commerce) ## Buyer Guide: Key Questions for Choosing Retail POS Systems Software ### What does Retail POS Software do? I describe retail POS software as the operational core that enables retailers to process transactions, manage inventory, and serve customers at the point of sale. It connects the moment a sale happens to everything that follows: stock updates, payment records, staff activity, and reporting. These platforms centralize checkout, product data, customer history, and back-office visibility into a single environment, keeping retail operations running accurately. Instead of reconciling sales across disconnected systems or tracking inventory manually, everything flows through a single system that supports speed at the counter and clarity in the back office. ### Why do businesses use Retail POS Software? From the G2 reviewer patterns I evaluated, businesses use Retail POS Software to reduce manual work at checkout and make sales, inventory, and customer data easier to manage. Users often highlight staff simplicity, quick payment flows, and clearer visibility into what sells. Common benefits include: - Faster checkout and smoother payment acceptance. - Better inventory visibility and stock control. - Easier sales reporting and transaction history. - Support for online, in-store, and mobile selling. ### Who uses Retail POS Software primarily? I found that daily users and administrators appear most often in G2 feedback, pointing to businesses, retailers, food and beverage operators, apparel sellers, and sellers that connect physical and digital channels. Primary G2 users include: - **Store associates** who need to run checkout, process payments, apply discounts, handle returns, and complete customer purchases quickly. - **Retail managers** who need to oversee sales, monitor inventory, update product records, and manage daily store activity. - **Owners** who need visibility into revenue, stock levels, customer trends, and performance across stores or channels. - **Administrators** who need to configure products, payment settings, user permissions, tax rules, receipts, and reports. ### What types of Retail POS Software should I consider? From the G2 reviewer sentiment I evaluated, buyers should consider POS types based on selling model and complexity. - **General retail POS:** checkout, inventory, reporting, and customer records. - **Payment-led POS:** card acceptance, terminals, and transaction speed. - **Omnichannel POS:** online stores, in-person sales, and shared catalogs. - **Inventory-focused POS:** stock, variants, suppliers, or multiple locations. - **Food-service POS:** menus, orders, and fast counter service. - **Specialty retail POS:** consignment, apparel, convenience, or niche retail. ### What are the core features to look for in Retail POS Software? I found that G2 users often highlight features that affect daily work directly: - Ease of use for staff and administrators that helps teams process sales and manage store activity with less training. - Fast, reliable payment processing that helps retailers complete checkout smoothly and avoid delays during busy periods. - Inventory tracking with timely updates that helps teams monitor stock levels, update products, and reduce overselling. - Sales reports, dashboards, and transaction history that help owners and managers understand revenue, trends, and store performance. - Integrations with ecommerce, accounting, or payment tools that help connect in-store and online operations. - Hardware support for terminals, readers, tablets, printers, and mobile devices that helps retailers run checkout in the format that fits their store. - Customer management and receipt workflows that help teams track buyer information, manage returns, and support repeat purchases. - Configuration for products, discounts, taxes, and locations that helps retailers adapt the POS to their catalog and operating model. - Responsive support and onboarding resources that help teams set up the system and resolve issues faster. ### What trends are shaping Retail POS Software right now? From the G2 reviewer patterns I evaluated, several trends stand out: - **Omnichannel retail:** users value links between stores, online selling, and catalog data. - **Embedded payments:** reviewers discuss speed, terminal reliability, and processor flexibility. - **Real-time inventory:** buyers want stock visibility that prevents errors. - **Data-driven management:** reporting and analytics mark value. - **Mobile hardware:** users appreciate tablets, readers, and compact terminals. - **Faster adoption:** small teams favor systems they can learn quickly. - **Customization pressure:** users want flexibility as workflows become more specific. ### How should I choose Retail POS Software? For me, the strongest retail POS software is the kind that makes daily sales faster, inventory easier to manage, and store operations more connected. When checkout speed, hardware compatibility, returns, discounts, integrations, and reporting work smoothly together, retail POS software becomes a dependable system for running the business today while supporting growth over time. --- ## What Are the Top-Rated Retail POS Systems Products in 2026? ### 1. [MHungry POS](https://www.g2.com/products/mhungry-pos/reviews) **Product Description:** MHungry POS is a full featured point of sale. It is very simple and easy to use. Its helps store to increase efficiency, enhance productivity, improved customer satisfaction, reduce operation cost and increase returns of investment. ### 2. [Mi9 Point of Sale](https://www.g2.com/products/mi9-point-of-sale/reviews) **Product Description:** Mi9 Retail is passionate about helping retailers create great experiences for their customers – online, in-store, and on any device. We know that great retail experiences happen when optimized inventory management intersects perfectly with well-executed customer engagement strategies to deliver higher customer loyalty, better margins, and a more engaged workforce. Our solutions for merchandise management, digital commerce, and store operations are used by leading retailers across the globe. The company is headquartered in Miami, FL, with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Visit www.mi9retail.com to learn more. With Mi9 Mosaic Point of Sale, retailers can use mobile technology to engage with customers and run their businesses in new and exciting ways. The solution can run on your choice of hardware including tablet, till, and workstation using iOS, Windows or Android operating systems, making it a must-have for line busting and special sales anywhere in the store. Build loyalty and increase sales with a powerful clienteling solution that delivers access to omni-channel customer data and guides associates through the best practices of effective relationship selling. Sales associates are also equipped to help customers on the spot with price and inventory lookup in real-time and centralized visibility across all business channels. Customers gain access to buy the products they want, wherever they happen to shop. Enable the endless aisle with customer orders an fulfillment with the integrated order management module. ### 3. [Midax](https://www.g2.com/products/midax/reviews) **Product Description:** Sigma, one single POS platform, which provides a single point of command and control of all retail operations in your locations ### 4. [Miropos System](https://www.g2.com/products/miropos-system/reviews) **Product Description:** Miropos is a versatile, comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system designed to cater to the needs of various industries, including restaurants, retail, beauty salons, and more. Miropos combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and boost business efficiency. Key Features 1. Fast Sales Processing Efficient Transactions: Speed up sales transactions to improve customer satisfaction and reduce wait times. 2. Multi-Currency Transactions Global Reach: Handle transactions in multiple currencies, making it ideal for businesses serving international customers. 3. Inventory Tracking Real-Time Management: Keep track of inventory in real-time, ensuring you never run out of stock and can manage supply chains effectively. 4. Android App for Waiters Streamlined Operations: Enable waiters to take orders directly at the table using an Android app, improving service speed and accuracy. 5. mp.Boss App for Managers Remote Monitoring: Allow managers to monitor business operations from anywhere, ensuring control and oversight at all times. Industry-Specific Solutions Miropos Onset Ideal for: Fast food, pizzerias, restaurants, bakeries, discotheques, cafes, bubble tea shops, bowling centers. Features: Quick sales, table management, digital cash book, online shop integration, centralized backoffice management, customer retention tools (mp.Vip), debit/credit card integration (mp.Card), digital menu (mp.Menu), mobile order taking (mp.Mobile), self-service kiosk (mp.Kiosk), all-in-one scanner scale (mp.ScalePos), and automated cash handling (mp.Cashpay). Miropos Alacarte Ideal for: Restaurants requiring comprehensive table reservation management, sales tracking, kitchen order management, and supply chain logistics. Features: Enhance operational efficiency by managing all aspects of restaurant operations in one system. Miropos Retail Ideal for: Supermarkets, kiosks, fashion houses, shoe shops, furniture stores, flower shops, delicatessens, butcher shops, and wholesale. Features: Cloud-based software, accessible from any device, tailored to meet the demands of retail with inventory management, sales tracking, customer relationship management, and more. Miropos Beauty Ideal for: Beauty salons, barbershops, cosmetics studios, tattoo parlors, nail salons, fitness centers, massage salons, and wellness centers. Features: Manage appointments, sales, cash flows, and user permissions; track finances and sales, monitor business remotely using the mp.Boss app. ### 5. [Miura POS](https://www.g2.com/products/miura-pos/reviews) **Product Description:** Miura unifies retail with their new range of POS platforms. ### 6. [MMS Point of Sale Software](https://www.g2.com/products/mms-point-of-sale-software/reviews) **Product Description:** MMS Point of Sale provides retailers the ability to manage their wireless business with intuitive, tightly controlled workflows, user access controls and automates the challenges presented in today's wireless retail market. ### 7. [Moby POS](https://www.g2.com/products/moby-pos/reviews) **Product Description:** Moby POS is a point of sale, inventory management and customer tracking software that provides features to help manage your control and inventory management. ### 8. [Modisoft POS](https://www.g2.com/products/modisoft-pos/reviews) **Product Description:** Modisoft simplifies retail and restaurant management, integrating essential functions like banking, inventory, sales, and employee management into a single user-friendly platform. Benefit from real-time sales tracking, comprehensive inventory control, and detailed reporting, all accessible across multiple locations. Our commitment includes 24/7 customer support, transparent pricing with no hidden costs, and a complimentary trial. Streamline your business operations efficiently with Modisoft. ### 9. [Moka](https://www.g2.com/products/moka/reviews) **Product Description:** Moka is a mobile technology company providing cloud-based Point-of-Sale and payment solutions that empower small and medium-sized businesses to better sell and grow. Moka is currently present across 100+ cities in Indonesia with over 35,000 merchants and to date received more than $30 million in funding from world-class investors such as Sequoia Capital, SoftBank and East Ventures. ### 10. [Moneywell](https://www.g2.com/products/moneywell/reviews) **Product Description:** Moneywell is a comprehensive pawn shop software program designed specifically for use in pawn shop point-of-sale. ### 11. [MOSP](https://www.g2.com/products/mosp/reviews) **Product Description:** Datamann MOSP V19 ### 12. [MPOS System](https://www.g2.com/products/mpos-system/reviews) **Product Description:** With a combined 40 years in the retail trenches, MHouse Business Solutions Ltd. understands the unique challenges you face. Founded by retail veterans Asif Ashraf and Faisal Sattar, the EPOS system, MPOS, was built with one core principle: empower retailers to thrive. Our easy-to-use yet powerful convenience store EPOS system goes beyond just processing transactions. We provide the tools and support to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and ultimately, increase your bottom line. Not just that but our intuitive interface, built-in business intelligence tools and dedicated customer support team also help retailers minimize errors, increase customer satisfaction, gain valuable insights, reduce costs and optimize pricing strategies. ### 13. [MPower POS](https://www.g2.com/products/mpower-pos/reviews) **Product Description:** MPower POS functions as a remote pos system (point of sale system), allowing patrons and members to order anytime and anywhere. Remote POS ordering can enable any addressable screen at a venue, offering either a full or limited menu to members and patrons who are on the move around the premise. ### 14. [mstPOS.com](https://www.g2.com/products/mstpos-com/reviews) **Product Description:** mstPOS.com is an interactive system that combines the POS software features and the cloud solutions benefits. ### 15. [Multiable](https://www.g2.com/products/multiable-multiable/reviews) **Product Description:** ultiable CRM: The Best CRM, POS, and Retail System for Inventory Management, Membership, and Promotion Management In the competitive retail landscape, businesses need the best CRM and POS system to drive sales, manage inventory efficiently, and foster customer loyalty. Multiable CRM, integrated within the aiM18 ERP platform, stands out as the ultimate solution for large enterprises and retailers across Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. With over 6,000 satisfied clients, this AI-powered CRM software delivers no-code customization, seamless integrations, and robust features tailored for retail operations, making it the best retail system available. At its heart, Multiable CRM excels in customer relationship management, enabling businesses to track interactions, streamline sales funnels, and provide personalized services through advanced analytics. As the best CRM for sales teams, it offers deep insights into customer behavior, predictive trends via AI agents, and data-driven strategies to boost retention and growth. Integrated POS functionality transforms retail transactions: scan product codes, apply real-time discounts, and handle payments effortlessly, all while syncing with inventory management to prevent stockouts and overstock. Inventory management is a standout feature, with aiM18's efficient tracking, MRP (Material Requirements Planning), and automated replenishment, reducing costs by up to 75% and speeding operations by 50%. For membership management, the system includes loyalty schemes, point tracking, and easy sign-ups, enhancing customer engagement. Promotion management shines with flexible tools like membership promotions, "Buy-X-Get-Y-Free," seasonal campaigns, and targeted offers, driving repeat business and upselling. Seamless ERP integrations ensure unified data across accounting, eCommerce, and HRMS, while AI-driven workflows automate processes for scalability. As the best POS and retail system, Multiable CRM minimizes risks, complies with regional regulations, and empowers data-led decisions. Ideal for multinational retailers, it fosters efficiency, cost savings, and a high-performance culture. Discover why Multiable CRM is the best for inventory management, membership, and promotion—contact us today to elevate your retail game. ### 16. [MultiFlexPOS](https://www.g2.com/products/multiflexpos/reviews) **Product Description:** POS Software gives business owners control with accurate information, created for single or multi-store, multi-location, multi-country retail operations, integrating both online eCommerce and physical stores. ### 17. [MultiFlexRMS](https://www.g2.com/products/multiflexrms-d4edbda9-3cba-4421-837d-eea9599ed91b/reviews) **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **Product Description:** MultiFlexRMS is a small & medium business POS retail inventory system created for single or multi-store, multi-state, multi-country retail operations and integration between your online eCommerce and physical stores. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of MultiFlexRMS? **"[It is very easy to use and provides multiple features](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/multiflexrms-review-6958869)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— Deep G.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/multiflexrms-review-6958869) --- ### 18. [Multitech POS](https://www.g2.com/products/multitech-pos/reviews) **Product Description:** MultiTechPOS delivers smart, scalable point-of-sale solutions designed to simplify operations and boost business performance. With user-friendly tools, real-time insights, and dependable support, we help businesses stay efficient and competitive. Discover how we can power your growth at https://www.multitechpos.com. ### 19. [MX Merchant](https://www.g2.com/products/mx-merchant/reviews) **Product Description:** We set ourselves apart from the rest based on the powerful, customized payment tools made to set your business apart from the rest. Check out some of our most popular features. ### 20. [MyCM](https://www.g2.com/products/mycm/reviews) **Product Description:** MyCM software solution delivers flexible online tools that automate every aspect of a consigment sale. MyCM automatino tool allows your sale to start out operating at the highest levels of efficeincy. MyCM takes care of the details that are taking your time and focus away from growing your sale. ### 21. [MyGuava Business](https://www.g2.com/products/myguava-business/reviews) **Product Description:** MyGuava Business is an end-to-end business payments platform dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes expand their reach both locally and globally. Business accounts in +20, international and local transfers, corporate cards help you cover your daily expenses and streamline your daily business operations and keep your finances on track. Join us in redefining what's possible for your business! ### 22. [MySaleManager.NET](https://www.g2.com/products/mysalemanager-net/reviews) **Product Description:** MySaleManager.NET provides full automation for your seasonal consignment sale. It integrates seamlessly with your existing website. ### 23. [Mysystem](https://www.g2.com/products/mysystem/reviews) **Product Description:** MySystem is a comprehensive, cloud-integrated Business Management and POS ecosystem engineered to bridge the gap between traditional retail and modern digital intelligence. It functions as a single source of truth for business owners, synthesizing real-time inventory analytics, automated expense reconciliation, and multi-branch performance metrics into a streamlined dashboard. By digitizing the end-to-end operational workflow, from procurement and supplier management to final point-of-sale transactions. MySystem empowers entrepreneurs to eliminate administrative bottlenecks, mitigate inventory shrinkage, and scale their operations through data-driven decision-making. ### 24. [Mytrendin](https://www.g2.com/products/mytrendin/reviews) **Product Description:** Absolutely free lifetime, Full access, 24 hours free support via phone, email, chat, Automatically receive new features and upgrades through our weekly software release. A dedicated team member will work closely with you to customize the POS Functionality to your store. ### 25. [NaviPartner POS Solutions for Retail and Attractions](https://www.g2.com/products/navipartner-pos-solutions-for-retail-and-attractions/reviews) **Product Description:** NP Retail Point of Sale is an all-in-one solution for POS, inventory, finances, accounting and reports. ## What Is Retail POS Systems? [POS Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pos) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Retail POS Systems? - [Retail Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/retail-management-software) - [Restaurant POS Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/restaurant-pos) - [Omnichannel Commerce Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/omnichannel-commerce) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Retail POS Systems? ### What You Should Know About Retail POS Software ### What is Retail POS Software? Every business requires a way to exchange money for goods and services. Typically, that process happens at a cash register, but these transactions are increasingly handled by POS software installed on a PC or mobile device. Granted, these devices will need to be connected to a variety of hardware such as a receipt printer, cash drawer, credit card reader, or barcode scanner to be fully functional. However, more and more POS software providers are offering POS terminals that house a tablet to run the POS solution as well as hardware to read credit cards and hold cash. For a small business, a POS solution may provide a variety of features to help run a retail store. The software may provide real-time inventory management, basic accounting, and other back-office functions. Some may include loyalty programs and the ability to create and redeem gift cards. Integration with an e-commerce platform is also common, to maintain accurate inventory information. While much of the functionality is similar, retail POS software lacks many of the restaurant-specific features included in [restaurant POS software](https://www.g2.com/categories/restaurant-pos), as it is built specifically with retailers in mind. ### Why Use Retail POS Software? Retail POS software provides retail business owners with tools to manage transactions and organize their business on the back end. Retail POS systems help business owners with inventory control, customer loyalty, credit card processing, accounting, customer service, and even employee management. While eliminating the use of cash registers removes much of the manual accounting and inventory management, retail POS software has the added benefits of creating reports and providing analytics based on sales data. For a small business looking to grow, this kind of information can be invaluable. Mobile POS solutions can also be a huge help for small-business owners who don’t necessarily own a storefront but do want to be able to process credit card payments in person. POS hardware that can plug into a mobile phone or tablet can allow small-business owners to create mobile shops for farmers’ markets, trade shows, conventions, craft fairs, and more, all while capturing the same data. ### Who Uses Retail POS Software? Retail POS software is primarily used by retailers and their employees. Online retailers can also benefit from retail POS software, particularly if they also own a storefront. Store owners and managers will be most likely to utilize the back-office features such as accounting, employee management, and inventory management. While many of these functions can be performed using dedicated software solutions, the advantage of retail POS software is that many of these various features are bundled within a single platform. Retail employees will primarily use POS functions to ring up customers, restock shelves and displays, and manage customer loyalty programs. Depending on the size of the store and the number of employees, businesses may want multiple terminals running the same POS software. Single-person businesses may run a retail POS system on a mobile phone or tablet to create a mobile business that doesn’t require a dedicated storefront. They may also want to use retail POS software to manage an online store if their focus is not mainly in-person transactions. ### Kinds of Retail POS Software Generally, POS systems are divided by the industry they service. Given that there are hundreds of different kinds of retailers, it stands to reason that there are hundreds of kinds of POS systems. Oftentimes, POS systems are rolled into industry-specific platforms. Hotels, for instance, will have POS functionality built into their [hotel management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/hotel-management). These platforms will be able to do much more than simply process guests’ payments, but a crucial part of running that hotel will require POS functionality. Many standalone retail POS systems can be used by any industry. While the needs of certain industries (such as the restaurant industry) may be specific, most retail POS systems are flexible enough to be used by any retailer. ### Retail POS Software Features **Inventory Management —** Any business that sells physical goods needs some kind of [inventory control system](https://www.g2.com/categories/inventory-control). With a retail POS system, users can track inventory in real time as transactions are made. Each transaction deducts the purchased goods from the available inventory, so at the end of each day or week, managers can see what needs to be restocked and what is not selling as quickly. If a business runs a storefront in addition to an online store, the software can keep track of the total inventory and ensure that orders are not processed without the necessary items. **Accounting –** [Accounting software](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounting) is the backbone of many small businesses, but retail POS software often contains accounting features to help smaller businesses stay organized. With financial information and inventory data in one place, users can create accurate budgets and forecast growth based on real data. Keeping accurate records is incredibly important, and having all that information available digitally saves a lot of time sorting through receipts and invoices come tax season. **Employee Management –** Scheduling employee shifts and organizing the training of new hires can take up a lot of a store manager’s time. With features that help create balanced employee schedules and standardized training timelines, users can spend more time on important tasks. While not all retail POS systems will contain this feature, the option may be important to small business owners or businesses with a lot of employee turnover. **E-Commerce –** Purchasing items online has become the norm, if not the default, so creating an online store should at least be on every retailer’s radar. Many retail POS systems now integrate with e-commerce platforms, if they do not provide the tools to create an online store within their own platform. With in-store and online inventory data stored in one place, there’s no fear of overselling within either platform. **Loyalty Management –** Building and retaining a customer base is crucial for any retailer. A loyalty program encourages customers to return and entices lapsed customers to become re-engaged. [Loyalty management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/loyalty-management) features make it easy to create and enact a program that works for each specific business. For instance, by linking a customer’s profile with their credit card, the system can automatically apply a discount when a frequent customer makes a purchase without requiring the customer to provide a punch card or coupon. **Credit Card Processing –** In an increasingly paperless world, credit card transactions are becoming the norm, for better or for worse. Retail POS software makes it easy to process these transactions by either using their own credit card processors or partnering with a third-party credit card processor. While there are nearly always fees involved, they are typically small (two to five percent of each transaction) and an understood price of doing business. **Reporting and Analytics –** Insight into one’s business is a crucial piece of the puzzle when planning for success. Many retail POS systems provide reporting and analytics features so business owners can get an end-to-end view of their business and know exactly where they are succeeding and where they need work. Based on customer and purchase information, these reports and analytics can help businesses save money on inventory and help plan and create growth. **Email Marketing –** Marketing is often a deciding factor behind the success of a business, so the fact that some retail POS systems have [email marketing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/email-marketing) features can make a huge difference. With the ability to collect email addresses at checkout, business owners can then create newsletters or email promotions for customers all within the POS platform. ### Trends Related to Retail POS Software Mobile technology is a huge overall trend, but within the retail POS ecosystem, mobile point-of-sale technology is making these systems accessible for even the smallest business. Mobile POS allows businesses to operate using a mobile device or tablet instead of a cash register. This helps the business itself become mobile, since the only equipment required may be a mobile phone and a credit card reader. Small businesses without storefronts become more empowered to grow their business, since they can operate similarly to a storefront, without all the costs associated with renting a storefront. ### Software and Services Related to Retail POS Software [**Restaurant POS Software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/restaurant-pos) **—** Restaurant POS software operates very similarly to retail POS software, but includes features specifically catered to the restaurant industry. While retail POS software may be used for quick service restaurants or premade food vendors, restaurant POS includes table management, kitchen ticket creation, menu planning, and more. [**E-Commerce Platforms**](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-commerce-platforms) **—** E-commerce platforms are built specifically to house online stores and businesses that operate solely online. While retail POS systems may include the ability to create an online store, e-commerce platforms contain everything a business would need to sell items online.