Best POS system for consignment stores

Running a consignment store is all about showcasing unique items and building personal connections with both customers and consignors. Unlike big-box retailers, consignment shops focus on that special touch, making every visit feel like a treasure hunt. To nail that experience, you need a point of sale solution that gets your business model. A specialized consignment store POS does just that, offering features like commission tracking and consignor management that standard retail systems simply can’t match.

With so many options out there, choosing the right POS can feel overwhelming. Last year, the global POS market hit $29.02 billion, and it seems like every provider claims to have the perfect system for your needs. This guide will help you cut through the noise, pinpoint the essential features for consignment stores, and compare the top systems on the market. 

Essential features in a consignment shop POS

Here are some must-haves that’ll help you keep your shop running smoothly:

Inventory management tool

In a consignment shop, inventory management looks slightly different from your typical retail store. You’re not just dealing with items you own; you’re juggling a mix of consigned goods from various sellers. Here are some must-have inventory features for your retail POS system:

• Consignor tracking: Your POS should allow you to easily track which items belong to which consignor. This means you can keep accurate payouts records and stay organized, ensuring everyone is happy.
• Real-time updates: Knowing what’s in stock at a glance is crucial for your second-hand retail business. A great consignment store POS system with robust inventory management will give you real-time updates, so you always know which treasures are available, even if they’re coming and going fast.
• Easy returns and unsold items: If items don’t sell, you’ll want a smooth return process to consignors. Your POS should make tracking returns simple, keeping everything organized without adding extra stress.

Payout tracking

Managing payouts can be complicated, especially when you’re working with multiple consignors. A specialized consignment POS should include features that simplify this process:

• Automated commission calculations: Your POS should automatically calculate how much you owe each consignor based on their agreed-upon commission. No more manual calculations or guesswork—just straightforward, accurate payouts.
• Consignor statements: Having a clear statement system allows you to provide consignors with regular updates on their sales, making it easy to build trust and keep those relationships strong.

Dynamic pricing flexibility

Pricing in a consignment shop can be complex because it often changes based on the item’s performance, condition, or market demand. Here’s what you need in your POS:

• Adjustable pricing options: You need a system that allows you to easily adjust prices when necessary. For example, if an item isn’t selling well, you might want to reduce its price to attract buyers. A flexible consignment POS system enables you to make these changes quickly and efficiently, helping to keep your consignment inventory moving and your sales up.
• Seasonal and trend-based adjustments: Your pricing may also need to align with seasons or trends. For instance, when looking at your consignment sales tracking data, you may find that items that are popular in the summer might require different pricing strategies than those in winter. A POS that supports seasonal pricing adjustments helps you respond to market demands, ensuring your store stays competitive and appealing to customers.

Customer management

Building relationships with customers is essential for the success of consignment businesses as it creates loyalty and encourages repeat visits. Happy customers are more likely to return and recommend your store to others, which can significantly impact your sales. Here’s what to look for in your POS system:

• Personalized customer profiles: Your system should help you create profiles that track customer preferences and purchase history. This way, you can remember what they love and offer personalized recommendations, enhancing their shopping experience. Customers appreciate being recognized and valued, which keeps them coming back and boosts word-of-mouth marketing.
• Loyalty programs: Implementing a loyalty program can significantly boost customer retention. Your POS should support consignment POS software features that reward regular customers with special discounts or early access to new items. By making your customers feel appreciated, you encourage them to return to your store, ultimately increasing your sales.

Advanced integrations

Finally, consider how well your POS system integrates with other tools you use. A consignment shop often relies on various software solutions to manage different aspects of the business, so seamless integration is vital:

• E-commerce and marketing tools: If you sell consignment items online or use social media to promote your shop, look for a POS that easily connects with your e-commerce platform and marketing tools. This connectivity allows for efficient inventory management and helps you reach a broader audience, boosting your sales potential and attracting more consignors.
• Accounting software compatibility: A POS that integrates with your accounting software makes it easier to keep track of your finances. This means you can avoid double entries and mismatched records, streamlining your financial management and allowing you to focus on growing your business while ensuring accurate payouts to your consignors.

TIP: Want to learn more? Check out our comprehensive guide, "Best POS Software for Retail" It breaks down all the essential features, pricing plans, and integrations you should look for when choosing the right consignment shop software. 

Best POS systems for consignment stores

Epos Now

Epos Now isn’t your typical POS system. It’s crafted specifically for the unique needs of consignment stores. Think of it as your secret to enhancing customer interactions while keeping costs in check. You can get it up and running in just 15 minutes, giving you more time to curate those amazing consigned items.

POS software

Its intuitive interface makes accepting payments and overall payment processing simple—whether it’s cash, contactless, or credit card payments. The built-in product matrix lets you organize your consigned treasures by size, brand, and color. Wave goodbye to boring manual processes, as Epos Now automates many tasks, speeding up service and ensuring your customers leave with a smile. Plus, with integrated ecommerce features, you can easily take your consignment shop online, reaching a wider audience

POS hardware

The complete Epos Now solution has everything you need to run your consignment store smoothly. From the POS system to cash drawer, receipt printer, label printers, and portable payment options like tablet stands and card machines, these POS hardware bundles are designed for quick and accurate sales processing. Whether you’re in a cozy storefront or setting up for a pop-up event, this adaptable system meets your needs and matches the vibe of your consignment shop.

TIP: Want to learn more about how to take your business mobile? Check out our mPOS guide to explore how portable point-of-sale systems can help you sell consignment items online, manage inventory on the go, and provide flexible payment options to suit your customers' preferences.

App integrations

Seamlessly connect with essential tools like accounting software to manage your finances, CRM platforms to strengthen customer relationships, and ecommerce solutions to boost your online presence. These integrations streamline your operations and let you  focus on delivering that exceptional shopping experience your customers adore.

Lightspeed Retail

Lightspeed has been operating in the point-of-sale (POS) market for over a decade, offering a cloud and browser-based system and an iOS app. It provides features such as inventory management and customer support, but it can be somewhat complex for newer clothing stores.

Pros:

• Customer support is available 24/7.
• Users are assigned an account manager Includes tools for inventory management.

Cons:

• Generally more expensive than some other options.
• Users may need to enter into long-term contracts.
• Canceling the service can be a complicated process.

Shopify POS

Shopify is a point-of-sale (POS) system that facilitates the integration of online and offline sales for businesses. While it includes several features relevant to retailers, it also has certain limitations.

Pros:

• Connects online and offline sales.
• Provides various app integrations.
• Has a user-friendly interface for navigation.

Cons:

• Monthly fees may be higher compared to some alternative options.
• The use of Shopify Payments is necessary to access the POS system, which might not work for all users.
• Offline functionality is limited, potentially posing challenges for some boutiques.

Clover

Clover is a POS system for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers both software and hardware solutions for various sectors, including retail, restaurants, and service providers.

Pros:

• Offers multiple pricing plans.
• A free trial is available for potential users.
• Provides different hardware options.
• Suitable for online businesses as well.

Cons:

• The application process requires contacting a sales representative, as online applications are not permitted.
• Pricing details can be unclear, making it difficult to compare with other options.
• There isn’t a free plan available, which may discourage some potential users.

TIP: After exploring these providers, check out our guide on the different types of POS systems to find the perfect fit for your consignment shop. Whether you're curious about cloud-based, mobile, or traditional setups, we've got all the details you need to make an informed decision for your business.

Factors to consider when choosing your consignment software

Choosing the right consignment software can make all the difference in running a successful consignment shop. Here are some key factors to consider to ensure your choice aligns with your store's unique needs.

Your second-hand store’s needs

Every consignment store is different, and understanding your specific requirements is crucial when selecting software solutions. For instance, if your store specializes in vintage clothing or high-end designer items, you might need a consignment store POS system that excels in tracking high-value consignment inventory and managing consignor relationships. This means you need consignment shop software that allows you to input detailed product descriptions, upload high-resolution images, and track the condition of each item over time.

Consider how your consignment business operates and what features are essential for your inventory management. If you sell a wide variety of items, such as clothing, home decor, or even furniture, your consignment software should support multi-category tracking. This allows you to sort and manage diverse items easily, helping you maintain organization and clarity in your inventory management. You want a system that can keep everything from consignment items to accessories neatly categorized, so you can track inventory effectively without confusion.

Budget 

Your budget will heavily influence your choice of consignment software. Some options come with hefty monthly fees, while others might offer free plans with limited features. Understanding what you can afford and how much you are willing to invest in your consignment software is essential.

If you're just starting your consignment shop and operating on a tight budget, you might consider a basic POS system with essential features like inventory tracking, sales reporting, and simple payout management. This type of consignment POS system can provide the foundational tools you need to run your shop effectively without breaking the bank. As your sales increase and you generate more revenue, you can consider investing in the best consignment shop software that includes features like advanced reporting, marketing tools, and integrations for selling consignment items online.

On the other hand, if you already run a well-established consignment store with multiple locations or a significant inventory, it might be worth investing in a comprehensive consignment POS system, even if it comes with higher monthly fees. Such an investment can streamline operations across all your locations, provide consistent tracking of consignment sales and inventory, and simplify the management of your consignors. This means you can focus on growing your business instead of getting bogged down by operational issues.

Easy usage 

The ease of use of your consignment software is crucial, especially if your staff isn’t tech-savvy. If your software has a complicated setup process or a confusing interface, it can lead to errors that affect customer satisfaction and overall store efficiency. For instance, if a new employee struggles to navigate the system, they might accidentally enter the wrong price for a consigned item, which can frustrate customers and damage your store's reputation.

Imagine you hire a recent college graduate who has limited retail experience. If your consignment POS system is intuitive and straightforward, they’ll be able to learn the ropes quickly, which means less time spent on training and more time focusing on customer service. A user-friendly interface helps employees feel confident when checking out customers or tracking inventory, leading to a smoother operation.

Scalability 

Finally, the best consignment shop software should be able to grow with your business. As you expand, your software should be able to accommodate increasing inventory, more consignors, and additional sales channels.

For example, if you plan to open a second location, you want software that can seamlessly integrate with both shops to keep consignment inventory synchronized. This way, if you sell an item at one location, it automatically updates in the inventory for both shops. If your current system struggles to sync inventory, integrate with consignment apps, or manage online sales, it can lead to overselling items or providing inaccurate stock information to your customers.

Additionally, as your business grows, you may want to implement new consignment features, such as a loyalty program or enhanced reporting tools. If your initial consignment shop software doesn’t support these options, you might need to switch systems, which can be time-consuming and disruptive. Therefore, choosing a consignment POS system that includes add-ons or upgrade options ensures you have the flexibility to adapt as your business needs change, allowing you to focus on scaling your consignment store instead of juggling multiple software solutions.