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Retail businesses rarely operate the same way, and their point-of-sale systems shouldn’t either. That’s why custom POS systems are becoming a smart choice for retailers who’ve outgrown the basics.

Instead of relying on prebuilt, generic solutions, a custom POS system is built around the exact needs of the business—whether that’s handling multi-location inventory, syncing with online stores, or offering tailored reporting and checkout workflows.

It’s designed to improve efficiency and reduce friction at the register, on the backend, and everywhere in between.

Here’s a breakdown of what a custom POS system is, who needs one, and how it compares to off-the-shelf options.

Continue reading “What is a Custom POS System? A Complete Guide for Retail Businesses”

As someone who's spent years working with POS systems, I've seen how Shopify POS can be a solid starting point—but it's far from perfect.

If you're managing a busy retail store or juggling multiple locations, you’ve probably hit the same roadblocks I did.

The interface is sleek, but things start to unravel when you need deeper inventory management, offline reliability, or more control over fees and integrations.

In this guide, I'm breaking down the best Shopify POS alternatives worth considering.

Whether you're running a coffee shop, boutique, multi-location franchise, or pop-up retail brand, there’s something better out there for your setup.

Continue reading “Best Shopify POS Alternatives: My Honest Take”

If you're running a retail store or an ecommerce shop, you’ve probably heard of Shopify POS. I’ve used and tested several POS setups, and Shopify’s options are among the most seamless for syncing your online and in-person sales.

But with multiple configurations, hardware add-ons, and subscription levels, it can be hard to figure out which Shopify POS system is right for you.

In this guide, I’m walking you through the best Shopify POS systems, who each one is for, and what you need to get started without wasting money on the wrong tools.

Let’s get into it.

Continue reading “Best Shopify POS Systems: A Full Breakdown for Retail and Ecommerce Sellers”

In my work reviewing POS systems and consulting for retail businesses, one pattern always stands out: most store owners underuse their POS reports.

They buy powerful systems loaded with features, but when I ask how often they check their reports — it’s either once in a while, only during tax season, or when something goes wrong.

The truth is, POS reports are the backbone of retail operations. They tell you what’s working, what’s costing you money, and where you can grow.

But not all reports are created equal. Some are must-haves. Others just clutter the dashboard.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the most valuable point of sale report types I recommend retailers use on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis.

Whether you’re running a small boutique or managing multiple locations, these reports will help you spot trends, plug profit leaks, and manage your staff and inventory more effectively.

Continue reading “Point of Sale Report Types: What Every Retailer Needs to Track”

I spent over 200 hours testing and comparing 20+ salon POS systems to find out which platforms are actually worth your time and money.

These systems aren’t just about taking payments — they help salons run more efficiently by combining appointment booking, inventory tracking, client management, reporting, and even marketing automation.

Whether you’re a solo stylist or managing multiple locations, here are my top recommendations for 2025.

Continue reading “Best Salon POS Systems of 2025: Our Top 7 Picks”

When mobile POS (mPOS) systems first started gaining attention, they were often seen as just a quicker way to process payments.

But the more I explored how they work in real retail environments, the more it became clear that they offer far more than just speed at the checkout.

Mobile POS isn’t just about replacing a cash register—it’s about giving retail businesses more flexibility, better data, and the tools to operate more efficiently.

From inventory management and customer service to real-time reporting and scalability, these systems are designed to support the day-to-day demands of modern retail.

Whether you’re already running a store or getting ready to launch one, understanding the real-world benefits of mobile POS can help you make smarter decisions about how you manage operations, serve customers, and grow.

Here’s a breakdown of what mobile POS can actually do, how it compares to traditional systems, and why so many retailers are making the switch.

Continue reading “Mobile POS Benefits: Why Retailers Are Switching and What You Need to Know”

When I think about how a point of sale (POS) system fits into a business, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t the hardware or the software specs—it’s how it actually feels to use it every day.

That’s what POS experience is all about.

The POS experience isn’t just the checkout moment.

It covers everything from how your team uses the system, how quickly you can pull up reports, how customers feel during checkout, and how easy it is to connect with other parts of your business.

If your POS system is slow, confusing, or unreliable, it affects everything—from your sales process to how customers perceive your brand.

In this article, I’ll break down what POS experience really means, how to improve it, and why it’s a competitive advantage most businesses don’t think about until it's too late.

Continue reading “What Is POS Experience?”

When I first started implementing POS systems, I realized that onboarding is the part most people underestimate.

Everyone focuses on features, hardware, and pricing, but onboarding is where the success or failure of a POS rollout is decided.

If you're a business owner or operator looking to switch to a new POS or getting started with your first system, onboarding isn't just about setting things up.

It's about setting the tone for everything that follows—operations, staff productivity, customer experience, and even profitability.

In this guide, I’ll walk through every step of POS onboarding.

Whether you're in retail, hospitality, or run a franchise operation, this breakdown will help you streamline your rollout, avoid costly mistakes, and get the most out of your POS system from day one.

Continue reading “POS Onboarding: The Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Point of Sale System”