The top 10 POS systems for small businesses in 2023

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, small businesses constantly seek ways to streamline operations and maximize efficiency. The Point of Sale (POS) system is one crucial tool that has proven indispensable. Gone are the days when POS systems were limited to processing customer payments alone. They have evolved into comprehensive business solutions beyond transactions, empowering small businesses to manage sales, track inventory, and enhance daily operations. 

According to recent statistics, small businesses implementing POS systems experience significant benefits. A recent study found that businesses using advanced POS systems saw a 20% increase in sales, a 15% growth in customer satisfaction, and a 25% increase in customer retention compared to those without such systems. Moreover, efficient inventory management facilitated by POS systems resulted in a 15% reduction in stockouts and a 10% decrease in excess inventory. 

The role of a modern POS system extends far beyond mere payment processing. It is a central hub, providing real-time insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and inventory levels. With this valuable data at their fingertips, small business owners can make informed decisions, streamline operations, and offer personalized experiences to their customers. The following sections will delve deeper into the key criteria for selecting a POS system and present a list of the top 10 systems available for small businesses. 

Key Criteria for Selecting a POS System  

When it comes to choosing a POS system for a small business, several key criteria must be taken into consideration. These criteria can significantly impact the business’s efficiency, effectiveness, and overall success. Here are the essential factors to evaluate when selecting a POS system: 

Hardware options: The importance of compatible hardware and devices cannot be overstated. Ensure your POS system is compatible with your existing hardware or offers options that suit your business needs. Whether it’s a tablet, cash register, barcode scanner, or receipt printer, seamless integration between hardware and software is crucial for a smooth and efficient operation. 

Feature-rich software: A robust feature set is essential for a POS system to effectively support your business processes. Look for features such as inventory management, real-time reporting, employee management, CRM integration, and multi-location support. The ability to customize the system to your specific requirements is also valuable in ensuring a tailored solution. 

Transparent pricing: Understanding the pricing structures and uncovering hidden costs is vital. Look for POS systems offering transparent pricing models, clearly outlining fees, subscriptions, and additional charges. Avoid systems with long-term contracts or hefty cancellation fees. Choose a scalable system allowing you to upgrade or downgrade as your business evolves. 

Intuitive user experience: An intuitive and user-friendly interface is crucial for smooth operations. The POS system should be easy to navigate and learn, reducing the training time required for your staff. A clean and organized layout, quick access to functions, and intuitive workflows contribute to increased efficiency and accuracy. 

Access to live support: Reliable customer support is invaluable when issues arise or questions need immediate answers. Ensure the POS system provider offers accessible and responsive customer support channels like phone, email, or live chat. Look for providers with a reputation for excellent support and a commitment to resolving issues promptly. 

Considering these key criteria when selecting a POS system for your small business will help ensure that you choose a solution that aligns with your specific needs, enhances your operations, and sets the stage for growth and success. 

Here are the top 10 POS for small businesses in 2023: 

1. Clover: Best for Hardware Options 

Summary: Clover is an excellent choice for small businesses looking for a POS system with versatile hardware options. It offers a comprehensive solution combining sleek hardware with feature-rich software, enabling businesses to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. 

Key Features: 

• Wide range of compatible hardware options 
• Customizable software with various apps and integrations 
• Advanced inventory management and reporting capabilities 

Unique Selling Points: 

• Flexibility to choose hardware that best suits business needs 

• Extensive app marketplace for expanding functionality 

2. Toast: Best for Restaurants of All Sizes 

Summary: Toast is a top-notch POS system designed for restaurants catering to the industry’s unique needs. It provides robust features to streamline order management, kitchen operations, and guest experiences, making it an ideal choice for small and larger establishments. 

Key Features: 

• Easy-to-use interface for efficient order management 

• Kitchen display system integration for streamlined food preparation 
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics for data-driven decision-making 

Unique Selling Points: 

• Customizable menu options and modifiers for flexibility 
• Online ordering and delivery management capabilities 

3. Lightspeed: Best for Retail 

Summary: Lightspeed is a feature-rich POS system tailored for retail businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage inventory, sales, and customer relationships. Lightspeed’s intuitive interface and advanced functionalities make it a valuable asset for small retailers. 

Key Features: 

• Powerful inventory management with real-time tracking 
• Integrated e-commerce capabilities for seamless online selling 

• Customer management tools, including loyalty program integration 

Unique Selling Points: 

• Multi-store capabilities for businesses with multiple locations 
• Extensive reporting and analytics for data-driven insights 

4. TouchBistro: Best for Guest Experience 

Summary: TouchBistro is a POS system designed explicitly for the restaurant industry, focusing on enhancing the guest experience. It provides intuitive order management, tableside ordering, and advanced features like split billing, making it an ideal choice for small restaurants looking to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

Key Features: 

• Tableside ordering for improved accuracy and speed 
• Split billing and customizable tipping options 
• Menu engineering and item modification capabilities 

Unique Selling Points: 

• Seamless integration with reservation and kitchen display systems 
• Customer-centric features for personalized service 

5. GoDaddy: Best for Tracking Sales 

Summary: GoDaddy offers a user-friendly POS system that specializes in sales tracking. It provides essential features for small businesses, such as inventory management, transaction tracking, and reporting. GoDaddy’s simplicity and affordability make it an accessible choice for businesses seeking a straightforward solution. 

Key Features: 

• Easy-to-use interface for quick transaction processing 
• Inventory management and stock-level tracking 
• Basic reporting and sales analytics 

Unique Selling Points: 

• Seamless integration with GoDaddy’s website builder and online store 
• Affordable pricing plans for small businesses 

6. Upserve POS: Best POS for Small Restaurants 

Summary: Upserve POS is designed for small restaurants, offering a comprehensive solution to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. It provides advanced features such as tableside ordering, real-time analytics, and integrated online ordering, making it an excellent choice for small restaurant owners. 

Key Features: 

• Tableside ordering and mobile POS capabilities 
• Real-time analytics for data-driven decision-making 
• Integrated online ordering and delivery management 

Unique Selling Points: 

• Robust menu and table management for efficient operations 
• Seamless integration with restaurant management tools 

7. CardConnect: Best POS for Payment Methods 

Summary: CardConnect is a top choice for small businesses seeking a POS system with versatile payment options. It offers secure payment processing, mobile payment capabilities, and support for various payment methods, ensuring a seamless transaction experience for businesses and customers. 

Key Features: 

• Secure payment processing and PCI compliance 

• Acceptance of multiple payment methods, including mobile payments 
• Integration with loyalty and gift card programs 

Unique Selling Points: 

• User-friendly interface for quick and hassle-free payments 
• Reliable customer support for payment-related inquiries 

8. Epos Now: Best POS for Ease of Use 

Summary: Epos Now provides a user-friendly POS system that is easy to set up and operate, making it ideal for small businesses. Its intuitive interface, customizable features, and extensive integrations allow businesses to tailor their POS system to their needs, enhancing overall efficiency. 

Key Features: 

• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface 
• Customizable features and workflows 

• Integration with various third-party apps and systems 

Unique Selling Points: 

• Scalability for businesses with growth potential 
• Efficient inventory management and reporting capabilities 

9. Lavu: Best POS for Customization 

Summary: Lavu is a highly customizable POS system suitable for small businesses that require tailored solutions. It offers a range of features, including tableside ordering, menu customization, and real-time reporting, empowering businesses to create a unique and efficient workflow. 

Key Features: 

• Tableside ordering and kitchen display system integration 
• Extensive menu customization options 
• Real-time reporting and analytics 

Unique Selling Points: 

• Flexibility to adapt to different business types and sizes 
• Comprehensive back-office management tools 

10. Helcim: Best POS for Transparent Pricing 

Summary: Helcim provides a POS system with transparent pricing, making it an ideal choice for small businesses looking for a straightforward, affordable solution. It offers robust features such as inventory management, reporting, and customizable receipts, ensuring businesses have the tools they need for success. 

Key Features:  

• Inventory management and stock tracking 
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics 
• Customizable receipts with branding options 

Unique Selling Points: 

• The transparent and competitive pricing structure 
• Exceptional customer service and support 

Selecting the right POS system is crucial for the success of small businesses. Throughout this article, we have explored the top POS systems specifically tailored for small businesses, highlighting their features, capabilities, and unique selling points. A well-chosen POS system can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to overall business growth. 

The key takeaways from this article include the importance of considering factors such as hardware options, feature-rich software, transparent pricing, intuitive user experience, and access to live support when selecting a POS system. Each system on the curated list has been carefully selected to address specific needs, whether small restaurants, versatile payment methods, ease of use, customization, or transparent pricing. 

As a small business owner, it is essential to further research and evaluates the listed POS systems based on your unique business requirements. Consider factors such as industry-specific features, scalability, pricing plans, and integration capabilities. Take advantage of free trials, demos, and customer reviews to make an informed decision. 

Remember, investing in the right POS system is an investment in the success of your business. So, take the time to explore and find the system that aligns best with your needs. With the right POS system, you can streamline operations, optimize efficiency, and provide exceptional customer experiences, paving the way for long-term growth and success. 

Take action now and explore this article’s top 10 POS systems to find the perfect fit for your small business. Conduct additional research and carefully evaluate each system based on your specific needs. Consider important factors such as hardware options, software features, pricing, user experience, and customer support. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your business operations and drive success. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution – choose the POS system that aligns best with your unique requirements and take your business to new heights.