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Best POS system for consignment store businesses

Consignment stores bridge owners and shoppers, taking items on intake, pricing and tagging them, selling in-store or online, then paying out commissions. That workflow demands a POS that’s both quick at checkout and built for consignment, centralizing intake, commission rules, consignor portals, payouts, store credit, and automated aging markdowns, so you’re not juggling add-ons or spreadsheets.

I evaluated nearly a dozen POS systems on consignment workflows, register speed, pricing, ease of setup, and real-world integrations (native tools and app add-ons). Based on my review, the best consignment POS software are:

Comparing the best POS systems for consignment stores

How I chose the best POS systems for consignment stores

I evaluated consignment POS systems using a weighted rubric that compares pricing, register tools, consignment-specific features, ease of use, and overall value, with a focus on consignor tracking, payouts, and inventory management. I also validated results through demos, free trials, and user feedback.

Why you can trust Fit Small Business

I’ve spent years working closely with consignment and resale businesses, with hands-on experience testing POS and consignment software and over a decade covering retail and ecommerce for small businesses.

To evaluate each system, I reviewed software and hardware capabilities, tested platforms when possible, and compared provider claims against how consignment stores actually run. Our team also demos products with vendors, asks detailed questions about consignment workflows, and verifies pricing, onboarding, and support quality from a small business owner’s perspective.

You can learn more about my evaluation in the methodology section below.

Agatha AvisoAgatha Aviso

Retail Software Expert at Fit Small Business

Ricochet: Best overall consignment store POS system

Ricochet logoRicochet logo

Pros

  • Dedicated portal lets consignors see their accounts and inventory
  • Seasonal and automated discount capability
  • Webstore available as a paid add-on; built-in loyalty/rewards
  • Booth rental capability

Cons

  • Ecommerce costs extra
  • Live customer support is limited (business hours only)

Why I chose Ricochet

With a 4.58 out of 5 on our rubric, Ricochet is the best POS system for consignment stores. It is specialized consignment POS software with industry-specific features, including a consignor portal for account access, supplier tracking, payout management, and tools for managing consignor credit. It also includes inventory management.

Ricochet had the highest score for consignment-specific features, but lost points because ecommerce is a paid add-on (Ricochet Web) and because its store-return workflows and checkout-screen customizations are more limited than some competitors. The customer service hours are not 24/7, unlike those of others on our list. However, real-world customers give it 4.67 out of 5 stars, the highest approval on our list. Additionally, it integrates with Square, which means that you can combine the two for the best of both worlds.


Ricochet’s plan costs $199 per month. This is average for POS for consignment stores, although ConsignCloud is cheaper. Ricochet offers a 14-day free trial, but does not have a free plan. You need to pay extra for ecommerce, and you’ll typically use Ricochet Pay (Fortis) or Ricochet’s Square integration for payment processing.

  • 14-day free trial
  • Consignment plan: $199 per month
  • Ecommerce solution: $79 per month
  • Payment processing through Ricochet Pay: $15 per month PCI and admin fee
    • In person: starting at 2.6% + 10 cents
    • Online: starting at 2.9% + 30 cents


  • Consignment portal: Ricochet has a consignor/vendor portal, where consignors can log in to see their accounts, including items still unsold, pending payouts, and more. While the other POS for consignment stores also offer portals, Ricochet’s is widely considered more complete.
  • Consignment tools: Ricochet, unlike Square and Shopify, is designed specifically for consignments. You can assign consignor credits and awards, automate commission splits, and even let consignors create their own inventory and print their own tags.
  • Booth rentals: All of Ricochet’s plans include booth rental management, which allows you to automatically charge booth rentals in the consignor account.
  • QR code scanning: Ricochet has added QR code generation, which lets customers scan a code on an item’s tag or signage to view available variants or related products.
Give consignors a username and password to access their accounts with Ricochet.Give consignors a username and password to access their accounts with Ricochet.

You can give consignors a username and password, and designate them as vendors to let them access their accounts through the portal as well as edit and add items. (Source: Ricochet)



Ricochet does not manufacture or ship its own dedicated hardware. Rather, it works on computers, Macs, or tablets (including Windows PCs, Macs, and iPads). It provides “Recommended Setups” through its partner POSGuys, with suggestions for label printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, Ureceipt printers, and card readers. Ricochet also supports third-party hardware that meets its compatibility requirements.



Ricochet has strong user approval on review platforms: 4.7/5 on Capterra and 3.9/5 on G2. Users consistently praised its inventory management and reporting tools.

Recent reviews, however, point to some drawbacks. Users report that the booth-rent feature isn’t enabled by default and requires extra setup, and a few mention the app can feel glitchy, noting login issues, inconsistent workflows, or occasional reporting limitations. While overall sentiment remains positive, these concerns suggest Ricochet may need refinement in usability and configuration.


Lightspeed Retail (R-Series): Best for multi-location retail consignment

Lightspeed logo.Lightspeed logo.

Pros

  • Detailed supplier & customer management
  • Excellent inventory tracking
  • Ample register fields and tags for tracking
  • 50+ preset reports with customizations

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not designed specifically for consignment

Why I chose Lightspeed Retail

Lightspeed is a popular retail POS system with incredibly robust inventory and register tools. While it’s not designed specifically for consignment shops, it can easily be used to track consignment items and vendors because the system is so detailed and customizable.

Lightspeed earned a 4.34 out of 5 in our evaluation. It earned high marks for register and checkout functionality, ease of use, and expert score. However, it lost points for not having some consignment features built in, like crediting and payouts. Lightspeed is also relatively expensive, with monthly fees starting at $69 for a single register.

However, Lightspeed’s breadth and depth of tools earned it a good score overall.


Additional registers are $59 each. The monthly fees apply per location, so if you have two locations, for example, you will pay double.

Lightspeed comes with Lightspeed Payments built in. In-person processing fees are 2.6% + 10 cents. It is possible to use a third-party processor with Lightspeed; however, this may incur additional fees.



  • Register tools: Lightspeed checkout can be accessed from either a desktop browser or the Lightspeed mobile app. Lightspeed prompts associates through the checkout process with options for leaving customer and transaction notes, attaching a customer or vendor to the sale, and a variety of payment options, including layaway, on-hold, store credit, and more.
  • Analytics platform: Lightspeed also has an excellent reporting platform, with over 50 preset reports, tools to filter and segment data, and visualizations to accompany them. These tools come in every Lightspeed plan. The Advanced analytics in the Advanced plan allow for custom reports, automatic data analysis and suggestions, guides for how to use the reports, the ability to set and measure progress against company and individual goals, and more.
  • Ecommerce: Lightspeed has a decent native ecommerce solution that comes included with Standard and Advanced plans, allowing you to create a full-blown online store that syncs with your POS data for no extra cost.
  • Customer management: Every Lightspeed plan comes with a customer database. Higher plans include SMS and email marketing, blogging, customer behavior tracking, promotions and coupons, and an omnichannel loyalty program.
iPad checkout screeniPad checkout screen

Lightspeed has a sleek yet powerful iPad checkout. (Source: Lightspeed)



Lightspeed operates on iPads and desktop computers via browser. Lightspeed sells desktop and iPad hardware kits, as well as accessories like receipt printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, and more. All of Lightspeed’s hardware pricing is quote-based.



Lightspeed averages a 4 rating across user review sites like GetApp, G2, and SoftwareAdvice. Overall, users like the system; they say it is easy to use and has decent reporting. Most of the complaints are around billing practices and the inability to get in touch with customer support or account representatives.

Though Lightspeed is not BBB-accredited, there are several complaints around billing, particularly additional transaction fees for using third-party payment processors. Overall, these cons don’t dissuade us from recommending Lightspeed — it’s a great platform. Just be sure to read the fine print before signing up.


SimpleConsign: Best for high-volume consignment operations

Simple ConsignSimple Consign

Pros

  • Strong consignor tracking with automated payouts
  • Feature-rich cloud platform for scaling operations
  • $99 Store Launch Program for new businesses

Cons

  • Advanced tools require higher-tier plans
  • Steeper learning curve than simpler POS systems

Why I chose SimpleConsign

SimpleConsign stands out for stores handling large inventory volumes and complex consignor relationships. It’s designed to support everything from single-location resale shops to vendor malls, with tools that manage multiple vendors, item types, and payout structures in one system.

Where it performs best is automation. You can set custom splits, batch payouts, and track consignor balances without manual work. The built-in Consignor Access portal also gives vendors real-time visibility into their inventory and sales, which reduces back-and-forth and saves time.

It’s also a strong fit for growing businesses. Integrations with Shopify and QuickBooks (on higher tiers) help keep ecommerce and accounting aligned, while tools like Dealer Remote Entry allow vendors to add inventory without being in-store.

That said, it takes time to learn. The interface isn’t as intuitive as simpler POS systems, and many advanced workflows are only available on higher plans. Still, for stores prioritizing scale and operational control, SimpleConsign delivers more depth than most competitors in this category.


SimpleConsign offers a 15-day free trial and tiered plans based on feature access. Its pricing is higher than entry-level POS systems but reflects its focus on advanced consignment workflows.

  • Basic: $159 per month
  • Standard: $259 per month
  • Professional: $359 per month

The Store Launch Program lets new or growing businesses access Professional-level features starting at $99 per month until they reach $75,000 in revenue.

Payment processing is handled through SimplePay, with support for cards, tap, and online payments. ACH payouts are available through SimpleACH, allowing direct deposits to consignors with automated batch workflows.



SimpleConsign is built specifically for consignment and resale businesses, with tools that go beyond standard retail POS systems:

  • Unlimited consignors and vendors with flexible account management
  • Custom splits, contracts, and fee structures for different consignor agreements
  • Consignor Access portal for real-time sales, inventory, and payout tracking
  • Batch payouts with ACH, check, cash, or store credit options
  • Dealer Remote Entry and print tools for offsite inventory management
  • POS system with barcode scanning, saved transactions, store credit, and reward points
  • Inventory tracking for both owned and consigned items
  • Automated discounting and pricing schedules
  • Gift cards with customizable rules and expiration settings
  • Reporting tools for consignor performance, inventory, and daily sales
  • Shopify and QuickBooks Online integrations (Professional plan)
  • Cloud-based access for managing one or multiple locations


SimpleConsign is a cloud-based system that works with third-party hardware. You can use compatible barcode scanners, receipt printers, label printers, and cash drawers from supported vendors, so you’re not tied to proprietary equipment.



SimpleConsign users rate it around 4.7 out of 5 stars across major review sites. Users consistently highlight its strong consignment-specific features, especially consignor tracking, payout automation, and support for vendor mall setups. Many also appreciate the depth of reporting and the ability to manage large inventories with multiple consignors.

The most common complaints center on ease of use. Reviewers note that the interface takes time to learn and that onboarding can be challenging, particularly for teams new to consignment software. Some users also mention that key features are locked behind higher-tier plans.


Shopify POS: Best for omnichannel retail

Shopify logoShopify logo

Pros

  • Versatile system for online or in-person sales
  • Best-in-class ecommerce platform
  • Shipping discounts available
  • Sell in 133 currencies with Shopify Payments

Cons

  • Needs third-party apps or custom integrations for consignment-specific features
  • Shopify Payments is the only integrated payment processor for Shopify POS

Why I chose Shopify POS

Shopify is primarily an ecommerce platform with a powerful retail and thrift-store point-of-sale system. Although it’s not specifically built for consignment stores, Shopify ranks highly in our evaluation due to its excellent sales tools and the ability to add consignment functionality through third-party apps. Shopify also offers social-selling features and shipping discounts.

Shopify earned 4.31 out of 5 in our rubric. It scored well for checkout, marketing, and ecommerce, but lost points because consignment tools require third-party apps or integrations, and some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans. Shopify also does not include a built-in loyalty program; you’ll need to install an app for rewards (many are available, both free and paid).

Its pricing is competitive, and you can purchase or rent POS hardware or run the mobile/tablet app. For payments, Shopify POS works exclusively with Shopify Payments for in-person transactions. If you use an external processor, you must run the card outside Shopify and log it manually as a custom payment.


To use the POS system, you need a Shopify plan. Plans run from $39 to $399 per month for the Basic, Shopify, and Advanced plans. These offer better discounts on shipping and lower transaction fees with higher-tier plans.

If you subscribe to an ecommerce Shopify plan, you get POS Lite included for free. Or, you can sign up for Shopify POS Pro for $89 per month per location (added on top of your Shopify plan).

You can count consignors as vendors, but if you want specialized consignment tools (consignor-specific payouts, vendor portals, etc.), then you’ll need to purchase an app to handle those. Shopify POS itself does not include full consignment-management tools.

Shopify has a 3-day free trial for its plans and the monthly fee for the first 3 months for any plan is $1.

* Shopify collects sales taxes in certain states where it is required by law. The prices stated here do not reflect such taxes.

Shopify integrates with several consignment systems. We recommend ConsignCloud. It offers a simple POS system, but excellent consignment tools, including split payment, a mobile-friendly consignor portal, and automatic inventory control and bulk payouts.



  • Integrated POS: Shopify POS syncs in-store and online sales, keeping inventory, customers, and reporting all in one system. You can customize the POS smart grid, use saved carts, and set quick-action shortcuts. Shopify regularly ranks alongside Square on our best POS system software list.
  • Omnichannel highlights: One product catalog and customer profile across online, stores, and social; BOPIS/BORIS (buy online, pick up/return in store); endless-aisle/ship-to-customer from POS; unified discounts, gift cards, and loyalty that work in every channel.
  • Online sales: Beyond a full online store, you can offer local pickup and delivery, and sell on social channels via built-in integrations (Facebook/Instagram) and TikTok. It’s our No. 1 ecommerce platform pick for small businesses, and the POS is designed to extend that online catalog in-store.
  • Inventory management: Strong core tools include variants/locations, low-stock alerts, barcode support, transfers, and purchase orders. For demand forecasting and replenishment recommendations, use Shopify’s Stocky app (included with POS Pro) or a third-party inventory app.
  • Integrations and ecosystem: Shopify’s App Store is one of the largest in retail — covering accounting (e.g., QuickBooks), loyalty/CRM, shipping, analytics, and specialty workflows (including consignment management apps). Square is a close second; most niche consignment POS systems have far fewer plug-and-play integrations.
  • Shopify Collective: Collective lets you expand your catalog by selling products from vetted Shopify suppliers. You publish the products in your store; the supplier fulfills the order. You keep your retail margin (subject to the supplier’s terms) without holding inventory, useful for testing categories or filling gaps in your assortment.
Integrate a consignment app or input consignors as vendors with Shopify.Integrate a consignment app or input consignors as vendors with Shopify.

You can integrate a consignment app or input consignors as vendors. (Source: Shopify)



Although it focuses on online sales, Shopify offers hardware for an in-store POS system for resale shops or consignment stores. The hardware systems include stands, cash drawers, card readers, and more. You can even rent individual devices or hardware bundles for a few days, such as for a fair or community event. Hardware rentals start at $22 per day, and Shopify alone offers this capability.



Shopify real-world users rate it 4.46 out of 5 stars averaged over multiple websites. People love the ease of use and excellent website design elements. They also noted the excellent range of features. Although users appreciate the shipping discounts, their most common complaint is Shopify’s expense.

The phone app scores 4.2 out of 5 on Android and 4.7 out of 5 on iOS.


Square for Retail: Best for small shops and low upfront cost

Square logoSquare logo

Pros

  • Basic POS is free
  • Free native ecommerce tools
  • Easy-to-use system
  • Integrated banking/payroll/team tools
  • Works great on iPads or tablets, or purchase POS hardware

Cons

  • Consignment functions need third-party add-ons
  • Can only use Square payment processing
  • Limited or inconsistent phone support

Why I chose Square for Retail

Square for Retail is one of the top retail POS systems for small businesses, though in our rubric, it places below Shopify and Ricochet. It’s a terrific choice for a small consignment shop that doesn’t need full consignor-management tools. The Square for Retail app is fully supported on iPad/iOS; Android devices are limited to the basic Square POS app. While Square offers its own POS hardware, it’s best optimized for tablet use.

As with Shopify, you can register consignors as vendors or integrate Square with third-party consignment apps (such as ConsignCloud, Rose, or Circle-Hand) to get consignor payout and portal features. Square offers competitive, flat-rate payment processing through Square Payments only — it does not integrate with outside processors, along with a free POS plan and a wide variety of Square-branded services you can add as your business grows.

It earned 4.24 out of 5 on our rubric and scored highest on pricing and checkout experience, but lost points on consignment features, since commission splits, consignor portals, and payouts require add-ons. Even so, the free Square plan includes an easy-to-use POS, strong inventory management, customer tools, and a free online storefront.


Since our last update: Square simplifies pricing and packaging

Since our last update, Square rolled out a major pricing overhaul that simplifies its entire POS lineup into three core plans: Free, Plus, and Premium. This replaces a previously fragmented structure with dozens of add-ons and separate subscriptions.

The new model bundles more features into each tier, making it easier for small business owners to understand total costs and scale as they grow. Higher-tier plans now include more advanced tools like inventory, staff management, and reporting, along with lower processing rates for high-volume sellers.

Square for Retail offers one of the most flexible pricing models on this list, with a free plan and scalable paid tiers depending on your needs. Its entry-level option is hard to beat for new consignment shops, but costs increase as you add advanced features or process higher sales volume.

  • Free plan: $0 per month
  • Plus: $49 per month (per location)
  • Premium: $149 per month (per location)
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

Payment processing is required through Square, with flat-rate fees that scale slightly with higher tiers:

  • In-person: starting at 2.6% + 15 cents per transaction
  • Online: starting at 2.9% to 3.3% + 30 cents per transaction


Integrate a consignment app or designate consignors as vendors.Integrate a consignment app or designate consignors as vendors.

You can either integrate a consignment app or designate consignors as vendors. (Source: Square)

  • POS system: Square’s POS system is very easy to use and, unlike many POS systems, lets you take credit card payments even if offline. It processes them once you have a connection again. It also has customizable hotkeys for quicker checkout. With a free plan, it’s a great POS system for thrift stores as well as consignments. Note: vendor management, purchase orders, and advanced inventory tools require the paid Plus plan.
  • Omnichannel sales: Like Shopify, Square has an online store component, but Square’s offers a free basic online store builder with all plans. This includes a store, the ability to order online and pick up in-store, and to sell via Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Advanced ecommerce tools (like abandoned cart recovery) may require a paid Square Online tier.
  • Customer management: Square can recognize customers by their payment methods, and customers can save their payment preferences for future sales. You can ask customers for feedback right after the sale via text or email receipt.
  • Grows with you: Of all the consignment POS systems on our list, Square is the best for businesses looking to grow. You can use it for multiple locations and add services like payroll or team scheduling. Square also has banking services, including loans and checking accounts. However, consignment-specific tools, such as commission splits, consignor portals, or payout automation, are only available through third-party apps.


Square has great flexibility for hardware. You can use your phone, iPad, or Android tablet, or you can purchase its dedicated counter or handheld POS systems. This makes it a great POS system for resale shops, thrift stores, or consignment stores.



Square has strong user satisfaction across major review sites. Real-world users give high praise for its ease of use and the ability to take payments on the go. Complaints included some glitches and that the payment processor can freeze your payments (a typical complaint for payment processing).

The app scores differ by platform: 4.6 out of 5 on Android and 4.8 out of 5 on iOS. Users praise its adaptability and how easy it is to use.


ConsignCloud: Best flexible cloud-based consignment management

ConsignCloud logoConsignCloud logo

Pros

  • Free trial (full capabilities, no credit card needed)
  • Choose your own payment processor
  • Multi-store capabilities
  • Consignor portal and automated email notifications

Cons

  • Ecommerce requires an integration
  • No offline mode for accepting payments
  • Chat support with delays

Why I chose ConsignCloud

ConsignCloud is a consignment and reseller software that does not include a free permanent plan (only trial); while its features are robust, many are part of paid add-ons. It tracks inventory and consignors, manages consignor balances, and allows payments via Checkbook.io for direct deposit, with a payout fee of $1.79 per payout when using direct-deposit/Checkbook.

It scored 4 out of 5 in our evaluation, with strong marks for pricing flexibility and consignor tools. Its lowest subscores came in ease of use and integrations, due to basic plan restrictions, such as chat support, no offline mode, and limited base integrations. However, it has strong consignor-facing tools, including a portal and the ability to pay consignors right from the software.


ConsignCloud uses a tiered pricing structure based on the number of add-ons enabled.

  • Basic: $119/month, includes 2 add-ons
  • Professional: $149/month, includes 5 add-ons
  • Enterprise: $179/month, includes unlimited add-ons

Add-ons include: POS register features, email notifications, consignor portal, Shopify / Square / Near.st integrations, advanced reporting, API/webhooks, etc.



  • Multiple payout options: With a Checkbook.io account, you can pay your consignors in multiple ways, including check, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, and even Bitcoin. If you pay consignors via electronic check or direct deposit, the cost is $1.79 each, regardless of the payout amount. ConsignCloud tracks payments as sent, pending, and paid.
  • Consignor portal: Like Ricochet, ConsignCloud has a consignor portal (but not with the free plan). Consignors can log in to check account balances, item status, and account history.
  • Multiple-store / multi-location: If you have more than one store, ConsignCloud has multi-store tools to help track sales and inventory. Of particular note is restricting inventory access by location, so that employees can’t see inventory from other stores. This can prevent confusion when searching for items for a customer or ring-up.
  • Customizations: While it lacks register customizations like Square, it does offer many customizations in the backend. You can customize receipts, control how much information you share with consignors, create custom item fields, discount schedules, and item tags, and more. You can also create your own custom reports, a feature often not found in POS software.


Like Ricochet, ConsignCloud works on a computer or tablet with internet access. You can find a list of recommended peripherals, such as scanners, printers, and cash drawers, on its help site. They are standard for the industry.



We only found reviews for ConsignCloud on Capterra, where real-world users gave it 4.6 out of 5 stars. One user called the inventory management “rewarding and breezy.” People also gave high praise to customer support. There were some complaints about the label maker for jewelry, and that the report maker is the least user-friendly part of the software.


Methodology: How I evaluated the best POS systems for consignment stores

I started with a list of popular POS systems and consignment-specific platforms, then narrowed it down based on features that directly support consignment workflows, such as consignor tracking, payout management, and inventory handling.

I then evaluated each system using a weighted rubric that scores pricing, register and checkout tools, management features, ease of use, and overall value. I also reviewed user feedback and, where possible, tested the software through demos or free trials.

Below is my full evaluation criteria:

  • Pricing (20%): I evaluated each system based on affordability and long-term value. I prioritized software with free plans or free trials, low starting monthly costs, and scalable pricing tiers. I also looked at limits on users, inventory, and transactions, since these directly impact growing consignment stores. Systems earned higher scores if they include flexible hardware options and integrated payment processing, while those with restrictive limits or higher upfront costs scored lower.
  • Register and checkout features (20%): I focused on how well each system handles day-to-day transactions in a consignment environment. This includes fast and customizable checkout, return processing, and support for split payments such as store credit or consignor credit. I also evaluated barcode scanning, payment flexibility (including digital wallets and gift cards), online ordering capabilities, and order management tools like layaway or custom orders. Mobility was also considered for stores that sell across the floor or at events.
  • Consignment and management tools (25%): This section weighs the features that matter most for consignment businesses. I prioritized systems that offer built-in consignor tracking, automated payout calculations, and clear visibility into item ownership and sales performance. Inventory tracking depth, reporting tools, and integrations with accounting or ecommerce platforms also factored into scores. Systems designed specifically for consignment scored higher than general POS systems that rely on workarounds.
  • Ease of use (15%): I evaluated how easy each system is to set up, learn, and use on a daily basis. This includes interface design, workflow simplicity, and the availability of training resources. I also considered customer support options, favoring providers with extended or 24/7 support. Systems that offer offline functionality or stable performance in low-connectivity environments received higher marks.
  • Expert score (20%): Finally, I considered overall value, feature quality, and real-world usability. This includes my assessment of each system’s strengths, limitations, and how well it fits different types of consignment businesses. I also factored in user reviews, system reliability, and standout features that differentiate each product.

How to choose a consignment store POS system

Picking the right POS system for your consignment shop isn’t just about price. It’s about finding the features that actually make your day-to-day life easier. Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Start with your consignment workflow

List out what you need the system to handle every day. For most stores, that means tracking consignors, assigning commission splits, recording payouts, and keeping owned inventory separate from consigned items. If you work with a lot of sellers, a consignor portal can save time and cut down on status update calls.

Step 2: Match the POS to how you check out customers

Think about what happens at the register. A good consignment POS should support barcode scanning, fast item lookup, and flexible payment types such as credit cards, store credit, consignor credit, and split payments. If you hold items, take deposits, or process a lot of returns, make sure those tools are built in.

Step 3: Check how it handles inventory

Consignment inventory moves differently than standard retail inventory, so this step matters. Look for software that can track one-off items, add custom item details, and show whether an item is owned or consigned. Strong reporting is also useful because it helps you spot what is selling, what is sitting too long, and which consignors bring in your best inventory.

Step 4: Decide whether you need online selling

If you sell through a website or social channels, make sure your POS can sync inventory across in-store and online sales. Some systems include ecommerce tools, while others require a separate add-on or integration. Check this early so you do not end up paying more later.

Step 5: Look at ease of use for you and your staff

A feature-rich system is not helpful if it slows down training or daily operations. Look for a clean interface, simple workflows, and onboarding help such as setup support, data imports, or training resources. Good customer support also matters, especially if you are switching from another system.

Step 6: Compare the full cost, not just the monthly fee

Before you decide, look at the total cost of using the system. That includes software fees, hardware, payment processing rates, add-ons, and any setup costs. Some platforms look affordable at first but get expensive once you add ecommerce, advanced reporting, or consignor tools.

Step 7: Try the software before you commit

A free trial or live demo can tell you more than a feature list. Test the tasks you do most often, like entering inventory, checking out customers, and running payouts. That is the best way to see whether the system actually fits your store.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Click through the sections below to read answers to common questions about consignment store POS systems:


The best POS for consignment store businesses is one that can track consignors, automate commission splits, and manage payouts. Systems like Ricochet and SimpleConsign stand out because they include built-in consignment tools, while general POS platforms like Square or Shopify require integrations to handle consignor workflows.



A consignment POS system should include consignor management, automated payouts, inventory tracking for one-of-a-kind items, and reporting by consignor. Many also offer consignor portals so sellers can track their items and earnings without contacting the store.



You can use a standard POS system for a consignment store, but it often requires workarounds or third-party apps. A dedicated consignment store POS system is usually more efficient because it’s designed to handle consignor tracking, revenue splits, and payouts out of the box.



Consignment POS software is built specifically for resale businesses, with features like consignor tracking, split commissions, and payout management. Traditional retail POS systems focus on store-owned inventory and typically don’t support consignor workflows without customization.



A POS system for consignment store businesses typically costs between $0 and $300+ per month, depending on features. Entry-level options like Square offer free plans, while dedicated consignment platforms like Ricochet or SimpleConsign start around $100–$150 per month and increase with advanced features.



Square for Retail and Shopify POS are generally the easiest consignment store POS software options to learn because of their simple interfaces. However, they may require integrations for full consignment functionality. Dedicated tools like SimpleConsign offer more features but come with a steeper learning curve.



If you plan to sell online, choosing a consignment store POS with ecommerce integration is important. This ensures your inventory stays synced between your store and online channels, preventing overselling and reducing manual updates.


Bottom line

The best POS systems for consignment stores should be inexpensive, easy to use, and take into account the unique needs of consignment sales. Sometimes, you can’t get all three, but with the best consignment POS systems above, you can come close.

We chose Ricochet as the best consignment store software because it’s designed specifically for consignment store needs, with consignment sales tracking, reports, and consignor credit. It’s also a feature-rich software that would make it a great thrift store point-of-sale system. Sign up for a free trial today.


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