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The craft industry is expected to reach a global market of $1.94 trillion by 2033 — which means it’s a great time to be a craft store owner.
But here's the challenge: Managing a craft store isn't like running any other retail business.
You're juggling thousands of tiny items, selling fabric by the yard and paint by the ounce, creating workshop project kits, and helping customers find the right supplies for their next project.
Generic retail point of sale (POS) systems aren’t built to handle this. They can't handle fractional inventory, they struggle with kit building, and they have no idea how to integrate with craft-specific suppliers. The solution is a specialized craft store point of sale software system.
In this blog, we'll explore the unique features craft retailers need, review the top five providers in the market, and help you choose the right system to support your business.
Why Craft Stores Need Specialized POS Software
Running a craft store means you're dealing with challenges that other retailers just don't face. You're tracking thousands of different products, selling fabric by the yard instead of individual pieces, and creating project kits that bundle multiple items together. Plus, you're managing weekly workshops where you need to handle class sign-ups and track who's paid for what.
Then the seasonal waves hit your business — the back-to-school crafting rush, the holiday decorating season, and summer camp supply runs. Each one brings different inventory demands and customer needs.
Related Read: What’s the Best POS for Craft Shows? 3 Software Options
Generic retail POS systems weren't built for this. They can't handle fractional inventory like selling fabric by the yard. They don't understand how to build kits, automatically adjusting your component inventory. And they certainly don't integrate with craft-specific suppliers like Notions Marketing.
A basic, one-size-fits-all POS system will leave you struggling with workarounds instead of focusing on running your store.
Essential Craft Store Point of Sale Software Features
So, you know you need more than a basic retail system — but what exactly should you be looking for? Here are the features that separate craft-specific POS software from generic solutions:
- Fractional inventory tracking: You need a system that can sell fabric by the yard, beads by the ounce, or buttons by the piece.
- Kit building tools: Create project bundles that automatically track all the parts. When someone buys a complete embroidery kit, your inventory should update for thread, fabric, needles, and hoops.
- Real-time inventory sync: Whether customers shop in your store or browse your website, your stock levels should update everywhere instantly.
- Class scheduling: Manage workshop sign-ups and automatically track what supplies each participant needs. Make it easy for customers to register and pay online.
- Supplier integrations: Direct connections to wholesalers like Notions Marketing save you hours of manual data entry. Import product details, images, and pricing with just a few clicks.
- Customer loyalty programs: Keep track of your regular crafters and reward them for their repeat business. A good loyalty system works both in store and online.
- Purchase history tracking: Know what projects your customers are working on so you can make better recommendations and stock the right supplies.
The key is to find a system where all these features work together smoothly. You shouldn't need separate tools for different tasks or spend your evenings doing manual workarounds. When everything connects properly, you can spend more time helping customers and less time fighting with your software.
Top 5 Craft Store POS Software Providers
Ready to see what's available? Let's look at some craft store POS options worth considering.
1. Rain POS
Rain POS is an all-in-one retail solution designed specifically for specialty retailers like craft stores. Our solution combines inventory management, e-commerce, and marketing tools in one platform.
Key features:
- Kit building with automatic inventory tracking
- Direct Notions Marketing integration
- Fractional inventory management
- Class scheduling and management tools
- Employee management
Pricing: Get a custom quote for your ideal solution.
Customer review: "Rain's POS has made our store run so much more efficiently! So many tasks that were once long and tedious are now cut in half!" — Pamela Washburn, Crafty Bird
Related Read: 7 Ways To Improve Checkout Processes for Craft Stores
2. RetailEdge
RetailEdge offers a solution specifically for craft stores, yarn and bead shops, and other hobby stores. Their system is designed to help you organize your inventory, manage discounts, and report on sales data to make better stocking decisions.
Key features:
- Unlimited inventory items (up to 1 million)
- Advanced kitting and packaging capabilities
- Comprehensive discount system
- Department and class tracking on generic items
Pricing: Plans start at $495 upfront.
Customer review: “We have been using RetailEdge for around 20 years and have always been very satisfied with all the services and products we use.” — RetailEdge user
3. KORONA POS
KORONA POS is a cloud-based solution that offers POS tools for multiple industries. One of their specialties is craft and hobby shops, and they offer the features craft stores need to run efficiently.
Key features:
- Loyalty program integration options
- Email marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) features
- Automated ordering capabilities
- Remote access and multilocation management
Pricing: Pricing for KORONA POS Core starts at $59 per month.
Customer review: "Incredibly user-friendly. Their support is awesome with helping in every way... There are a lot of functions that are very intuitive." — KORONA POS user
Related Read: How To Advertise Classes for Your Retail Store
4. POSIM
POSIM is an on-premise POS system for small to mid-sized retailers, including general retail, clothing, shoes, accessories, quilting and fabric, needle art, craft and hobby, toy, and outdoor stores. The system customizes every client's experience and is for retail businesses that want more than just a simple POS system.
Key features:
- On-premise POS system for needle arts and crafts
- Layaway order creation with incremental payments
- Email marketing campaign design tools
- Shopify integration with customizable templates
Pricing: Pricing is available only by custom quote.
Customer review: “I like how easy [POSIM] is. I like that you are able to link your inventory to the system so that as soon as something runs out you can update it so it can’t be sold in the system.” — POSIM user
5. Like Sew
Like Sew is a point of sale system built explicitly for quilt and fabric stores. The system offers features quilt shop owners need and offers advanced customer support for less-than-tech-savvy craft store owners.
Key features:
- Vendor product catalog integration for fabric suppliers
- Fractional yard sales
- Complete integrated marketing tools for customer communication
- Specialized quilting and sewing industry features
Pricing: A custom quote is required
Customer review: “I would absolutely recommend Like Sew to other store managers and owners. The system was very easy to learn and set up… It’s a great product.” — Brenda Wood, The Sewing Cafe
Related Read: What Is the Best Yarn Store POS System? 3 Top Options
How To Choose the Right Craft Store POS Software
Now that you understand five of the top arts and crafts POS systems to consider for your store, it’s time to narrow things down.
Start by assessing what your business needs.
Are you running a single location or planning to expand? Do you focus on general crafts or specialize in something specific, like quilting or jewelry making?
If you offer classes, you need workshop management tools. If you want to sell products online, you need an e-commerce integration.
Next, take a moment to look closely at the solution you’ve picked. Can it handle fractional yardage? Does it connect with your current wholesalers, or will you be stuck with manual data entry? Remember to keep future growth in mind and pick a system that will scale with you.
Related Read: 8 Tips for Running a Craft Workshop
When you’ve figured out what you need and narrowed down your options, reach out and schedule demos. When you approach the providers on your shortlist, ask the right questions:
- How does the system handle fractional sales?
- Can I create and track project kits automatically?
- What craft-specific reports are available?
- How does inventory sync between online and in-store channels?
The right provider will answer these questions confidently and show you how their system solves your daily challenges. If they seem confused by craft store basics, keep looking.
The Best Craft Store Point of Sale Software for Your Business
Running a craft store comes with unique challenges, but the right point of sale system can handle them. The five options we’ve discussed all offer strong features for craft stores, but no solution is the right fit for every business.
If you operate an independent craft store and are looking for an all-in-one solution that handles all your inventory, point of sale, and e-commerce needs, Rain POS might be the best fit for you.
Don’t stay with a point of sale system that’s holding you back. Build and price your ideal package today with Rain POS to see how we can transform your craft store operations and help you boost your profits with a tailored craft store point of sale system.
