Is It Worth Moving to Shopify POS Pro for Your Business?

Is upgrading to Shopify POS Pro the right move for growing retail businesses? Designed for brands looking to unify online and offline sales, this advanced system goes beyond basic checkout features. From omnichannel connectivity and inventory control to staff and customer management, Shopify POS Pro delivers tools built for scaling. Dive into this guide to understand its features and differences from POS Lite before making your decision. Let's explore the full breakdown below and see if Shopify POS Pro is worth the switch!

Overview of Shopify POS Pro

What Is It?

What is POS Pro on Shopify? It is an advanced point-of-sale add-on built for retailers using the Shopify platform. It upgrades the basic in-person selling tools included with standard Shopify plans. POS Pro gives more control over store operations. It works well for physical stores that need robust inventory, staff management, or omnichannel sales capabilities.

This version unlocks features not found in the lighter POS setup. Features include detailed reporting, strong customer profile tools, deeper inventory controls, and flexible staff permissions. It helps unify online and offline sales. It supports multiple locations, unlimited registers, and more complex workflows like exchanges, local pickup, and delivery. The goal: make store operations smoother and data more useful.

Shopify POS Pro Pricing & Cost Structure

POS Pro costs $89 per month for each retail location (or $79 per month when billed annually). That fee is in addition to your Shopify plan. Transaction and hardware costs apply on top of that.

Subscription Plan

Shopify Hardware

Transaction Fees

Key Features of Shopify POS Pro

Shopify POS Pro delivers advanced tools designed to support modern retail. It goes beyond simple checkout and enables merchants to unify sales channels, streamline operations, and improve customer experience:

Seamless Omnichannel Connectivity

POS Pro connects online and in-store sales into one system. Customers can buy online and pick up in-store or order in-store and ship directly to their home. This flexibility boosts convenience and drives repeat business.

It also keeps inventory synced across channels. Stock changes instantly reflect online and in-store, reducing overselling and delays.

Enhanced Inventory Control

Retailers can track products across multiple locations. Stock adjustments update in real time, helping managers avoid shortages or overstock. Features include:

• Smart stock recommendations

• Product transfers between stores

• Low-stock alerts for fast decisions

These tools simplify stock management and ensure products stay available where customers expect them.

Employee Management Tools

POS Pro offers unlimited staff accounts with advanced permissions. Roles define what each staff member can see or do. Managers gain insight into individual staff performance. Tracking sales per employee supports accountability and motivates staff through clear performance data.

Customer Relationship Tools (CRM)

The platform provides detailed customer profiles. Data includes purchase history, contact details, and notes from previous interactions. Retailers can personalize offers and rewards to build loyalty. Discount codes, loyalty programs, and targeted campaigns become easier to manage with integrated CRM features.

Insights with Reporting and Analytics

POS Pro generates detailed reports covering sales, inventory, and staff activity. Analytics include:

• Daily sales summaries

• Store traffic and conversion insights

• Product performance breakdowns

These reports help merchants identify trends, optimize staff schedules, and refine marketing strategies.

Compatible Hardware Support

Shopify POS Pro works seamlessly with certified hardware. Supported devices include barcode scanners, receipt printers, card readers, and cash drawers. Merchants can choose from Shopify’s official hardware or connect compatible third-party devices. This flexibility lets retailers design setups that fit specific store needs without extra limitations.

POS Lite vs POS Pro: Side-by-Side Comparison

Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Pro cater to different stages of retail growth. Lite suits basic in-person selling, while Pro expands features for scaling operations. Let's compare Shopify POS Lite vs Pro!

#1. Pricing & Plans

Shopify POS Lite

POS Lite Shopify comes free with every Shopify plan. Merchants pay only the base subscription fee, from $5 to $399 per month, depending on the chosen Shopify plan. This makes it cost-effective for startups or sellers with limited in-person transactions.

Shopify POS Pro

POS Pro adds $89 per month per location when billed monthly. An annual plan lowers it to $79 per month per location. Shopify Plus includes POS Pro by default without extra charges. The cost structure scales with the number of retail locations rather than the number of devices.

Final verdict: Lite is ideal for those testing in-person sales or operating on a tight budget. Pro delivers better value for multi-location stores and retailers needing full control over operations.

#2. Customization

Shopify POS Lite

Customization is limited to basic checkout features. Receipts follow standard templates, and user interface adjustments remain minimal. This simplicity works for businesses prioritizing speed over flexibility.

Shopify POS Pro

Pro unlocks a customizable checkout flow. Merchants can add custom fields, discounts, and tailored promotions. Features like automated discounts, loyalty incentives, and adjustable receipt formats improve the customer experience.

Final verdict: Lite focuses on simplicity. Pro caters to stores seeking personalized checkout journeys and brand-specific adjustments.

#3. Omnichannel Selling

Shopify POS Lite

POS Lite connects to the online store but restricts advanced options. Customers can buy in-store, but fulfillment choices remain limited. Buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store are not included.

Shopify POS Pro

POS Pro Shopify integrates channels seamlessly. Customers can order online and pick up at a preferred location or buy in-store and ship products directly to their homes. Pro synchronizes inventory across sales points to prevent overselling.

Final verdict: Lite covers the basics. Pro is built for unified commerce and smooth customer experiences across digital and physical channels.

#4. Staff Management

Shopify POS Lite

Lite supports only basic staff accounts. Permissions are limited, and employee tracking tools are absent. It works for businesses with a single operator or very small teams.

Shopify POS Pro

Pro offers unlimited staff accounts with role-based permissions. Managers can assign access levels, track performance, and analyze sales per employee. These tools encourage accountability and streamline large team management.

Final verdict: Lite is sufficient for solo sellers. Pro is essential for multi-staff businesses needing structure and oversight.

#5. Customer Management

Shopify POS Lite

Lite creates basic customer profiles with contact details and purchase history. Engagement tools are limited, making it harder to build long-term loyalty programs.

Shopify POS Pro

Pro expands customer relationship features. Merchants can segment buyers, create loyalty rewards, and design personalized promotions. Detailed data supports targeted marketing and stronger retention strategies.

Final verdict: Lite captures only the basics. Pro is a strong fit for businesses prioritizing customer engagement and loyalty growth.

#6. POS Hardware

Shopify POS Lite

Lite connects with supported hardware like card readers and receipt printers. The setup is simple and works well for mobile or pop-up sellers.

Shopify POS Pro

Pro supports the same devices but enhances compatibility with a broader range of tools. It suits stores needing full retail setups with multiple registers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, and advanced printers.

Final verdict: Lite offers essential hardware support. Pro scales with larger operations requiring complex retail setups.

Benefits of Upgrading to Shopify POS Pro for Merchants

Choosing Shopify POS Pro unlocks advanced tools beyond the basics of POS Lite. These features support growth, streamline store operations, and create a better shopping experience.

Below are the key benefits merchants gain after upgrading:

Sync Your Online and Physical Stores

Shopify POS Pro keeps both online and offline operations connected. Inventory, orders, and customer data update in real time across every sales channel. This integration ensures a unified view of business performance and reduces the risk of stock errors.

Expand to 1,000 Locations

Scalability is one of the strongest benefits. Shopify POS Pro supports up to 1,000 retail locations from a single system. This allows growing brands to expand into multiple regions while maintaining centralized control of inventory and staff activities.

Enable Omnichannel Selling

Omnichannel selling becomes seamless with POS Pro. Customers can:

• Buy online and pick up in-store

• Buy in-store and ship from a warehouse

• Make returns or exchanges across any location

This flexibility improves convenience for customers while keeping inventory accurate across channels.

Streamline Inventory Using the Stocky App

POS Pro includes Stocky, an advanced inventory management app. Stocky forecasts demand, suggests reorders, and highlights dead stock. By using sales trends and performance data, merchants can avoid shortages and reduce excess stock.

Manage Unlimited Staff and Registers

With POS Pro, there is no cap on staff accounts or registers. Each employee gets a unique login, and managers can set role-based permissions. This setup improves security, tracks staff performance, and ensures smooth multi-terminal operations.

Build and Strengthen Customer Relationships

Customer data from both online and in-store channels sync into one profile. Staff can personalize service, recommend products, and build loyalty through tailored experiences. This approach not only enhances retention but also drives higher lifetime value.

Gain Deeper Insights with Sales Reports and Store Analytics

POS Pro provides detailed analytics for daily sales, product performance, and staff activity. Real-time insights allow merchants to spot trends, adjust strategies, and optimize operations for long-term growth.

Who Should Move to Shopify POS Pro?

Not every merchant needs the full power of Shopify POS Pro. Yet, certain business models and growth paths make the upgrade worth serious consideration. Below are the key profiles that benefit most:

• Retailers with multiple or expanding locations: When managing two or more stores or planning to scale regionally, POS Pro handles inventory, orders, and staff across all sites from one dashboard. This centralized control saves time and avoids errors.

• Stores with a large workforce: Complex staff structures demand flexible role permissions, performance tracking, and secure access. POS Pro supports unlimited logins and customizable roles for large teams.

• Merchants carrying extensive product catalogs: For shops with hundreds or thousands of SKUs, advanced inventory tools are critical. POS Pro enables detailed tracking, stock transfers, and demand-based forecasting.

• Retailers aiming for true omnichannel experiences: When online and in-store operations must feel seamless to customers, POS Pro’s tools deliver. Features like buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS), cross-channel returns, and unified order flows ensure consistent shopper journeys.

• Business owners driven by data: Strong analytics and reporting help detect trends, spot top sellers, monitor staff performance, and fine-tune operations. POS Pro gives deeper insight than basic reports.

• Brands prioritizing long-term scalability: As growth continues, demands multiply—more staff, more stock locations, more orders. POS Pro is built to scale without hitting system ceilings.

FAQs about Shopify POS Pro

Can I use POS Pro on just one location and Lite elsewhere?

Yes! It’s possible to assign POS Pro to a single store while using POS Lite in other locations. Shopify charges the POS Pro fee per location, not per staff or terminal.

Will upgrading to POS Pro reduce transaction fees or payment rates?

No. POS Pro does not change the base payment processing rates set by Shopify or your payment gateway. Transaction fees remain consistent across POS tiers.

What hardware do I need to make full use of POS Pro?

You will need a compatible device (such as iPad Gen 5+, iPhone 7+, or Android with version 10.0+), a card reader, and optionally barcode scanners, a receipt printer, and a cash drawer.

Is POS Pro worth it for a small store with low in-person volume?

Most small shops with light foot traffic may not benefit enough from advanced tools to justify the extra cost. The upgrade often makes sense when complexity, inventory, or staff needs grow.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Moving to Shopify POS Pro?

Upgrading to Shopify POS Pro can be a smart move for retailers ready to scale. It offers advanced tools for inventory, staff, and customer management while keeping online and offline operations connected. The features help create smooth workflows and stronger customer experiences. For growing businesses, Shopify POS Pro delivers real value through better control and scalability.