In the present day, all businesses have multiple payment methods to choose from for their checkout process. While the case is no different for brick-and-mortar stores, the two most common options prevalent are traditional POS systems and mobile payment apps.
Both promise faster checkouts, safer transactions, and happier customers, but which one is really best for your shop?
What is a POS System?
Point of Sale (POS) is a hardware and software combination that manages sales transactions, inventory, databases, and reports. Modern POS systems often include:
- Touchscreen terminals or tablets
- Card readers (chip, swipe, tap)
- Receipt printers and cash drawers
- Built-in reporting and analytics
- Inventory and employee management tools
What Are Mobile Payment Apps?
Mobile payment applications offer the option for businesses to accept payments anywhere using a smartphone or tablet without the need for expensive hardware. Features often include:
- Simple app-based interfaces
- Quick setup with minimal equipment
- Digital receipts and basic reporting
- Great for pop-up shops, markets, or on-the-run businesses
Key Differences Between POS Systems and Mobile Payment Apps
1. Cost
- POS systems: Costly to set up but scalable in the long run.
- Mobile apps: Affordable start-up costs; transaction-based pay model.
2. Hardware & Setup
- POS systems: Require hardware and sometimes professional installation.
- Mobile apps: Run on smartphones/tablets, ideal for businesses that are on the go.
3. Features & Functionality
- POS systems: Advanced features like inventory tracking, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting.
- Mobile apps: Basic payment acceptance; limited advanced tools.
4. Scalability
- POS systems: For multi-location tracking, high transaction volume.
- Mobile apps: Ideal for smaller projects, interim solutions.
5. Customer Experience
- POS systems: Professional checkout experience with faster processing.
- Mobile apps: Easier and more user-friendly, but less professional-looking.
Which One Should In-Person Stores Choose?
Choose POS systems if:
- You have a physical retail location.
- You need tools to manage the inventory and staff.
- You expect high transaction volumes and need detailed reports.
Choose mobile payment apps if:
- You’re running pop-ups, farmers markets, or low-volume sales.
- You want less upfront costs and mobile payment options.
- You’re testing the market before committing to a retail setup.
Hybrid Approach: Can You Use Both?
Definitely a great move for many business owners. With a hybrid payment setup, you can have a full-blown POS system in your store for everything from daily operations, inventory management, staff to promotions, and fast checkout, while keeping mobile payment apps on hand for flexibility.
For example:
- A retail store may rely on POS at the counter, but use mobile apps at pop-up events, farmers markets, or trade shows.
- A sit-down restaurant can use a POS to accommodate both dine-in service and mobile payments for curbside pickup or delivery drivers.
- Service providers can accept client-side, mobile payments without the obligation of carrying all the hardware.
This gives you the flexibility to ring up sales wherever they happen, maintain consistent records across channels, and avoid paying for extra POS hardware when it isn’t needed, all while giving your customers a seamless experience.
Conclusion
There are many benefits of POS systems and mobile payment apps. The perfect option depends on the size of your store, how you plan to grow, and what your customers expect. For established brick-and-mortar retailers, POS systems often deliver more value. For smaller, mobile-first businesses, apps may be the smarter start.
With RapidCents, you don’t have to choose; you can combine both for a flexible payment solution that grows with your business.
All-in-One Platform
POS Terminals
Online Payment Gateway
