Did you know that finding the right POS hardware can help your business grow?
It's no secret that modern POS hardware can dramatically shape the customer experience. Try thinking about it this way – when was the last time you visited a retail store or grocery market? How was the checkout process? Did the POS hardware appear old or outdated?
As payment and POS technology continue to evolve, businesses must keep POS equipment up to date. Why? Small businesses with outdated POS systems tend to produce less than satisfactory customer experiences than those with the very latest point of sale hardware and software.
According to recent reports, the implications of a great customer experience are significant. In fact, more than 70 percent of consumers prioritize businesses that go above and beyond when it comes to delivering a refined customer experience.
In this article, we help you navigate the best POS hardware vendors so you can make an informed decision and invest in the right solution for your unique business.
How To Decide Between the Best POS Hardware Providers
If you're investing in POS hardware for the first time or replacing legacy hardware, the process here is the same.
First, we recommend taking stock of the point of sale hardware vendor landscape. However, with so many different vendors out there, surveying the landscape is easier said than done, right?
Don't spend all your time scouring the internet – simply consult our POS hardware vendors guide. Below, we'll give you a list of the very best POS hardware vendors for small businesses.
Before we dive in, take some time to consider:
- Compatibility: Android or iOS? Some POS companies make software that’s only compatible with specific hardware. Lightspeed, for example, is only compatible with iOS.
- Price: How much should you pay for hardware? It depends. If you go with Square POS, you get a free mobile card reader you can use to sell at events. Other providers bundle hardware together to make it more affordable for your brick-and-mortar store. It depends on your needs!
- Durability: Your POS hardware should be easy to use and adaptable. Does it operate offline? Can you use the cloud effectively?
Related: How Much Does a POS System Cost? [Averages + Influencing Factors]
We discuss these considerations in our review of each provider and also look at who each solution is best suited for.
Common Types of POS Hardware
There's no doubt you've seen some of the most common types of POS hardware at stores you visit:
- Touchscreen monitors or tablets
- Scanners
- Credit card terminals
- Cash drawers
- Receipt printers
POS hardware can also include peripherals like scales, customer displays, and other add-ons.
The 5 Best POS Hardware Vendors for Small Businesses in 2023
1. Clover
Clover offers customizable POS hardware. With just a few clicks, you can build the system your business needs right now. Additionally, Clover offers new devices, apps, and other mission-critical accessories as your business grows.
Clover's largest, fastest point of sale system comes equipped with all the hardware that you would expect, including a cash drawer and receipt printer. And with no extra costs or hidden fees, you'll never overspend on hardware that you don't need.
Moreover, the station comes packed with plenty of processing power to help you run your business faster – update inventory, manage your staff, take orders, and pull reports in seconds!
2. Lightspeed
Lightspeed Retail is designed, built, and tested for computers running both Apple's macOS operating system or Microsoft's Windows operating system. Whether you're stationing your POS on a counter or using a mobile device, Lightspeed offers all the hardware you'll need to start generating business.
For example, Lightspeed's iPad hardware kit comes equipped with a LAN receipt printer, cash drawer, bluetooth scanner, iPad stand, and receipt printer. If you don't want the entire hardware bundle, Lightspeed offers individual add-on hardware – label printer, mobile tap, USB barcode scanner – to get you started immediately.
3. Bottle POS
Bottle POS is dedicated to serving liquor stores and have everything you need to run your store smoothly. Touch PCs, receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, and pinpads are standard.
They also offer extras:
- Label printers so you can print custom barcodes and shelf labels
- Customer displays that face towards your customer during a transaction. Customers can input phone numbers to participate in rewards programs and follow the progress of their transactions.
- Wireless pinpads with all the capabilities of a traditional pinpad.
- An ID and barcode scanner so you can scan a customer’s driver’s license.
If you already have some hardware, it might be compatible with Bottle POS. Lastly, you can bundle POS hardware to get exactly what you need to run and scale your business.
4. Shopify
There's a better way to sell with Shopify. Browse their most popular retail hardware or create a fully-customized solution for your unique business – the choice is yours.
Shopify's retail kit gives you all the hardware that you'd expect including a chip reader, iPad stand, and more. Shopify's hardware is powered by a distinct point of sale app, giving you complete flexibility to sell anywhere and accept payments.
5. POS Nation
Your search for a complete POS solution is over.
POS Nation offers advanced point of sale hardware and software to power your retail store, liquor store, grocery or market, convenience store, tobacco shop, lawn and garden center, hardware store, or clothing and apparel store.
Even though we've been around since 2001, our company still has a start-up mentality. We've been there. We understand the needs of new businesses, as well as those businesses that are already established.
We'll work with you to create a custom solution designed to meet your unique needs. Moreover, we're here to help you get started. Our complete point of sale solutions are backed by 24/7 support!
Features:
Fully-Configured Hardware
- We pre-configure all of your hardware.
- Ships in one single box.
- Nothing to install.
- Plug in and start ringing up transactions.
Personalized Software
- Industry-specific.
- Pre-loaded with your inventory.
- Loss prevention.
Integrated Payment Processing
- Take all forms of payment.
- No need for external payment systems.
Backed By 24/7 Support
- With one call, we are here for you and your business.
POS Hardware Providers: How POS Nation Powers Small Businesses Nationwide
It might be tempting to go with the cheapest option for hardware, but you need to consider durability, compatibility, and the unique needs of your business before diving in.
A custom hardware bundle is more efficient and cost-effective for small businesses, and we believe a custom-built solution offers the best bang for your buck.
There's a reason why more small businesses choose to partner with POS Nation.
We provide small businesses with powerful point of sale software and hardware. Our wide range of products, low-cost delivery, and superior customer support makes us a premier provider of everything point of sale.
Want to see what our POS system is capable of for your business? Schedule a Demo today!
