Shopify POS is a point-of-sale system that is made available by Shopify. This system enables companies to handle the operations of their physical stores in a streamlined manner.
It is a platform that enables retailers to sell in-store items as well as online items more easily, as well as more effectively manage their inventory and process their transactions.
Shopify POS comes in three different packages – Shopify POS Lite, Shopify POS Go, and Shopify POS Pro. Each package offers unique features and is designed to cater to the needs of different businesses.
In this article, we will review Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Go.
Should You Choose Shopify POS Lite or Shopify POS Go?
When it comes to choosing between Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Go, there are a number of factors to consider.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on your business’s unique needs, budget, and growth goals. Here are a few points to consider:
Features
Shopify POS Lite is designed for basic sales transactions, while Shopify POS Go offers additional features such as employee management, custom payment options, and advanced reporting.
If you need more advanced features to manage your sales and inventory, Shopify POS Go may be the better choice.
Pricing
Shopify POS Lite is available for free to all Shopify merchants, while Shopify POS Go requires a monthly subscription fee. If you’re just starting out and want to keep your costs low, Shopify POS Lite may be the best option.
However, if you need more advanced features or have a larger business, the additional cost of Shopify POS Go may be worth it.
Use cases
Shopify POS Lite is ideal for small businesses with simple sales needs, such as pop-up shops, farmers’ markets, or small retail stores.
Shopify POS Go is better suited for businesses with more complex sales needs, such as multi-location stores, restaurants, or businesses with a larger team of employees.
Overview of Shopify POS Lite
The most basic and cost-effective version of Shopify’s point-of-sale system is referred to as Shopify POS Lite. It is created specifically for start-ups and small enterprises that are in need of a point-of-sale system that is straightforward and easy to use.
You are able to manage your in-store operations, process payments, and keep track of inventory all from one location when you use Shopify POS Lite.
The Shopify POS Lite mobile point of sale application may be downloaded for free from the App Store or the Google Play Store. Nevertheless, depending on the kind of payment that was chosen, a transaction fee may be applied.
You’ll be able to integrate your in-store sales with your online sales and handle both types of transactions from the same location if you use Shopify POS Lite.
Ready to Try Shopify POS for Free?
You can test out whether Shopify is right for your business, without spending a thing,
we always recommend testing it before buying!
Features included in Shopify POS Lite
Shopify POS Lite comes with a range of features designed to help small businesses manage their in-store operations more efficiently. Some of the key features of Shopify POS Lite include:
Accept payments
Shopify POS Lite allows you to accept a range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
Inventory management
With Shopify POS Lite, you can track your inventory levels, receive stock alerts, and set up low-stock notifications.
Staff management
Shopify POS Lite allows you to create and manage staff accounts, set permissions, and track staff activity.
Hardware compatibility
Shopify POS Lite is compatible with a range of hardware, including card readers, barcode scanners, and cash drawers.
Reporting
Shopify POS Lite provides basic sales reports, so you can track your sales and inventory levels.
Pricing for Shopify POS Lite
Shopify POS Lite is available as a free download from the App Store or Google Play Store. However, transaction fees are charged based on the payment method used.
Pros and cons of using Shopify POS Lite
Like any other point-of-sale system, Shopify POS Lite has its pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Shopify POS Lite:
Pros
- Affordable
Shopify POS Lite is the most affordable point-of-sale system offered by Shopify.
- Easy to use
Shopify POS Lite is user-friendly and easy to set up and use.
- Inventory management
Shopify POS Lite allows you to track your inventory levels and receive stock alerts, so you can stay on top of your inventory.
Cons
- Limited features
Shopify POS Lite has limited features compared to other packages, so it may not be suitable for businesses with more complex needs.
- Transaction fees
Transaction fees are charged based on the payment method used, which can add up over time.
Use cases for Shopify POS Lite
Shopify POS Lite is ideal for small businesses and startups that need a simple and affordable point-of-sale system. Some of the use cases for Shopify POS Lite include:
Pop-up shops
If you’re running a pop-up shop or a temporary store, Shopify POS Lite can help you manage your sales and inventory more efficiently.
Small retailers
Shopify POS Lite is a great option for small retailers who need a basic point-of-sale system to manage their in-store operations.
Service businesses
Shopify POS Lite can also be used by service businesses that need a simple way to accept payments, such as hair salons or personal trainers.
Ready to Try Shopify POS for Free?
You can test out whether Shopify is right for your business, without spending a thing,
we always recommend testing it before buying!
Overview of Shopify POS Go
Shopify POS Go is a mid-tier point-of-sale package offered by Shopify. It is designed for businesses that need more advanced features than what is offered in Shopify POS Lite but do not require the full suite of features offered in Shopify POS Pro.
Shopify POS Go is a great option for businesses that want to improve their in-store operations and enhance their customer experience.
Shopify POS Go is available as a paid monthly subscription and is available to purchase through the Shopify website. With Shopify POS Go, you can manage your in-store operations, accept payments, and track inventory, all in one place.
Features included in Shopify POS Go
Shopify POS Go comes with a range of features designed to help businesses manage their in-store operations more efficiently. Some of the key features of Shopify POS Go include:
Accept payments
Shopify POS Go allows you to accept a range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
Inventory management
With Shopify POS Go, you can track your inventory levels, receive stock alerts, and set up low-stock notifications. You can also manage your inventory across multiple locations.
Staff management
Shopify POS Go allows you to create and manage staff accounts, set permissions, and track staff activity.
Hardware compatibility
Shopify POS Go is compatible with a range of hardware, including card readers, barcode scanners, and cash drawers.
Reporting
Shopify POS Go provides more advanced sales reports, so you can track your sales and inventory levels in more detail.
Customer management
Shopify POS Go allows you to create customer profiles, view purchase history, and send receipts by email or text message.
Pricing for Shopify POS Go
Shopify POS Go is available as a paid monthly subscription and is priced at $89 per month. This price includes access to all of the features of Shopify POS Go, as well as 24/7 support and a free card reader.
Pros and cons of using Shopify POS Go
Like any other point-of-sale system, Shopify POS Go has its pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Shopify POS Go:
Pros
- More advanced features
Shopify POS Go has more advanced features than Shopify POS Lite, making it a great option for businesses with more complex needs.
- Inventory management
With Shopify POS Go, you can track your inventory levels across multiple locations and receive stock alerts, so you can stay on top of your inventory.
- Customer management
Shopify POS Go allows you to create customer profiles, view purchase history, and send receipts by email or text message.
Cons
- Higher cost
Shopify POS Go is more expensive than Shopify POS Lite, which may not be suitable for businesses with limited budgets.
- Transaction fees
Transaction fees are charged based on the payment method used, which can add up over time.
Use cases for Shopify POS Go
Shopify POS Go is ideal for businesses that need more advanced features than what is offered in Shopify POS Lite but do not require the full suite of features offered in Shopify POS Pro. Some of the use cases for Shopify POS Go include:
Small retailers with multiple locations
Shopify POS Go is a great option for small retailers with multiple locations, as it allows you to manage your inventory levels across all of your stores.
Restaurants
Shopify POS Go can also be used by restaurants to manage their in-store operations and accept payments.
Service businesses with appointment scheduling
Shopify POS Go can be used by service businesses with appointment scheduling, such as hair salons or spas, to manage their customer appointments and accept payments.
Take Away
Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Go are both powerful solutions for managing in-person sales for businesses of all sizes.
Whether you’re just starting out and need a simple, free solution, or you’re looking for more advanced features to manage a larger operation, there’s a Shopify POS package that can meet your needs.
By carefully considering your business’s unique needs and goals, you can make an informed decision about which solution is right for you. Whatever you choose, Shopify’s powerful e-commerce platform and user-friendly interface can help you streamline your sales process, increase efficiency, and grow your business.