Which POS System Reigns Supreme: QuickBooks, Lightspeed Or Shopify

Selecting a point of sale system is like choosing a business partner – you want someone you can rely on, get along with and use interchangeably with little friction. 

QuickBooks POS System, Lightspeed pos vs Shopify all have something unique to offer. And they’re all great, but not all of them are right for every business. 

Whether you have a boutique or a restaurant, or make you’re living online, the right system can make your life easier — or drive you up the wall. So, let’s dig into it and see which one deserves the crown.

Setup Ease: Easier For You To Get Up And Running?

Ideally, installing a POS system shouldn’t be like building a piece of furniture without the instructions. QuickBooks POS will get you up and run quickly, especially if you already use QuickBooks for your accounting. 

On the other hand, setup is more complicated than QuickBooks, but you get a lot more customization as well. The downside? You’re going to likely have to train your staff with a session or two at the very least.

Straightforward systems Like ShopKeep, Shopify POS is known for its simplicity. If you’re already selling things online using Shopify, plugging in their POS is close to a seamless process. 

Inventory Everything Can Go South In A Hurry

Inventory QuickBooks POS manages inventory okay, particularly for simple retail needs. Real-time updates, POs, barcode printing are included. But it breaks down at complexity — say with variations, bundles, or multi-location tracking.

Lightspeed manages inventory like Ludacris. Keep up with a few thousand SKUs, monitor vendors, and manage reorder points automatically. It's geared toward serious retailers and sit-down restaurants with sophisticated inventory needs. 

It doesn’t take much to use Shopify POS. It scans shopping for products across the internet and store shelves, and syncing is smooth. But its more sophisticated inventory features are buried behind the pricier plans. 

Features That Matter: What You Get In The Box

You get the mumbo jumbo, the fundamentals and the essentials with QuickBooks POS. There is sales tracking, customer data, basic inventory and accounting sync. 

Yet it feels frozen in time. Some features aren’t very refined and updates are slow to arrive. It gets the job done, but it’s nothing special. When you’re at Lightspeed you have the full toolkit. 

You’ll be able to utilize loyalty programs, manage employees, view details analytics, and even have ecommerce capabilities. It has bells and whistles, but not in a manner that feels bloated. 

Every feature contributes something worthwhile, particularly if you require granular control over operations. Shopify POS is all about simplicity and connection. 

Pricing And Scalability 

If monthly fees are important to you, you can knock QuickBooks POS off your list since there are no monthly fees; it can only be purchased outright. 

Sure, that sounds good on the front end, but you’ll end up paying more down the road for updates and integrations. Plus, support isn’t always as proactive as it could be. 

If you’re a mom-and-pop with relatively basic requirements, it may still work. Lightspeed is available by subscription. And you pay on a monthly or annual basis, depending on the plan. 

It doesn’t come cheap, but the features more than warranty cost. You also get room to grow. Whether you’re opening a second location or adding more users, the system scales well.

Support And User Experience 

I'm feeling a little wishy-washy about QuickBooks support with QuickBooks enterprise solutions 23. Some users can get help quickly, while others hit walls. It varies from day to day and person to person. 

The interface is also a little vintage, which can be annoying for new users. Lightspeed can rely on a solid support and training crew. You can contact them by phone, chat or email. 

The help center is full of helpful guides. It does take some training, but once you’re used to the system, everything feels smooth and professional. Shopify crushes the support game. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the “best” POS system depends on the type of business you’re running. QuickBooks POS makes more sense if you’re already heavily invested in their accounting software. 

Lightspeed is a good fit for intricate retail or restaurant operations that require a lot of control. Shopify POS is an excellent fit for stores that sell online and in person without a lot of hassle. 

They all work, but one will always seem more correct than the others based on your day-to-day grind, team size and how you sell. Opt for the one that gets the job done without eating up your time (or your sanity). That’s the real winner.