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Shopify POS (Point of Sale): Features & costs at a glance

Shopify POS links in-store sales with your online shop – but is the system really worth it? We present the features, prices, and alternatives.

May 7, 2025

Table of contents

  1. Overview

  2. What is Shopify POS?

  3. Suitable for omnichannel shops

  4. Advantages & disadvantages

  5. Alternative: Mollie

  6. Find the right package

  7. Cost

  8. Experiences with Shopify POS in Germany

Overview: Shopify Point of Sale

  • Connects in-store sales with the Shopify online store in one central solution

  • Features depend on the POS package and Shopify subscription

  • Inventory and payments can be synchronized across channels

  • Additional hardware such as a terminal or scanner required

  • POS Pro offers more features but incurs additional costs

  • Suitable for omnichannel retailers, but not for every business model

  • Mollie POS offers flexible integration and transparent fees

What is Shopify POS and how does the POS system work?

Shopify Point of Sale is a POS system that seamlessly connects brick-and-mortar stores with online shops. For many merchants, this sounds like a practical all-in-one solution – but how exactly does the Shopify Point of Sale system work in practice?

Central control in the shop system

With Shopify POS, in-store sales can be synchronized directly with the online store. Orders, inventory, and customer data are automatically recorded and updated across all channels.

Mobile checkout with dedicated hardware

The system runs on mobile devices such as iPads or iPhones. The appropriate Shopify POS hardware—such as receipt printers, cash drawers, or Shopify POS terminals—is available separately and is required for full functionality.

Expandable with accessories

Depending on your industry, additional equipment may be necessary. A Shopify POS scanner is particularly important in retail to quickly capture products and avoid queues.

Variants for different needs

Shopify offers two POS models: POS Lite for basic functions and POS Pro for advanced requirements – each in combination with a Shopify subscription.

Suitable for omnichannel stores: Who is Shopify POS suitable for?

Shopify Point of Sale is primarily aimed at retailers who sell both in-store and online and are already active in the Shopify ecosystem. The system connects the most important sales processes, but requires a certain digital infrastructure and investment in additional features.

For retailers with a simple setup

Shopify POS is well suited for smaller retail stores, pop-up stores, or brands with a manageable product range. Those who offer their products both in their online store and directly on site benefit from synchronized inventory and bundled management.

Limitations for more complex requirements

As soon as multiple locations, individual payment methods, or B2B workflows come into play, the Shopify POS system reaches its limits—especially without the paid Pro version. Extensibility outside the Shopify ecosystem also remains limited.

Technically integrated, but not always flexible

The use of Shopify POS hardware such as terminals or scanners is useful but not optional – and incurs additional costs. If you are looking for a scalable solution, you should compare systems that can be flexibly integrated into existing structures.

Advantages & disadvantages of Shopify POS in practice

Shopify Point of Sale is designed as an entry-level solution for omnichannel business. For simple requirements, the Shopify POS system offers a solid foundation. However, those who expect more will quickly reach the limits of the system.

Advantages of Shopify POS

  • Easy connection between brick-and-mortar store and online shop

  • Intuitive user interface and quick start

  • Synchronization of inventory, sales, and customer profiles

  • Integration into the Shopify ecosystem without additional interfaces

Disadvantages with noticeable impact

  • Advanced features only available with the paid POS Pro version

  • Technical security equipment (TSE) not fully integrated in Germany

  • Limited flexibility outside the Shopify universe

  • Separate hardware required, such as your own scanners and terminals

  • No open choice of payment service providers or methods

For many merchants who are specifically looking for a powerful POS system, Shopify POS may make a convincing first impression. However, as complexity increases—for example, with multiple stores, B2B requirements, or individual payment preferences—choosing Shopify Point of Sale becomes increasingly strategic.

Alternative to Shopify POS: Why Mollie is worth considering

Shopify Point of Sale can work for those taking their first steps in brick-and-mortar retail. However, those who want to remain flexible in the long term and have a clear overview of costs should consider alternatives. Mollie offers a modern POS solution that can be used independently of the shop system thanks to numerous integrations – including with Shopify – and impresses precisely where the Shopify POS system reaches its limits.

Affordable entry, transparent costs

Unlike Shopify POS, Mollie does not charge any monthly fixed costs for POS payments. Merchants only pay per transaction – without additional packages or subscription models. Special hardware is also not required: Mollie POS works on existing devices and can be integrated immediately.

More freedom in payment methods and system selection

While Shopify Point of Sale is heavily tied to its own ecosystem, Mollie can be flexibly integrated into existing cash registers, accounting systems, or merchandise management solutions. You retain control over your infrastructure and your terms and conditions.

Ideal for growing business models

Mollie POS adapts to your business: whether you have a single location, multiple stores, or mobile sales. You use exactly the features you need and can scale at any time without having to change systems. If you are currently in the selection phase, you should consider not only convenience but also independence.

Sign up with Mollie now – no contract term, no hidden fees

Find the right package: How to choose your Shopify POS model

Depending on the size of your business, sales channels, and growth plans, Shopify offers different combinations of online store and POS system. Merchants should carefully consider which package really suits their needs.

Before merchants decide on a complete Shopify package, they should understand the fundamental difference between POS Lite and POS Pro. This choice has a significant impact on the features and costs of in-store sales.

POS Lite vs. POS Pro in comparison

Shopify offers two versions of its POS system:

  • POS Lite:

    • Integrated POS functionality included

    • Limited inventory management

    • No employee management

    • Basic customer profile features

    • Only basic sales reports

    • Limited omnichannel returns

    • Limited support for multiple locations

    • Included in the respective Shopify package (no additional costs)

  • POS Pro:

    • Integrated cash register function included

    • Fully integrated inventory management

    • Extensive rights and role management for employees

    • Advanced customer profiles and CRM options

    • Comprehensive and detailed sales analyses

    • Full support for cross-channel returns

    • Comprehensive management of multiple locations

    • Additional monthly costs of approximately $79 per location

POS packages: Starter and Retail

For retailers focusing on brick-and-mortar sales, Shopify offers two preconfigured POS models:

  • Starter:

    • Includes POS Lite for one location

    • Simple online store included, for example for product presentations or direct purchases

    • Cost: $5 per month

    • Suitable for: small brick-and-mortar stores with minimal online needs.

  • Retail:

    • Includes POS Pro for one location

    • Simple online store included

    • Cost: $79 per month.

    • Suitable for: retailers with a larger product range who primarily sell in-store

Comprehensive Shopify packages with POS option

For businesses that need a fully functional online store in addition to their brick-and-mortar store, there are three classic packages. POS Pro can be added as an option:

Depending on your sales focus, there are different Shopify packages to choose from:

  • Starter:

    • POS Lite for one location included

    • Simple online shop integrated

    • Monthly cost: $5

    • Suitable for very small, primarily brick-and-mortar retailers

  • Retail:

    • POS Pro for one location included

    • Advanced online shop integrated

    • Monthly cost: $79

    • Suitable for retailers with an omnichannel approach

  • Basic:

    • Complete online store

    • Basic functions for growing retailers

    • Monthly cost: $33

    • Additional cost for POS Pro: $79 per location

  • Grow (Shopify):

    • Comprehensive online store for growing businesses

    • Monthly cost: $88

    • Additional cost for POS Pro: $79 per location

  • Advanced:

    • Highly scalable online shop for large retailers

    • Complex international requirements possible

    • Monthly cost: $384

    • Additional cost for POS Pro: $79 per location

Recommendations depending on business model

  • Starter is ideal for very small shops or pop-up stores with a focus on brick-and-mortar sales.

  • Retail is suitable for retailers who want to move more into online sales and need POS Pro functionality.

  • Basic + POS Pro is useful for growing retailers who already have a brick-and-mortar store and online shop structures.

  • Grow + POS Pro is suitable for retailers who actively pursue omnichannel strategies and manage multiple locations.

  • Advanced + POS Pro is aimed at companies with complex structures, international sales, and a need for in-depth data analysis.

Mollie as a flexible alternative

With Mollie, there are no complex package decisions to make: merchants get a modern POS system that can be integrated directly and flexibly into existing structures—and excellent support that merchants appreciate.

Sign up with Mollie now

Shopify POS costs: What can merchants expect to pay each month?

The actual costs for Shopify Point of Sale are made up of several components. Merchants should take a close look to avoid unexpected expenses.

Monthly fixed costs

First, there are the costs for the Shopify store package. Depending on the package selected, these range from $5 (Starter), $33 (Basic), $79 (Retail), $88 (Grow), and $384 (Advanced) per month. The Shopify POS system cannot be used without an active Shopify subscription.

Additional costs for POS Pro

If you need advanced features, such as complete inventory management or detailed employee permissions, you will need to upgrade to POS Pro for almost all packages. This incurs additional monthly costs of $79 per store. This fee is added to the Shopify costs and significantly increases your ongoing expenses.

Hardware investments

Special hardware is required to use Shopify POS efficiently. This includes the Shopify POS terminal, scanners, and other devices. Depending on the setup, the purchase of this Shopify POS hardware can cost several hundred dollars.

Examples of Shopify POS costs

  • Retailers with one store:

  • Shopify Grow package ($88) + POS Lite (included)

  • Total costs: $88 per month plus transaction fees

  • Retailers with two locations and POS Pro:

  • Shopify Grow package ($88) + POS Pro (2 × $79)

  • Total costs: $246 per month plus fees and hardware

Mollie as a cost-transparent alternative

Compared to Shopify, Mollie offers a clearly structured POS solution that allows for complete flexibility. Merchants can either use Tap to Pay on mobile devices free of charge or use their own POS terminal. There is a one-time purchase cost for a POS terminal and a monthly fee of €20 per device. There are no additional package fees or license costs.

Transaction fees are only incurred for successful payments – and are particularly low compared to traditional POS systems. This gives merchants full control over their costs and allows them to expand their business flexibly without being tied to complex pricing structures.

If you are looking for a POS system that is not only convenient but also has transparent running costs, you should consider POS payments via Mollie early on in your decision-making process.

Experience with Shopify POS in Germany: What merchants say

Shopify Point of Sale is rated differently in Germany. Merchants particularly praise its ease of use and the seamless connection between the online store and brick-and-mortar sales. At the same time, there are recurring points of criticism that may be particularly relevant for merchants with higher demands.

Positive experiences

  • Easy integration: Retailers emphasize that Shopify POS is quick to set up and use, especially in combination with an existing Shopify online store.

    Source: OMR Reviews, as of April 2025


  • Inventory synchronization: The automatic updating of online and offline inventory levels is particularly praised.

    Source: OMR Reviews, as of April 2025

Critical reviews

  • Problems with TSE integration: One user criticizes that the legally required technical security device (TSE) has not yet been reliably implemented in Germany. This can be particularly problematic in view of legal cash register security regulations.

    Source: OMR Reviews, as of April 2025


  • Additional costs for full functionality: Another criticism is that many important features are only available with the paid POS Pro upgrade.

    Source: Shopify POS review on Trustpilot, as of April 2025


  • Unclear billing for additional services: Merchants report that they had to pay fees for POS Pro for months even though they never intentionally booked this option. Shopify denied their refund requests.

    Source: Shopify POS review on Trustpilot, as of April 2025


  • Poor support for urgent issues: Users criticize long response times to support requests. Even simple issues such as disabling two-factor authentication were not resolved promptly despite several attempts to contact support, resulting in business losses.

    Source: Shopify POS review on Trustpilot, as of April 2025

How does Shopify POS work?

Shopify POS works as a point-of-sale system that connects brick-and-mortar sales and online stores. Sales, inventory, and customer profiles are synchronized in the Shopify Point of Sale system – it is important to choose between POS Lite and POS Pro.

How much does Shopify POS cost for merchants?

Shopify POS costs consist of shop package fees and possible additional costs for POS Pro. Starter costs $5/month, Retail $79/month. POS Pro costs an additional $79 per location for Basic, Grow, and Advanced.

Who is Shopify POS suitable for?

Shopify POS is suitable for merchants who already operate a Shopify online store and are looking for an integrated solution for brick-and-mortar sales. Smaller retailers in particular benefit from the easy integration of both sales channels.

Which POS systems can be used with Shopify?

In addition to Shopify's own POS system, merchants can integrate flexible alternatives such as POS payments via Mollie – for example, to take advantage of transparent cost structures and free Tap to Pay.

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Table of contents

Overview: Shopify Point of Sale

What is Shopify POS and how does the POS system work?

Suitable for omnichannel stores: Who is Shopify POS suitable for?

Advantages & disadvantages of Shopify POS in practice

Alternative to Shopify POS: Why Mollie is worth considering

Find the right package: How to choose your Shopify POS model

Shopify POS costs: What can merchants expect to pay each month?

Experience with Shopify POS in Germany: What merchants say

How does Shopify POS work?

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