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SHOPIFY POS

How high are Shopify POS costs compared to other cash register systems?

Find out how high Shopify POS costs really are, what transaction fees, hardware and additional costs are involved and how you can cleverly save costs. Here you can find an overview of all Shopify POS costs: We compare plans, transaction fees, hardware and hidden costs with other cash register systems and give tips for efficient cost control.

POS costs at a glance: What expenses retailers really expect

At first glance, the costs of a cash register system often seem manageable: a monthly fee, maybe a card reader — that's it. But if you take a closer look, you quickly notice that actual expenditure consists of many individual items. Subscriptions, transaction fees, hardware, additional features, and hidden ancillary costs can significantly change the price of a system.

Just Shopify POS is often advertised as a flexible all-in-one solution, particularly for retailers with online and stationary sales. In this article, we take a transparent look at Shopify POS plans, fees, and hidden costsso you can make an informed decision for your business.

Shopify POS cost overview

Shopify POS isn't a standalone checkout system, but part of the Shopify ecosystem. This means that the costs consist of several components, which must be considered together. Depending on the business model, these can weigh very differently.

a) Shopify plans & POS software

Basically is Shopify POS Lite included with every Shopify store. This means that anyone who already runs a Shopify online shop can process sales in brick-and-mortar stores without additional software costs. The monthly costs are then based on the selected Shopify plan (such as Basic or Advanced).

For retailers with higher requirements, there is Shopify POS Pro. This paid addition significantly expands the checkout functionality, for example by:

  • detailed employee rights and roles
  • advanced inventory management across multiple locations
  • more comprehensive reports and analyses
  • optimized workflows for branch businesses
  • the ability to customize the printed document

Shopify POS Pro is per location settled, which is a relevant cost factor, especially if there are several branches.

b) Transaction fees

In addition to the software, every payment falls Transaction fees on. Their amount depends on:

  • Which Shopify plan you're using
  • Whether you Shopify Payments use or an external payment provider

With Shopify Payments, the fees are usually within the normal market range. If you opt for an external payment provider, Shopify itself does not charge any additional fees per transaction when selling locally. The billing is then processed via the external payment service provider and not via Shopify. This is particularly interesting for markets where Shopify Payments is not yet available. Customers with long-term contracts and conditions also choose to use a third-party terminal with Shopify POS from time to time.

c) Hardware costs

Shopify POS doesn't work without suitable hardware. These include:

  • card reader
  • Point-of-sale terminals or tablets
  • Receipt printer, scanner and cash drawer

These costs usually fall one-time but can vary significantly depending on the equipment and number of cash desks. Positive: Shopify POS is gradually opening up compatibility for other third-party devices, so retailers are not necessarily bound to expensive complete sets. Since 2025, it has been possible to use all HID Bluetooth scanners with Shopify POS.

d) Ongoing additional costs

In addition to the obvious costs, there may be other expenses, such as:

  • paid apps (e.g. for loyalty programs or accounting)
  • additional user accounts
  • additional user accounts
  • Support or extension features

These items often seem small but add up over months and years. Shopify POS costs are transparent, but heavily depend on the individual setup. Only the combination of Shopify plan, POS variant, payment processing and hardware shows how high the actual costs in everyday life really are.

Tips for optimising costs with Shopify POS

Shopify POS costs can be reduced in a targeted manner if you take into account a few simple strategies. This not only saves you money, but also ensures that your cash register system works efficiently and sustainably.

a) Choose the right Shopify POS plan

Not every store needs Shopify POS Pro. For small shops or sole proprietors, the included lite version is often sufficient. This saves you the additional monthly fees per location. However, retailers in the DACH region should comply with the obligation to fiscalization/TSE. Here, the printed document must be adjusted, a feature that is only available in the POS Pro plan.

b) Use Shopify Payments

Use Shopify Payments to bundle all card providers in one contract. So you only have one bill and can use services such as Pathway Completely automate your bookkeeping.

c) Select hardware consciously

Instead of buying expensive complete sets, it is always important to adapt the setup to the store's requirements. Not every shop necessarily needs an expensive receipt printer. Here, Shopify already offers the option of sending receipts via email or SMS. There are also various card terminals, as a budget version and as a high-end device with an integrated letter display. Plan the Shopify POS hardware costs realistically — especially if you need multiple registers.

d) Use add-ons & apps strategically

Install Shopify POS add-ons such as loyalty programs or reporting apps only when they are necessary and fit into your overall marketing strategy. Each additional service has a monthly cost. Targeted selection reduces long-term POS additional costs.

e) Train employees and standardize processes

Good familiarization saves time and prevents errors. In this way, POS costs are offset in the long term through training, as there are fewer returns, errors or duplicate bookings.

Conclusion

If you want to optimize Shopify POS costs, you should rely on the right plan, the integration of Shopify Payments, hardware-friendly solutions, targeted add-ons and efficient training. This not only saves you money, but also ensures that your POS system really supports instead of charging.

Shopify POS costs overview

Shopify POS costs consist of several components: the softwares (POS Lite or POS Pro), the Transaction fees, who POS hardware, Add-Ons and trainings. Anyone who only looks at the monthly subscription fee often overlooks hidden costs that can significantly increase the price in the long term.

Compared to other cash register systems such as Square, Lightspeed or classic POS systems, Shopify POS scores particularly well thanks to Integration of offline and online retail, flexible scaling and the ability to efficiently manage POS costs. Merchants can save costs by choosing the right plan, using Shopify Payments, purchasing hardware consciously and only installing necessary add-ons.

Tip: Plan your POS costs longterm, consider all fees — from transactions to hardware — and check which features you really need. This ensures that your Shopify POS system is both cost-effective and powerful.

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Get started safely with the Shopify POS system

A successful POS system requires more than just hardware. We support you in selecting devices, setting them up, configuring data and system settings, and training your team. This ensures that your POS runs smoothly right from the start—and we remain a reliable partner for your business even after go-live.

Person scannt ein Produkt mit einem Handscanner vor einem Tablet auf einem Tisch, daneben Kartenlesegerät; Kartenzahlung wird mit Karte an einem Kartenlesegerät durchgeführt.Person bedient ein Kassensystem mit Scanner und kontaktlosem Bezahlterminal, umgeben von weiteren Zahlungsgeräten und Beschriftungen Beratung, Einrichtung und Schulungen.
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Our Shopify POS services — fully set up, personally supervised

Individual advice & device selection

We'll find the right POS solution for your business — including hardware, setup and clear recommendations. Ready to go even without an online shop, with potential for more.

Data migration & system setup

We set up your POS: products, taxes, receipts, Fiscalization — everything is correct and complete. Also ideal for retailers without an existing Shopify store.

Staff training on site & ongoing support

Your team will be trained by us — comprehensible and practical. After that, we will continue to be by your side for support, optimization and new functions in everyday life.

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Shopify POS hardware FAQ

The most common questions & answers about Shopify POS hardware

What devices do I need for Shopify POS?

To get started, you need an iPad or Android tablet, a card reader, a receipt printer and possibly a cash drawer. We'll help you choose the right hardware for your business.

Does Shopify POS also work with my existing hardware?

Partially — some devices are compatible, others aren't. We'll check for you which hardware can be seamlessly integrated so that your POS system runs smoothly.

Do I need internet for Shopify POS?

Yes, an Internet connection is required for most features. However, your POS can also record offline sales and automatically synchronize them as soon as a connection is reconnected.

Can I use multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, Shopify POS supports multiple tablets and card readers at the same time, ideal for teams or multiple checkout stations.

What happens when a device fails?

We will advise you on backup solutions and replacement devices so that your sales continue even if there are hardware problems.

How easy is it to set up the hardware?

We take care of the entire set-up — from device installation to system settings — so your team can get started right away.

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