Craft retail is custom, creative, and constantly changing. You’re juggling one-of-a-kind pieces, custom orders, in-store classes, and supplies sold by the inch (or yard). And sometimes, all of that happens in a single transaction.
With thousands of stock-keeping units (SKUs) moving between shelves and online carts, trying to stay organized without the right system can quickly spiral into chaos.
Using a craft store point of sale (POS) system isn’t just a tech upgrade — it’s an essential tool for any creative business. The right POS software handles the quirks of your operation: fabric sold by the yard, class sign-ups, and real-time inventory syncing after an online order.
In this blog, we’ll cover the must-have features of a craft store POS system and the top three providers that understand how creative businesses work.
Have you ever had a customer ask for that bestselling fabric — only to realize you’re out of stock? In a craft store, even minor inventory mishaps can lead to missed sales and frustrated customers.
You need tools that track every spool, bead, and brush set, so you can stay focused on creating.
Look for a POS system with inventory features that help you do the following:
Track stock levels in real time: Keep tabs on what’s selling and running low, so you never miss a sale or overstock a slow mover.
Manage product variants: Track different sizes, colors, materials, and brands, so you know exactly what “blue yarn” really means — navy, teal, or sky.
Set automatic reorder points: Flag items to restock before they run out, so your most popular supplies are always ready when customers need them.
Smarter inventory tools mean smoother checkouts, fewer missed sales, and total confidence in what’s actually in stock — out front and in the back room.
If you want to grow your craft business, your intuition will only get you so far. At some point, you’ve got to know what’s selling, when, and who’s buying it.
Using a craft store POS system with built-in analytics and reporting gives you a clear view of your shop’s performance. This allows you to make data-backed decisions instead of acting on hunches.
With detailed sales reports, you can:
Your POS system helps you spot trends, pivot faster, and invest in the products and marketing strategies that drive growth.
With online orders and walk-ins, things can get chaotic — especially if your systems aren’t talking to each other. Overlapping inventory, outdated prices, and mismatched listings can frustrate customers and cost you sales.
Cloud-based POS systems connect your website and physical store, providing live inventory updates. Whether a customer buys a starter sewing kit online, picks it up in store, or browses your new arrivals from the couch, the experience should feel easy and familiar.
Integrated omnichannel setups make it easier for you to stay organized and for customers to shop when (and how) they want.
The last thing you want is to lose a sale because you don’t accept someone’s preferred payment method. From teens picking up DIY kits to an older crochet group stocking up on yarn, your customers have different payment styles — which means your checkout needs to keep up.
Your craft store’s POS software should accept credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), and gift cards. The easier you make checkout, the more likely customers are to say “yes,” especially at pop-up shops or for those tempting impulse buys at the checkout.
And don’t forget about security. Today’s shoppers expect it. Using a modern POS with built-in fraud prevention protects your customers’ data and your store’s reputation.
Classes, workshops, and events aren’t just fun — they’re serious money-makers for craft retailers. But if you’re still managing sign-ups with a clipboard or a messy email chain, you’re setting yourself up for no-shows and lost revenue.
The right POS system makes it easy. Look for one that lets you post events, accept online registrations, and track attendance, all from one place — no more manual juggling or chasing down RSVPs.
Modern systems automatically send confirmation emails and text reminders, helping reduce missed classes, last-minute chaos, and empty seats. A smoother system also results in happier customers and fuller workshops.
Now that you know what features matter, it’s time to find a POS that delivers. The following three POS providers offer the tools, flexibility, and craft-focused features to help you turn busy days into simpler day-to-day operations and stronger sales.
Rain POS is built specifically for craft retailers, including fabric stores, quilting shops, art supply stores, and boutiques. It’s an all-in-one system that connects inventory, events, and online sales while keeping your workflow simple and efficient.
Key features:
Rain POS is user-friendly, intuitive, and purpose-built for craft retailers. It offers a comprehensive solution to manage inventory, increase sales, and boost customer engagement — all tailored to the unique needs of creative businesses.
Reviews:
“If I was to recommend Rain to somebody, I would tell them how everything is integrated and about the ease of use. Since we started to use Rain, customers are able to see our inventory online. We had an increase in our customers coming in to try things on!” — Travis Cottam, Adventure Plus Partner
“Our year-over-year sales increased by 35% after switching to Rain. The standard point of sale system that many other retailers in the industry use, we found, was simply too difficult and outdated.” — Jeremy Chapman, Owner of The Acoustic Shoppe
KORONA POS gives craft and hobby stores real-time inventory access and flexible tools for running promos and discounts that keep customers returning to your store. Its cloud-based system lets you manage your shop from anywhere — whether behind the counter or on the go.
Key features:
Its intuitive design and full feature suite make it a reliable, scalable craft store POS system for owners who want a system that grows with their business.
Reviews:
“The best thing about KORONA is that it gives us the backend to track everything, including our time tracking and reports day-to-day, week-to-week, and month-to-month. So it gives us all the information we need to be successful.” — Natalie, vomFASS Huntington Beach
“I can call multiple times a day and talk to the same person or call multiple times a day and talk to multiple people. But everybody knows exactly what’s going and who I am and what the account setup is like. So it’s been absolutely impressive.” — Kristen, Pine and Peoria
RetailEdge is a craft store POS system built to grow with you. It offers a feature-rich platform that adapts to your business’ evolving needs.
Key features:
With this platform, you can add users, locations, and registers as your store expands without switching to a new system.
Reviews:
“I like that this software is relatively inexpensive for the robust features that are provided. The customer support has been fantastic, and once the system is in place it is simple to add additional workstations as my business grows.” — Lloyd S.
“Works well with multiple locations. Without a multi-store operation, there would be no way to keep track of inventory or sales at all locations” — Ken C.
Generic POS systems help you ring up sales and stay organized — but a purpose-built craft store POS system tracks sales trends, schedules classes, and supports loyalty programs that bring customers back.
All three options offer valuable tools, but Rain POS stands out with a full suite built for craft retailers. From e-commerce and sales tracking to class sign-ups and marketing, it combines everything in one system.
Want to spend less time managing your behind-the-scenes workflow? Book a demo with Rain POS to see how our all-in-one solution can simplify every part of your shop.