POS machine vs. SoftPos
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POS machine or SoftPos, which solution is best for your store?
Whether you operate a retail store, a café, or a mobile service, the way you accept payments can impact costs, efficiency, and customer experience.
Traditional POS systems have been a reliable payment solution for years, but SoftPos is gaining traction as a flexible and cost-effective alternative.
Understanding the differences between these two options can help businesses select the most suitable solution.
This article compares traditional POS machines like the PAX A920Pro and SoftPos solutions which are based on mobile phones, helping you find the best fit for your needs.
We’ll explore key factors like cost, flexibility, scalability, security, and payment method compatibility, along with how Silkpay’s PAX A920Pro wireless POS terminal offers a versatile option for businesses that need both fixed and mobile payment solutions.
What is a POS machine?
A traditional POS machine offers a hardware-based payment processing system. It typically includes a card reader, touchscreen interface, cash register, and receipt printer.
These systems are often fixed at checkout counters and connected to payment networks for secure transaction processing.
What is a SoftPos?
SoftPos, or Software Point of Sale, is a software-based alternative that allows businesses to accept card payments using only a smartphone or tablet. Unlike traditional POS systems, SoftPos does not require external hardware.
Businesses can simply download the app and use their Android smartphone that supports NFC technology to process card payment.
Comparing the accepted payment methods
Different customer bases prefer different payment methods, so compatibility is crucial.
POS machine:
POS machines typically support magnetic stripe cards, chip cards (IC cards), and some NFC transactions but may lack QR code payment support.
However, at Silkpay, we offer a one-stop PAX A920Pro POS terminal solution that helps merchants accept a full range of payment methods, including cards, QR codes, and contactless payments, catering to both local and international customers.
For businesses targeting a global customer base, a device like PAX A920Pro ensures that customers can pay using their preferred methods, improving transaction success rates.
Our PAX A920Pro POS machine solution helps merchants accept the following payment methods in-store:
Visa
Mastercard
UnionPay card
UnionPay Yunshanfu (QR code payment)
CB
WeChat Pay (QR code payment)
Alipay+ (includes Alipay as well as 16+ Asian e-wallets)
Contactless payments
SoftPos:
By integrating payments via SoftPos with Silkpay, merchants are able to accept card payments using their smartphone.
Comparing the cost of POS machine vs. SoftPos
For many businesses, cost plays a crucial role in choosing a POS system.
POS terminal (PAX A920pro):
POS machines usually require an upfront investment in hardware. In addition to the initial cost, some providers may charge ongoing maintenance, software updates and more. Some businesses may also face additional costs when upgrading features or expanding operations.
At Silkpay, our POS machine PAX A920 Pro is designed to set new benchmarks.
We offer a solution with no hidden fees and minimal costs for merchants. You can invest in growth rather than worry about maintenance and upgrade surprises.
Our terminals are ready-to-use, available for rent for as little as 49€ per month or purchase.
Need a cost-effective POS machine?
SoftPos:
Since SoftPos runs on existing mobile devices, there are fewer upfront expenses. There is no need to purchase separate card readers or dedicated terminals.
Merchants only need to pay the payment provider fees such as account opening, commission fees and subscription if there are.
For accepting the basic must-have payment methods such as Visa Mastercard or UnionPay. This option is more budget-friendly.
Both solutions come with some costs. Thus, merchants can choose depending on their business needs such as the payment methods needed.
Our advice:
Starting out with a limited clientele or running a very small business? A SoftPos solution is the ideal, cost-effective way and a budget-friendly choice to get you started.
However, if you’re running a store (or multiple locations) and need to process higher volumes of transactions, the PAX A920Pro is the smart investment. With our solution, you will get access to every payment method you need and an exceptional performance, at an unbeatable cost. This wireless all-in-one POS machine is designed to keep your business running smoothly, no matter the demand.
Flexibility and mobility
Businesses that require mobility in their payment processing need a system that can adapt to different environments.
POS machine:
They are usually installed in a fixed location, such as a checkout counter. This setup works well for businesses with a dedicated cashier area but may not be suitable for those needing on-the-go payment options.
SoftPos:
SoftPos also offers a convenient mobility, allowing businesses to accept payments anywhere using a smartphone. This is particularly useful for service providers, delivery businesses, pop-up stores, and mobile vendors who operate in different locations.
Scalability for growing businesses
As businesses expand, they may need additional POS terminals to accommodate growth.
POS machine:
A POS terminal is the ideal solution for scaling due to its high performance and ability to support more than 20 payment methods in one device through our solution.
Expanding a traditional setup involves adding extra hardware and integrating new terminals, which requires some investment but ensures that you serve your customers in the best way for growing businesses.
SoftPos:
SoftPos provides a lightweight, flexible alternative for businesses that want a quick and cost-effective way to accept payments. With Silkpay, SoftPos currently supports card payments, making it an excellent choice for small businesses, startups, or as a complementary tool alongside other payment solutions.
It is not designed for scaling but can be a flexible and cost-effective way to accept payments without additional hardware.
Scalability depends on a business’s needs. Companies with multiple fixed locations will benefit from a POS system, while smaller businesses looking for an easy, low-cost entry into digital payments may find SoftPos useful.
Silkpay offers flexible rental and purchase PAX A920Pro POS terminal plans, allowing businesses to tailor their POS setup accordingly.
Security in payment processing
Security is a key factor when handling financial transactions, as businesses must protect sensitive customer data and prevent fraud.
Both our PAX A920 Pro and SoftPos prioritize security, and businesses should ensure that whichever system they choose meets industry compliance standards.
POS terminal:
Their systems are designed with security in mind, featuring encryption, compliance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), and other protective measures.
SoftPos:
SoftPos solutions also implement security measures such as encryption and tokenization. They comply with PCI DSS standards, ensuring secure transactions. Additionally, SoftPos systems receive automatic updates, reducing the need for manual security management.
Which POS system is right for your business?
Different businesses have different payment needs. Below is a general recommendation based on various business types:
| Business Type | POS Solution | Reason |
| Fixed-location stores with high traffic (supermarkets, retail shops) | PAX A920 Pro | Business requires a stable checkout system that supports multiple payment methods. |
| Cafés and restaurants | PAX A920 Pro or SoftPos |
Both options work for counter payments and table-side payments. |
| Small businesses and startups | SoftPos | Low-cost and easy to manage. |
| Mobile businesses (delivery, home services) | PAX A920 Pro or SoftPos |
Portable and convenient for on-the-go payments. |
| Seasonal or temporary businesses (trade shows, pop-up shops) | PAX A920 Pro rental or SoftPos |
Fast deployment makes it ideal for short-term operations. |
| Multi-location chain stores | PAX A920 Pro | Business requires high-performance, reliable payment processing with multiple payment methods support. |
For businesses looking for a flexible payment solution, Silkpay’s PAX A920Pro wireless POS terminal combines the security of traditional POS with the convenience of SoftPos. It can handle fixed and mobile payments, ensuring a smooth checkout experience in any scenario. Additionally, Silkpay offers rental and purchase options, allowing businesses to scale their POS systems based on their needs.
Conclusion:
Traditional POS systems work well for fixed locations and high transaction volumes, while SoftPos is ideal for businesses needing flexible, mobile payments.
For businesses seeking a balanced solution that provides both stability and mobility, Silkpay’s PAX A920Pro wireless POS terminal is a strong choice. It supports multiple payment methods, automatic updates, and scalable expansion, making it a versatile payment processing tool.
Whether you choose traditional POS, SoftPos, or a hybrid solution, the key is selecting a payment system that enhances business operations, improves efficiency, and provides a smooth and convenient experience for customers.
About the author: Silkpay
Based in Paris, Silkpay provides omnichannel and secure payment solutions to help physical stores and e-commerce in Europe and the Americas accept more than 30 of the world's most popular payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, CB, UnionPay, Alipay+, WeChat Pay as well as Asia-Pacific’s major e-wallets.
Silkpay is a winner of the LVMH Innovation Award. The company was also selected as a finalist for the "Money 20/20" Best Startup and in the "MPE Berlin” Startup Awards. Silkpay also won the "Best Fintech" awards from Capgemini and BPCE.
Silkpay helps merchants deliver the smoothest payment experience to their customers. We are a talented and international team driven by a single goal: to improve the customer experience and make payments simple and secure.