7 Best Cloud-Based POS Solutions for Small Business Retailers

Running a small retail business is no easy feat. Between managing inventory, employees, and customers, the last thing you need is a clunky, outdated point of sale (POS) system slowing you down. But finding the right POS for your unique business can be overwhelming.

As a small business owner, you know that every penny counts. As a result, you might be tempted to go with the cheapest point of sale system you can find. However, that route will cost you money and opportunities in the long run. You need a cloud retail POS system to grow your business and run your store efficiently. But how can you pick the right solution for your store?

This post covers seven top options for cloud-based POS systems. For each solution, we’ll talk through best fits, top features, and pricing, giving you everything you need to make the right choice for your store. 

Benefits of a Cloud-Based POS 

Let’s begin with a simple question: What is a cloud-based POS? This type of point of sale solution offers a modern approach to managing back-end operations and transactions for your retail store. Unlike traditional POS systems that rely on on-site servers, a cloud-based POS operates on remote servers accessed via the Internet. 

Related Read: Cloud vs. Server POS System: 14 Pros and Cons To Consider

What are the benefits of using a cloud-based POS over a traditional point of sale system? Let’s explore a few:

1. Accessibility:
   Accessibility is a game-changer with a cloud-based POS. Owners and approved employees can access the system from anywhere with an internet connection. This accessibility allows you to manage sales, track inventory, and monitor business performance anywhere. 
2. Scalability:
   Scalability is another major advantage. As your business grows, a cloud-based POS system can quickly scale alongside it. Whether expanding to multiple locations or increasing your product offerings, these systems are designed to accommodate growth without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
3. Integrations:
   Cloud-based POS solutions often integrate seamlessly with other software, such as accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, or e-commerce platforms. Integrations allow you to streamline operations and data sharing, boosting your overall efficiency. 
4. Maintenance and Updates:
   Maintenance and updates are hassle-free with cloud-based POS systems. Since the software is hosted remotely, the service provider handles updates and maintenance tasks. This means you don't have to worry about manually updating software or dealing with server maintenance, allowing you to focus more on running your business.

We’ll discuss our top picks for cloud-based POS solutions later in this post, but first, we must answer the question, what makes a cloud-based POS solution worth exploring? 

You should consider certain features and functions when selecting a cloud-based POS for your store. Firstly, real-time syncing and mobile accessibility are critical. Ensure the system offers real-time data syncing across all devices and platforms, enabling instant sales and inventory level updates. 

Strong inventory management features are another must-have. Look for a POS solution that offers comprehensive inventory tracking, including item variations, stock levels, automated reordering, and reporting capabilities. This functionality helps in optimizing stock levels, reducing out-of-stock situations, and improving overall inventory management efficiency.

You should also not overlook security integrations and features. Your cloud-based POS system should have robust POS security measures like data encryption, secure payment processing, user authentication, and regular security updates, ensuring that your business and customer data are well-protected against potential cyber threats.

With this in mind, let’s explore our top picks for cloud-based POS solutions for small business retailers. 

Related Read: Should You Use a Free Cloud POS for Your Retail Store?

1. Comcash 

Best for: small retailers

Comcash offers a cutting-edge mobile point of sale system that can help you revolutionize your checkout and inventory processes. Our innovative software integrates seamlessly into a cloud-based infrastructure, offering all the advanced POS features you need within a modern Android handheld terminal. With our blend of user-friendly design and robust functionality, we are constantly evolving to meet the latest industry standards and user needs.

Key Features:

• Mobile Point of Sale: Comcash facilitates the management of retail checkout processes from a mobile device, allowing inventory scanning, payment acceptance, and sales tracking, all accessible anywhere with the cloud.
• Premium Quality Integration: Our solution seamlessly merges high-quality hardware with sophisticated POS software, ensuring you get reliable performance from all your features from customer loyalty programs to e-commerce. 
• User-Friendly Interface: Comcash incorporates a familiar Android interface tailored for simplicity and ease of use, minimizing the need for extensive training. 

Pricing: Build your perfect solution using our transparent build and price tool.

2. POS Nation 

Best for: mid-sized businesses

POS Nation offers an all-inclusive retail POS system, designed to empower small businesses like smoke shops, liquor stores, and garden centers to manage their stores efficiently. With an extensive suite of features and tailored capabilities, this cloud-based POS solution streamlines checkout processes and offers crucial insights through comprehensive reporting tools.

Key Features:

• Inventory Management: Use POS Nation to seamlessly oversee stock levels, manage purchase orders, and conduct inventory counts with handheld devices for efficient and accurate stock control.
• Customized Hotkeys: Utilize hotkeys to speed up non-barcoded item lookups, reducing checkout time and minimizing cashier errors for a smoother transaction experience.
• Advanced Reporting Tools: Access over 55 prebuilt reports and customize them further or export them to Excel for in-depth analysis, providing crucial insights into various business operations for informed decision-making.

Pricing: POS Nation offers customized pricing based on your needs. 

3. Square POS 

Best for: solopreneurs

Square is famous for its portable credit card readers, but it offers more than just mobile checkout for solopreneurs. This solution provides a robust and versatile POS software designed to streamline daily operations. This all-in-one solution includes critical features and streamlined workflows designed to simplify retail tasks and enhance efficiency.

Key Features:

• Sell Everywhere: Use Square to manage inventory and fulfillment across various sales channels, empowering retailers to sell in-store and online and handle fast payments via multiple methods, including Afterpay and tap-to-ay on iPhone.
• Accept Returns and Exchanges: Effortlessly process returns and exchanges across multiple locations, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
• Sell Online With Square Online: Set up a professional Square Online e-commerce site or integrate it with an existing website to reach more customers beyond your brick-and-mortar storefront.

Pricing: Square’s Plus package starts at $29 per month plus processing fees.

4. Lightspeed 

Best for: golf courses and sporting goods

Lightspeed offers a comprehensive retail platform designed to maximize efficiency. You can also use Lightspeed to boost team efficiency, centralize inventory management, and simplify vendor relations. This powerful retail solution equips businesses with easy-to-use POS tools, advanced reporting capabilities, and unified commerce features. 

Key Features:

• Simplified Scaling: Streamline operations and foster growth with personalized workflows, intuitive features, and payment capabilities tailored to ease your team's daily tasks and support expansion.
• Expert 24/7 Support: Benefit from dedicated 24/7 assistance from retail specialists well-versed in retail store needs.
• Unified Commerce: Use Lightspeed to seamlessly integrate all sales channels and locations to deliver seamless customer experiences at every interaction point.

Pricing: Lightspeed’s Standard package starts at $119 per month.

5. Clover POS 

Best for: handheld POS systems

Clover's POS System offers a comprehensive solution designed to empower businesses across various industries, including restaurants, retail, and service businesses like salons. Clover is a versatile system designed to support your daily operational needs, providing seamless management of payments and inventory.

Key Features:

• Mobile Reporting: Utilizing cloud-based technology allows users to track sales, refunds, deposits, and to generate reports from any location, ensuring real-time accessibility to critical business data.
• Complete Customizability: Clover’s system offers customization options, allowing businesses to tailor their POS setup with devices, apps, and accessories suited to their specific requirements. 

Pricing: Clover’s Standard package starts at $1,799 upfront plus $49.95 per month.

6. Markt POS 

Best for: grocery stores and markets

Markt POS provides a point of sale solution tailored to markets and grocery stores. You can use Markt POS to run inventory management, self-checkout, and transactions. Markt POS offers POS hardware and accessible, cloud-based software. Markt's POS system stands out for its user-friendly software facilitating fast checkout, dedicated 24/7 support, and specialized, grocery-related features. 

Key Features:

• Inventory Management: Keep shelves stocked and efficiently track inventory levels with flexible options for adding unique items, receiving low-stock notifications, and creating purchase orders to manage supplies effectively.
• Efficient Self-Checkout: Create a seamless self-checkout experience to reduce customer wait times and empower employees to manage multiple self-checkout lines. Markt POS’ self-checkout kiosks come with top-of-the-line security features to minimize self-checkout theft.
• State-of-the-Art POS Hardware: Optimize store operations with advanced checkout technology, precise scale technology, and easy system management, backed by accessible cloud-based technology.

Pricing: Get a custom quote using Markt POS’ pricing tool. 

7. Toast POS 

Best for: restaurants

Toast POS offers a comprehensive platform tailored to cafes and restaurants. Toast’s goal is to help restaurants improve operations and keep guests satisfied. Toast’s solution combines cloud-based software, restaurant-grade hardware, and transparent payment processing to produce a point of sale solution designed to help restaurants profit and grow. 

Key Features:

• Tableside Service: Toast’s solution allows servers to manage tableside ordering and payments via handheld technology, speeding up service and reducing mistakes when ringing in orders.
• Online Ordering and Delivery: Toast offers commission-free online ordering channels, including curbside pickup and contactless delivery, that integrate with major delivery brands.
• Analytics and Reporting: Access detailed analytics, including sales summaries, product mix monitoring, and location overview, from any device.

Pricing: Toast’s Core package starts at $69 per month.

Choosing the Best Cloud-Based POS for Your Business 

Implementing a cloud-based POS system can help you take your small business retail store to the next level. But not all cloud-based point of sale solutions are created equal. Finding the right fit for your store is crucial — and no one solution is the right fit for every store. 

This post explores seven solutions with solid features, but only one will be the right solution for your business. 

Small specialty retailers seeking a comprehensive solution should consider Comcash for their cloud-based POS needs. Packed with features like online ordering, customer management, mobile inventory, and retail ERP, our solution is tailored to your specific needs.

So, what’s the next step? Experience firsthand how Comcash can elevate your business operations. Schedule a demo today, and let us demonstrate how our solution could be the game-changer your business has been looking for.