1/25/2025

Can You Use Shopify’s Free Card Reader Without a POS Subscription?

Do you want to dive into the world of e-commerce with Shopify but worried about the costs? If you’ve been lingering around the Shopify scene, you might have stumbled upon the enticing offer of a FREE Card Reader from Shopify. But hold on! The burning question is: Can You Use Shopify’s Free Card Reader Without a POS Subscription? In this blog post, we are going to unravel this question and explore all the ins & outs of Shopify's payment options, card readers, & whether or not you really need a POS subscription. Ready? Let’s dig in!

What is Shopify’s Free Card Reader?

The Shopify Card Reader is an essential tool that allows merchants to accept credit card payments in person. It helps streamline transactions whether you’re running a pop-up shop or a full-fledged retail outlet. According to Shopify's POS Hardware Promotion, you can earn a Hardware Credit after completing certain criteria, including subscribing to a Shopify plan, which can then be used towards the purchase of this card reader at their Shopify Hardware Store.

So… What’s the Catch?

You see, even though the card reader comes with the allure of being “free,” there’s a stipulation involved: it’s generally included with a POS subscription, which costs $89/month for each location. Many merchants are left wondering if they can simply get the card reader without the commitment of a monthly fee. Let's uncover the truth behind this conundrum.

Understanding Shopify POS Subscription

Shopify's POS (Point-of-Sale) system is an all-in-one solution designed to facilitate in-person sales and help integrate them with your online store. The plan provides useful features, including:

Inventory Management: Track and manage your products effortlessly.
Sales Reporting: Get insights into your store’s performance.
Staff Management: Allow multiple users access while controlling their permissions.
Checkout Features: Make sales smoother with built-in payment processing.

By subscribing to Shopify’s POS, merchants enjoy the full service of Shopify, including payment processing, which seamlessly integrates with the Shopify Payments system.

The Pricing Plans

The monthly subscription fee varies based on the plan that you choose. However, all plans (except for the free plan) allow you to use the card readers effectively:

Shopify Basic Plan: Designed for newcomers.
Shopify Plan: Best for growing businesses.
Shopify Advanced Plan: Tailored for impactful large stores.

You can't get the reader on its own without subscribing—so this brings us back to the question at hand: can you use the Shopify card reader without a POS subscription?

Can You Use the Card Reader Without Shopify POS?

The Short Answer

Unfortunately, the answer is NO. The Shopify card reader requires at least a POS Lite or higher plan to function correctly. If you’re trying to make sales in-person without committing to a Shopify POS subscription, you can absolutely use cash, but that limits options, especially in a world where card payments are often preferred by consumers.

Why You Might Want the POS Subscription

Ease of Use

Shopify’s POS makes it so incredibly easy for anyone to manage both online & offline sales IN ONE PLACE. Forget the hassle of juggling between systems. With it, you have a unified platform for managing customer interactions, stock levels, and overall sales seamlessly.

Enhanced Customer Experience

The tools offered by the POS, such as multiple payment methods (including contactless options), improved item lookups, and real-time inventory tracking, can hugely enhance customer satisfaction. This is especially true at busy events or in high-traffic areas.

What If I Opt-Out of Shopify POS?

If you do not want to subscribe to the Shopify POS, the only other option would be to use third-party payment processors alongside the Shopify platform. This means you have to set up something like a Square or PayPal terminal, which may charge additional transaction fees as opposed to the Shopify Payments rate. This adds layers to managing payment processing.

Alternatives to Shopify POS

So, what are some OTHER alternatives to the Shopify POS? Should you decide against it entirely for any reason, here’s what you might consider:

Square: A great alternative if you want an option to process payments without obligations. However, you’ll miss integrating with Shopify seamlessly.
PayPal Here: Another option, although the integration with Shopify isn’t as fluid.
ConnectPOS: Some users swear by it as a good alternative, offering decent features and workarounds.

Be mindful that with these alternatives, you may find many of the cool features included in Shopify POS lacking. Hence, potential inefficiencies could arise.

The Importance of Using Arsturn

Don’t just stop at card readers! How about enriching your customer engagement? This is where Arsturn comes into play! Arsturn is a fantastic platform allowing you to CREATE custom chatbots that can enhance interactions before and after a sales process. With no coding required, you can create a conversational experience for your customers, allowing them to ask questions or get assistance just a tap away. It’s a seamless way to improve customer service interactions and can efficiently handle inquiries about your POS!

Want some cool features?

Instant Responses: Reply to questions instantly without your presence.
Custom Chatbot Creation: Build a unique bot tailored to YOUR business needs!
Valuable Insights: Get analytics on the queries your customers have!

By using Arsturn, not only can merchants provide a stellar customer service experience, but they also ensure they maximize opportunities for conversion while keeping their customers engaged.

Conclusion

In summary, if you're looking to take full advantage of Shopify's payment alternatives through the FREE Card Reader, it's crucial to acknowledge that this tool is incompatible without the accompanying POS Subscription. The investment is likely worth its weight in the scope of features it avails your business, offering an unseen advantage in inventory management, sales tracking, & customer experience!

However, should you choose to look beyond the POS, explore alternatives like Square. Lastly, remember to consider enhancing your digital engagement through chatbots as facilitated by Arsturn. This complements your setup beautifully, bolsters effective communication, and ultimately guides customers to wonderful experiences.

Now that you’re in the know, dive right into Shopify and get your business launched or expanded without missing a beat. Happy Selling!