6 POS System Demos: What Do The Reviewers Say?
POS Demos are Multi-Step: First, you'll start out with generalized software overviews. Then, you move to custom demos from the sales team. Finally, you try the hardware before buying (if your account is valuable enough to the vendor).
Demos Focus on the Software: You won't get a good idea of the total POS experience from online demos, as most vendors only showcase their software.
Prepare to Give Your Email: The overwhelming majority of POS demos directly from the vendor require your email. I know, it's annoying — but the overview videos can help you decide if it's worth it.
Let Employees Break The Tie: If you're stuck between a couple options, get your frontline staff's opinions. They'll ultimately be using it, and could bring up some concerns you wouldn't think about.
“Try before you buy.” That’s the gold standard and, considering a point of sale (POS) system is one of the key long-term investments you’ll make in your business, it’s important to get a feel for your options. It’s a bit complicated, though. The way they work makes hands-on POS system demos tricky to offer, but not impossible. If you’re shopping for a POS vendor and unsure how to see one in action, let me be your guide.
What Is a POS System Demo?
Here’s how POS demos typically go.
- Choose some POS solutions that seem like they could work.
- (If possible) Visit the demo page on their website.
- Done! … just kidding. I wish.
- Reach out to each vendor, then get roped into a sales meeting.
- Wait until that sales meeting — usually, you can count on a rescheduling or two.
- Be aggressively sold to, with the rep explaining why their POS system is the best thing since sliced bread. You’re in commission-territory, now.
But all of that? Yeah, that isn’t necessary.
Most product demos focus on the software, since this can be done virtually via pre-recorded overview videos and interactive product tours. Some high-end tools will let you schedule an in-person hardware demo, but this isn’t super common.
In the software demo, you'll either witness, or be able to test, core POS functions like processing a sale, adding inventory, and generating reports. Once you’re confident that the tool could work, you can reach out to the sales team to schedule a tailored demo in-person.
Importance of POS System Demos
It’s extremely hard to know how well a POS system is going to work for you until you see it in action. Demos change that.
- User Experience: A demo shows you the software's look and feel. You can gauge how intuitive the interface is and envision your team using it daily. This can boost adoption rates further down the line.
- Hands-on Exploration: Vendors highlight the POS system's main capabilities during a demo, such as inventory management, reporting, and customer loyalty tools. You'll see these features in action, but more importantly, be able to ask questions about specifics.
- Analyzing Customization: Demos also provide an opportunity to discuss customization options with the vendor so you can get a platform tailored to your needs.
- Integration Support: You can explore how the POS system integrates with other tools you use, such as accounting software or ecommerce platforms.
- Comparing Options: Demos let you try before you buy. This way, you can determine what’s most important, usable, and preferable.
- Vendor Relationships: Demos provide an opportunity to ask questions, express your concerns, and evaluate the level of support you can expect from the provider. You'll get a feel for what they will be like as a partner.
- Stakeholder Approval: Including other stakeholders in demos helps ensure everyone is on the same page.
Top POS System Providers Offering Demos
POS systems come in all shapes and sizes, with different software and hardware components, transaction charges, and implementation processes. Here are 6 of the top POS systems offering demos you can access, to kick-start your research process:
Square
With no long-term contracts, hidden fees, or expensive hardware requirements, Square offers a flexible and affordable POS system used by 64 million businesses across the globe. It features integrated tools for inventory management, customer engagement, and online sales. You can manage multiple locations, accept contactless payments using a wide range of methods, and access tailored ecommerce tools like website builders and loyalty programs.
Key Features
- Social Sales: Square enables you to sell on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
- Integrated Payments: With Square, you can securely accept all major credit cards, digital wallets, and contactless payments. Funds are typically deposited the next business day.
- Customer Directory: Square automatically creates customer profiles with each transaction. You can view purchase history, send targeted promotions, and encourage repeat business with a loyalty program.
- Reporting and Analytics: Square's Dashboard provides valuable insights into your sales, customers, and inventory. You can access real-time data and generate reports to make informed business decisions.
Benefits
- Affordable Pricing: Square has a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with no long-term contracts or monthly fees. You only pay a flat rate per transaction, making it easy to budget for payment processing. However, you do have to pay for any specific add-ons you want separately.
- Easy to Use: Square POS is designed with simplicity in mind. The intuitive interface means you can get up and running quickly, with minimal staff training required. That said, there are plenty of useful resources to help you get started.
- Scalable Solutions: Square offers a range of hardware options and software add-ons, so you can customize your POS system to fit your specific needs. From multiple terminal models to chip readers to invoice management and appointment scheduling tools, Square makes it easy to scale your POS as your business grows.
How to Request a Demo
To see Square POS in action, you can take a look at the interactive demo available on the website first. You can also request a tailored demo by clicking on the “Contact Sales” button in the top navigation bar of the Square POS website.
Toast
Toast is a cloud-based, mobile-friendly POS system designed specifically for the restaurant industry. With a focus on streamlining operations while enhancing the guest experience, Toast combines features like restaurant menu management, tableside ordering support, and online food delivery to serve the modern needs of the food service industry.
Key Features
- Powerful Reporting Tools: Toast's powerful reporting tools provide real-time insights into sales, labor, and menu performance. Identify top-selling items, optimize staffing, and make data-driven decisions to improve profitability.
- Menu Management: Easily update menus across multiple locations, make real-time price adjustments, and create time-specific menus for different dayparts and special promotions.
- Online Ordering: Expand your reach and revenue streams with Toast's built-in online ordering and delivery capabilities. Manage website, mobile app, and third-party platform orders from a single system.
- Contactless Dining Options: Contactless ordering and payment options, like Toast's mobile ordering, QR code menus, and pay-at-the-table functionality, mean you can cut down on serving staff, without sacrificing customer service.
- Inventory and Waste Management: Track inventory levels in real-time, set up low-stock alerts, and generate waste tracking reports. Toast's inventory management tools help you control costs and reduce waste, without making you run out of ingredients.
Benefits
- Accuracy and Efficiency: Toast's intuitive interface and tableside ordering capabilities reduce errors and streamline communication between the front and back of house. Staff can focus on delivering exceptional service, while the kitchen receives orders promptly and accurately.
- Experience Focus: With features like mobile ordering, contactless payments, and a loyalty program, Toast enables restaurants to provide a modern and personalized dining experience. Engage guests, encourage repeat visits, and build lasting relationships.
- Performance Analytics: Powerful reporting and analytics give you a clear picture of your restaurant's performance. Identify areas for improvement, make informed decisions, and track the impact of your strategies over time.
How to Request a Demo
Requesting a demo with Toast is a simple process. Sales-y, but simple. Visit the Toast POS website and click on the “Get a Demo” button at the top. You’ll have to fill out a form with your restaurant's information — name, email, phone number, and location — then a representative will then reach out to schedule a personalized demo.
Shopify POS
Shopify POS is a point-of-sale system that easily integrates with, you guessed it, your Shopify store. With real-time inventory syncing, customer data tracking, and advanced reporting features, Shopify is good for most retailers, but specifically useful for those with a focus on ecommerce.
Key Features
- Built-in Payment Processing: Accept all major payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets with Shopify's built-in payment processing tool, Shopify Payments.
- Checkout Customization: Tailor your POS checkout to your business needs with customizable quick keys, order notes, and customer fields. Create a smooth and efficient transaction process for your staff and customers.
- Multi-location Inventory Management: Track stock levels, set up low-stock alerts, and manage inventory across 1000+ locations. Shopify POS keeps your inventory in sync.
- CRM Features: Build detailed customer profiles with contact information, purchase history, and notes. Use this data to personalize marketing efforts and deliver targeted promotions at scale.
Benefits
- POS Automation: With Shopify POS, you can manage your entire business from a single platform. Streamline operations, reduce manual tasks, and gain a holistic view of your retail performance.
- Lots of Hardware Options: Choose from a range of Shopify POS hardware, including card readers, receipt printers, and cash drawers, to build a custom setup that fits your store's needs. Enjoy easy setup and reliable performance with a 99.9% uptime guarantee across the Shopify platform.
- Sell Anywhere: With mobile POS capabilities, you can process transactions and manage your business from any location. This makes life easier for your sales agents in the field, at events, or on the shop floor.
How to Request a Demo
You can go straight to the Demo page on the Shopify POS website, but they’ll still need your info before you can watch the demo. Fill out the form with your business details, including your name, email, annual in-store revenue, and current locations, then you get access.
Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS for retailers, with a presence in more than 100 countries at 165K+ locations. You get powerful analytics, a built-in marketing suite, and 24/7 support on top of an already efficient retail POS. Lightspeed also offers an open API for easy integration with any number of small business software. As an aside, Lightspeed Capital also offers several financing options for new entrepreneurs struggling with cash flow.
Key Features
- iOS-based Point of Sale: Lightspeed's iPad-based POS is easy to learn and use, enabling staff to process transactions quickly and efficiently. The customizable layout allows you to tailor the interface to your specific needs.
- Integrated Ecommerce: Lightspeed's built-in ecommerce platform allows you to create a beautiful online store with over 60 customizable templates. From there, you can sync your in-store and online inventory for omnichannel tracking.
- B2B Catalog: Save time and ensure accurate product data by importing key information from thousands of popular suppliers directly into your POS with Lightspeed's B2B Catalog feature.
- Open API: Build custom integrations with third-party applications to support your unique business workflows. Or access native integrations with top vendors like BigCommerce, MailChimp, Homebase, and Podium.
Benefits
- Unified Retail Operations: Lightspeed Retail simplifies and automates various aspects of running a retail business, from inventory management to sales reporting. This allows you to free your team from cumbersome tasks to focus on growing your business and providing excellent customer service.
- Scalable Solutions: The program is able to grow at… Lightspeed (I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself). Whether you're expanding to new locations or adding an online sales channel, the platform provides the tools you need to manage your operations effectively.
- Enterprise Onboarding: Looking for a white-glove solution for implementing your POS at scale? Lightspeed offers enterprise plans where it takes care of all the heavy-lifting so you can get started with your new POS system as soon as possible.
How to Request a Demo
Lightspeed Retail offers a 3-minute pre-recorded demo that you can access directly from their website by clicking on the “Watch a demo” button. But if you’re interested in exploring the offerings at length, you can also request a free trial of the POS software to check out at your own convenience, without interruption from sales representatives.
Heartland Retail
Heartland Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale system for multichannel and multi-store retail management. The software is particularly well-suited for soft goods retailers, such as apparel, footwear, home goods, and gift shops. It offers inventory tracking, ecommerce support, customer relationship management, and detailed analytics for all aspects of the sales journey.
Key Features
- Customizable Reporting: Gain valuable insights into your sales, inventory, and customer behavior with Heartland's reporting features. Create custom reports and dashboards to monitor key metrics and make data-driven decisions.
- Built-in CRM Tools: Foster customer loyalty with Heartland Retail's integrated CRM functionality. Capture customer data, create personalized profiles, and segment your audience for targeted marketing campaigns.
- Mobile POS: Heartland Retail is compatible with various hardware setups, including iPads, Android devices, and traditional POS terminals. The software's mobile capabilities enable you to serve customers and process transactions anywhere in your store.
Benefits
- Detailed Customer Insights: Build detailed customer profiles with contact information, purchase history, and custom fields. With rich data captured at every touchpoint, Heartland Retail's customer dashboard provides insights to help you engage with your customers personally and build lasting relationships.
- Integrated Payments: Navigating the payment processing world is one of the most frustrating aspects of running an ecommerce business. With Heartland, you have access to a PCI-compliant payment processing built into your POS from the get-go.
- Accessibility Focus: Heartland Retail is refreshingly one of the few POS vendors that wear its focus on accessibility on its sleeve. Its software is designed for ADA compliance, with support for multiple languages for businesses with diverse workforces.
How to Request a Demo
Unfortunately — but not surprising for an enterprise product — Heartland does not offer an easily accessible pre-recorded or interactive product demo directly through its website. Instead, you must contact the sales team directly to request a one-on-one demo over video conferencing. Heartland also offers an interactive quotation builder where you can input your requirements to get an estimate of what you might have to pay.
Clover
Clover is a cloud-based POS system that offers solutions for a wide range of businesses, from retail stores to restaurants. With its user-friendly interface, customizable hardware options, and extensive app market, Clover is designed to be able to meet your needs whether you’re a small boutique or a multi-location enterprise. Plus, having access to a 24/7 concierge-style support team comes very handy when you’re implementing a POS for the first time.
Key Features
- Extensive App Market: Customize your Clover POS system with over 400 apps that seamlessly integrate with your setup. Find tools for employee scheduling, payroll, marketing, and more to optimize your business operations.
- Hardware Choices: Clover offers a range of hardware devices including countertop POS systems, handheld devices, and mobile card readers, allowing you to customize your kit in a way that best suits your business.
- Phone Support: Clover offers 24/7/365 phone support with dedicated helpline numbers across the US, UK, and EU. You also have access to a range of self-help resources like FAQs, tutorials, and a knowledge base.
Benefits
- Enhanced Security: Clover prioritizes data protection and transaction security with end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and PCI compliance, giving you and your customers peace of mind. The Clover Flex, in particular, features fingerprint sensors and integrated NFC chip readers for added security layers.
- Customer Engagement: With built-in customer management tools, you can easily capture customer data, track purchase history, and create targeted marketing campaigns to drive repeat business and boost customer loyalty. Features like digital receipts, feedback management, and loyalty programs help deliver personalized experiences.
- Employee Management: Worried about how well your employees are adapting to the new POS? Assign user roles and permissions, track employee hours and performance, and streamline communication with built-in scheduling and time-tracking features.
How to Request a Demo
Another sales pipeline, unfortunately. Gotta respect the hustle though, I guess. There’s no on-demand product demo you can access online, but if you follow the site’s instructions, a consultant should get in touch to help you see the product in action.
How To Choose the Right POS System
With over 200 POS systems available in the market, each offering a unique blend of features and capabilities, it’d be understandable to have some hesitation. If you need some help making the right choice, here’s a list of deciding factors to consider, and how to compare the vendors I listed above.
Factors to Consider
- Industry Requirements: Different industries have unique needs when it comes to POS functionality. For example, a restaurant may require table management and menu customization, while a retail store may prioritize inventory tracking and customer loyalty programs.
- Scalability: POS systems should be able to grow with you. Consider your long-term goals and choose a system that can accommodate future expansion, whether that means adding new locations, sales channels, or product lines.
- Integration Support: Data is the backbone of your sales department. Look for a POS provider that offers lots of integrations, so you can avoid data silos and manual data entry. If they offer a custom API or integrate with an iPaaS vendor like Zapier or Make, that’s even better.
- User Experience: Rolling out a new POS system is always a challenge, but having an intuitive layout and easy-to-navigate menus can make it that much easier to train your managers and staff. Also consider the level of customer support offered by the provider, including access to support agents, resources, and a user community.
- Pricing: The white whale of decisions. POS systems come with various pricing structures, from one-time hardware purchases to monthly software subscriptions to transaction fees for payment processing. Don’t take the first number you hear as final; look through all costs before making your decision.
Comparing Features and Benefits
| POS System | Key Differentiators | Industry Focus | Deployment | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square | Affordable, transparent pricing Intuitive, user-friendly interface Robust feature set that scales | Retail, Restaurants, Services | Cloud-based | Phone, email, live chat, self-serve knowledge base |
| Toast | Purpose-built for foodservice Strong inventory management Integrated online ordering & delivery | Restaurants, Bars, Cafés, Bakeries | Cloud-based | 24/7 phone, email, live chat |
| Shopify POS | Seamless online/offline integration Extensive ecommerce capabilities Large app marketplace | Retail, Quick-Service, Pop-up Shops | Cloud-based | 24/7 phone, email, live chat |
| Lightspeed Retail | Advanced inventory management Highly customizable Omnichannel sales support | Retail | Cloud-based & offline | 24/7 phone, email, live chat |
| Heartland Retail | B2B Catalog for streamlined ordering Powerful reporting & analytics Multi-store inventory management | Retail | Cloud-based | Phone, email, live chat, dedicated account manager |
| Clover | Modular, customizable hardware Extensive app market Offline payment processing | Retail, Restaurants, Services, | Cloud-based & offline | Phone, email, live chat, self-serve knowledge base |
If You Want Our Opinion...
These are the best POS systems you can get right now. Our team reviewed the options and — despite not being the “most popular” — these were the 10 tools that performed best.
Subscribe For More POS Insights
When you’re implementing a POS system from scratch, you’re likely to run into many challenges on the way. At times like this, having access to a library of expert resources to guide you could not be overstated.
Subscribe to our free newsletter for expert advice, guides, and insights from finance leaders shaping the tech industry.
