5 Best POS Systems for Australian Small Businesses

Published by - Mahesh Gupta on May 10, 2024     Blog

Choosing the right POS system is a big decision that needs careful consideration. Regardless of the nature of your business, it’s essential to prioritize seamless and efficient payment processing. Managing a small business comes with its challenges, requiring you to keep track of many things. Sometimes, the technology intended to assist can be overwhelming and confusing.

That’s why we’re here to help you pick the best technology for your small business. Choosing the right POS system for your business can be tricky with so many options available. In this blog, we’ve made a guide to simplify your decision-making process. We’ll talk about the best POS systems for small businesses in Australia and how they could suit your company’s needs.

Here are the top 5 options for POS systems.

1. Shopify– Best POS system for e-commerce
2. Square Australia– Best free plan for small business
3. LightSpeed Retail– Best retail POS system
4. TouchBistro – Best POS system for restaurants and food-related businesses
5. SumUp– Best POS system for physical stores with an online presence

What is a POS system in Australia?

A Point-of-Sale (POS) system, also known as a point-of-sale system, is a combination of hardware, software, and payment services employed by businesses for the purpose of conducting sales transactions.

A point-of-sale system (POS) stands as a pivotal instrument in daily business operations, serving as the central hub for all business transactions. Numerous top-tier POS systems tailored for small businesses not only produce sales reports but also aid in inventory management and employee hour tracking, furnishing invaluable insights into their operations and facilitating the enhancement of customer experiences.

POS systems are indispensable for businesses reliant on transactions, including restaurants, retail stores, and various other establishments offering products or services. POS systems represent a valuable asset for businesses across various scales. They contribute to enhancing efficiency, accuracy, customer service, and ultimately, profitability. POS system assists in expediting the checkout process and facilitates the acceptance of faster payments.

TOP five POS systems in Australia

1. Shopify – Best POS system for e-commerce

Shopify Point of Sale (POS) stands as a widely favored e-commerce point-of-sale solution catering to businesses engaged in online product sales. Shopify POS is highly regarded for its proficiency in managing multichannel sales and synchronizing inventory across multiple locations. This seamless integration with Shopify’s ecommerce platform empowers retailers to efficiently oversee both online and in-person sales activities from a unified and intuitive interface.

The Point of Sale (POS) system offered by Shopify presents an exemplary choice for enterprises seeking to consolidate their online and offline sales operations. It emerges as an optimal solution capable of accommodating diverse business models, yet it particularly excels within the realm of e-commerce.

The seamless compatibility of Shopify POS with a diverse array of payment gateways further amplifies its versatility and convenience, rendering it an exceptionally adaptable and user-friendly solution for businesses. Incorporating Shopify POS into one’s business operations not only augments flexibility but also extends access to a broader spectrum of sales avenues, thereby maximizing sales potential.

Crafted with a meticulous focus on meeting the needs of ecommerce entrepreneurs, Shopify emerges as the paramount selection among ecommerce website building platforms, reflecting its unparalleled commitment to facilitating online business success.

With a keen eye on omnichannel solutions, Shopify elevates customer experiences to new heights. Consolidating all inventory onto a single platform, Shopify offers a seamless operational hub. Should an item be unavailable in-store, customers can still make the purchase and have it delivered from another location straight to their doorstep, ensuring satisfaction every step of the way.

For those seeking a fusion of premier ecommerce capabilities and top-notch POS systems, Shopify stands as the ultimate choice. With its premium Shopify POS solution, you’ll experience an unparalleled enhancement in the functionality of your point-of-sale technology, setting the benchmark for industry excellence.

Features

• Inventory management & Customer management: This functionality facilitates the systematic monitoring of inventory levels and the maintenance of comprehensive customer data, thereby assisting businesses in effectively managing their stock and understanding their clientele.
• Order management: Shopify POS empowers businesses with the capability to swiftly and effectively handle order processing, monitor their progression, and oversee fulfillment operations with precision.
• Payment gateway integration: The integration of payment gateways within Shopify POS seamlessly connects with diverse financial platforms, affording businesses the capacity to accept payments from patrons through a spectrum of mediums, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment channels.
• Reporting and analytics: This feature acts like a spotlight for businesses, illuminating their sales achievements, customer interactions, and inventory flow, among other vital signs. With customizable reports and user-friendly tools, it becomes a compass guiding business towards informed choices.
• Omnichannel sales: enable businesses to amalgamate their online and offline sales channels, thereby affording customers a consistent stream of information and services, irrespective of their preferred mode of interaction with the business.
• Staff management: the Shopify POS system empowers businesses to oversee staff roles, permissions, and schedules effectively. This encompasses functionalities such as timekeeping, sales performance tracking, and task assignment, enabling businesses to maintain operational efficiency and organizational coherence.
• Customer relationship management: CRM functionalities integrated into the Shopify POS platform facilitate businesses in cultivating and sustaining customer relationships. These tools encompass capabilities such as email marketing, loyalty program management, and tailored promotional campaigns grounded in comprehensive customer data analysis.

Pros

• Easy to set up.
• Built-In Payment Processing
• Easy Refund
• 24*7 customer support
• Modern interface
• Accept orders offline
• Track & manages inventory access
• Syncs inventory between online and off-line orders

Cons

• No free plan
• Not customizable
• Only two staff members can access the POS with the Basic plan

2. Square Australia – Best free plan for small business

Square, renowned for its user-friendly interface, represents an uncomplicated software solution ideally suited for small-scale enterprises. It stands as the foremost provider in the small business point-of-sale sector, offering complimentary industry-tailored POS software catering to retailers, restaurants, and appointment-based establishments.

Square POS emerges as an excellent choice for budget-conscious businesses, owing to its absence of monthly fees. Through Square’s complimentary POS software, small business proprietors acquire invaluable insights into their sales performance. Square presents a complimentary offline-enabled POS system, replete with functionalities encompassing inventory oversight, sales analysis capabilities, and rudimentary customer relationship management tools. This POS software affords diverse plans, offering flexibility for selection based on individual preferences.

The Square Point of Sale (POS) system emerges as the most easy-to-navigate option owing to its efficient attributes and intuitive interface. Compatibility with both Android and iOS devices, accompanied by flexible contractual agreements and complimentary robust inventory management, further accentuates Square’s appeal as a simplified POS solution.

The system adeptly monitors sales and inventory, meticulously records customer purchase histories, and facilitates the distribution of digital receipts via email. Furthermore, its analytical functionalities afford users the capability to discern their monthly or annual progressions with precision. Payment is requisite upon transaction initiation. Among the features necessitating remuneration are email marketing, customer loyalty programs, and payroll services.

The integration of Square Dashboard and its accompanying sales reports within the Point of Sale (POS) system enables merchants to effortlessly retrieve their sales data across various devices. This includes real-time hourly sales reports tailored to each location, comprehensive transaction and deposit tracking features, among others.

Features

• Sales and Transaction Processing: Square POS facilitates the acceptance of a diverse array of payment methods, enables the processing of refunds, and facilitates the issuance of digital receipts.
• Inventory Management: It facilitates meticulous inventory tracking, providing alerts upon stock depletion, and generates comprehensive reports on sales trends, thereby enhancing inventory management efficacy.
• Customer Directory: It offers the capability to construct customer profiles, facilitating the monitoring of purchase histories and customer preferences. This functionality fosters personalized interactions and enables targeted marketing endeavors.
• Analytics and Reporting: Square offers a comprehensive suite of analytics tools aimed at facilitating a deeper comprehension of one’s business performance. Merchants can leverage these tools to generate a diverse range of reports, including sales summaries and inventory reports, empowering them to make well-informed business decisions.
• Accept contactless payments: Through Square POS, merchants have the capability to process contactless payments, encompassing NFC-enabled mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. This functionality offers customers a convenient and secure payment alternative.

Pros

• User-friendly Interface
• Easy to use and fast set-up
• Free forever plan available
• Free mobile POS app
• Free software and online store
• One free card reader
• You can cancel the subscription anytime
• capable of accepting payments from any location

Cons

• Limited or inconsistent support hours
• Tied to Square Payments for payment processing
• Loyalty program, payroll, and marketing cost extra

3. LightSpeed Retail – Best retail POS system

The Lightspeed Retail platform represents a cloud-based Point of Sale (POS) solution endowed with an array of features and functionalities meticulously crafted to streamline the operations inherent to business management, thereby affording users a seamless and effortless experience in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Lightspeed is a top choice for retail businesses needing a POS system. Its advanced inventory and analytics tools make it stand out among the best in the industry.

Lightspeed Retail POS stands out with its robust inventory management features, making it an excellent choice for more established small businesses operating across various locations. It stands as a titan within the realm of omnichannel retail POS software.

Lightspeed POS presents a user-friendly and adaptable point-of-sale system, rendering it an excellent choice for businesses. Additionally, Lightspeed provides comprehensive inventory management and reporting features, facilitating real-time tracking of sales and profits. Moreover, centralized purchasing capabilities streamline operations by enabling integrated catalog ordering,

Lightspeed Retail stands out as the premier POS solution for retail, boasting an impressive array of features tailored specifically for retailers. Among its highlights are advanced loyalty programs and robust inventory management tools. The platform also excels in multi-store capability, allowing seamless tracking of inventory across various locations.

The software excels particularly in reporting, offering robust tools for managing intricate inventories, tracking vendors, integrated purchase ordering, and a comprehensive built-in product catalog. As the foremost POS and payments platform, Lightspeed Retail empowers users to automate tasks, streamline operations, and enhance visibility across all retail outlets and channels.

Features

• Inventory management: To incorporate your product catalog into Lightspeed Retail, you have the option to upload a CSV file. This process encompasses functionalities such as inventory tracking, monitoring stock levels, utilizing barcode scanning, and managing vendors, all aimed at guaranteeing precise and current inventory records.
• Customer Loyalty: This feature encompasses customer loyalty programs aimed at aiding businesses in cultivating and sustaining customer relationships. It rewards the most loyal patrons with premium offers, thereby fostering continued engagement and loyalty.
• Reporting: This feature integrates powerful reporting capabilities, enabling businesses to delve into their sales performance, inventory status, staff productivity, and customer interactions. These insightful reports offer invaluable data that serves as a cornerstone for informed business decisions and strategic planning.
• Marketing tools: Lightspeed presents exemplary marketing capabilities, including sophisticated tools for shopper segmentation, gathering customer reviews, and seamless integration of SMS marketing strategies.

Pros

• Free register
• Industry-leading customer loyalty options
• Omnichannel gift cards
• One of the best reporting tools
• Offer reward points to increase loyalty
• Expert assistance and 24/7 customer support
• Built-in (Retail Access Control Standards) RACS compliance
• Includes detailed inventory management tools for creating product variants.
• Contactless payments
• Inventory management

Cons

• Does not offer a free plan
• Does not include a virtual terminal or offline mode.

4. TouchBistro – Best POS system for restaurants and food-related businesses

TouchBistro stands out as a remarkably intuitive cloud-based Point of Sale (POS) system designed specifically for the restaurant industry. Serving as a comprehensive restaurant management solution, TouchBistro offers a wide array of features aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. Among its capabilities are inventory management, menu engineering, guest tracking, and floor management, consolidating these crucial aspects of restaurant operations into a cohesive platform. TouchBistro epitomizes a secure, on-site, iPad-based POS system, distinguished by its commitment to both versatility and user convenience.

The TouchBistro POS system stands as a swift, dependable, and user-friendly solution. Its interface facilitates seamless reservation management, menu browsing, order processing, and sales report analysis with minimal effort, thereby streamlining operational processes for its users. It is Tailored to accommodate the specialized demands inherent in the restaurant domain.

TouchBistro provides a plethora of essential features requisite for a restaurant Point of Sale (POS) system, encompassing payment processing, bill division, comprehensive financial analysis, menu administration, in-depth tableside ordering capabilities, and meticulous customer floor plan management. TouchBistro extends an extensive range of in-house services, encompassing functionalities such as gift card management and profit analysis tools.

TouchBistro empowers users to seamlessly process various forms of payment, encompassing card transactions, contactless payments, and digital wallet transactions. Distinguished by its integrated software and hardware components, the TouchBistro POS system ensures comprehensive payment facilitation, adeptly accommodating diverse customer dining preferences and payment preferences. TouchBistro enables users to operate their entire restaurant, irrespective of internet connectivity, thanks to its locally installed system architecture.

Additionally, its adaptable user interface and robust stock management capabilities further enhance its utility and efficacy for restaurant establishments. If you are seeking the paramount Restaurant POS solution, which seamlessly integrates Customer Relationship Management (CRM) functionalities, TouchBistro emerges as the definitive choice.

Features

• Floor plan and table management: The system equips users with tools for floor plan design, section assignment, and table monitoring. This enables staff to visually oversee seating arrangements, monitor table statuses and enhance seating efficiency.
• Delivery management: Incorporating features like order monitoring, driver allocation, route optimization, and integration with external delivery platforms, it streamlines and enhances the efficiency of delivery processes.
• Menu management: Empowering restaurants with remote menu creation and administration, TouchBistro’s menu management functionality empowers restaurants to effortlessly craft, revise their menu.
• Staff management: TouchBistro’s staff management feature facilitates individualized permissions and access control tailored to distinct staff members. It encompasses a suite of tools dedicated to the onboarding, training, and performance evaluation of restaurant employees.

Pros

• Versatile and intuitive interface
• Strong staff and inventory management
• Table management
• Manage takeout orders
• Restaurant-specific features
• Highly customizable
• Excellent customer support
• Comprehensive offline mode capabilities
• Flexible payment processing options
• Profit management features

Cons 

• Pricing is based on number of users, which can add up
• Additional features can get expensive
• Only work on Apple devices

5. SumUp – Best POS system for physical stores with an online presence

SumUp POS presents an optimal option for enterprises seeking a budget-friendly solution to inaugurate their retail endeavors. Featuring an intuitive interface, robust inventory management, and seamless synchronization between physical storefronts and online platforms, it facilitates efficient business operations. Furthermore, its provision of a low-cost card reader and mobile payment processing capabilities enhances accessibility and convenience for merchants and customers alike.

SumUp Point of Sale presents a more comprehensive solution, boasting enhanced customization options and advanced features. This streamlined alternative serves as an optimal choice for small businesses or entrepreneurial ventures seeking expedited and effortless setup processes. SumUp POS offers cost-effective solutions and user-friendly functionality. With SumUp, businesses can embark on their retail endeavors without facing undue financial burdens.

SumUp provides transparent transaction fee structures without imposing monthly account fees or minimum charges. SumUp POS caters excellently to businesses with lower transaction volumes. Additionally, SumUp offers complimentary email and telephone support services for account holders. With SumUp POS, businesses can seamlessly handle transaction processing, sales management, and inventory tracking across diverse channels with ease and efficiency.

SumUp provides a cost-effective yet robust POS solution, distinguishing itself in the market. Employing SumUp as your POS solution affords the opportunity to utilize the terminal internationally, a distinct advantage that enhances its appeal and versatility for businesses operating across borders.

Utilizing a single POS system, businesses can effectively manage every aspect of their operations, streamlining processes and enhancing overall efficiency. It offers both hardware and software designed for point-of-sale operations, enabling businesses to accept a wide array of payment methods. SumUp POS efficiently processes payments including Visa, V Pay, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Discover, and Union Pay, ensuring versatility and convenience for merchants and customers.

Features

• Mobile-first Design: SumUp POS System stands out with its mobile-first design philosophy, tailored for seamless operation on smartphones and tablets. This approach emphasizes flexibility and convenience, empowering businesses to process payments on the go with ease
• Unified Management: SumUp POS System streamlines operations with its unified management features, consolidating inventory management, sales tracking, and customer relationship management into a single, intuitive platform. This holistic approach empowers businesses to efficiently oversee all facets of their operations from one central hub.
• Multi-Currency Support: SumUp POS System extends its versatility with comprehensive multi-currency support, enabling businesses to seamlessly accept payments in various currencies. This feature caters specifically to businesses with a global clientele, making SumUp an optimal choice for enterprises catering to diverse international markets.
• Secure Transactions: SumUp POS System prioritizes transaction security with advanced encryption standards, guaranteeing the safety of every transaction. This unwavering commitment to security underscores SumUp’s dedication to fostering trust and confidence among businesses and customers alike.

Pros

• No monthly subscription fees
• Transparent and affordable pricing
• Free 30-day trial
• One-year warranty on card readers
• Ability to process international cards
• Invoice with its mobile app
• 30-day money-back guarantee on hardware
• Simple and user-friendly design

Cons

• High transaction fees
• Merchants must apply for a virtual terminal
• Does not accept high-risk merchants

How to pick a POS service in Australia?

The selection of a Point of Sale (POS) service stands as a pivotal decision for enterprises, given its profound implications on operational efficacy, customer satisfaction, and fiscal oversight. The intricate nature of this decision necessitates a thorough and deliberate approach. Presented herein is a meticulously curated guide designed to aid in the selection of an optimal POS services:

Financial management. Effective financial management frequently serves as the primary determinant distinguishing a prosperous company from one facing challenges. Regardless of your organization’s size, adept financial management remains essential for ensuring that your business processes operate smoothly, akin to a well-oiled machine. The initial consideration is the price. Naturally, one seeks a system within their financial means. However, it is imperative to ensure that the chosen system offers substantial value in return. Are you in search of POS software that can handle tasks like accounting, hardware setup, training, profit tracking, invoicing, and more? Premium POS solutions such as Shopify and Square excel in meeting all these needs and essential requirements, offering comprehensive support for your business operations.

Customer retention and loyalty. Customer loyalty is indispensable for every business, ensuring sustained patronage. A Point of Sale (POS) system significantly contributes to fostering and reinforcing customer loyalty through process automation, personalized experiences, and incentivized rewards. Opting for a POS software provider empowers businesses to seamlessly monitor customer transactions, thereby gaining valuable insights into their clientele and enhancing their understanding of customer dynamics. Platforms like Shopify POS consolidate customer loyalty points, sparing the hassle of manual tracking. This saves time and effort, whether customers shop online or in-store.

Pricing. The pricing of a POS system fluctuates across providers based on factors such as hardware selection, sales volume, and industry specialization. Advancements in technology have rendered POS solutions increasingly cost-effective, accommodating various budgetary considerations within the retail sector. When assessing the cost of a POS system, it’s imperative to consider the diverse pricing structures and inherent features included within the base price across various systems. Evaluating these costs entails a focused examination of how they translate into tangible value propositions for your business.

Niche industries. When selecting a POS service tailored to niche industries, it is essential to engage in focused deliberation. Seek out providers that specifically address the requirements inherent to your industry. Evaluate the availability of customization features and industry-specific functionalities. Place emphasis on scalability and dependable customer support to ensure optimal operational performance.

Customer support. In the process of selecting a POS provider, prioritizing customer support is paramount. Opting for a provider lacking in this aspect can profoundly affect your business operations. Conversely, proficient customer support facilitates prompt issue resolution, mitigates downtime, and sustains seamless business continuity. When looking into a POS system, make sure the vendor provides top-notch customer support. Confirm if they’re available 24/7 and explore the different ways you can contact them, such as by phone, live chat, email, or through a help center.

Security. Not all point-of-sale (POS) systems provide uniform levels of protection. A myriad of potential threats confronts your POS system on a daily basis. Prioritizing the security of your POS system is imperative. It is imperative to ascertain that the chosen POS system incorporates a robust security infrastructure to safeguard your business operations and financial transactions. When selecting a POS system, prioritizing security is imperative. Opting for a robust system equipped with integral security measures like encryption and user authentication is crucial. Such features not only safeguard sensitive customer data but also mitigate the risks of unauthorized access and fraudulent transactions.

How does a POS system work?

A point-of-sale (POS) system operates by integrating its different components, comprising both hardware and software, to facilitate transactions between a business and its customers. This understanding of POS functionality is crucial as it enables individuals to multitask effectively and enhance a company’s profitability. Specifically, a POS system streamlines the process of payment for goods and services, whether conducted online or in person, thus contributing to a seamless customer experience and ultimately boosting business revenue.

The POS system operates in the following manner. Initially, the customer selects desired items for purchase. Subsequently, the cashier scans the barcodes of these items. Then, the POS system calculates the total purchase amount. Following this, the customer settles payment using cash, credit card, or debit card. The POS system then processes the payment and generates a receipt for the customer. Additionally, it updates inventory records to reflect the sold items, assisting businesses in monitoring inventory levels and avoiding stock shortage.

A point-of-sale (POS) system facilitates inventory monitoring and sales report management, thereby optimizing business operations. Employing a proficient POS system capable of executing multiple tasks expeditiously enables individuals to allocate resources toward essential functions, thereby augmenting business efficiency.

What types of POS systems are available?

A Conventional on-premise POS system utilizes a local network to store crucial data, typically housed within an on-site server or on the hard drive of your computer. This configuration is highly valued for its heightened security measures and preservation of data privacy. In the realm of on-premise POS systems, they are characterized as installed counter-based systems, known for their propensity to facilitate faster transaction processing.

Cloud-based POS systems: A cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system is characterized by the utilization of a remote cloud service for transaction processing data offering the advantages of modern software technologies such as ease of use and reliability. Furthermore, the POS system boasts mobile-friendly capabilities and seamless integration with other software solutions to bolster the efficiency of business operations.

Mobile POS systems: A Mobile point of sale (mPOS) is a smartphone, tablet or a wireless device which performs the same functions as that of an electronic point of sale terminal. Marketplaces, food trucks, and tradeshows are all venues where businesses require versatile payment solutions beyond traditional brick-and-mortar stores. These settings necessitate the use of mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) systems to cater to their payment needs.

Omni-channel POS systems: The objective of omnichannel retailing is to furnish customers with a seamless shopping experience through the amalgamation of all sales channels. An omnichannel Point of Sale (POS) system affords a centralized perspective of inventory, sales, and customer data. Such systems empower retailers to broaden payment alternatives and diversify shopping avenues.

Self-Serve Platform POS Systems: A self-service Point of Sale (POS) system represents a technologically advanced solution that empowers customers to independently navigate through products or services, place orders, and finalize transactions without requiring direct assistance from service personnel. These self-service POS systems possess the capability to seamlessly integrate with various other business applications, including inventory management systems and accounting software.>

Enterprise POS Systems: The conventional enterprise point of sale (POS) system equips store associates with the capability to address customer requirements, access complete inventory data, execute payments, and conclude customer transactions across an enterprise-scale business using a unified device. These systems represent comprehensive and advanced solutions meticulously crafted to address the intricate demands of expansive enterprises functioning across diverse locations.

The bottom line

Selecting appropriate point of sale software for your small business may present challenges. POS systems are intricately designed to alleviate the myriad responsibilities faced by small business owners, who frequently navigate multiple roles simultaneously. High-quality POS system offers significant value, facilitates smoother business operations, and enhances overall business performance. It’s essential to note that point of sale systems extend beyond processing payment transactions; they also assist with various aspects of business operations. A robust POS system has the potential to optimize organizational workflows, elevate customer service standards, and catalyze sales growth