Compare the best thrift store POS systems
Article by Chris Costi, Last update at June 15, 2022
Like all retail stores, thrift stores need a good point of sale system in order to keep track of inventory and sales accurately. Thrift stores are different to normal retail stores because they generally sell used, and new items, so they have special requirements when it comes to their POS software.
Modern thrift shops are popular across the USA and are often the main source of purchases amongst lower income groups looking for a bargain. Managers need to automate their businesses and aim for efficiency when it comes to managing their stores. The point of sale system chosen must be able to track anything from clothes, shoes, furniture and miscellaneous items.
A Great POS for your Thrift Store
A good choice is ShopKeep which is a secure, cloud-based iPad POS system that offers:
- Integrated payment processing system
- Real time sales reporting
- Accessibility to reports on any device or location
- Bluetooth scanner
- Inventory tracking
- IPad cash register
- Employee management
- Loyalty program
ShopKeep is an award-winning retail point of sales system that is particularly suited for retail stores. They offer scalable and customizable POS software for all types of stores no matter what the size or how many locations. Affordable, pay as you go pricing, with different packages, are tailor-made to suit most types of retail businesses, including thrift stores.
ShopKeep also supplies all their customers with reasonably priced, top of the range, durable hardware. ShopKeep is ideal for the smaller business, even with large inventories. Features offered will help you keep track of inventory, manage your staff and run points of sale with direct access to their payments processing platform.
Keeping track of inventory by creating categories and departments within your store is made easy with ShopKeep inventory features. You will be able to print out reports in real time, keeping up with what stock you have in your store. You can discount and offer special offers through their point of sale system, by customizing your options.
Complete control over what comes in and leaves your store is of the utmost importance and in-depth reports will keep you abreast of exactly what is going on in your retail business even when you are away. Keeping track is made easy with the ShopKeep Pocket app which will allow you access of real-time reports through your mobile phone in any location, at any time.
ShopKeep also has a record of excellent customer service which is available 24/7 to all customers. If you are looking for an uncomplicated, user-friendly POS system with its own payment processing platform, then ShopKeep, is definitely a good choice.
POS for Thrift Stores using Mac or iOS
Another POS system that is worth considering is Lightspeed which is a cloud-based integrated system suitable for all types of retail businesses, including thrift stores. The software is designed to run on Mac or any iOS device and they offer Omni channel retailing which synchronizes online and in-store sales with inventory management, by monitoring stock.
In-depth reports are generated which will give you all the information you need to manage your thrift shop efficiently. The best features available with Lightspeed are:
- Integrated eCommerce platform
- Work even when offline
- Staff management
- Customer management
- Multifunctional POS system
- Multiple store capability
- In-depth inventory software
- Accessibility from any device at any time
- Product creation
Day to day sales, staff management, customer management and all sales and inventory needs are adequately taken care of by Lightspeed which is one of the leading POS based software providers with over 45,000 satisfied customers worldwide. With Lightspeed you can keep track of clothing and other items that come in or go out of the thrift shop every day.
You will also be able to access multiple reports on sales and inventory at any time from any device as long as you are connected to the internet. Cataloging and pricing items are a challenge with thrift stores due to the diversity of the items they sell. With the inventory tools offered by Lightspeed, you will be able to keep track efficiently.
One of the advantages of Lightspeed is how easy it is to train staff to use the software. The visual interface makes it simple to understand the program and you will have your staff trained in no time. When it comes to staff control the ability to clock in and out and monitor the hours that your staff has worked is invaluable.
Reports generated and the inventory management system makes it easy to obtain accurate information for purchasing new items for your thrift store. Because of the big variety of inventory that thrift stores generally have, it is important to be able to keep track of best sellers to make informed decisions when purchasing new stock.
You can rely on Lightspeed to keep you informed on how much profit each sale generates and what your expenses are. These reports will give you the tools to make informed decisions that will make your business more profitable, enter to read more in the review.
Lightspeed Pricing Plans
Lightspeed offers 3 pricing plans and which one you choose will depend on the type of business you have. All plans include Omni channel capabilities, 24/7 support with free updates, secure cloud backup, and basic reports. Lightspeed can be integrated with Xero accounting systems which can be a huge timesaver for businesses that are using this accounting package.
Lightspeed offers an integrated payment processor through your card reader or terminal. Once payments are processed you will be able to see all the details in the Lightspeed Retail reporting. Their payment processor will keep you informed if there are any voided sales with up to date reporting.
Lightspeed also offers E-commerce functionality, which will allow you to sell items online. Many businesses have started small with the Lightspeed retail and upgraded to the eCommerce software after a few years. Once it is up and running you will have no regrets as this system works like clockwork with all the features running as advertised.
