How to Find the Best POS System for Convenience Stores

Many convenience store owners don’t think too much about what technology they use.

But they should.

Old and outdated systems can cost you time and money in the form of manual admin, poor visibility, and decreased security.

If you want your c-store to grow and thrive, you need the right point of sale (POS) system to do it. But what’s the best POS system for convenience stores? And what makes a convenience store POS system different than every other system out there?

We’re here to help. In this article, we’ll cover:

• Must-have features for c-store POS systems
• Tips for evaluating a new POS provider
• Our top four picks for c-store POS systems

Let’s get started.

Must-Have POS Features for Convenience Stores

On the surface, many POS systems are the same software in different packaging. They track inventory, ring up customers, and manage employee time.

But we all know that running a convenience store isn’t like running any other type of retail business. Similarly, not all POS systems built for generic retail can handle c-store operations.

As a starting point, here are the basic features any POS system should have:

• Real-time inventory: Digitize your inventory and track stock levels in real time every time you make a sale.

• Standard payments: Let customers pay by cash, card, or contactless payments.

• Employee tracking: Clock in and out directly via the POS system.

• Vendor management: Track your suppliers, item wholesale cost, and other information to update stock and quickly generate purchase orders (POs).

• Data security and PCI compliance: Ensure your customers’ personal data is secure and meet PCI DSS standards to process credit card transactions. 

Now, here are some additional must-have features specifically for convenience stores:

• Age verification: Set age-restricted items (e.g., cigarettes, beer) that prompt the cashier to check for ID automatically and speed up checkout using ID scanners.
• Variable tax rates: Manage different tax rates for different types of products and sales tax between different locations.
• Lotto support: Sell lottery tickets and scratch cards, handling payouts directly from your POS system.
• Reporting tools: Get a clear picture of overall store performance along with bestselling product categories, profit margins, vendor performance, and other key metrics.
• EBT payments: Allow people using SNAP benefits to pay for eligible food items.

Getting instant access to all the features you need is why we recommend investing in an industry-specific POS system.

You could start with a cheaper, more basic POS system and buy add-ons or integrations to get all the functionality you need. However, this usually ends up being the same price, if not more expensive, than buying a POS system specifically built for c-stores.

Steps for Evaluating a New POS Provider

Whether you’re opening a new c-store, taking one over from previous management, or are simply ready to upgrade your technology, picking the right POS provider is a big deal.

You’ll use your POS system every day, so don’t rush it. If you schedule a software demo and feel like they can’t confidently answer your questions or adequately show you the features you need, follow your gut.

Over half of U.S. businesses say they’ve regretted a software decision because they moved too fast or didn’t do their research.

Follow these steps when choosing a new POS provider:

1. Make a list of pain points, challenges, and goals. This way, you can base your discussions on what problems you want to solve, not just the features you need.
2. Schedule demos with multiple providers (and don’t be afraid to book several demos with the same provider).
3. Ask to see examples of specific scenarios. This helps you gauge whether your provider understands c-stores and whether the software is a good fit for your needs.
4. Understand how much support you’ll get for onboarding, inventory migration, customization, and other technical support.

Prices are high these days, and it might be tempting to go with the cheapest option — but a POS’ value is so much more than its monthly price tag.

Remember to factor in how much time you’ll save on admin, checkout, and other tasks after you upgrade to a new system. A more expensive system might just pay for itself.

Related Read: How To Make a Convenience Store Profitable in 8 Steps

The Best POS System for C-Stores: 4 Picks

Looking for the best POS system for your c-store? We’re here to help.

At POS Nation, we believe in giving specialty retailers the industry-specific tools they need to simplify their day-to-day operations, cut costs, and stay in business.

Here are our top four picks. 

4. Lightspeed: For Large Operations or Chains

Lightspeed supports businesses across the globe with highly customizable POS systems. Lightspeed’s main advantage is its robust multilocation management features, making it ideal for large operations.

Standout features

• Built-in vendor catalog: Sync product information to your system and compare prices with a wide range of vendors.
• Detailed reporting: View overall business performance or drill down into performance by location.
• Flexible payments: Accept payments from cash, credit cards, and digital wallets like Apple and Google Pay.
• Real-time inventory control: Track stock levels in real time to avoid stockouts and monitor store performance.

Pricing

Lightspeed’s Core Plan starts at $149/month per register.

3. KORONA: For Faster Checkouts and Self-Checkout

KORONA is a POS provider that frequently works with high-risk retailers, including convenience stores. With many automations and advanced features, Korona is a good fit for tech-savvy stores looking to speed up operations.

Standout features

• Employee access controls: Keep your business safe by limiting employee access to only the functions they need to do their job.
• Customizable receipts: Add promotions and scannable codes to customer receipts to encourage repeat business.
• Auto ordering: Set up automated purchase orders based on product par levels to avoid stockouts.
• Easy discounting: Change pricing and set up new deals on the back end, and have promotional pricing show up in inventory and sales reports.

Pricing

Korona’s retail plan starts at $79/month.

2. Markt POS: For Corner Shops and Small Food Markets

Some c-stores lean more heavily into food sales, especially prepared meals and hot food items. For these stores, Markt POS is ideal, offering both real-time perishable inventory tracking and quick-service restaurant (QSR) features.

Standout features

• Unlimited and custom UPCS: Add any number of items to inventory, including entries for homemade items and custom product bundles.
• Weight-based sale support: Easily sell deli meats and prepared meals sold by weight.
• QSR functions: Create menus, set modifiers, and print orders directly to a kitchen for c-stores that offer prepared meals.
• Perishable inventory tracking: Track items on hand and when they expire to avoid spoilage and plan discounts.

Pricing

Markt POS offers custom quotes and flexible pricing tiers on its website.

1. C-Store POS: For Small to Medium-Sized C-Stores

C-Store POS specializes in creating affordable, but feature-rich POS systems for c-stores. With many customizable options and industry-specific features, C-Store POS is our top pick for small businesses.

Standout features

• Advanced inventory: Track a wide variety of product types in real time and simplify inventory updates with integrated vendor management.
• Lottery support: Sell lottery and scratch-off tickets directly from your POS system.
• EBT and dual pricing: Support both common payment methods, as well as EBT payments for SNAP users and dual pricing for customers who frequently pay in cash.
• Product auto ranking: See which specific products are driving sales (and which ones are gathering dust) by giving all of your items a ranking from A to D based on sales volume.

Pricing

Get a custom quote by visiting C-Store POS’ website.

Talk With Our C-Store Experts Today To Find the Right System for Your Business

If you’re looking to upgrade your convenience store POS system and feel a little overwhelmed, we don’t blame you. There are a lot of solutions on the market, and it can be hard to narrow down a choice — especially when you’re stuck with that choice for years to come.

Let us help. At POS Nation, we specialize in matching small businesses with the right tools. Our c-store experts are happy to answer your questions and guide you through the software.

To find the best POS system for your convenience store, schedule a personalized demo today.