iPad POS System: The Better Point-of-Sale

Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by May Montenegro

Ever thought about turning your iPad into a POS system? Yes—your iPad, the one currently being used to binge-watch Netflix and play Candy Crush, can moonlight as a full-blown point-of-sale system. Pretty cool, right?

Why an iPad POS system might be the hero your business needs

Let’s face it—traditional POS systems can be ridiculously expensive. All that hardware? Yikes. Not to mention the lock-in periods you get cornered into when you sign up with legacy providers. But guess what? With an iPad and a free point-of-sale app, you can skip the part where you empty your wallet and jump straight to being the checkout superstar.

If you’ve got an iPad, you’re practically halfway there. Just download the right software, and you can start accepting payments—whether that’s with a card reader for in-person swipes or by manually entering card details. The best iPad POS systems are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, making it easy to set up and operate without requiring technical skills. So, let’s dive into how to make that happen (and why it’s way easier than you think).

Can I use my iPad for accepting credit card payments? (Spoiler: yes!)

If you’re new to the business world, you’re probably asking yourself, what exactly is a POS system anyway?

POS systems, or Point of Sale systems, are the tech that lets businesses accept payments, whether in-person or online. Imagine the old-school cash register—but upgraded to be smarter, faster, and way cooler. Now, it’s all at your fingertips, right on your iPad.

Whether you’re selling artisanal candles at a pop-up market or running a boutique, your iPad can easily transform into a mobile POS system. This lets you process payments on-the-go, track inventory, and even send invoices in real-time—making it the perfect solution for small businesses, pop-up events, or any situation where you want the freedom to accept payments without lugging around bulky hardware.

Can I use my tablet as a POS system?

Yes! Whether it’s an iPad or another tablet, as long as you can download a compatible POS software, you’re good to go. Whether you’re using a card reader for in-person payments or manually entering card details, your tablet can transform into a sleek iPad POS solution that fits in your bag. This flexibility makes it easy to manage payments and track transactions wherever you go.

Best free point of sale for iPad (Free = Good)

You’re probably thinking, “This all sounds great, but it must come with a hefty price tag, right?” Wrong. Some providers offer it for free! When it comes to finding the best POS software for iPad, free options are a game-changer. For example, Helcim provides a free point-of-sale app packed with essential features—without the big upfront cost. So, whether you’re just starting out or simply want to save your budget for more important things, a free POS software is a pretty sweet deal.

But before you dive in and hitting that “Get” button on the app store, here are a few things to look for when choosing the best free POS software for your iPad:

No monthly or hidden fees

Let’s be real—nobody likes being catfished, especially by their POS system. When choosing POS software for iPad, go for a provider that offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees or sneaky monthly charges. Some providers offer genuine “no monthly fee” options, meaning you only pay for what you actually use. No shady pricing, just honest service with affordable rates.

User-friendly interface

You don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to use it. Look for software that’s intuitive and easy to navigate.

Payment processing

Make sure it can handle multiple payment types—credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and even contactless options like Apple Pay. The more versatile, the better.

Inventory management

Even the free versions should give you basic inventory management features so you can keep track of stock, monitor sales, and avoid any “oops, we’re out” moments.

Reporting tools

You’ll want software that provides essential reports like sales, customer data, and transaction history. This helps you track performance and make informed decisions without shelling out for extra analytics tools.

Customer support

Even free software should offer reliable customer support, whether through calls, email, or a knowledge base, to help you when things don’t go as planned.

Complete your iPad POS setup

Now that you know what to look for, the next step is to prep what else you might need to get your checkout looking pretty sleek. Here’s the lowdown:

• iPad POS system: Use the trusty iPad you already own—just make sure it’s running the latest OS for compatibility with your POS software. Once your POS software for iPad is installed. If your business also handles cash, adding a cash drawer to your iPad POS setup is a smart move to securely store those bills.
• Card readers: If you need to accept card present transactions we’d recommend pairing your iPad POS system with a card reader for tapping ease. If this is the route you’re taking, simply plug a card reader into your iPad or connect it via Bluetooth, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a card machine on-the-go. This setup is ideal for mobile businesses or anyone who needs the flexibility to take in-person payments anywhere, anytime.
• Receipt printers (optional): If your customers like a paper trail, adding a receipt printer to your iPad POS system is a must. Many POS systems are compatible with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi printers, so you can print receipts instantly without a tangle of wires. It’s perfect for creating a professional checkout experience that gives your customers peace of mind.

iPad POS Setup: It’s so easy, even your grandma could do it

1. Sign up for a merchant account with your provider of choice (Helcim lets you do this for free and at no monthly cost.)
2. Download their cloud-based POS app (Helcim's POS app for iPad is free too...just saying 👀)
3. Connect your iPad to your card reader via Bluetooth if you want to accept card present transactions.
4. Set up a receipt printer to provide customers with physical transaction receipts.
5. Start accepting payments—and look ridiculously professional while doing it.

Alternative for iPad POS systems

If an iPad POS system isn’t your ideal setup, know that there are other great POS options out there to consider:

• Smart terminals: Think of these as the luxury cars of the POS world—sleek, fast, and equipped with built-in software that handles payments effortlessly. Smart terminals can complement your iPad by tracking payments, but they’re powerful enough to stand alone as an all-in-one solution. In fact, in many cases, you won’t need an iPad at all.
• Tap on phone: Why not accept payments using a device you already own? Contactless payment options like Tap to Pay on iPhone or Android allow you to take payments directly from your NFC-enabled mobile device, making transactions easy and affordable without the need for extra hardware.

Final thoughts

If you're after a simple, affordable, and—let’s be honest—super sleek way to process payments, an iPad POS system could be your best bet. Already have an iPad? Great, you're halfway there. But if iPad POS software isn't your thing, don’t worry—there are plenty of other options to explore.

And here’s the best part: Helcim offers a free POS app that's compatible with your iPad, along with options like a standalone terminal, so you get the best of both worlds—an easy setup and powerful payment tools. Why not give it a try? Check out our page here and see how you can start using it to power your business.

FAQs

Is an iPad POS system secure for accepting payments?

Yes, using an iPad POS system is secure for accepting payments. Most iPad POS systems use encryption and other security measures to protect sensitive payment information. Using a secure POS mobile app ensures that all transactions are encrypted and protected from potential security threats.

This will be done through a physical card reader or a secure payment processing tool like a virtual terminal. However, it’s important to choose a reputable payment processor and to follow best practices for secure payment processing, such as using a strong password and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks when accepting payments.

Can I use my existing iPad or tablet as a POS system?

You can use your existing iPad or tablet as a POS system. You only need a compatible POS app and, if you want to accept card present transactions, a card reader to connect to your device. The right iPad app can enhance your POS experience by providing features like sales tracking, inventory management, and customer data analysis. Some payment processors even have free tools for accepting online when you sign up for their service, making it easy and affordable to get started with a tablet-based POS system.

What are the benefits of using an iPad POS system over a traditional POS system? (Hint: Accept multiple payment methods)

There are several benefits to using an iPad POS system over a traditional POS system. First and foremost, iPad POS systems are often more affordable since you can use your existing tablet without investing in expensive hardware. Additionally, iPad POS systems are often more flexible and easier to use since they can be customized with various apps and features. Finally, iPad POS systems can offer advanced functionality, such as inventory management, purchase orders, and customer data tracking, that may not be available with a traditional POS system. These features are particularly beneficial for retail stores, allowing them to manage both in-store and online sales seamlessly.

What are the payment methods I can accept with my iPad POS system?

With an iPad POS system connected with a card reader, you can accept various payment methods, including credit and debit cards via swipe, chip, or tap, as well as contactless payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Many systems also support mobile payments through apps like PayPal. Additionally, you can still accept cash by integrating a cash drawer into your setup, providing flexibility and convenience for both you and your customers.