Point of sale (POS) systems were traditionally used by businesses with the sole purpose of conducting transactions. However, the role played by POS systems has expanded significantly over time. In the present day, POS systems carry out a wide variety of functions ranging from the collection of sales data to inventory management.
There are many free POS software options available to you when it comes to selecting the best system. It is important to keep in kind however that while the standard versions are free, most of these systems do require payment if you intend on obtaining features that are more advanced. Listed below are some of the best free POS software for 2022.
SalesPlay: Editor’s Choice
Software Overview: The standard version includes tablet ordering, queue management, customer display, dashboard and kitchen display, among many other features.
App Versions: iOS and Android OS.
Desktop Versions: Available as a web app for desktop computers and laptops, on Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Firefox.
Pros:
● Allows you to easily manage the terminals across all your store’s branches, whilst recording your transaction data in the BackOffice.
● Has many different usage apps like the Kitchen Display App and Dashboard app, thereby catering to many different business types.
● Has inbuilt features which effectively keep track of download reports, settlement times, debtors and credit based sales. This makes it much easier in terms of overseeing your business’ liquidity cycle.
● Provides you with 24/7 customer support.
Cons:
● Additional features in the BackOffice must be paid for in order to be accessed. However, you can purchase specific features based on your preference, as opposed to having to pay for an entire bundle.
Why You Will Like It: SalesPlay is a state-of-the-art POS system that caters to a variety of different businesses, whether it be a restaurant or retail store. What makes SalesPlay so remarkable is the fact that it provides you with an array of in-depth features within the standard version itself, whilst also giving you the option of paying individually for the additional features that you may require.
Loyverse
Software Overview: Features provided with the free version include dashboard, point of sale, kitchen display and customer display.
App Versions: iOS and Android OS.
Desktop Versions: None.
Pros:
● The user interface is straightforward and easy to use.
● It is compatible with many credit card processors such as CardConnect, WorldPay and iZettle.
Cons:
● Inventory can only be tracked by weight and item, and not by volume.
● Software updates are released for iOS users first, which is frustrating if you are an Android user because you will have to wait for a longer period of time for an update to be made available.
Why You Will Like It: Loyverse is free to install and is often praised for its ease of use. It not only provides you with different resources for tracking transactions, interacting with customers and evaluating data, but also provides you with very responsive customer support.
Square
Software Overview: Square offers four different usage apps which are targeted at different business types. These are the Square POS, Square for Restaurants, Square for Retail and Square Appointments apps.
App Versions: iOS and Android OS.
Desktop Versions: Virtual terminal accessible for Mac OS and Windows OS.
Pros:
● Offline payments mode ensures that your business can run smoothly in the event that you lose your internet connection.
● The free virtual terminal feature enables you to directly enter credit card information, using a web browser on a device which is connected to the internet.
● Assists you in separating your business expenses from your personal expenses with the use of the Square Card. This is a mastercard debit that can be used to access your Square funds with ease when making business payments.
Cons:
● The fees are higher for large businesses.
● There tend to be issued with account stability, which results in smaller businesses finding it difficult to access the cash they require.
Why You Will Like It: Square can effectively be used to complement the growth of your business. By utilising its versatility, you can design your payment processing setup in such a way that it suits your requirements.
eHopper
Software Overview: The free version of eHopper includes essential features like inventory management, email receipts and cash discounts, and allows up to 300 transactions per month.
App Versions: Windows tablet, iPad OS and Android tablet OS.
Desktop Versions: Windows PC.
Pros:
● Its payment processing features are compatible with the Smart Poynt terminal.
● The interface is extremely user friendly, and helps you stay organised easily.
Cons:
● The free version does not give you access to all of eHopper’s customer support avenues.
● The software can only be used on a tablet or PC, as it isn’t compatible with mobile devices.
Why You Will Like It: eHopper is well known for its functionality and ease of use. Therefore, it is its user-friendly interface that contributes immensely in terms of helping you keep your store organised.
Nextar
Software Overview: Features such as quoting software, supplier management, cash register software and inventory management are included in the free version.
App Versions: None.
Desktop Versions: Windows.
Pros:
● Ease of use is maintained through tutorial videos, chat and email support, and a FAQ section.
● Strong inventory management features like expiration date control and low stock level settings are included with the free version.
Cons:
● Compatibility is limited as it only runs on Windows PCs.
● You cannot accept card payments when using the free version.
Why You Will Like It: Nexstar is an all in one POS system that brings together a variety of unique features, some of which many POS systems don’t usually offer. For example, features such as commission calculations are immensely unique, simply because most systems do not offer such options.
