Are you looking for the best pet store management software for your retail store?
Running and managing a retail pet store involves a lot of moving parts. When you start out, there are many decisions you need to make to run your business effectively.
And one of the most important things to decide is what pet store management software platforms you need. Making the right decision can take time, but it is worth it in the long run.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the key things you need in your business management software. Then, we’ll explore our top five picks for providers, so that you can better understand and navigate your options during your decision-making process.
What To Look for in Pet Store Management Software
While some business owners look for different providers for each segment of their business, others choose an all-in-one point of sale (POS) system that can handle many functions at once. Remember to consider your business' specific needs when choosing a provider, as some are better suited for large retailers and others for small businesses.
A modern POS system does more than simply process sales — it’s now the central hub for managing most pet stores, integrating into daily operations to make your business more efficient. Some POS solutions include features like inventory and financial management, which make them a great option for independent pet retailers.
Here’s what you should look for in an all-in-one POS solution:
Centralized Inventory Management
A POS system tracks inventory in real time, so you can monitor stock levels closely. It helps manage a diverse range of products, from pet food and accessories to grooming supplies, to make sure popular items are always in stock and reduce the chances of overstocking or understocking.
Improved Customer Experience
POS systems improve the customer experience by enabling faster checkouts and personalized service. They allow staff to access customer purchase history and preferences, so you can give tailored recommendations and promotions that build customer loyalty.
Detailed Sales Reporting
With detailed sales analytics, you can identify trends, peak shopping times, and bestselling products. This data-driven approach helps you make informed decisions about product offerings, marketing strategies, and staffing needs.
Streamlined Employee Management
POS systems often include features for managing employee schedules, tracking hours, and monitoring performance. This helps optimize staff allocation during busy periods and ensures that employees are accountable for their shifts.
Related Read: How To Open a Pet Shop in 4 Simple Steps
Seamless Integration With E-commerce
For pet stores with an online presence, POS systems need to integrate with e-commerce platforms, synchronizing inventory and sales data. You’ll have better consistency across physical and online stores, creating a consistent shopping experience for customers.
Better Security and Compliance
Modern POS systems come equipped with robust security features to protect sensitive customer data and ensure compliance with industry standards. This reduces the risk of data breaches and builds customer trust.
Ultimately, your pet store management software platform should help you run your business in the most efficient way possible. When integrated with your POS system, your management software offers significant advantages — like more efficient operations, better customer service, and valuable insights for business growth.
5 Top Pet Store POS Providers
Let’s dive into our top picks for pet store management software providers.
1. Shopify
Shopify POS is an ideal solution for pet stores aiming to combine their online and in-person sales. Its e-commerce features, coupled with efficient inventory management and sales tracking, allow you to manage both your physical store and online platform seamlessly.
Key features:
- Omnichannel selling
- Inventory insights
- Commission management
- Analytics and reporting
- Integration with other apps
Pricing: Shopify offers monthly subscription plans starting at $29/month, with prices going up to $2,300/month depending on the size and complexity of your pet store.
2. Square
Square is a software solution that automates your business operations and assists with revenue streams. They offer POS systems and hardware to help many types of businesses sell products in store. The software also helps you manage cash flow, provide advanced reporting, diversify revenue, and manage teams effectively. Many small retailers use Square to run their store by tracking inventory and managing transactions.
Key features:
- Multichannel operations
- Partner integrations
- Custom commerce experiences
Pricing: Plans range from a Free option to $30/month, as well as a Premium plan that’s custom-priced to your needs.
Related Read: Managing Overstock and Surplus Inventory: A Guide for Pet Store Owners
3. Clover
Clover's adaptable POS system provides a variety of features to support your pet store, including inventory management, customer insights, and employee management tools. With diverse hardware options, including countertop and mobile systems, Clover can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your business.
Key features:
- Clover Rapid Deposit
- Virtual terminal
- Clover Capital
Pricing: Clover's Basic plan has a starting price of $69/month, but it's important to note that there are significant upfront hardware costs. These can range from $799 for a basic card reader to over $2,300 for more comprehensive hardware tools.
4. Lightspeed
Lightspeed provides a point of sale and payment platform for businesses in various industries, including pet retail. They offer industry-leading insights and personalized support from experts in the field. The platform is designed to be fast and intuitive, and serves as one touchpoint for all your retail business needs.
Key features:
- Inventory management
- Fully integrated payments
- Integrations
- Reporting and insights
Pricing: Plan pricing depends on the number of locations and registers. The Basic plan starts at $89/month.
Related Read: ABC Analysis for Pet Stores: Categorizing Inventory for Efficiency
5. eTailPet
eTailPet’s point of sale system includes everything you need for in-store and online transactions. Our software combines your financial management, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and marketing tools — all in one system.
This solution is specifically designed for the pet industry, with the key features you need to run your business smoothly.
Key features:
- Integrations with Quickbooks and Mailchimp
- In-store and online inventory management with pet product catalogs built-in
- Pet-specific partner integration: Astro Loyalty
- Website and marketing tools
- Smart order system to tell you what inventory to order based on what you’re actually selling
Pricing: Pricing plans depend on your pet store’s needs. Contact us for a custom quote.
Choose the Best Pet Store Management Software: eTailPet
When choosing pet store management software, it's important to select a platform that meets all your business needs. Your needs may be met by a single, all-in-one solution, or by a collection of multiple, specialized platforms. Regardless of your approach, you have to consider all the needs of your pet store and select a solution that’s right for you.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, eTailPet might be your best bet.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a demo with us today!