Shopify POS Hardware – [List of Bundles, Kits & Cost Breakdown]

(Last Updated On: September 28, 2021)

You are probably aware of Shopify as one of the leading eCommerce platforms. Their point of sale (POS) software has powered online commerce since Shopify was launched in 2004.

But, have you heard about Shopify POS hardware? Riding on the coattails of the success of its online POS software, the company decided a few years back to launch its own line of POS hardware.

This was a smart move as the company sought to branch out and grow its business in new verticals and industries. Doing so has helped Shopify continue to be highly competitive in the eCommerce and POS space.

With new competitors—such as Square and Magento—entering the market every year, Shopify’s decision to launch its own line of POS hardware has paid off.

Below we will provide a complete rundown of Shopify POS hardware to help educate you on what is available so you can make the best purchase decision to meet your specific business needs.

But first, let’s start with a few basics before we dive into individual POS hardware components.

What Is POS Hardware?

Point of sale (POS) hardware refers to the physical components that work together with POS software to form a comprehensive POS system.

An entire POS system consists of various peripheral hardware components—such as cash registers, barcode scanners, touchscreen systems, etc.—combined with software that integrates them all and automates processes that would otherwise be done manually.

POS systems streamline payment and operational processes for retail stores, restaurants, the hospitality and entertainment industries, and many other types of businesses that process payment transactions on-site.

There are many different types of POS hardware that you can leverage to streamline business operations. Not all of them are relevant to every business.

Below, we provide a comprehensive list of Shopify POS hardware. We will start by discussing their pre-packaged kits and hardware bundles, and what each of them includes.

We will then move on to discussing Shopify’s individual POS hardware components.

Shopify POS Hardware: A Comprehensive Rundown

There is a lot of information for us to unpack here. Shopify offers numerous hardware components that can be purchased individually.

However, many businesses prefer to purchase a pre-packaged POS kit or bundle that comes complete with various hardware components that form an entire POS system right out of the box. That is where we will start our rundown.

Shopify POS Hardware Kits

Shopify currently offers two complete kits for those that don’t want to engage in a piece-by-piece evaluation of POS hardware. These two kits come with everything needed to get your POS system set up and running in no time.

Shopify Retail Kit

Shopify’s Retail POS Hardware Kit is, as you might have guessed, designed for retail businesses. However, that does not mean that it can’t be very effectively used by other types of businesses.

You would need to take a close look at the POS hardware components it provides and determine if they are enough to satisfy your POS system needs.

NOTE: To use Shopify’s Retail Kit you have must an iPad. The kit does not include an iPad so you must provide your own.

The Retail Kit relies on that iPad to process actions sent from the associated hardware components using the Shopify point of sale app, which you can download from the Shopify website.

The Retail Kit comes fully equipped with:

• A card reader that can process payments from debit or credit cards that use a magnetic stripe or a chip. It also allows customers with tap cards to simply touch their card to the tap reader and the card information is gathered and processed
• A card reader dock to store your card reader when you are not using it. You don’t want your card reader just laying around loose on your store counter. The dock lets you park your chip reader when you are not using it
• An iPad stand and mounting kit that allows you to position your iPad in an upright position so that your iPad is not left lying around, getting dropped or misplaced, etc
• A mini dock cable to connect your iPad to the other Hardware components in the kit. This piece helps you keep the entire kit in one compact place taking up little room on your counter

It’s important to note that the Shopify Retail Kit is compatible with US-based stores that process payments using Shopify.

The entire kit typically costs between US $180 and US $230 depending on the vendor you choose. It also offers a 30-day return policy so if you’re not satisfied, you can simply return it and get your money back.

Shopify Custom Kit

The Custom Kit is a significant step up from the Retail kit. It provides a more comprehensive set of Shopify POS hardware components to manage your point of sale operations.

The Custom Kit comes with the following Shopify POS hardware components:

• An iPad stand to prop up your iPad while in use. Just like with the Retail Kit, the Custom Kit does not include an iPad so you must provide your own
• A cash drawer that allows you to receive cash payments. This component is not included in the Retail Kit. It connects to your iPad, which essentially acts as your cash register, meaning you don’t need to purchase one
• A card reader with the same capabilities incorporated into the card reader offered in the Retail Kit
• One receipt printer that lets you print receipts upon payment of any transaction, made by either cash or card

When you purchase the Shopify Custom Kit, you have the opportunity to select from a variety of selections for each component included in the kit.

The Custom Kit, just like the Retail Kit, is compatible with US-based stores that process payments using Shopify.

You can acquire the Custom Kit for around $590. And you can choose between white or black hardware depending on your preferences.

Finally, for both kits mentioned in this article, Shopify provides free customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure you are successfully using the kit.

Shopify mPOP Bundles

Shopify’s mPOP bundles are designed and recommended for businesses that require smaller or portable POS systems to process point of sale transactions.

Star mPOP Basic Bundle

Shopify’s Basic Bundle is, as the name indicates, the cheaper of the two mPOP bundles offered by Shopify.

It does not require a mini dock cable because it connects all your Shopify hardware components with Bluetooth technology. You do need one main cable that connects at the base of operation, but every other component connects wirelessly.

The Basic Bundle includes:

• A basic iPad stand to house the tablet used to manage all the payment data your business receives while processing transactions
• An all-in-one cash register and receipt printer that can receive cash payments and print receipts—all from the same machine
• Compact design that lets you minimize the space your bundle occupies on your counter
• An internal, back-up power supply that keeps things running if your components accidentally get unplugged from their main power source
• Choice of black or white hardware

You can expect to pay around US $440 for the Basic Bundle.

Star mPOP Bundle with Scanner

This bundle includes everything that the basic bundle includes, with a few added features and components. This bundle includes:

• A basic iPad stand to house the tablet used to manage all the payment data your business receives while processing transactions
• An all-in-one cash register and receipt printer that can receive cash payments and print receipts—all from the same machine
• A built-in barcode scanner that allows you to ring up products at your point of sale
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 30-day return policy

NOTE: Each bundle above includes a starter roll of receipt paper. Once that initial roll is used up, you can purchase additional thermal receipt paper rolls for around US $30 each.

Individual Shopify POS Hardware Components

If you prefer to purchase individual Shopify POS hardware components à la carte, you can do that.

There are many components to choose from and with a little research, you can create your own POS system by selecting the individual components that all add up to the system of your dreams.

Let’s dig into these offerings and shed some light on what’s available to you.

Card Readers

Shopify offers a variety of card readers to meet a broad spectrum of needs. Whether you need to read cards with chips, magnetic strips, or the ability to simply tap a card, they have you covered.

For example, you can purchase any of the following:

• Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader – Average price point: US $50
• Chip & Swipe Reader – Average price point: US $30
• Shopify Dock for Tap & Chip Reader – Average price point: US $40

iPad Stands

With any Shopify POS system, you’ll need an iPad to act as the “brain” of the operation. Here are the iPad stands offered today:

• Shopify Retail Stand – Average price point: US $150
• Shopify 9.7″ iPad Swivel Stand – Average price point: US $140
• iPad Mini Stand – Average price point: US $120
• iPad Stand 10.2″ – Average price point: US $130
• iPad Pro Stand 10.5″ – Average price point: US $140
• iPad Pro Stand 12.9″ – Average price point: US $170
• iPad Pro Stand 12.9″ (3rd Generation) – Average price point: US $170

Barcode Scanners, Printers, and Labels

• 1D Barcode Scanner – Average price point: US $230
• 2D Barcode Scanner – Average price point: US $330
• Barcode Scanner Cradle – Average price point: US $50
• DYMO LabelWriter Wireless Label Printer – Average price point: US $150
• DYMO LabelWriter 450 Label Printer – Average price point: US $120
• DYMO Barcode Labels – Average price point: US $20

Receipt Printers and Paper

• Bluetooth Receipt Printer – Average price point: US $350
• Wifi Receipt Printer – Average price point: US $360
• Wired Receipt Printer – Average price point: US $290
• Receipt Paper – Average price point: US $90
• mPOP™ Receipt Printer Rolls – Average price point: US $30

Cash Drawers

• 13″ Cash Drawer – Average price point: US $120
• 16″ Cash Drawer – Average price point: US $130
• Windfall Cash Drawer – Average price point: US $400

Shipping Label Printers and Labels

• Brother QL Wifi Label Printer – Average price point: US $280
• DYMO LabelWriter 4XL Bundle Pack (USB) – Average price point: US $230
• DYMO Shipping Labels – Average price point: US $25
• Shopify Shipping Labels – Average price point: US $25
• Brother Shipping Labels (Large) – Average price point: US $25

Scales

• Shipping Scale (10 lbs) – Average price point: US $40
• Shipping Scale (25 lbs) – Average price point: US $50
• Shipping Scale (100 lbs) – Average price point: US $80

Ready to Shop for Your Own Shopify POS Hardware?

Everything these days is done digitally—or at least most things. Point of sale transactions need to be conducted digitally these days. Businesses that continue to use analog methods for transactions and other business operations are those that will fall behind the competition.

As with any technology purchase, it’s always wise to conduct your own research and take note of your specific needs. Once you know what you need, it’s much easier to zero in on the products that will align with those needs and be the perfect fit for your business.

Also, some technology review sites—such as POS Quote—can help you during your evaluation by asking for your needs and tailoring a recommendation based on those. Some can also provide discounts, so it’s worth checking out these sites while evaluating your new POS hardware options.

POS Quote users tout the site’s ability to identify the combination of POS hardware that fits their needs. You can take advantage of that free service as well. Simply visit the homepage and complete the yellow form to receive a free quote and up to 30% off your purchase.