Selecting the appropriate POS hardware for your salon isn’t merely about handling payments but optimizing your business. From scheduling appointments to inventory tracking and improving customer experiences, the optimal configuration can significantly impact your business. Here, we’ll guide you through what to look for so you can select the optimum POS hardware for your salon’s specific requirements.
What Is POS Hardware for a Salon
POS hardware for a salon business means equipment used to conduct transactions, schedule appointments, and monitor inventory. Typical POS hardware consists of touchscreen monitors, receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, and card readers. Salons tend to merge these systems with salon-specific software to schedule client appointments, monitor staff, monitor product sales, and facilitate efficient payment processing for salons. A contemporary POS installation can also incorporate customer displays, mobile terminals, and contactless payments. Overall, POS hardware simplifies operations, enhances customer experience, and increases business efficiency in a salon setting.
Why POS Hardware Is Crucial for a Salon Business in 2025
The modern salon business requires a contemporary POS system. It simplifies operations by integrating with CRM, booking software, and accounting applications, eliminating manual labor and enhancing efficiency. With omni-channel integration, salons can handle in-store and online bookings from a single platform. POS systems also improve the client experience with quicker checkouts, loyalty programs, and adaptable payments. Mobile POS provides mobile billing on the go through smartphones or tablets. Integrated CRM functions assist in developing strong client relationships and increasing repeat visits. With growing online bookings and mobile payments, a robust POS system is imperative to remain competitive and provide seamless service.
Top Factors to Note When Selecting a POS Hardware for a Salon
1. Seamless & Reliable Payment Processing
Quick and easy payments are a necessity for any salon. An effective POS system ensures seamless payment processing for clients to pay how they prefer—credit/debit cards, contactless payments, or digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Quick transactions equate to shorter wait times, particularly during rush hours to keep happy customers, and stress-free employees. Then there’s security. Trustworthy software has encryption, tokenization, and PCI DSS certification to secure payment details. With in-built payments, all transactions are automatically recorded—no manual input, no mistakes, just seamless operations with the right payment processor.
2. Simple Appointment Booking
Booking management need not be painful. With a clever POS system, you can prevent double bookings, handle walk-ins, and ensure each stylist’s time is utilized effectively. Allow clients to book online on your website or app—easy for them and less work for your front desk. Automated text or email reminders minimize no-shows. But what if someone has to reschedule at the last minute? No issue. Flexible tools enable you to reschedule appointments on the fly without messing up your schedule.
3. Intelligent Inventory Management
Managing products is critical to having a smooth salon. An excellent POS system eliminates guesswork regarding inventory by monitoring everything in real time.You’ll always know what’s available and what is limited so you can steer clear of those last-minute product shortages. Get instant low-stock notifications, and even automatically set reorders by your desired thresholds. It saves time, minimizes waste, and ensures you never get caught short. Reports also reveal which products sell and which aren’t, so you can make wiser buying decisions.
4. Sales Insights That Fuel Growth
Knowing your sales is as crucial as selling them. A contemporary POS system informs you of comprehensive analytics that reveal what’s selling, when your salon is busiest, and what services or products need improvement. With such information, you can adjust prices, order supplies at the most optimal time, and prepare targeted promotions. You’ll also learn more about customer trends—such as how often they come in or what they tend to purchase—so you can adapt your services and marketing to keep them returning.
5. Improved Customer Relationships with Integrated CRM
Happy customers are repeat customers, and a POS solution with CRM features makes it simple to have them return. You can build rich customer profiles that remember their preferences, service history, favorite stylists, and contact information. This allows you to provide a more personalized experience each time they come in. But what if you need to run a loyalty program? Your POS can manage that too—automatically logging points and rewards to keep them returning. With customer data, you can send highly personalized offers and promotions that click.
6. Smarter Staff Management Operating
The salon efficiently involves organizing your staff. An effective POS system makes it easy to manage staff with features for monitoring hours, creating schedules, and checking performance. You’ll be able to see precisely when your staff comes in and leaves, making it easy to deal with payroll. You can even design variable schedules, approve shift exchanges, and adjust on the go. With performance reports based on sales and feedback, you’ll can recognise your top performers and support those who need extra training.
7. Easy to Use and Simple to Train
Your salon staff shouldn’t need days of training just to use your POS system. That’s why ease of use matters. An intuitive, clutter-free design gets your staff up to speed fast so they can concentrate on providing excellent service rather than messing with technology. Ensure systems are packaged with useful tutorials, manuals, or video tutorials. But what if something does go wrong? Slick customer support can be the difference between staying sane and losing it, so ensure your POS vendor provides speedy, courteous assistance when you need it.
8. Built to Grow With You As your Salon
Imagine perhaps you increase the number of chairs, introduce new services, or even have a second location—you want a POS system that will grow right along with you. The correct system will accommodate multiple locations, increased volumes, and additional features without bogging down. Whether adding staff, syncing additional devices, or linking new tools such as online booking or marketing software, a scalable POS grows with you, so you don’t need to change systems each time your business upscales.
Best POS Systems for Salons
Below are some of the best pos systems for salons:
eHopper
- Best for: Budget salons
Offers a free plan (hardware separately). eHopper is a good option for small salons that need robust features without the big price. It does all the essentials—customer management, loyalty programs, inventory management, e-commerce, and appointment scheduling. One highlight? A self-serve kiosk that allows clients to tip and shop on their own.
- Pricing: Begins at $0
- High-end features (such as e-commerce) are included on the OmniChannel plan ($10/month)
- Hardware choices:
- Touchscreen POS terminals from $439
- All-in-One POS Bundle: $1,450
- Smart Terminal: $720
- Advantages:
- No processing fees
- Free software
- Free e-commerce site
- Disadvantages:
- One POS device is only available on the free plan
- Employee clock-in/out feature unavailable on the free plan
Clover
- Ideal for: Multi-location salons or growing businesses
Clover is unique for its intelligent customer tools. It is aware when a client comes in, assists in bringing back former customers, and allows frequent visitors to pay hands-free through the app—ideal for hectic customers who don’t wish to rummage for their wallet.
- Pricing:
- Starter plan: $14.95/month with virtual terminal
- Handheld POS: $599 + $14.95/month (built-in receipt printer)
Full Mini POS System: $799 + $44.95/month
- Pros:
- Hands-free payments through the app
- Customer check-ins and rewards tracking
- Variable hardware payment plans
- Cons:
- Pricing may differ if utilizing third-party providers.
- Mixed customer support reviews
Lightspeed
- Ideal for: Salons that depend on software integrations
Lightspeed is a salon’s dream if it has tools like QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, etc. It’s cloud-based, so you can run your salon anywhere. It’s also excellent for product-oriented businesses because of its robust inventory capabilities.
- Cost: From $89/month (annual billing)
- Pros:
- Robust integrations
- Excellent for multi-location salons
- Intelligent inventory tracking
- Cons:
- Hardware fees are not prominently listed
- Some users report occasional software glitches
PayPal Zettle
- Ideal for: Mobile salons or businesses that are on the move
Zettle is designed for mobility. It’s Bluetooth-enabled to pair with your phone or tablet, so you can accept payments on the go. This makes it ideal for stylists making house calls or visiting pop-up events. It also integrates with inventory and apps such as QuickBooks and Adobe Commerce.
- Pricing:
- Card reader: $29 (first), $79 thereafter
- POS Terminal: $199 and up
- POS kit with printer: $269 and up
- Processing fees: 2.29% + 9¢ per sale
- Advantages:
- No subscription charge
- Very portable
- Fast, contactless transactions
- Disadvantages:
- Limited battery life (around 8 hours)
- Does not accept magnetic stripe cards
Stripe POS
- Ideal for: Salons with online and in-person sales
Stripe POS is ideal for salons selling both online and offline. It automatically synchronizes purchase history across channels, making returns, reorders, and customer service easy. Its flexibility and developer-friendly configuration are ideal if you need something completely customizable.
- Pricing:
- Stripe Reader M2: $59
- Stripe Reader S700: $349
- WisePOS E: $249
- Processing fees: 2.7% + 5¢ per transaction
- Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Completely customizable with APIs and SDKs
- Ideal for high-volume businesses (custom pricing on request)
- Cons:
- It may be difficult to install and operate
- Ideal for technologically advanced salon owners
Conclusion
Investing in the right POS hardware can revolutionize how your salon works, simplifying everyday operations, enhancing customer care, and serving as a back-end enabler for business growth. Whether you’re new to the game or need an upgrade, select an option that complements your workflow and is simple to integrate into your software, and can grow with your business. The proper tools today can lay the foundation for long-term success for your salon.