Shopify POS Hardware

 

 

At first glance, Shopify POS hardware sounds like a long shopping list – tablet, card reader, receipt printer, scanner … But don’t worry: you often need less than you think and can still set up a professional, compliant checkout system. The advantage: Shopify POS stays lean, mobile, and scalable – if you plan your setup wisely.

 

Here’s a practical overview: from the absolute essentials to useful add-ons, and special cases where extra hardware makes sense.

 

Shopify POS Essentials: Non-negotiables

Whether it’s a pop-up, a store opening, or a trade show – you’ll always need this duo:

 

Tablet (as POS terminal)

Nothing works with Shopify POS without a tablet. It’s your central control hub – where you select products, process payments, track real-time inventory, and view customer data. With the right stand, your tablet stays fixed in place in-store, while an iPad mini or iPhone gives you maximum mobility on the go.

 

• Recommended: iPad + POS stand – large enough for checkout and product view.
• Alternative: iPad mini or iPhone – for highly mobile setups.

 

Card reader

Next comes the card reader. The Shopify POS Terminal or the WisePad 3 from Shopify are the top choices in Germany: compact, wireless, directly connected to Shopify Payments – and GoBD-compliant since the TSE update via OpenFiskal.

 

New: In Germany, you can now also accept contactless payments via Tap-to-Pay. In this case, you don’t need a separate card reader – a compatible Android smartphone or iPhone is enough to accept payments directly.

 

Heads up: Third-party readers like SumUp or Zettle may work in principle, but they’re not fully integrated. Payments then run separately from the POS, which makes reporting and refunds unnecessarily complicated.

 

Our tip: order your POS hardware directly from the Shopify online store – that way you’re always on the safe side.

 

 

For most use cases – pop-ups, consultations, events – this duo is enough: tablet plus card reader and a stable internet connection. And if the connection does drop? Shopify POS also works offline when needed – transactions are stored temporarily and sync automatically once you’re back online. Still, for smooth sales, you should always rely on a stable connection.

 

Nice to have – add-on hardware depending on store type

As soon as you run a permanent store or regularly accept cash, you’ll need more equipment.

 

1. Receipt printer: In Germany, a receipt printer is mandatory as soon as you handle cash sales. Epson and Star Micronics offer models that connect directly with Shopify POS. Receipts can be stored and printed securely – a key element for complying with the KassenSichV. Our tip: Network-connected printers often cause issues and don’t integrate as expected. The most reliable option is connecting via Bluetooth directly to your POS terminal. Keep in mind: each POS device requires its own receipt printer.
2. Cash drawer: Directly connected to the receipt printer, it opens automatically with cash payments – and is legally required in many cases if you want to manage cash GoBD-compliantly.
3. Barcode scanner: For product ranges with many SKUs, a barcode scanner is highly recommended – it saves you valuable time at checkout.

 

Shopify also offers this extended hardware setup as bundles for Apple or Android devices. Straightforward and guaranteed Shopify POS compatible. Want to know how these options affect your budget – and which extra costs and fees to expect? Check out: Shopify POS Costs & Fees at a Glance.

 

Special cases: When extra hardware pays off

Depending on your business model, you may or may not need specific accessories.

 

• A pop-up in downtown Berlin? A tablet and card reader are usually enough. No receipt printer, no scanner. Just quick setup, mobile use, no cables.
• A consultation showroom with complex products? You don’t need a full checkout setup. But a tablet is essential to trigger orders directly, keep customer data at hand, and close sales on-site. A receipt is optional – though usually expected.
• A busy retail store? Then it’s time to upgrade: printer, cash drawer, scanner, tablet stand, maybe even two tablets – one for checkout, one for consultation.

 

What you don’t need – and can save on

Many store managers overspend on unnecessary or oversized hardware. Here are a few classics you can usually skip with Shopify POS:

 

• POS systems with built-in software: You don’t need an all-in-one register with proprietary software. Shopify POS runs entirely on your own device.
• Large terminals or desktop PCs: A tablet + card reader is more mobile, more affordable, and 100% integrated.
• Separate customer displays or receipt screens: Shopify POS shows the checkout directly on the iPad, with an optional swivel stand.

 

The TSE question (Germany only)

If you sell in Germany, you’ve had to comply with the KassenSichV since 2020 – which means every electronic cash register must be equipped with a certified technical security device (TSE). Shopify POS doesn’t come with a built-in TSE, but you can make it compliant via an app. Our recommendation: the OpenFiskal solution – easy to set up via app and technically seamless.

 

Even more convenient: the 'Kassen-Meldefluss' app from OpenFiskal. It not only integrates the TSE but also handles the legally required reporting to the tax authorities.

 

Our tip: plan for TSE from the very beginning – even if you’re not accepting cash today. Requirements can change, and integrating it early saves you from later adjustments and compliance headaches.

 

Stay flexible with the right Shopify POS hardware

You don’t have to invest in expensive full solutions right away. In many cases, a tablet, a card reader, or Tap to Pay plus the POS app is all you need. And: you can start small – and expand your setup as your business grows.

 

If you’d like to know which hardware really makes sense for your business – or how to set up Shopify POS in a TSE-compliant way – we’re here to help. Get your setup checked or book a free consultation today.