Running a retail business in Australia means juggling online and in-store operations seamlessly… no easy feat when you’re already time-poor. If you’re using Shopify for your online store or considering a point of sale system that works across all sales channels, Shopify POS could be the solution you’re looking for.
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This guide covers everything Australian retailers need to know about Shopify POS—from hardware options to implementation strategies that won’t add to your already busy schedule.
What is Shopify POS and how does it work in Australia?
Shopify POS (Point of Sale) is a retail point of sale system that extends Shopify’s online platform into physical retail environments. At its core, it’s software that runs on tablets or smartphones and connects to hardware like card readers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners to process in-person transactions.
The primary technical difference between Shopify POS and traditional standalone systems is the integration with Shopify’s platform. When a retailer processes a sale through Shopify POS, the system automatically updates inventory levels across both online and physical stores, eliminating the need for manual stock reconciliation.
From an Australian regulatory perspective, Shopify POS includes the following features to make sure it works well for Australian businesses:
- Native GST calculation and reporting functionality
- Support for local currency and tax receipt requirements
- Compliance with Australian electronic payment standards
The software operates on iOS devices (requiring iOS 13+) and select Android devices (requiring Android 7.0+). This cross-platform compatibility provides options for retailers who may already have invested in specific hardware ecosystems.
The system architecture allows for various deployment configurations, from single-device setups appropriate for market stalls (even just using your existing phone) to more sophisticated in-storeterminal implementations for larger retail environments with multiple checkout points.
Shopify POS hardware options for Australian retailers
To use Shopify POS in Australia, you’ll need hardware that meets your business needs while complying with local standards. Here are the essential hardware components available for Australian retailers:
Card readers and payment terminals
Shopify offers several payment terminal options compatible with Australian payment systems:
- WisePad 3 – A versatile wireless payment terminal that accepts tap and chip payments including EFTPOS, credit cards, and mobile wallets
- Tap to Pay iOS – Accept contactless payments anywhere with just your iPhone.
- Tap to Pay Android – Use your Android phone to accept contactless payments anywhere with no need for additional hardware.
The WisePad 3 connects directly to your phone, or tablet via Bluetooth, where the tap to pay options just use your existing device. This works simply by downloading the dedicated Shopify POS app on your device and connecting it to the WisePad3.
If you want a portable, flexible solution for taking payments, the WisePad3 is the best option. Just keep in mind this will need a compatible device to pair with which will need to be connected to the internet.
If you’re in a regional location where mobile internet isn’t available, or is patchy (as some market or festival locations are) this will not work.
Tablet stand with payment terminal
For a complete setup more suitable for a retail store, Shopify offers POS countertop kits which include a tablet stand, and payment terminal.
The advantage of these is that you can serve customers with a lot more polished and professional checkout. Some advantages over the WisePad3:
- Customer facing screen on the payment terminal
- Accept swipe payments (as well as tap and chip)
- Plugin in an ethernet cable for more reliable internet connection
View all the details for the POS Terminal Countertop Kit for Tablets here. This option is for the USB-C connection, which most modern tablets will have. If you’re using an older device that has a lightning connection, there is also an option to support that.
Compatible devices
In Australia, you can run Shopify POS on:
- iPads (iOS 13 or higher)
- iPhones (iOS 13 or higher)
- Android tablets and smartphones (Android 7.0 or higher)
Pricing and availability
All Shopify POS hardware available in Australia ships from local warehouses, ensuring fast delivery times. Prices are competitive with other POS systems on the market:
- Card readers start from AUD $79
- Complete retail kits range from AUD $609 depending on components
Hardware purchases are one-time costs, while the Shopify POS software operates on a subscription model tied to your Shopify plan.
There are also a range of accessories you can add to your set up depending on your needs like barcode scanners, receipt printers and cash drawers.
Benefits of Shopify POS for Australian small businesses
Unified inventory management
One of the biggest headaches for retailers with both online and physical stores is keeping inventory accurate across all sales channels. Shopify POS eliminates this problem by automatically syncing inventory whenever a sale occurs—whether online or in-store.
For time-poor business owners, this means:
- No more manual stock counts (unless for verification)
- No overselling products
- Accurate stock forecasting based on complete sales data
Streamlined operations
Australian retailers using Shopify POS report significant time savings through:
- Unified sales reporting across all channels
- Simplified end-of-day reconciliation
- Reduced admin work through automation
- Staff management tools individual permission levels
The system is designed to be intuitive, requiring minimal training for staff. This is particularly valuable for small businesses with seasonal employees or high turnover.
Australian tax compliance
Shopify POS automatically handles GST calculations and reporting, making tax time less stressful. The system:
- Applies correct tax rates to all products
- Generates tax-compliant receipts
- Provides detailed tax reporting for BAS submissions
Customer experience enhancements
The system allows Australian retailers to provide better customer experiences:
- Email receipts reduce paper waste
- Customer profiles that track purchase history across channels
- Custom loyalty programs that work both online and in-store
- Gift cards that can be redeemed anywhere
These features help small businesses compete with larger retailers by offering a more personalised shopping experience.
Setting up Shopify POS for your Australian business
Getting started with Shopify POS in Australia is straightforward, even for business owners with limited technical experience.
Step 1: Choose your Shopify plan
To use Shopify POS, you’ll need a Shopify subscription. There are two POS options:
- Shopify Starter – Included with all Shopify plans at no additional cost. Offers basic in-person selling features and starts from $7. This plan comes with higher card rates and limitations, so is only really suitable if you are only using infrequently.
- Shopify Retail – Additional monthly fee (currently AUD $129 per location). Includes advanced inventory, staff, and customer management features.
For most Australian retail businesses with a physical store, POS Pro offers the best value.
Step 2: Download the Shopify POS app
The app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Once downloaded, log in with your Shopify credentials to access your store data.
Step 3: Set up hardware
Connect your chosen hardware to the Shopify POS app:
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device
- Open the Shopify POS app
- Go to Settings > Hardware
- Select the hardware you want to connect
- Follow the on-screen pairing instructions
Most hardware takes less than 5 minutes to set up and pair.
Step 4: Configure store settings
Before making your first sale, configure:
- Tax settings (ensuring GST is correctly applied)
- Receipt templates (including your ABN and store policies)
- Payment methods (including custom payment types like AfterPay if applicable)
- Staff accounts and permissions
Step 5: Import products or sync with existing Shopify store
If you’re already using Shopify for your online store, your products will automatically appear in the POS system. For new users, you’ll need to add your products through the Shopify admin panel.
Best practices for Australian retailers
- Test your setup: Process a few test transactions before going live
- Train staff: Schedule a brief training session covering basic functions
- Create shortcuts: Set up quick keys for commonly sold items
- Establish procedures: Develop clear processes for returns, exchanges, and end-of-day reconciliation
Conclusion
For Australian retailers seeking to unite their online and in-store operations, Shopify POS offers a robust, compliant solution that grows with your business. The real advantage here with Shopify POS is having your online store and physical store in the exact same system.
While there are integrations that sync inventory between online stores and POS systems, in my experience these are prone to issues and problems because keeping two separate systems in sync is a very complex functionality.
Having online and in-store all in one system makes this a lot easier to manage, and at the end of the day that means less time on admin and more time on growing your business.
With hardware options to cater for most business types and styles, Shopify POS is platform worth considering – especially if you’re already using it for your online store.
Ready to streamline your retail operations? Get in touch for more information about how Shopify can be a good solution for your online store, Point of Sale, or both! I understand the challenges faced by busy Australian business owners and can provide the guidance you need to make the transition smoothly.
