Types of Point of Sale Systems for Every Business

What is a Point of Sale System

A Point of Sale (POS) system is the central hub where sales transactions are completed in a business. It is more than just a cash register—it combines hardware and software to manage everything from processing payments to tracking inventory and generating reports. Whether you run a small coffee shop or a large retail chain, the right POS system can greatly improve efficiency and accuracy.

Core Components of a POS System

A functioning POS setup typically includes:

• Software – The operating system that runs on POS devices, manages inventory, processes sales, and produces reports. This can be installed locally (on-premise) or accessed via the cloud.
• Hardware – Physical devices such as cash drawers, receipt printers, barcode scanners, touch-screen monitors, card readers, and even mobile tablets.
• Payment Processing Tools – Card terminals, NFC contactless systems, or integrated mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
• Peripheral Devices – Scales (for groceries), kitchen display systems (for restaurants), and customer-facing displays.

How POS Systems Streamline Business Operations

Modern POS systems are designed to do much more than ring up sales. They simplify daily operations by:

• Speeding up transactions – Quick and accurate checkout improves customer satisfaction.
• Centralizing inventory control – Reduce stockouts or overstock issues by tracking product quantities in real time.
• Recording and tracking sales – Maintain detailed sales history for performance analysis.
• Managing customer data – Store profiles, purchase history, and loyalty program information for better marketing.
• Generating reports and analytics – Access insights on sales trends, employee performance, and product profitability.
• Integrating with other systems – Connect to accounting software, eCommerce platforms, and third-party marketing tools for seamless operations.

A well-implemented POS system keeps sales, inventory, payments, and reporting all in one place, allowing business owners to make faster, more informed decisions and deliver a better customer experience.

Types of Point of Sale Systems

When choosing a POS system, it helps to know the different types available and what they’re best for. Each setup has its own strengths, so the right choice depends on your business size, industry, and workflow.

Traditional On Premise POS Systems

Description: Installed directly on computers or servers at your store location. All data is stored locally.
Key Features:

• High reliability – Works even without internet.
• Strong security – Data stays in-house.
• Fast performance – No delays from network issues.

Ideal For: Large retail stores, high-volume restaurants, or businesses that need uninterrupted operations.

Pros:

• Stable and dependable.
• Full control of data.
• Often faster than cloud during peak hours.

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost for hardware and software.
• Updates and backup are manual.
• Limited remote access.

Cloud Based POS Systems

Description: Runs on the internet with data stored securely on remote servers.
Key Features:

• Remote access – Manage sales and inventory anywhere.
• Automatic updates – Always up to date.
• Scalable – Easy to add locations or devices.

Ideal For: Small to mid-size businesses, franchises, and those with multiple locations.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost.
• Accessible from any device with internet.
• Seamless integration with apps and e-commerce.

Cons:

• Needs stable internet connection to run fully.
• Monthly subscription fees.

Mobile POS Systems (mPOS)

Description: POS software installed on smartphones or tablets.
Key Features:

• Portability – Take payments anywhere.
• Fast setup – Simple to get started.
• Easy to use – Minimal training required.

Ideal For: Pop-up shops, food trucks, market stalls, small brick-and-mortar stores.

Pros:

• Low startup cost.
• Flexible for on-the-go sales.
• Compact hardware setup.

Cons:

• May lack advanced reporting features.
• Limited hardware expansion.

Self Service Kiosks

Description: Customer-operated touch-screen POS stations.
Key Features:

• Speeds checkout – Customers order and pay themselves.
• Cuts staff workload – Fewer counter staff needed.
• Improves order accuracy – Direct input by customers.

Ideal For: Fast food chains, cinemas, retail stores with high foot traffic.

Pros:

• Shorter lines and faster service.
• Consistent upselling opportunities.
• Better customer flow during rush hours.

Cons:

• Higher initial investment.
• Requires space in-store.

Hybrid POS Systems

Description: Combines on premise reliability with cloud convenience. Runs locally but syncs to the cloud for remote data access.
Key Features:

• Offline mode – Keep selling during outages.
• Synced reporting – Unified data across locations.
• Flexible setup – Scales with your needs.

Ideal For: Enterprises and growing businesses that need both stability and remote management.

Pros:

• Best of both worlds – reliability plus flexibility.
• Data backup redundancy.
• Works for both single-store and multi-location setups.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than single-type setups.
• Setup may be more complex.

Quick POS System Comparison Table

(*Some mobile POS apps have limited offline modes.)

Key Features to Compare Across POS System Types

Before picking a POS system, you’ll want to compare the features that matter most to your business. Not all POS types handle payments, inventory, or data in the same way, so knowing what to look for will save you time and money.

Payment Processing Options

A good POS should handle multiple payment methods so you never turn a customer away. Look for:

• Credit and debit cards (chip, swipe, tap)
• NFC payments (Apple Pay, Google Wallet)
• Cash transactions with built-in or connected cash drawers
• Gift cards and store credit
• Split payments for customers who want to pay with more than one method

Inventory Management

Your POS should make it easy to track products in real-time. Helpful inventory features include:

• Automatic stock updates after each sale
• Low-stock alerts to prevent running out
• Bulk product import for quick setup
• SKU or barcode scanning for accuracy
• Multi-location tracking if you have more than one store

Customer Management (CRM)

Strong customer relationship tools can help grow sales. Look for:

• Customer profiles that store purchase history
• Loyalty rewards programs integrations
• Email or text marketing tools
• Purchase tracking to personalize offers

Reporting and Analytics

A POS should give you more than just sales numbers. Key reporting tools:

• Sales by product, category, or employee
• Peak sales hours and trends
• Profit margin tracking
• Customizable reports to match your KPIs
• Cloud access so you can check reports anywhere

Integration with Third Party Apps

Integrations save time by automating work between tools:

• Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero)
• E-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce)
• Delivery services (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
• Marketing tools (Mailchimp)

Hardware Requirements and Costs

Hardware needs vary by POS type. Before buying, check:
| POS Type | Common Hardware Needs | Cost Consideration |
|——————–|———————————————|——————–|
| Traditional POS | Touchscreen terminal, receipt printer, cash drawer, barcode scanner | Higher upfront cost |
| Cloud POS | Basic terminal or tablet, receipt printer, cash drawer | Ongoing subscription |
| Mobile POS (mPOS) | Smartphone or tablet with card reader | Low upfront, app fees |
| Self-service Kiosk | Kiosk terminal, touchscreen, payment terminal| Higher hardware cost |
| Hybrid POS | Mix of traditional + cloud hardware | Mid-to-high cost |

Keeping these features in mind makes it easier to match the right POS system with your business needs, budget, and growth plans.

How to Choose the Right POS System for Your Business

Picking the right point of sale system isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best choice depends on your business size, type, budget, mobility needs, and how well it integrates with what you already use. Here’s what to look at before you decide — plus how SDLPOS can help you get set up the right way.

Consider Your Business Size and Type

• Small businesses – Often benefit from mobile POS or cloud-based systems for flexibility and lower costs.
• Medium to large retailers or restaurants – May need advanced on-premise or hybrid systems for speed, reliability, and high transaction volume.
• Multi-location operations – Cloud or hybrid POS makes managing multiple branches easier.

Budget Planning

• Initial costs – Hardware, installation, and licensing fees.
• Ongoing costs – Subscription fees for cloud-based POS, software updates, and payment processing charges.
• Best value – Sometimes, higher upfront costs save more long term if the system is more durable and feature-rich.

Mobility Needs

If you often sell outside your store, handle curbside pickup, or run pop-up events, mobile POS is key. For dine-in restaurants or big retail floors, handheld POS devices help staff serve faster without running back to a counter.

Integration with Existing Systems

Make sure the POS works smoothly with:

• Inventory software
• Accounting tools like QuickBooks
• E-commerce platforms for unified sales tracking

Upgrading your POS should make your workflow simpler, not more complicated.

Customer Support and Training

Even the best POS systems need solid support. Look for suppliers that provide:

• Local U.S.-based support for quick issue resolution
• Training for your team so they can use the system confidently
• Fast hardware replacement to avoid downtime

SDLPOS offers hands-on setup, staff training, and responsive support, so you’re not left figuring things out alone. Whether you need a simple mPOS or a full retail solution, they help match you with the right system and keep it running smoothly.

Why Choose SDLPOS for Your Point of Sale System Needs

Trusted POS and Cash Register Supplier in the US

SDLPOS has built a strong reputation as a reliable provider of POS solutions for businesses across the United States. With years of experience in supplying, customizing, and supporting cash register and POS systems, we understand the unique needs of local retailers, restaurants, and service providers.

Wide Range of POS System Types

We offer all major types of POS systems to fit different business setups:

• Traditional On-Premise POS Systems – For high-volume, fixed-location businesses.
• Cloud-Based POS Systems – For flexibility, remote access, and multi-location operations.
• Mobile POS (mPOS) – For pop-up shops, events, and mobile vendors.
• Self-Service Kiosks – For faster ordering and reduced wait times.
• Hybrid POS Systems – For businesses that want both local reliability and cloud benefits.

Focus on Technology and Reliability

We only supply POS hardware and software that meet strict performance and durability standards. This means:

• Stable and fast transactions without downtime.
• Secure payment processing for cards, NFC, and cash.
• Easy-to-use software with a short learning curve for staff.

We also ensure smooth integration with other business tools — from inventory management and accounting systems to online ordering platforms.

Dedicated US-Based Customer Support

Our support doesn’t end at the sale. SDLPOS offers:

• Local and remote setup assistance.
• Staff training and onboarding.
• Ongoing technical support with quick response times.
• Maintenance and upgrades to keep systems running at their best.

Get Started with SDLPOS

Whether you’re opening a new store or upgrading your current setup, we’ll help you find the right POS system for your business size, budget, and workflow.

📞 Call us today or request a free demo to see how SDLPOS can streamline your sales, speed up transactions, and keep your business running smoothly.

FAQs About Types of Point of Sale Systems

What is the most popular type of POS system

Right now, cloud-based POS systems are the most widely used in the United States, especially for retail and restaurant businesses. They allow owners to check sales, manage inventory, and pull reports from anywhere, which fits today’s need for flexibility and remote access. Larger retailers may still favor traditional on-premise systems for their stability and control, but for most small to mid-sized businesses, cloud POS is the go-to choice.

Can a POS system work offline

Yes. Traditional on-premise POS systems work fully offline since everything is stored locally. Many hybrid POS and some cloud-based systems also offer offline modes, allowing you to keep processing transactions even if the internet goes down. Once the connection is restored, data syncs automatically. This makes offline functionality important for high-traffic stores or locations with spotty internet.

How much does a POS system cost

The cost can vary widely depending on the type:

Tip: Always factor in payment processing fees, add-on features, and potential integration costs.

What POS systems are best for small businesses

For most small businesses in the U.S., cloud POS or mobile POS systems work best. They’re affordable, easy to set up, and don’t require big upfront investments. Restaurants, coffee shops, food trucks, and small retail stores often choose these options for their flexibility, mobility, and lower maintenance needs.

Does SDLPOS offer customized POS solutions

Yes. SDLPOS provides tailored POS setups to match your business type, budget, and operational needs. Whether you run a small local shop, a large retail chain, or a mobile business, they can configure hardware, software, and integrations that fit your workflow—backed by ongoing service, training, and tech support.