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Updated May 15, 2024

The Best POS Systems for Convenience Stores in 2024

The best POS systems for convenience stores below offer intuitive inventory and menu features, and efficient payment processing.

Tom Anziano headshot
Written By: Tom AnzianoBusiness Ownership Insider and Senior Writer
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This guide was reviewed by a Business News Daily editor to ensure it provides comprehensive and accurate information to aid your buying decision.
Adam Uzialko
Business Strategy Insider and Senior Editor
Business News Daily earns compensation from some listed companies. Editorial Guidelines.
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Clover POS
Best POS System for Overall Value
Clover company logo
Visit Site
Links to Clover POS
  • High-value POS packages
  • Multiple hardware options
  • Useful features
Square POS
Best POS System for New Convenience Stores
Square company logo
Visit Site
Links to Square POS
  • Basic free plan
  • Add-on business features
  • Advanced paid POS tools
Shopify
Best POS System for Online Orders
Image related to the service.
  • Omnichannel selling
  • Unified inventory updates
  • Individual customer profiles
Epos Now
Best POS System for Ease of Use
eposnow company logo
  • Easy-to-use platform
  • Flexible card processing
  • Custom employee permissions
GoDaddy POS
Best POS System for Tracking Sales
GoDaddy company logo
  • Stellar sales analytics
  • Useful consumer insights
  • Additional marketing tools
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To determine which POS systems are best for convenience stores, our team of small business retail experts carefully reviewed the market and examined the unique needs of convenience store owners. We attended live demonstrations with company representatives and then tested each POS system firsthand. We looked for overall usability and ease of setup, as well as key tools like inventory tracking, menu customization and payment processing features. We also examined pricing plans to find the most competitive rates and flexible options on the market. Finally, we considered customer reviews to see how real-life entrepreneurs were using each platform and how well their experiences lined up with our testing results. Learn more about our methodology.

Whether you’re running a small-town corner shop, a few regional stores or a local franchise of a national chain, the best POS systems offer hardware and software solutions to solidify your convenience store as a mainstay of the community. The right solution allows you to check out customers and process payments while helping you keep inventory in stock, your finances in order and customers loyal.

From groceries and gadgets to over-the-counter medicines, the unique combination of products your convenience store sells, along with the size of your business and customer base, means you’ll need a POS solution that fits your way of running your shop. We’ve taken an in-depth look at the top POS systems on the market and selected our top five for different convenience store needs.

Compare Our Best Picks

BND Ribbon
Our Top Picks for 2024
Clover POS
Square POS
Shopify
Epos Now
GoDaddy POS
Rating8.9/109.3/108.6/109.2/108.7/10
Best use case

Overall value

New convenience stores

Online orders

Ease of use

Tracking sales

Free trial

30 days

30 days

3 days

30 days

Contact a sales rep

Starting price

$14.95/month

Free

3 days

Contact a sales rep

$9.99/month (annual payment)

Integrations

300+

300+

8,000+

Contact vendor

GoDaddy tools

In-store processing rate

2.3% + 10¢

2.6% + 10¢

2.7% + 0¢

2.6% + 10¢

2.3% + 0¢

Third-party payments

No

No

Yes, with a fee

Yes

No

Customer service

24/7 live support

Free: M-F 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. PT

24/7 live support

Live chat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m

24/7 live support

Review Link
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Clover company logo
Editor's Rating: 8.9/10
Visit Site
Links to Clover POS

When it comes to best value overall, Clover is ahead of the pack. We love that Clover offers a variety of affordable plans with sleek hardware options and affordable card processing rates. Standard and Advanced plans include a cash drawer, but every plan permits adding one, along with barcode scanners and weight scales. You can pay for POS software and hardware in one monthly payment, and you get excellent features to help run your convenience store from one place, like online ordering, customer engagement and reporting tools.

We found Clover’s inventory management functions to be especially valuable. You can track items by a variety of criteria, like size or color. Plus, the system will automatically update your inventory as you scan items, and when stock is running low, you’ll get an immediate notification. We love how easy it is to keep customers coming back with promotions, discounts and loyalty points programs. Convenience store owners will especially love the more than 300 external integrations, including apps for accepting EBT payments, lottery payouts and age verification.

Square company logo
Editor's Rating: 9.3/10
Visit Site
Links to Square POS

We think Square is the best option to get new convenience stores off the ground and growing. The free plan provides essential POS features such as basic inventory management of unlimited items and an online store. Plus, with no subscription fee, affordable payment processing rates and multiple hardware options, you’ll save money upfront that you can invest in making your store a success. We love that the free plan also lets you create customer profiles so you can learn about your shoppers and build loyalty by offering them relevant deals.

We appreciate that the platform is easy to use, so you and your staff can start checking out customers from day one without a hitch. As your store grows, you can upgrade to one of Square’s paid plans for even greater POS functionality. You’ll get discounted payment rates, advanced reporting, customer loyalty programs and stellar inventory management tools.  We especially like that many advanced customer and staff management features, like email marketing or custom employee permissions, can be added to the free plan for a fee.

Editor's Rating: 8.6/10

Shopify is our choice for a POS system that allows your convenience store to seamlessly take online orders. The system offers unique omnichannel selling tools so you can reach customers in a variety of ways, like your website, social media, Google and other digital marketplaces. We love that customers can choose to pick up items or have them delivered, and if you’ve got multiple locations, the platform automatically selects the nearest store with the item in stock for shipment.

We found Shopify’s customer relationship management function to be especially useful. Unique customer profiles based on past in-store and online purchases allow you to offer relevant products no matter where customers are shopping. Plus, you can send personalized coupons, promotions and gift cards for use online or in person. We love that Shopify lets you create in-store QR codes, so when customers see a product they might be interested in later, they can scan the code and save it for online purchase down the line.

eposnow company logo
Editor's Rating: 9.2/10

If you’re looking for a foolproof POS solution, Epos Now is your best bet. We love that it includes essential POS features like inventory and employee management, plus you can integrate with multiple third-party hardware and software solutions. Epos Now also offers flexible payment processing, either through their company or another processor. We appreciate that you can save money by creating a custom solution, using the hardware, software and processing services that make the most sense for your store.

Once your custom solution is set up, we love that you can easily access data from any device. You can quickly set up reports to see how products are selling and if there are employee performance discrepancies. Inventory tracking is a piece of cake across multiple criteria. We appreciate that the software lets you increase security with employee ID codes and custom permissions for functions like voids and refunds. And Epos Now boasts that you and your staff can learn how to do all this and more in less than 15 minutes.

GoDaddy company logo
Editor's Rating: 8.7/10

GoDaddy is our pick for tracking sales so your convenience store can sell more and better. The central dashboard lets you easily manage online and in-person transactions. With useful analytics and reports, you’ll be able to make informed decisions on restocking hot items and discounting inventory that needs to move. Plus, you can get insights into customer buying habits to help guide promotional marketing campaigns through GoDaddy’s marketing tools, a standout feature we especially love.

We appreciate that every plan includes access to GoDaddy’s stellar tools for building and hosting websites, helping your store expand to e-commerce. The excellent sales tracking features include reports to see which items customers are purchasing online or in-store. You can also seamlessly integrate with any of GoDaddy’s other products. While you’ll have to make annual payments, the first-year price tends to be lower than the competition’s.

Costs of POS Systems for Convenience Stores

You want a POS system that helps your convenience store, not one that holds it back with high costs and fees. To find an affordable solution that gives you all the POS features you need without breaking the bank, you’ll need to consider three separate costs.

  • Hardware costs: It can be a significant upfront expense, but finding the right hardware is key to ringing up sales and taking payments. Many providers include basic POS hardware with a subscription, but spending more on a robust device is a better bet. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Convenience stores need accessories, like barcode printers and scanners, swipe cards, scales, receipt printers, and cash drawers. Look for a solution that includes these in your subscription or offers affordable add-on options. A POS system that allows you to use third-party hardware is a great way to save money.
  • Subscription fees: If your shop is still getting on its feet, look for a provider that offers a basic free plan. As your store grows and requires advanced functionality, you can find an appropriate solution from the tiered service plans offered by most providers. Prices range from 10 to a few hundred dollars per month. You might need to pay more for advanced inventory management, reporting and analytics, customer relationship management, and staffing add-ons. Not all POS system providers are upfront about pricing, so call to get the exact rate for your store.
  • Payment processing rates: Credit card processing fees can be complex, so make sure you understand how you’ll be charged for different transactions, like in-store or online. Some companies charge a flat rate, whereas others offer custom quotes based on your store’s characteristics. If you want to cut costs, shop for a POS system that permits third-party payment processing.

Features of POS Systems for Convenience Stores

Beyond efficient customer checkout, your POS system should include features to help your shop thrive, like tools to let you know what to stock and how to bring in customers. Here are the features we think a POS system for convenience stores should include.

Inventory Management

While POS inventory management tools don’t always come standard, we think they are an essential feature for keeping your store stocked and selling. Many systems will automatically update inventory as you scan items at checkout and when they are purchased online. Timely alerts let you know what you’re running low on so you can get them quickly back in stock. The best solutions allow you to track items by a variety of criteria, like color, size or function.

TipTip
Effective inventory management requires finding the right balance of stock to keep on hand. Managing your inventory well will increase your store’s profitability.

Hardware Options

We may be moving towards a cashless society, but many people still rely on paper money to make quick purchases at the local corner shop. That means you need a POS system that can handle any kind of payment. A durable, secure POS register is key. You’ll most likely need a cash drawer and a receipt printer. Depending on your needs, you’ll also want barcode scanners and weight scales to help you speedily ring up customers. Some accessories connect via USB and others via Bluetooth, so make sure your devices are compatible.

External Integrations

A POS system that integrates with useful business solutions, like the best accounting software, can help you run your store smoothly and accurately. You should also look for a provider that integrates with third-party apps designed specifically for the needs of your type of store. If you sell alcohol or tobacco products, you’ll need an age-verification app. Integrations for lottery verification and payouts might also be necessary.

E-Commerce

From over-the-counter cold remedies to birthday party supplies, consumers increasingly rely on online ordering when they can’t make it to the local corner shop. Look for a solution that helps you reach more customers in more places, including social media, Google and other online marketplaces. Some POS systems even include website-building tools and delivery services. Be sure to check card processing rates for online purchases, as they are often higher than in-person rates.

Payment Processing

Regardless of how your customers pay, you’ll want a service that processes payments quickly and affordably. While most POS systems accept all kinds of payments, your convenience store might need a solution that also accepts EBT cards, which could call for a third-party app. While some providers require using their payment processing service, you could save by finding one that allows third-party credit card processing software. Pay attention to deposit times, as you don’t want your store to run out of cash on hand.

Did You Know?Did you know
In a recent survey, almost a third of businesses said they didn’t have enough cash on hand to make payments. Follow these cash flow strategies to keep cash on hand and help your business survive.

Customer Management

When consumers go out to make a convenience store purchase, you want them to think of your store first. Stocking the right products is only the first step. A good POS system will help you understand your consumers so you can target them with relevant deals and build customer loyalty. Some platforms offer customer databases to track past purchases, highlight preferences and offer personalized service in-store and online. Many solutions offer tools to create customer loyalty programs, like reward points, gift cards and coupons, to incentivize your customers to keep coming back.

Reporting and Analytics

Most POS systems include basic reporting functions, but since your store sells a variety of items, you’ll want to find a solution that offers robust POS sales reports. Timely and accurate insights will help keep your shop stocked and products moving. Look for analytics that show you which items are hot and which are seasonal favorites so you can always offer your customers the products they want at the right time.

Employee Management

Many POS systems offer basic employee management tools or add-on features. You can create individual codes for clocking in and out, with custom permissions so only certain staff can do things like process returns or void items. Some POS providers even offer employee swipe cards for a fee. You can also use the software to create schedules to make sure you’ve got all hands on deck at your busiest times. Plus, you can track sales by employee to see which team members excel on the shop floor.

Marketing Tools

While not a common feature in POS systems, we found the providers that offer marketing tools to be especially useful for convenience stores. The right tools can help you find and connect with your target customer base. Through marketing email campaigns, you can build awareness of your store and offer relevant promos and discounts to bring in more customers.

Customer Support

Convenience stores often have long hours, so you’ll want to find a provider that offers reliable customer support at any time day or night. While many offer a host of useful online resources, we think your best bet is always speaking directly with a customer service rep who can walk you through any issue. Since you can’t always be at your store, it’s important that the service is easy to reach for all your employees.

Choosing a POS System for Convenience Stores

These steps will help you decide which POS system will most benefit your convenience store.

1. Determine your needs.

Before you start shopping for a POS system, you should take a look at the specific needs of your convenience store. The size of your store and the products you sell will shape the type of solution that’s right for your shop. Consider upfront and monthly costs, as well as the features that will best help you run your business. If expanding is part of your business plan, be sure to look for a solution that will grow with your store.

2. Research the market.

Once you know what you need to get out of a POS system, it’s time to start researching the solutions on the market. Having a clear idea of the functionality you require will help you narrow down your choices, but it’s a good idea to go beyond visiting vendors’ websites. Read guides and reviews to see how stores like yours evaluate their experience with POS systems. It’s also a good idea to talk to similar businesses in the area to learn what solutions work for them.

3. Speak to a sales rep.

Some POS providers don’t provide pricing on their website and others require custom packages, so you might have to contact a sales rep to get an accurate idea of the final price and features included. Even if pricing is transparent, you should still contact the vendor to find out about discounts and schedule a demo run or a free trial.

4. Compare the options.

After you’ve informed yourself about the pricing and features of top POS systems and given a few a test drive, you have to evaluate the options and determine which is the best fit for your convenience store. Read the fine print to ensure there are no hidden fees for things like online orders or deliveries. It’s a good idea to choose a solution that lets you add more devices and features as your store grows.

Bottom LineBottom line
A POS system is a smart investment, whether your shop is just starting out or you’re opening up a franchise of an established chain. Take the time to research and compare the different solutions on the market to find the best one to help your business succeed.

Advantages of POS Systems for Convenience Stores

These are the main reasons why using the right POS system will benefit your convenience store.

  • Stock and sell better: Your store’s success depends on having products that customers want in stock and priced better than the competition. POS inventory tracking and reports will help you see which items are popular so you can always have them on hand. You can also see which items might need a sale or promotion to move them off the shelf.
  • Keep customers coming back: Customers have a ton of options when it comes to purchasing convenience items, so you need to give them a reason to come in the door and keep coming back. POS systems help you understand your consumers’ tastes and preferences so you can provide them exactly what they want. Customer loyalty tools allow you to offer personalized deals, coupons and rewards so shoppers will always have an excuse to pop in.
  • Create an online presence: Keeping foot traffic coming through the door is essential, but people increasingly rely on online shopping for convenience purchases. Many POS systems have tools to let you expand into e-commerce, whether it be a web page or a social media shop, so you can reach your customers wherever they are. While it might be hard to beat the prices of some of the big online sellers, consumers will feel good about supporting a local business, especially one that will deliver essential goods right to their door.
TipTip
An increasing amount of consumers are turning to Amazon for online purchases. Help your business stand out by using the Amazon Stores tool to create a unique landing page for your online shop.
  • Use helpful tools: Convenience stores face challenges that many other businesses don’t. From preventing employee theft to selling regulated items, like lottery tickets and tobacco, POS systems offer add-on tools and integrations to help you run your store more efficiently.

POS Systems for Convenience Stores FAQ

If your store plans to accept credit cards and cash payments, you’ll need both a cash register and some form of POS system. The best POS systems provide your store with additional benefits and features.

POS prices vary depending on the provider and level of service. Some POS systems include a cash drawer, but most of the time, you’ll have to buy one. POS subscriptions range from free to a few hundred dollars per month. An average cash register will set you back about $100 to $200.

If you’ve got a tiny shop, you might be able to get by without a POS system. However, a good POS system can help you process payments more affordably, keep track of inventory and build customer loyalty.

There are many POS systems on the market, and the right solution depends on the specifics of each individual store. Clover, Shopify, Epos Now, GoDaddy and Square are some of the top POS providers on the market.

Yes. Square offers a basic free POS plan. You pay for hardware and payment processing fees only.

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Tom Anziano headshot
Written By: Tom AnzianoBusiness Ownership Insider and Senior Writer
Thomas Anziano is an advertising and marketing professional who has worked in the U.S. and Germany. He has also taught Business Writing in English to university students in Madrid, Spain. He holds a degree in Marketing and Spanish.
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