For non profits to generate a more continuous stream of cash to fund their projects, they must take payments in a variety of forms. Restricting payments to cash alone is a guaranteed method of overlooking numerous potential funding sources. Implementing a point of sale (POS) system provides a convenient and dependable means of processing online payments. Furthermore, it enhances the in-person transaction experience for your supporters.
Join us to explore the best POS system for non profits as well as nonprofits that need specialized POS solutions.
What is a POS system?
Before diving into why nonprofits need specialized POS solutions, let’s understand what a POS system is. A POS, or point of sale, system is a combination of hardware and software that allows businesses and organizations to complete transactions with customers.
It encompasses processes like item scanning, payment processing, and receipt generation. POS systems can handle various payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and mobile payments, making them versatile tools for conducting sales and managing inventory.
Why Do Nonprofits Need Specialized POS Solutions?
Nonprofit organizations are unique in their operations and objectives. Unlike traditional businesses, nonprofits operate with a different set of priorities and constraints.
Here’s why specialized POS solutions are essential for nonprofits:
Simple sales setup for employees
Nonprofit staff often wear multiple hats, juggling various responsibilities. They need to possess the capability to utilize your POS system consistently. If they encounter difficulties in navigating the applications, it can result in issues during the checkout process and throughout the entire operation. It’s crucial to prevent extended wait times for your donors and patrons. Time can be conserved significantly if there’s no need for staff training on the POS system, or even better, if the POS system itself is inherently user-friendly, allowing everyone to grasp its operation swiftly.
Imagine a nonprofit holding a fundraising event. With a specialized POS system, volunteers can easily process donations, sell merchandise, and record memberships without extensive training. This simplicity saves time and reduces the likelihood of errors, ensuring that every donation counts towards the cause.
Payment system that is simple and quick for purchasers
Nonprofits often rely on donations and the sale of merchandise or tickets for events to fund their activities. For donors and supporters, convenience matters. Specialized POS solutions offer multiple payment options, including credit cards, mobile wallets, and cash, making it easy for purchasers to contribute or make a purchase.
For example, in a charity gala, attendees want to donate spontaneously or purchase auction items. A specialized POS system allows them to do so seamlessly, enhancing the overall donor experience. By offering a variety of payment methods, nonprofits can maximize their fundraising potential.
Communication with the rest of the nonprofit’s tools
Effective communication is vital for nonprofits to achieve their missions. Specialized POS solutions integrate with other tools used by nonprofits, such as donor management software and accounting systems. This integration ensures that data flows seamlessly between different platforms, reducing the need for manual data entry and the risk of errors.
For example, when a donation is processed through a specialized POS system, the information can automatically sync with the nonprofit’s donor database. This integration enables nonprofits to maintain accurate records, send timely thank-you notes to donors, and analyze their fundraising efforts more effectively.
Solutions tailored specifically for nonprofits
Nonprofits have unique requirements that extend beyond standard retail operations. They need POS solutions that cater to their specific needs, such as tracking donations, managing memberships, and generating reports for grant applications and financial transparency.
Specialized POS solutions for nonprofits often include features like customizable donation buttons, membership management, and reporting tools tailored to nonprofit accounting standards. These features empower nonprofits to manage their finances, engage with donors, and demonstrate their impact effectively.
3 Best POS Systems for Nonprofits
Selecting the right point of sale (POS) system is a pivotal decision for nonprofits aiming to streamline their operations, enhance fundraising efforts, and provide a seamless experience for their supporters. With numerous options available, finding the ideal POS system tailored to the specific needs of nonprofits can be a daunting task.
To simplify this process, we’ve meticulously researched and identified the three best POS systems for nonprofits below, let’s explore them together.
ConnectPOS
ConnectPOS is the best POS system for non profit, that you should choose to help develop your organization. It offers a user-friendly and customizable POS system designed specifically for nonprofits. It integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms, allowing nonprofits to manage both online and in-person sales effortlessly.
Key features:
- User-friendly interface: An intuitive interface helps staff and volunteers learn and use the system quickly, without extensive training, reducing delays at checkout.
- Real-time inventory management: For nonprofits that sell merchandise, real-time stock tracking helps ensure items stay in stock and available for supporters.
- Secure payment processing: Supports credit cards, mobile wallets, and cash for hassle-free transactions.
- eCommerce integration: Connects with popular eCommerce platforms, so nonprofits can manage online and in-person sales from one place.
A note on donation-specific features: ConnectPOS is built as a general retail and omnichannel POS, not a nonprofit-specific platform, so it doesn’t come with dedicated donation tracking, automatic tax receipts, or donor-profile tools the way some nonprofit-focused systems do. Nonprofits that need those specific capabilities should plan to pair ConnectPOS with a separate donor management or CRM tool, or confirm directly with ConnectPOS what’s available before relying on it for donation reporting.
Pricing:
- Monthly: Standard $49 per register · Advanced $79 · Premium $99
- Annual: Standard $39 · Advanced $69 · Premium $89
Shopify POS
Shopify POS is also the best POS system for non profits we highly recommend because this is a versatile solution that caters to both online and brick-and-mortar sales. Furthermore, it provides nonprofits with the flexibility to sell merchandise, accept donations, and manage memberships through a single platform. With built-in reporting and donor communication tools, Shopify POS simplifies nonprofit operations.
Key features:
- Nonprofit pricing plans: Shopify offers discounted NPO Lite and NPO Full plans for registered nonprofits, each with lower transaction fees than standard plans when using a third-party payment provider: NPO Lite reduces the third-party fee to 1% (versus 2% on Basic), and NPO Full brings it down to 0%. There’s no extra transaction fee on either plan when using Shopify Payments directly.
- Lower credit card rates: Both NPO plans come with reduced card processing rates compared to standard plans.
- Mobile payment capability: Runs on Android and iOS, letting staff accept payments on the go at fundraising events, conferences, or community activities.
- Online and offline selling in one place: Sell merchandise and tickets or collect donations at events and pop-ups, or online, including a “Buy Button” that can be added to social media, blogs, or a nonprofit’s own website.
Nonprofits need to apply directly with Shopify and provide proof of nonprofit status to access NPO pricing.
Bepoz POS
Bepoz POS is another great option that is especially spent for nonprofits or education organizations. Moreover, it is also known for its robust inventory management capabilities, making it an excellent choice for nonprofits that sell merchandise. It also offers integrated payment processing, donor tracking, and reporting features. Bepoz POS enables nonprofits to streamline their operations and enhance the donor experience.
Key features:
- Event promotion: Advertise upcoming events to members through messages on receipts or screens in a thrift store, at concession stands, or at other events the organization runs.
- Multi-location management: Manage multiple sites from one system, helping reduce issues like stock shortages or payment problems across locations.
- Donation tracking and reporting: Track revenue streams and evaluate financial status, with back-office reporting to support efficient management of finances and data.
Conclusion
Specialized point of sale solutions help nonprofit organizations optimize fundraising, streamline operations, and give donors a better experience. These systems offer a versatile way to accept various forms of payment, so nonprofits don’t overlook funding sources beyond cash.
If your organization is looking for a way to smooth operations and support more donors, the three options above are worth a closer look, each suited to a slightly different need: ConnectPOS for omnichannel retail and merchandise sales, Shopify POS for nonprofits that want discounted eCommerce-plus-POS pricing, and Bepoz for organizations that want donation tracking and event tools built in. To explore how ConnectPOS could fit your wholesale operations, contact our team for a consultation and tailored pricing information.
Chat with our team►►► Optimal solution set for businesses: Shopify POS, Magento POS, BigCommerce POS, WooCommerce POS, NetSuite POS, E-Commerce POS
