The success of any retail business often hinges on its ability to seamlessly process payments. In this review, we explore Nobly POS (Point of Sale), a cloud-based solution designed to streamline transactions for retail businesses. We’ll delve into its features, pricing, and potential advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your business.
Overview of Nobly POS – what’s on offer?
Established in 2013, Nobly POS was created to serve the unique needs of small to medium-sized businesses in the retail, hospitality, and service sectors. Boasting a wide array of features including inventory management, customer loyalty programmes, sales analytics, and employee management, Nobly POS aims to be a comprehensive solution for all your business needs.
Key to Nobly POS’s appeal is its accessibility. As a cloud-based system, it offers the flexibility for business owners to access their data anywhere, anytime, making it an attractive option for businesses that operate in multiple locations or want to have on-the-go access to their operations. In addition, the system is compatible with a variety of hardware, including iPads, making setup straightforward and cost-effective for businesses that already use these devices.
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One standout feature is the system’s focus on data analytics. Nobly POS provides a broad range of customisable reports, from sales summaries to employee performance analyses, helping business owners make informed decisions. Moreover, it’s designed to integrate smoothly with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero, facilitating financial tracking and reporting.
Lastly, Nobly POS provides a robust customer support service. Businesses can access phone and email support, online tutorials, and a detailed FAQ section, aiming to provide help whenever it’s needed.
Pros and cons of Nobly POS
Pros:
- Easy setup: Nobly POS is designed for quick and easy setup. Users report that the interface is intuitive and user-friendly, which minimises the learning curve for staff.
- Comprehensive feature set: Nobly POS offers a wide range of features, including inventory management, customer loyalty tools, staff management, and in-depth analytics, all designed to streamline your business operations.
- Cloud-based access: Being cloud-based allows for real-time data access from anywhere, making it ideal for businesses with multiple locations or managers on the move.
- Hardware compatibility: It works seamlessly with iPad, minimising the need for additional hardware investment.
- Integration with popular accounting software: The POS system integrates easily with QuickBooks and Xero, simplifying financial management for businesses.
Cons:
- Internet-dependent: As a cloud-based system, Nobly POS relies on a stable internet connection. This could be problematic in locations with unreliable internet access.
- Limited hardware compatibility: While the iPad compatibility is a boon for many businesses, those who don’t use iPads or prefer a different system might find this limiting.
- Subscription-based pricing: The pricing model could be a con for some businesses. Although it ensures you always have the latest features and updates, it means ongoing monthly costs.
Nobly POS products and services guide
Nobly POS offers a range of products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of retail and hospitality businesses.
Point of Sale
Nobly POS’s primary offering is its POS system. This allows for payment processing, inventory management, employee tracking, and customer loyalty programme management. The system can also generate a range of reports to help businesses understand their performance.
Hardware
In addition to its software, Nobly POS also offers a range of hardware compatible with its system. This includes iPads, cash drawers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners.
Add-ons
Nobly POS has a selection of add-on services that businesses can choose from to tailor the system to their specific needs. These include advanced inventory management, tableside ordering for restaurants, and a time clock for managing employee hours.
Integrations
The system integrates with a range of popular third-party applications, including accounting software (QuickBooks and Xero), payment processing (iZettle and SumUp), and employee scheduling (Deputy).
Nobly POS pricing, fees and charges explained
Nobly POS operates a subscription-based pricing model. Their standard package, which covers the essential POS features, comes at a monthly cost of £39 per register. For businesses with more complex needs, there are additional packages which cost more, but come with more advanced features.
Beyond the monthly subscription, there are costs associated with hardware. While the system is compatible with iPads, businesses may need to invest in barcode scanners, cash drawers, or receipt printers if they don’t already have these.
Importantly, Nobly POS does not charge transaction fees. Instead, payment processing fees are handled by the third-party payment processor that the business chooses to integrate with, such as iZettle or SumUp.
Alternatives to Nobly POS
While Nobly POS offers a range of useful features, it’s important to consider other options in the market.
Square: Square is another well-known POS provider that offers a free software package, with transaction fees instead of monthly costs. They also provide their own branded hardware, which could be an attractive option for businesses starting from scratch.
Shopify: For businesses with a significant online presence, Shopify’s POS system could be a more suitable option. It offers seamless integration with its eCommerce platform, enabling a smooth omnichannel experience for customers.
Epos Now: Epos Now is a UK-based provider that offers comprehensive features similar to Nobly POS but with wider hardware compatibility. This could be a more flexible option for businesses not tied to the iPad ecosystem.
Conclusion – Is Nobly POS a good choice?
In conclusion, Nobly POS presents a robust and comprehensive payment processing solution, especially suited to small to medium-sized businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors. Its user-friendly setup, extensive features, and cloud-based access offer significant advantages. However, the requirement for an internet connection and limited hardware compatibility could be drawbacks for some.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your business’s specific needs and circumstances. Before committing, it’s advisable to avail of Nobly POS’s free trial to see if it aligns well with your business operations.
FAQ – Nobly POS review
Yes, Nobly POS does have an offline mode for processing sales. However, you need an internet connection to access reports and other back-office features.
Yes, as long as it’s compatible. Nobly POS is designed to work with iPads and a range of printers, scanners, and cash drawers.
Yes, Nobly POS offers a free trial so businesses can test the system before committing.
Nobly POS integrates with third-party payment processors like iZettle and SumUp. These processors handle the actual payment transactions and set their own transaction fees.
Yes, Nobly POS offers phone and email support, as well as online tutorials and a detailed FAQ section on their website.
Yes, Nobly POS can be integrated with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero.
Absolutely. With cloud-based access, Nobly POS allows you to manage multiple locations from anywhere.
Yes, Nobly POS has built-in features for managing customer loyalty programmes.
Yes, Nobly POS caters to the hospitality sector and offers features such as tableside ordering which can be very useful for restaurants.
Yes, the system includes features for staff management, including the ability to track employee hours and performance.
The primary hardware requirement for Nobly POS is an iPad. However, depending on your business needs, you may also require a barcode scanner, a receipt printer, and a cash drawer.
Nobly POS can still process sales in offline mode. However, an internet connection is required to access reports and other back-office features.
Nobly POS offers a variety of support options including phone and email support, online tutorials, and a detailed FAQ section.
While Nobly POS does offer hardware for sale, the system is also compatible with a range of third-party devices.
Yes, Nobly POS provides features for tracking inventory and generating reports, helping you stay on top of your stock levels.
Nobly POS has a user-friendly interface and offers a variety of resources to help you learn the system, including online tutorials.
There are no additional fees from Nobly POS beyond the subscription cost. However, payment processing fees are handled by the third-party payment processor that you choose to integrate with.
Once you’ve signed up and received any necessary hardware, the setup for Nobly POS is quite straightforward and you should be able to start using the system relatively quickly.
Yes, Nobly POS offers a selection of add-ons that businesses can choose from to meet their specific needs, such as advanced inventory management and tableside ordering for restaurants.
Yes, Nobly POS has features that allow businesses to process refunds and handle returns, helping to ensure a smooth customer experience.