Craft shows offer a unique and vibrant marketplace where creativity meets commerce. For artisans and vendors, these events are an opportunity to showcase and sell handmade goods — and connect with customers who may become repeat buyers. In a dynamic environment like this, the right point of sale (POS) system can simplify transactions, help manage inventory, and provide valuable insights into sales trends.
Finding the right POS platform can be overwhelming, especially when considering the specific needs of a store owner who attends craft shows. To choose the right POS for craft shows, you need to prioritize several key features. These include easy setup, scalability beyond your shop, support for multiple payment methods, and reliable transaction management.
In this blog, we’ll help you choose a POS system with essential features for craft shows — one that drives business growth and customer marketing.
Let’s dive in.
Key Features To Look For in Craft Show POS Systems
When selecting a POS system for craft shows, it’s important to consider features that cater specifically to the unique demands and environment of these events. Here’s a closer look at the key features that can make a POS system particularly effective for craft show vendors.
Portability and Easy Setup
One of the main factors for a craft show POS system is portability. When you step outside your craft store, you need a system that’s easy to transport and quick to get up and running in different locations. Cloud-based systems are highly scalable and require minimal setup time, allowing you to focus more on talking with customers.
Multiple Payment Method Support
Your customers expect flexibility in payment options. The best POS systems accept various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Wallet, and traditional cash transactions. This versatility makes customers happy and maximizes sales opportunities.
Cloud-Based Functionality
Craft shows can often take place in areas where internet connections are unreliable. As a result, having a cloud-based POS system that works with limited internet access can be a big advantage. This feature ensures that you can make sales without interruption and that all your data syncs continuously.
Real-Time Inventory Tracking
Since it’s likely you’re selling specialty products and unique handmade items, keeping track of your inventory is a top priority. A POS system with real-time inventory tracking helps you monitor stock levels, identify bestselling items, and avoid stockouts. It also allows you to make informed decisions about restocking and inventory adjustments.
User-Friendly Interface for Fast Checkout
At busy craft shows, you want to be as efficient as possible. A POS system with a user-friendly interface supports a quick and easy checkout process that reduces wait times and improves the overall customer experience. This ease of use is especially beneficial during peak times when the volume of transactions is high.
Secure Payment Processing
When handling customer payments, security must come first. A reliable POS system should include secure payment processing features to protect both the vendor and the customer. This includes encryption and compliance with payment security standards, which help prevent fraud and generate customer trust.
Built-In CRM Tools
Building and maintaining relationships with customers is important for repeat business. A POS system that has customer relationship management (CRM) tools allows you to collect and manage customer information, so you can personalize your marketing efforts and loyalty programs. It helps transform one-time buyers into loyal customers.
By focusing on these key features, you can choose a POS system that meets the demands of craft shows and simplifies the overall sales experience for both you and your customers.
How To Choose the Best POS System for Craft Shows
Finding the best POS system for your craft shows allows you to maximize sales with ease. To help you make an informed choice that aligns with your individual goals, you need to review the aspects of your business that matter most.
Assess Your Specific Needs
Start by evaluating your business requirements. Consider factors such as the volume of sales you anticipate, the types of products you sell, and the payment methods your customers prefer. Understanding these needs helps narrow down the options that best suit your business.
Set Your Budget
POS systems come with varying price points, so it’s important to determine your budget early in the decision-making process. Consider both upfront costs (like hardware and setup fees) and ongoing expenses (such as transaction fees and software subscriptions). Balance your budget constraints with the features that are most important to you.
Evaluate User Reviews and Ratings
Researching user reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of different POS systems. Look for reviews from other store owners to see how the system performs in similar settings. Pay attention to comments about ease of use, customer support, and any issues encountered in practice.
Prioritize Customer Support and Training
Reliable customer support is crucial, especially if technical issues come up during a busy craft show. Make sure that the POS provider you choose offers comprehensive support, such as phone, email, or live chat assistance. Additionally, check if they provide training resources or tutorials to help you and your staff become comfortable with the system.
Consider Long-Term Scalability
As your business expands, your POS needs may change. Choose a system that can scale with your business, offering additional features or integrations when necessary. This flexibility ensures your POS system grows with you and continues to be a valuable tool.
Check Integration Capabilities
If you use other business tools, such as accounting software or CRM systems, your chosen POS needs to integrate seamlessly with these applications. Some systems have negotiated partnerships that ease the integration, while others only exchange information between systems. Make sure you understand how these integrations work.
After evaluating each aspect of your business, you can commit to a POS system that not only meets your current craft show needs but also supports your long-term goals. A carefully selected POS system enhances efficiency, improves customer service, and ultimately contributes to the success and growth of your craft show business.
3 Craft Show POS Software Options
Having the right POS system is essential for efficient operations and maximizing sales. This guide compares three leading POS software options — highlighting their features, pricing, and suitability for craft shows.
3. Shopify
Highly regarded for its robust e-commerce capabilities, Shopify provides a flexible POS system that can be tailored to meet the needs of various retail businesses, including those at craft shows. Its user-friendly interface simplifies transactions, while an extensive app marketplace allows for further customization according to specific business needs.
Price:
Shopify offers several pricing tiers: Basic at $29 per month, Grow at $79 per month, Advanced at $299 per month, and Plus at $2,300 per month for enterprise-level solutions.
2. Square
Square delivers a straightforward and efficient POS platform ideal for vendors seeking simplicity in their checkout process. Its intuitive interface is complemented by e-commerce capabilities, which position it as a versatile option for craft shows and other retail settings.
Price:
Square offers a free POS system with basic features. Upgraded features are available in two paid tiers: Plus, at $29 per month, and Premium, with custom pricing tailored to specific business requirements.
1. Rain
Tailored for specialty retail environments, Rain POS offers an integrated e-commerce solution alongside tools for serialized inventory management and event coordination. These features are particularly beneficial for vendors working with specialized or handmade products, making it an excellent choice for craft show participants.
Price:
Customize your POS software with the build and price feature.
Boost Your Craft Show Success With Rain POS
Choosing the right POS system is a pivotal decision for any craft show vendor looking to optimize their operations. Rain stands out with its tailor-made features that cater specifically to unique retail environments like craft shows.
With its integrated e-commerce solution, our all-in-one, cloud-based software allows you to seamlessly manage both online and offline sales.
Its user-friendly interface and customizable setup make it easy to adapt the system to your specific needs. Whether you’re managing complex inventory or processing diverse payment methods, Rain gives you the necessary tools to handle a busy craft show environment.
To see how Rain can transform your craft show business, build a quote today.
by Clinton Brady
