Open Source Point of Sale vs Shopify

Open Source Point of Sale is a web-based sales and inventory system written in PHP, with MySQL or MariaDB for its data store. It handles stock for items and kits, supports multiple locations, and includes a register that logs transactions, quotations, invoicing, and VAT, GST, customer, and multi-tier taxes. Other operating tools cover expenses, cash up, receivings, gift cards, rewards, and restaurant tables. Users can print or email receipts, invoices, and quotations, and create and print barcodes. Multiple users can have permissions, with reports for sales, orders, expenses, and inventory status. Listed integrations include MailChimp and SMS messaging. The project supports different installation methods and lists PHP 8.2 to 8.4, MySQL 5.7 or MariaDB 10.x, and Apache 2.4 as server requirements. The software is free at free. It uses MIT terms with a requirement to keep its visible footer signature on every page. Security patches cover versions 3.4.2 and later.

Shopify is a hosted commerce platform for businesses selling across online and other sales channels. Businesses can run it from the web or mobile without coding, manage inventory across 10 locations, and use tools for order synchronization, sales reporting, automation, and employee permissions. It supports digital products and abandoned-cart recovery. The Shopify App Store lists more than 21,000 commerce apps.

Plans include secure commerce hosting and unlimited bandwidth, plus a free TLS/SSL certificate for domains added to Shopify. Shopify is certified Level 1 PCI DSS compliant. Support varies by plan and includes 24/7 live chat, enhanced live chat, or priority support. There is no free plan, but the free trial lasts three days and requires no credit card. Paid plans start at ₹1,499 per month when paid yearly; after the trial, most plans start at ₹20 per month for the first three months. Third-party transaction fees may apply, with rates depending on the plan.