8 Best Bookstore POS System- A Complete Guide

Running a bookstore, just like any other store, requires multiple aspects to consider. So, before we start comparing the best bookstore POS systems, we need to understand the true need for a bookstore software. 

A bookstore outlet isn’t just about maintaining books on shelves, but is about managing thousands of ISBNs, sales, subscriptions, and more. According to reports, every year, there are more than 2 million new self-published titles with ISBNs, which shows how fast bookstores are gaining prominence. This also increases dependency on tracking books by titles, genre, versions, etc., managing bills, tracking loyalty and other areas of retail business. This could be a cumbersome activity, and so investing in a bookstore POS system is the best way to manage the store.

Modern bookstore owners need a specialized system that makes operations smooth. However, choosing the best bookstore POS system is quite a complex step. This guide will help you with choosing among the top 8 POS systems for bookstores.

8 Best Bookstore POS Systems

1. Ari Bookstore POS

Ari Bookstore POS system helps independent bookshops to increase sales and manage customers by integrating client management, inventory control, and sales into one user-friendly interface. From small to mid-sized booksellers look for such POS systems.

Ari POS focuses on reorder management, title-based search, and ISBN scanning. It assists owners in minimizing human labour while closely monitoring both slow- and fast-moving inventory.

Key Features

• Simplify Inventory Management: By using the software, you can classify books based on ISBN, Author Name, genre, etc. Further generate SKUs and serial numbers. 
• Faster Transactions: You don’t have to make customers wait for long queues, and you offer good discounts on every purchase. Use Ari POS ‘Hold’ feature that allows you to pause a payment and resume it later.
• Manage In-Store Promotions: With multiple in-built template features for creating promotions, offering member-only discounts, and promotions. You can leverage loyalty management to offer loyalty points.

Pricing

Premium (All Features) Package: $69/month

2. Basil Bookseller Software

Basil booksellers software helps bookstore owners manage their retail operations with a variety of tools and features. It can access important insights, automate tedious procedures, and streamline operations. The good part is that the software is well-integrated with Amazon and other well-known marketplaces. 

Academic and speciality bookshops can use it because it supports both retail and wholesale operations. Managing intricate inventory hierarchies, publisher data, and supplier connections is its strongest suit.

Key Features

• Advanced Title Database: The software stores detailed book metadata, including author, genre, and publisher. This allows a bookstore owner to find the author or book easily.
• Supplier & Publisher Management: All the details of vendors and customers are stored in an organized way in the dashboard. It further simplifies purchase orders and restocking cycles.
• Special Order Tracking: The software manages to list down customer-specific book requests. Ensures no special order is forgotten or delayed.

Pricing

$250 for Setup

Also Explore: How to Open a Bookstore Cafe (11 Simple Steps)

3. Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed POS is the leading bookstore POS software offering easy-to-use interface and reporting. You can add, edit, and remove items within a few seconds. The software works well for contemporary bookshops that combine events, eCommerce, and in-store sales. The best thing about the tool is that it allows owners to oversee operations from any location. Stores looking to expand or incorporate internet sales will find it extremely helpful.

Key Features

• Get Detailed Insights: Make wise strategies by using the software. Use built-in reports to manage sales, inventory, employees, and other areas.
• Programs for customer loyalty: Use built-in marketing tools and bespoke loyalty programs to engage and reward devoted consumers and keep readers coming back.
• Smooth Integration: With Lightspeed’s e-commerce integration, you can integrate your bookstore’s online and in-store operations and guarantee a consistent, seamless customer experience across all platforms.

Pricing

• Basic- $89/month
• Core- $149/month
• Plus- $289/month

Also Check: Lightspeed vs Ari POS System

4. Booklog Point-of-Sale

Booklog is another popular bookstore retail POS software that helps you to manage the inventory of your bookstore. All of your existing business needs are met with Booklog Point-of-Sale and Inventory Management. With the modular approach, you may expand into a multi-channel operation to reach a wider book reading audience. 

The used book module in Booklog enables completely personalized customer buyback administration. Booklog guarantees that you have total control over your inventory, expenses, and sales of used items, regardless of whether you buy and sell comics, books, or collectables.

Key Features

• Build your Loyal Customer Base: You can create well-organized buyer programs to sell and redeem in-store gift cards. You can track customer’s special orders to keep the relationship strong.
• 24-hour assistance: The software has a strong customer support system. With multilingual agents available to help you across time zones and platforms, Booklog POS offers round-the-clock support.
• Intelligent inventory control: Use barcode scanning, ISBN tracking, and real-time stock updates to keep an eye on every book. To ensure that you never oversell or forget about titles, the system automatically synchronizes data across all sales channels.

Pricing

Take a Demo for custom pricing.

Also Explore: How to Open a Bookstore and Manage it Successfully

5. Clover POS

Clover POS is yet another competent software that booksellers can use. The point-of-sale system for Clover’s bookstore is capable of much more than just processing payments. Utilize it to engage your most devoted clients, manage your staff, keep an eye on inventory, and streamline operations. From employee management to customer engagement, Clover POS allows for easy functioning of the bookstore.

Key Features

• Next-Gen Payment: You can accept all payment methods, including chip cards, checks, and mobile wallets. It enables customers to sign up for book clubs and subscriptions using the recurring billing options.
• Easy Tracking & Reporting: You can track your bookstore sales performance and create custom reports using the system. Save time in tax season with reports to automatically sync with bookkeeping software.
• Better Customer Engagement: You can attract first-time shoppers with loyalty programs and promos. Collect feedback from customers before it is shared online.

Pricing

Request a demo for pricing quote

Also Check: 7 DIY Hacks to Grow Bookstore Sales

6. Korona POS

Korona POS Bookstores is the most reliable and efficient software. From a single dashboard, stores can monitor the performance of several locations, control employee permissions, and examine daily transactions. Additionally, Korona connects with eCommerce platforms to maintain constant synchronization between online and in-store sales.

Key Features

• Complete Inventory Management: With the inventory management features, you can add, remove, or edit the product list as per the demand. Further, you can sort catalogs and books according to the genre and author name.
• Build Loyalty Program: Let your customers keep coming back to you with the loyalty program. You can stay in touch with them using email or SMS marketing that is incorporated into your loyalty program. 
• Easy Integration with e-commerce platforms: Online bookshops can enhance sales with the right strategies through built-in reports. Locate a point of sale where you can maintain inventory synchronization and consolidation while managing both physical and eCommerce channels.

Pricing

• KORONA POS Core- $59/month
• KORONA POS Retail- $69/month

Also Read: 7 Best Retail Billing Software

7. Odoo Bookstore Software

Odoo bookstore software offers a complete solution to streamline operations, manage inventory, and expand your bookstore business. Bookstore owners can monitor stock levels, cut down on operational inefficiencies, and provide individualized customer experiences with the use of real-time data insights. Additionally, Odoo provides consignment management, loyalty plans, and dynamic pricing to help bookshops stay competitive and adjust to shifting consumer needs.

Key Features

• Advanced Reporting and Analytics: The software offers a comprehensive system for reporting on sales, inventory, and customer behavior. This allows bookshop owners to make informed decisions.
• Create Loyalty Programs: You can create loyalty programs and strengthen customer loyalty through an ERP solution, and offer rewards to customers.
• Comprehensive Inventory Management: Using the tool, you streamline stock updates, track product movement, and organize the inventory according to demand.

Pricing

Request a Demo

Also Check: Top 10 Shop Management Software for Retail Businesses

8. Bookmanager

Odoo bookstore software offers a complete solution to streamline operations, manage inventory, and expand your bookstore business. Bookstore owners can monitor stock levels, cut down on operational inefficiencies, and provide individualized customer experiences with the use of real-time data insights. Additionally, Odoo provides consignment management, loyalty plans, and dynamic pricing to help bookshops stay competitive and adjust to shifting consumer needs.

Key Features

• Manage Inventory: Provide your online customers with a streamlined purchasing experience while managing new, remnant, bargain, autographed, and used volumes independently.
• Manage Orders: Create several orders for the same distributor and manage them all neatly by viewing them all on one screen. Multiple order statuses make it simple to determine whether an item has been shipped to the customer.
• Create Reports: The in-build report making features make it easy for booksellers to create reports for suppliers, orders, sales, and inventories. Use the Custom Report section to create your own if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Pricing

• One-time Fee according to the station
• 1-4 Stations  $6000 per Year
• 5-9 Stations  $7000 per Year
• 10-14 Stations  $8000 per Year
• 15-19 Stations  $9000 per Year
• 20+ Stations  $10,000 per Year

Key Features of an Ideal Bookstore POS Software

When you are choosing bookstore POS software, you need to consider certain features. The software needs to have the feature to understand customers, current demand, and how to manage inventory. The ideal software must have real-time stock updates, ISBN scanning, title-based search, and comprehensive reporting.

Multi-channel sales, special orders, and client profiles are other similar features the POS software must carry. It also depends on the size of your bookstore and your requirements.

Selecting the bookstore retail pos software is a challenge, but with the right understanding and strategy, you can invest in the right one. Here are a few features to consider:

1. Faster Billing and Quick Buttons: A Bookstore POS system must offer speed-fast billing with quick buttons like the ‘Hold’ function to hold a payment while continuing with another payment and ‘Layaway’ function to accept partial payments for booked orders, etc.
2. ISBN and Catalog Management: To save time and reduce human data entry, the POS should be able to identify ISBNs and retrieve all book metadata.
3. Inventory control: The software must have Real-time tracking displays that allow you to get updates on stock movement across all locations. When popular titles run low or are delivered by suppliers, it ought to notify the staff.
4. Vendor and Order Links: Users should be able to manage purchase orders, restocks, and refunds without hopping between systems, thanks to built-in supplier relationships.
5. ‘Link’ and ‘Substitute’ Features: The bookstore manager must be able to link a series of books (Volume 1,2, 3.. etc.) to showcase them faster. Moreover, he must be able to create, attach, and suggest substitute versions in case the requested version isn’t available.
6. Loyalty Points & Promotions: Bookstore owners must look for a software that helps them promote loyalty offers, build repeat sales and also boost referrals.
7. Bookstore Performance Reporting: Bookstore inventory management plays a huge role in your bookstore profits. Slow-selling inventory doesn’t just eat up the stocking space but costs you carrying costs. That said, your bookstore software must report slow and fast-moving inventory, performing genres/publishers, sales report for each bookstore, loyalty ledger, etc.

What Make Ari the Best Bookstore POS System?

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