Seeking Recommendations for the Best POS System for Businesses in BC & Alberta
Hello everyone,
I’m currently assisting a business in British Columbia and Alberta with the selection of an affordable POS system for their two locations, which generate over $1M in annual revenue. We’re looking at options like Shopify POS, Square, Clover, and Stripe, and we want to ensure we’re choosing the most valuable solution.
Here are our key requirements:
– Lowest transaction fees: Square offers 2.5%, but we’re finding Shopify’s rates appear to be higher.
– Comprehensive credit card reconciliation reports: We need detailed breakdowns for Visa, Mastercard, and Amex.
– Budget-friendly hardware options for both locations.
– Seamless payment processing on desktop and laptop.
– Robust reporting features and support for multiple locations.
For those of you who operate businesses in BC and Alberta, what POS system has worked best for you? Have you had success in negotiating better rates, and are there any hidden fees we should be aware of?
I appreciate your insights—thank you in advance!
One response
Hey there!
It sounds like you’re doing your homework on choosing the right POS system! Based on your requirements, here are my thoughts and recommendations:
Transaction Fees: Square is indeed competitive with their 2.5% fee, and if cost is a major factor, it could be a strong contender. Shopify does have higher fees, especially if you aren’t using their ecommerce platform, so keep that in mind. Clover has customizable plans that can sometimes lower the fees, depending on your business model.
Credit Card Reconciliation Reports: You’ll want a system that provides clear breakdowns for Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Most of the popular options like Square and Shopify do offer detailed reporting, but you might want to inquire specifically about the ease of accessing these reports to ensure it meets your needs.
Hardware Options: All of the systems you mentioned offer various hardware solutions, but you should evaluate which ones suit your specific business setup better. Square has some great affordable hardware options, while Clover often offers customized solutions that could cater well to your locations.
Payment Processing: For easy desktop processing, Square allows you to manage transactions from your computer seamlessly, and it’s known for its user-friendly interface. Shopify can also integrate well if you have an online store, but it might not be as straightforward if you are primarily in-person.
Reporting & Multi-Location Support: Square and Clover generally excel in multi-location management with strong reporting features. Shopify can be a bit more complex for reporting across multiple locations, so make sure to check out user reviews on this aspect.
As for negotiating better rates, it’s definitely possible! Many POS providers are open to discussions, especially if you have a solid volume of transactions. Don’t hesitate to ask them if they can lower rates or provide additional value to sweeten the deal.
Lastly, make sure to read the fine print for any hidden fees, especially for transaction processing, monthly subscription fees, or hardware costs. User reviews can be a goldmine for discovering any unexpected charges.
Hope this helps, and good luck finding the right system for your business! Would love to hear what you decide!