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eCommerce POS integration is essential as it connects and creates a communication bridge between your 2 main business channels: your online eCommerce platform and offline POS system. This article will dive into the definition, why, and how to integrate POS with eCommerce, and the top POS systems for eCommerce.

What is an eCommerce POS integration?

An eCommerce POS integration is a digital solution to build a streamlined connection between your eCommerce platform and POS system. In that way, you can pull detailed data in real time directly between 2 systems and process transactions and orders across online and offline channels.

eCommerce POS integration definition

Why do I need an eCommerce POS integration?

According to a study by Harvard Business Review, customers will spend 13% more in physical stores if they’ve conducted prior online research via the brand’s websites. It means that customers who interact via multiple channels tend to spend more in retail stores.

Thus, it’s critical to provide customers with a seamless buying journey from offline to online to meet their growing expectations. Below are some specific benefits.

1. See inventory in real time and avoid overselling

See inventory in real time and avoid overselling by eCommerce POS integration

An eCommerce-integrated POS system allows you to view your inventory in real time across online and offline channels. Streamlining your inventory management across channels is vital to any business owner.

  • Track which products may need promotion and which products are hot to order more
  • Restock the right item at the right time and in the right place
  • Transfer stocks between warehouses and locations
  • Avoid out-of-stock and overstock situations to optimize your inventory holding price

You can automate inventory management processes such as:

  • Control inventory levels to ensure timely procurement
  • Set minimum inventory level according to SKU
  • Automated order generation for suppliers with auto-replenishment

2. Eliminate manual data entry

Eliminate manual data entry

Manual data entry, reconciliation, and synchronization are always error-prone and time-consuming. Therefore, another vast added value of integrating an eCommerce website with a POS system is eliminating manual data entry like:

  • Synchronizing order information from in-store and online orders
  • Manage customer, order, and product information in one place
  • No need to update information or reconcile data between channels

This integration reduces your precious time and effort so you can focus on your business.

3. Offer cross-channel promotions and discounts

Offer cross-channel promotions and discounts

Manually entering the discount at the POS machine can slow down the customer registration process and increase the risk of fraud. Thus, it’s crucial to have a retail system that seamlessly integrates eCommerce and POS to:

  • Streamline loyalty program
  • Increase customer shopping experience
  • Boost sales and revenue

It provides different strategies to expand your customer base and encourage customers to shop through both channels like:

  • Set up and apply discounts across online and offline channels
  • Suggest promotions and coupons automatically when checkout on POS and websites
  • Accumulate and use loyalty points for online and offline orders
  • Purchase and redeem gift cards at both online and offline stores

4. Leverage better customer data and insight

Leverage better customer data and insight

Integrating POS and eCommerce solutions means that you centralize all your customer data in one place.

  • Display a consolidated view of shopper behavior across both channels
  • Provides more precise insights into your customer preferences and shopping habits

Because customers prefer a consistent experience and interaction across all channels, your retail can improve customer relationships by personalized promotions and offer:

  • Tailored marketing proposals based on purchase history
  • Run multi-channel promotions (discounts, rewards cards, and other loyalty programs)

5. Enable omnichannel order fulfillment

Enable omnichannel order fulfillment

Customers today prefer an easy and fast shopping experience. Most expect delivery within the same day or even hours. Big retailers like Walmart use their retail stores to fulfill online orders:

  • Treat each store as a fulfillment center
  • Added a store locator on the website that shows stock availability in each store
  • Choose stores that are conveniently located on customer routes
  • Forward online orders to fulfillment centers in brick-and-mortar stores automatically
  • Continue the process of online orders at the in-store POS system

If you operate a click-and-collect retail business or online purchase — pick up in-store (BOPIS) model, customers will want to determine which store has the item to place an order and pick it up from there. You can implement this model when integrating your eCommerce with POS systems. This:

  • Allows your customers to purchase products online and receive them in-store or even by the roadside
  • Allows customers to return products purchased online at the store

The customer will have more comfortable delivery options and receive goods faster. Retailers can reduce shipping costs and improve customer satisfaction.

6. Improve customer experience

Improve customer experience

Integrated eCommerce POS solutions solve various business needs in real-time and increase customer satisfaction over their omnichannel touchpoints. It connects your online store to your POS system and creates a seamless customer experience through:

  • Different payment methods with POS software
  • Seamless online ordering
  • Integrated omnichannel marketing and loyalty program

10 must-have features to look for an integrated eCommerce POS system

Must-have features of an integrated eCommerce POS system

There are 10 key features you should consider when looking for an integrated POS eCommerce system:

How does a POS system with eCommerce integration work?

You know the why — now you need the how. Understanding how POS system works with your online store is essential. In general, it’s the automatic execution of retail processes and data sharing between these two channels, including:

  • Catalog syncing between brick-and-mortar and online stores
  • Automatic inventory updates for in-person and online sales
  • Inventory data transfer across 2 channels
  • A centralized solution for online and offline transactions with a variety of payment methods

How to integrate POS with an eCommerce platform

There are many approaches to integrate your POS system with eCommerce websites. To choose the suitable method, you’ll need to evaluate your current state by asking yourself a simple question: Have you already had an eCommerce website or POS solution in place?

Based on your answer, below are the 3 scenarios and how to integrate your POS and eCommerce website:

1. You’ve already had a POS, but not a website

eCommerce POS situation: You've already had a POS, but not a website

If you have a POS system already, you can integrate it with the most popular eCommerce platforms, which have open API architecture like Magento eCommerce.

  • Ask your POS provider what available options they offer for integration with eCommerce websites. In some cases, you need to enable the built-in eCommerce service of your POS solution.
  • Decide whether to continue with the current provider or switch to another POS system

After that, integrating eCommerce software with POS usually has a clear roadmap from your chosen supplier. First, however, here are the things to keep in mind and the steps to ensure a successful integration:

  • Choose a theme: Some eCommerce platforms allow you to create your theme, while others offer preloaded themes and require customization for changes to match your aesthetic and brand identity.
  • Synchronize your payment gateway: Set up or integrate your POS system’s payment solution providers with your online website. And note that online sales processing fees are often higher than in-store card transactions.
  • Import customer data and inventory: This process can be quick and accurate if you use a data migration service to transfer loyalty points and inventory from the POS system to your online site.
  • Set up shipping: Make sure that your chosen eCommerce platform supports or can integrate with your shipping suppliers and shipping fee.

2. You’ve already had a website but not a POS

eCommerce POS situation: You've already had a website but not a POS

If your business starts with an online website and plans to expand to brick-and-mortar stores, the integration from eCommerce to the in-store POS system is also relatively easy.

  • Determine which eCommerce platform services you want to integrate with your POS system
  • Search for POS software that is compatible with the eCommerce platform you are using. Then, use the above requirements to narrow down the options of POS providers, such as retail POS systems or iPad POS solutions.

The roadmap checklist is similar to scenario 1. However, there are a few other things that you need to evaluate when choosing a POS system.

  • Payment processor integration: Make sure your POS is compatible or can integrate your existing payment providers. Switching to a new processor is always an undesirable decision for many businesses and their customers.
  • Available integration and add-ons: A sound POS system usually has many advanced features like inventory tracking and advanced reporting.
  • Curbside pickup: Customers increasingly love the convenient curbside pickup option, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic for safety and contactless payments. Some POS systems support this option. A plus point to boost your sales.

3. You have neither a POS nor a website

Choose an approach integrate your POS and eCommerce site

If your business is a startup, you can:

  • Research an all-in-one solution that integrates the POS system with the eCommerce platform to ensure a seamless connection between 2 channels.
  • Find a POS system with a powerful eCommerce platform like a Magento-native POS and choose a long-term technical solution partner. They’ll give you a lot of expert advice and affordable prices without forcing you to use unnecessary features.

How much does it cost for an eCommerce and POS integration?

The eCommerce POS integration cost depends mainly on your solution and service providers (free, subscription, or one-time payment). In general, it includes the following components:

  • eCommerce platforms pricing plan
  • POS system registration fee
  • Cost to integrate POS with eCommerce platform
  • Development costs for additional integrations or features
  • Payment processing fee
Cost of an eCommerce and POS integration

Top 5 eCommerce POS systems

Choosing a supplier is always a time-consuming and challenging decision. Therefore, we recommend the 5 best POS solutions that integrate with its eCommerce platform. These are all leading systems that are helping retailers to perform day-to-day tasks efficiently and achieve their business goals:

1. Magestore POS

Magestore POS eCommerce integration
  • One-time payment
  • Native Magento POS
  • Flexible card processing options
  • Magento Mobile App version available for your website (require extra cost)

2. Square POS

Square POS eCommerce integration
  • Free plan available
  • Integration with WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, and other popular eCommerce platforms
  • App store access

3. Vend POS

Vend POS eCommerce integration
  • Starts at $99/month
  • Integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce platforms
  • Compatibility with PC, Mac, and iPad

4. Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed POS eCommerce integration
  • Starts at $129/month
  • Integration with BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Shopify eCommerce platforms
  • Multiple processing options

5. Shopify POS

Shopify POS eCommerce integration
  • $9/month and $79/month
  • In-house Shopify eCommerce
  • Integration with Instagram, Facebook, and Amazon

Want a side-by-side of the most popular POS systems for Magento?

Conclusion

Integrating the POS system platform with eCommerce brings great benefits from automating processes and synchronizing data between 2 channels. It saves manual labor, provides in-depth reports and analysis for you to make data-driven decisions, and enhances the customer experience, thereby increasing your revenue.

However, take your needs into account before choosing the integration method. In addition, you can reduce total integration costs by choosing systems that integrate natively between POS and eCommerce. As a result, they’ll be guaranteed options with seamless integration and a reliable system in the long run.

If you’re looking to connect your Magento website with your offline stores, Magestore POS can help you sync data between your channels in real time. You can book a free consultation with us, and together we’ll build a solution that works for your business.

FAQs

1. Why should we use POS software?

POS software works as a bridge to connect your online and offline sales. Besides the ability to integrate with your eCommerce platform, it can link to your inventory management, purchasing management, accounting, customer service, etc. With an advanced POS system, you can enjoy correct and real-time data sync which helps you make informed decisions quickly and easily.

2. What are the 5 types of POS systems?

They are on-premise POS, cloud-based POS, web-based POS, mobile POS, and omnichannel POS. Learning about different types of POS helps you consider and choose the best POS type for your business.

3. What factors to consider when choosing a POS system for my business?

Ask yourself these questions before choosing the best-fit POS system for your business:

  • Which must-have features do you need?
  • Can the POS system be customized to add more features when you grow?
  • How does the provider charge their POS solution?
  • How do you pay for the POS solution?

4. What factors to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform for my brick-and-mortar business?

Review 7 following factors before choosing an eCommerce platform:

  • Pricing vs. your budget
  • Payment processing
  • Analytics
  • SEO-friendly
  • Mobile-friendly
  • Integrations and apps
  • Support

Explore these factors in detail: Key things to consider with an eCommerce platform

5. Can I transfer data from my old POS system to a new POS?

Yes, definitely. You can transfer your data from the old POS to the new one. One critical decision is to define which information to migrate to your new POS.
The most important POS data includes inventory, orders, customers, and purchasing.

6. What is eCommerce vs POS transaction?

eCommerce transactions are transactions of buying and selling products or services online via computers, mobiles, or other telecommunication devices and equipment.
POS transactions take place when customers make payments at a cash counter or online store in exchange for products or services.

7. What is POS integration API?

This is an API to integrate your point of sale with an eCommerce platform, marketplace, or other business software like ERP.

8. Can POS be integrated with ERP?

Yes, you can integrate your POS with ERP. A POS and ERP integration ensures all your business data is accurate and up to date. It helps reduce human error from manual data entry across your company and also eliminates delays in those updates.

Best Retail POS System

Optimize your business operations with our complete POS for Magento

  • Sell online or in your physical stores seamlessly with real-time data synchronization.
  • Sell everywhere from one platform with desktop or iPad devices, even without internet connection.
  • All data stay safely on your Magento website, and your POS doesn’t have to rely on third-party servers to work.
EXPLORE MAGESTORE POS
Irene Luong

Author Irene Luong

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Best POS (Point of Sale) System

A complete omnichannel POS for Magento retailers
Sell online or in your physical stores seamlessly with real-time data synchronization.

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Admin/Backend Demo

There is no customization or advanced features on the demo version. Remember that Magestore POS is customizable for even complex business requirements. You can request a personalized demo with our consultants at any time.

What is Magento POS

A Magento POS (point of sale) system is software integrated with the Magento platform to synchronize data between your online and offline stores and facilitate retail operations. Magestore POS is a web-based and Magento-native POS which requires at least one Magento website to work.

Who needs Magento POS system

The Magento POS system is developed for retailers with both Magento eCommerce websites and physical stores, and want to use the Magento website as a centralized place to manage all sales data and sell both online and offline.

Some features of Magento POS system

A basic Magento POS can work as a cash register to create orders, add discounts and taxes, print receipts, and manage sales. But a complete Magento POS system can assist you with more advanced tasks, such as inventory control, supplier management, loyalty programs, etc.

Why use Magento POS

  • Magestore POS is native to Magento and is installed directly on your Magento backend without third-party plugins, to inherit all Magento's power.
  • You can use our Magento POS on multiple devices, web browsers and create unlimited accounts without extra fees.
  • All data stay safely on your side, and your POS doesn't have to rely on third-party servers to work.
  • You only need to pay once for the POS license and get full ownership of the solution.

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After you complete the registration form & schedule a meeting with us, we'll contact to ask for your confirmation. This demo session is completely FREE & requires no commitments.

1. Where we'll discuss

We do screen sharing, so the demo will be conducted using Google Meet.

2. What we'll do

Our specialists will guide you through the POS solution and answer any questions you have. All to see if our POS system fits your business requirements.

3. What you'll get

  • A LIVE demo session to see how Magestore POS works
  • A FREE demo site to explore every product feature
  • A FREE consultation with our expert to discuss the best-fit solution for your business.

4. Additional information

  • A demo typically lasts for 45 minutes, but we can adjust the duration based on your needs
  • No preparation required but it's nice to have your requirements clear
  • Additional team members are welcome to join
  • If you want to see how Magestore POS works in reality, you can contact one of our customers and ask for their experience
  • Magestore doesn't do cold-calling, we only contact you on request.

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About the Magento platform

1. What is Magento?

Magento is an open-source platform that helps retailers create eCommerce websites, released on March 31, 2008, by Varien and developed on Zend Framework. In 2018, Adobe acquired Magento with a price of $1.68 billion. There are currently about 270,000 eCommerce websites running on Magento in 2022.

2. Why do retailers choose Magento?

Most of our customers say Magento is speedy and more customizable than others; it is suitable for medium and large enterprises or fast-growing businesses with complex requirements/customizations.

Not sure if you're using Magento, check your website here!

3. What to do next?

  • If you are new to Magento or searching for eCommerce platforms, you can explore more about Magento in this article.
  • If you are looking for Magento website development services, please reach our dedicated service team here.
  • If you've already had a Magento website and are searching for a POS system, please close this pop-up and continue exploring.