Free POS software: how to choose without getting it wrong
Free POS software is tempting, especially when you are starting out. But “free” can hide limits or fees: here is how to compare calmly and test before committing.
Free: what the word can hide
“Free” software can be a time-limited trial, a version limited in features or number of sales, or a free tool paid for by payment fees or advertising. None of these is bad in itself, but you need to know which one you are getting.
Read the pricing page and the terms before entering your products: re-entering a whole catalogue in another tool costs hours.
Seven questions to ask before choosing
- Does it work without internet, and what happens when the network returns?
- Does it manage stock as well as checkout?
- How many sellers and devices are included?
- Can you export your data (Excel, PDF) and take it with you if you leave?
- Which payment methods can you record: cash, mobile money, card?
- What is the price after the free period, in your currency?
- Does support answer in your language, by WhatsApp or phone?
Test it on a real day
Do not judge on the demo: use the software for three days in a row with your real products, alongside your notebook. Compare the evening total: if it matches, you can drop the notebook.
Let your sellers try it: if they cannot use it easily, it will not be used.
Traps to avoid
- Data you cannot export: you are locked in.
- Mandatory hardware bought from the vendor.
- Hidden fees per sale, per seller or per device.
- A tool designed for another country: currency, payments and language badly suited.
Try Kaislo
Kaislo offers a 30-day free trial, then a subscription depending on your business, at your country’s price (see the Pricing page). It works offline, manages stock and customer credit, and exports reports to Excel and PDF. The demo is available without signing up.
Sales, stock, customer credit and evening accounts in one place, on phone or computer. 30-day free trial.
Free POS software: how to choose without getting it wrong
Is there really free POS software?
Some offer a limited free version. Check the limits (number of sales, products, sellers) and what becomes paid. Kaislo offers a 30-day free trial, then a subscription.
Can you use Excel instead of POS software?
Yes to begin with, using a sales tracking template. But Excel does not update stock with every sale and has to be filled in by hand.
Do you need a computer to use POS software?
No. A phone or tablet is enough for a small business.