Retail Software Comparison (by Michael Koploy)

By Michael Koploy
ERP Analyst, Software Advice
May 24, 2011

What are your options if you're a small retailer looking for affordable POS software?

We often speak to small retailers that don’t have any experience using business software. They’re used to QuickBooks, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Office. That’s it. But many are looking to upgrade their out-of-date cash registers and upgrade to use new retail software applications that include point-of-sale (POS), inventory management, customer management (CRM), accounting, and Internet commerce functionality.

We decided to put together a guide to the best point-of-sale systems for small retailers on a budget—these systems offer advanced functionality and accessible user-interfaces and will only cost retailers $2000 or less for retail software.

Comcash POS - Comcash POS includes POS, inventory management, CRM, and eCommerce functionality. This software can integrate with touchscreen systems, making it a great fit for grocery, convenience, and liquor stores. The software can either be installed on servers in the store or hosted by Comcash and accessed via the Internet. It also integrates with Quickbooks to help retailers as they transition their inventories.

GoldTech Retail Manager - Retail Manager includes POS, inventory management, CRM, merchandise planning, and warehouse management functionality. Retailers can input their inventory by size and color using the SKU-database, making it a great choice for apparel retailers. The system can be installed on-premise or accessed via the Internet, and can be paid for either in installments or up-front.

Microsoft Dynamics RMS - Dynamics RMS from Microsoft includes POS, inventory management, CRM, merchandise planning, and eCommerce functionality. The software can be used by many retailers, including book stores, electronics stores, gun shops, and industrial supply depots. This is a great system for both small and medium-sized retailers because it offers an individual store version and a main office version for larger retailers. The system must be installed on-location.

POS Prophet Systems - POS Prophet Systems includes POS, inventory management, CRM, retail accounting, and eCommerce functionality. Its affordable and works well with small start ups and medium-sized businesses, from a wide variety of specialties such as hardware stores, gift shops, and food service establishments. The system can be integrated with QuickBooks or Peachtree, must be installed on-location on Windows servers and operating systems, and can be paid for either with monthly installments or up-front.

Retail STAR - CAM Commerce’s Retail STAR includes POS, inventory management, CRM. merchandise planning, retail accounting, warehouse management, and eCommerce functionality. Sales and inventory processing is easy to do with the touchscreen and single-key inputs, making it a good choice for pawn shops, furniture stores, and auto parts dealers. CAM Commerce offers data conversion and business consulting, as well as up-front pricing and subscription program options. The system must be installed on-site using Windows servers and operating systems.

For more information on these five retail software applications, check out Software Advice’s guide: Point of Sale (POS) Systems for Small Business | 5 Affordable Solutions.