Consider you’re at a bustling craft fair, your booth is set up, and customers are happily browsing your creations. Suddenly, someone wants to buy your goods... but they want to pay with a card. You want to accommodate them to keep the sale, but you don’t have a way to process the transaction. If only you had a portable POS system.

A portable point-of-sale system allows you to process sales anywhere, anytime, enhancing your customer’s shopping experience and your business’s reputation. So, how to choose  point of sale system? Exploring various POS systems for retail can help you identify options that offer features like inventory tracking, sales analytics, and seamless payment processing. This guide will discuss the benefits of using a portable POS system and help you find the best one to support your business goals.

The POS Exchange has plenty of reliable and affordable portable POS systems. A portable point-of-sale system can help your business maximize efficiency, speed up transactions, and support growth.

What Is a Portable POS System?

A Portable POS System, often called a mobile POS, is a compact, handheld device that enables businesses to process transactions and manage various aspects of their operations on the go. These systems have essential hardware components like a touchscreen display, barcode scanner, receipt printer, and built-in software that facilitates various functions. 

Key Features of Portable POS Systems 

Mobility

The defining feature of portable POS systems is their mobility. They allow staff to complete transactions anywhere in the store, at events, or even curbside, offering customers a smooth and convenient shopping experience. 

Inventory Management

Portable POS systems can instantly update inventory levels, helping businesses keep track of stock in real time. This feature reduces the risk of overselling and ensures that popular items remain in stock. 

Payment Flexibility

These systems support various payment methods, including credit cards, mobile wallets, and even contactless payments, making transactions quick and hassle-free. 

Customization

Businesses can tailor their portable POS software to suit their needs. Whether you run a retail store, restaurant, or pop-up shop, customization options provide a personalized user experience. 

Analytics and Reporting

Portable POS systems generate detailed reports on sales, customer behavior, and inventory turnover. This data can be invaluable for making informed business decisions.

Why You Should Use a Portable POS System

1. Enhanced Customer Experience

Portable POS systems enable staff to provide a more personalized service to customers. Instead of waiting in long lines, shoppers can complete their purchases quickly, leaving them with a positive impression of your business. 

2. Increased Efficiency

Gone are the days of running back and forth to the cash register. With portable POS systems, employees can check inventory, locate items, and complete transactions anywhere in the store. This boosts efficiency and reduces wait times. 

3. Real-Time Inventory Management

Managing inventory in real-time is crucial for preventing stockouts and overstock situations. Portable POS systems help businesses keep their inventory levels accurate and up-to-date, ultimately saving time and money. 

4. Data-Driven Insights 

Access to data analytics and reports empowers business owners to make informed decisions. Identify top-selling products, track customer preferences, and adjust pricing strategies based on real-time data. 

5. Versatility

Portable POS systems are not limited to brick-and-mortar stores. They are equally valuable for businesses at trade shows, outdoor markets, and food trucks. This versatility allows you to expand your reach and capture sales in various locations. 

Industries Benefiting from Portable POS Systems

Portable POS systems have found applications in various industries, each reaping its unique benefits. 

1. Retail

In the retail sector, portable POS systems have transformed the shopping experience. Staff can assist customers with product information, check inventory availability, and complete transactions anywhere on the sales floor. 

2. Hospitality

Restaurants and cafes benefit from portable POS systems by enabling servers to take orders and process payments at the table. This enhances the dining experience and reduces the margin for error in order accuracy. 

3. Events and Trade Shows

Businesses can set up temporary points of sale at events and trade shows using portable systems. This allows them to capture sales on the spot and avoid the need for cash transactions. 

4. Delivery Services 

Delivery businesses use portable POS systems to accept payments upon delivery. This ensures customers can conveniently pay for their orders using various payment methods, including credit cards and mobile wallets.

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Top 10 Portable POS Systems for Small Businesses

1. Square POS: The Number One Portable POS System

Square takes the cake, thanks to its free POS software app and free mobile card reader, which make it possible to start accepting card payments from anywhere almost instantly. You’ll just need to pay payment processing fees. Square also sells a handheld terminal and chip/tap card reader if you want to upgrade your hardware.

Why we like it

Square works well for various business types, including retail and restaurants. It offers free software, and many of its hardware options work with the phone or tablet you already have, which can be helpful for new businesses looking to get started on a budget. Like the Clover Flex, the Square Terminal is an all-in-one device with an internal printer. Square offers an impressive POS system with transparent and highly competitive pricing. With options for zero monthly fees and a free magstripe card reader, it’s a good option for new small businesses.

Pros

• Offers free hardware and POS software with the option to scale up. 
• POS software is designed to work well for in-person and online businesses. 
• Pricing is competitive and transparent. 
• Plans are month to month; you can cancel the service anytime at no cost.

Cons

• The hardware lineup is best suited for Apple devices, though it also works with Android devices.
• The free magstripe card reader doesn’t have the option to tap or dip a card.

2. Shopify Retail POS: The Best POS System for E-Commerce Businesses 

Shopify’s built-in checkout portal and variety of sleek website themes are ideal for e-commerce businesses that make most of their sales online. The company also sells mobile POS systems (a card reader and handheld terminal) for in-person sales.

Why we like it

Shopify’s e-commerce tools like abandoned cart recovery and the ability to manage multiple online sales channels make it an excellent choice for businesses that need a strong online presence. But Shopify also sells hardware for in-person sales. For mobile sales, you can choose between a simple card reader that connects to your smartphone or a more robust handheld device called Shopify POS Go. 

Pros 

• Offers a variety of tools for selling online. 
• Competitive processing rates drop lower if you subscribe to higher-tier plans. 
• 24/7 support. 

Cons

• POS Pro upgrades for brick-and-mortar locations can be expensive. 

3. Clover POS: The Best Portable POS System for Customization

If you want the freedom to use an outside payment processor instead of your POS system provider, Clover is a great option. The mobile Clover Flex is an all-in-one device with an internal printer, which sets it apart from many other standalone POS devices. The economical Clover Go system lets you swipe, tap, and dip cards with a tiny device, which Square’s smallest devices don’t do. 

The Clover card processing rate at higher plan levels is among the best flat rates, although it comes with a more significant monthly fee. You can buy its hardware from various third-party payment processors and resellers. Its mobile POS system hardware options include a handheld terminal and portable card reader that pairs with your smartphone.

Why we like it

Clover allows third-party payment processors to sell its hardware, allowing businesses to choose their credit card processing company. Its most basic software plan for the Clover Go card reader is free, making it a great mobile option for starting businesses. Software plans with fuller POS functionality, including creating items and tracking stock, start at $14.95 a month. 

Pros

• You can pay for the hardware in installments. 
• Clover Flex prints receipts. 
• Customer loyalty program available. 
• 24/7 live support with software plans.

Cons

• There are no free hardware options. 
• Accounting integrations are only available through third-party providers. 

4. Toast POS: The Best POS System for Restaurants

Toast specializes in creating POS systems for restaurants specifically. The Toast Go 2 handheld terminal allows employees to take orders and cash customers out anywhere in the restaurant. The mobile POS system has a 24-hour battery life and is spill- and drop-proof.

Why we like it

Toast is explicitly built for the restaurant industry, which is evident in the details found throughout the hardware and software it offers. The mobile Toast Go 2, an all-in-one device, is designed to last all day without a recharge, is durable and spill-resistant, and works well in dim indoor settings and outdoors. It can process chip, swipe, and contactless payments, making sharing information with the kitchen easier with multiple-language support.

Pros

• The free plan is available with one or two POS terminals. 
• 24/7 phone, email, and chat support. 
• Hardware is spill-resistant and built with restaurant-specific needs in mind.

Cons

• Contract required. 

5. Lightspeed Retail POS: The Best POS System for Inventory Management

Lightspeed’s detailed inventory tracking system, which includes a built-in B2B catalog with product descriptions, is especially advantageous for retail stores that buy from suppliers and sell various items. You can use its POS software on an iPad or purchase its handheld terminal.

Why we like it

Lightspeed sells a POS system tailored specifically to retailers. You can choose from a couple of types of card readers as well as more robust iPad hardware kits. It has e-commerce tools, 24/7 support, and valuable inventory management features.

Pros

• Includes detailed inventory management tools for creating product variants. 
• No long-term contracts. 
• 24/7 live chat support. 
• Generate unlimited barcode labels.

Cons

• There are no free plan options. 
• Accounting integrations are only available in Core and plans. 
• Can’t process card payments in offline mode. 

6. TouchBistro: The Best Hybrid POS System for Restaurants 

Whereas Toast recommends that restaurants use its proprietary hardware, TouchBistro allows them to turn their existing iPads into mobile POS systems. The cost savings and mobility that come with this are particularly beneficial for smaller businesses in the food industry, like cafes or food trucks.

Why we like it

TouchBistro is built just for restaurants and includes various add-on features. As a hybrid POS system, it saves data locally in your iPad app and the cloud, meaning you can complete most POS functions across multiple devices, even during an internet outage. And when your system is running online, it’s syncing data in real-time and can be accessed anywhere.

Pros 

• 24/7 phone, chat, and email support. 
• Includes restaurant-specific features, like table and menu management. 
• An optional profit management system provides tools for improving margins. 
• As a hybrid POS system, TouchBistro can operate without the cloud. Offline capabilities include accepting payments, taking orders, editing menus, and managing staff.

Cons 

• Payment processing rates are quote-based, making them difficult to compare to the competition. 
• Contracts are automatically renewed and can't be terminated early. 
• There are no free plan options and no setup fee. 
• The ability to accept online orders costs extra.

7. PayPal Zettle: The Most Affordable Portable POS System 

PayPal Zettle sells a mobile card reader and handheld terminal, but its ability to accept Venmo and PayPal QR code payments sets it apart from some of its competitors. If you sell primarily on the go and want to give your customers more payment options, Zettle is a solid option. PayPal Zettle offers a low-cost, well-rounded POS system that doesn’t require a long commitment.

Also, the system’s ability to accept payments via QR code for PayPal and Venmo can be convenient for you and your customers. Payment processing fees are pretty competitive, especially if you do a lot of in-person business. The POS app is free to download; there’s no monthly fee or contract. You just pay per transaction.

Why we like it

PayPal Zettle offers a complete POS system at a low cost with no monthly fee or contract. In addition to taking payments from PayPal and Venmo, you can also manage inventory, watch sales, and review reports. 

Pro

• In-person transaction costs are low compared with other flat-rate options. 
• Low-cost hardware and free software. 
• The ability to pay with PayPal or Venmo gives customers additional payment options. 
• No long-term contract.

Cons

• The all-in-one POS terminal doesn’t have a built-in printer. 
• Funds are initially transferred to your PayPal account, not a bank one.

8. Revel Systems: The Most Advanced Portable POS System 

Revel Systems is an advanced mPOS solution for various businesses, including retail, restaurants, and quick-service venues. Revel Systems’ hardware setup includes iPads as terminals, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and card readers. There is no pricing information available on their website.

Key features

• Supports both in-store and online sales
• Advanced inventory tracking and management features
• Offers detailed insights into sales, customer behavior, and business performance
• Includes tools for managing customer data, loyalty programs, and personalized marketing
• Robust tools for staff scheduling, payroll, and performance tracking
• The user interface can be customized to meet specific operational needs and preferences.

9. Loyverse: The Best Free POS System for Small Restaurants

Some restaurants may not require the robust features of Toast and should not have to pay for tools that small establishments do not need. With Loyverse, small and new restaurants (and even food retailers) can start with free industry-specific POS software with an option to upgrade its inventory tools for a small monthly fee.

Why we like it

Loyverse offers restaurant-specific features for production tracking, bar management tools, cash sales tracking, and employee management. The system even provides KDS and loyalty management programs at no extra cost. Loyverse’s free inventory management features include ingredient-level inventory management, inventory tracking, low-stock notifications, production tracking, and more. Upgrades are also available for advanced features such as stock adjustments, inventory counts, and purchase orders.

10. Helcim POS: The Best Portable POS System for High-Volume Businesses

Helcim’s mobile hardware options, including a card reader and standalone, handheld terminal, free POS software, and volume discounts, appeal to high-volume businesses making more than $50,000 in monthly card sales.

Why we like it

Helcim’s interchange-plus payment processing is ideal for high-volume businesses that stand to lose more money using POS systems with flat-rate processing models. In addition to offering free POS software, Helcim offers two mobile POS hardware options: a card reader with a screen and PIN pad and a handheld terminal with a receipt printer.

Pros 

• Transparent interchange-plus payment processing. 
• Free POS software plan. 
• Offers volume discounts for businesses whose monthly credit card volume surpasses $50,000. 
• No contract is required. 

Cons

• Some hardware, like barcode scanners and cash drawers, are only available through a third-party provider. 
• It may not be ideal for low-volume businesses.

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How to Choose the Best Portable POS System

Your Industry Matters

Choosing a portable POS system isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Before picking a solution, consider your industry and how you plan to use your new POS. For example, if you own a restaurant, a POS with features that allow you to take payments tableside and customize orders on the spot will make service more efficient and improve the dining experience. On the other hand, retailers might prioritize inventory tracking and customer relationship management (CRM) tools to help them sell more and quickly process returns.

Software Costs

Portable POS systems operate on software. Before you decide, examine the software and look for any associated costs. If you only need the basics, look for a mobile POS system with a free software plan. Read the fine print to determine whether you’ll be locked into a contract. Also, check how much it will cost to upgrade if you ever need more advanced features. 

Payment Processing Costs

Portable POS systems don’t just come with software costs. You’ll also need to consider payment processing costs. These fees can vary widely from one mobile POS system to the next. Some integrate with third-party payment processing companies, while others only use their in-house option. If you have a preferred payment processor, check to see if you can combine it with the portable POS system you’re considering. Otherwise, weigh your options and choose a solution with payment processing fees that work for your business. You may also want to consider how each system handles different types of payments, such as credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments. 

Hardware Compatibility 

Do you have equipment you’d like to use with a new portable POS system? Some mobile POS system providers are compatible with iOS and/or Android devices, so you could potentially turn a tablet you already own into a mobile POS system. However, you’ll probably still have to buy a card reader. Other providers only offer their proprietary hardware options. While the latter might be costly upfront, those devices often have convenient features, like barcode scanners and receipt printers.

Book a Free Demo Today!

The POS Exchange brings over 20 years of restaurant expertise, serving 200,000+ merchants and processing billions annually. Their tailored POS system solutions help businesses speed up checkouts by 30%, implement dynamic pricing, and manage customer reviews while reducing overhead. Perfect for full-service restaurants, pizza shops, coffee houses, and multi-location enterprises. They offer end-to-end service, from brilliant consultation and interactive demos to local installation and 24/7 support. 

Their mobile iPad POS systems streamline operations with features like order management, bill splitting, and inventory control. With integrations for business management tools and advanced security measures, they ensure your POS system grows with your business. Trust their expertise to help you avoid the common pitfall that affects 38% of new business owners who choose the wrong POS system. Whether managing a busy restaurant, a local café, or operating a multi-location business, The POS Exchange delivers customized POS system solutions that tell your unique business story. 

Custom Mobile POS Systems for Restaurants 

Mobile POS systems are excellent for enhancing operational efficiency at restaurants. With a portable point-of-sale system, restaurant staff can take tableside orders, send them directly to the kitchen, and process payments without returning guests to the register. This not only speeds up service but also elevates the customer experience. Book a free demo with POS Exchange to learn about our customized POS system solutions today.

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