The best mobile pos systems for small businesses

Running a small business is a whirlwind. You're juggling inventory, managing staff, keeping customers happy, and trying to make a profit. The last thing you need is a clunky, outdated point-of-sale (POS) system slowing you down. That's where mobile POS systems come in, and in this post, we're going to help you figure out the best mobile POS system for your needs.

What exactly is a mobile POS system?

Think of a mobile POS system as your business' command center, but instead of bulky hardware and tangled wires, it's sleek, portable, and often runs on your smartphone or tablet, tablet, or any mobile device. It's not just about accepting payments (though it does that too!), it's about managing your entire business from the palm of your hand. And in some cases, you even get Inventory tracking, sales reports and customer management in your POS system.

Benefits of using a mobile POS system

A mobile POS system offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience, allowing businesses to accept payments and track transactions from virtually anywhere. Whether you’re at a pop-up shop, a food truck, or a brick-and-mortar store, a mobile POS system ensures you can manage sales seamlessly.

One of the standout benefits is the time-saving aspect. Mobile POS systems streamline transactions and inventory management, reducing the time spent on manual tasks. This efficiency boost means you can focus more on growing your business and less on administrative duties.

Moreover, mobile POS systems help build stronger relationships with customers by providing a secure and convenient way to make payments. The ease of use and quick transaction times enhance the customer experience, encouraging repeat business.

Integration with various business tools is another significant advantage. Mobile POS systems can connect with accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and other essential tools, making it easier to manage your operations effectively.

These systems are versatile and can be used across various industries, including retail, hospitality, and food service. Whether you’re running a boutique, a café, or a mobile service, a mobile POS system can adapt to your needs and help you run your business more efficiently.

What should small businesses look for in a mobile POS system?

So, what separates a good mobile POS system from the right POS system? Here are some key things to consider:

• Ease of use: Let's be real, you're busy. Your POS system should be intuitive and easy to learn, not require a PhD in computer science.
• Flexibility: Your business is unique, so your POS system should be too. Look for customizable features and integrations with other tools you use.
• Affordability: Hidden fees can be a killer. Transparency in pricing is crucial.
• Reliability: A system that crashes during peak hours is a nightmare. Look for a proven track record of reliability.
• Scalability: As your business grows, your POS system should be able to keep up. Choosing the right POS system can significantly impact customer satisfaction, team efficiency, and overall financial health.

The contenders: Comparing mobile POS systems

Let's take a look at some of the top mobile POS systems and see how they stack up against each other, focusing on the criteria we just discussed. We'll include Helcim, of course, because we think it's pretty great, but we'll also give you the lowdown on some other options.

Helcim: Helcim is known for its transparent payment processing fees, powerful features, and excellent customer support. Our POS software is free, and we offer a variety of hardware options such as the Card Reader, Smart Terminal. You can download our free POS app on your phone and connect the Helcim Card Reader to create a mobile POS. Alternatively, the Helcim Smart Terminal allows you to run your business and accept payments directly on the device, without needing to connect to anything else. If you feel like you don’t need any major device just yet, your iPhone would do as we offer Tap-to-Pay on iPhone in the U.S with Android coming soon. The best part about Helcim isn’t just the awesome POS software but the fact that we also excel in offering competitive rates for payment processing and no hidden fees.

Square: A popular choice for small businesses, Square offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features. However, their flat-rate pricing can be more expensive for businesses with higher average transaction values.

Stripe: Stripe is a powerful platform, particularly for online businesses. While they offer mobile POS capabilities, their focus is primarily on online payments and developer tools.

PayPal: A household name in online payments, PayPal also offers mobile POS solutions. However, their fees can be complex, and their customer support can be challenging to navigate.

Clover: Clover offers a range of POS hardware and software options. While they have some mobile capabilities, they are often geared towards larger businesses and can be more expensive.

What are the common hidden fees in mobile POS?

Speaking of pricing, let's talk about hidden fees. These sneaky charges can eat into your profits and leave you feeling frustrated. Here are some common ones to watch out for:

• Overpaying for processing: Flat-rate processing can be convenient and quite frankly, easy to understand, but it can also mean you're paying more than you should, especially when card brands lower their interchange fees.
• PCI compliance fees: These fees cover the cost of ensuring your business is PCI compliant with payment card industry security standards. Processors like Helcim do not charge extra for this.
• Merchant contract fees: Be careful of long-term contracts with hefty cancellation fees.
• Hardware leasing: Leasing payment hardware can seem attractive, but it can end up costing you more in the long run. Plus, you’re often stuck with the hardware even if you switch processors.
• Minimum processing volume penalties: Some processors penalize you if you don't process a certain amount of volume each month.
• Extra fees for payment tools: Using features like invoicing or recurring billing can sometimes incur additional fees.

How much does a mobile POS system cost?

The cost of a mobile POS system can vary depending on several factors, including: POS software fees: Some providers charge a monthly fee for their software, while others offer it for free. For example,

Hardware costs: You'll likely need a card reader, and you may also want a receipt printer or other accessories. The total POS hardware cost can range from $300 to $600. To save on costs, you can consider the Helcim Smart Terminal with a built-in receipt printer. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid hardware costs altogether, Helcim's free Tap to Pay on iPhone allows you to accept payments directly on your iPhone.

Payment processing fees: These are the fees you pay to process each transaction. Every payment processor charges this but the difference is in how much they charge. Helcim uses th interchange plus pricing model (which sounds complex I know) but could actually save your business a lot of money when compared to flat-rate pricing which is easier to understand.

What types of businesses should use mobile POS systems?

Pretty much any business can benefit from a mobile POS system, but they're especially well-suited for: Mobile businesses: Food trucks, farmers markets, pop-up shops – businesses that are constantly on the move. Small retailers: Boutiques, bookstores, coffee shops – businesses that need a flexible and affordable POS solution. Service providers: Hair salons, contractors, personal trainers – businesses that need to manage appointments and accept payments on the go.

How to get a free mobile POS system (Sort of)

Okay, “free” might be a stretch, but Helcim gives you a mobile POS system without the extra costs. With a free POS software, transparent pricing, and cost-saving options like surcharging and ACH payments, you get to keep more of your money. Plus if you're stuck in a contract with another provider, Helcim even has a merchant buyout program where they waive up to $500 of your processing fees to help you switch.

Break up with bad rates.

Feeling stuck with your provider? We'll waive $500 of your processing fees when you switch to Helcim.

Learn more

FAQs

What do I need to start using the Helcim Point of Sale System?

You can use your own smartphone, tablet, or computer with Helcim’s mobile POS system, but you’ll still need the Helcim Card Reader or Smart Terminal to process in-person payments. To get started, sign up for a free Helcim account, download the Helcim app on your device, and connect it to the card reader or Smart Terminal. If you're using an iPhone, you also have the option to enable Tap to Pay on iPhone, which lets you accept contactless payments without additional hardware.

Is a mobile POS system secure?

Yes, Helcim is PCI-DSS compliant meaning that their mobile POS systems use encryption and other security measures to protect your data.

Do I need an internet connection to use a mobile POS system?

Most mobile POS systems require an internet connection, but some offer offline functionality for basic transactions.

Choosing the right mobile POS system is a big decision. Take your time, do your research, and choose a system that meets your specific needs. And if you're looking for a powerful, affordable, and transparent option, well, you know where to find us.