Pet owners don’t come into your shop and grab pet supplies at random — they’re often ready with a list of essentials to keep their pets happy and healthy.
Whether it’s the perfect toy, gourmet treats, or the right grooming tools, their visits are thoughtful and intentional — which is exactly how you should choose the features of your pet shop's point of sale (POS) system.
Instead of hoping a provider will be the right fit and offer the right features, you need to determine your must-haves upfront and keep them in mind when searching for the right solution..
To help, we’ve created a list of essential retail, inventory, and customer engagement features to look for in a pet shop POS system. Plus, we’ve rounded up our top five provider picks.
Let’s get started.
Streamlined Checkout Features
You need a pet shop POS system that processes transactions securely and seamlessly to ensure each sale updates your inventory records and keeps your checkout process smooth.
Here are two features that can streamline your checkout experience.
1. User-Friendly Interface
When deciding on your pet shop’s point of sale system, a user-friendly interface is essential. Look for a POS system that makes navigating transactions straightforward and intuitive, even if you aren’t a tech expert.
An interface that streamlines your most frequently used functions ensures quick and efficient checkouts and reduces errors — this helps you focus more on providing excellent service to your customers and their pets.
2. Payment Processing
In a pet shop, offering a variety of payment options is a must if you want to cater to diverse customer preferences. A solid POS system should accommodate multiple payment methods, including:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
The flexibility of accepting these payment methods speeds up transactions and improves customer satisfaction. But beyond accepting various payment methods, you need integrated payment processing.
Integration with your POS system ensures that all transactions are automatically synced with your sales data, which cuts down on manual entry errors and streamlines your accounting processes.
Related Read: 33 Pet Store Promotion Ideas You Haven't Tried Yet
Pet Store Inventory Management Features
Managing pet supplies can be challenging — but here are two must-have features that will simplify your inventory management.
3. Real-Time Inventory Monitoring
To be successful, you need to know exactly what's on your shelves at any given moment. A POS system that keeps tabs on your inventory in real time is a must-have — you can check stock levels whether you're at the store or on the go.
Your pet shop POS system should constantly monitor your inventory, so you don't have to waste time doing manual checks. This real-time overview helps prevent stockouts before they impact your customers.
4. Access to Pet Suppliers
With inventory management, it’s important to have direct access to suppliers — which means your pet shop needs a POS system that automatically connects to supplier catalogs. This way, you don’t have to manage purchase orders by hand.
With this feature, you can set up automated reorder points to keep your inventory balanced — this ensures your top-selling items are always available. Save time and keep your customers happy by having everything they need, when they need it.
Related Read: 5 Things To Know About Inventory Management Software for Pet Stores
Customer Engagement and Operational Support Features
Look for features that streamline operations and engage your customers — here are three must-have features that should be a part of your POS system.
5. Astro Loyalty Integration
Building a loyal customer base is key to a successful pet shop, and loyalty programs are the best way to do it. With Astro Loyalty integrated into your POS system, you can easily offer personalized rewards that keep your customers coming back. Whether it’s a 10% discount or a free dog toy after 20 visits, these perks make it more rewarding to shop at your business.
Plus, with the insights you gain into your customers' buying habits, you can tailor your product offerings to better meet their needs. It’s a win-win for your business and your customers.
6. Pet Service Scheduling
If your pet shop offers services like grooming or training, a built-in scheduling feature is a must. This tool helps you effortlessly manage appointments, track payments, and keep tabs on attendance — all from one place.
By organizing everything within your POS system, you ensure everything runs smoothly and give your team and your customer a seamless experience. This not only boosts the quality of your service, but maximizes your shop’s efficiency, so you can focus on what matters most — making your customers and their pets happy.
7. Training and Support
Switching to new technology can be overwhelming, but with the right training and support, it’s a great opportunity to grow your business. A POS provider that offers thorough onboarding and responsive support sets you and your team up for success.
This ongoing support is crucial for sorting out any hiccups quickly, ensuring your operations stay on track and letting you concentrate on what you do best — delivering excellent service to your customers.
Related Read: 7 Reasons You Need a POS To Manage Retail Pet Training
Top 4 Pet Shop POS Providers
Now that you know what to look out for, let’s explore the top pet shop point of sale providers in the industry.
1. eTailPet
eTailPet stands out as a premier choice for pet store owners. This system is designed with the unique needs of pet retailers in mind, offering a suite of features that streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. From real-time pet shop inventory management to integrated grooming scheduling to customer loyalty programs, eTailPet covers all your bases. Key features include:
- Real-time inventory monitoring: Keep track of stock levels to prevent stockouts and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Loyalty program integration: Engage customers with rewarding loyalty schemes that encourage repeat business.
- Service scheduling: Organize grooming services seamlessly to level up operations.
With customized pricing, eTailPet ensures a solution that scales with your business needs.
2. ePOS Now
ePOS Now offers versatility that caters to a wide range of retail industries, including pet stores. It’s particularly useful for multi-location pet store chains, allowing seamless inventory management and sales tracking across sites. Its integration with e-commerce platforms further enhances your ability to manage both in-store and online sales. Key features include:
- Real-time inventory monitoring: Manage inventory across multiple locations efficiently.
- Loyalty program integration: Strengthen customer relationships with effective reward systems.
- User-friendly interface: Simplify setup and daily operations.
ePOS Now offers customizable pricing to fit your specific business requirements.
3. Pawfinity
As a newer provider, Pawfinity brings a fresh approach to pet store management with its variety of features. It simplifies inventory management and supports customized loyalty programs, making it an attractive option for stores offering a wide range of pet products. Key features include:
- User-friendly interface: Navigate the software easily to ensure efficient transaction management.
- Loyalty program integration: Keep customers coming back with tailored rewards.
- Real-time inventory monitoring: Manage stock effectively to avoid overstock or stockouts.
Flexible pricing options begin at $50 per month, ideal for basic operations.
4. Lightspeed
For pet stores looking to grow, Lightspeed offers an all-encompassing POS solution. This system allows you to dive deep into inventory management with customizable product categories — ideal for stores with diverse pet supply offerings. Lightspeed’s seamless integration with e-commerce platforms supports a unified shopping experience across your physical and online stores. Key features include:
- Real-time inventory monitoring: Maintain optimal stock levels with detailed tracking.
- Integrated payment processing: Process smooth and secure transactions.
- E-commerce integration: Support both in-store and online sales for broader reach.
Tiered pricing starts at $69 per month, with options for additional features.
Upgrade Your Pet Shop Point of Sale With eTailPet
To choose the right POS system for your pet shop, focus on features that cater to the unique needs of your business. From ensuring smooth transactions with a user-friendly interface and diverse payment processing options to managing your inventory in real time and engaging customers through loyalty programs, the right system transforms your day-to-day operations.
Specifically designed for pet retailers, eTailPet is a standout choice. Our comprehensive suite of features not only streamlines operations, but encourages ongoing customer engagement through integrated loyalty programs and seamless scheduling for services like grooming.
With real-time inventory monitoring, you can keep your shelves stocked and your customers happy — and because it’s cloud-based, you can manage your business from anywhere, at any time.
Schedule a demo today to see how our pet shop point of sale system can support your growth and success.