Shopify POS Go – Is It The Optimal Solution For Businesses in South Africa?

Shopify has introduced its new all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) system, Shopify POS Go. This device combines a barcode scanner, card reader, tap feature, and POS platform into a single compact unit no larger than an iPhone. Its sleek, portable design makes it ideal for various settings such as pop-up shops, mobile food trucks, swap meets, farmers markets, and more. But is Shopify POS Go in South Africa the best choice for businesses in South Africa? Let’s delve into its features and benefits to assess how well it fits the local market’s needs.

Highlights

• Shopify POS Go is a compact, handheld point-of-sale device that integrates hardware and software for seamless retail operations.
• Shopify POS Go offers real-time inventory tracking, versatile payment options, and enhanced customer service, making it ideal for dynamic retail environments in South Africa.

What is Shopify POS Go? 

The landscape of eCommerce in 2024 has dramatically shifted to portable checkout, reflecting the evolving preferences of customers. As of January 2024, it was found that 43 percent of eCommerce transactions in South Africa were completed by using a credit card. Bank transfers were ranked second, accounting for 22 % of all eCommerce purchases in South Africa.

Shopify POS Go is a mobile POS device that seamlessly integrates with Shopify POS software, enabling you to accept payments, scan products, fulfill in-store pickups, track inventory, and more. With up to 80 hours of battery life per charge, it offers exceptional mobility for on-the-floor sales with wireless connectivity.

Simply activate Shopify Payments as your store’s payment provider and connect to a WPA2 Wi-Fi network to get started.

Is Shopify POS Go the Best Solution for South African Businesses?

Advantages

Traditionally, point-of-sale systems are tied to a store counter, but new technologies is revolutionizing this with compact, handheld solutions, including Shopify. The Shopify POS Go integrates all necessary hardware and software into a single device, eliminating the need for separate tablets or card readers. 

This all-in-one package is designed for ease of use and exceptional functionality, making it an exciting option for retailers.

Easy Setup and Configuration

Overall, Shopify POS Go offers an efficient and versatile solution for businesses in South Africa, enhancing mobility and connectivity in various retail environments.

• Easy Setup: Shopify POS Go is quick to set up. Connect it to your store’s Wi-Fi, login, and it will automatically update and sync with your store. Like the tablet POS, it imports key store details and offers basic offline functionality.
• Seamless Integration: The POS Go features a nearly identical UI to the tablet app, minus the different form factor. Once activated, it mirrors the tablet’s configuration, allowing both devices to access the same products, inventory, and orders. This enables easy switching between devices, so if a sale is completed on the POS Go, tablet-based staff can immediately view the order details.
• Compact and Portable: Compared to a tablet, the POS Go is more compact and portable, making it ideal for any retail setting, especially for pop-up shops or flea markets where a fixed setup is challenging. It offers a flexible, on-the-go customer service experience similar to what you’d find at an Apple store.

Flexible Payments

Handling payments in dynamic locations like food trucks or flea markets can be challenging, but the POS Go is designed to simplify this process.

• Seamless Connectivity: The device connects via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for complex Bluetooth pairing with external card readers.
• Versatile Payment Options: POS Go supports credit card readings, tap payments, card swipes, and manual entry of payment details. It also handles cash, gift cards, and custom payment types, though custom payments require manual reconciliation.
• Unified System: All credit card transactions are processed through Shopify Payments. Each team member can have their terminal for direct customer transactions.

Shopify POS Go streamlines payment acceptance, making it ideal for diverse and mobile retail environments.

Integrated Barcode Scanner 

Managing a retail outlet can be challenging with multiple devices and systems to oversee. Shopify POS Go simplifies this by combining everything into a single device. Staff can easily carry the POS Go in their pocket and assist customers quickly, including scanning items. The POS Go features an integrated 1D/2D barcode scanner built directly into the unit.

There’s no need for a separate scan gun—this single device streamlines checkout and speeds up the process. The integrated scanner is positioned at the top of the unit. By using the scan button on either side of the device, your team can look up product details, check availability across all connected locations, view customer information, and provide product pricing. 

Simply point and click to scan any barcode in your system. The POS Go is connected to your main Shopify store, ensuring that any existing barcode is searched and returned efficiently. This functionality is ideal for various in-store operations in South Africa.

Handheld Mobile Portability 

The Shopify POS Go features a 5.5-inch touchscreen with a case designed for one-handed operation. Its compact size, similar to an iPhone, allows for easy mobility and enables staff to provide customer service throughout the store. The device is lightweight and ergonomically designed, ensuring comfortable use with one hand.

The case includes an adjustable strap at the bottom, offering a secure and comfortable grip. The strap’s flexibility ensures that the device stays firmly in hand while allowing for effortless movement. 

Not only that, the device provides tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience and confirming each input. This portable design is perfect for dynamic retail environments in South Africa, where staff need to move freely and assist customers efficiently.

Omnichannel Selling

With Shopify integrated with Shopify POS Go, your online and physical stores in South Africa can operate seamlessly together. Your online inventory updates automatically whenever a sale is made through the POS. This real-time synchronization ensures you always have enough stock and oversell items. Both your retail and online store will always reflect accurate stock levels.

A unified system consolidates all customer information into one platform, allowing for personalized shopping experiences, whether customers shop online or visit your South African store. By monitoring customer and sales data across both channels, you can make more informed decisions and craft effective marketing strategies tailored to the South African market.

Disadvantages

While Shopify POS Go has many advantages, there are some potential drawbacks.

Initial Cost

The initial investment for Shopify POS Go may be higher compared to traditional systems. Small businesses might find this challenging, especially when considering additional costs for accessories and maintenance.

Limited Customization

While the POS Go is versatile, it may lack some customization options available in larger, more complex POS systems. Businesses with unique operational needs or specific industry requirements might find this limiting, as they may not be able to tailor the system fully to their processes.

Hardware Compatibility

If retailers decide to switch to another POS system, they would need to change their hardware as well. Similarly, switching to Shopify POS Go from another system means replacing existing hardware. This could result in higher costs compared to using separate hardware and software, where only software might need to be changed.

Shopify GO Alternatives for South African Businesses – What Are Your Choices?

ConnectPOS

If you’re exploring alternatives to Shopify POS Go, ConnectPOS is a compelling option to consider. ConnectPOS is a comprehensive point-of-sale solution designed to meet the diverse needs of modern retailers. 

• Real-Time Synchronization: ConnectPOS keeps your inventory and sales data synchronized across all sales channels in real time. Every transaction—whether online or in-store—is immediately reflected in your inventory levels, reducing the risk of overselling or stockouts.
• Multi-Location Management: With ConnectPOS, you can manage multiple store locations from a single platform. This feature is particularly useful for businesses with several outlets, allowing you to monitor and control inventory, sales, and customer data across all locations from one centralized system.
• Seamless Integration: ConnectPOS integrates smoothly with a variety of eCommerce platforms, making it a versatile choice for businesses that use different systems. Whether you’re running an online store on platforms like Magento, WooCommerce, or Shopify, ConnectPOS can work seamlessly to unify your retail operations.
• Customizable Features: ConnectPOS offers a range of customizable features to fit the specific needs of your business. You can tailor the POS system to handle unique requirements such as special promotions, loyalty programs, or complex inventory management needs.
• Robust Reporting and Analytics: ConnectPOS includes powerful reporting and analytics tools to help you make data-driven decisions. You can generate detailed reports on sales, inventory levels, and customer behavior, giving you valuable insights to optimize your business strategies.
• User-Friendly Interface: The system has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for staff members with varying levels of tech proficiency. This ensures smooth operation and minimizes the learning curve for new users.
• Flexibility and Scalability: ConnectPOS is built to grow with your business. Whether you’re expanding to new locations or adding new features, ConnectPOS can scale to accommodate your evolving needs without requiring significant changes to your existing setup.

Clover POS

Clover POS is another excellent alternative for South African retailers looking for a flexible and reliable solution.

• All-in-One Solution: Clover POS offers a variety of hardware options, including countertop and handheld devices, to suit different retail environments. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the setup that best fits their needs.
• Customizable Features: Clover POS provides a range of apps and features that can be customized to manage inventory, process payments, and track sales. This customization ensures that retailers can tailor the system to their specific business requirements.
• Strong Support System: Clover POS comes with robust customer support and a wealth of online resources, making it easier for businesses to troubleshoot issues and maximize their system’s potential.

Square POS

Square POS is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use and cost-effective solution.

• Ease of Use: Square POS is known for its simple setup and user-friendly interface, making it accessible for retailers with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Comprehensive Features: Square POS includes features like inventory management, sales tracking, and customer relationship management, providing a comprehensive solution for retail operations.
• Affordable Pricing: Square POS offers transparent and competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to manage costs while accessing robust POS functionalities.

FAQs: Shopify POS Go for South African Retailers 

1. What are the main benefits of using Shopify POS Go for South African retailers?

Shopify POS Go offers numerous benefits, including real-time inventory tracking, seamless integration with existing systems, and a compact, portable design. It simplifies the payment process with versatile payment options and an integrated barcode scanner, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. The device’s mobility is particularly advantageous for pop-up shops and dynamic retail environments.

2. Are there any drawbacks to using Shopify POS Go in South Africa?

While Shopify POS Go offers many advantages, it has some potential drawbacks. The initial cost can be high for small businesses, and there may be a learning curve for staff unfamiliar with the technology. 

3. What are some alternative POS systems to Shopify POS Go for South African retailers?

Alternatives to Shopify POS Go include ConnectPOS, Clover POS, and Square POS. Each provide a set of features that help boosting the retailer’s operations, such as real-time synchronization, flexible hardware options, multi-location management, and robust reporting tools.

Conclusion

Shopify POS Go presents a strong option for South African businesses seeking a unified retail solution. Its real-time syncing, ease of use, and integration with Shopify’s ecosystem make it an attractive choice. However, businesses should evaluate their specific needs and consider alternatives like ConnectPOS to ensure they select the best fit for their operational requirements and growth plans. 

To explore how ConnectPOS can enhance your retail operations and support your business’s growth, contact us for more information and a personalized consultation.