There’s plenty of hardware available to use with Shopify POS and navigating the options of compatibility can be a challenge, especially if you haven’t had the opportunity to use the hardware before. 

Here’s our cheat sheet list - scroll down for a deeper dive into each of them.

• iPad - Apple iPad running iPadOS 13 or higher.
• Receipt Printer - Star Micronics MC Print3
• Cash Drawer - Any Star Micronics Cash Drawer w/ RJ11 Port
• Barcode Scanner - Socket Mobile 2D Barcode Scanner (S720)
• Barcode Scanner Stand - Barcode Scanner Charging Stand
• Keyboard - Apple Magic Keyboard
• iPad Stand - Anything by Bouncepad
• Card Reader - Shopify Wisepad 3
• Other Considerations - Solid WiFi Connection, Power Outlets (Receipt Printer & iPad)

Please note, compatibility can change without warning and hardware is region-specific. Refer to Shopify Support articles for the most up-to-date advice.

iPad

A tablet device is at the heart of any Shopify POS setup. It’s where you’ll process transactions, refunds and loyalty cards.  It’s also where you’ll be able to see information about your stock and customers. 

We strongly recommend using an iPad for Shopify POS. While the app is technically available for Android, it isn’t as well optimised as the iPad version. Shopify POS isn’t available for desktop computers. 

Clients often require a large screen for their POS display. In this case, we advise purchasing a 12.9” iPad Pro. These are expensive new, but there are often refurbished versions available with a significant saving. 

You can use any iPad capable of running iPadOS 13 or higher.

‍Receipt Printers

The humble paper receipt is still an integral part of in-person retail. To produce those receipts, you’ll need a Shopify POS compatible receipt printer. 

The Star Micronics mC-Print3 is the best printer for a retail store. These look great, are robust and easy to use. There are both Bluetooth & Ethernet versions available. 

Bluetooth vs Ethernet Printer: Pros and Cons

• Bluetooth is a peer-to-peer connection, so will continue to work if the network connection drops.
  

• If you have multiple iPads or wish to use additional ones on an ad-hoc basis, each iPad will need a printer, and you can’t print to a single Bluetooth printer, something possible if you had an Ethernet model.

Bluetooth is ideal for pop-up events or if you don’t have an Ethernet connection near where you’re planning on using the iPad. 

But if you have a LAN/Ethernet socket near the counter, it’s worth getting an Ethernet model. The connection will be more reliable and you have the flexibility to use additional iPads in future.

Cash Drawer 

While contactless payments are king, cash is still the choice of many consumers. To safely store cash, you’ll need a dedicated cash drawer. 

Any cash drawer with a standard RJ11 port will connect to your receipt printer - this acts as an ‘interface’ for the iPad to open the drawer. Many drawers have a built-in cable to connect to a receipt printer. 

For a full-time retail operation however, we can’t recommend Star Micronics enough. While most cash drawers are very similar, we would steer clear of lower cost units, as the mechanisms in cheap cash drawers have a tendency to fail at the most inopportune time.

Don’t forget to measure your counter space, cash drawers vary in size and it’s particularly satisfying when your cash drawer fits perfectly under the counter.

Barcode Scanner

Your hands are tied with this one, only the Socket Scanner is compatible with Shopify POS. They’re not cheap, but we have clients that are still using these 5 years+ since the initial installation - they’re very reliable. 

Be careful - there are both 1D and 2D versions of this scanner. The 1D scanner will not scan QR codes, which will make scanning gift cards impossible. The 2D is worth the extra investment. 

We’d certainly recommend purchasing the charging dock for these - you’ll have the ability to keep the scanner charged up throughout the day and it’ll prevent the device from getting lost (it does happen!). 

iPad Stand/Mount

You can’t go wrong with anything from Bouncepad. We really encourage clients to be involved in this decision as there’s plenty of choice and what works for one retailer, won’t work for another. 

While you’ll likely place emphasis upon ensuring the stand fits the general aesthetics of your store, it’s easy to fall into the trap of considering form over function. Consider how easy it’d be to turn the device around for a client to enter an email address etc. 

We’re fans of the Bouncepad Eddy - it’s an unsuspecting stand with lovely features like integrated cable management and a swivel base.

‍Bluetooth Keyboard

A Bluetooth Keyboard is easily forgotten, but highly recommended. The on-screen iPad keyboard is great, but it takes up nearly 50% of the screen, blocking your view of important information, and ultimately slowing down the time it takes to process a transaction.

If you’re typing in SKU codes, customer information etc, we’d strongly recommend purchasing a Magic Keyboard. Bouncepad also sells the Caddy; a counter organiser which you can neatly tuck the keyboard under when out of use. 

Label Printer

While we’re steering away from the capabilities of Shopify POS here, as the POS software isn’t designed to print barcode labels, a label printer is a must for any retail set-up. You’ll need to print labels in your inventory management system, or use a Shopify App like Multi-Label Barcodes.

Most of our clients use a Dymo Labelwriter Printer, which we’ve found to be highly reliable. 

‍Practical Considerations

WiFI

We’d strongly encourage any merchant looking to deploy Shopify POS to assess the reliability and speed of their WiFi network. While it’s technically possible to use a wired POE Ethernet adapter for an iPad, we tend to find that the flexibility of WiFi is most important for clients. 

We advise using Wireless Access Points in all store areas - it’s best to work with an IT company if you’re unsure how to assess your network or install Access Points. 

Power Outlets & Space

You’ll need at least two power outlets, one for the receipt printer, and another for the iPad. Consider having a third for charging your scanner/card machine. 

Our recommended receipt printer does have USB charging ports on the rear, but these are not as powerful as an outlet.

The Bottom Line

Shopify is an easy platform to use, as is Shopify POS. Your staff will be using the hardware you choose for years to come, so it’s worth investing additional time and money for hardware that will pass the test of time. Steer clear of ‘all-in-one’ devices, like the Star mPOP units for full-time retail stores. 

We have eight years of experience working with retailers on installing and configuring Shopify POS: if you need any additional information, don’t hesitate to get in touch.