Types of POS Systems
Point of sale systems come in several categories, each designed for different business types and operational needs. Choosing the right type is the most important decision — features, pricing, and capabilities vary significantly.
Cloud-Based POS Systems
Cloud POS systems store data online and run on standard hardware (tablets, smartphones, computers). They are the most popular POS type for small to medium businesses.
Pros: Low upfront cost, automatic updates, access data from anywhere, easy setup Cons: Requires internet connection, recurring subscription fees (with some providers) Best for: Retail, cafes, quick-service restaurants, service businesses Examples: Clover POS, Square POS, Toast POS, Lightspeed
Traditional/Legacy POS Systems
On-premise systems with proprietary hardware and software. Data is stored locally on the terminal.
Pros: Works without internet, high reliability, established support Cons: Expensive hardware, manual updates, limited remote access Best for: Large restaurants, hotels, enterprise retail Examples: Aloha POS, Micros/Oracle, NCR
Mobile POS (mPOS)
Smartphone or tablet-based systems with portable card readers. Process payments anywhere.
Pros: Portable, low cost, great for mobile businesses Cons: Limited features compared to full POS, smaller screen Best for: Food trucks, pop-ups, farmers markets, field service Examples: Clover Go, Square Reader, PayPal Zettle
Self-Service Kiosks
Customer-facing terminals where customers place orders and pay without staff interaction.
Pros: Reduce labor costs, increase order accuracy, higher average tickets Cons: Higher hardware cost, not suited for all business types Best for: Fast food, cafeterias, movie theaters, parking Examples: Custom kiosk solutions, Clover Kiosk
POS Systems by Business Type
Restaurant POS Systems
Restaurants need POS systems with table management, kitchen display integration, tip handling, and menu modifier support. The right restaurant POS depends on service type:
- Full-service restaurants: Aloha POS, Clover Station with table management
- Quick-service/fast food: Clover Station with KDS integration
- Bars and nightclubs: Clover with tab management
- Cafes and coffee shops: Clover Mini or cafeteria POS
Retail POS Systems
Retail POS systems prioritize inventory management, barcode scanning, and customer management. Key features include:
- Product catalog with variants (size, color)
- Barcode/SKU scanning
- Inventory tracking and low-stock alerts
- Customer profiles and purchase history
- Returns and exchanges
- Gift card management
Top retail POS options: Clover Station, Korona POS, Lightspeed Retail
Service Business POS
Service businesses (salons, auto repair, contractors) need appointment integration, customer management, and mobile processing.
Options: Clover Flex for mobile, Clover Station for counter service
Major POS System Providers Compared
Key insight: POS systems through Unison Payment Solutions use interchange-plus pricing with zero monthly fees. This typically saves 20-30% compared to flat-rate POS providers like Square and Toast, especially for businesses with significant debit card volume.
How to Choose the Right POS System
1. Identify your business type — restaurant, retail, service, or multi-function. This narrows options immediately. 2. List must-have features — inventory? Table management? Online ordering? Loyalty? Make a requirements list. 3. Consider processing costs — interchange-plus pricing saves significantly over flat-rate. Calculate your actual savings with a rate comparison. 4. Evaluate hardware needs — how many terminals? Mobile? Countertop? Kitchen display? Factor hardware costs. 5. Check contract terms — avoid long-term contracts and early termination fees. Unison offers month-to-month with no contracts. 6. Request a demo — contact us to see POS options configured for your business type.
Getting the Best POS Deal
Most POS providers bundle hardware and processing together at flat rates that overcharge on processing to subsidize "free" hardware. The total cost of ownership over 2-3 years is almost always higher than buying hardware outright and using interchange-plus processing.
Unison Payment Solutions provides POS hardware with interchange-plus processing — no monthly fees, no contracts. Contact us for a total cost comparison against your current POS or any competitor you're evaluating.