When comparing Shopify POS vs Vend, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to retail point-of-sale technology. Shopify POS, rated 4.5/5, offers Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce. Meanwhile, Vend, rated 4.4/5, provides Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: Shopify POS vs Vend
| Feature | Shopify POS | Vend |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Retail | Retail |
| Starting Price | $89/month (POS Pro) | $89/month |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
| Best For | Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce | Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility |
Shopify POS Overview
Shopify POS seamlessly connects your online and retail stores, allowing you to sell anywhere. It syncs products, inventory, and customer data between your online store and physical locations.
Shopify POS is offered by Shopify Inc. (founded 2013) based in Ottawa, Canada. The system focuses on Retail, Pop-up shops, Markets, Omnichannel sellers.
Key Features:
- Unified inventory
- Customer profiles
- Staff management
- In-store analytics
- Product management
- Gift cards
Vend Overview
Vend, now part of Lightspeed Retail, is a cloud-based retail POS offering inventory management, customer loyalty, and multi-store capabilities. Known for ease of use and works on iPad, Mac, and PC.
Vend is offered by Lightspeed Commerce (founded 2010) based in Auckland, New Zealand. The system focuses on Retail, Fashion, Electronics, Home Goods.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based POS
- Inventory management
- Customer loyalty
- Multi-store support
- eCommerce integration
- Reporting
Feature Comparison
Shopify POS Features:
- Unified inventory
- Customer profiles
- Staff management
- In-store analytics
- Product management
Vend Features:
- Cloud-based POS
- Inventory management
- Customer loyalty
- Multi-store support
- eCommerce integration
When comparing features, Shopify POS stands out with Best-in-class eCommerce integration, while Vend differentiates itself with Multi-platform (iPad/Mac/PC). Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Shopify POS | Vend |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $89/month (POS Pro) | $89/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Free Trial | Available | Available |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
Shopify POS offers a free version, which is great for testing or small operations. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Shopify POS
Pros:
- Seamless eCommerce integration
- Beautiful interface
- Strong brand recognition
- Extensive app store
- Great for omnichannel
Cons:
- Best with Shopify eCommerce
- POS Pro needed for key features
- Transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Vend
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Works on any device
- Strong inventory features
- Good customer support
- Now backed by Lightspeed
Cons:
- Limited restaurant features
- Pricing increased after Lightspeed acquisition
- eCommerce requires add-on
Who Should Choose Shopify POS?
Shopify POS is ideal for Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Pop-up shops, Markets, Omnichannel sellers.
However, Shopify POS may not be the best fit for Restaurants or businesses not doing eCommerce.
Who Should Choose Vend?
Vend is ideal for Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Fashion, Electronics, Home Goods.
However, Vend may not be the best fit for Restaurants, large enterprises.
Our Recommendation
Both Shopify POS and Vend are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Shopify POS if you’re Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce. Choose Vend if you’re Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility. Shopify POS has a higher user rating (4.5 vs 4.4). Also, choose Shopify POS if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.