Mobile POS
Mobile POS lets you accept payments anywhere—on the sales floor, at events, or in the field. Use your phone, tablet, or dedicated handheld device.
Why It Matters
- •Accept payments anywhere
- •Reduce checkout lines
- •Enable tableside or curbside service
- •Perfect for events and pop-ups
- •Lower hardware costs
Key Capabilities
Phone/Tablet Apps
Turn your device into a POS terminal
Portable Card Readers
Small devices that connect to your phone
Handheld Terminals
All-in-one devices with built-in printer
Tap to Pay
Accept contactless using just your phone
Offline Mode
Process payments without internet
Digital Receipts
Email or text receipts instantly
Provider Comparison
Excellent mobile options. Free app, $49 reader, or $299 all-in-one Terminal. Tap to Pay on iPhone.
Limitations: None significant for mobile use
Clover Go reader and Clover Flex handheld. Good mobile options with Clover ecosystem.
Limitations: Requires Clover merchant account
Toast Go handheld excellent for restaurants. Tableside ordering and payment.
Limitations: Restaurant-focused mobile solution
Good mobile app and card readers. Works well for retail pop-ups.
Limitations: Requires Shopify subscription
iPad-based with mobile readers available. Less portable than phone-based options.
Limitations: Tablet-focused, less truly mobile
Common Questions
Phone app vs dedicated terminal?
Phone apps are cheapest and most portable. Dedicated terminals (Square Terminal, Clover Flex) are more durable, have built-in printers, and look more professional for customer-facing use.
Does mobile POS work offline?
Most have some offline capability, but varies widely. Square and Toast have decent offline modes. Always have a backup plan (hotspot, manual imprinter) for critical events.
Best For
- ✓Food trucks
- ✓Market vendors
- ✓Service businesses
- ✓Events
- ✓Line-busting