ShopKeep Review

ShopKeep, which has been rebranded as ShopKeep by Lightspeed, is a cloud-based POS system that aims to simplify business processes for small to medium-sized businesses. Founded in 2008, ShopKeep now caters to more than 23,000 businesses in the US and Canada, such as retail stores, cafes, eateries, and pubs. Lets read more about ShopKeep Review.

The platform provides a wide range of features designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises. These involve controlling inventory, monitoring employees, analyzing sales, and managing customer relationships. ShopKeep allows businesses to efficiently handle transactions, monitor sales, and manage inventory in real-time through an intuitive iPad interface.

In the year 2020, Lightspeed, a top provider of cloud-based commerce solutions, purchased ShopKeep. This purchase has enabled ShopKeep to merge more smoothly with the Lightspeed ecosystem, providing users with improved features and support.

Key Features of ShopKeep | ShopKeep Review

ShopKeep is a comprehensive point-of-sale system designed to streamline various aspects of business operations. Its key features include inventory management, employee management, sales reporting and analytics, customer relationship management, mobile POS capabilities, and e-commerce integration.

Inventory Management: ShopKeep offers robust inventory tracking capabilities, allowing businesses to monitor stock levels in real-time. The system provides low-stock alerts, ensuring timely reordering to prevent stockouts. Additionally, it facilitates vendor management by organizing supplier information and purchase orders, streamlining the restocking process.

Employee Management: The platform includes time tracking features, enabling employees to clock in and out directly through the system. User permissions can be customized to control access to sensitive information and functions. Performance reporting features offer insights into individual employee sales and activities, aiding in staff management and development.

Sales Reporting and Analytics: ShopKeep offers different sales reports like daily summaries, sales per item, and sales per employee. The customizable analytics tools enable businesses to customize reports based on their specific requirements. This adaptability helps to recognize patterns and make well-informed choices.

Customer Relationship Management: The CRM features support loyalty program integration, helping businesses reward repeat customers. Email marketing tools enable targeted campaigns based on customer insights gathered from purchase histories and preferences, enhancing customer engagement and retention.

Mobile POS Capabilities: ShopKeep’s mobile POS system works smoothly on tablets and smartphones, enabling transactions beyond the usual checkout counter. This flexibility is especially beneficial for businesses in changing environments, like food trucks or temporary retail stores, enabling quick and efficient transactions.

E-commerce Integration: The system offers options for online store synchronization, connecting physical and digital sales channels. This integration ensures consistent inventory levels across platforms and provides a unified view of sales data, supporting a cohesive omnichannel strategy.

User Experience and Interface

ShopKeep’s user experience is designed to be intuitive and accessible, catering to both beginners and experienced users. The interface features a clean, uncluttered layout that simplifies navigation and enhances usability. The main dashboard provides quick access to essential functions such as sales processing, inventory management, and reporting tools, allowing users to perform tasks efficiently.

ShopKeep provides beginners with an easy setup process through guided tutorials and support resources, making the onboarding experience seamless. Experienced users will find value in the system’s intricacy, allowing them to handle complicated tasks without added complexity.

The layout of the navigation is well-structured, featuring easily identifiable menus and icons that reduce the need for extensive learning. Users can switch between different sections, like sales, inventory, and employee management, with ease and without any confusion. The adaptive design makes sure that the interface adjusts effectively to different devices like tablets and smartphones, while keeping a consistent look on all platforms.

ShopKeep also offers a degree of dashboard customizability, allowing users to tailor the interface to their specific business needs. Users can rearrange widgets, prioritize frequently used features, and adjust settings to align with their workflow preferences. This flexibility enhances productivity by enabling users to create a personalized workspace that suits their operational requirements.

Setup and Installation

Setting up ShopKeep is designed to be straightforward, allowing businesses to get their point-of-sale system operational with minimal effort. The initial setup process involves creating an account, configuring business settings, and installing the ShopKeep app on compatible devices. Users are guided through each step, ensuring that essential components such as tax rates, inventory items, and employee profiles are properly configured.

ShopKeep is mainly a POS system designed for use on iPads, which must have iOS 9.3.5 or later. The system can work with a variety of hardware devices, such as receipt printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, and credit card readers. ShopKeep provides hardware starter kits with necessary items such as a cash drawer, receipt printer, iPad enclosure, and credit card reader. These kits are customized for various types of businesses, making sure users have the right tools for their particular needs. Furthermore, ShopKeep offers a variety of individual hardware products that businesses can choose from to tailor their setup to suit their specific requirements.

To assist users during the installation process, ShopKeep provides comprehensive support resources. The support website includes detailed guides for setting up software and hardware components, as well as troubleshooting common issues. Furthermore, ShopKeep’s customer support team is available through phone, email, and live chat, offering assistance to resolve any setup-related challenges efficiently.

Overall, ShopKeep’s setup and installation process are user-friendly, but like any technology integration, there may be minor challenges. These could include connecting hardware components or syncing data correctly. However, the wealth of resources and responsive support provided by ShopKeep helps mitigate these issues, ensuring a smooth installation experience for most users.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

ShopKeep, now integrated into Lightspeed’s suite of services, offers a range of subscription plans designed to cater to various business needs. The pricing structure is tiered, providing options that align with the scale and requirements of different enterprises.

Overview of Pricing Structure and Inclusions

ShopKeep’s subscription plans are structured to offer increasing levels of functionality:

Basic Plan: This entry-level option includes essential POS features such as contactless payments, unlimited transactions, advanced reporting, unlimited inventory management, support for an unlimited number of employees, and 24/7 customer support. It also provides an eCommerce website and online ordering capabilities. The Basic Plan is priced at $49 per month when billed annually or $69 per month when billed monthly.

Essential Plan: Adding to the Basic Plan, the Essential Plan includes enhancements such as a mobile reporting app, integration with QuickBooks accounting software, MailChimp for email marketing, and support for gift cards. This plan can be purchased for $79 per month with an annual billing option, or $99 per month with a monthly billing option.

Advanced Plan: The most comprehensive offering, the Advanced Plan, includes all features from the Essential Plan and adds unlimited registers, priority customer support, a customer loyalty program, online business listings management, multi-location management tools, and a free hardware bundle. This plan is priced at $179 per month when billed annually or $199 per month when billed monthly.

Comparison of Different Plans

The Basic Plan is suitable for small businesses seeking fundamental POS functionalities without the need for advanced integrations. The Essential Plan caters to growing businesses that require additional tools for accounting, marketing, and customer engagement. The Advanced Plan is designed for larger enterprises with multiple locations, offering comprehensive features to manage complex operations effectively.

Value for Money and Hidden Fees

ShopKeep’s pricing is competitive within the POS market, especially considering the breadth of features included in each plan. The absence of long-term contracts provides flexibility for businesses to adjust their subscription as needed. While the subscription fees are transparent, it’s important for businesses to be aware of potential additional costs, such as payment processing fees, hardware purchases, and any third-party integrations that may incur extra charges. ShopKeep emphasizes transparent pricing, but users should review the terms carefully to ensure all costs align with their budget and operational needs.

Customer Support and Service

ShopKeep, now operating under Lightspeed, offers a comprehensive customer support system designed to assist users through various channels. Support is available via phone, email, and live chat, ensuring that businesses can access help through their preferred method. Phone support is available Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 11 PM ET, while chat support is accessible 24/7, providing continuous assistance for urgent issues.

The quality and response time of ShopKeep’s support have been commended by many users. The support team is known for its promptness and professionalism, often resolving issues efficiently. The availability of 24/7 chat support is particularly beneficial for businesses operating outside standard hours or in different time zones, ensuring that help is always at hand.

Customer feedback on ShopKeep’s customer service is mostly favorable. Numerous clients value the quick and supportive nature of the customer service team. Nevertheless, certain users have experienced difficulties, especially after switching to Lightspeed. Concerns about delayed response times and challenges in solving particular issues have been observed. For example, certain users have shared their frustrations about customer service, pointing out ongoing problems with processing and inventory control.

Security Features

ShopKeep, now integrated into Lightspeed’s suite of services, places a strong emphasis on security to protect sensitive business and customer information. The platform employs robust data encryption and adheres to stringent security compliance standards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data.

Data Encryption and Security Compliance: ShopKeep utilizes advanced encryption protocols to safeguard data during transmission and storage. This approach ensures that sensitive information, such as payment details and personal data, remains protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, ShopKeep complies with industry-standard security measures, including Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements, to maintain a secure environment for processing transactions.

Protection Against Fraud and Data Breaches: In order to reduce the chances of fraud and data breaches, ShopKeep enforces multiple protective measures. The system utilizes point-to-point encryption (P2PE) to encrypt card data as it is entered, decreasing the risk of interception during transmission. Moreover, ShopKeep consistently enhances its system with the newest security features and protocols to safeguard businesses from emerging threats.

Ensuring Transaction Security: ShopKeep ensures transaction security through the integration of EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) technology, which adds an additional layer of protection against counterfeit card fraud. The platform also supports contactless payment options, such as Apple Pay, which utilize tokenization to secure transaction data. By offering these secure payment methods, ShopKeep provides businesses and their customers with confidence in the safety of their transactions.

Hardware Options and Compatibility

ShopKeep, now part of Lightspeed’s range of services, provides various hardware options intended to enhance its POS software. Businesses must understand the hardware available to them and how well it works with third-party devices in order to maximize their operations.

Overview of ShopKeep’s Proprietary Hardware: ShopKeep provides proprietary hardware solutions tailored to various business needs. These include:

iPad Stands: Designed to securely hold iPads, these stands facilitate seamless transactions and enhance the checkout experience.

Receipt Printers: High-speed thermal printers ensure quick and reliable receipt printing, essential for customer satisfaction.

Cash Drawers: Durable and secure cash drawers integrate smoothly with the POS system, ensuring efficient cash management.

Barcode Scanners: Efficient scanning devices streamline the checkout process, reducing errors and improving speed.

These hardware components are engineered to work seamlessly with ShopKeep’s software, providing a cohesive and reliable POS solution.

Compatibility with Third-Party Devices: In addition to proprietary hardware, ShopKeep is compatible with various third-party devices, offering flexibility for businesses with existing equipment. Supported third-party hardware includes:

Printers: Models from brands like Epson and Star Micronics are compatible, allowing businesses to choose printers that meet their specific requirements.

Cash Drawers: Standard cash drawers that connect via printer-driven interfaces can be integrated into the system.

Barcode Scanners: Bluetooth-enabled scanners from reputable manufacturers are supported, facilitating wireless operations.

This compatibility enables businesses to leverage existing hardware investments, reducing the need for additional expenditures.

Recommendations for Different Types of Businesses: Selecting the appropriate hardware setup depends on the nature and scale of the business:

Retail Stores: A comprehensive setup including an iPad stand, receipt printer, cash drawer, and barcode scanner is recommended to handle high transaction volumes efficiently.

Quick-Service Restaurants: Implementing a robust receipt printer and cash drawer, along with a kitchen printer for order processing, enhances operational efficiency.

Mobile Businesses: Utilizing portable hardware such as a Bluetooth-enabled barcode scanner and a mobile receipt printer allows for flexible and on-the-go transactions.

By aligning hardware choices with specific operational needs, businesses can optimize their POS systems for enhanced performance and customer satisfaction.

Pros and Cons

ShopKeep, now integrated into Lightspeed’s suite of services, offers a range of features designed to streamline business operations. However, like any system, it has its strengths and areas that could benefit from improvement.

Pros

User-Friendly Interface: ShopKeep’s intuitive design ensures that both new and experienced users can navigate the system with ease, reducing the learning curve and facilitating quick adoption.

Comprehensive Inventory Management: The platform offers strong tools for monitoring inventory levels, creating alerts for low stock, and handling vendor details, especially useful for retail companies.

Employee Management Features: ShopKeep includes functionalities for time tracking, user permissions, and performance reporting, aiding in efficient staff management and operational oversight.

24/7 Customer Support: The availability of round-the-clock support via phone, email, and live chat ensures that businesses can receive assistance whenever needed, minimizing downtime.

Mobile POS Capabilities: The system’s compatibility with mobile devices allows for flexible transaction processing, which is advantageous for businesses operating in dynamic environments like food trucks or pop-up shops.

Cons

Limited Advanced Features: Some users have noted that ShopKeep may lack certain advanced functionalities found in other POS systems, which could be a limitation for businesses with complex needs.

Pricing Transparency: While ShopKeep offers various subscription plans, some users have expressed concerns about the clarity of pricing structures and additional fees, making it harder to forecast total costs.

Integration Limitations: The system’s integration options, while functional, may not be as extensive as some businesses require, especially for those needing specialized software or tools.

Conclusion

ShopKeep provides a strong, easy-to-use POS system with useful features tailored to small to medium-sized businesses, specifically in the retail and hospitality industries. Its user-friendly interface, extensive inventory features, and robust support make it perfect for expanding businesses. In general, ShopKeep is a reliable option for individuals looking for effectiveness and adaptability.

FAQs

How does ShopKeep handle offline transactions?

ShopKeep allows businesses to continue processing sales even when the internet connection is lost. Transactions are securely stored offline and automatically synced with the system once the internet is restored, ensuring no sales data is lost.

Can I integrate ShopKeep with my existing accounting software?

Yes, ShopKeep can integrate with popular accounting software like QuickBooks. This integration simplifies financial management by automatically syncing sales data, reducing manual data entry and streamlining accounting processes.

What types of businesses are best suited for ShopKeep?

ShopKeep is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and cafes, where inventory management, employee tracking, and mobile transactions are crucial.