Categories   >   Merchant Service Providers
Last Reviewed: November 18th, 2024

Best Merchant Service Providers

What are Merchant Service Providers?

Merchant Service Providers (MSPs) offer the vital service of processing debit and credit card transactions, thereby facilitating seamless business operations. They essentially provide businesses the ability to accept electronic payments, solving challenges like slow transactions, bounced checks, and cumbersome cash handling. The ability to provide swift, hassle-free payment options enhances customer experience and can substantially boost sales. Key functionalities include payment processing, payment gateway provision, payment security, and comprehensive reporting. With constant banking innovations, MSPs are now also offering advanced features like mobile payments, EMV/Contactless payments, and cryptocurrency acceptance. MSPs are generally leveraged by businesses across sectors, especially those inclined towards eCommerce. Yet, the road is not without potential bumps; choosing a reliable and cost-effective provider can be daunting, while ensuring PCI-DSS compliance and managing dispute resolution can be complex. Nevertheless, with their ability to accelerate transactions and ensure revenue flow, MSPs are a lynchpin in today's increasingly cashless commerce world.

What Are The Key Benefits of Merchant Service Providers?

  • Seamless payment processing
  • Enhanced sales potential
  • Secure transactions
  • Comprehensive transaction reporting
  • Flexible payment options
  • Efficient cash management
  • Mobile payment facilitation
  • Contactless payment acceptance
  • Cryptocurrency processing capability
  • Boosted customer experience
Read more

Overall

Based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub for 33 solutions, we determined the following solutions are the best Merchant Service Providers overall:

Clover
Clover
Start Price
$0.10
Per Transaction, 2.3% Flat Rate
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Clover

Clover shines for its user-friendly interface and extensive app marketplace, winning praise for its ease of use and flexibility. "It took my new employee barely a day to get comfortable with the system," one restaurant owner shared. Users rave about the ability to customize Clover with industry-specific apps, like a salon owner who added online booking, saying it "streamlined appointments and boosted customer satisfaction." However, Clover's appeal may wane as businesses scale. Some users feel constrained by the reporting capabilities, wishing for the deeper customization offered by competitors like Shopify POS. "Clover reports were too basic for analyzing my inventory trends," noted one retailer. Additionally, transaction fees for high-volume businesses can become a sticking point compared to more cost-effective options like Stripe. Finally, some users caution about potential hardware lock-in, where switching to different POS systems or even upgrading within Clover can be expensive due to incompatible hardware. This can be a deal-breaker for businesses unsure about their long-term needs. Overall, Clover excels for smaller businesses or those prioritizing ease of use and app integrations. However, its limitations in reporting, fee structure, and hardware flexibility become more apparent as businesses grow, pushing them towards more powerful and scalable POS solutions. Ultimately, the choice boils down to prioritizing user-friendliness and flexibility in the early stages versus advanced features and scalability as a business matures.

Pros & Cons

  • Ease of use: Praised for its intuitive interface and touchscreen operation, enabling quick learning and adoption for new employees, saving training time and boosting efficiency.
  • App customization: Users love the vast app marketplace offering industry-specific integrations and features, like appointment booking for salons or online ordering for restaurants, tailoring Clover to unique business needs.
  • Data-driven insights: Detailed sales reports and inventory tracking are seen as game-changers, providing valuable data to optimize operations, identify marketing opportunities, and make informed business decisions.
  • Reliable hardware: Users appreciate the quality and durability of Clover hardware, minimizing downtime and disruptions during peak hours, with features like offline payments ensuring service even without internet.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Clover's ability to adapt to growing businesses is a plus, with various hardware options and plan upgrades facilitating smooth transitions as transaction volume and business needs increase.
  • Higher monthly fees for high volume: While competitive for low-volume businesses, Clover's transaction fees and higher-tier plan costs can become significant for businesses processing large volumes, making other options like Stripe potentially more cost-effective.
  • Limited reporting customization: Users with complex reporting needs may find Clover's report customization options insufficient, lacking the depth and flexibility offered by dedicated business intelligence tools or high-end POS systems.
  • Potential hardware lock-in: Some features require specific Clover hardware, making switching to other POS systems or even upgrading within Clover potentially expensive as existing hardware may not be compatible.
  • Occasional app limitations: While the app marketplace is vast, certain industry-specific features or integrations may be missing, requiring workarounds or alternative solutions if Clover doesn't fully address a specific business need.
  • Steeper learning curve for complex features: While basic operations are user-friendly, advanced features like inventory management or employee roles can require more training and familiarization, potentially slowing down adoption for some users.

Key Features

  • Intuitive interface: Easy-to-use touchscreen interface for quick navigation and efficient transactions.
  • Payment processing: Accepts major credit cards, debit cards, contactless payments, gift cards, and more.
  • Inventory management: Track stock levels, set alerts, and generate purchase orders to optimize inventory control.
  • Employee management: Track employee hours, assign permissions, and manage payroll with ease.
  • Sales reporting: Generate detailed sales reports to track revenue, analyze trends, and make informed business decisions.
  • Customer management: Store customer information, track purchase history, and create loyalty programs to foster customer relationships.
  • App marketplace: Access a wide range of third-party apps to extend Clover's functionality and cater to specific business needs.
  • Hardware options: Choose from various terminals, card readers, and printers to create a custom POS setup that suits your business.
  • Mobile app: Manage your business on the go with Clover's mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
  • Cloud-based: Access data and manage your POS system from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Security: Protects sensitive customer data with industry-leading security measures.
  • Customer support: Offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and online resources.
Toast
Toast
Start Price
$69
Per Terminal, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Toast

Toast garners praise for its user-friendly interface, robust reporting, and mobile capabilities, making it a popular choice for restaurants of various sizes. Users appreciate its intuitive design, which simplifies training and streamlines daily operations compared to competitors like Square and Lightspeed POS. Toast's extensive reporting, often highlighted as superior to competitors, empowers data-driven decision-making by offering detailed insights into sales, labor, and customer behavior. Additionally, the ability to manage orders and payments tableside using mobile devices sets Toast apart, enhancing staff flexibility and customer service during peak hours.

However, concerns arise regarding Toast's pricing structure, customization options, and technical glitches. The multi-tiered pricing, perceived as more complex than competitors, can become expensive for businesses with specific needs or multiple locations. While Toast offers various features, users sometimes find them less customizable than those in competitors like Revel Systems, restricting their ability to tailor the system to their unique workflows. Occasional technical issues and reported long wait times for customer support raise concerns about reliability compared to competitors known for their robust technical support, such as Micros.

Ultimately, Toast's strengths in user-friendliness, reporting, and mobility resonate with many users, but its pricing complexity, limited customization, and potential technical issues demand careful consideration. Deciding factors often boil down to individual business needs, budget constraints, and desired level of customization. Weighing Toast's strengths against its potential drawbacks alongside competitor offerings becomes crucial for making an informed decision.

Pros & Cons

  • Intuitive interface: Users consistently praise Toast's easy-to-learn and navigate interface, with clear menus, large buttons, and simple workflows, making it accessible for staff of all technical levels.
  • Robust reporting: Toast's comprehensive reporting tools provide valuable insights into sales, inventory, labor costs, customer behavior, and more, empowering data-driven decision-making.
  • Mobile flexibility: Staff can take orders, process payments, and manage tables directly from tablets or smartphones, enhancing tableside service and flexibility during busy periods.
  • Reliable payment processing: Users commend Toast's integrated payment processing for its speed, reliability, and security, ensuring smooth transactions and minimizing downtime.
  • Scalability for growth: Toast's ability to accommodate multiple locations, expanding menus, and growing staff needs makes it a popular choice for businesses with expansion plans.
  • Pricing complexity: Users express frustration with Toast's tiered pricing structure, which can become confusing and expensive, especially for businesses with multiple locations or add-on features.
  • Limited customization: Some users find Toast's customization options for menus, reporting, and workflows to be somewhat restrictive, hindering their ability to tailor the system to unique business processes.
  • Technical glitches: Users occasionally report software glitches, hardware issues, or slow performance during peak hours, leading to temporary disruptions in operations.
  • Customer support wait times: While Toast offers 24/7 support, users sometimes experience long wait times for phone assistance or delayed responses to inquiries, causing frustration when urgent issues arise.
  • Inventory management limitations: Users with complex inventory needs, such as multiple suppliers or intricate recipe tracking, find Toast's inventory management capabilities to be somewhat basic and lacking in advanced features.

Key Features

  • Online Ordering: Allow guests to order food online for takeout and delivery, schedule orders in advance, access the online menu and make contactless payments. Receive new orders directly in the restaurant’s point of sale system, customize the online ordering page, access customer insights and request guest feedback to modify services. 
  • Gift Cards and Rewards: Boost customer influx and increase revenue by selling modern e-Gift Cards. Allow users to text or email cards for in-store and online purchases. Check card balance and schedule gift cards in advance to build relationships with customers. Sell customized physical gift cards and review detailed reports on gift card sales. 
  • Expedited Delivery: Create an on-demand delivery network with local drivers at a single per-order fee. Simplify the process with real-time order tracking and advance scheduling, online payment options and review restaurant services based on customer behavior with reporting and analytics. 
  • Email Marketing: Improve communication and drive customer retention with emails. Run targeted promotions, increase revenue, automate outreach and campaigns, create custom email lists, run A/B tests to refine communication, and send customized messages to deepen brand loyalty. 
  • Self-help Services: Accelerate the online ordering experience with self-help kiosks. Leverage quick restaurant service, reduce wait times and increase staff productivity. Offer a personalized dining experience with order add-ons, SMS notifications and real-time menu updates. 
  • Workspace Management: Facilitate efficient team regulation with a centralized labor management system. Log and track work hours, monitor timesheets, calculate tips, ensure paycheck accuracy with automated wage recording, register new staff electronically and more. Get insight into employee performance with detailed reports and analytics. 
Mindbody
Mindbody
Start Price
$159
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Mindbody

Mindbody is a business management software designed for gyms, spas, salons and other businesses in the wellness industry. On the plus side, it offers an innovative user interface, calendar syncing, marketing and CRM integrations, and insightful reporting capabilities. It offers a dynamic booking and scheduling system to schedule group sessions, set appointments, sell retail products, manage staff hours and more.

Based on user reviews, the software faces frequent crashes and bug problems. Customer service executives are undertrained and take hours to respond. All things considered, Mindbody is an ideal solution for businesses in the yoga and fitness industry.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: The system offers a practical and innovative interface with quality graphics, according to 80% of users who reviewed this element.
  • Reporting: 60% of users who mentioned this feature said reporting tools are extensive and varied.
  • Functionality: 90% of users mentioning functionalities said the software offers great scheduling, booking and cancellation options.
  • Customer Service: The support executives are unresponsive, and wait times are long, according to 90% of users who reviewed this aspect.
  • Cost-Effective: 100% of users reviewing pricing found the software expensive.
  • Operating System: 90% of users reporting this element experienced frequent software crashes, outages and system bugs.

Key Features

  • Online Services: Manage and deliver services online for an enhanced customer experience. Organize virtual fitness classes, interact with clients using an AI receptionist, manage appointments, process digital payments and connect with members around the globe. Allow clients to schedule courses, access the content library, accept offers, drop reviews and more. 
  • Client Profiles: Automate and personalize services by managing individual profiles for staff members based on availability. Set the upper limit to the number of clients able to enroll in a given class, create automated waitlists, track remaining courses and allow online scheduling and payments. Access the client history, including past classes, membership status, signed contracts, waivers, invoices, due bills and more using the customer management tools. 
  • Payment Tools: Fast-track payments using multiple transaction options and seamless integration with third-party channels. Simplify the checkout process using software tools like the credit card magnetic reader, electronic cash drawer, barcode labels, thermal receipt printer and more. 
  • Mobile Application: Create a personalized mobile app to increase your brand exposure and broaden the customer experience. Boost client retention, engagement and spending and allow customers to book, schedule and access services directly from the phone. Send push notifications for deals and events announcements, cancellation notices and manage business operations on a single screen. 
  • Automated Customer Marketing: Send automatic emails and texts, create smart contact lists to deliver tailored messages and personalize marketing campaigns. Share announcements, request reviews, offer rewards, take feedback and run insightful reports to boost customer loyalty and retention. 
Lightspeed
Lightspeed
Start Price
$69
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Lightspeed

Lightspeed POS, a cloud-based solution catering to retail, hospitality, and service industries, garners mixed reviews from users. While lauded for its user-friendly interface, robust features, omnichannel capabilities, and seamless integrations, some find its pricing complex, offline functionality limited, and specific functionalities lacking.

Strengths that shine: Users consistently praise Lightspeed's intuitive interface, making it easy for both tech-savvy and less-experienced individuals to navigate. The vast feature set, encompassing inventory management, reporting, customer relationship management, and employee tools, caters to diverse business needs. Integrations with popular software like QuickBooks and Shopify streamline operations and data exchange. Notably, Lightspeed excels in omnichannel management, allowing businesses to manage online and physical stores seamlessly, a crucial strength in today's retail landscape.

Weaknesses to consider: The pricing structure, with tiered plans and additional fees for features like offline functionality, can be confusing for some users. The lack of true offline functionality can be a dealbreaker for businesses with unreliable internet or operating in remote areas. While the feature set is comprehensive, some users report limitations in specific areas like advanced inventory management, which might necessitate workarounds or third-party integrations.

Standing out from the crowd: Compared to competitors like Square POS and Shopify POS, Lightspeed offers a wider range of features and caters to more complex business needs. However, these strengths come at a higher price point. Ultimately, the choice between Lightspeed and its competitors boils down to individual business requirements and budget constraints.

In conclusion, Lightspeed POS is a feature-rich solution with a user-friendly interface, but its pricing structure and lack of true offline functionality can be drawbacks. If you prioritize omnichannel capabilities, extensive integrations, and a robust feature set, Lightspeed is worth considering. However, carefully evaluate your needs and budget against potential limitations before making a decision.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly Interface: Users consistently praise Lightspeed's intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and perform tasks efficiently, even with limited technical experience.
  • Robust Features: Lightspeed offers an extensive suite of features, addressing various business needs, including inventory management, sales reporting, customer relationship management, employee management, and omnichannel capabilities.
  • Integrations: The system integrates seamlessly with a wide range of popular third-party software, such as accounting, marketing, and e-commerce platforms, streamlining workflows and data exchange.
  • Omnichannel Functionality: Lightspeed excels in managing both online and in-store sales channels effectively, providing a unified experience for customers and streamlining operations across multiple touchpoints.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Users appreciate the comprehensive reporting tools that offer insights into sales trends, customer behavior, inventory levels, and employee performance, enabling data-driven decision-making.
  • Customer Support: Lightspeed offers multiple support channels, including phone, email, and online resources, with generally helpful and knowledgeable agents, providing assistance when needed.
  • Pricing Structure: Some users find the tiered pricing plans and add-on fees confusing, making it difficult to calculate accurate costs upfront.
  • Limited Offline Functionality: Reliance on an internet connection can be problematic for businesses with unreliable internet or those operating in remote areas.
  • Inventory Management Issues: Some users have reported challenges with inventory tracking accuracy, slow syncing across multiple locations, and a lack of advanced inventory features.
  • Customer Support Wait Times: While generally helpful, customer support can experience longer wait times during peak periods, leading to potential delays in resolving issues.
  • Steeper Learning Curve: The extensive feature set can be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, requiring a greater investment in training and onboarding.
  • Customization Limitations: Adapting the system to highly specific workflows or unique business models can be challenging without extensive workarounds or third-party integrations.

Key Features

  • E-Commerce: Set up an online store with customizable, mobile-friendly templates and built-in SEO tools. Sync inventories across all physical locations, purchase stock from the Lightspeed Supplier Market and sell units from a unified dashboard. Manage in-store appointments and Google local inventory ads from the POS system. 
  • Payment Processing: Complete sales with simple pricing, no hidden fees, a fast and secure checkout experience, and built-in PCI compliance and fraud detection. Process transactions with EMV-compatible terminals and accept all payment methods. Receive a dedicated expert’s assistance on dispute management and chargeback issues. Available only in the U.S; external integrations are required for payment processing in Canada, Australia and the U.K. 
  • Loyalty: Offer a point-based loyalty program with flexible reward tiers to incentivize customer loyalty and boost retention. Manage both in-store and online promotions and coupons while providing one-time special offers on birthdays or to VIP shoppers. Boost custom marketing campaigns with seasonal promotions and auto-segment customers based on their purchasing habits. 
  • Analytics: Drill down on critical areas with customizable reports and monitor sales, inventory and employee performance to make growth-oriented decisions. With Analytics Core, pay only for the expert-crafted reports required for business instead of the whole suite of report templates. 
  • Lightspeed Accounting: This integration creates a link between a store’s POS and accounting systems. Record business finances with automatic bookkeeping and receive daily sales receipts, profit and loss statements and more. 
  • Hardware: Choose from various hardware bundles for businesses or acquire single items, including zebra label printers, USB or Bluetooth bar scanners, Verifone P400 PIN pads, TM-m30 receipt printers and more. Design branded gift cards for the store and ship them to customers’ doorsteps. 
  • Restaurant Point of Sale: Offers industry-specific POS system for restaurants. 
    • Delivery: Syncs menu with major delivery apps like UberEats, SkipTheDishes or DoorDash to scale business and reach more customers. Receive delivery orders, promote high-margin dishes, create delivery-only menus and more. 
    • Order Ahead: Provide customers with the flexibility to order ahead for takeout, curbside pickup and appointments. They can add custom notes, table and room number requested, whether utensils are required and more details. Keep customers in the loop with real-time SMS notifications. 
    • Self Order Menus: Let customers send their orders via an interactive digital menu directly to the kitchen, bypassing the need for waiters and servers. Realign employees to focus on faster cooking, increasing order accuracy and improving customer service. 
    • Kitchen Display System: Displays a detailed view of every order, including turnaround time and images, color codes orders according to assigned chefs, and sends alerts for pending orders. Have online orders directly go to the display board after submission for faster preparation. 
    • Customer Facing Display: Exhibit the total breakdown of customers’ orders, subtotal cost, tax percentage, tips paid and total price on a display screen. Customize the screen with business logo and brand colors while advertising high-margin dishes or the item-of-the-day. 
    • Enterprise: Run multiple restaurants located in different places with a cloud-based POS system. Monitor each location’s sales, employee and promotional data while centralizing customer data from numerous areas. Customize and scale as needed with an open API interface. 
  • Golf Course Management: Caters to businesses that operate golf courses. 
    • Tee Sheets: Personalize tee sheets according to the facility’s structure. Manage golf courses from nine to 54 holes. Accommodate any play type, including shotguns, crossovers, front or back nines and more. 
    • Booking Management: Players can register for tournaments and pick their tee times. Organize monthly or yearly leagues, track attendees and review metrics from the dashboard. 
    • Membership Management: Create unlimited types of memberships, customize booking restrictions and pricing structures per type, and automate the billing process. 
    • Professional Website: Increase online presence, showcase facilities, attract more golfers and provide flexible payment options through a personalized website and mobile application. Design websites with preset templates or customize them with source coding. The vendor takes charge of website maintenance. 
  • Integrations: Leverage various integrations for assistance in accounting, analytics, CRM, marketing, payment processing (In the U.K, Canada and Australia), ERP, invoicing and more. 
Square POS
Square POS
Start Price
$29
Monthly, Freemium
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Square POS

Square POS shines for its ease of use and affordability for small businesses, especially those starting out. Users praise its intuitive interface, seamless setup, and mobile accessibility, making it a breeze to ring up customers and manage basic sales. It also integrates well with popular tools like email marketing and accounting software, offering a centralized platform for managing various aspects of their business. However, Square's appeal wanes as businesses grow. Users lament its limited reporting and inventory management features, lacking the depth and customization offered by competitors like Shopify POS or Clover. Square's higher transaction fees for larger volumes also become a drawback compared to options like Stripe, which offer lower rates based on monthly transaction volume. Furthermore, Square's customer support receives mixed reviews. While some appreciate its responsiveness, others face frustrating wait times and limited communication channels, especially compared to the dedicated phone and live chat support offered by competitors. Overall, Square POS is a strong contender for solopreneurs and micro-businesses seeking a user-friendly and affordable POS solution. However, its limitations become apparent as businesses scale, pushing them towards more robust and feature-rich platforms. The choice ultimately boils down to prioritizing ease of use and affordability in the early stages versus scalability and advanced features as a business grows.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: 96% of users who reviewed this element said the software is flexible and mobile with a clean user interface.
  • Economical: According to 70% of users who mentioned this aspect, the pricing is fair and competitive.
  • Card Payments: 80% of users who reviewed payments said the platform is useful for processing cashless transactions with cards and sending invoices.
  • Invoicing: Regarding this feature, 95% of users said it’s easy to create, add and send invoices to clients.
  • Costly for high-volume transactions: The per-transaction fees become significant as your business grows, pushing Square beyond cost-effective for many merchants.
  • Limited reporting and inventory: Users find Square's reports lack depth and flexibility, making detailed sales analysis and inventory management challenging.
  • Unreliable customer support: Users report difficulty reaching support, long wait times, and frustrating email-only communication, leaving them feeling helpless when issues arise.
  • Account holddowns and closures: Square's automated fraud detection can lead to sudden account freezes and closures, causing business disruptions and difficulties resolving the issue.
  • Clunky hardware: Some users find the Square hardware, particularly the chip reader, clunky and frustrating to use, impacting checkout workflow and customer experience.

Key Features

  • Intuitive Register Interface: Easy-to-use touch-screen interface with customizable menu items, modifiers, and employee permissions.
  • Payment Processing: Accept all major credit cards, debit cards, contactless payments, gift cards, and cash.
  • Inventory Management: Track stock levels, set low-stock alerts, and generate purchase orders.
  • Employee Management: Track employee hours, create schedules, and manage payroll.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Store customer information, track purchase history, and send targeted marketing campaigns.
  • Sales Reporting: Generate reports on sales, inventory, employee performance, and customer behavior.
  • Mobile App: Access Square POS from your smartphone or tablet to process payments, manage inventory, and view reports on the go.
  • Online Ordering: Allow customers to order and pay online for pickup or delivery.
  • Loyalty Program: Reward customers for repeat business with points, discounts, and special offers.
  • Gift Cards: Sell physical and digital gift cards to boost sales and customer loyalty.
  • Integrations: Connect Square POS with other business tools, such as accounting software, payroll providers, and email marketing platforms.
ShopKeep
ShopKeep
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Key Features

  • Full-Service E-Commerce: Drive revenue generation with a robust online marketplace. Use powerful inventory management tools to oversee crucial business aspects, including shipping, marketing, supply, delivery, sales, appointments and loyalty programs. Get notifications for online orders and stock refills, send confirmation and reminder emails and improve customer service with detailed reports. 
  • Analytics and Reporting: Make data-driven business decisions using analytical tools that provide insights into key performance metrics like stock volumes, inventory sales, customer experience, staff activity, user trends and more. 
  • Loyalty and Rewards: Offer an integrated rewards program to increase customer retention and drive business growth. Create automated campaigns via SMS, send coupons and one-time deals, create marketing campaigns, track customer spending, design promotions and enroll new customers. 
  • Accounting and Finances: Manage finances and business processes with an integrated, cloud-based solution. Sync sales data from the POS to the store’s accounting system to receive an automated sales summary, manage multiple accounts from a single platform, track revenue streams across locations and analyze profit and losses for an error-free accounting experience. 
  • Seamless Integrations: Run the business at maximum capacity by integrating the POS with third-party applications. Streamline inventory, track profits, automate purchase and collaborate teamwork to systemize workflow. 
SpotOn
SpotOn
Start Price
$25
Per Station, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked SpotOn

SpotOn scores high marks for user-friendliness, adaptability, and customer insights, often outshining larger competitors like Clover with its intuitive interface and customizable features. For restaurants, its table management shines, while retailers appreciate the inventory control tools. However, the pricing structure can be confusing, with hidden fees and add-ons that inflate the initial quote. Offline functionality struggles during internet outages, which can be a dealbreaker for some businesses. While SpotOn boasts extensive integrations, some users encounter glitches and connectivity issues, disrupting workflows. Customer support also receives mixed reviews, with some praising prompt assistance and others facing long wait times and inconsistent resolutions. Compared to Square, SpotOn offers more features but lacks its sleek simplicity and ease of use for solopreneurs. Overall, SpotOn is a powerful POS that shines for its adaptability and industry-specific strengths. However, potential users should be prepared for pricing complexities, potential internet hiccups, and occasional integration troubles. If you value user-friendliness, intuitive features, and deep customer insights, SpotOn deserves a closer look, but if transparency and consistent performance are top priorities, other options might be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: The system is easy to set up and navigate, 90% of users said about this element.
  • Customer Support: 100% of users who reviewed the support said it’s informative and company representatives are knowledgeable.
  • Integration: About 70% of users who mentioned this feature said the product offers effortless and smooth integrations.
  • Reporting: Approximately 90% of users who talked about this aspect said it's extensive and insightful.
  • Menu Management: Items are easily changeable and update instantly, said 95% of users about the menu.
  • Pricing Complexity: SpotOn's pricing structure can be confusing, with multiple plans, add-ons, and varying fees depending on industry and features. Users report difficulty getting clear quotes and unexpected charges.
  • Limited Offline Functionality: While cloud-based, SpotOn struggles during internet outages. Some features become completely unavailable, impacting critical operations like order processing and payment acceptance.
  • Customer Support Inconsistencies: User experiences with customer support are mixed. Some praise quick and helpful responses, while others encounter long wait times, technical issues, and inconsistent resolutions.
  • Integration Glitches: While offering many integrations, users report occasional bugs and connectivity problems with third-party tools, disrupting workflows and requiring time-consuming troubleshooting.
  • Interface Learning Curve: While generally user-friendly, some advanced features, particularly in industry-specific plans, have a steeper learning curve, requiring additional training for staff.

Key Features

  • Centralized Workspace: Organize workflows and accelerate revenue growth with efficient customer service tools. Add employee profiles, view customer contact information, access sales reports, send invoices, manage inventory, monitor employee activity, process payments and more using Register. 
  • Online Customer Service: Create a centralized customer service platform on a single dashboard. Manage employee schedules, send automated reminders, offer loyalty rewards and process checkouts with a digital user interface. Benefit from two-way texting with clients, integrated payment options and digital marketing tools. 
  • Intuitive Reporting: Provide intelligible insights into key KPIs with real-time, intuitive reports. Get easy-to-understand, cloud-based reports based on business data on a consolidated dashboard, accessible on the desktop and mobile phone. 
  • Virtual Payments: Offer a secure and seamless transaction process with mobile-friendly, online payment options. Send invoices, set up billing plans, collect deposits, send digital receipts and more on a secure platform. 
  • Customer Marketing: Drive customer engagement using hands-on digital marketing tools. Create custom rewards, enroll customers during checkout, offer limited-time deals, create marketing campaigns, send promos on special occasions and improve advertising to boost customer retention. Track marketing performance with comprehensive reports on a consolidated dashboard. 
  • Interactive Reviews: Facilitate a robust communication system with dynamic interactive features. Monitor, manage and respond to online reviews through a personalized dashboard and receive real-time alerts for new reviews to understand customer sentiments and expectations. 
NCR Silver
NCR Silver
Start Price
$108
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked NCR Silver

NCR Silver, a POS software solution, has garnered a mixed bag of user reviews in the past year. While praised for its intuitive interface, ease of use, and robust reporting features, some users have expressed concerns regarding its pricing structure, limited customization options, and occasional glitches. On the positive side, many users appreciate NCR Silver's clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy for new staff to learn the ropes quickly. The software's reporting capabilities are also a hit, offering valuable insights into sales trends, inventory levels, and customer behavior. This data-driven approach helps businesses make informed decisions and optimize their operations. For instance, one user mentioned using NCR Silver's reporting to identify slow-selling items and adjust their ordering accordingly, leading to a significant reduction in waste. However, some users find the software's pricing to be on the higher end, especially for smaller businesses. Additionally, the customization options are perceived as limited compared to competitors, hindering businesses with unique workflows or branding needs. A recurring complaint dotyczy occasional bugs and glitches that can disrupt operations, although NCR has been working on addressing these issues through regular updates. Overall, NCR Silver seems to be a solid POS system for businesses seeking a user-friendly and data-rich solution. However, its pricing and limited customization might deter cost-conscious businesses or those with specific needs. Carefully weighing the strengths and weaknesses against your individual requirements is crucial before making a decision.

Pros & Cons

  • Intuitive Interface: Users often praise the easy-to-learn interface, with clear navigation and touchscreen compatibility.
  • Mobile Capabilities: Manage sales, inventory, and employee timecards remotely using the mobile app.
  • Flexible Payment Processing: Accept various payment methods, including EMV chip cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets.
  • Robust Reporting: Generate detailed sales, inventory, and employee performance reports to track business insights.
  • Customer Management Tools: Build customer loyalty with features for tracking purchase history, creating targeted promotions, and managing gift cards.
  • Limited Customization Options: Users may find the system's customization capabilities for receipts, reports, and workflows restrictive compared to some competitors.
  • Potential Inventory Management Issues: Some reviews mention challenges with inventory tracking accuracy and stock syncing across multiple locations.
  • Technical Glitches: Occasional reports of software glitches, slow loading times, and hardware compatibility issues, though frequency may vary.
  • Customer Support Response Times: Mixed experiences with customer support, with some users reporting long wait times or difficulty reaching knowledgeable representatives.
  • Hidden Fees: Potential for unexpected fees for hardware, add-ons, or specific payment processing services, which can increase overall costs.

Key Features

  • Kitchen Management: Optimize kitchen operations and boost efficiency using table mapping, offline credits, menu management and more. Colour code and route orders, assign preparation time, attach receipts, monitor production status, forecast requirements and leverage integrations to enhance the overall experience. 
  • Online Ordering: Create a flexible and effective digital ordering system to deliver quick services. Allow guests to order for curbside pickups, in-house delivery and third-party delivery. Process contactless payments, offer customizable menus, integrate with delivery providers, send orders directly to the kitchen and more across multiple devices. 
  • Alerts: Prioritize important tasks and regulate operations based on real-time notifications. Get instant alerts about new orders, updates, payments, non-availability of items, customer reviews and other communications without delay. Resolve issues to ensure smooth workplace functioning. 
  • Marketing: Offer rewards, discounts, promos and discounts to boost customer retention. Analyze transaction data, interaction stats and customer buying patterns to create targeted campaigns and personalized deals. Send marketing messages via SMS, MMS and email. 
  • Online Payments: Use a fully integrated platform to process online payments, equipped with a branded user interface and compatible with any smartphone device. Allow guests to scan a QR code or click a link from a text message to pay and send electronic receipts via email upon receiving checks. 
Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed Retail
Start Price
$69
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Lightspeed Retail

Lightspeed Retail garners mixed reviews from users, highlighting both its strengths and potential drawbacks. On the positive side, users consistently praise its intuitive interface, making it easy for both tech-savvy and less-experienced individuals to navigate. The extensive feature set, encompassing inventory management, reporting, customer management, and omnichannel capabilities, caters to diverse business needs. Integrations with popular software like QuickBooks and Shopify streamline operations and data exchange. Notably, Lightspeed excels in omnichannel management, allowing businesses to seamlessly manage online and physical stores, a crucial strength in today's retail landscape.

However, some find the pricing structure complex, with tiered plans and additional fees for features like offline functionality. The lack of true offline functionality can be a dealbreaker for businesses with unreliable internet or operating in remote areas. While the feature set is comprehensive, some users report limitations in specific areas like advanced inventory management, which might necessitate workarounds or third-party integrations.

Compared to competitors like Square POS and Shopify POS, Lightspeed offers a wider range of features and caters to more complex business needs. However, these strengths come at a higher price point. Ultimately, the choice between Lightspeed and its competitors boils down to individual business requirements and budget constraints. If you prioritize omnichannel capabilities, extensive integrations, and a robust feature set, Lightspeed is worth considering. However, carefully evaluate your needs and budget against potential limitations before making a decision.

Pros & Cons

  • Intuitive Interface: Users consistently praise Lightspeed Retail's user-friendly design, making it easy to navigate and perform tasks efficiently, even for those with limited technical experience.
  • Omnichannel Capabilities: Seamlessly manage online and physical stores, providing a unified customer experience and streamlining inventory and order management.
  • Robust Feature Set: Offers a wide range of features addressing diverse business needs, including inventory management, sales reporting, customer relationship management, and employee tools.
  • Integrations with popular software: Streamlines operations and data exchange by connecting with accounting, marketing, and e-commerce platforms like QuickBooks, Shopify, and Mailchimp.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Manage your business on the go with mobile apps for sales, inventory, and employee management, offering flexibility and convenience.
  • Complex Pricing Structure: Tiered plans and additional fees for features like offline functionality can be confusing and lead to higher-than-expected costs.
  • Limited Offline Functionality: Reliance on internet connectivity can be problematic for businesses with unreliable internet or operating in remote areas.
  • Missing Advanced Features: Some users report limitations in specific areas like advanced inventory management, requiring workarounds or third-party integrations.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Complex Needs: While user-friendly overall, the extensive feature set can be overwhelming for those needing in-depth customization or specific functionalities.
  • Customer Support Wait Times: While generally helpful, customer support can experience longer wait times during peak periods, potentially delaying issue resolution.

Key Features

  • Omnichannel Sales: Sell seamlessly across physical stores, online platforms, and marketplaces.
  • Inventory Management: Track stock levels, automate reordering, manage multiple locations, and receive low-stock alerts.
  • Point of Sale: Process transactions quickly, accept various payment methods, and apply discounts and loyalty programs.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Track customer data, purchase history, preferences, and create personalized marketing campaigns.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Gain insights into sales trends, inventory levels, customer behavior, and employee performance.
  • Employee Management: Track time and attendance, assign tasks, manage schedules, and control permissions.
  • Integrations: Connect with accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero), ecommerce platforms (Shopify), marketing tools (Mailchimp), and payment processors.
  • Mobile Apps: Access POS, inventory, and reporting features on mobile devices.
  • Hardware Options: Choose from compatible terminals, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers.
  • Cloud-Based: Access from anywhere with internet connectivity, automatic updates, and secure data storage.
  • Security: Protects customer data with PCI compliance and industry-standard security measures.
  • Customer Support: Offers phone, email, and online resources for assistance.
Shopify POS
Shopify POS
Start Price
$29
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Shopify POS

Shopify POS emerges from user reviews as a user-friendly and reliable option for basic POS needs. Its tight integration with the Shopify ecommerce platform syncs inventory and customer data seamlessly, saving time and streamlining operations. Users particularly appreciate the mobile app flexibility for pop-up shops and on-the-go sales, a feature lacking in some competitors like Square. However, Shopify POS's limited free tier and transaction fees for non-Shopify payments might deter smaller businesses. While praised for its ease of use, Shopify POS can feel restrictive for advanced features like gift cards and discounts, requiring more technical know-how compared to Square's intuitive setup. Additionally, while offering themes, Shopify's customization options might not satisfy businesses seeking a truly unique storefront aesthetic, especially when compared to Wix's design freedom. Overall, Shopify POS shines for its user-friendliness, ecommerce integration, and mobile flexibility. However, its pricing structure and learning curve for advanced features might push smaller businesses or those with specific industry needs towards competitors like Square or Wix. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual priorities and business size.

Pros & Cons

  • Simplified Inventory Management: Shopify POS automatically tracks inventory levels, reducing manual updates and preventing overselling. Users reported a 40% decrease in time spent on inventory reconciliation thanks to this feature.
  • Seamless Payment Processing: Accept a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and popular digital wallets, for faster checkouts. This flexibility helps reduce abandoned carts and boosts customer satisfaction.
  • Mobile POS Flexibility: Manage your store from anywhere with the mobile app, ideal for pop-up shops or on-the-go sales. This allows for greater business agility and caters to diverse sales environments.
  • Valuable Sales Insights: Generate detailed reports on sales, product performance, and staff activity to make data-driven decisions. Users highlighted the ability to track individual staff performance as particularly helpful for sales training and staff motivation.
  • Easy Customer Management: Create customer profiles, track purchase history, and offer targeted promotions for improved customer loyalty. This personalization fosters stronger customer relationships and repeat business.
  • Limited Free Tier Options: Access to basic POS features requires at least the Basic Shopify plan, which may not be budget-friendly for small businesses with low transaction volume.
  • Transaction Fees for Non-Shopify Payments: Using third-party payment processors alongside Shopify POS incurs additional transaction fees, potentially outweighing the benefits for low-volume merchants.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic functionality is user-friendly, unlocking advanced features like gift cards or discounts can require extensive setup and troubleshooting, especially for non-technical users.
  • Limited Customization Options: While themes offer some customization, heavily branded businesses may find the Shopify interface lacks flexibility for achieving a truly unique storefront aesthetic.
  • Integration Challenges with Specific Industries: While Shopify integrates with many apps, businesses with specific needs like restaurants or salons may experience limitations or require additional paid integrations.

Key Features

  • Online Inventory: Sell products online from a scalable, fully-featured eCommerce website. Generate purchase orders, categorize products, adjust stocks, transfer inventory, accept returns, process exchanges and access updated information across stores instantly. 
  • Reporting: Use daily reports based on in-store and online business data on a single dashboard. Gain actionable insights into total orders, customer buying patterns, staff performance, inventory sales, returns, taxes, payments and more to make strategic decisions. 
  • Payments: Track credit and debit card payments, accept multiple payment types for a single transaction, sell gift cards, create custom payment options and integrate with third-party payment providers. 
  • Customizations: Responsive and customizable templates are available for the website with varied layouts, colors, fonts, content and more. 
  • Smooth Checkouts: Provide rebates, BOGO discounts, gift card redemption and other offers at the time of checkout using the smart grid that adapts to actions in the cart and avoids manual calculations. Add taxes, create discount codes, set prices and more for a quick checkout experience. 
  • Staff Management: Track staff performance, assign unique PINs, add new employees, attribute commissions, define job functions, send approvals and grant control permission with on-the-go labor management tools. 
  • Marketing: Boost customer retention and improve sales with robust marketing strategies. Use innovative collections to automatically sort products, start Google Ads campaigns, send customer-specific emails, offer exclusive promotions, optimize campaigns and more. 

COMPARE THE BEST Merchant Service Providers

Select up to 2 Products from the list below to compare

 
Product
Score
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SelectHub’s Analyst Rating is based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Merchant Service Providers, user reviews, and our own crowd-sourced data from our free software selection platform. Scores are periodically updated via ongoing selection projects and user activity within our platform.
Start Price
Free Trial
Company Size
Deployment
Platform
Logo
Clover
$0.10
Per Transaction, 2.3% Flat Rate
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Clover
Toast
$69
Per Terminal, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Toast
Mindbody
$159
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Mindbody
Lightspeed
$69
Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Lightspeed
Square POS
$29
Monthly, Freemium
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Square POS
ShopKeep
Still gathering data
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
ShopKeep
SpotOn
$25
Per Station, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
SpotOn
NCR Silver
$108
Monthly
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
NCR Silver
Lightspeed Retail
$69
Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Lightspeed Retail
Shopify POS
$29
Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Shopify POS

All Merchant Service Providers (33 found)

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Clover

by Clover Network
Clover
Clover is an all-in-one point of sale system that helps users manage staff and clients, monitor inventory, create and view reports and track revenue streams. Users can personalize workflows by integrating multiple modules and third-party developers. Its dashboard simplifies real-time monitoring of sales, refunds and customer spending from any device.- It connects to the cloud, allowing users to access sales, reimbursements, deposits and reports regardless of location. It also offers hardware like Clover Mini, flex, go device and a station with a cash drawer and receipt printer. Pros Reliable hardware design User-friendly interface Strong customer support Variety of apps integrations Competitive pricing for low volumes Cons Higher fees for high volume Limited reporting inventory Costly hardware upgrades Contracts for some plans Not ideal for complex needs
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Toast

by Toast
Toast
Toast is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed to streamline operations for restaurants and businesses in the hospitality industry. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including order processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. Toast caters to businesses of all sizes, from independent cafes to multi-location restaurant chains. One of its key strengths lies in its ease of use and intuitive interface, making it suitable for both tech-savvy and non-technical users. Additionally, Toast boasts robust reporting capabilities, providing valuable insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and staff performance. Integration with third-party delivery services and online ordering platforms further enhances its functionality. While Toast offers a free basic plan with limited features, paid subscriptions are required to access its full potential. Pricing varies depending on the number of users, terminals, and desired functionalities. Compared to similar POS systems, Toast generally falls within the mid-range price bracket, offering a good balance between affordability and feature richness. However, user reviews highlight that its pricing structure can become complex for businesses with intricate needs. Pros Easy to use interface Robust reporting tools Third-party integrations Scalable for all businesses Free basic plan option Cons Mid-range pricing complexity Limited customization options Occasional technical issues Long customer support wait times Not ideal for complex inventory
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Mindbody

by MINDBODY
Mindbody
Mindbody is a cloud-based appointment and management solution tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers waitlist management scheduling, automated email and text scheduling, Facebook appointment bookings, online booking marketing management and more. It provides automated notifications, confirmations and reminders to reduce no-shows. Its reporting inclusions help track trends such as monthly sales, attendance, retention and inventory, providing better planning data. It provides custom API access to integrate with third-party developers. It is best suited for spas, salons, fitness, training centers and other establishments.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Lightspeed

by Lightspeed
Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system offering features for businesses in retail, hospitality, and service industries. Its core functionality includes managing sales, inventory, customers, and employees, with additional features like marketing tools and reporting. While suitable for various business sizes, it often caters to those needing more advanced features than basic POS systems. Lightspeed shines in its scalability and omnichannel capabilities, allowing businesses to manage online and physical stores seamlessly. Users praise its intuitive interface, robust reporting, and app integrations. However, some find its pricing structure complex and miss features like offline functionality. Compared to similar POS systems, Lightspeed offers a wider range of features and integrations, but at a higher price point. It caters to businesses seeking a feature-rich solution for managing their omnichannel presence, while simpler and often cheaper options might suffice for smaller businesses with basic needs. Pros Scalable Omnichannel Intuitive Interface Robust Reporting App Integrations Feature-Rich Cons Complex Pricing No Offline Mode Steeper Learning Curve Not Ideal for Basic Needs Higher Price Point
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Square POS

by Square
Square POS
Square is a cloud-based POS system for retail stores of all sizes. It automatically creates customer profiles and tracks their information and purchase histories. Its key capabilities include sales reports, online payment processing, inventory tracking control, marketing campaigns, digital receipts, sales management, e-commerce and more. It accepts offline payments and automatically syncs payment information when mobile devices reconnect. It is available on Android and iOS devices and includes optional hardware such as terminals, cash drawers, scanners, scales and card readers. Users can manage order pick-ups from third-party services like DoorDash, Postmates and more. Pros Easy to use and set up Affordable pricing plans Mobile payments and online ordering Integrates with Square ecosystem Free basic plan available Cons Limited customization options May not be suitable for high-volume businesses Transaction fees can add up Limited reporting features in free plan Customer support could be improved
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

ShopKeep

by ShopKeep
ShopKeep
Shopkeep by Lightspeed is a cloud-based Android and iOS point-of-sale system. It helps businesses sell, pay and manage their day-to-day store and online operations. It offers an integrated check and payment tracking registry. It streamlines staff and inventory management while providing sales reports and customer information. Users can submit invoices, access real-time sales reports, build e-commerce stores and more. It provides a staff management module to track staff working hours, calculate salary and clock in and out of work. It integrates with several marketing inclusions and allows users to create reports and analyze company data for trends. It serves franchises, restaurants, bars, retail and quick-serve businesses.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

SpotOn

by SpotOn
SpotOn
SpotOn offers a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system catering to diverse businesses, from single-location setups to multi-outlet chains. Its core strength lies in its flexibility, allowing customization for restaurants, retail stores, salons, and more. Users praise its intuitive interface, streamlining checkout processes and inventory management. SpotOn integrates seamlessly with payment processing, payroll, and marketing tools, providing a centralized platform for business operations. However, some users report occasional glitches and limitations in advanced reporting features. Pricing varies based on chosen modules and transaction volume, ranging from per-month subscriptions to tiered transaction fees. Overall, SpotOn shines for businesses seeking a user-friendly, adaptable POS solution, particularly those comfortable with cloud-based systems. Pros Cloud-based accessible Flexible for many industries Easy-to-use interface Payment marketing tools Inventory management Cons Occasional glitches reported Limited advanced reporting Pricing based on transactions May not suit complex needs Cloud dependence concerns
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

NCR Silver

by NCR Corporation
NCR Silver
NCR Silver is an easy-to-use, cloud-based solution that provides software and hardware solutions to banks, restaurants, telecom companies and other retail businesses. The exceptional point of sale system is backed by secure payments, powerful integrations, customer marketing tools, regular updates, live support options, labor management tools and more. It provides an enhanced employee training and onboarding experience while advanced reporting and business intelligence tools give detailed insights into day-to-day operations. The handheld devices ensure efficient customer service and a transparent payment processing model to simplify secure checkouts. Pros User-friendly interface Reliable hardware Good customer support Offline functionality Strong inventory management Cons Limited customization Few integrations Higher costs Long-term contracts Occasional software glitches
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Lightspeed Retail

by Lightspeed
Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed Retail, formerly Vend, is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system suited for small and medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and service industries. It offers core features like sales management, inventory tracking, customer profiles, and reporting, with additional options for ecommerce integration, marketing tools, and employee management. While praised for its user-friendly interface and omnichannel capabilities, some find its pricing complex and miss advanced features like offline functionality compared to competitors. Starting prices range from $69/month (billed annually) for a basic plan, with per-transaction fees and additional costs for advanced features and multiple registers. Pros User-friendly interface Omnichannel capabilities Robust features Integrations with popular software Scalable for growing businesses Cons Complex pricing structure Limited offline functionality Lacks some advanced features Steeper learning curve for less tech-savvy users Customer support wait times can be long
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Shopify POS

by Shopify Inc.
Shopify POS
Shopify POS simplifies in-store and online sales management for various business types. Its strength lies in its intuitiveness and seamless integration with the Shopify e-commerce platform, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses already using Shopify. Key benefits include streamlined inventory tracking, omnichannel customer management, and robust reporting for data-driven insights. Popular features include a user-friendly interface, mobile app for managing sales on the go, and built-in payment processing. Compared to similar systems, Shopify POS emphasizes ease of use and affordability, while some users find its feature set less comprehensive for complex retail needs. Pricing starts at $29 per month, with transaction fees applying to processed payments. Pros: Easy to use Omnichannel sales Mobile app Good reporting Affordable Cons: Limited features Transaction fees Not for complex needs Integrations costly Customer support inconsistent
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

RepairShopr

by RepairShopr
RepairShopr
Designed specifically for repair shops and IT support businesses, RepairShopr offers an easy-to-use platform to manage invoicing, ticketing, point of sale (POS) and marketing. It helps build and maintain customer relationships, ensure repeat business, attract new customers and increase shop efficiency with a streamlined workflow.It offers appointment, inventory, database management and web management capabilities, along with billing summary and invoice records, customer credit tracking, and barcode creation.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Talech

by Talech
Talech
Talech is a POS solution that helps its users with order-taking, payment processing, inventory, appointment and timed service management, and more. It is designed to facilitate business transactions and gain insights into better decision-making. Built-in reports allow users to track employee performances and working hours, transaction trends and customer demographics. It enables users to administer their stocks, add products, and edit costs, prices and quantities in real time.It stores data in the cloud, allowing users to access it securely from various devices. It also supports on-premise deployment. It is suitable for retail outlets, restaurants, bars, cafes and service businesses like salons, spas, pet grooming and more.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

MICROS

by Oracle America
MICROS
MICROS is a robust POS software catering to the complexities of hospitality and retail businesses. Its feature set tackles inventory management, order processing, table service, employee scheduling, and even self-service kiosks. While its comprehensive nature suits large chains and complex operations, its modularity allows scaling down for smaller establishments. MICROS boasts of industry-specific features like table splitting, menu customization, and loyalty programs, enhancing guest experience and driving repeat business. Users praise its reliability and security, crucial for high-volume transactions. However, its learning curve can be steeper than simpler alternatives, and its pricing reflects its feature richness, often requiring per-user or per-terminal subscriptions. Pros: Reliable Secure Industry-Specific Features Scalable Modular Strong Reporting Improves Guest Experience Cons: Steep Learning Curve Higher Pricing Point Complex Interface Limited Customization Frequent Updates
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: fair
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

QuickBooks POS

by Intuit Inc.
QuickBooks POS
QuickBooks POS is a retail point of sale designed for small, medium and large-sized businesses. It streamlines payment and return processing and inventory management, enabling users to track inventory and fast selling items and place restocking orders.It provides customer information to monitor buying and acquiring history and eliminates manual entries by automating inventory updates. It supports on-premise, cloud-based and mobile deployment and offers additional hardware such as receipt printers, bar-code scanners and more. It serves businesses like franchises, gift shops, clothing and shoe stores and more.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Revel POS

by Revel Systems
Revel POS
Revel Systems is a cloud-based business solution that unifies operations, customer channels and POS functionality into a single dashboard. It is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and restaurants. It includes a POS module with integrated inventory, social media and customer management support. Its reporting and analytics suite gives users real-time access to inventory, customer insights and sales data to make better business decisions. It integrates with in-house services and third-parties to fit organizations’ needs. It serves all businesses, from small merchants to global enterprises. It runs on iPads and helps users access reports from any device via a browser. Pros Intuitive interface iPad-based system Comprehensive features Scalability Good customer support Cons Higher starting price iPad dependency Limited customization Reporting challenges Occasional bugs
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Epos Now

by Epos Now
Epos Now
Epos Now is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed for retail and hospitality businesses. It streamlines operations with features like inventory management, multi-channel sales, and customizable dashboards. Its strengths lie in flexibility and affordability, making it ideal for startups and growing businesses. Users praise its ease of use, wide range of integrations, and reliable customer support. Compared to similar products, Epos Now shines in its app store, offering numerous add-ons to tailor the system to specific needs. However, some users report limitations in advanced reporting and scalability for larger businesses. Pricing starts at a low monthly fee per device, with additional costs for advanced features and integrations. Pros: Easy for staff Inventory control Sales insights App integrations Flexible plans Cons: Limited trial Add-on costs Support inconsistency Limited customization Hardware concerns
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Helcim

by Helcim
Helcim
Helcim offers a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system geared towards small businesses across various industries. It equips users with tools to accept payments, manage inventory, and track customer data. Notably, Helcim caters to businesses seeking flexibility, with its POS accessible on various devices like tablets and smartphones. This portability, coupled with features like omnichannel inventory management and customer loyalty programs, positions Helcim well for businesses looking to streamline operations and boost customer engagement. Pricing-wise, Helcim adopts a transparent, tiered approach based on transaction volume, making it budget-friendly for startups and scaling businesses alike. However, compared to competitors, its feature set might be less extensive for complex retail needs. Overall, Helcim provides a solid POS solution for businesses prioritizing affordability, mobility, and ease of use. Pros Affordable pricing Mobile-friendly interface Easy to use and set up Omnichannel inventory management Customer loyalty program Cons Limited features for complex needs Customer support could be improved Not ideal for high-volume businesses Integration with third-party apps might be limited Lacks some advanced reporting features
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Erply

by ERPLY
Erply
Erply is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed to streamline operations for retail businesses of all sizes. It offers features like inventory management, sales tracking, customer relationship management, and reporting. While it caters to a broad range, its strengths lie in its affordability, scalability, and ease of use, making it ideal for startups, small businesses, and franchises. Erply boasts a user-friendly interface and mobile accessibility, allowing for quick setup and on-the-go management. Inventory control is a highlight, with features like barcode scanning, purchase orders, and stock level alerts minimizing stockouts and optimizing ordering. Sales tracking and reporting provide valuable insights into customer behavior and product performance, aiding informed decision-making. Compared to similar POS systems, Erply often stands out for its transparent pricing structure, typically starting at a lower monthly fee per user than competitors. However, its feature set might not be as extensive as some enterprise-level solutions. User reviews generally praise its intuitive interface, helpful customer support, and value for money, but some mention limitations in advanced reporting and customization options. Ultimately, Erply's suitability depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability, ease of use, and core POS functionalities, it's a strong contender. However, if you require in-depth reporting or extensive customization, exploring other options might be prudent. Pros Affordable Easy to use Mobile accessible Good inventory control Helpful support Cons Limited reporting Basic customization Not ideal for large enterprises May lack some advanced features Occasional integration issues
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Springboard Retail

by Springboard Retail
Springboard Retail
SpringBoard Retail, acquired by Heartland Payment Systems, is a retail management and point of sale solution designed by retailers. It has enterprise-grade point of sale features that help retailers be agile in an ever-changing industry. It is suitable for retail stores like fashion, shoe, gift, health and beauty, home and lifestyle, museum, sporting goods, pet and jewelry stores. It is also suitable for craft, toy, game, toy, book stadium, event, hobby and vape stores. It is designed to let retailers manage inventory, order and customer management tools and reporting capabilities. It is perfect for single stores, multi-stores and franchises. Users can access their information from anywhere. It has flexible pricing for every selling station and supports gift cards, coupons and promotions. It also lets users create unlimited custom fields and transfer inventory.
Cost Breakdown
$500 - $1,000
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Bindo

by Bindo Labs, Inc
Bindo
Bindo, a cloud-based POS system, caters primarily to small and medium-sized brick-and-mortar retailers. It streamlines operations through features like inventory management, customer profiles, and omnichannel sales. Users praise its intuitive interface, mobile accessibility, and built-in e-commerce functionality. However, concerns exist regarding pricing tiers and limited customization options compared to competitors. Bindo empowers retailers with iPad-based registers, simplifying transactions and offering flexibility. Inventory control helps manage stock levels and automate purchase orders. Customer profiles enable targeted promotions and loyalty programs. Notably, Bindo integrates with online stores, syncing inventory and facilitating online purchases fulfilled from physical stores. Pricing starts at around $79 per month per register, making it competitive for basic needs. However, additional features and functionalities incur extra costs, potentially exceeding competitor offerings for complex businesses. While user-friendly, Bindo's customization might not cater to specific workflows or branding needs. Overall, Bindo's cloud-based approach, omnichannel capabilities, and mobile accessibility make it a strong choice for small and medium retailers seeking a user-friendly POS system. However, pricing considerations and limited customization should be weighed against individual business needs compared to the broader POS landscape. Pros User-friendly interface Mobile accessibility (iPad app) Omnichannel capabilities Inventory management Customer profiles Cons Limited customization Tiered pricing (can get expensive) Not ideal for complex needs Lacks some advanced features Fewer integrations compared to competitors
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Buyer's Guide

Merchant Service Providers Are All About Processing Smooth Payments

By Ishani Vats, Market Analyst at SelectHub

Merchant Service Providers BG Intro

Digital payments have become very popular in recent years, offering consumers a convenient and easy way to purchase goods or services. If you run an online business or storefront, merchant service providers (MSPs) can help you process payments securely.

They manage transactions between a customer's bank account or credit card and businesses’ accounts. Other than payment processing, MSPs also provide services like data management, payment gateways and POS solutions.

In this buyer’s guide, we’ll talk about the benefits and features of merchant service providers and the process of finding the right one for your needs.

Executive Summary

  • A merchant service provider provides businesses with payment processing solutions.
  • Key features include integrated service accounts, payment gateways, POS, eCommerce and fraud protection.
  • Be sure to ask potential vendors any questions you have about the software before committing to a purchase.
What This Guide Covers:

What Are Merchant Service Providers?

Merchant service providers are companies that provide online payment processing services. As more and more customers prefer cashless transactions, MSPs have become popular among businesses of all sizes. Some examples include Stripe, PayPal, Cegid and Rain POS.

In addition to processing payments, MSPs provide software to monitor business inventory, monitor employees, manage customer relationships, generate data reports and run marketing campaigns. They also provide hardware like card readers and virtual terminals to accept chip, swipe or contactless cards, and payment gateways to take online payments.

Primary Benefits

Let's look at some of the advantages of merchant service providers.

Merchant Service Providers Primary Benefits

Security

According to the 2022 Payments Fraud and Control report, 71% of organizations were victims of payment fraud attacks in 2021.

MSPs provide fraud prevention measures like advanced encryption protocols, chargeback protection and signature capture technology. They reduce the risk of unauthorized transactions from merchant accounts, and protect sensitive customer data like credit card details and passwords.

Most MSPs keep their systems up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates, in order to protect against any vulnerabilities that may exist in outdated software versions.

Efficiency

Merchant Service Providers Categories

54% of respondents to an AFP survey cite speed of payment as a primary driver in their choice of payment method. Merchant service providers enable customers to pay for goods or services quickly, without having to wait in queues or fill out lengthy paperwork. Electronic transaction records save time spent on manual data processing.

MSPs can also help reduce overhead costs associated with billing, such as printing, postage and hardware.

Scalability

Most merchant service providers cater to the needs of various business sizes, from small startups looking to build their customer base to large enterprises with high daily transaction volumes. These solutions are tailored to your unique requirements, so you don't have to switch or integrate systems as your needs change.

Key Features & Functionality

Payments

Accept payments made using multiple methods, including credit and debit cards, eChecks, mobile wallets and gift cards.
Security

Secure all payments with measures such as PCI-DSS compliance, data encryption, SSL and secure electronic transactions (SETs).
Integrations

Integrate with leading online shopping carts like Shopify and BigCommerce to streamline checkouts and increase convenience. Other integration options include shopping carts, accounting platforms and CRM software.
Hardware

Connect hardware solutions like printers, cash drawers, scanners and barcode readers to simplify and expedite checkouts.

For example, you can allow customers to tap their device against the payment terminal instead of inserting a card or entering a pin.
POS

Manage key business processes, like sales, inventory, accounting, customer relationships and staff performance, efficiently with an advanced POS system.

Process payments, run marketing campaigns, generate performance reports, send promotional emails and track all business activities on an interactive dashboard.
Mobile App

Allow customers to enjoy a smooth checkout experience from anywhere in the world by logging in to the software’s mobile app. It lets users shop online, apply discounts and promotions, manage shopping carts and more on the go.
Credit Card Terminals

Most MSPs provide credit card or EDC terminals to allow customers to swipe, dip or tap their credit or debit card to make a payment.

Software Comparison Strategy

While many merchant service providers offer similar software features, it can be hard to decide which solution is best for your business.

Start by understanding your requirements and evaluating how different service providers can meet them. Next, compare MSPs in terms of software features, payment processing fees, customer service options and advanced capabilities to determine which one provides the best value for your business size and needs.

Remember, all providers have different pricing structures. Make sure you consider all the variables in a given fee structure, such as transaction fees, monthly or annual charges, and integration fees, with the cost of other software options.

It’s also important to look into the vendor. You can check online reviews, read industry reports and ask for customer recommendations to learn more about their services. You can also ask for a free software demo to give your employees hands-on experience with the program before confirming the purchase.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

The cost of merchant service providers can vary depending on factors like the type of services they offer, your payment processing needs and the total number of transactions.

Other aspects that can affect the total software cost include:

  • Transaction processing
  • Credit card processing
  • Membership
  • Payment gateway integrations
  • Virtual terminal applications
  • Authorization
  • Security tools
  • Maintenance

Talk to the vendor about their refunds and cancellation policy, high-volume transaction discounts and customer support charges to get more transparency on pricing.

The Most Popular Merchant Service Providers

Jumpstart your software search with our research team’s list of the top three merchant service providers on the market today.

Clover

Clover is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed to help small businesses, such as retailers and restaurants, manage their sales and operations. It comes with a range of features, including payment processing, inventory management and online ordering. Clover POS also integrates with third-party apps like QuickBooks and can be customized with CRM and employee management tools.

Clover

Process payments on the go using the virtual terminal. Source

Lightspeed

Lightspeed helps businesses accept payments, manage inventory, track sales and improve customer engagement. Some software features include analytics and reporting, CRM, employee management, digital receipts and hardware solutions.

Lightspeed

Connect with advanced hardware to systemize operations. Source

Square

Square POS enables businesses to take payments in-store, online, over the phone or through contactless methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. The software provides various features such as inventory management, data reporting, CRM, third-party integrations and payment processing.

Square

Send digital invoices to customers via email. Source

 

 

Questions To Ask

As yourself these guiding questions to get a better sense of what your business needs:

  • What’s my budget?
  • What challenges am I looking to solve?
  • Do I have existing hardware or software?
  • What are my primary requirements?
  • Do I have an online store?

Merchant Service Providers Key Questions

Here are a few questions to ask potential vendors to help you learn more about the software and vendor:

  • Which markets do you specialize in?
  • What fraud protection services do you offer?
  • Do you provide POS hardware?
  • Which payment types does the software support?
  • What are your payment processing charges?

Next Steps

In the last decade, there’s been a massive digital transformation in how we do business. Merchant service providers play an important role in this shift, enabling organizations to handle payments quickly, manage everyday operations and keep customers happy.

Ready to take the next step? Here’s our software comparison report for insights into top market solutions.

Product Comparisons

Additional Resources

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Ishani
By Ishani Vats
Technical Content Writer
Ishani is a Technical Content Writer at SelectHub who covers LMS, workforce management, telemedicine and POS. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism and is passionate about translating complex technical concepts into engaging and accessible content for readers. Along with keeping the professional spirit hydrated, she likes petting dogs, looking up random facts and listening to any Lumineers song on repeat.
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Mohit
Technical Research By Mohit Hariramani
Senior Analyst
Mohit has a degree and Master in Finance from Mumbai, India, his years of professional market research experience started in 2019. His expertise lies in categories such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing, Inventory Management, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Facility Management Software (FMS), POS Systems (Point of Sale) and more. Through his academic and professional background, he honed skills in attention to detail, navigating ambiguity, and analytical prowess, which uniquely equip him to manage and thrive in the dynamic landscape of these diverse categories. He's passionate about leveraging his knowledge and experience to contribute effectively to the assigned technology areas.
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Kankana
Technical Review By Kankana Kalita
Principal Analyst
A seasoned business and research analyst, Kankana Kalita specializes in ERP, CMMS, manufacturing, construction, supply chain, HRMS and CRM. Prior to joining SelectHub, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering, an MBA in Operations and Marketing, and worked in email marketing and logistics.
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Dianna
Edited By Dianna Dragonetti
Content Editor
As an editor, Dianna Dragonetti leads a team of five writers in writing about a variety of software, with an emphasis on how these tools empower businesses. Categories include accounting, learning management systems, content management systems, supply chain management, and electronic data interchange.
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