8 Best POS Systems For Clothing Stores Reviewed
Fashion retail is an ever-evolving business, and it can be difficult to stay on top of the latest innovations. It's important to have a point of sale (POS) system to keep up with the evolving landscape. Without one, you could leave money on the table and potentially damage your business.
The right POS system can help you maximize sales, streamline operations, and ensure customers have a great experience each time they shop with you. That's why we've put together a review of the best POS systems for clothing stores.
By the end of this guide, you should:
- Know the key features to look for in a POS system
- Understand how different systems work with fashion retail
- Understand the benefits of using a POS system for your clothing store
- Be able to put together a plan for implementing retail pos systems
Let's get started.
What is a POS system?
A POS system is software and hardware that help retailers manage their inventory and sales. Its primary purpose is to capture customer payments in exchange for goods or services they purchase. However, unlike the old-school traditional tills and cash registers, modern POS systems are equipped with features to help you do more than just process payments.
POS software vs. POS hardware
POS software and hardware work together to provide clothing stores with the features they need to stay competitive. You'll need both if you want a comprehensive solution for your store. So what's the difference between POS software and hardware?
POS software helps retailers manage their inventory, analyze sales data, and track customer information. This is typically delivered through an application or website where owners can manage their store remotely.
POS hardware includes barcode scanners, credit card readers, cash drawers, and touchscreens. These pieces of hardware are often integrated with the software so that data gets transferred automatically when customers make a purchase.
Hospitality POS vs. retail POS
Two main industries use POS systems: hospitality and retail. Hospitality POS systems are typically used in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. They offer unique features such as the ability to split checks between multiple customers or integrate online ordering platforms like GrubHub.
Retail POS, on the other hand, is focused more on tracking inventory and sales across multiple locations and providing customer service. These systems offer features such as a loyalty program and gift card management to maximize sales and reward loyal customers.
Both of these POS systems should come with advanced payment processing services, which, depending on the provider, can offer lower transaction fees, faster transaction speeds, and more secure payments.
What features should you look for in a POS system?
When looking for a POS system for your clothing store, there are several key features that you should look out for. First and foremost, you want to make sure the system is user-friendly. This means it should be intuitive, easy to learn, and have a short learning curve.
In addition, you'll also want to consider features such as:
- Inventory management: A great POS system should be able to track inventory levels and give you up-to-date reports accurately. A robust inventory management system will also provide staff productivity stats and alert you when items need to be reordered.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): An effective CRM system can help you track customer data, preferences, and purchase histories. This lets you personalize their shopping experience while building loyalty and encouraging repeat business. Customer management is also essential for running successful promotions and incentivizing customers to shop with you.
- Analytics and Reporting: A good retail POS system should be able to generate analytics and reports to help you make data-driven decisions. This can range from simple sales reports to more complex analyses of inventory trends or customer segmentation.
- Integrations: You'll also want to ensure that your retail POS system seamlessly integrates with other software and services you might use, such as accounting or inventory management systems. This will help streamline operations and make the entire process more efficient.
- Payment processing services: Finally, you'll want to make sure the POS system you choose has reliable payment processing services. This will ensure that transactions are secure and processed quickly, so you don't have to worry about delays or customer dissatisfaction. Depending on your preference, payment processing can be in-house or through a third-party provider.
These are just some of the features you should look for when choosing a POS system for your clothing store. With this information in mind, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which POS system is right for your business.
Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for in a POS system let's take a look at the best retail pos systems for your clothing store.
#1 Epos Now
Epos Now is a robust cloud POS system designed specifically for the retail industry. Its all-in-one solution offers features such as omnichannel selling options, multi-location inventory management, and a range of payment processing services.
Let's take a closer look at what you can expect from the Epos Now retail POS system:
Build an online presence
With Epos Now, you can easily integrate with popular eCommerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce. This allows you to expand your reach by selling online and managing both in-store and online orders from one place.
- Launch your own online clothing store using a versatile online store platform.
- Track your online orders, as well as your in-store purchases, in one system for simplified money and stock management.
- Sync customer profiles, loyalty points, and shopping histories across multiple channels for an optimized user experience.
- Provide payment options that work best for you and your customers.
Seamlessly integrated payments
Epos Now Payments is a fully integrated payment processing service that allows you to accept all payment types for one consolidated rate. This includes debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Alipay, WeChat pay, and more.
- Enjoy the flexibility of accepting payments from various methods, including contactless, mobile, and online payments.
- Improve security with secure transactions and fraud protection.
- Cut costs with a one-rate payment system that simplifies the process of setting up and managing payments,
- Increase customer service satisfaction with fast and simple checkout.
Effortless inventory management
Epos Now's inventory management system helps you streamline your processes so you can effortlessly manage your items, ranges, and collections.
- Keep track of stock levels across multiple store locations.
- Create new products and assign them to specific categories or departments in the system.
- Set minimum stock levels for all products and receive alerts when they reach a pre-set level.
- Carry out accurate stocktakes in minutes, not hours.
- Analyze single-item performance to gain insights and better forecast future trends.
- Create automatic purchase orders, so you never miss a selling opportunity.
Powerful real-time insights
Gain valuable insights into your business with Epos Now's real-time reporting. With this information at your fingertips, you'll be able to make data-driven decisions that can help improve your overall performance.
- View sales reports in real time.
- Analyze customer behavior and trends.
- Identify top-selling products.
The Complete Apparel Store POS System
Whether you run a fashion boutique or multi-store empire, choose the clothing store POS system tailored to help your store stay on-trend.
7 alternative POS systems for your clothing store business
Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed retail offers a hybrid system that can be used on an iPad or a web browser. It has many features designed specifically for the fashion industry, including multi-tender options, store credit, advanced inventory management, and more.
Limitations to Lightspeed Retail:
Some of the advanced features you'll need may be available only at higher price tiers. This means you may have to pay more to access those features. In addition, while you can use Lightspeed Payments to get good rates, you'll need to commit for at least a year. So if you're looking for shorter-term flexibility, this isn't ideal.
Vend by Lightspeed
Vend is a popular retail POS offering an intuitive interface and easy setup. It has many features designed specifically for the fashion industry, including multi-location inventory management and omnichannel selling options. Lightspeed actually acquired Vend in 2021, so you can expect the two to become even more integrated.
Limitations of Vend by Lightspeed:
As mentioned above, Vend uses Lightspeed Payments which requires you to commit for at least a year. In addition, while the reports offered by Vend are useful, they are somewhat basic compared to some other options on this list. This means you may need to look elsewhere for more detailed insights into your business.
Clover POS
Clover is another popular option for clothing stores and other retail businesses. It has sleek, sturdy hardware bundled with the software and a merchant account. This makes it easy to get up and run quickly. The system also offers customizable features so you can tailor it to your specific needs. So if you own a clothing store, you can tailor it to make it easier to manage inventory and run promotions.
Limitations of Clover POS:
The biggest limitation with Clover is that you must purchase their hardware with a Fiserv merchant account. This means you won't be able to reuse the hardware if you need to switch providers in the future. In addition, there's the potential for costly merchant contracts. So you may want to shop around to make sure you're getting a good deal.
Square for Retail
Square for Retail is an option if you want an all-in-one solution to manage your clothing store business. Square for Retail offers everything from inventory management and customer service tools to payment processing and employee management. Plus, with its free plan, you can get up and running quickly at no cost.
Limitations of Square for Retail:
Although Square for Retail offers a lot of features, it's not as mobile as Square POS. Nowadays, customers want to shop whenever and wherever they're most comfortable, so this could be a turnoff for some. Additionally, it doesn't include a dedicated merchant account, which means you'll have to use your own or an external provider. This could lead to extra fees that you need to consider.
Shopify POS
Shopify POS is a great option if you're looking for a full-featured retail system that integrates seamlessly with your online store. It has plenty of features to help manage your inventory, process payments, and more. Plus, it offers options like custom payment plans and a loyalty program to further customize customer experience.
Limitations of Shopify POS:
Although it is a great solution for online retailers, Shopify POS has some limitations when it comes to offline use. For example, you will need an internet connection to be able to accept cash payments or process refunds. Additionally, the system doesn't include a dedicated merchant account, meaning you'll need to choose your own payment processor. This could add costs to your business.
Magestore boutique POS system
Magestore is a good POS system for the fashion industry. It has a comprehensive set of features that can help you manage your store, inventory, and customers more efficiently. From tracking sales in multiple locations to evaluating customer preferences and running promotions, Magestore has everything you need. Plus, it offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on its POS license, so you can test it out with no risk.
Limitations of Magestore boutique POS system:
The main limitation of Magestore is that it has many settings and features that can be confusing to understand and set up. Additionally, the system doesn't integrate with third-party software or platforms. This could be a problem if you need to connect it in comparison to some other options on this list.
Revel POS
Revel's POS system is tailored to meet almost any requirement in the retail industry, from integrated eCommerce for your online store to delivery management. It's powerful enough for stores with multiple locations and has packages created just for your business, including free API usage.
Limitations of Revel POS:
The downside of Revel is that it requires long-term subscriptions, which could be expensive for small companies. Additionally, there's a minimum purchase requirement of two terminals, so you'll need to buy in bulk if you want to use the system for multiple locations.
How to plan the right retail POS System for your clothing store
Choosing the right POS system for your clothing store can be daunting. There are so many options out there, and each one has its own pros and cons. Fortunately, we're giving you ten tips on choosing the best POS system for clothing stores.
Figure out what features you need and prioritize them
Before comparing different systems, make sure you know exactly what features and functions your business needs in a POS system. After all, there's no point in paying for extra features you don't need. As a clothing store, you may want features to manage inventory and customer preferences, process payments quickly, or send notifications when new stock arrives.
For example, suppose you own a variety of stores in multiple locations. In that case, you'll need a POS system powerful enough for multi-location management and comprehensive reporting features. In contrast, if you own a small boutique, you may be able to save money by investing in a more basic system.
Determine what budget you have to work within
Once you know what features are must-haves for your store, it's time to look at the price. Different POS systems come with various price points, ranging from free to thousands of dollars per month. Consider how much money you have in your budget and decide which features you can afford to invest in.
Research the different POS systems available
Now it's time to start researching which POS system will be best for your store. Read reviews from other users and compare features and pricing to find the perfect fit for your business. It's also a good idea to check out any available free trials or demos so you can test the system before you commit.
Choose a payment processor
When choosing a POS system, it's important to consider what payment processor you'll use. Some systems have their own payment processing capabilities with set payment processing fees. Others integrate with third-party processors like PayPal and Stripe. Keep in mind that this could add costs to your system, so make sure you research all of the available options. Be sure to research payment processing fees for each provider.
Consider customer service and support
It's essential to consider a POS system's customer service and support before making a purchase. Look for systems that offer 24/7 phone and email support as well as online resources like tutorials and FAQs. This will help you get help quickly if you ever run into any issues.
Evaluate POS software features
Make sure to evaluate the software features of each system you're considering. Look at how user-friendly it is and whether it has any additional features that could benefit your store. For example, Revel POS offers comprehensive reporting features, powerful enough for stores with more than one location, and packages created just for your business. However, it does require long-term subscriptions and a minimum purchase of two terminals.
Think about hardware options
When choosing a POS system, it's also important to consider the type of hardware you'll use. Some systems come with their own proprietary hardware, while others are compatible with third-party devices like barcode scanners and printers. Make sure you research all of your options to ensure that the system you choose is compatible with whatever hardware you decide to purchase.
Look at integration capabilities
A great POS system can integrate with other business software and tools. This could include accounting programs, marketing platforms, or eCommerce systems. For example, Revel POS includes a free API that developers can use to integrate with any third-party software.
Ultimately, the right POS system for your business will depend on your needs and budget. With these tips in mind, narrowing down your choices and finding the perfect fit for you should be easier. Consider your options carefully before making a decision - the right POS system can make all the difference for your store.
Get a free demo
Once you've narrowed down your choices to a few POS systems, it's time to get some hands-on experience. Many companies offer free demos, so take advantage of them and try out the software yourself. This will help you ensure that the system is user-friendly and has all the features you need. You can also get a better idea of how it fits into your existing workflow.
Make sure your POS system is scalable
Finally, make sure the POS system you choose is scalable. Your business will likely continue to grow and evolve over time, so your POS system should be flexible to adapt to changing needs. Look for a platform that can easily integrate with new software or hardware as your store grows.
Final thoughts
Your fashion business needs a POS system that is reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective. With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the perfect fit for your store. Make sure to do your research and consider your options carefully before making any decisions - the right POS system can make all the difference.
Good luck!
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