6 POS System Demos to Help You Find the Right Fit for Your Retail Brand

Key Takeaways

POS Demos are Multi-Step: First, you'll start out with generalized software overviews. Then, you move to custom demos from the sales team. Finally, you try the hardware before buying (if your account is valuable enough to the vendor).

Demos Focus on the Software: You won't get a good idea of the total POS experience from online demos, as most vendors only showcase their software.

Prepare to Give Your Email: The overwhelming majority of POS demos directly from the vendor require your email. I know, it's annoying — but the overview videos can help you decide if it's worth it.

Let Employees Break The Tie: If you're stuck between a couple options, get your frontline staff's opinions. They'll ultimately be using it, and could bring up some concerns you wouldn't think about.

Choosing the right POS system isn’t just a purchase—it’s a long-term investment that impacts everything from checkout speed to inventory accuracy.

But how do you know if a system actually fits your business before committing?

The challenge is that POS system demos aren’t always easy to come by. Unlike a SaaS tool with a free trial, many POS solutions require sales calls, custom quotes, or even hardware setup before you can truly test them.

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That makes the decision process frustrating—especially when you just want to see the system in action.

That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up six top POS systems and exactly how to request a demo for each one.

Whether you’re comparing features, evaluating ease of use, or just need to see the interface in action, this guide will help you cut through the red tape and get your hands on the right POS demo. Let’s dive in.

What is a POS System Demo?

Here’s how most POS demos actually go:

1. You find a few promising POS solutions.
2. (If you’re lucky) You spot a demo page on their website.
3. Done! … just kidding. I wish.

Instead, you’re roped into a sales call, sit through a hard sell on why their system is the best thing since sliced bread, and—after a few reschedules—you might finally see a demo. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: You don’t have to go through all that just to see a POS system in action.

Most POS demos focus on the software side—think pre-recorded overviews, interactive product tours, and hands-on test accounts. Some high-end systems may offer in-person hardware demos, but that’s less common.

A good software demo lets you explore the core POS functions you actually care about:

• Processing a sale (because checkout speed matters).
• Adding and managing inventory (so you don’t oversell or stock out).
• Generating reports (to make better business decisions).

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, then it makes sense to schedule a more in-depth demo—on your terms. Up next, we’ll show you exactly how to request a demo for six of the best POS systems.

Why are POS System Demos So Important?

You wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it first—so why would you invest in a POS system without seeing it in action?

A demo cuts through the sales fluff and shows you what really matters. Here’s why taking the time to request one is worth it:

• User experience. A demo lets you see the software’s look and feel, helping you gauge how intuitive it is for your team. A clunky system slows down checkout and frustrates staff, so this step is crucial.
• Hands-on feature exploration. Vendors will highlight key capabilities like inventory management, reporting, and customer loyalty tools, but a demo also lets you ask the tough questions about the specifics that impact your day-to-day.
• Customization options. Not all POS systems adapt to unique workflows. A demo gives you the chance to discuss customization options with the vendor and see if the system can be tailored to your needs.
• Seamless integrations. A great POS doesn’t work in isolation. You’ll want to check how well it syncs with accounting software, ecommerce platforms, and other key tools to avoid workflow headaches later.
• Side-by-side comparisons. Seeing multiple POS systems in action helps you compare usability, features, and overall fit before committing.
• Vendor relationships. This is your chance to assess the vendor’s support, responsiveness, and transparency—because great tech means nothing if the company behind it is unreliable.
• Stakeholder alignment. Including your team in the demo ensures everyone’s on board before you invest, reducing pushback and adoption issues later.

A POS system is the backbone of your business. A well-executed demo helps you make a confident, informed decision—without the buyer’s remorse.

6 Top POS System Providers Offering Demos

POS systems aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come with different software features, hardware requirements, transaction fees, and setup processes. That’s why getting a demo is key to finding the right fit.

Below are six top POS providers that offer demos, along with details on how to access them.

Square

Square is a flexible, affordable POS system trusted by over 64 million businesses worldwide. It has no long-term contracts, hidden fees, or expensive hardware requirements, making it ideal for small retailers and growing businesses.

With built-in tools for inventory management, customer engagement, and online sales, Square helps streamline both in-person and digital transactions.

Square Point of Sale Overview

Key features of Square POS

• Social sales. Sell directly on Instagram and Facebook.
• Integrated payments. Accept credit cards, digital wallets, and contactless payments, with next-business-day deposits.
• Customer directory. Track purchase history, send targeted promotions, and build loyalty with automated customer profiles.
• Reporting and analytics. Access real-time sales, customer, and inventory data through Square’s dashboard.

Why retailers like it

• Affordable pricing. No monthly fees—just a flat rate per transaction. Add-ons cost extra, but pricing stays predictable.
• User-friendly interface. Simple to set up and use, with minimal training required. Square also offers plenty of support resources.
• Scalable solutions. From card readers to full POS terminals, Square lets you customize your setup with hardware and software add-ons.

How to request a demo

Start by checking out Square’s interactive demo on their website. If you want a personalized walkthrough, click “Contact Sales” in the top navigation bar to request a tailored demo.

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Toast 

Toast is a cloud-based, mobile-friendly POS system built for restaurants. Designed to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience, it offers restaurant menu management, tableside ordering, and online food delivery in one platform.

Whether you're running a full-service restaurant, a fast-casual spot, or a multi-location chain, Toast is tailored for the unique demands of food service.

Train your Staff on Toast's New POS Experience

Key features of Toast

• Real-time reporting. Get insights into sales, labor, and menu performance to optimize staffing and increase profitability.
• Menu management. Update menus across locations, adjust pricing on the fly, and set up time-specific menus for dayparts and promotions.
• Online ordering. Manage website, app, and third-party delivery orders in one place to expand revenue streams.
• Contactless dining. Offer mobile ordering, QR code menus, and pay-at-the-table options to improve efficiency without sacrificing service.
• Inventory and waste tracking. Monitor ingredient levels in real time, set up low-stock alerts, and generate waste reports to cut costs and reduce shrinkage.

Why restaurant operators like it

• Accuracy and efficiency. Tableside ordering reduces mistakes and speeds up communication between front and back of house.
• Guest experience focus. Mobile ordering, contactless payments, and loyalty tools help personalize service and increase repeat visits.
• Performance analytics. Robust reporting tools help track trends, identify issues, and measure the impact of menu and staffing decisions.

How to request a demo

Requesting a demo with Toast is simple—a little sales-heavy, but simple. Head to the Toast POS website and click “Get a Demo” at the top.

You’ll need to fill out a short form with your restaurant’s details (name, email, phone number, and location), and a rep will reach out to schedule a personalized walkthrough.

Shopify POS

Shopify POS is a point-of-sale system designed to seamlessly integrate with your Shopify store.

With real-time inventory syncing, customer data tracking, and advanced reporting, it’s a strong choice for most retailers—especially those with a heavy ecommerce focus.

Getting started with POS hardware || Shopify Help Center

Key features of Shopify POS

• Built-in payment processing. Accept credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets with Shopify Payments, eliminating the need for third-party processors.
• Customizable checkout. Set up quick keys, order notes, and customer fields to streamline checkout for both staff and customers.
• Multi-location inventory management. Track stock levels, set low-stock alerts, and manage inventory across 1,000+ locations with real-time syncing.
• Customer relationship management (CRM). Build detailed customer profiles with contact info, purchase history, and notes to personalize marketing and promotions.

Why retailers like it

• POS automation. Manage your entire retail operation from one platform, reducing manual work and keeping everything in sync.
• Flexible hardware options. Choose from Shopify’s lineup of card readers, receipt printers, and cash drawers to create a setup that fits your store. Shopify also guarantees 99.9% uptime across its platform.
• Sell anywhere. With mobile POS capabilities, sales associates can process transactions from the shop floor, at events, or in the field.

How to request a demo

Shopify makes it easy to access a demo—but you’ll need to provide some business details first. Visit the Shopify POS Demo page, fill out the form with your name, email, annual in-store revenue, and current locations, and you’ll get access.

Lightspeed Retail

Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system used by over 165,000 retailers in more than 100 countries. It offers powerful analytics, a built-in marketing suite, and 24/7 support—plus an open API for seamless integration with other business tools.

For retailers needing financial flexibility, Lightspeed Capital also provides financing options to help with cash flow.

Lightspeed Retail POS Demo: Getting started

Key features of Lightspeed Retail

• iOS-based POS. Lightspeed’s iPad-based system is easy to use, with a customizable layout that helps staff process transactions quickly.
• Integrated ecommerce. Create an online store with 60+ customizable templates and sync inventory across in-store and digital channels.
• B2B catalog. Import product data from thousands of suppliers directly into your POS, saving time and reducing errors.
• Open API. Build custom integrations or connect to native apps like BigCommerce, MailChimp, Homebase, and Podium.

Why retailers like it

• Unified retail operations. Automates inventory management, sales reporting, and customer data, freeing up time to focus on growth.
• Scalable for expansion. Whether adding new locations or launching an online store, Lightspeed adapts as your business grows.
• Enterprise onboarding. White-glove implementation services help larger retailers set up and scale efficiently.

How to request a demo

Lightspeed Retail offers a quick 3-minute demo that you can watch directly on their website—just click “Watch a demo.” If you want to test the system yourself, Lightspeed also provides a free trial, so you can explore the software without sitting through a sales call.

Heartland Retail

Heartland Retail is a cloud-based POS system designed for multi-channel and multi-store retail management.

It’s especially well-suited for soft goods retailers—think apparel, footwear, home goods, and gift shops. With robust inventory tracking, ecommerce support, built-in CRM tools, and advanced analytics, it helps retailers optimize every step of the sales journey.

Heartland Retail Point of Sale | introduction

Key features of Heartland Retail

• Customizable reporting. Create custom reports and dashboards to track sales, inventory, and customer behavior in real time.
• Built-in CRM tools. Capture customer data, build personalized profiles, and segment audiences for targeted marketing campaigns.
• Mobile POS. Supports iPads, Android devices, and traditional POS terminals, allowing staff to serve customers and process transactions anywhere.

Why retailers like it

• Deep customer insights. Heartland’s CRM tools capture rich data at every touchpoint, helping you personalize engagement and build lasting customer relationships.
• Integrated payments. PCI-compliant payment processing is built in from the start, reducing the headaches of dealing with third-party processors.
• Accessibility-first approach. One of the few POS providers that prioritizes accessibility, offering ADA-compliant design and multilingual support for diverse workforces.

How to request a demo

Unlike some competitors, Heartland Retail doesn’t offer an easily accessible pre-recorded or interactive demo.

Instead, you’ll need to contact the sales team to schedule a one-on-one demo over video conferencing. You can also use their interactive quote builder to estimate pricing based on your specific business needs.

Clover

Clover is a cloud-based POS system designed for both retail and restaurants. With an intuitive interface, customizable hardware, and a vast app marketplace, it works for businesses of all sizes—from small boutiques to multi-location enterprises.

Plus, 24/7 concierge-style support makes implementation smoother, especially if you’re setting up a POS system for the first time.

Clover Tour for Retail

Key features of Clover

• Extensive app marketplace. Customize your POS with 400+ apps for employee scheduling, payroll, marketing, and more.
• Flexible hardware options. Choose from countertop POS systems, handheld devices, and mobile card readers to build a setup that fits your business.
• Round-the-clock support. Get 24/7/365 phone support, plus self-help resources like FAQs, tutorials, and a knowledge base.

Why retailers like it

• Built-in security. End-to-end encryption, tokenization, and PCI compliance protect transactions. The Clover Flex even adds fingerprint sensors and NFC chip readers for extra security.
• Customer engagement tools. Capture customer data, track purchase history, and create targeted marketing campaigns. Loyalty programs, digital receipts, and feedback tools help personalize the shopping experience.
• Employee management features. Assign user roles and permissions, track employee hours, and streamline scheduling with built-in time-tracking tools.

How to request a demo

Clover doesn’t offer an on-demand demo, so you’ll have to go through their sales team to see the system in action. Follow the instructions on their website to get connected with a consultant who can walk you through the platform.

How To Choose the Right POS System

With over 200 POS systems on the market, each with its own mix of features, pricing, and integrations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The key is to focus on the factors that matter most to your business and compare vendors based on what will drive efficiency and growth.

Here’s what to consider when choosing a POS system—and how to evaluate the options we covered above.

Key factors to consider

• Industry requirements. Different industries have unique POS needs. Restaurants may prioritize table management and menu customization, while retail stores need inventory tracking and customer loyalty tools. Choose a system built for your business type.
• Scalability. A POS system should grow with your business. Consider your long-term goals—whether that’s adding new locations, expanding online, or offering new product lines—and pick a system that won’t hold you back.
• Integration support. Your POS needs to sync with the rest of your tech stack—accounting software, ecommerce platforms, marketing tools, and more. Look for built-in integrations or an open API that allows for custom connections.
• User experience. POS rollouts can be disruptive, so ease of use matters. A clean, intuitive interface makes training staff faster and reduces errors. Also, check the level of customer support, including access to live agents, documentation, and user communities.
• Pricing. The wild card in any decision. POS costs vary—from one-time hardware purchases to monthly software fees and per-transaction processing rates. Don’t just look at the sticker price; break down all costs, including add-ons and long-term fees, before committing.

The best POS system isn’t just about features—it’s about fit. Evaluate your must-haves, compare vendors, and request demos so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Comparing POS System Features and Benefits

With so many POS options available, narrowing down the right system comes down to comparing their key strengths, industry fit, and support options.

Below is a side-by-side breakdown to help you find the best match for your business.

POS system	Key differentiators	Best for	Deployment	Customer support
Square	- Affordable, transparent pricing - Intuitive, user-friendly interface - Scales with business growth	Retail, restaurants, service businesses	Cloud-based	Phone, email, live chat, self-serve knowledge base
Toast	- Purpose-built for foodservice - Strong inventory and menu management - Integrated online ordering & delivery	Restaurants, bars, cafés, bakeries	Cloud-based	24/7 phone, email, live chat
Shopify POS	- Seamless integration with Shopify stores - Strong ecommerce and omnichannel capabilities - Large app marketplace	Retail, pop-up shops, quick-service businesses	Cloud-based	24/7 phone, email, live chat
Lightspeed Retail	- Advanced inventory and supplier management - Highly customizable interface - Supports omnichannel sales	Retail businesses of all sizes	Cloud-based & offline	24/7 phone, email, live chat
Heartland Retail	- B2B catalog for supplier integration - Powerful reporting & analytics - Multi-store inventory management	Multi-location retailers, specialty retail	Cloud-based	Phone, email, live chat, dedicated account manager
Clover	- Modular hardware for flexibility - Extensive app marketplace - Offline payment processing	Retail, restaurants, service businesses	Cloud-based & offline	Phone, email, live chat, self-serve knowledge base

How to use this table:

If pricing transparency and ease of use are your top priorities, Square might be the best fit. If you run a restaurant, Toast’s built-in menu and delivery management tools make it a strong option.

Need deep ecommerce integration? Shopify POS is built for that. Inventory-heavy retail businesses may find Lightspeed or Heartland better suited, while Clover offers hardware flexibility and an extensive app ecosystem.

The Best POS Systems, In Our Opinion

We've got opinions on POS systems, of course. Here are the top 10 picks:

1. 1. Square — Best for ease of set up and use
2. 2. Clover — Best all-in-one system for small businesses
3. 3. KORONA POS — Best for real-time inventory management
4. 4. Helcim — Best for high-volume businesses
5. 5. Stax Pay — Best for B2B sellers
6. 6. Payline Data — Best for customer loyalty programs
7. 7. ePOS — Best for hardware bundles
8. 8. Payment Depot — Best for high-volume businesses in various industries
9. 9. Merchant One — Best for direct credit card processing
10. 10. Lavu — Best for customization

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Find the Right POS System the Right Way

Choosing a POS system is a big investment, and without seeing it in action, it’s tough to know if it’s the right fit.

That’s why demos matter. They let you experience the software, explore key features, and make an informed decision before committing.

The good news? You don’t have to jump through hoops to get a demo.

Whether it’s an instant interactive walkthrough, a free trial, or a scheduled consultation, the providers we covered make it easy to see their POS in action.

Now that you know how to access demos, you’re one step closer to choosing a system that fits your business needs. Take advantage of these resources, compare your options, and find the POS system that will power your business—without the guesswork.

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