2018 Review of Vend POS

Vend is a scalable point of sale application well suited for retail businesses of any size. Vend is designed to work online and works with iPad, Mac, or PC products, so users can use any or all platforms simultaneously. The product will also work offline as well, with transactions syncing with the product when online capability is restored.

The latest version of Vend includes numerous product enhancements including an updated iOS app, as well as improvements to the Vend Sell screen. Users can now sign new customers up for marketing communications when entering them in Vend for the first time and more advanced promotional tools are available in both the Pro and Enterprise version of Vend.

Vend contains a training mode that allows new users to learn the system without entering live data. The application offers an intuitive user interface, with a vertical menu to the left offering access to various system functions including Sell, Sales Ledger, Reporting, Products, Customers, Ecommerce, and Setup. Users can click on one of the options to access the related features. QuickKeys can be setup for easy access to frequently sold items. Users can also access products through the search feature.

Vend supports a variety of tender types which include cash, checks, credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay, with users able to set up custom tender options as well. Gift cards are also supported in Vend for both in-store and online purchases. The easily navigated main register interface offers access to a variety of additional transactions including cash sales, refunds, returns, layaways, and credits.

All Vend versions contain multi-register and multi-location capability, with even the Lite version able to add additional users/registers if needed. Users can use Mac and PC products for in-store selling and use the iPad app for outside selling. Both standard and touch screen monitors are supported, as are barcode devices.

Vend allows retailers to easily create and manage a customer database, and also supports the use of loyalty cards. Business owners can easily view a complete purchase history, customer profile and account balances. Users can also import an existing customer list into Vend if needed.

Vend offers solid inventory management, with users able to import inventory from other applications using a CSV file. Users can assign custom pricing for various customer groups, and discounts can be applied across a product line or for each individual customer. Users can also automatically generate orders when stock levels drop below a certain point.

The Small Business Reporting feature in Vend (which is available in all versions) allows users to easily build custom reports or utilize some of the standard reports included in the system. Pro and Enterprise version users also have access to the Advanced Reporting option, which provides access to the Retail Dashboard, product performance reports and a low stock report. A variety of inventory reports are available, as are sales reports such as a Sales Summary Report, Customer Report, User Report, and Product Report. All reports can be customized as needed or exported as a CSV file for further customization.

Vend integrates with a variety of applications including Xero, Deputy, Shopify, and QuickBooks Online. The Pro and Enterprise versions of Vend include all available add-on applications. The product also integrates with standard point of sale hardware including receipt printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners. Bundles are also available that include the software and PC/Mac compatible printer, cash drawer, and required cables.

The Vend Help Center offers convenient access to a variety of resources including store setup and management, help with hardware issues, and a searchable knowledgebase. Users also have access to a variety of Help articles and YouTube videos on a variety of topics including how to set up a store, cashier training, reporting, and setting up product integrations. Global support is available for users worldwide, with both email and chat support offered 24/7. Phone support is available as well, with support costs included in the cost of the subscription. Training is available through Vend U, which offers both on-demand and training webinars, and free user guides and ebooks are also available from Vend U.

Vend is a scalable, easily navigated point of sale application that is available in three versions: Lite which is a good fit for small retailers, and costs $99 per month; Pro, which is good for both single and multi-store retailers with up to five locations and costs $129 per month; and Enterprise, which supports six or more locations, with pricing available upon request. All versions include automatic backup, integrated payments, unlimited products and unlimited users, and 24/7 phone and online support. Both the Pro and the Enterprise versions include all product add-ons and e-commerce channels.

2018 Rating – 4.75 Stars