Vape shop point-of-sale (POS) systems help small business owners efficiently handle sales, inventory, and customer relationship management from a single platform. Vape shops are often considered high-risk businesses, so they also need a POS that works with high-risk payment processors and offers sales restriction functionality.
Based on our evaluations, the best vape POS systems are:
- ShopKeep by Lightspeed: Best overall vape shop POS system for small businesses
- Lightspeed Retail: Best vape shop POS for multichannel sales
- Vend: Best for multi-location vape shop POS with a mid-range budget
- Square: Best free vape shop POS for brick-and-mortar stores
How We Evaluated Vape Shop POS Systems
We considered 36 POS systems, then narrowed down our evaluations to eight systems that have features specifically suited to vape shops. We then compared those eight POS systems based on price, vape-specific POS features such as age and quantity sales restrictions, and RACS compliance. We considered general POS features including payment processing compatibility and back-office management such as sales, inventory, and reporting. We also asked our retail experts to weigh-in with their personal knowledge of each software.
RACS: Retail Access Control Standards are a set of guidelines created by JUUL Labs to enforce age restrictions for JUUL products at the point-of-sale. All retailers selling JUUL products need to comply with these standards by 2021. ShopKeep by Lightspeed, Lightspeed, and Vend are RACS-compliant as of the time of publication.
Based on our evaluation criteria, ShopKeep by Lightspeed is the best vape shop POS. The software received the highest overall score from our grading system for vape shop software (4.05 out of 5). Our vape shop POS scoring system resulted in rankings that are also in-line with what we would personally recommend based on our experience testing different software and working with small businesses that use POS systems every day.
Click through the tabs below for a more detailed breakdown of our evaluation criteria.
30% of Overall Score
We first looked at each software’s pricing plans for options under $75 monthly because small vape shops usually operate on a budget. We then checked if those plans include unlimited transaction processing and whether or not they offer volume discounts. Finally, we awarded high marks for systems that have integrated payment processing that’s compatible with high-risk businesses because we want to recommend providers that make it easy for vape shop owners to process payments.
20% of Overall Score
Retail shops require an efficient method for managing sales and inventory. We looked at POS systems that not only allow users to accept different modes of payment but also manage employees, loyalty programs, and inventory. This includes barcode scanning, bulk updating, and variant tracking of inventory, as well as custom permission and logins for employees.
20% of Overall Score
As a high-risk, high volume type of business, vape shops require functions that help manage sales and comply with FDA regulations for selling vape products. We evaluated each software’s product variants and modifiers’ capabilities for tracking things like different flavors or strengths of the same product. Tracking sales and product movement for vape shops will also require easy access to reporting functions including low-stock alerts. Because of how businesses are currently operating, we gave plus points to systems with remote ID verification functionality for contactless ordering and online sales.
10% of Overall Score
Retail businesses like vape shops that sell both in-store and online require round-the-clock management and a user-friendly interface. We gave premium points for cloud-based solutions, and those offering 24/7 customer support. We also gave additional points for systems that can work offline and are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, as these features ensure efficient and seamless operation for busy vape shops.
20% of Overall Score
Finally, we considered any stand-out features of each individual system and whether or not the software and hardware options offer a good overall value for its price. We also judged each system’s popularity to help ensure safety and security. We also awarded points based on my personal experience interacting with the software and the company’s customer support.
ShopKeep by Lightspeed
PROS
- Built-in sales restriction settings
- Full inventory features at no extra cost
CONS
- Glitchy after software updates
- Slow customer service
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing And Payment Processing | 3.33 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Vape Shop Features | 3.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 5 | OUT OF | 5 |
ShopKeep by Lightspeed POS features work perfectly to support the running of small specialty stores and it ticks a lot of boxes for vape shop business requirements. It offers competitive no-contract subscription pricing, the ability to integrate with other payment processors (so you can find one that best suits your business), and built-in age and quality restriction settings. ShopKeep by Lightspeed’s full inventory management features are available from its basic plan which means you can add unlimited inventory and get low stock notifications as well as real-time sales data from its mobile app.
Based on our evaluation, ShopKeep by Lightspeed earned a 4.05 out of 5, earning perfect scores for pricing, ease of use, and expert score. However, ShopKeep by Lightspeed’s loyalty program, age verification features, marketing, and online ordering are only available with additional fees or higher-tiered plans. These extra costs are what prevented ShopKeep by Lightspeed from getting a perfect score.
ShopKeep by Lightspeed Pricing
- Software subscription fee: POS starts at $69 per month billed monthly or $49 per month billed annually per terminal. Add-ons like online ordering, loyalty programs, digital contactless ordering, and more available for an additional monthly fee.
- Hardware costs: Startup kits start at $809 which includes one iPad Air stand, a card reader, cash register, and receipt printer. Additional options for bar code scanners and label printers. iPads sold separately.
- Installation fees: Some ShopKeep by Lightspeed plans include training sessions with an onboarding specialist to help with the hardware setup. Users who do not have available sessions can contact ShopKeep by Lightspeed directly to purchase a schedule. Alternatively, ShopKeep by Lightspeed also has a dedicated support page with a complete list of hardware setup guides.
- Processing fees: If you use ShopKeep by Lightspeed Payments, the solution charges a flat rate of 2.5% + 10 cents per transaction for all card-present transactions. Online payments cost 2.9% + 30 cents, mobile payments cost 3.5% per transaction, and invoiced payments are at 2.8% + 10 cents per invoice. If you choose to use a third-party processor, your rates will vary.
ShopKeep by Lightspeed offers customizable POS software, hardware, and payment processing solutions to match your vape shop’s needs.
ShopKeep by Lightspeed Standout Features
ShopKeep by Lightspeed has all of the basic features needed to run a retail vape shop—detailed inventory, easy-to-read reports and analytics, and a free mobile app. A semi-unique feature of ShopKeep by Lightspeed is the interface is highly customizable. You can create color codes, categorize items, and rearrange buttons and tiles on your screen.
ShopKeep by Lightspeed’s other standard features include:
- Built-in age and quantity restriction settings: The ability to set up sales restriction settings is a key factor for deciding the right POS for vape shops. ShopKeep by Lightspeed allows users to create both age and quantity restrictions to ensure that a proper verification process is always conducted for every transaction.
- Works with other payment processors: This gives its users the option to choose a provider that supports high-risk businesses such as vape shops. ShopKeep by Lightspeed also offers integration with the ecommerce platform BigCommerce, which supports high-risk payment gateways such as USA ePay.
- ShopKeep by Lightspeed Back Office tools: Back Office allows ShopKeep by Lightspeed users to manage their vape shop’s operation from a single dashboard. It is customizable to show real-time reports on sales, inventory, and staff performance.
- Rich inventory management features: ShopKeep by Lightspeed’s inventory features include matrix inventory function so users can create and customize bundled items with variants. This is especially useful for vape shops that want to offer different combinations of flavors and strength of the same product.
- ShopKeep by Lightspeed Pocket App: This is ShopKeep by Lightspeed’s mobile app where users can remotely access real-time business information. Vape shop owners can monitor sales, inventory level, employee clock-in and clock-out times, and receive alerts for information that requires immediate action such as low stock items, payouts, and voided sales.
Lightspeed Retail
PROS
- Strong ecommerce platform
- Extensive inventory management tools
- Rich reporting features
CONS
- Can be quite pricey
- Learning curve on its advanced features
- Not available on Android
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing and Payment Processing | 3.33 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 4.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Vape Shop Features | 3.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 5 | OUT OF | 5 |
Lightspeed Retail stands out among other POS systems for its robust inventory management features and reporting capabilities. Additionally, its ecommerce integration and wide variety of add-ons, which happens to include age-verification solutions, makes it the perfect multi-channel platform for vape shop businesses. This is especially true for sellers with a high-volume of products, and are looking for ways to seamlessly sell in-store and online.
In our evaluation, Lightspeed Retail came in a close second behind ShopKeep by Lightspeed with a score of 3.98 out of 5. While ShopKeep by Lightspeed had more built-in vape-shop specific features, Lightspeed Retail received high marks for its general features, ease of use, and expert score. Limited features available in its basic plan prevented Lightspeed Retail from earning a perfect score.
In addition to ranking as one of the top vape POS systems, we also recommend Lightspeed Retail as one of the best iPad POS systems and our top choice for retail inventory management.
Lightspeed Retail Pricing
- Software subscription fees: Lightspeed Retail basic software plan starts at $69 per month when billed annually, or $79 per month when billed monthly, per register. Additional registers cost an additional $29 per month. Each plan also includes a free payment terminal. Custom pricing is also available for high-volume merchants.
- Hardware costs: Starter kits range from $500 to $1,000. Desktop hardware kits include a USB-connecting hardware and printer, while iPad hardware kits are for a more mobile setup and include a LAN printer and a wireless scanner. Label printers, bar code scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers are also available separately.
- Installation fees: Lightspeed is a self-install program so there are no setup fees. Personalized remote onboarding is available.
- Processing fees: Lightspeed Retail offers a flat-rate credit card processing, it costs 2.6% + 10 cents for in-person purchases, and 2.6% + 30 cents for keyed-in payments. Volume discounts are also available for businesses that process over $250,000.
Lightspeed Retail offers seamless integration with its ecommerce platform.
Lightspeed Retail Standout Features
Lightspeed Retail is equipped with a wide variety of tools to smoothly manage vape shops across multiple platforms. This includes the ability to take special orders, create in-depth customer profiles, and define rules to regulate sales. Like ShopKeep by Lightspeed, Lightspeed register can also be programmed with age and quantity sale restrictions. Lightspeed also has built-in RACS compliance.
Take a look at some of Lightspeed Retail’s most notable features:
- Customized selling restrictions: Lightspeed Retail is currently beta-testing register rules features that enforce limitations in the sale of high-risk products. It allows users to prevent bulk purchases by setting quantity limits and perform age verification using ID scanning technology during transactions.
- Wide selection of integrations and add-ons: Lightspeed Retail offers significant integration tools that vape shop owners will find useful. Its long list includes high-risk business-friendly payment processors and age-verification solutions for its ecommerce platform. These, in turn, allow vape shop owners to confidently sell online while staying compliant with legislation requirements.
- Inventory management features: Vape shop owners will appreciate Lightspeed Retail’s ability to create custom matrix sets and build as many variants as they need for their products. It also allows users to easily manage products that are acquired in bulk and then sold individually. The same platform can also be used to track sales orders, submit purchase orders, and manage vendor information.
Vend
PROS
- Easy-to-use and intuitive interface
- Excellent customer support
CONS
- Pricey subscription plans
- Limited transaction volume for its basic plan
- Limited reporting features
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing and Payment Processing | 2.67 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 4.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Vape Shop Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 5 | OUT OF | 5 |
Vend is a retail POS designed for small to medium-sized businesses and is well known for its user-friendly interface. It’s also browser-based, which means it can work on any device and potentially save users from expensive hardware costs. However, because it’s a little pricier than its counterparts, we recommend Vend for vape shop owners who are looking to expand their business with additional locations. It could be a good option for those keen on investing in a pricier POS system in the process of expansion to gain maximum value for money.
Based on the criteria we’ve set for evaluating vape shop POS systems, Vend earned a score of 3.88 out of 5, with high marks for ease of use and general features. On the other hand, Vend’s pricey subscription plans and add-ons prevented it from getting more points and performing better in our rankings. It’s important to note, however, vape shop owners who use Vend are raving about the system’s ability to scale and grow with their business.
Vend Pricing
- Software subscription fees: Monthly subscription fees start at $99 per month, when billed annually, or $119 per month when billed monthly. This plan is applicable to a single location, single register, and a monthly transaction limit of $20,000. Each additional register costs $59 per month, or $49 per month if billed annually.
- Hardware costs: Vend is a browser-based system so it can work on most iOS, Mac, and PC devices. However, it does not sell its own hardware bundles but instead, it provides a list of recommendations.
- Installation fees: Cost varies. Vend’s software and hardware are easy to set up and use with the help of user guides available on their website. Those who would like to request an on-site expert consultation are directed to Vend’s expert partners who determine the fees. These experts provide on-site POS installation, account setup, hardware configuration, and training for you and your staff.
- Processing fees: Varies. Vend offers integrated payments through partner payment providers, a number of which support payment processing for high-risk businesses like WorldPay.
Vend is the ideal POS for multi-location vape shops.
Vend Standout Features
Vend has all the tools needed to effectively run your vape shop and offers great value for money particularly to businesses with multiple locations. And while most of these capabilities can also be found in other POS providers, there are a number of functions where Vend excels.
Here are some of Vend’s key features that set it apart from other POS systems:
- Customizable premium API: Vend Workflows is a set of customizable premium APIs available to Enterprise plan subscribers. This allows users to add functionalities that their business needs to improve performance. For vape shop owners, this feature will allow you to integrate weighing scales in your POS system, as well as set age verification and quantity limits for each transaction.
- Intuitive user interface: Vend’s user interface is easy to learn and use. There are options to add quick keys which can be used to save the most common buttons when processing transactions to speed up the checkout process. It also has a free customer-facing display app that can be added through a secondary iPad tablet. Customers can also use this to enter their email address if they prefer getting their receipt via email, or for enrolling in loyalty programs.
- Flexible multi-outlet functions: Vend’s Pro plan gives its users the ability to scale their business operations in minutes. You can instantly open an outlet and adjust taxes for your new location with Vend’s register iPad app, or add registers during peak seasons and deactivate them quickly when they’re no longer needed.
- Responsive customer service: Vend is well known for its excellent support and customer service. Phone support is available 24/7, while options for live chat, email, and social media are also available. Aside from a help center, users can also sign up to Vend U for on-demand courses and training webinars.
- Back office management: Back office tools sync information across locations so data is accessible from a single platform. Users are then able to manage customer lists, update product catalog, track inventory movement, and review sales performance from a central database.
Square
PROS
- Free POS
- User-friendly interface
CONS
- Lacks sales restriction features
- Limited customer support service
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing and Payment Processing | 3.33 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 3.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Vape Shop Features | 2.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Ease of Use | 3.5 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 5 | OUT OF | 5 |
Square is easily the most affordable of all the industry-leading POS software available in the market today. It offers a full suite of sales and inventory management tools that can easily handle thousands of SKUs, along with the ability to manage an unlimited number of products and transactions. On top of all its premium features, Square also includes an online store with its free software, making it the best option for startups working on a tight budget. However, vape shop owners who would like to use this system, find themselves limited to in-store sales as Square is not able to process age-restricted products like e-cigarettes online.
In our evaluation of vape shop POS systems, Square earned a score of 3.6 out of 5, gaining its perfect marks for pricing and expert score. On the other hand, limited phone support hours and lack of sales restriction tools to support online sales of vape products prevented Square from earning a perfect score. That being said, Square is our choice for the best overall POS system for small businesses, and Square for Retail was chosen as one of the best retail POS.
Square Pricing
- Software subscription fees: Square’s POS software is free, and you get all the features that vape shop startups will need to start selling in-store. For more retail-specific features, Square for Retail has a free version and a Plus plan for $60 monthly.
- Hardware costs: For a full POS system, Square offers Square Register for $799 or $39 per month for 24 months, and comes with a touch-screen monitor, detachable customer-facing display, and credit card machine. Additional terminal costs $299 for $27 per month for 12 months, which is an all-in-one credit card machine with POS, card reader, and receipt printer. Chip and contactless readers are also available separately for $49. There’s also one free magstripe reader that comes with each account.
- Installation fees: None. Square has a built-in self-installation feature. However, paid plans also include a free one-on-one remote consultation for customers requiring assistance during installation.
- Processing fees: Square offers a flat-rate transaction fee, in-person purchases cost 2.6% + 10 cents, while it’s 2.9% + 30 cents per online order. Custom pricing is also available for businesses with more than $250,000 in card sales and has an average ticket size of over $15.
Vape shop owners can easily accept card payments in-store with Square Point-of-Sale.
Square Standout Features
Square POS is free and its intuitive system offers the best value for small businesses and startups. It’s also easy to use and installs automatically so vape shop owners who purchase this software can start selling immediately.
Here are some of Square’s standout features to help vape shops owners build a successful store:
- Square Dashboard: Managing a vape shop is easier if it can be done from a single platform. The dashboard is Square’s headquarters that efficiently provides business information at a glance, so owners can quickly see key data and make timely decisions. It also allows users to send out invoices, engage customers, manage employees, and inventory.
- Customer relationship management (CRM): Square’s CRM uses a tool called Customer Directory where business owners can view customer data such as their contact details and how they normally transact with the business. Customers are also able to provide feedback through their digital receipts and start a private conversation with your business.
- Cash Tracking: Square can be used to accept and track cash and payments such as checks and gift cards from any Square device (tablet, smartphone, or terminal). It’s also possible to split tender so customers have the option to use different payment types for a single transaction.
Bottom Line
Our top vape shop POS systems offer the best value for features every high-risk product retailer needs to successfully launch and grow. Square POS is the best choice for in-store vape shop sellers working on a limited budget. Lightspeed ticks all the boxes for vape shops that also want to sell online, while Vend is the best match for fast-growing vape shop businesses looking to expand to other locations. However, for most vape shops, ShopKeep by Lightspeed is the best overall vape shop POS system.
ShopKeep by Lightspeed received the highest score across our grading system for general POS features, vape shop-specific features, ease of use, and our own expert review. While it is not the most affordable system, you receive all the important tools to run a successful vape shop. ShopKeep by Lightspeed offers full inventory features at no extra cost so it can easily support your business as it manages the increasing volume of products.
Anna Dizon contributed to this article.
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