Hike POS vs. the Rest: Where It Shines and Where It Falls Short

A POS system that doesn’t match your retail store is like squeezing into a pair of shoes two sizes too small. Instead of helping you move smoothly, it turns every step into a struggle. This said, picking the right POS solution means giving your business the freedom to run and grow without friction.

For many businesses in Australia and overseas, Hike is a trusted name. It’s a setup where smart software meets reliable Hike hardware to make retail life easier. However, like any system, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s go through some of them.

Highs

Available Anytime 

Many POS providers offer customer support. However, Hike’s terrific support team is ready to answer all your questions even off-hours. Sometimes an issue like a system login failure or payment gateway error may pop up when your regular team or tech support isn’t available. 

Thankfully, Hike’s team is just a message away. This round-the-clock support is available via live chat and email. You can reach out anytime and get a quick response that helps you resolve issues on the spot. 

Affordable 

Next, Hike POS is budget-friendly without cutting corners. With no setup fees, affordable monthly plans, and all-in-one Hike hardware bundles, you get everything you need without overspending. The hardware bundles in particular include all the essential devices like a receipt printer, barcode scanner, cash drawer, and iPad stand, so you don’t have to buy them individually.

For instance, a typical hardware package may cost around $1,169, while purchasing these items separately could easily add up to $1,200–$1,500. 

On top of that, as your store expands, Hike grows with you as well, but without stretching your budget. With affordable add-ons and flexible multi-store options, you can scale your business while keeping costs low and operations running smoothly.

Works Offline

Downtime is every retailer’s nightmare because most cloud POS systems freeze when the Wi-Fi drops. Every minute offline is a lost sale, but not with Hike. Even if your internet connection goes down, this flexible checkout system keeps your business moving. Sales, payments, and inventory updates continue to function offline, and once your connection is restored, all data syncs automatically to the cloud.

Pop-up shops at markets, food trucks, remote tourist stores, farmers’ market stalls, event merchandise stands, and seasonal or mobile boutiques can all keep selling, even when the internet goes down. 

As Easy as It Gets

Some POS systems give you headaches from the beginning. Long setups, tricky hardware, and limited support can be frustrating. However, getting started with Hike is straightforward and hassle-free.

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, this POS solution has tons of how-to articles and videos on how to do it yourself. Plus, as already mentioned, their live chat support team is available 24/7.  

For those seeking a quicker setup, Hike offers on-boarding service that walks you through the setup step by step. Whether you like doing it yourself or having a helping hand, you can have your system ready in no time.

Lows

Like all things good, Hike has a few limitations to keep in mind before committing or making the switch.

Till Licenses Limited per Plan

For instance,  Hike POS plans come with a limited number of till licenses per plan. Each plan includes a set number of tills. Although you can scale your business easily and without breaking the bank, it’s good to know this limitation upfront so you can plan expansions smoothly.

If you plan to add more registers than your plan includes, you’ll need to buy extra licenses for each new register you want to operate. In general, the cost for additional till licenses is around $39 per month, depending on your plan.

Limitations with Traditional Card Terminals

Next, Hike POS may not be the most suitable for businesses that prefer or require traditional, standalone card terminals. That’s because it’s built around modern, portable, and flexible setups that use mobile devices, like tablets, smartphones, or portable POS terminals. This means it works seamlessly with mobile readers like Zettle and Square, but may not be compatible with all traditional, standalone card terminals.

Retail stores used to fixed in-store setups might find this a bit limiting. In this instance, it’s best to explore POS systems that support traditional card terminals or consider pairing Hike with compatible mobile readers to keep things up and running.

Basic Analytics 

Need to know more about your numbers? While Hike POS provides solid basics, if you need detailed, customisable reports or deep-dive analytics, you might need to look beyond this system and opt for a more feature-rich option.