“The cloud.”
It might seem like a tech industry buzzword that has nothing to do with your small business — but a cloud-based point of sale (POS) system is a critical tool for retail success.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of cloud-based POS systems for retail stores, our list of must-have features, and the top providers to check out.
Want to jump straight to our recommendations? See which solution is right for your small business:
- Markt POS: Best for Grocery Stores
- Bottle POS: Best for Liquor Stores
- Cigars POS: Best for Tobacco Shops
- Comcash: Best for General Retail
Cloud-Based POS Systems 101
Traditional POS systems run on physical servers located in your store’s back office or stockroom. Along with powering your cash registers, these servers store your business’ inventory and sales data.
Modern, cloud-based retail POS systems take physical servers out of the equation.
Instead of running on a server, modern POS systems run on the cloud — meaning you can use your software and access your store’s data from anywhere, at any time.
The Benefits of Cloud-Based POS Systems
Ditching your old-school, on-premise POS system and investing in a new, cloud-based solution might seem like a daunting task — but it’s worth it.
Here are seven reasons to make the switch:
- Access your system remotely: Instead of relying on physical servers to access your data, you can check reports, adjust prices, launch promotions, and order inventory from anywhere.
- Avoid data loss: Physical servers are prone to crashes — which can lead to the loss of your store’s data. Cloud-based systems store your data remotely, ensuring you can always recover your historical reports.
- Reduce maintenance costs: Physical servers often come with expensive maintenance contracts — upgrading to a cloud-based system could actually save money in the long run.
- Enjoy better support: Since cloud-based servers allow for remote access, you can get immediate help with technical issues instead of waiting for a repair technician to come to your store.
- Get automatic updates: Cloud-based systems usually update automatically, ensuring you always have access to the latest security upgrades, features, and bug fixes.
- Integrate with other tools: Most cloud-based POS systems come with flexible integrations, allowing you to connect your software with accounting tools, e-commerce platforms, and marketing tools.
- Manage multiple locations: Since you’re relying on the cloud instead of physical servers, you can use one system to manage all of your store’s locations — making it easy to expand your business and keep a close eye on your inventory and sales data.
In short, cloud-based POS systems are designed to grow with your store, eliminating the hassles of maintaining and upgrading physical servers.
10 Essential Cloud-Based POS System Features
Ready to make the switch? Let’s talk about what to look for in your new POS system.
First, let’s cover the core features that any retail POS system should include:
- Integrated payment processing: Accept all types of payments quickly and securely without manual entry.
- Inventory management: Track your stock levels in real time, get alerts when you’re running low on a bestseller, and forecast product demand.
- Sales reporting: Get detailed insights into your store’s financial performance, learn about your customers’ shopping habits, and identify areas for improvement.
- Marketing: Schedule promotions, launch a loyalty program, and stay in touch with customers via SMS and email.
- E-commerce integration: Make selling online a breeze by connecting your POS software and e-commerce platform for easy order management and inventory tracking.
Having these features at your fingertips is crucial for smooth operations — but they aren’t the only ones to look for when it comes to cloud-based software. Make sure your new system includes:
- Offline functionality: Continue making sales even when your store’s internet is down.
- Automatic data backup: Prevent data losses due to technical issues.
- Automatic updates: Get access to the latest features and updates.
- Adequate support: Get expert help during the onboarding process and beyond.
- Remote access: Log into your software and manage your store from any device.
These features eliminate tech headaches and give you more time to focus on what matters: connecting with customers and growing your business.
4 Best Cloud-Based POS Systems for Retail Stores
The world of POS systems can be overwhelming — which is why we’ve curated the best cloud-based POS software for every industry!
Let’s take a look at these systems and their top features.
Markt POS: Best for Grocery Stores
Want to set your grocery store apart from the big-box supermarket down the street? Markt POS can help.
This all-in-one POS system is uniquely designed for specialty grocery stores, butcher shops, fish markets, and other independent food retailers.
Along with must-have cloud-based features like real-time data access and offline mode, Markt POS includes features like:
- Robust inventory management for weight-based, perishable products like meat and produce
- Automated purchase orders to prevent stockouts and minimize spoilage
- In-depth sales reporting to help you learn about your customers and identify profit opportunities
- A built-in customer loyalty program to help you generate steady sales
Check out Markt POS’ build and price tool to get a custom quote for your grocery store.
Bottle POS: Best for Liquor Stores
Looking to take your liquor store to the next level? Then you need a cloud-based, liquor industry-specific POS solution like Bottle POS.
Bottle POS includes everything you need to manage and grow your wine, beer, or liquor store. Here are a few of our favorite features:
- Case breaking for easier liquor inventory management
- AI-powered product ranking to help you identify your bestselling bottles
- Centralized liquor SKU database to make expanding your selection a breeze
Explore Bottle POS’ flexible pricing options to see which one is right for your business.
Cigars POS: Best for Tobacco Shops
Cigars POS is our top pick for smoke shops, cigar lounges, and tobacco stores.
This all-in-one, cloud-based solution is built specifically to help you handle the challenges of running a tobacco shop — from managing complicated inventory to preventing underage sales.
Here are Cigars POS’ top features:
- Cigar label printing for simpler inventory counts and easier browsing
- Integrated high-risk payment processing to help you sell the hottest tobacco products hassle-free
- Scanner-powered age verification to protect your shop’s tobacco license
- A built-in rewards program to help you nurture a thriving community of cigar aficionados
Build your tobacco shop POS system and get an instant quote.
Comcash: Best for General Retailers
Whether you run a boutique, hardware store, gift shop, or something even more unique, we recommend Comcash.
This powerful software is designed to help you tackle your toughest responsibilities with features like:
- An inventory matrix to help you track products of different sizes, colors, and varieties
- E-commerce integration to expand your reach and power online sales
- Customer relationship management (CRM) to help you track, learn about, and reward your most valuable shoppers
- Integrated email marketing to help you drive foot traffic, promote products, and announce in-store deals and events
Get a custom quote for your business using Comcash’s build and price tool.
Find the Right Cloud-Based POS System for Your Store
Upgrading to a modern, cloud-based POS solution has big benefits for you and your customers. They’ll enjoy a smoother, more convenient shopping experience — and you’ll save time and see higher profits.
Finding the right system for your store can seem like a challenge, but we’ve got you covered. Our small business experts are here to help you find and set up the perfect POS solution.
Schedule your live, personalized demo to start the process today.
by Spence Hoffman
by Graham Hoffman