In today’s business landscape, having a reliable and efficient point-of-sale (POS) system is essential for any retail or service-based business. Two popular POS systems in the market are Shopify POS and Square.
Shopify POS is a product of Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create and manage their online stores.
Square, on the other hand, started as a payment processor for small businesses and has since expanded to offer a variety of business tools, including a POS system.
Choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system for your company may have a huge influence on the way your business operates, how your customers feel, and how successful your company is overall.
Because of this, it is essential to examine and contrast the characteristics, costs, and capabilities of a variety of point-of-sale (POS) systems. In order to assist you in making an educated choice, we will compare Shopify POS with Square in the following paragraphs.
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Features and Functionality
Shopify POS and Square are two popular point-of-sale (POS) systems that offer various features and functionalities for small and medium-sized businesses. In this section, we will compare the key features and functionalities of Shopify pos vs square.
Payment processing capabilities
Shopify POS allows businesses to accept payments through various methods, including cash, credit and debit cards, and mobile payments. It also integrates with multiple payment gateways, such as Shopify Payments, PayPal, and Stripe.
Shopify Payments offers competitive rates and no additional transaction fees, while other payment gateways may charge additional fees.
Square also offers a variety of payment processing options, including credit and debit cards, mobile payments, and gift cards. Square’s processing fees are straightforward, with no monthly fees or long-term contracts. However, its per-transaction fee may be higher than other payment processors.
Inventory management and tracking
Shopify POS offers advanced inventory management capabilities, allowing businesses to track their inventory levels, receive low-stock alerts, and manage multiple locations. Shopify POS can also sync with Shopify’s online store, ensuring that inventory levels are up to date across all channels.
Square’s inventory management features are more limited than Shopify’s, but it offers basic inventory tracking, low-stock alerts, and the ability to set up item variations.
Sales reports and analytics
Both Shopify POS and Square offer robust sales reporting and analytics tools that provide businesses with insights into their sales performance.
Shopify POS allows businesses to track sales by a staff member, location, and product, among other metrics. It also offers real-time reporting and analytics, allowing businesses to monitor their sales on the go.
Square’s sales reporting and analytics tools provide businesses with a range of data, such as sales volume, top-selling items, and customer behavior. It also offers custom reporting and analytics tools, allowing businesses to create reports tailored to their specific needs.
Customer management
Shopify POS offers a range of customer management tools, including the ability to create customer profiles, manage customer information, and track customer behavior.
Businesses can also segment their customers based on various criteria, such as location and purchase history, to create targeted marketing campaigns.
Square also offers customer management features, such as the ability to create customer profiles and track customer behavior. However, its features are more limited than Shopify’s.
Marketing and loyalty programs
Shopify POS offers built-in marketing and loyalty program features, allowing businesses to create and manage loyalty programs, offer discounts and promotions, and send targeted marketing campaigns to customers.
Square offers basic marketing and loyalty program features, such as the ability to create and manage loyalty programs and send email marketing campaigns. However, its features are more limited than Shopify’s.
Integrations with other software and tools
Both Shopify POS and Square offer integrations with a variety of software and tools, including accounting software, email marketing tools, and inventory management tools.
However, Shopify’s integration options are more extensive than Square’s, with over 6,000 apps and integrations available on the Shopify App Store.
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You can test out whether Shopify is right for your business, without spending a thing,
we always recommend testing it before buying!
Ease of Use and Set-Up
When it comes to choosing a POS system for your business, ease of use and set-up are important factors to consider. In this section, we will compare the ease of use and setup for Shopify POS vs Square.
Setting up Shopify POS and Square
Shopify POS
Setting up Shopify POS is a fairly straightforward process. To get started, you will need to create a Shopify account, choose a plan that includes POS functionality, and download the Shopify POS app.
From there, you can set up your POS hardware, add your products and inventory, and customize your settings. If you already have a Shopify online store, you can easily sync your products and inventory with your POS system.
Square
Setting up Square is also a relatively easy process. You will need to create a Square account, download the Square Point of Sale app, and connect any necessary hardware.
You can then add your products and inventory, set up your payment processing, and customize your settings. Square also offers integrations with other software and tools, such as accounting software and e-commerce platforms.
User interface and ease of use
Shopify POS
Shopify POS has a clean and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate. The app is designed to be user-friendly, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The app allows you to add products and process transactions quickly and easily, with the option to customize settings and add notes or tags to orders.
Square
Square also has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The app allows you to add products, process transactions, and manage your inventory with ease. Square also offers the ability to add modifiers and notes to orders, as well as the ability to create custom orders and split payments.
Training and support options for Shopify POS vs Square
Shopify POS
Shopify offers a variety of training and support options for its POS system. They offer a knowledge base with articles and tutorials, as well as 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat.
They also offer a community forum where you can connect with other Shopify users and get advice and support.
Square
Square also offers a variety of training and support options for its POS system. They offer a knowledge base with articles and tutorials, as well as 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat.
They also offer in-person training and support for businesses who need more hands-on assistance.
Mobile app functionality and compatibility
Shopify POS
Shopify POS is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible for a wide range of users. The app offers a variety of features, including the ability to process transactions, manage inventory, and generate reports on the go.
The app also integrates with other Shopify tools and apps, such as the Shopify Mobile App and the Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader.
Square
Square is also compatible with both iOS and Android devices and offers a variety of features through its mobile app. In addition to processing transactions and managing inventory, the app offers features such as tipping, digital receipts, and the ability to accept payments offline.
Square also offers a variety of hardware options for its POS system, including its popular Square Reader.
Customer Support and Service
When considering a point-of-sale system, it’s important to take into account the level of customer support and service available. In this section, we’ll compare the customer support and service options for Shopify POS and Square.
Overview of customer support and service options for Shopify POS and Square
Both Shopify POS and Square offer various support channels, including email, phone, and online resources.
Shopify POS also provides users with access to a community forum and a Shopify Help Center, where they can find answers to frequently asked questions and connect with other users for advice.
Square, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive Support Center that includes a knowledge base, community forum, and online chat support. Customers can also contact Square’s customer service team through phone and email support.
Phone and email support
Shopify POS offers 24/7 phone and email support to all of its users, regardless of which plan they’re subscribed to. In comparison, Square provides phone and email support during its standard business hours, which may not be ideal for businesses that operate outside of these hours.
Knowledge bases and online resources
Both Shopify POS and Square provide access to extensive knowledge bases and online resources that can help users troubleshoot issues and find answers to frequently asked questions.
However, Square’s knowledge base is particularly robust, with a wide range of articles, video tutorials, and other resources available to users.
Community forums and user groups
Shopify POS provides users with access to a community forum where they can connect with other users and share advice and best practices. Square also has a community forum, but it’s not as active or engaged as Shopify’s.
Comparing the quality of customer support and service for each system
Both Shopify POS and Square offer high-quality customer support and service. However, Shopify POS may have the edge when it comes to 24/7 phone support, while Square’s extensive knowledge base and online resources may be more helpful for businesses that prefer to troubleshoot issues on their own.
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!
Take Away
Choosing the right POS system for your business can have a significant impact on your overall operations and success. Both Shopify POS vs Square offer powerful and feature-rich options for businesses of all sizes.
While Shopify POS offers more advanced features and functionality, Square’s ease of use and affordability make it a popular choice for smaller businesses or those just starting out.
When making a decision, it’s important to consider your specific business needs, budget, and future growth plans.
By carefully evaluating the features, functionality, ease of use, and customer support of each system, you can make an informed decision that will help your business thrive.
