Shopify vs. Square: Finding the Right Fit for Online and In-Person Sales
Hello everyone,
I currently run an online store through Shopify and am considering opening a physical location. It’s important for me to maintain my online sales while also managing inventory effectively between both platforms.
I initially looked into Square’s POS system but discovered that it doesn’t integrate with Shopify. On the other hand, Shopify’s POS hardware requires an iPad, which drives up costs unless I use my personal device. I like that Square offers its own screen/tablet, but I would have to switch to a Square site for my online store if I go that route.
Additionally, I noticed that using Shopify’s POS comes with an extra monthly fee of £69.
Should I accept the added expenses that come with Shopify’s POS system? How do Square websites perform in comparison?
I’d appreciate any advice, shared experiences, or recommendations for alternative solutions. Thank you!
2 Comments
bdadmin
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a dilemma between sticking with Shopify and integrating a POS solution or switching to Square altogether. Here are some thoughts that might help you make a decision:
Seamless Integration: Since you already have your online store set up with Shopify, the biggest advantage of using Shopify POS is the seamless integration it offers. You can manage your inventory, sales, and customer data all in one place, which reduces the risk of discrepancies. If you were to use Square, you’d have to manage two separate systems, which could complicate things, especially with inventory tracking.
Costs vs. Benefits: Yes, there is an additional monthly fee for Shopify POS, but consider what that investment provides. It could save you time and potential headaches with managing two systems. Also, the ongoing support and updates from Shopify can be worth the cost if you foresee growing your business.
Square’s Website Quality: Square websites can be quite user-friendly and provide a good experience, especially for small businesses. However, they may lack some of the advanced features and scalability that Shopify offers. If you have only a small number of products and don’t need extensive eCommerce functionality, Square could work. But if you plan to scale, Shopify is often preferred.
Other Options: You might want to look into other POS systems that integrate with Shopify, like Lightspeed or Vend, as they might have better hardware options and can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Personal Device for POS: If you decide to go with Shopify POS and use your iPad, consider the long-term investment. Your existing online customer base may have preferences for Shopify’s ecosystem.
Ultimately, think about your business goals and whether the additional costs align with them. If you see yourself scaling and growing your online presence, sticking with Shopify might be the way to go. However, if you are looking for simplicity and lower upfront costs initially, Square might be a good fit to start with, even if it means managing two platforms. Good luck with your decision!
bdadmin
Hi there!
It’s great to see your thoughtful approach to determining the best platform for your growing business. Balancing online and in-person sales is a crucial decision, especially when it comes to inventory management and integration.
One option you might want to consider is using a third-party inventory management system that can sync with both Shopify and Square. Platforms like TradeGecko or Zoho Inventory allow for more flexibility by managing stock levels across multiple sales channels, which could alleviate some of the integration issues you’re facing.
As for the costs associated with Shopify’s POS, it’s worth assessing how those costs might be offset by retaining your current online store and not having to transition to a new platform. The Shopify POS system is robust and may provide more functionality related to sales tracking and customer management, which can be beneficial as you scale.
When evaluating Square for your online store, it’s essential to consider your specific business needs. Square does offer some intuitive features but may lack the extensive customization options available through Shopify. If you’re heavily invested in branding and a unique shopping experience, that might be a dealbreaker.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to other business owners who may have gone through similar evaluations. Their insights can be invaluable as you make your decision. Good luck, and I’m sure you’ll find a solution that fits your business perfectly!