Point of Sale (POS) Systems

POS Systems vs. Simple Terminals

A simple payment terminal processes transactions. A POS system runs your business. It tracks inventory, manages employees, generates sales reports, handles tips and split checks, and integrates with accounting software. The payment processing is just one component.

The tradeoff: POS systems from companies like Toast, Clover, and Lightspeed often lock you into their processing rates, which are typically flat-rate and expensive. The Payment Gods Partner Network provides POS solutions with interchange-plus pricing, giving you the features without the markup.

Restaurant POS Systems

Restaurant POS systems handle table management, split checks, tip adjustment, kitchen display routing, and online ordering integration. Key features to evaluate include menu modifier support, happy hour pricing automation, and tip pooling calculations.

Most restaurant POS systems charge $60 to $150 per terminal per month for software, plus processing fees. Our partners offer competitive software rates with interchange-plus processing instead of the 2.6% + $0.10 that Toast and Square charge.

Retail POS Systems

Retail POS systems focus on inventory management, barcode scanning, purchase order automation, and customer loyalty programs. Multi-location retailers need a system that syncs inventory across stores and provides consolidated reporting.

E-commerce integration is critical for modern retail. Your POS should sync with your online store so inventory levels update in real time across all channels. Browse our comparisons for detailed POS system reviews.

Choosing the Right POS

The best POS system depends on your industry, transaction volume, and feature requirements. A coffee shop has different needs than a multi-location retailer or a full-service restaurant.

Get a free quote from the Payment Gods Partner Network and we will match you with a POS solution that fits your business at interchange-plus pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a POS system cost?

POS software costs $0 to $150 per month per terminal. Hardware (terminal, cash drawer, receipt printer) costs $500 to $2,000 upfront. Processing fees vary by provider, with interchange-plus being the cheapest model.

What POS system is best for restaurants?

The best restaurant POS depends on your size and needs. Toast, Clover, and Lightspeed are popular options. Through the Payment Gods Partner Network, you can get similar features with lower interchange-plus processing rates.

Can I use my own payment processor with a POS system?

Some POS systems are processor-agnostic and let you choose your processor. Others like Toast and Square require you to use their built-in processing. We recommend processor-agnostic systems for the best rates.

Do I need WiFi for a POS system?

Most modern POS systems require internet connectivity. Many support cellular backup or offline mode for basic transaction processing when WiFi is unavailable.

What is the difference between a POS system and a payment terminal?

A payment terminal only processes transactions. A POS system combines payment processing with business tools like inventory management, employee scheduling, sales reporting, and customer loyalty programs.