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Retail technology has evolved significantly over these years, reshaping how retailers operate both online and in-store. Shopify POS has played a central role in enabling many businesses to merge digital and physical retail. However, as retail operations become more complex and growth-oriented, some retailers are finding that their current systems no longer support their needs with the same ease or efficiency.
This has led to a quite but steady shift, a growing number of retailers are now reassessing their tech stack, exploring new options and slowly transitioning away from Shopify’s POS platform.
In this blog, we are breaking down the key reasons behind this switch, including:
Lets also review what to look for in a POS system if you’re exploring other options, so you can make a smarter decision for your retail store.
Let’s dive in!
Since Shopify’s latest eCommerce interface update rolled out, there’s been a noticeable uptick in complaints from retailers, especially around how the new layout impacts daily workflows.
One of the most common frustrations?
The left-hand navigation bar now overlaps or blocks access to important action buttons, making it harder for staff to quickly click through or complete basic tasks.
Another issue that keeps coming up is the order list behavior. Retailers trying to scroll through customer orders, especially older ones, are finding that the page resets itself unexpectedly, kicking them back to the top of the list and forcing them to start the process over.
Tasks that used to take a few taps now feel more complicated and inconvenient for teams trying to handle fulfillment or customer service in real time.
When exploring a new POS and eCommerce system, test the full order management flow yourself. Look for platforms that prioritize usability, let you access everything without extra clicks, and don’t bury key actions under tricky menus or sidebars.
After dealing with frustrating navigation and interface issues, the last thing retailers need is to feel stranded when they reach out for help. But that’s exactly what many are experiencing with Shopify’s support.
Retailers have shared that getting in touch with someone, anyone, who can actually solve a problem often takes longer than it should. Whether it’s being stuck in chatbot loops, receiving copy-paste responses, or getting passed from one rep to another with no resolution in sight, the overall experience can be exhausting.
This becomes even more stressful when you’re dealing with something time-sensitive like a payment issue during peak hours, a missing order, or a system bug that’s holding up online transactions. For retail teams who are already stretched thin, the lack of timely, human support isn’t just inconvenient, it’s disruptive to the business.
When choosing a POS or eCommerce platform, don’t just ask if they offer support, ask how it works. Look for providers that offer real-time access to human reps who understand retail. Bonus if they’re trained in your specific vertical, so you’re not spending time explaining how your business works every time you need help.
For many retailers, the cracks in Shopify POS become most obvious when it’s time to manage inventory. On the surface, the platform offers basic product tracking but once your catalog grows or your needs get a bit more complex, the limitations start to show.
Retailers who sell across multiple channels or locations often struggle with syncing stock in real time, setting up bundles or kits, or managing variant-heavy items like size, color, and style. It feels like Shopify’s native tools aren’t built to handle more intricate inventory structures without adding multiple apps or workarounds and those quick fixes can lead to data mismatches or fulfillment errors.
Even simple things like setting reorder points or tracking what’s low in stock across different stores can turn into manual tasks. And when you’re relying on spreadsheets or third-party plugins to fill those gaps, it adds friction and risk to your operations.
Inventory LITERALLY impacts everything from customer experience to profitability, so it’s important to choose a POS system that offers built-in advanced inventory tools, like real-time multi-store syncing, without needing a pile of extra apps to make it work.
After dealing with the added stress of patching together inventory tools and other missing features, many retailers begin to notice another pain point: the actual cost of running Shopify POS.
While the base monthly fee seems reasonable at first glance, the reality often plays out differently. To get the functionality most retailers need whether it’s advanced reporting, smarter marketing, custom checkout flows, or inventory controls, they find themselves stacking on app after app. Some of these come with their own fees, and others require third-party integrations that add both cost and complexity.
On top of that, there’s a misconception floating around that signing up for Shopify will automatically drive more traffic and sales. But platforms don’t do the heavy lifting on their own. If your business goals depend on growth, you’ll likely need additional tools, campaigns, and resources, most of which either fall outside what Shopify includes by default.
What starts as a simple, affordable solution can gradually turn into a patchwork of hidden costs, each one chipping away at your margin.
When you’re comparing POS options, don’t just look at the monthly subscription. Ask providers for a clear breakdown of total costs, including third-party apps, payment processing fees, and any add-ons you might need down the road. A transparent pricing model helps you plan smarter and avoid surprises.
If any of these challenges with Shopify POS sound familiar, you’re definitely not the only one, and more importantly, you’re not stuck with a system that doesn’t work for your business.
The good news is, making a change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It all starts with asking the right questions before jumping into a new platform.
Questions like:
The right POS should feel like an extension of your team, not another challenge to work around. It should simplify your operations, help you serve your customers better, and give you confidence behind the counter and behind the scenes.
At the end of the day, a POS isn’t just about processing sales, it’s about how your whole business runs. Choose one that’s built around you, not the other way around.
Want to keep learning? Check out our learning center for more tips and guides on running a smoother retail operation, from inventory management to eCommerce strategies.
