Whether you own a small retail chain or sell items out of your brother’s apartment, there’s an app for that. Developers are beginning to produce mobile tools to help retailers operate their businesses. These apps help with everything from clocking in to checking out a customer to creating sales reports.
But sorting through hundreds of apps and finding those true gems that can help run your business is difficult. iTunes doesn’t have a retail category — in addition to being far from search friendly. Meanwhile, the new web-based Android Marketplace is a little more search friendly, but the lack of a retail category again stands as a roadblock.
So, we put together a list of the best mobile apps for retailers. This list was the product of multiple keyword searches across various app categories, from productivity to business. Data of how many reviews, star-ratings, and approximate number of installs are provided, as available.
Be sure to let us know if you’ve found a helpful retail app that we’ve left off the list.
Android Apps
Point of sale (POS) – 3.5 stars with 33 ratings | 1,000 – 5,000 installs | Free
This application acts as a simple point-of-sale solution for android devices. Has the ability to manage goods, complete transactions, and process returns.
Inventory Droid – 4.5 stars with over 160 ratings | 1,000 – 5,000 installs | $4.99
Packaged with a free PC extension, Inventory Droid is a great app for managing store inventory. Can use the integrated barcode scanner to quickly upload and update inventory information. Comes with the ability to backup and restore data.
CHARGE Anywhere® Payment App – 4.5 stars with 7 ratings | 1,000 – 5,000 installs | Free*
Accepts cash, credit, check, or ACH payments for $9.99/month plus per-transaction fees. Can integrate with optional Bluetooth module to swipe credit cards and print receipts. Also features reporting, the ability to tax and tip, and QuickBooks integration.
Credit Card Machine – 4 stars with 20 ratings | 5,000 – 10,000 installs | Free*
Can swipe credit cards and print receipts via external device (not included). Processes all major credit cards and creates a viewable transaction log with history details. Includes option for touch screen signatures. Requires Paynet Systems Merchant Account.
Credit Card Terminal – 4 stars with 25 ratings | 1,000 – 5,000 installs | Free*
Allows user to process credit card transactions at a rate of $25.00/month, 24¢/transaction, and 2.09% qualified. No termination fees for cancellation.
Intuit GoPayment – 4 stars with 68 ratings | 10,000 – 50,000 installs | Free*
Developed for iPhone and Android. This app offers two different pricing models based on processing more or less than $1000 a month: no monthly plan and higher rates for under $1000, and a monthly plan with reduced rates for over. Provides the option for both swipe and keypad data entry, and offers support for a couple different card readers. Users can qualify for a free card reader on the Intuit website.
Square – 4.5 stars with over 4,000 ratings | 100,000 – 500,000 installs | Free*
Developed for iPhone, iPad, and Android. Requires no monthly fees or contract and provides free Square credit card reader by mail after sign-up. Membership does require providing date of birth, SSN, and passing a credit check. Per transaction and weekly charge limits are determined by your credit score.
USAePay – 4 stars with 14 ratings | 1,000 – 5,000 installs | Free*
Can integrate with bluetooth devices for card swiping and receipt printing. Includes mobile POS option that can sync inventory with sales transactions. USAePay account required for use.
Ratings and prices were found from the Android Market.
Michael Koploy is an ERP Analyst for Software Advice. Software Advice is a free resource for buyers interested in retail inventory control software. The original article can be viewed at: Best Retail Apps for the iPhone, iPad, and Android Phones.
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