If you’re running a brick-and-mortar store using Shopify POS, choosing the right hardware is essential for smooth operations, faster checkouts, and better customer experiences. Shopify offers its own POS hardware, but also supports a range of third-party accessories depending on your store setup, sales volume, and business needs.
This guide covers your main choices for Shopify POS hardware, including required components, compatible devices, and recommended bundles.
What is Shopify POS Hardware?
Shopify POS Hardware refers to the physical devices and equipment that work together with the Shopify Point of Sale (POS) software to facilitate in-store sales transactions and streamline retail operations. This hardware enables businesses to accept payments, manage inventory, and provide customers with a smooth checkout experience in a brick-and-mortar environment.
Typical Shopify POS hardware includes:
- Barcode scanners: For quick product scanning and faster checkout.
- Receipt printers: To print customer receipts and transaction records.
- Cash drawers: Securely store cash from sales transactions.
- Card readers: Accept credit and debit card payments, including contactless options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- POS terminals or tablets: Devices like iPads or Android tablets that run the Shopify POS app.
- Customer-facing displays: Show purchase details and promotional messages to customers.
Together, this hardware integrates seamlessly with the Shopify POS software, enabling retailers to unify their online and offline sales channels, improve transaction speed, and enhance the overall customer experience. Choosing the right Shopify POS hardware is crucial for creating an efficient and professional retail environment.
What’s Shopify POS?
Shopify POS (Point of Sale) is a retail POS system designed to help businesses sell products in physical stores while syncing seamlessly with their Shopify online store. It enables retailers to process transactions, manage inventory, track sales, and accept multiple payment methods from a tablet or smartphone.
Key Features of Shopify POS:
- Omnichannel Integration: Syncs online and in-store sales, inventory, and customer data.
- Flexible Payment Options: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and gift cards.
- Inventory Management: Tracks stock levels in real time across multiple locations.
- Customer Profiles: Collects purchase history and preferences for personalized marketing.
- Advanced Reporting & Analytics: Provides insights into sales trends and customer behavior.
Recommended Shopify POS Hardware Bundles
Shopify offers curated hardware kits to simplify setup. These are ideal for retailers who want a plug-and-play solution:
Retail Kit
- Includes: Shopify Tap & Chip Reader, iPad stand, barcode scanner, receipt printer, and cash drawer.
- Best for: Clothing boutiques, gift shops, general retail.
Mobile Kit
- Includes: Tap & Chip Reader + charging stand.
- Best for: Pop-ups, markets, and on-the-go selling.
Custom Setup
- Businesses with more complex needs (multi-location, high-volume sales) can build a custom hardware setup by selecting individual components from Shopify’s hardware store or compatible third-party vendors.
Benefits of Shopify POS hardware
Shopify POS hardware is designed to enhance in-person selling, streamline transactions, and improve the overall retail experience. Here are the key benefits:
1. Seamless Integration with Shopify POS Software
- Shopify POS hardware, including card readers, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers, syncs effortlessly with Shopify POS software, ensuring a smooth checkout process.
2. Faster & Secure Transactions
- Shopify’s tap, chip, and swipe card readers support multiple payment methods, including credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, ensuring secure and speedy transactions.
3. Real-Time Inventory Tracking
- With barcode scanners and SKU tracking, businesses can update inventory instantly, reducing errors and improving stock accuracy across online and physical stores.
4. Improved Checkout Experience
- Wireless hardware options like iPad stands and mobile card readers allow businesses to provide faster, more flexible checkout experiences, reducing wait times and increasing customer satisfaction.
5. Enhanced Mobility for Sales Anywhere
- Shopify’s portable POS devices let retailers sell on the go, making it perfect for pop-up shops, events, and mobile businesses.
6. Reliable & Easy to Use
Shopify POS hardware is user-friendly, designed for quick setup and minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes.
Because of Shopify hardware’s easy-to-use features, your business will easily manage the in-store checkout process, issue receipts, and easily track daily sales and control inventory. This opens up a world of potential for your customers. For example, a customer can now buy a product online and pick it up in-store, or a customer can go to a store and buy the product there but have it delivered to their home address. Shopify hardware helps you view order history, organize products, collect customer data at checkout to use for email marketing, create loyalty programs, and more.
Essential Shopify POS Hardware Components
To run Shopify POS efficiently in a retail setting, you’ll typically need the following hardware:
iPad or Tablet
Shopify iPad stands have become an essential tool for modern retail stores aiming to enhance their professionalism and convenience. These innovative stands offer a secure and tamper-proof solution, ensuring the safety of your valuable iPad devices while providing a seamless shopping experience for customers. With built-in card reader stands, these iPad stands also simplify the checkout process, making it easier for customers to complete their transactions. Whether you’re running a brick-and-mortar store or a pop-up shop, Shopify iPad stands can help streamline your operations, elevate your brand image, and offer a more sophisticated and efficient shopping experience.
- Purpose: Acts as the main POS interface.
- Shopify POS works best with iPads, but also supports iPhones and some Android devices.
- Shopify offers a tablet stand for professional setups.
Card Reader
A card reader is also a reasonably common payment device. Shopify’s card readers are Bluetooth-connected, compatible with external payment processors, making the checkout process for customers and stores more convenient.
- Shopify Tap & Chip Reader: Accepts EMV chip cards, contactless (NFC) cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- WisePad 3 Reader (Outside U.S.): Used in supported international markets.
- Secure and compliant with major payment providers.
Receipt Printer
Shopify’s receipt printer is suitable for stores. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LAN, and USB printers are available; they are compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows. This printer is easy to set up and easy to use, convenient for the store’s tablet or mobile device.
- Star Micronics TSP143III (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LAN)
- Epson TM-m30: Compact and ideal for small spaces.
- Allows you to print receipts for customers quickly.
Cash Drawer
The cash drawer is a popular piece of Shopify POS hardware used by many businesses. It’s a reliable tool for securely storing and managing cash transactions at your point of sale. Featuring a sturdy metal bill clip to keep your bills safe and organized, the cash drawer also comes with a removable coin tray that simplifies the process of counting and handling change. This user-friendly design ensures that cash transactions are efficient and accurate, making it a valuable addition to any retail or service-oriented business utilizing the Shopify point-of-sale system.
- Star Micronics or APG Vasario drawers are commonly used.
- Connects with receipt printers and opens automatically during cash transactions.
Barcode Scanner
Barcode scanners are an integral part of inventory management for numerous businesses. Often equipped with print engines, these devices provide a streamlined solution for printing and scanning various barcodes. Whether you’re dealing with standard 1D barcodes or more complex 2D barcodes like QR codes, these scanners help you efficiently organize and keep track of your inventory. The ability to print and scan barcodes simplifies the stock management process, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance their inventory control systems.
- Socket Mobile S700/S740 (Bluetooth)
- Helps speed up checkout and inventory tasks by scanning products and SKUs.
Shopify POS Hardware Compatibility
Make sure your hardware is:
- Officially supported by Shopify
You can check Shopify’s list of supported hardware by region. - Compatible with your device (iPad, iPhone, Android)
Some accessories work only with iOS. - Available in your country
Shopify POS hardware availability varies by region (e.g., Tap & Chip Reader is US/Canada only).
Third-Party POS Hardware (Not Purchased from Shopify)
Shopify POS may work with some third-party hardware, but full compatibility and support are not guaranteed unless the hardware is on Shopify’s approved list.
If you’re using third-party devices:
- Ensure they are ESC/POS-compatible (for printers).
- Test functionality during a free POS trial or on a non-operational register.
- Expect limited Shopify support for troubleshooting third-party issues.
Where to Buy Shopify POS Hardware
- Shopify Hardware Store (U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia)
- Authorized resellers like POSGuys, CDW, or Ingram Micro
- Avoid secondhand purchases unless you can test compatibility beforehand.
Final Tips for Choosing Shopify POS Hardware
- Assess your business needs: Mobile setups differ from fixed retail stores.
- Budget appropriately: A full setup can range from $300 to $1000+.
- Ensure regional support: Not all hardware is supported globally.
- Plan for scalability: Choose hardware that grows with your business.
Conclusion
Shopify POS hardware not only provides a simple device but more than that, it also provides the best shopping experience for customers. These devices will help businesses do business better. Contact us now for support associated with Shopify and its hardware.
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