Here are some of the best POS systems for small businesses that offer strong order and inventory tracking features:
1. Square POS
Overview:
Square is one of the most popular POS systems for small businesses due to its user-friendly interface, affordability, and all-in-one functionality. It’s particularly great for small retail businesses, service providers, and food establishments.
Key Features:
- Inventory Management: Real-time stock tracking, low-stock alerts, and automated stock updates.
- Order Tracking: Tracks each order from the point of sale through to fulfillment, including customer and payment details.
- Sales Analytics: Provides detailed reports on sales performance, customer activity, and inventory trends.
- Customer Profiles: Allows you to build customer profiles, track their order history, and offer loyalty programs.
- Multi-location Support: Easily manage multiple locations if your business expands.
Pricing:
- Free plan available for basic features.
- Paid plans start at $12/month for additional features.
Best For: Small businesses looking for an affordable, easy-to-use POS system with no upfront costs.
2. Shopify POS
Overview:
Shopify POS is excellent for small businesses that also sell online. If you have an eCommerce store alongside your physical location, Shopify’s POS will sync inventory and orders across both platforms.
Key Features:
- Unified Inventory Management: Syncs inventory in real-time between your online and in-store stock, reducing the chances of overselling.
- Order Management: Allows you to track in-store and online orders, including shipping and fulfillment status.
- Customer Data: Keeps customer profiles linked to their orders, making it easy to offer personalized marketing and loyalty rewards.
- Reporting: Provides in-depth sales and inventory analytics to help you make data-driven decisions.
Pricing:
- Shopify plans start at $29/month, and POS Pro is available for $89/month per location.
Best For: Small businesses that have both physical stores and eCommerce platforms.
3. Lightspeed Retail POS
Overview:
Lightspeed Retail is a robust POS system that offers excellent inventory management and order tracking features. It’s scalable, so it works well for growing small businesses and businesses with multiple locations.
Key Features:
- Advanced Inventory Tracking: Real-time inventory updates and multi-location management.
- Order Management: Tracks each order’s status, including fulfillment, delivery, and payment.
- Customizable Reporting: Tailored reports for sales, order trends, inventory levels, and more.
- Customer Management: Create customer profiles and track their purchase history for better service and marketing.
Pricing:
- Starts at $69/month for the basic plan.
- 14-day free trial available.
Best For: Small to medium-sized retail businesses with plans to scale or those with multiple locations.
4. Vend POS
Overview:
Vend POS is a cloud-based solution known for its simplicity and ease of use. It’s perfect for small businesses that want powerful inventory tracking and order management without a steep learning curve.
Key Features:
- Inventory Management: Real-time updates to track stock across multiple locations, stock alerts, and reorder points.
- Order Tracking: Tracks orders in real-time, giving you visibility into what’s being processed and shipped.
- Customer Loyalty: Built-in loyalty programs to reward repeat customers and track their purchase history.
- Reports: Detailed reports that include sales performance, inventory levels, and customer activity.
Pricing:
- Starts at $99/month for the basic plan.
- 30-day free trial available.
Best For: Small retailers looking for an intuitive and flexible POS system with strong inventory management.
5. Clover POS
Overview:
Clover POS is known for its customizable hardware and robust software, making it an excellent choice for small businesses, especially those in retail or the food industry. Clover offers strong order and inventory tracking features.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Inventory: Tracks stock levels in real time, updates inventory automatically, and alerts you when it’s time to restock.
- Order Management: Allows businesses to track sales, manage orders, and check on fulfillment status.
- Customer Management: Stores customer data and order history, and enables loyalty programs.
- Reports: Customizable reports for sales, order tracking, and inventory performance.
Pricing:
- Software starts at $14.95/month, with hardware available at additional cost.
- Transaction fees apply for payments.
Best For: Small businesses looking for an affordable, customizable POS solution with robust hardware options.
6. Erply POS
Overview:
Erply is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides excellent inventory management tools and is ideal for businesses that require multi-location support.
Key Features:
- Inventory Tracking: Real-time updates to track inventory across multiple locations, including automated stock level adjustments.
- Order Management: Track every order, including special or back-ordered items, and easily manage shipments and deliveries.
- Reports: Powerful analytics that provide insight into sales, inventory levels, and order trends.
- Multi-location Support: Manage multiple locations from a single dashboard, making it ideal for growing businesses.
Pricing:
- Starts at $49/month for the basic plan.
- Free 14-day trial available.
Best For: Small businesses with complex inventory needs or multiple locations.
Local Options in [City] (Example: Los Angeles)
If you’re specifically looking for a POS tracking system available locally in [City], consider the following factors:
- Local Support: Some POS providers offer in-person setup, training, and customer support. It’s worth checking whether any local retailers or tech consultants in [City] provide POS installation and ongoing support.
- Integrations: Look for POS systems that integrate with local accounting software, local tax laws, and local payment processors (such as those that work well with regional banks or processors).
- Local Reviews: Check out local reviews or ask for recommendations from other small business owners in [City] to see which POS systems have been effective in your area.
Conclusion
The right POS tracking system for your small business depends on several factors, such as the nature of your business, the size of your operation, and the specific features you need (inventory management, order tracking, reporting, etc.).
- Square POS is ideal for small businesses looking for an easy-to-use, affordable option.
- Shopify POS is perfect for businesses with both physical stores and online sales.
- Lightspeed and Vend offer advanced features for growing businesses with a focus on inventory and order management.
- Clover and Erply provide customizable options and are suitable for businesses with more specific needs.
Feel free to check with local service providers in [City] to see if they offer support for these systems or if there are any additional features tailored to your local market.