Hardware Store POS Reviews
We started with a list of 21 retail POS platforms and evaluated them based on five essential features for hardware stores: Core POS, Payment Processing, Inventory Management, Employee Management, and Reporting & Analytics. We also considered pricing, hardware compatibility, and how each system helps hardware retailers manage complex product catalogs, multi-store operations, and day-to-day tasks.
Epicor Propello – Best for Advanced Inventory & Reporting
Epicor Propello is a top choice for hardware stores with large inventories and complex sales tracking needs. Designed for retailers managing thousands of SKUs—from fasteners to power tools—it provides advanced inventory control, real-time reporting, and integrated analytics.
- Excellent inventory tracking and supplier management
- Powerful reporting and analytics dashboard
- Supports role-based employee management
- Higher cost than small-business POS systems
- Requires onboarding for advanced features
Epicor Propello hardware pos. Source: Epicor.com
Chat with Sales Visit Epicor Propello’s website
Epicor Propello features
- Core POS: Comprehensive checkout with barcode scanning and customizable item lookup
- Payment Processing: Accepts credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and integrated payment gateways with card readers
- Inventory Management: Tracks parts, bulk items, and vendor data across locations
- Employee Management: Create user roles, set permissions, and monitor performance
- Reporting & Analytics: Real-time sales, margins, and restock reports for reordering
How Epicor Propello pricing works
Epicor Propello’s pricing is quote-based and depends on your store size, number of terminals, and integration needs. Packages typically include software, cloud access, and dedicated support.
What markets does Epicor Propello serve?
Epicor Propello is ideal for large or multi-location hardware stores that need enterprise-level inventory and reporting tools to manage complex supply chains and product assortments.
Read our full Epicor Propello review
KORONA POS – Best for User-Friendly Operations
KORONA POS offers an intuitive, cloud-based platform perfect for small and mid-sized hardware stores. It’s easy to train staff, manage multiple terminals, and monitor sales from any device.
- Intuitive interface and fast setup
- Cloud-based with multi-device access
- Affordable monthly pricing
- Some integrations require additional modules
- Fewer built-in marketing tools
KORONA POS hardware pos. Source: KORONAPOS.com
Schedule a Demo Visit KORONA POS’s website
KORONA POS features
- Core POS: Simple checkout interface optimized for retail
- Payment Processing: Accepts major credit cards and mobile payments
- Inventory Management: Real-time tracking with low-stock alerts
- Employee Management: Monitor sales and performance by employee
- Reporting & Analytics: Sales reports and performance insights via the KORONA Dashboard
How KORONA POS pricing works
KORONA POS offers two pricing plans with an unlimited amount of time for a free trial:
- KORONA POS Core: Starting at $59/month
- KORONA POS Retail: Starting at $69/month
What markets does KORONA POS serve?
KORONA POS works best for independent hardware retailers who want an affordable, intuitive POS with strong reporting and easy onboarding.
Read our full KORONA POS review
Square POS – Best for Versatile and Affordable Options
Square POS is one of the most budget-friendly options for hardware stores that need flexibility and scalability. It combines sales, payments, and basic inventory tools in a single, user-friendly system.
- Free entry-level plan
- Seamless mobile and tablet compatibility
- Extensive app marketplace
- Transaction fees can be high for large stores
- Limited advanced reporting without upgrades
Square POS Square Handheld. Source: Squareup.com
Get Started Visit Square POS’s website
Square POS features
- Core POS: Works online or offline with barcode scanning
- Payment Processing: Accepts all major cards, tap-to-pay, and mobile wallets
- Inventory Management: Track stock, receive alerts, and import bulk items
- Employee Management: Time tracking and user permissions
- Reporting & Analytics: View sales and trends by product, category, or employee
How Square POS pricing works
Square POS offers four plans and a 30-day free trial:
- Square Free: Starting at $0/month/location
- Square Plus: Starting at $49/month/location
- Square Premium: Starting at $149/month/location
- Square Pro: Get custom pricing
What markets does Square POS serve?
Square POS serves small to mid-sized hardware stores seeking a flexible, cost-effective POS with scalable add-ons and a smooth user experience.
Read our full Square review
Shopify POS – Best for Hardware Stores with eCommerce
For hardware retailers that also sell online, Shopify POS offers powerful in-store and eCommerce integration. It syncs your physical inventory with your online catalog, ensuring consistency across all channels.
- Excellent online and in-store integration
- Detailed sales and inventory reports
- Scalable for growing retailers
- Monthly costs rise with added features
- Some hardware compatibility limits
Shopify POS hardware POS. Source: Shopify.com
Compare Quotes Visit Expert Market’s website.Shopify POS features
- Core POS: Unified online sales and in-store checkout
- Payment Processing: Integrated with Shopify Payments and third-party gateways
- Inventory Management: Tracks stock levels across multiple channels and warehouses
- Employee Management: Manage permissions and view performance metrics
- Reporting & Analytics: Comprehensive sales and product analytics
How Shopify POS pricing works
Shopify POS offers the first 3 months for $1 per month, following a 3-day free trial, and four plans to choose from:
- Basic: Starting at $39/month
- Grow: Starting at $105/month
- Advanced: Starting at $399/month
- Plus: Starting at $2,300/month (on a 3-year term)
What markets does Shopify POS serve?
Shopify POS is ideal for hardware stores expanding into an eCommerce platform or managing online orders alongside in-store sales.
Read our full Shopify POS review
Clover – Best for All-in-One Business Management
Clover offers a comprehensive POS ecosystem, combining hardware, software, and payment processing in a single package. It’s ideal for retailers who want simplicity and integrated business management tools.
- All-in-one hardware and software bundle
- Built-in payment processing and analytics
- Customization app marketplace
- Some features require higher-tier plans
- Advanced inventory needs third-party apps
Clover retail POS. Source: Clover.com
Compare Quotes Visit Expert Market’s website.Clover features
- Core POS: Touchscreen checkout process with fast transaction processing
- Payment Processing: Accepts cards, mobile, and contactless payments
- Inventory Management: Add and categorize items with stock tracking
- Employee Management: Permissions, time tracking, and performance data
- Reporting & Analytics: Cloud-based dashboards for sales insights
How Clover pricing works
Clover doesn’t have transparent pricing on its website, but pricing varies by hardware bundle and service plan, typically starting around $60/month per terminal, with integrated payment processing.
What markets does Clover serve?
Clover works best for small to medium-sized hardware stores that want an easy-to-deploy, fully integrated POS system.
Read our full Clover review
Compare the Best Hardware Store POS Systems Side-By-Side
| Software name | Why we picked it | Starting price for cheapest plan | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epicor Propello | Best for Advanced Inventory & Reporting | Available by quote | Enterprise-level inventory control and analytics |
| KORONA POS | Best for User-Friendly Operations | $59/month | Easy setup, cloud-based, affordable |
| Square POS | Best for Versatile and Affordable Options | $0/month/location | Free plan, flexible integrations |
| Shopify POS | Best for Hardware Stores with eCommerce | $39/month | Unified online/in-store sales |
| Clover | Best for All-in-One Business Management | Available by quote | Bundled hardware and processing |
What is a Hardware Store POS System?
A hardware store POS system is retail software that business owners rely on to streamline checkout, manages product inventory, tracks staff performance, and generates key business reports. Unlike generic POS systems, hardware-specific platforms handle extensive SKU lists, vendor and customer data, bulk quantities, and varied product categories—all of which are essential for efficient store management.
How To Choose the Best POS System for Your Retail Business?
Determine your primary business needs, such as inventory tracking, payment processing, and staff management, before selecting the best point-of-sale solution for your retail store. Select a system that integrates seamlessly with your hardware and accommodates a range of payment methods, including contactless and mobile options. Analytics and reporting tools are also necessary for monitoring performance and sales. Lastly, consider customer service, scalability, and ease of use and functionality to ensure the point of sale system can expand with your company and streamline operations.
What Features Should I Look For In a Hardware Store POS System?
When selecting a POS system for a hardware store, focus on features that handle large and diverse inventories, such as barcode scanning, bulk item tracking, and vendor purchase order integration. Ensure the system includes robust payment processing (credit/debit, contactless, and mobile wallets), employee management (time tracking, roles/permissions, and sales by associate), customer loyalty programs, and detailed reporting and analytics (sales trends, margin by item, and stock turn). Additionally, ensure the system supports hardware-store-specific needs, such as multi-location support, parts-bin management, and real-time inventory updates across devices.
How Much Do Hardware Store POS Systems Cost?
Hardware-store POS systems typically involve two main cost categories: upfront hardware and ongoing software/processing fees. A basic hardware setup—consisting of a tablet or countertop terminal, barcode scanner, receipt printer, and cash drawer—can range from $300 to over $2,000 for a single cash register. The software subscription typically ranges from $50 to $150/month per terminal for most retail-oriented systems, with more advanced enterprise systems costing over $ 300 per month. On top of that, you’ll pay payment-processing fees (often ~2.3 %-3.5 % + $0.10-$0.30 per transaction) and possibly setup/migration fees.
| Vendor | Monthly Fee | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|
| KORONA POS | $59 | Unlimited |
| Square POS | $0/location | 30 days |
| Shopify POS | $39 | 3 days |
Hardware Store POS Systems FAQs
What POS system does Ace Hardware use?
According to publicly available information, Ace Hardware has officially selected Epicor Eagle (by Epicor Software Corporation) as its designated POS solution. The chain first expanded its partnership in 2020, stating that Epicor Eagle was installed in more than 3,400 Ace stores.
How does a retail POS system work?
To track inventory, manage sales transactions and purchase history, and monitor employee activity, a retail point-of-sale system combines hardware and software automation. The system scans products, computes totals, applies taxes or discounts, and accepts payments from customers using cash, credit cards, or mobile wallets. Additionally, it records sales information, instantly updates to optimize inventory levels, and generates reports to help store managers track trends, evaluate performance, and make informed business decisions.
What are the top-rated POS systems for hardware stores?
When shopping for a POS system for a hardware store, several platforms consistently rise to the top due to their robust features and suitability for this retail environment. For retailers with large inventories and multiple store locations, Epicor Propello stands out thanks to its advanced inventory tracking and sophisticated reporting capabilities. For those who want a more intuitive and budget‑friendly option, KORONA POS offers cloud‑based ease of use and essential retail features at a competitive monthly cost.
If affordability and versatility are your top priorities, Square POS offers an entry-level plan with flexible integrations and mobile POS support. For hardware stores that also sell online and want unified omnichannel operations, Shopify POS enables seamless in‑store and e‑commerce inventory syncing. And finally, Clover POS appeals to retailers seeking an all-in-one hardware and software bundle that encompasses sales, inventory, employee tracking, and payments on a single platform.
How can I utilize my hardware store point of sale tech support?
You can utilize your hardware store’s POS tech support by contacting the provider whenever you encounter issues with checkout, payment processing, inventory tracking, or employee management. Most POS systems offer multiple customer support channels, including phone, email, live chat, and knowledge bases. Use these resources to troubleshoot hardware or software problems, set up new terminals, configure features, or get guidance on updates and integrations. Utilizing tech support can help minimize downtime, ensure accurate transactions, and keep your store running smoothly.
How We Chose the Best Hardware Store POS Systems
We compiled a list of 21 POS software commonly used in retail and hardware stores and identified five that stood out for their robust features, reliability, and ease of use. From there, we selected Epicor Propello, KORONA POS, Square POS, Shopify POS, and Clover as the top systems for hardware retailers.
We collected and verified information from multiple sources, including:
- Customer reviews and testimonials
- Vendor and parent company websites
- Product demos and feature documentation
We scored each hardware store POS system on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) across the following key areas, each weighted according to importance:
- Variety of features: We evaluated systems based on their ability to handle hardware-specific needs, such as barcode scanning, inventory management for bulk and specialty items, employee management, payment processing, and reporting & analytics. Systems with more advanced inventory and multi-location capabilities scored highest.
- Pricing and transparency: We compared entry costs, subscription plans, and clarity of pricing information. Vendors with clear, scalable, and affordable plans earned higher marks.
- Onboarding and support: We assessed the onboarding process, training resources, and available support channels, including phone, email, and live chat. Systems that were easy to set up and provided responsive support ranked better.
- Brand reputation: We considered user satisfaction ratings, consistency of positive reviews, and overall reliability. Vendors with strong reputations for uptime, support for customer experience, and long-term performance scored highest.