If you’re running a retail business and using Shopify as your e-commerce platform, choosing the right Point of Sale (POS) system is crucial. Shopify offers two main POS options: Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Pro. Each version has its own features, advantages, and pricing structures. In this article, we’ll compare Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Pro to help you determine which one is best for your business needs.
1. Overview
Shopify POS Lite: This is the basic POS system included with all Shopify plans. It’s ideal for small businesses or those just starting out. POS Lite allows you to process sales, accept payments, and manage basic inventory.
Shopify POS Pro: This is an advanced POS system designed for growing and established businesses. It offers all the features of POS Lite, plus additional tools for managing staff, tracking advanced inventory, and providing an enhanced customer experience. POS Pro requires an additional monthly fee on top of your Shopify plan.
2. Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Shopify POS Lite | Shopify POS Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Included with all Shopify plans | $89/month per location |
| Basic Checkout | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Sales | Yes | Yes |
| Discount Codes | Yes | Yes |
| Gift Cards | Yes | Yes |
| Basic Inventory Management | Yes | Yes |
| Staff PINs | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Inventory Management | No | Yes |
| Detailed Sales Reports | No | Yes |
| Custom Permissions | No | Yes |
| Advanced Staff Management | No | Yes |
| Omnichannel Selling | No | Yes |
| Buy Online, Pickup in Store | No | Yes |
| In-Store Analytics | No | Yes |
| Unlimited Registers | No | Yes |
3. Pricing
- Shopify POS Lite: Free with all Shopify plans (Basic Shopify, Shopify, Advanced Shopify).
- Shopify POS Pro: $89/month per location in addition to your Shopify plan.
4. Detailed Feature Analysis
Basic Checkout and Custom Sales: Both POS Lite and Pro support essential checkout features, including the ability to apply discounts, process returns, and manage gift cards.
Inventory Management: While POS Lite provides basic inventory tracking, POS Pro offers smart inventory management features. This includes inventory adjustments, low stock alerts, and detailed inventory reports, which are crucial for businesses with a large inventory or multiple locations.
Staff Management: POS Lite allows for basic staff management with PINs for register access. However, POS Pro provides advanced staff management tools, including custom permissions and detailed sales performance tracking by staff member.
Omnichannel Selling: POS Pro supports omnichannel selling, allowing customers to buy online and pick up in-store. This feature is increasingly important for businesses looking to integrate their online and offline sales channels.
Reporting and Analytics: POS Pro includes advanced reporting and in-store analytics. These tools help you understand sales trends, optimize staff performance, and make data-driven decisions.
5. When to Choose Shopify POS Lite
- You’re a small business or just starting out.
- You have a single location or low transaction volume.
- You only need basic POS functionality.
6. When to Choose Shopify POS Pro
- You have multiple locations or a high transaction volume.
- You need advanced inventory management and detailed sales reports.
- You require custom staff permissions and advanced staff management.
- You want to offer omnichannel experiences like buy online, pick up in-store.
- You’re looking to scale your business and need in-depth analytics.
7. Conclusion
Choosing between Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Pro depends on your business size, needs, and growth plans. POS Lite is great for small businesses or those new to retail, while POS Pro provides the advanced features needed for larger, more complex operations. Assess your current requirements and future goals to make the best decision for your retail business.
