If you’re trying to manage your busy barbershop with a phone and a paper calendar, you know just how chaotic it can get. Thankfully, there’s a better way. And it’s already sitting on your checkout counter.

A barbershop point of sale (POS) system should do more than just process payments. It could actually schedule appointments, manage customer relations, and optimize shifts for your team, leaving you free to do what you do best – cut hair and grow your business. 

Here's how to choose a barbershop POS system that suits your needs (and then some).

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What’s Barbershop POS Software? 

A POS system processes customer payments, like when someone pays at the end of an appointment. These systems include physical payment terminals and internal software that tracks sales and monitors store inventory. 

While an old-school cash register might come to mind, many of today’s POS systems are electronic and process cash, debit, credit card, and digital wallet payments in the blink of an eye. And some go above and beyond to integrate other information, like client data and scheduling, so you don’t have to switch back and forth between systems.

As for a barbershop POS, these specialized tools streamline the checkout process with barber-specific features. They handle payments, but they also manage client relations, generate data-filled reports, and automate basic processes to save you time. Many also offer customization and automation options like personalized appointment reminders. 

8 Key Elements of a Barbershop POS System

The right POS system helps you organize your barbershop business so operations never falter. Here are eight key features to look for:

1. Integrated Scheduling Features 

Many barbershop POS systems include integrated scheduling features, so when someone books an appointment on your website or over the phone, it goes straight into your calendar. These systems also use automation to optimize appointment booking – no more staff downtime or double bookings. Plus, clients can rebook right at checkout, so they leave appointments with their next visit already in the calendar.

Worried about no-shows? Your POS can automatically send appointment reminders (by email or text) to keep your barber chairs full. 

2. Customer Management Tools 

Customer management tools track everything related to your clients – and we mean everything. The details could include their product preferences, how often they visit your shop, and even their birthdays. That information lets you provide a personalized experience that makes every client feel special (and encourages them to rebook).

For example, many barbershop POS systems let you record Sarah’s favorite barber to work with or John’s grooming preferences, like how he hates the smell of musk and prefers the rose-scented styling cream. Remembering the little things is an excellent way to help your customer service shine, not just your skills.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!   

3. Easy-To-Use Software and Hardware 

You don’t want team members to get stuck selecting services at checkout or figuring out how to adjust an appointment. Your barber and salon software should be intuitive and user-friendly. This makes learning and teaching your staff easy so everyone on the team can process payments, record client notes, and navigate the system. 

Choose a POS system with a simple dashboard that has everything you need right in front of you – no frantically clicking around to find what you need. Some systems also let you add your business’s branding and colors to client-facing components like card readers, helping your barbershop look more professional.

4. Staff Scheduling and Management 

Managing your team’s schedule is a circus. The best barber POS systems help you balance it with ease (and without falling off the trapeze). A client’s checkout transaction should be tied to their appointment in your individual or team calendar. That way, it’s easy to manage payments and make sure tips go to their specific barbers.

Scheduling features also track how many hours staff work and which shifts they’re scheduled for so there are no surprises – at least, none you could’ve predicted. Ensuring optimal staffing levels helps you provide high-quality services without overworking your team. And when people need a break, the system also manages vacation requests. 

For example, a specialized POS system lets you easily see whether or not enough staff are scheduled during your Saturday afternoon rush or who on your team has already requested vacation dates over Thanksgiving. 

5. Inventory Management 

A good POS system includes retail purchase checkout features too. Many connect with your stock quantities and automatically updates after a client buys a product, so you can keep a close eye on your inventory and get alerts when supplies run low. These tools streamline reordering, and some even automate the process so by the time you notice you’re low on shampoo, a new order’s already on the way. 

When you choose a barbershop POS with inventory management tools, you’ll always know if your staff’s favorite hair gel is almost gone. And if you sell products along with your services, you’ll get a clear view of which are flying off the shelves, helping you figure out what’s making you money – and what’s not.

6. Secure and Versatile Payment Processing 

Clients don’t want to reach checkout just to find out you only take cash. A versatile POS system offers various secure payment processing options, like debit cards, magstripe and chip credit cards, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. 

Having the flexibility to accept different payment types helps you meet your clients where they’re at, whether they’re a cash-only kind of person or a recovering-from-Visa-debt shopper who only uses debit. POS systems accept all different types of transactions safely and quickly, which builds customer trust and lets you move on to the next appointment faster. 

7. Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics 

Data is your new best friend. Find a POS with reporting and analytics tools, which provide insights into sales trends, top tippers, peak business hours, and the most popular services – to name a few. Use this information to optimize operations and scale your business.   

Suppose your reporting shows a surge in beard trims every Friday when people get ready for a weekend on the town. Capitalize on that service’s popularity by offering a special deal, like an add-on scalp massage, for only $20. You’ll give clients a perk while bringing in more revenue.

8. Easy-To-Understand Payment Processing Rates 

Your system’s payment structure shouldn’t leave you scratching your head. The best POS systems make it easy to understand what you’re paying for the services – including processing processing rates. A bunch of different plans with a bunch of different rates and add-ons is a red flag because you could get hit with unexpected fees or extras you didn’t know you needed.

Need an example? GlossGenius subscription plans clearly state the features available in each and have one flat price so you always know what you’re getting. Our payment processing fees don’t vary by based on your plan and don’t have any add-on costs. Our 2.6% fee is among the most competitive in the barber industry. 

Barber Must-Haves: 6 Best POS Systems for Barbershops

Here are six of our top recommendations for barbershop POS systems:  

1. GlossGenius 

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GlossGenius is an all-in-one platform with built-in POS for beauty and wellness businesses like barbershops, salons, and spas. GlossGenius has some of the lowest credit card processing rates in the industry and card readers that look just as good as your clients.

Key features include: 

• Integrated scheduling: Manage appointments effortlessly with online booking. 
• Payment processing: Accept all types of payments, including chip cards and mobile wallets, with personalized card readers that keep sensitive information safe.
• Inventory management: Easily track inventory so you know what’s in stock. Late reorders and missing products are a thing of the past.
• Customer management: Manage clients with unlimited appointment reminders and client profiles that automatically update with past appointments, transaction history, and notes.
• Staff management: Handle staff payroll, commissions, and tips with only a few clicks. 
• Marketing: Create a website with our Website Builder that tells clients everything they need to know. Plus, send automated emails, manage social media accounts, and create SMS text marketing blasts to inform clients about promotions and discounts.

2. Square 

Square is a customizable POS system with an intuitive interface. It’s best for businesses who like to keep things simple. If you are a beauty or wellness business, you may have to use multiple Square products or another system for appointments or invoicingl. Worth checking before use it for payments. Here are some of its key features: 

• Sell from anywhere: Let clients pay in person, online through your website or social media, or over the phone. 
• Versatile payment options: Accept contactless payments and digital wallets with just your smartphone. 
• Staff management: The Square Staff feature helps you manage and schedule barbers and other team members. 
• Customer engagement: Square has some basic tools for loyalty programs, personalized email marketing, and customer feedback. 

3. Vagaro 

Vagaro offers comprehensive POS features for barbershops, but it’s on the more expensive side. Payment processing fees are lower larger for big businesses, so it may be worth considering if you own a large babershop. Vagaro also has a lot of bells and whistles some of which can cost extra so make sure you see how much their solution will cost you with all the add-ons you need. They also charge extra for additional team members. 

Here are some of its essential tools:  

• Charge no-show appointments: Protect your time by charging fees for no-show and canceled appointments. 
• Free hardware: You get a free card reader when you create a business account.
• Merchant services: Store contracts, charge booth renters, and schedule recurring payments if you work directly with contractors or companies.
• Payment processing: Check clients out on their smartphones for a smooth and contactless payment experience. You can also let clients pay in advance for services, memberships, and products. 

4. Clover 

Clover’s all about seamless POS transactions. Its system is easy to use and customizable to your business’s needs, although its features aren’t specific to the beauty industry. Here’s what it offers:

• Customizable system: Choose software features, hardware, and apps that suit your shop's needs. Countertop and portable card readers are available, and third-party app integrations include Mailchimp and Yelp. 
• Comprehensive payment solutions: You can accept nearly all payment types under the sun, including all major credit and debit cards, mobile wallets, and contactless payments. 
• Customer management: The system lets you easily get feedback from customers and launch promotions. 

5. theCut

theCut uses Stripe to manage payments for simple yet effective POS. It also has tax prep and insurance resources to help you on the business side. Here’s more about theCut:

• Free version: The Lite plan offers scheduling and booking tools at no cost, but the payment options are super limited.
• Instant deposits: Barbers can access their cash immediately after earning it.
• Automatic no-show fees: Depending on the settings you choose, theCut charges clients for cancellations and no-shows right away. You don’t have to lift a finger.
• Multiple payment methods: Clients can pay through the theCut app, your phone, or a theCut Terminal Card Reader. More options means more customization.

6. SQUIRE

SQUIRE’s an expensive option for larger businesses looking for lots of capabilities. Here’s what to expect: 

• Real-time tracking: SQUIRE shows barbers their earnings up to the minute so there are no questions about what they’re taking home.
• Payment options: Experience online and in-person payments – whatever suits your workflow. 
• Insight dashboard: SQUIRE collects your info to show you which services earn you the most, your most profitable days of the week, and more.

Enhance Your Barbershop’s Efficiency With GlossGenius

Ready to integrate a system that makes payments easy? GlossGenius is here to give you everything you need for smooth POS processing – and then some.

GlossGenius offers sleek, customizable card readers that fit seamlessly into your shop’s aesthetic. Our hardware, including the portable Tap & Go Reader and the Pro Reader with a dedicated client-facing display, quickly takes any tap, dip, or swipe for fast checkouts and even faster client satisfaction. 

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!   

Payments are integrated into your entire POS system, with booking, reports, and inventory at your fingertips. We offer gold-standard security and monitor your account for suspicious activity and PCI compliance.
Plus, our payment processing fees are among the lowest in the industry at just 2.6% flat – with no hidden or add-on charges, ever.  

Sign up for a 14-day free GlossGenius trial today and learn how we help barbershop owners thrive.