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6 Best Retail Inventory Management Software POS Systems

The best POS inventory systems include Revel, Lightspeed, Square, Hike, Shopify, and Vend. Find out which is best for your business.

    Shannon Vissers
  • UPDATED

Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.

A POS inventory system can save time and increase your profits. Our expert team has spent hundreds of hours reviewing the best point of sale systems, and found that each point of sale isn’t created equal when it comes to food service or retail inventory management.

We have reviewed dozens of POS options, and found these inventory systems stand out to simplify and automate important inventory tasks like inventory counts, transfers, and reordering.

To make the list for best inventory management, a point of sale option must also have robust features, transparent pricing, and upfront terms.

 

Learn More About Our Top Picks

CompanyBest ForNext StepsBest For
Revel POS Systems

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  • Best for quick-serve restaurants.
  • $99/mo
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.49% + $0.15
  • Best for quick-serve restaurants.
  • $99/mo
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.49% + $0.15

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Lightspeed Retail POS

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  • Best all-around inventory system
  • $39/mo Restaurants, $69/mo Retail
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10
  • Best all-around inventory system
  • $39/mo Restaurants, $69/mo Retail
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10

Visit Site

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Shopify POS

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  • Best for multi-channel retail.
  • $89/mo for Shopify Pro
  • Flat-rate processing starts at 2.4%
  • Best for multi-channel retail.
  • $89/mo for Shopify Pro
  • Flat-rate processing starts at 2.4%

Visit Site

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Square POS

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  • Best free inventory POS.
  • Free +/mo
  • Flat-rate 2.6% + $0.10 for free plan
  • Best free inventory POS.
  • Free +/mo
  • Flat-rate 2.6% + $0.10 for free plan

Visit Site

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Vend by Lightspeed

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  • Best for in-person retail.
  • $99/mo
  • Integrates with several processors
  • Best for in-person retail.
  • $99/mo
  • Integrates with several processors

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Hike POS

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  • Best for flexibility.
  • Starts at $59/mo
  • Integrates with several processors.
  • Best for flexibility.
  • Starts at $59/mo
  • Integrates with several processors.

Visit Site

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Show Fewer Options

Read more below to learn why we chose these options.

Table of Contents

What Is A POS Inventory System?

A POS system with inventory management is essential for retail and restaurant businesses. The POS inventory software tool can track your customer’s sales in real time, as well as keeping accurate inventory stock levels.

Find The Best Inventory POS System For Your Retail Or Restaurant Needs

The best POS inventory systems track stock levels and ensure timely re-ordering but they also need to be easy to use and in some cases, track inventory across several sales channels. Here are the top picks for retail shops and restaurants:

1. Revel: Best Inventory Management For Quick-Serve Restaurants

Revel POS Systems


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Pricing

$99/month

Contract

Three-year commitment for lowest rate

Equipment Cost

$20-$1,500

Pros

  • Advanced inventory features
  • Robust reporting
  • Customizable for any industry
  • Easy kiosk functionality

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Long-term contract

Revel Systems POS Inventory System Features

Revel POS Systems Features Availability
Multi-Store Support
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards
Customer Loyalty
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Suitable for any size business, this cloud-based POS can help even large, multilocation businesses manage their inventories.

  • Matrices: Simple matrices to track and find products
  • Mobile scanner: Scan inventory with your mobile device
  • Multichannel inventory app: Monitor inventory levels across multiple stores remotely
  • Inventory alerts: Including automatic low stock alerts
  • Retail or restaurant inventory management: Includes raw ingredient tracking
  • PO & vendor management: Create custom purchase orders & manage vendors
  • Inventory reporting: Easily compare inventory & sales numbers across a selected timeframe

revel systems pos inventory system

Raw ingredient tracking with Revel Systems.

Hardware Cost

Revel iPad POS hardware is quote-based; however, you also have the option to source your hardware yourself.

Monthly Software Cost

Revel POS Systems Plans Price  When To Use
Revel plan $99/month with three-year commitment Use if you are committed to the product and have a need for high-end features.

A two-terminal minimum and three-year processing contract with Revel Advantage is required.

Payment Processing

Revel offers in-house processing through Revel Advantage, with a flat rate of 2.49% + $0.15 for in-person transactions. Revel can also integrate with outside processors, but you will pay a higher monthly fee if you don’t use Revel Advantage.

Where Revel POS Inventory System Really Shines

Revel’s POS system with inventory management has all of the functions you would want in an easily digestible format. Though the POS is customizable enough to use for any industry, Revel is especially popular among quick-serve restaurants, thanks to its super-fast processing speed, features like multilocation ingredient management, and quick-serve hardware options such as digital menu boards and kiosk stands that can turn your iPad into a self-serve ordering device.

For retail, Revel offers a convenient style matrix for adding large amounts of inventory en masse with customizable category options for easy searches. For restaurants, it’s easy to check out ingredient levels and costs. Revel allows you to create purchase orders, including a convenient function where you can note if only a partial order arrives. As with some of the other systems, you can view inventory levels in real-time and set up alerts when products are running low — or you can have the system automatically order new stock. Revel also has an inventory app that turns your phone into a scanner.

Get Started With Revel POS Systems

Read our in-depth review

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2. Lightspeed: Best All-Around Retail Management Software

Lightspeed Retail POS


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Pricing

Starts at $89/month ($69/month billed annually)

Contract

None

Equipment Cost

Contact Lightspeed for a quote

Pros

  • Niche solutions for restaurants & retail
  • Robust inventory management
  • Affordable monthly pricing
  • Multichannel capabilities

Cons

  • Add-ons can get expensive
  • Early cancellation fee
  • Must use Lightspeed payment processor

Lightspeed POS Inventory System Features

Lightspeed Retail POS Features Availability
Multi-Store Support
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling Standard plan & up
Gift Cards
Customer Loyalty Advanced plan
Marketing Tools Standard plan & up
Online Ordering Standard plan & up
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Lightspeed offers numerous inventory tools for businesses of any size:

  • Simplified stock counts: View stock on hand and stock value at a glance
  • Easy reordering: Order stock directly from the POS
  • Real-time inventory management: Includes real-time deductions as items are sold and automatic replenishments when inventory is received
  • Multichannel & multilocation: Manage inventories for in-person sales, online sales, and multiple locations
  • Barcode creator: Print custom labels and barcodes for your inventory items
  • Consolidation tools: Consolidate purchases, transfers, and orders into a single order
  • Simplified price editing: Change prices in bulk
  • Return management: Automatically remove returned items from inventory
  • Google local inventory ads: Display your ads when local customers search for something you have in stock
  • Inventory software integrations: Integrates with a multitude of third-party inventory software solutions

lightspeed retail inventory management posEasy inventory tracking with Lightspeed Retail.

Hardware Cost

Lightspeed Retail works on iPad or desktop PC, while Lightspeed Restaurant is iPad-only. Lightspeed’s hardware is quote-based, and you can also source it yourself.

Note: Lightspeed Retail now requires all new merchants to use Lightspeed Payments, Lightspeed’s payment processor. Since you can’t use any existing payment terminals (card readers) from third-party payment processors with Lightspeed Payments, Lightspeed is currently running a free terminal replacement promotion for eligible merchants that includes two free Lightspeed POS terminals (card readers).

Eligible merchants include business owners that process a minimum of $100/day in card payments, as measured by a monthly average. Apple products are not included in this promotion, so you’ll still need to source an iPad to take sales.

Monthly Software Cost

Lightspeed Retail POS Plans Price  When To Use
Lightspeed Retail POS Lean $89/month ($69/month billed annually) For mid- to large-sized businesses that want a POS with retail-specific features
Lightspeed Retail POS Standard $149/month ($119/month billed annually) For businesses that want a POS with retail-specific features plus accounting integration & eCommerce
Lightspeed Retail POS Advanced $269/month ($199/month billed annually) For businesses that want a POS with retail-specific features, accounting integration, eCommerce, & loyalty

Extra POS device software licenses cost $59/device/month.

Payment Processing

Lightspeed Payments is a fully integrated payment option with in-person transactions priced at 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions and 2.9% + $0.30 for online ones.

Note: Lightspeed Retail requires all new and existing merchants to use Lightspeed Payments. If you have a contract with a third-party payment processor that includes an early cancellation fee, Lightspeed will cover that fee for eligible merchants.

You are an eligible merchant if you process a minimum of $25,000 in card sales and then submit documentation of your previous payment processing contract that states your early termination fees within six months of meeting this minimum.

It’s important to note that the “paying off” comes in the form of discounted payment processing fees, not a chunk of cash that goes towards your termination fees when you decide to switch to Lightspeed Payments.

Where Lightspeed POS Inventory System Really Shines

Lightspeed is one of the most consistent and stable POS inventory systems we’ve reviewed. It is easily one of the best POS systems for restaurants. The company offers terrific features for inventory and POS software that caters to both restaurants and retail businesses. On the retail side, loading bulk items is simple; they can be easily sorted into groups by color, size, material, season, or any other qualification.

Getting more advanced, Lightspeed also makes it easy for items that require unique serial numbers (such as electronics) with the ability to create and track those products. If you need to bundle items to sell as a single SKU, Lightspeed also makes that process easy and calculates the cost automatically. As an added bonus, there are thousands of preloaded catalogs as well.

For restaurants, you can toggle stock levels on and off. When you switch the function on, you can see exactly how much of each ingredient you have on stock across multiple locations and set up automatic alerts when an item runs low. A unique ingredient management system allows you to individually create an ingredient and add it to an item, allowing it to be tracked.

Get Started With Lightspeed Retail POS

Read our in-depth review

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3. Shopify POS: Best Inventory Management for Multichannel Retail

Shopify POS


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Pricing

Starts at $29/month

Contract

None

Equipment Cost

$0-$500+

Pros

  • Multichannel inventory features
  • Month-to-month pricing
  • Inventory forecasting tools
  • Inventory software integrations

Cons

  • Advanced inventory features require Shopify Pro add-on with Stocky app
  • Can’t accept offline payments

Shopify POS Inventory System Features

Shopify POS Features Availability
Multi-Store Support Supports multiple inventory locations
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards
Customer Loyalty
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Note that these Shopify inventory management features require the Shopify Pro ($89/month) add-on with the Stocky app that’s included on Pro accounts.

  • Inventory counts & receiving: Scan in inventory with a barcode scanner and track changes
  • Inventory analysis: Use the stock performance grading system to make reordering decisions
  • Inventory transfers: Request transfers from other locations
  • Low stock warnings: Receive alerts when you need more stock, based on sales and vendor lead time
  • Detailed inventory reports: View inventory states and trends to plan for the future
  • Purchase ordering: Create purchase orders for vendors and suppliers based on demand forecasting
  • Multichannel inventory: Track and sync inventories across sales channels
  • Sale suggestions: Receive prompts to sell slow-moving products to release cash from your inventory
  • Product collections & variants: Categorize products with variants and smart collections
  • Returns & exchanges: Automatically adjust inventory when items are returned or exchanged

shopify with inventory system

Advanced inventory management with Shopify Pro and Stocky.

Hardware Cost

While you can run Shopify POS with just a smartphone and a $49 Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader, most businesses with a physical store will opt for a countertop POS bundle to use with an iPad or tablet. Shopify sells bundles and individual POS components; for example, on Shopify’s website, you can buy a mPOP™ combined receipt printer and cash drawer for $499 (iPad and card reader not included).

Monthly Software Cost

Shopify POS Plans Price  When To Use
Basic $39/month ($29/month billed annually) If you have a growing eCommerce business with occasional in-person sales
Shopify $105/month ($79/month billed annually) If you want additional reporting and reduced payment processing fees
Advanced $399/month ($299/month billed annually) If you want advanced reporting and additional discounts on processing fees
Shopify Plus $2,000+/month If your high-volume or large business needs an enterprise-level solution

If you want advanced inventory features, you will need to add to the $89/month Shopify Pro add-on to your Shopify plan.

Payment Processing

Shopify has integrated payment processing with Shopify Payments and can also integrate with outside payment processors. However, if you choose to use another payment processor, you’ll pay an additional transaction fee to do so. Shopify Payments flat-rate processing starts at 2.4% for in-person transactions but could be as high as 2.7% depending on your monthly plan.

Where Shopify POS Inventory System Really Shines

Shopify POS is especially useful for modern retailers that sell in-person and online, and want to sync their online and offline inventories for a multichannel shopping experience. Shopify lets your customers do things like place online orders at your POS in the event that your in-store inventory for that particular item is out. Customers can also buy items online and return or exchange them in your store—and your POS will automatically adjust your inventory accordingly. Shopify is one of the best POS systems for retail, and it shows with its inventory capabilities.

Shopify also has “smart” inventory forecasting tools that not only show your current stock levels, but also analyze your sales patterns to predict how much inventory you’ll need in the future, and guide reordering decisions.

Note that Shopify also integrates with several third-party inventory software options, including the Stocky app, which is included on Shopify Pro accounts. Another possible inventory software integration to use with Shopify is Shopventory. Shopventory plans start at $99/month but will eliminate the need to purchase the Shopify Pro add-on (and Shopventory actually has better reviews than those for Stocky, which models most of the Shopify Pro advanced inventory features).

Get Started With Shopify POS

Read our in-depth review

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4. Square: Best Free Inventory POS

Square POS


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Pricing

$0/month

Contract

None

Equipment Cost

$49-$799

Get a free card swiper from Square at no cost when you create a free account. Claim your card reader.

Pros

  • Free month-to-month plans
  • Free card reader
  • Plans for different industries
  • Simple & easy to use

Cons

  • Occasional account issues/fund holds
  • Inventory features not as deep as some systems

Square POS Inventory System Features

Square POS Features Availability
Multi-Store Support
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards Add-on
Customer Loyalty Add-on
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management With Square for Restaurants
Delivery Management Add on
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Square offers some free inventory management features via Square POS, Square for Restaurants Free, and Square for Retail Free; advanced inventory features require a Square for Retail Plus subscription.

  • Manage inventory in bulk: Download reports on current inventory and update inventory quantities in bulk
  • Daily stock alert emails: Daily report details items that are low or out
  • Easy CSV spreadsheets: Import/export inventory with CSV or Excel spreadsheets
  • Barcode labels: Create new items by scanning barcode labels (GTIN & SKU); print labels with Square for Retail Plus
  • Item categories: View inventory by category
  • Purchase ordering & vendor management: This feature requires Square For Retail Plus
  • Cross-location stock transfers: This feature requires Square For Retail Plus
  • Manage pending restocks: This feature requires Square For Retail Plus

Square pos with inventory

Tracking inventory from the Square Dashboard.

Hardware Cost

When it comes to POS hardware, you can run Square with just a free credit card swiper or a $49 contactless and chip reader and a smartphone or tablet. But most businesses with a physical store opt for a countertop POS solution such as a Square Stand for iPad ($169 with a contactless & chip reader), or a dual-screen Square Register with a built-in payment reader ($799). Square also sells complete hardware kits; you can get a full Square Stand kit that includes everything you need to sell, including an iPad, cash register, receipt printer, and card reader for just $968.

Monthly Software Cost

Square POS Plans Price  When To Use
Free Plan $0/month If you have basic POS and processing needs
Square Appointments $0-$69/month If you are a business with extensive scheduling needs
Square For Retail $0-$60/month If you are a retail business with needs for advanced features
Square For Restaurants $0-$60/month If you are in the foodservice industry and need restaurant-specific features
Square Online Store $0/month depending on plan If you have eCommerce needs

Square offers both free plans and paid plans. While many businesses will be able to get by with a free Square POS or free Square for Restaurants or Square for Retail plan, you’ll find the most advanced inventory features on the $60/month Square for Retail Plus plan.

Payment Processing

Square’s payment processing costs 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person payments across most of its plans. However, Square for Retail Plus subscribers get a reduced rate of 2.5% + $0.10.  Payment processing is built-in on all plans and you cannot use an outside payment processor with Square POS.

Where Square POS Inventory System Really Shines

Square is one of the biggest names in point of sale for small businesses, and for good reason. The company has made convenience its brand by being one of the most user-friendly interfaces you’ll find, and by also offering a free POS system option. The Square system is as scaleable as it is affordable, featuring a generous array of features in its free apps, and bulked up inventory in its Square for Retail Plus and Square for Restaurants Plus offerings.

Even with its free app, Square comes with basic inventory features. To access Square’s more advanced inventory, you can subscribe to one of its more extensive services. Here, you’ll have an impressive body of inventory reports, purchase ordering management, low stock alerts, and the ability to manage and send inventory across multiple locations.

Get Started With Square POS

Read our in-depth review

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5. Vend: Best Inventory POS System For In-Person Retail

Vend by Lightspeed


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Pros

  • Works on iPad or PC
  • Integrates with most payment processors
  • Free iPhone inventory scanner app
  • Built-in loyalty program

Cons

  • Average reporting
  • Can get expensive

Vend POS Inventory System Features

Vend features the following inventory features for retail outlets:

  • Bulk importing from a CSV file: Import/export inventory to/from a CSV file
  • Unlimited product management: Centralized product catalog with product bundling and separating
  • Automated reordering: Set reorder points to automatically fill orders when you get to a certain level of stock
  • Actionable inventory reports: See what’s selling and what’s not to help you make restocking decisions
  • Barcode labels: Import, create, and print barcode labels
  • Barcode scanner app: Free iPhone scanner app lets you conduct partial and full inventory counts
  • Purchase ordering: Create and manage purchase orders
  • Multichannel inventory: Sync with eCommerce apps such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce
  • Multi-outlet inventory: Transfer stocks between different retail outlets (requires Pro plan or higher)
  • Inventory software integrations: Use with inventory software like Unleashed, DEAR, Veeqo, and others

vend pos inventory system

Creating purchase orders with Vend.

Hardware Cost

Vend sells POS hardware for iPad and PC and also gives you the option to source your own hardware. A complete Pro hardware bundle sold by Vend (includes an iPad, Heckler Windfall stand, barcode scanner, receipt printer, and cash drawer) for $1,036.49.

Monthly Software Cost

Vend software packages start at $99/month for a single terminal and location, billed annually.

Payment Processing

Vend does not offer in-house payment processing and instead lets you integrate your choice of processor. Vend is compatible with a number of payment processors and gateways including PayPal, Square, Chase, Elavon, CardConnect, EVO Payments, WorldPay, North American Bancard, TSYS, Klarna, Clearent, and BlueDog in the United States.

Where Vend POS Inventory System Really Shines

Vend is a comprehensive retail POS whose inventory management is easy to maneuver without sacrificing functionality. This POS allows you to import a CSV file to transfer large amounts of inventory easily. You can also import existing barcodes or print new ones. There is a wide variety of options for organizing your products, making it possible to build customizable reports. The centralized product catalog is also a nice function.

Vend comes with a built-in way to automate promotions, making it possible to set discounts across multiple stores or create discounts for individual customers. Stock orders can be automatically generated once a certain item dips below a set point. What’s more, Scanner by Vend simplifies stock counts.

Vend’s inventory functionality can be extended using apps for dedicated inventory management software. Vend does not offer in-house eCommerce but will sync with your Shopify, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce online store.

Get Started With Vend by Lightspeed

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

6. Hike: Best Inventory POS For Flexibility

Hike POS


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Pros

  • Customizable POS system
  • Affordable pricing
  • Can use on iPad, Mac, PC, or Android
  • Numerous payment processing options

Cons

  • Not as intuitive as some systems
  • Can be glitchy

Hike POS Inventory System Features

Hike offers the following inventory management functions, and others:

  • Unlimited product catalog: Includes unlimited number of products that you can sort based on any number of variants (size/color/cost, etc.)
  • Easy product management: Create composite product bundles, use bulk import and export wizard
  • Inventory counts: Full and partial inventory counts that can be scheduled ahead of time
  • Inventory tracking on/off: Activate or deactivate inventory tracking rule by product
  • Multistore POS: Allows simple stock transfers between stores
  • Purchase ordering: Easy purchase order creation
  • Supplier management: Record supplier info and contact info, and allocate suppliers to specific products
  • Automated re-ordering: Automatic re-ordering based on inventory levels
  • eCommerce inventory tracking: Track your online store inventory separately or sync it with your physical store (supported eCommerce channels include Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce)

hike pos with inventory

View stock information with Hike product catalog.

Hardware Cost

You can use Hike on virtually any hardware setup, including self-sourced setups. Some examples of popular POS hardware bundles offered by Hike include Elo PayPoint Plus (all-in-one) and Star mPOP. However, Hike does not list pricing for these bundles on its website.

Monthly Software Cost

Hike software packages start at just $59/month for a single terminal and location, billed annually.

Payment Processing

Hike integrates with many different payment processors and gateways you can choose from. Some of these choices include Square, WorldPay, PayPal, Clearent, EVO, PayJunction, and Elavon in the United States.

Where Hike POS Inventory System Really Shines

Hike is an affordable and flexible POS option whose robust inventory management could easily be used for retail or by small food carts or cafes. Hike's mobility additionally makes it an attractive option for businesses that want their employees to be able to interact on the floor with customers. Hike's wide selection of payment processor and software integrations also adds to the system's flexibility.

The Hike POS inventory system can handle an unlimited number of products and is custom-made to handle large amounts of inventory. Custom barcodes on receipts make it easy to look up products. Virtually everything can be automated, from re-ordering to setting up reminders and shipping items between stores.

Hike's purchase ordering is intuitive, as is its ability to track orders online. This POS software with inventory control capabilities allows for quick bulk imports of inventory data. The central inventory system also makes it possible to keep tabs on your stock across multiple locations from one system. You can schedule a full or partial inventory count in advance to save time as well. There are myriad categories and subcategories that you can place items into, making it easy to search for them.

Get Started With Hike POS

Read our in-depth review

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Looking For One Of These POS Systems For Inventory Management?

Here’s another popular vendor people are looking at when searching for when point of sale inventory software. However, it didn’t quite make our list of top vendors.

QuickBooks POS With Inventory

QuickBooks POS is a desktop POS system that’s popular with merchants who use QuickBooks Desktop accounting software (QuickBooks POS does not integrate with QuickBooks Online). QuickBooks POS does include some inventory features such as inventory tracking and transfers, but overall, we only rate the software 3/5 stars. This Windows-only POS unfortunately doesn’t measure up with its cloud POS competitors in terms of pricing or features.

Rather than using QuickBooks POS, most QuickBooks Accounting users would be better off using another POS that integrates with QuickBooks.

4 Tips To Make The Most Of Your POS Inventory System

Here are some tips on how you can make your POS inventory system work to your advantage:

  1. Audit Your Inventory: It’s a scary word, and audits of any nature are never anyone’s idea of a good time. However, even if you think you have a good grasp on what’s coming in and out of your store, it’s always wise to set aside time periodically to do a full inventory audit. Double-check that you have the items your software claims you have to prevent fraud or even simple accounting errors.
  2. Prioritize Best Sellers: The 80/20 rule in retail is broad but can be a good jumping-off point. It states that you should (very roughly) be making 80% of your profits from 20% of your products. You should single out the “heavy hitters” in your inventory and make sure that they are getting preferential treatment when it comes to ordering and marketing. Your software can easily help you analyze your top sellers and discover buying trends at your business throughout the year.
  3. Analyze Suppliers: It’s not just your inventory that should be looked at carefully. You should also periodically analyze your supply chain to make sure that you’re getting the best prices available and that there are no inefficiencies in the process of ordering your products and receiving them.
  4. Use First In First Out: This is another standard industry line, but it’s a good thing to keep in the back of your head. As a rule of thumb, you should be trying to sell the products that you have had in your inventory the longest so that they don’t languish. This is especially important in the restaurant industry, where much of your inventory may be at risk of spoiling. Again, your POS inventory software can track how long all of your inventory has been on hand.
  5. Learn More Efficient Methods: There is more than one way to perform inventory tasks such as importing items, for example—and it’s possible you’re using the slower way because that’s what you’re used to doing or you don’t know how to do it the faster way. But taking some time to learn the most efficient inventory methods your software is capable of will pay off in the long run. For example, learning how to edit items in bulk can be a game-changer.

If you already have a good point of sale and inventory system, but struggle with cash flow to purchase inventory itself, it would probably be a good idea to read our article on loans to purchase inventory: 6 Small Business Loan Options For Purchasing Inventory

FAQs: POS System With Inventory Management

What POS has the best inventory management software?

The best inventory management software includes both standalone inventory programs and point of sale systems with inventory capabilities built in. In terms of the best POS system with inventory management, we think Lightspeed provides the best overall value and functionality.

Can a POS system track inventory?

Yes, a POS system can track inventory. Most cloud POS systems have some inventory tracking capabilities, but some POS inventory systems are better than others.

Does QuickBooks have good inventory management?

QuickBooks does have good inventory management. If you currently use QuickBooks accounting software, I recommend adding the QuickBooks Commerce app (formerly Trade Gecko) to beef up your QuickBooks inventory management capabilities.

Does Shopify have good inventory management?

Shopify has advanced inventory management features that are available on the Pro plan and up. Features include multichannel inventory, purchase ordering, detailed inventory reports, and robust forecasting tools.

What is retail inventory management software?

The best retail management software syncs all of your inventory from multiple sales channels to provide accurate and real-time reporting of your product inventory.

What is a good restaurant pos with inventory management software?

Lightspeed made the list for best all-around pos with inventory management software. It has a robust restaurant pos system that offers multi-location management and affordable monthly pricing.

In Summary: Find The Best Inventory POS System For Your Retail Or Restaurant Needs

  1. Revel POS Systems:
    • Best for quick-serve restaurants.
    • $99/mo
    • Flat-rate processing at 2.49% + $0.15
  2. Lightspeed Retail POS:
    • Best all-around inventory system
    • $39/mo Restaurants, $69/mo Retail
    • Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10
  3. Shopify POS:
    • Best for multi-channel retail.
    • $89/mo for Shopify Pro
    • Flat-rate processing starts at 2.4%
  4. Square POS:
    • Best free inventory POS.
    • Free +/mo
    • Flat-rate 2.6% + $0.10 for free plan
  5. Vend by Lightspeed:
    • Best for in-person retail.
    • $99/mo
    • Integrates with several processors
  6. Hike POS:
    • Best for flexibility.
    • Starts at $59/mo
    • Integrates with several processors.
Shannon Vissers

Shannon Vissers

Expert Analyst & Reviewer at Merchant Maverick
The former editor-in-chief of SteelOrbis, Shannon has been researching and writing about small business software and financing since 2015. Her shopping and retail expertise has been cited in numerous publications, including Reader's Digest, MSN, Yahoo Finance, and GOBankingRates . She has also published articles for LIVESTRONG.COM, eHow, Life'd, and other websites. Shannon attended San Diego State University, graduating in 2005 with a BA in English.
Shannon Vissers
View Shannon Vissers's professional experience on LinkedIn.

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We Recommend Square POS For Your Business 🏆 User-friendly & feature-rich point of sale system with affordable pricing. Square POS is an intuitive and simple point of sale platform. It offers customizable tools and a variety of add-ons to fit your business needs and reach your goals. Get Started No credit card required

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We Recommend Square POS For Your Business 🏆 User-friendly & feature-rich point of sale system with affordable pricing. Square POS is an intuitive and simple point of sale platform. It offers customizable tools and a variety of add-ons to fit your business needs and reach your goals. Get Started No credit card required

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