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Integrating POS and ecommerce platforms, in our contemporary world, shine a light on the differences between ecommerce and retail. Understanding these differences, such as digital purchasing and deliveries, can complement each other to provide customers the seamless physical and digital shopping they expect - all while optimizing strategies.
Point of Sale, or POS, systems are a digital solution that allows businesses to process transactions and manage their sales in real-time. These systems, by way of combining hardware and software, streamline the checkout experience for customers. While the software is primarily found in brick and mortar POS systems, the customization capabilities offered to ecommerce businesses can drive growth with newfound agility, convenience, and personalization. However, there is a difference between retail POS software used for brick and mortar environments and the checkout process of eCOMM shopping carts.
Generally, the difference is found in their operation and, how through those differences, they meet the specific demands from their respective audiences. Simply put, retail is centered around tactile engagement, while ecommerce focuses on digital accessibility and automation.
| Feature | Retail POS System | Ecommerce Shopping Cart |
| Selection |
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| Marketing |
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| Payment |
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| Delivery |
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Ecommerce businesses depend on PIM software for efficient produce lookup. Whether through feature and category features or quick keys, online shopping is made effortless for the consumer. Additionally, adding products to their shopping carts is also made effortless. Meanwhile, physical locations use merchandise displays and barcode POS systems to process for payment. Ecommerce businesses hone in on digital convenience, retail emphasize the in-person experience with functional and robust checkouts.
A fundamental part of the shopping experience is discounts. Within the realm of ecommerce, various different companies can leverage automatic discounts and provide data-driven recommendations. On the side of retail, businesses take a manual approach to their incentives and discounts. A POS system is capable of generated physical coupons or additional discounts on receipts, making it a benefit for the most dedicated at saving money. In contrast, ecommerce offers loyalty programs and targeted pop-ups and coupons based on user behavior. Additionally, applying discounts can be automated within eCOMM checkout shopping carts.
Depending on the type of storefront, POS systems can function radically different. For example, retail registers are traditionally equipped to handle cash and various card types. Ecommerce platforms, on the other hand, offer payment gateways that accept cards alongside other payment services, such as PayPal and Stripe. POS payment processing software, however, can be leveraged by both to bolster the in-store experience and make the payment process for online purchases even faster.
Meeting customer expectations is at the forefront of a lot of decisions being made by companies, regardless of type. Now, the differences with that in the realm of shopping is the instant acquisition of whatever you buy within a brick and mortar establishment and the “buy anywhere, without leaving your home” approach of online shopping. The latter can be even more convenient with ecommerce mobile apps. These differences, however, can be bridged with BOPIS, or “Buy Online, Pick Up In Store,” and are often being made less apparent with more and more businesses offering this.
Determining which approach is best for your company can be a difficult thing to achieve as both offer distinct experiences and benefits you and your customers. However, the things you should keep in mind when deciding is your size, offerings, and long-term goals. Once those aspects have been solidified POS systems and eCOMM shopping solutions can be integrated individually or in tandem.
End-to-end development using the latest technologies will ensure your business can manage inventory, process checkouts, apply discounts and supply quality goods, both online and in-store. Retailers also have the option of modifying POS systems and e-commerce websites to address any challenges they are facing to better serve customers. By prioritizing the fundamental systems that matter so much at the end of a sale, businesses can meet their customers’ needs and improve their operations greatly.
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Founded in 2000, Chetu empowers businesses with AI and digital transformation solutions, supporting startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies. We deliver end-to-end software solutions backed by global digital intelligence and industry expertise. Our customized software delivery model and one-stop-shop approach span the full technology spectrum. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Chetu operates 13 locations across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
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By: Prem Khatri
Uses merchandise displays and barcode POS systems for in-person product selection and payment.
