You're ready to open a Shopify store that will also sell in a physical shop, but you don't know which point‑of‑sale (POS) hardware to buy. The key decision is matching the hardware to your sales volume, budget, and internet setup while staying within Shopify's plan requirements.
Referral disclosure: Nextpath Solutions may receive a referral fee if you create a Shopify account through these links.
Direct answer: Pick the hardware that fits your daily transaction count, connectivity, and budget, then verify that your Shopify plan supports it.
In practice this means:
- Identify your expected in‑store sales volume and required payment methods.
- Choose a Shopify‑approved device (iPad Retail Kit, Tap & Chip Reader, or compatible third‑party terminal) that meets those needs.
- Calculate the one‑time purchase cost and any recurring fees (card‑processing, optional accessories, or software add‑ons).
- Confirm that your Shopify plan (Basic, Shopify, or Advanced) includes POS access and that the device works with your local card networks.
If any step fails, you either need a different device, a higher‑tier plan, or a supplemental internet solution.
1. Shopify POS hardware options you can choose from
Shopify sells a small, well‑documented set of devices that integrate out of the box. They fall into three categories:
- Shopify Retail Kit – An iPad (9.7" or 10.2") plus the Shopify Tap & Chip Reader. Ideal for stores that want a full screen, inventory‑aware checkout.
- Shopify Tap & Chip Reader – A standalone Bluetooth card reader that pairs with any iPhone, iPad, or Android device running the Shopify POS app. Good for low‑volume pop‑ups or side‑by‑side sales.
- Shopify Chip & Swipe Reader – A wired reader for merchants who prefer a fixed terminal on a countertop.
Third‑party terminals (e.g., Square, SumUp) can be used, but they require separate integration steps and may not sync inventory automatically.
2. Understanding total cost – one‑time purchase vs recurring fees
Break the budget into two buckets:
One‑time hardware purchase
- iPad (9.7") – approx. $329 (USD) for the base model.
- Tap & Chip Reader – approx. $79 each.
- Chip & Swipe Reader – approx. $49 each.
- Optional accessories (stand, barcode scanner, receipt printer) – $100‑$300 each.
Recurring costs
- Card‑processing fees – typically 2.6 % + $0.30 per transaction for Shopify Payments (rates vary by country).
- Shopify POS subscription – included with Basic, Shopify, and Advanced plans; no extra charge.
- Software add‑ons (e.g., loyalty apps, advanced inventory) – $10‑$30 per month per app.
When you add the hardware cost to the first month’s plan fee, you get a realistic upfront cash requirement.
3. Step‑by‑step decision process
- Confirm your Shopify plan eligibility. POS features are available on all paid plans, but the Basic plan limits you to one active POS device. If you need multiple registers, upgrade to the Shopify plan.
- Estimate daily in‑store transactions. Use a simple formula: average ticket size × expected transactions per day = daily POS volume. This helps decide between a single reader vs a full iPad kit.
- Check internet reliability. The iPad Retail Kit needs a stable Wi‑Fi connection. If your shop has spotty Wi‑Fi, consider a mobile hotspot or a wired Ethernet adapter.
- Match payment methods. Verify that the reader supports the card brands used in your market (Visa, Mastercard, local debit schemes). Shopify Payments lists supported networks per country.
- Calculate total upfront cost. Add hardware, first‑month plan fee, and any required accessories. Compare this against your cash reserve budget.
- Order a test device. Shopify allows a 30‑day return on hardware. Run a few test transactions before the grand opening.
- Document the setup. Write down device serial numbers, Wi‑Fi credentials, and a quick‑start guide for staff.
Realistic hypothetical example
Scenario: A fashion boutique in Karachi expects 30 sales per day, average ticket $45, and has a reliable Wi‑Fi router.
- Chosen plan: Basic Shopify ($29/month) – sufficient for one POS device.
- Hardware: iPad (9.7") $329 + Tap & Chip Reader $79 = $408 total.
- Monthly recurring: $29 plan fee + card‑processing (2.9 % + $0.30) ≈ $45 in fees based on $1,350 daily sales.
- First‑month cash outlay: $408 (hardware) + $29 (plan) = $437.
The boutique can cover the upfront cost from a modest cash reserve and will have a fully integrated POS that updates inventory in real time.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Buying a cheap, non‑Shopify reader. It may work for card payments but will not sync inventory. Fix: Stick to Shopify‑approved devices or invest in an integration app.
- Ignoring plan limits. Basic plan allows only one active device. If you need two checkout stations, upgrade before purchasing hardware.
- Overlooking internet outages. A POS without connectivity can’t process payments. Fix: Have a mobile hotspot backup or choose a wired Ethernet adapter for the iPad.
- Under‑budgeting for accessories. Receipt printers and barcode scanners add $100‑$200 each. Include them in your cash‑reserve calculation.
Practical checklist before you buy
- ☑ Verify your Shopify plan (Basic or higher) and device limit.
- ☑ Estimate daily transaction volume and average ticket size.
- ☑ List required payment methods and confirm reader compatibility.
- ☑ Assess Wi‑Fi stability; plan for a hotspot if needed.
- ☑ Calculate total upfront cost (hardware + first‑month plan).
- ☑ Add recurring fees (processing, optional apps) to monthly cash flow.
- ☑ Order a test device and run a few trial sales.
- ☑ Document device serial numbers and staff training steps.
FAQs
Do I need a paid Shopify plan to use POS?
Yes. POS is included with all paid plans (Basic, Shopify, Advanced). The Basic plan limits you to one active device.
Can I use a third‑party card reader?
Technically you can, but inventory sync and receipt printing require additional apps, and you lose the seamless Shopify Payments experience.
What happens if my internet goes down during a sale?
The Shopify POS app works in offline mode for up to 30 days of sales, but you cannot process card payments without connectivity. A mobile hotspot or a wired connection mitigates this risk.
Conclusion – what to do next
Start by confirming your Shopify plan and estimating your in‑store sales volume. Choose the hardware that matches those numbers, add the one‑time cost to your cash‑reserve budget, and verify internet reliability. If any step feels uncertain—especially plan limits or local card‑network support—reach out to a Shopify support representative or a local e‑commerce consultant before committing to a purchase.
Following the checklist above will give you a clear, cost‑aware path to a functional POS setup, letting you focus on serving customers rather than troubleshooting hardware surprises on launch day.