Best POS System for Appliance Store of 2024: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to the best point of sale systems for appliance stores in 2024. We review six leading POS solutions: Lightspeed Retail, Microbiz POS, Celerant POS, Storis, LS Retail, and KORONA POS. We discuss each system’s top features, pros and cons, and pricing information.

The article concludes with advice on choosing the right POS system for your appliance store, including consideration of inventory management, customer relationship management, sales and marketing tools, reporting capabilities, and scalability.

Whether you’re a small appliance retailer or a large chain, this guide will help you decide on the best POS system for your business needs.

1. Lightspeed Retail

Key Features

Here are key features of Lightspeed Retail relevant to appliance stores and electronics:

Inventory management with serial tracking: Appliance and electronics stores often deal with high-value items that require individual tracking. Lightspeed’s inventory management includes serial number tracking to help store owners track each product from the moment it arrives until it is sold, making it easier to manage warranties and returns.

Multi-channel sales integration: With the growing trend of selling online and in-store appliances and electronics, Lightspeed provides seamless eCommerce integration. It allows businesses to manage their online and physical stores from a single platform, syncing inventory and sales data across all channels.

Product variants and bundles: Electronics and appliance stores often sell items in different configurations (e.g., color, size, or bundled with accessories). Lightspeed enables retailers to create and manage product variants and bundled items, simplifying the sales process for products with multiple versions or bundled packages.

Special orders and pre-orders: Lightspeed’s special orders feature allows retailers to handle custom or out-of-stock items that customers need to order. The feature is handy for electronics and appliance stores, where specific models or accessories might need to be sourced on demand.Customer relationship management (CRM): Lightspeed provides integrated CRM tools that help appliance and electronics stores track customer purchase history, preferences, and warranty information.

Pros 

Multi-channel sales integration: Lightspeed excels in providing seamless omnichannel solutions. It integrates well with eCommerce platforms, allowing businesses to manage in-store and online sales from a single dashboard. This capability is crucial for retailers who operate in both physical and online spaces, offering a consistent customer experience and simplifying sales management across different channels.

Customizable reporting and analytics: Lightspeed offers advanced, highly customizable reporting features. Business owners can generate detailed reports on sales, inventory, employee performance, and customer behavior.

Integrated payment processing: Lightspeed provides integrated payment solutions, meaning businesses can process payments quickly and securely without needing third-party processors. The integration supports various payment methods, including credit cards, mobile payments, and contactless payments. It’s important to note, though, that this comes at a higher cost to the merchant.

Cons 

Higher cost for premium features: While Lightspeed POS offers a wide range of features, accessing its full potential comes at a higher price. The more advanced features, such as analytics, multi-store management, or eCommerce integrations, are only available in the more expensive plans. For small businesses or startups with limited budgets, this can make Lightspeed less accessible, especially compared to more affordable POS systems. Here are some alternatives to Lightspeed POS for retail businesses.

Steep learning curve: Due to the extensive features and customization options available, Lightspeed POS can be overwhelming for new users. The interface may take some time to get used to, particularly for those not tech-savvy or unfamiliar with complex POS systems. Proper training is often necessary, which could lead to downtime or additional costs in onboarding employees.

Customer support can be inconsistent: While Lightspeed generally offers good customer support, some users have reported inconsistent experiences with response times or the quality of support they received. There may be occasional delays or difficulties in resolving complex issues. For businesses that rely heavily on fast technical support, this inconsistency can disrupt operations during critical moments.

Pricing

Lightspeed Retail has a pricing model that includes monthly subscription fees and optional transaction processing charges. Here’s an overview:

2. Microbiz POS 

Key Features

Work orders: MicroBiz POS allows businesses to create and track detailed work orders, including customer information, item details, and service requirements. The feature helps streamline the repair process. It ensures technicians have all the information required to complete jobs efficiently and that customers can easily check the status of their repairs. 

Credit accounts: Offering credit accounts is a valuable feature for high-ticket items such as appliances and electronics. MicroBiz POS’s credit account feature allows businesses to manage customer credit, set up payment plans, and track outstanding balances. The functionality enables stores to offer flexible payment options, potentially increasing sales of higher-priced items and improving customer satisfaction.

Robust product catalog: The product catalog feature is crucial for managing the diverse inventory in appliance stores and electronics shops. MicroBiz POS allows you to maintain a detailed and customizable product catalog to manage thousands of SKUs. It will enable businesses to maintain detailed records of each item, including specifications, pricing, and stock levels.

Bundled items and kits: Appliance and electronics retailers often sell bundled items, such as washing machines, dryers, or home theater systems. MicroBiz POS allows stores to create bundles or kits, combining products for fast and easy checkout and inventory tracking. With this feature, you can enhance sales by offering deals or promotions on related items and simplify stock management by automatically adjusting bundled inventory.

QuickBooks integration: QuickBooks accounting software is valuable for appliance stores and electronics retailers. This feature allows seamless data transfer between the POS system and QuickBooks, ensuring accurate financial records and simplifying bookkeeping tasks.

Pros

Robust work orders system: MicroBiz POS is highly regarded for its work order management, which is particularly beneficial for appliance stores that offer services or repairs. The system allows users to track repair jobs, schedule service appointments, and keep detailed records of parts used and labor involved.

Credit accounts and customer management: MicroBiz POS allows businesses to offer credit accounts to customers, which can be a valuable tool for building loyalty and encouraging repeat business.

Bundled items and kits for streamlined sales: The system supports bundled items and kits, making selling multiple products as a single unit easy. This feature is handy for electronics or appliance stores that may sell products in packages.

Cons 

Limited hardware compatibility: One of MicroBizPOS’s downsides is its limited hardware compatibility compared to other POS systems. It works primarily on Windows-based hardware, which may not suit businesses that prefer Mac or iOS devices.

Dated user interface: MicroBiz POS, while functional, is often critiqued for its outdated user interface. The design and layout are not as modern or intuitive as newer POS systems, making navigation more difficult, especially for users accustomed to more polished, user-friendly interfaces. This can result in a steeper learning curve and slower adoption, particularly for businesses upgrading from newer systems.

Limited eCommerce integration: While MicroBiz POS supports some online sales functionality, its eCommerce integration is limited compared to other systems, like Lightspeed or Shopify.

Lack of advanced customization options: MicroBiz POS offers many useful features but falls short in advanced customization options for specific workflows or business models. Some users find it lacks the flexibility to tailor the system to their unique needs. For example, businesses with very specialized operations or those needing specific integrations may find the platform somewhat rigid, requiring workarounds or additional tools to meet their needs.

Pricing

MicroBiz POS offers tiered pricing plans to accommodate different business needs. You get 12 months for the price of 10 with an annual plan.

Here are the details of their pricing plans:

3. Celerant POS

Key Features 

Order processing: Celerant POS offers a streamlined order processing system ideal for appliance stores. It enables sales associates to manage orders from multiple locations, warehouses, or vendors, ensuring that customers can order products not available in-store for later pickup or delivery. The system supports various payment methods, layaways, deposits, and special orders, all of which are useful in managing high-ticket items and providing flexibility to customers.

Inventory management: Appliance stores often carry a wide range of products with different SKUs, brands, and models, making inventory management a crucial feature. Celerant POS offers real-time inventory reporting, automated reordering, and stock level updates across multiple locations or warehouses.

Digital marketing tools: Celerant POS includes digital marketing features so appliance stores can connect with customers through personalized email campaigns, SMS marketing, and targeted promotions. The system can also integrate customer data and shopping history to create more effective, personalized marketing strategies to drive repeat business and increase customer loyalty.

Mobile POS: The mobile POS feature allows sales associates to assist customers throughout the store, providing information on products, pricing, and stock availability, all from a mobile device. This is particularly useful in larger appliance stores where customers may want immediate assistance without going to the checkout counter. It also facilitates faster sales and improved customer experience by enabling transactions anywhere on the sales floor.

Product catalog and information management: Celerant provides a robust product catalog that allows stores to offer detailed product descriptions, specs, pricing, and availability. Sales staff can easily access this information to assist customers.

Omnichannel integration: Celerant POS supports omnichannel integration, key for appliance stores with physical and online sales channels. This feature allows for seamless integration between the in-store POS system and an online storefront, ensuring that inventory, orders, and customer data are synchronized across all platforms.

Pros 

Unified retail management: Celerant combines all your sales channels – from brick-and-mortar stores to online platforms and mobile apps. This integration ensures that critical data like inventory, sales figures, and customer information stays synchronized across all channels.

Highly customizable: Celerant’s software stands out for its adaptability. Users can customize reports, add specific features, and fine-tune your eCommerce setup to match your unique business requirements. This flexibility is particularly valuable for companies with specialized processes or those catering to niche markets that standard POS systems might not adequately serve.

Advanced inventory control: Celerant excels in inventory management, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations. The system can handle complex inventory scenarios, such as items with multiple variations in size or color. It also includes smart features like automatic reordering, helping you maintain optimal stock levels and avoid shortages and excess inventory.

Grows with your business: As your company expands – whether you’re opening new locations, enhancing your online presence, or diversifying your product range – Celerant POS can adapt accordingly. This scalability is crucial for forward-thinking businesses, eliminating the need for disruptive system changes as you grow.

Cons

High upfront cost: The initial investment for Celerant POS, especially the Stratus Enterprise version, can be expensive for smaller businesses. This includes the cost of software licenses, hardware, and any necessary customization, which can quickly add up.

Customization expenses: While Celerant is known for its ability to be customized, the more tailored the system becomes, the more it can cost. Businesses need to carefully balance the benefits of customization with the potential price increase.

Steep learning curve: Due to its wide range of features and customization options, Celerant POS may be challenging to learn. Training staff to use the system effectively could take time, and ongoing POS support may be required, adding to operational costs.

Limited advanced reporting: Some users feel Celerant POS lacks robust reporting features compared to other systems. While it provides basic reports like sales and inventory, it may fall short for businesses needing more detailed analytics, such as customer behavior insights or custom financial reports.

Early termination fees: Celerant often includes early termination fees in their contracts, which can be a downside for businesses seeking flexibility. If a business needs to end the agreement early, it may face substantial fees, making switching to a different system harder.

Pricing

Celerant POS offers different pricing plans based on the type of business and the product you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:

4. Storis

Key Features 

Flexible inventory management: STORIS simplifies inventory control by allowing you to adjust stock levels, update product details, manage pricing, and handle special orders from one easy-to-use screen. You can quickly adjust quantities, apply discounts, and handle chargebacks without juggling multiple systems.

Furniture Website UX design & SEO services: eSTORIS is an eCommerce platform designed specifically for furniture retailers. It seamlessly integrates with in-store operations. To optimize the platform’s performance, their professional web and UX designers and Google-certified SEO specialists provide a full range of website services.

Customizable product bundling: Appliance stores can sell products as flexible “kits,” allowing customers to mix and match items like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers into a complete package.

Efficient vendor chargeback handling: STORIS’ vendor chargeback feature efficiently tracks damages and repairs. It allows you to recover costs by tracking authorization numbers and reports, ensuring you receive proper credit from manufacturers for defective or damaged merchandise.

Seamless rebates and profit adjustments: You can easily track products sold during rebate periods and adjust your costs accordingly. This ensures that your profits reflect vendor rebates so you can accurately manage your margins.

Streamlined customer service & repairs: STORIS makes appliance repairs easier by linking service orders to customer records and original sales. It gives your team the tools to manage warranties, track repair parts, and schedule service appointments efficiently.

Integrated accounting: STORIS connects your inventory, sales, and accounting systems. The integrated accounting capabilities eliminate the need for manual data entry and ensure more accurate records.

Pros 

Centralized data management across channels: STORIS integrates sales, inventory, customer data, and more into a single system that updates in real-time across all channels. It simplifies operations for businesses that manage multiple sales platforms, which is especially helpful for retailers in industries with extensive product lines.

Inventory management: The solution offers inventory management tools, allowing businesses to track stock levels, manage purchase orders, and optimize replenishment. It supports warehouse management, making it easier for companies with complex supply chains.

Extensive reporting and analytics: STORIS includes advanced reporting tools that allow businesses to create customizable reports for sales, performance, and financial data. Retailers can gain insights into customer behavior, product performance, and operational efficiency, helping to refine strategies and improve overall profitability.

Seamless integration with eCommerce platforms: STORIS’s eCommerce capabilities help retailers unify their in-store and online operations. The platform integrates with various eCommerce systems and provides a consistent shopping experience.

Cons 

High implementation and setup costs: One of the significant downsides of STORIS is the potentially high cost of implementation, particularly for smaller retailers. The platform’s comprehensive features may require substantial time and resources to set up, customize, and train employees. 

Complexity for smaller retailers: Smaller retailers may find the platform overly complex for their needs. It has many advanced features that smaller businesses might not use, and the learning curve can also be steep for retailers unfamiliar with enterprise-level solutions.

Limited industry focus: STORIS primarily serves furniture, bedding, and appliance retailers, so its features are tailored to these industries. Certain features may feel redundant or irrelevant for businesses outside its core industry focus, making them less adaptable compared to broader POS solutions.

Customization can be time-consuming: Customizing reports, workflows, and features can be time-consuming and may require technical expertise. Retailers without an IT department or dedicated staff may rely on outside help, which could lead to delays in implementation or additional ongoing costs.

Pricing

To get a precise quote for your specific needs, it’s recommended that you contact STORIS directly. They can provide a personalized breakdown of costs based on your requirements. However, the starting price is $599.

5. LS Retail

Key Features 

Here are five relevant features of LS Retail: 

Payment and financing options: LS Retail integrates with various payment gateways and supports flexible payment options, including installment plans and financing, which are common in selling big-ticket items like appliances. It can process payments securely, whether in-store, online, or through mobile devices, and manage complex payment workflows such as partial payments or mixed tenders.

Advanced inventory management: LS Retail enables appliance stores to efficiently manage large inventories with multiple product variations. It allows tracking stock levels across multiple locations, automates replenishment, and provides real-time product availability visibility.

Product and warranty management: Appliance stores often need to handle product warranties and after-sales service. LS Retail allows tracking and managing warranties, offering features linking warranty information directly to the sale. It ensures the store can easily look up warranty details if a customer returns with an issue. It also facilitates managing service requests and repairs.

Omnichannel integration: LS Retail supports appliance stores that operate across multiple channels (physical stores, eCommerce, mobile sales). It enables seamless sales, customer data, and inventory integration across these platforms, ensuring customers can purchase or inquire about products online and pick them up or return them in-store. This flexibility is key for modern appliance retailers catering to online and offline shoppers.

Customer relationship management (CRM): With CRM features, appliance stores can track customer preferences, purchase history, and interactions, enabling them to offer personalized service and promotions. The system supports loyalty programs and targeted marketing campaigns.

Pros

Scalability for growing businesses: LS Retail is highly scalable and ideal for small and large multi-location businesses. As appliance stores expand and open new locations, LS Retail can easily adapt to handle the increased complexity, offering centralized control over various operations. Its cloud-based structure also allows businesses to expand easily into eCommerce or new regions, supporting growth without needing a new system. 

Strong omnichannel support: LS Retail provides omnichannel retailing capabilities, enabling businesses to connect in-store, online, and mobile sales channels. For appliance stores, this means they can offer customers the convenience of buying online and picking up in-store (BOPIS), checking stock availability across locations, or browsing online for in-store purchases.

Customizable reporting and analytics: LS Retail offers robust reporting and business intelligence tools, allowing appliance stores to generate customized reports and gain insights into sales trends, inventory performance, and customer behavior.

Cons 

Limited industry-specific features for some niches: While LS Retail is highly versatile and suitable for many industries, certain niche businesses might lack specialized features. While it covers key functionalities for appliance stores, those requiring particular appliance-focused features (like detailed energy usage reporting or extensive warranty service tracking) might need to look for custom integrations.

Steep learning curve: Due to the breadth of its features, LS Retail can have a steep learning curve for employees and managers. Appliance stores with high staff turnover may find it challenging to train new employees to use the system efficiently and continuously. While the system is powerful, it may take time for teams to leverage all its features thoroughly.

High upfront and ongoing costs: LS Retail is known for having a higher upfront investment than other POS systems, which can be a challenge for smaller businesses. The costs for licensing, hardware, customization, and support are significant, especially for businesses that don’t require its full range of capabilities. The ongoing fees for updates and maintenance can also add up over time.

Pricing

LS Retail’s pricing varies significantly depending on business size, complexity, number of users, and additional services required. Below is a detailed breakdown of LS Retail’s pricing structure, including software licenses, implementation costs, and hardware considerations.

6. KORONA POS

Key Features 

Product variants and categories: KORONA POS enables appliance stores to manage their inventory effectively by creating parent products with customizable variants for models, brands, sizes, and specifications. For instance, an appliance store selling a refrigerator can designate the parent product as the refrigerator, with variants representing different colors, capacities, energy ratings, or features. KORONA POS allows store owners to attach images and detailed specifications to each product and variant.

Robust barcode scanning capabilities: Appliance stores often carry various items, from refrigerators and washing machines to small appliances like microwaves or blenders. Tracking such an extensive inventory can be complex. KORONA POS integrates barcode scanning technology, enabling appliance stores to manage inventory efficiently. The system supports generating and printing barcodes, assigning prices, and managing item-specific details like serial numbers. 

Purchase orders and supplier management: KORONA POS simplifies purchase order management for appliance stores, allowing owners to create, track, and manage purchase orders with ease. The system enables store owners to generate purchase orders and send them directly to suppliers, streamlining the restocking process. When shipments are received, inventory levels update automatically, ensuring accurate stock information.

Multi-store management: KORONA POS offers powerful multi-store management features for appliance store chains. Owners can simultaneously monitor sales and inventory levels for individual locations or multiple stores, making comparing performance across regions or store clusters easy. Managers can also customize data views to focus on relevant metrics, allowing for targeted logistics planning, optimized stock distribution, and localized marketing campaigns. 

Advanced reporting and metrics: KORONA POS provides appliance stores with detailed reports and metrics to help them make data-driven decisions. Store owners can track key metrics such as product return rates, conversion rates, average transaction value, and customer purchasing behavior. Year-over-year comparisons and seasonal trends can be easily analyzed, allowing stores to optimize staffing during peak sales and adjust pricing strategies based on real-time insights.

Sales and discount features: Appliance stores often rely on promotions to boost sales, and KORONA POS makes setting up these promotions effortless. The system allows stores to create complex discounts such as percentage-based offers. Seasonal promotions can also be set up easily.

Pros

Personalized product demos: KORONA POS provides personalized product demonstrations tailored to your business needs. This allows potential customers to explore the software’s features and functionalities in a way that directly aligns with their operations. The hands-on approach ensures better understanding and informed decision-making.

Flat rate with no contracts: KORONA POS charges a flat rate for its services without binding businesses to long-term contracts. This flexible pricing structure allows businesses to scale or switch their POS system without the burden of penalties or hidden fees. Furthermore, KORONA POS is processing-agnostic, integrating seamlessly with all major payment processors.

60-Day money-back guarantee: KORONA POS offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, providing users with peace of mind. If the system doesn’t meet expectations, users can get a full refund within this period, reducing the financial risk of adopting new software.

Unlimited free trial: KORONA POS offers an unlimited free trial. This allows businesses ample time to test the system before making financial commitments.

Cons 

Steep learning curve: Due to KORONA POS’s wide range of features, new users, particularly those unfamiliar with advanced POS systems, may face a learning curve. It may require time and effort to train staff and utilize the system effectively fully.

Limited integrations: Although KORONA POS supports essential integrations, it may not be compatible with all third-party applications used by appliance stores. This could pose challenges for businesses that rely on specific software, requiring them to find workarounds or invest in custom solutions.

Upfront hardware costs: While KORONA POS offers flexible pricing, businesses still need to invest in compatible hardware. This upfront cost may be significant, particularly for small businesses or startups with limited budgets, especially if they require specialized equipment.

Pricing

KORONA POS provides two different subscription plans – Core and Retail – along with several optional add-ons.

How To Choose a POS System For Appliance Stores?

Selecting the right point of sale system for an appliance store is crucial for streamlining operations, enhancing customer experience, and driving sales growth. The unique challenges of selling large, complex items with varied specifications and service requirements demand a specialized approach to finding the best POS.

Best Appliance Store POS Systems: Conclusion 

Each system reviewed – Lightspeed Retail, Microbiz POS, Celerant POS, Storis, LS Retail, and KORONA POS – offers unique features catering to different business needs and sizes.

When making your decision, consider several key factors:

1. Inventory management capabilities
2. Customer relationship management tools
3. Sales and marketing features
4. Reporting and analytics
5. Integration options and scalability
6. Pricing structure

Remember that the best system for your store will depend on your specific requirements, budget, and growth plans. Take advantage of demos and trials when available to ensure the system you choose aligns with your operational needs and can support your business as it grows. Take the time to evaluate your options carefully to find the best fit for your appliance store.

Try KORONA POS or sign up for a personalized demo by clicking below.