Shopify POS Hardware: What you need to know about Cost, where to buy, & more
Last Updated | January 18, 2024
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Back in 2006, Shopify POS emerged as the ultimate market leader for eCommerce businesses and quickly expanded its portfolio to become a leading eCommerce marketplace to iPad POS in 2013. Today, it is among the world’s biggest eCommerce platform that basically runs the eCommerce marketplace.
The best part you got to admire about Shopify POS is that the company is very open and transparent about disclosing each and every component of Shopify POS hardware, including all the hardware with which its system is compatible. This makes it super easy for vendors and eCommerce businesses to source equipment on their own, and choose the most suitable bundle from Shopify, or even check if the existing hardware is compatible with the Shopify POS system.
Having said that, to get to know everything about the Shopify POS hardware, you would have to scratch through the surface to find out the best deals for the Shopify POS hardware system. The ultimate choice of Shopify POS hardware will depend on various factors including your place of residence, your credit card processor, or your preferred Shopify Plan. Similarly, your target market and other selling needs will also influence the choice of Shopify POS hardware – for instance, if you are operating a cashless business; you won’t need a cash drawer.
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Well, in this blog, we have come up with everything you want to know about Shopify POS hardware system needs and Shopify POS hardware pricing. So, continue to read on as we give you the complete information you need to make an intelligent choice for your business.
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Overview: What is POS in Shopify
Shopify has become one of the most prominent online sales channels around the globe and a popular choice for eCommerce businesses. However, Shopify launched a POS system for online store owners who wanted to branch out to brick & mortar or retail stores. POS is basically an app that can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices, enabling business owners to sell online store products through retail stores.
POS app can be used to create a shopping cart for every customer, develop the recipients, and accept different payment methods without compromising on convenience. The best thing about Shopify POS is that it can be synchronized with online stores to track and manage orders efficiently. In addition, the POS app allows store owners to keep an eye on the inventory across every sales channel.
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Shopify POS app is available with two different plants to meet different requirements of the users. To begin with, there is a standard package that has the basic features of Shopify, while the Lite version has everything that’s added to the Shopify plans. In addition, the Pro version is great for people who want to take their online and retail business games to a new level. Some of the features of the Shopify POS app include the following;
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- The store purchasing can be initiated, and there is shipping support available
- The store owners can customize the receipts and save different cart options
- Shopify POS offers multiple stock adjustments, and the staff support knows no bounds
- There are automated low-stock reports and forecasting product demand
- It provides proper information about the inventory, delivers information about purchase orders, and tracks the inventory
- The sales reports can be generated in POS systems, and there are in-depth inventory reports available
Security Measures to Protect Your Shopify POS Hardware
What is Shopify POS and How Does Shopify POS Work?
While Shopify is most widely known for its e-commerce platform solutions, the company is also known for its amazing and robust POS services, for clients who want a unified and powerful point-of-sale system.
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Just to give you an idea about the popularity of Shopify’s POS system; over 1M businesses in the USA and other countries are using the Shopify POS system to meet their business sales needs. And according to the official stats from the company, businesses utilizing the Shopify POS system reported up to 30% growth YOY.
What Is Shopify POS App?
Shopify POS is basically a point-of-sale app that can be used for selling products on an in-person basis. This app can be used for selling products everywhere, including pop-up shops, markets, and brick & mortar stores. It can be connected with the Shopify store for tracking the inventory and orders across different sales channels (as long as the sales channels are active). The store owners can manage and view the store’s orders right from the app.
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Shopify POS app is an excellent option for online merchants trying to expand their e-commerce store operations for in-person sales channels (stores and markets) and if you are launching a first Shopify store. In addition, it’s an excellent app for switching from the classic app. If you already have a Shopify store and want to start selling in markets and stores, you need to set up the app, integrate the correct hardware, and install different payment methods to meet the diverse needs of the customers.
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As far as hardware is concerned, different hardware products are needed (the products depend on the location of the store, in-person store, or online store). Shopify has the supported hardware products available in Shopify stores based in the U.S., the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. The app is currently available for iOS & Android devices and helps strengthen retail and online sales while increasing conversions. The app has store management systems, performance tracking, and order management.
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- The Shopify POS app can be used to accept major debit cards and credit cards, and the receipts can be collected through emails and SMS. In addition, the receipts can be printed, and promo codes/discounts can be created.
- The app users can track the pickup orders, sell the inventory right through the app, and send cart abandonment emails to the users to increase sales.
- The app allows the Shopify store owners to track the staff’s activity and customize the role-based perks and permissions for the staff.
- In addition, the marketing campaigns can be created right from the phone app and implemented right through social media and email.
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Shopify POS System – Make Customers for Life!
The unofficial slogan of the Shopify POS system is “making customers for life”. That’s understandable as the number of integrated features like auto-syncing of customers’ profiles and others enable stores to leverage past trends (orders, notes, lifetime spend, and others) to offer customers a completely personalized shopping experience.
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The only downside of the system is that it doesn’t come with an in-built Loyalty Program. However, it does enable stores to use various third-party loyalty programs, which create the kind of same experience as an in-built loyalty program (only considering that you make a wise choice). Nonetheless, third-party apps can easily be integrated into the Shopify POS system and work seamlessly; so that’s not a big issue.
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Some of the other notable features which Shopify POS brings to the table include inventory management systems, simple hardware products like card readers or touchpads, powerful marketing tools like product reviews, and efficient employee management systems.
The Shopify POS hardware pricing starts at $29 basic plan.
How do I start using Shopify POS?
Getting started with Shopify POS is a simple and fast process. Below we have listed all the basic POS system setup steps that will help you integrate and start using the Shopify POS in no time.
– Review POS Hardware Requirements
Before you move on to any other step, it’s important to identify the hardware requirement. The hardware requirement will greatly depend on your preferred selling type with POS, which will basically dictate your final need for the hardware to assist in retail sales.
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Shopify website development platform does offer complete Shopify POS hardware documentation, as well as, Shopify retail package breakdown that can greatly help you to understand your hardware needs. Once you have identified the complete hardware need for your store, you can check out the availability of the Shopify POS hardware from the Shopify store (this will depend on your country of residence).
– Choose a plan and configure admin settings
Shopify offers various plans, all of which give you access to the Shopify POS app for Android and iOS operating systems. If you are on Shopify or Advanced Shopify Plan, you will also have access to the retail package, which brings a whole new set of advanced features including hardware Shopify integration, staff management, and others.
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Once you are sure about the in-person selling needs of your store, you can proceed to choose the most suitable plan from the Shopify POS Hardware store. There, you will be able to configure the administrative settings of your store including the physical address, staff accounts, billing information, email address, and others.
Note: If you are already running an online store, you can skip this step.
Installing the Shopify POS app
Next, you will need to download the Shopify POS app using any mobile device running on Android or iOS platforms. For Apple devices, you will have to be sure that the device is running iOS 8.2 or higher. Whereas, Android devices, it must be running Android 4.1 or higher for the smooth functioning of the app.
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– Add and organize products
Moving on, you would need to add and organize the products in the store. If you already have an online store, the products will automatically be available in the POS system, once they login through the app.
If you don’t have an existing online store, you would have to add products to the POS catalog. This could be done by using the Shopify Admin via a mobile app or desktop browser. Once all the products are added to the Shopify Admin, you can choose the products you want to make available for in-store purchases through visibility settings.
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– Adding retail locations
To add the retail location, you will simply need to navigate to the Point of Sale inside the Shopify Admin and click “Locations”. Here you can add single or multiple retail locations of your store, even if they are in different cities or regions.
Once you are done adding all the retail locations in the “Admin”, these can be easily assigned to the respective POS devices through the “App Setting Screen”. This will ensure that you have allocated the right Shopify POS system to the right retail location and that the order tracking is enabled and the right taxes are applied for orders.
– Configure Tax Settings
Whether you are looking to sell at one or multiple retail locations, you will need to ensure the correct setup for the tax rates that adhere to the respective laws and regulations of the region/state/country you are selling from.
– Choose Payment Gateway and payment methods
Next, you will have to choose the payment provider for your Shopify POS system. This can easily be done through “Shopify Admin” and is much similar to methods used to add payment providers in any online store. Once you are done setting the payment provider/s you can customize the clients’ payment methods for the POS purchases. This can be done through the “Select Payment Screen”, inside the Shopify POS app.
If you are operating in regions that are supported by Shopify Payment, it will be automatically set up as the card processor for in-person purchases. This will enable you to accept credit card payments through a card reader or in person manually. If you are outside the supported regions for Shopify Payments, you will need to choose an external terminal to accept credit card payments.
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– Setting up Shopify POS Hardware
Once you are done with all of the above-mentioned steps, you can now proceed to set up the Shopify POS Hardware. Again, this is pretty simple and all you will need is a card reader to start accepting the in-person payments at retail stores. Depending on the reader, it may be synchronized through Bluetooth or even with the mobile device’s audio jack.
The Shopify POS Hardware Australia, or Shopify POS Hardware UK along with the USA also offers the “Shopify Retail Package”, which you can use to easily connect the POS system with other devices like barcode scanners, cash drawers, receipt printers, and others via Bluetooth.
– Test your Setup
Congratulations you have successfully set up the Shopify POS system for your store. However, before you start selling, it is recommended to test-run the system with mock orders. This is a great way to ensure everything is functioning properly and become familiar with the different features and functionalities included in the system.
What is Shopify POS Hardware? What are the Best Choices for Shopify Hardware?
There are a variety of options for the Shopify POS hardware system. Below we have come up with some of the information that you need to know about Shopify’s POS equipment and accessories.
– Devices
As we already discussed the Shopify POS is optimized for all Android and iOS mobile devices running the latest versions of the operating system. This means that you can use Android tablets, iPad, Android smartphones, or iPhones for in-store selling. However, the iPad version of the Shopify POS app does have more features as compared to the Android Tablets or even iPhone versions. For instance, offline sales can’t be processed through Android. Similarly, the Shopify POS hardware bundles are also only made for iPads and not for Android devices or even iPhones. Not to forget, the “All-New Shopify POS” is also only compatible with the iPad and iPhone, whereas, Android users would have to work with the “Shopify POS Classic”. So, if you are looking to run Shopify POS on an Android device, just double-check the hardware you purchase is compatible with the device.
Shopify doesn’t sell any mobile tabs directly for its POS system, and you can buy the device from the market directly. For best seamless functioning we recommend going with the latest iOS devices (iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPad Pro, or others). iPad Air and iPad Pro are especially recommended to keep up with the speed if you are selling a lot of products.
How to use Shopify Card Reader
If you are selling in the United States using Shopify Payments, you can have two different versions of Bluetooth-connected card readers; which can directly be sourced from Shopify, these include;
- Shopify Chip & Swipe Reader
- Shopify Tap& Chip Card Reader
While swipe-only card readers that can be plugged into the audio jack were also offered by Shopify as part of its Shopify POS hardware system, however, these systems are no longer offered with Shopify’s hardware store in the United States (you may still get them in Canada). Nonetheless, merchants in the United States are able to continue using the previously purchased plugin Swiper from Shopify, however, the company won’t replace it once it stops working.
The Shopify POS is also compatible to use with an external payment processor, however, extra charges will be applicable. If you do decide to go with the external payment processor, you would have to purchase/rent the card reader as well from the same processor.
If you looking for in-store selling outside the United States, you can view the card reader options here Shopify POS Hardware system.
– iPad Stands
The following iPad stands are supported and offer maintenance by Shopify POS;
- Rest iPad Stand
- WindFall Stand For iPad Mini
- WindFall Stand For iPad Air (& iPad Pro 9.7″)
Apart from the above-mentioned iPad stands, Shopify also offers Shopify branded iPad stands, which can be purchased directly from the Shopify store.
– Cash Drawers
Following cash drawers are supported for the United States merchants;
- Star Micronics 16″
- APG Vasario 329:
- Windfall Cash Drawer
- Star Micronics 13″
– Receipt Printers
Shopify POS hardware system supports various Bluetooth, USB receipt printers, LAN and Wi-Fi including;
Bluetooth
- Star Micronics TSP100IIIBI: 39472110
- Star Micronics TSP650IIBI: 39449871
Wi-Fi
- Star Micronics TSP100IIIW: 39464790
LAN
- Star Micronics TSP100III LAN: 39463110
USB
- Star Micronics TSP100USB: 39461110
– All-In-One
If you are looking to purchase all necessary hardware in a bundle, rather than purchasing each element separately, you can go with the following all-in-one kit from Star Micronics;
Basic:
- Star® mPOP™: 39650211 or 39650011
With Scanner
- Star® mPOP™: 39650310 or 39650110
What are the importance and uses of Shopify POS Hardware?
If we look at the Shopify POS hardware reviews, we can easily say that merchants are quite happy with the system and are able to increase their sales considerably. The Shopify POS hardware pricing is also quite justifiable as compared to the features and functionalities offered by the system. Below are some of the key positives and uses of Shopify POS hardware:
Intuitive and user-friendly
Shopify is known for its exquisitely designed websites that amaze customers; however, when it comes to Shopify POS hardware, it even outdoes itself in aesthetics and design. The Shopify app is designed in a way that it becomes like a walk-in the part for merchants to navigate across all the features and functionalities offered by the system.
The versatility and incredible is the hallmark of Shopify POS hardware and for merchants who don’t have much time to spend learning and training the new systems; this would come in as appealing.
– Stressless
With an incredibly intuitive interface and Shopify customer support that’s always there to support you, the entire process of working with the Shopify POS hardware system is literally stress-free. It comes with easy and seamless integration with Shopify e-commerce stores, saving merchants time and stress to operate stores.
– Cost-effective
With some great plans offered by the platform, the Shopify POS hardware system is undoubtedly one of the most cost-effective software solutions for in-store selling.
– Interactive mobile app
Last but not least, the Shopify POS hardware system opens up a whole set of features and functionalities with its brilliantly designed and interactive POS mobile app. It all enables merchants to manage all store operations through mobile devices including uploading the inventory, changing pricing, contacting customers, and much more.
The Relationship between POS Hardware and Shopify Pricing Plan?
Shopify offers five different POS hardware plans for merchants. It also offers a 14 days free trial for POS; without having to enter any credit card details. Here’s a brief look at the Shopify POS hardware plans include:
How much is Shopify Pos
Shopify Lite
The plan let merchants sell products/services using any of the existing online platforms or through social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram). After signing in, you can easily update the catalog to the Shopify admin, which can then be synced with the website or Facebook Business Page through a “Buy Button” or “Shop” feature respectively.
Facebook also enables merchants using Shopify Lite to offer customer service, tracking codes (through Facebook messenger), and shipping updates. Shopify on its side offers merchants with a card reader to process in-person transactions or to email invoices through the dashboard.
Shopify Lite plan is offered on $9/month, however, the plan doesn’t allow merchants to sell on the Shopify platform itself. Also, Shopify charges a 2.7% commission for each credit-card transaction.
– Basic Shopify
Shopify Basic brings to the table all the features you need to start a new business. Users can set up online stores, while also continue selling on social media platforms. The plan allows unlimited product updates, as well as, makes up to two employee accounts, and offers discount codes.
The Shopify basic plan is offered at $29/month, whereas, you also pay 2.9% plus $0.30 fee for every online transaction, while 2.7% commission for all in-person purchases. Shopify also charges 2% charges for using a payment provider other than Shopify payment.
If you need help migrating to Shopify from another platform, then you can hire a Shopify Expert.
– Shopify
The Shopify Standard plan is best suited for growing businesses, looking for some more power and features. The plan offers up to 5 employee accounts, enables you to create customized gift cards, and offers analytic reports as well.
The users of the Shopify Standard Plan also get the Shopify POS hardware system including the barcode scanner, cash drawer, receipt printer, as well as, the migration option from other third-party POS apps.
The Shopify Standard plan is offered at $79/month. Moreover, a 2.6% commission and $0.30 fee are charged for all credit card transactions, whereas, a 2.5% commission is charged for all in-store transactions. You will also pay a 1% fee if you are using third-party payment providers.
– Shopify Advanced
The Shopify Advanced Plan is great for businesses experiencing fast growth and looking for sustainability in operations. Apart from all the features offered in the Shopify Standard plan, it brings to the table whole new analytics features that enable businesses to monitor the store’s performance by looking at interactive reporting from every business aspect. The plan also enables businesses to create up to 15 employee accounts.
The Shopify POS hardware pricing for the Shopify Advanced Plan is $299/month. Moreover, a $0.30 fee and 2.4% commission will be charged for all transactions. Moreover, if you are using third-party payment providers, you will be paying 0.5% charges, as well.
Shopify Advanced is designed for scaling businesses. It includes all the features of the standard Shopify package, plus advanced analytics reports and the option to add up to 15 staff accounts. The plan also offers discounts on shipping if you are using Shopify Shipping, DHL, USPS, or UPS.
Shopify Plus is the ultimate plan for high-volume merchants, handling thousands of orders. The plan makes it easy to handle hundreds and thousands of orders per minute, as well as, allows merchants to use every payment option; from credit cards to Bitcoins. The users of the Shopify Plus Plan also get access to the higher Shopify customization options, as well as, personalized assistance.
The Shopify POS hardware Pricing for the Plus plan is quote-based and depends on your business need.
Pricing is quote-based and varies depending on your business’s needs.
Do I need to enter my credit card to sign up?
You don’t need to enter a credit card to sign-up for a 14days trial period. After that, you will need to submit credit card details to sign up for to Shopify POS hardware system.
How is Shopify POS billed?
Shopify POS is billed in monthly plans. The platform offers 5 different plans that start from $9 and can go up to $299 and more (quote-based) for the Shopify Plus plan. Apart from a fixed monthly subscription, Shopify also charges some fees for individual credit-card transactions or in-person purchasing, as well as, a fixed fee for using a third-party payment processor.
How do I get paid with Shopify POS?
If you are selling in the United States, you can use Shopify Payments as the default option. Other than that, you can use swipe credit cards in the USA, UK, or Ireland. For merchants operating outside the United States, UK, Canada, or Ireland, they will have to purchase or rent an external credit card terminal from a payment processor to get paid.
How Much Does Shopify POS Cost-Benefit Analysis?
Shopify launched the POS app back in 2013, and they have designed various pricing plans to meet the unique needs of the businesses, irrespective of their size and industry. There are different pricing plans includes, such as Lite, Basic, Advanced, and Shopify. Generally, the price plan starts from $9 for one month to $299 monthly. There are bi-annual and annual plans available which eventually help save costs. The more expensive plans offer more advanced add-ons and features.
Before we talk about the payment plans, let us tell you that choosing the top-tier Shopify POS plans will promise low processing fees for credit cards. In addition, the enterprise-level Plus plan is available for high-volume retailers and large-scale businesses. Not to forget, there are custom pricing options available for Shopify POS users, but pricing will change according to the features. However, Shopify has a 14-day free trial available for every plan.
When the Shopify plan is selected, and you’ve set up the store, you can also select the POS plan. These plans include the POS lite for no additional charges. In addition, the POS pro plan is available for $89 monthly charges for one location. Generally speaking, for large-scale businesses pro plan with various advanced features is the best choice since it includes functionalities not offered with other plans, including omnichannel selling and inventory management. On top of everything, if you’ve subscribed to Shopify Plus, the pro features are available without additional costs.
FAQ Shopify POS
What are the iPad requirements for Shopify POS?
Shopify POS requires iOS version 8.2 or higher on iPad/iPhone.
What Android versions does Shopify POS work with?
Shopify POS works with Android version 4.1 or higher.
How to set up iPad Used Strictly for Shopify POS?
Shopify POS can be set up with an iPad, but you need the iPad stand for that. Shopify stores have iPad stands available, so you can buy them and get convenient interaction and viewing. As far as setup is concerned, the Shopify hardware stores can help with the setup.
How to merge my Shopify online store with Shopify POS?
Once you sign in to your Shopify POS admin, you can upload the product and then sync the POS system with any existing online store or even with social media pages (Facebook).
How do I make products available only on POS?
If you already have an online store, the products will automatically be available in the POS system, once they login through the app.
If you don’t have an existing online store, you would have to add products to the POS catalog. This could be done by using the Shopify Admin via a mobile app or desktop browser. Once all the products are added to the Shopify Admin, you can choose the products you want to make available for in-store purchases through visibility settings.
Can I use Shopify POS if I have multiple retail outlets?
Yes, you can use Shopify POS for multiple retail outlets, even if they are in another region, state, or country. The POS system can be updated with the local tax rules and regulations for compliance purposes and together can be synced to integrate business operations.
Can I use Shopify POS if I have more than one employee?
Yes, the Shopify POS plans do enable you to make multiple employee accounts.
Do I have to re-add all my products from my online store to Shopify POS?
No. If you have an existing online store, the products will automatically be available in the Shopify POS hardware system, once you login through the app.
How to connect Shopify card reader?
There are different card reader options available, but Chip & Swipe card reader is the most popular one since it’s available in the U.S. The card reader is basically the EMV-compliant reader that can be connected to iPhones and iPads. For connecting the card reader, the users can swipe and/or insert the card and sign on the POS device screen. If you want to know how the Shopify card reader can be connected to the POS system, you can follow the steps below;
- Open the Shopify POS app and open the settings
- Scroll down “set up the hardware” and tap on the card reader
- Now, choose Chip & Swipe options and press the power button on the card reader’s side
- As a result, the card reader will appear on the screen, and just click on “pair the card reader.”
- Then, just click on “Finish setup,” and you are good to go
How Do I Get Shopify POS Pin?
For getting access to the Shopify POS pin, you should follow the steps mentioned in the section below;
- Open the admin and scroll down to the sales channel
- Move down to Point-of-Sales and then click on the staff
- Tap on the specific staff’s name and add contact information
- Now, click on the POS role part and choose a different role
- Then, tap on “generate a PIN,” and the PIN will be generated
- Tap on the save button, and you will get the PIN for a specific staff member
How To Use Shopify POS On a PC?
Shopify POS only works on Android and iOS devices for now. That being said, it’s not available for P.C. (Windows or Mac).
How to get a Shopify card reader license?
The card reader license is provided by Shopify when you sign up for the POS app. In addition, when you get the card reader device, the Shopify hardware store can also provide the card reader license with the hardware.
How much does Shopify POS charge every year?
There are monthly, annual, and bi-annual plans available for Shopify POS. The annual plan for a standard account makes around $79, so you can do the math. The yearly rates aren’t available, but you can get in touch with Shopify POS customer support to get accurate quotes.
How To Set Up Shopify Card Reader For P.C.?
The Shopify card reader cannot be connected to P.C. because it doesn’t work with P.C. That’s to say, it only works with Android and iOS devices.
How to pair the Shopify card reader?
The card reader is used with the Shopify POS app, and the card reader can be connected to the device. The pairing can be done by implementing the following steps;
- Open the Shopify POS app and open the settings
- Click on the “set up hardware” option and scroll down to the card reader
- Then, tap on “chip & swipe” and then press the power button on the card reader’s side
- Consequently, a list of available card readers will appear on the screen, and tap on the pair button
- When the devices are paired, just finish the setup and start using the card reader
List down the names of what card readers work with Shopify in the U.S., U.K. & Australia?
There are different card readers available with Shopify POS, and the specific type depends on the location. To begin with, you can use Tap & Chip reader, Chip & Swipe card reader, and external card terminal in the U.S. In Australia, WisePad 3 terminal and external card terminal are used. Lastly, the EMV card reader and WisePad 3 terminal are supported in the U.K.
What is Shopify POS Pro?
Shopify POS pro has various unique features, including automatic discounts, online purchases, in-store pickup, permissions, and roles setting for staff, and product demand forecasting. In addition, Shopify POS Pro offers product recommendations to customers.
