When comparing Cloud Retailer vs Helcim, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to retail point-of-sale technology. Cloud Retailer, rated 4.1/5, offers Convenience stores and liquor stores. Meanwhile, Helcim, rated 4.6/5, provides Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: Cloud Retailer vs Helcim
| Feature | Cloud Retailer | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Retail | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | $69/month | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Interchange-plus |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
| Best For | Convenience stores and liquor stores | Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing |
Cloud Retailer Overview
Cloud Retailer is a cloud-based POS system for convenience stores, liquor stores, and small retailers. Features inventory management, age verification, and lottery integration.
Cloud Retailer is offered by Cloud Retailer (founded 2015) based in United States. The system focuses on Convenience Stores, Liquor Stores.
Key Features:
- Cloud POS
- Inventory
- Age Verification
- Lottery Integration
- Tobacco Scan Data
- Reporting
Helcim Overview
Helcim provides interchange-plus payment processing with free POS software and card readers. Known for transparent pricing, no contracts, and volume-based discounts for growing businesses.
Helcim is offered by Helcim Inc. (founded 2006) based in Calgary, Canada. The system focuses on Retail, Service, B2B.
Key Features:
- Free POS Software
- Card Reader
- Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Recurring Billing
- Volume Discounts
Feature Comparison
Cloud Retailer Features:
- Cloud POS
- Inventory
- Age Verification
- Lottery Integration
- Tobacco Scan Data
Helcim Features:
- Free POS Software
- Card Reader
- Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Recurring Billing
When comparing features, Cloud Retailer stands out with C-store expertise, while Helcim differentiates itself with Transparent pricing. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Cloud Retailer | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $69/month | Free POS + interchange + 0.4% + 8¢ |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Interchange-plus |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Budget |
| Free Trial | Available | Available |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
Helcim is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Cloud Retailer
Pros:
- C-store specialization
- Age verification built-in
- Lottery features
- Cloud flexibility
Cons:
- Niche market
- Less known brand
- Limited reviews
Helcim
Pros:
- Transparent interchange-plus pricing
- Free POS and card reader
- No contracts or hidden fees
- Volume discounts
Cons:
- Limited POS features vs competitors
- Processing only – not full POS
- US and Canada only
Who Should Choose Cloud Retailer?
Cloud Retailer is ideal for Convenience stores and liquor stores. The system is particularly well-suited for Convenience Stores, Liquor Stores.
However, Cloud Retailer may not be the best fit for Restaurants or general retail.
Who Should Choose Helcim?
Helcim is ideal for Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, B2B.
However, Helcim may not be the best fit for Restaurants needing comprehensive POS features.
Our Recommendation
Both Cloud Retailer and Helcim are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Cloud Retailer if you’re Convenience stores and liquor stores. Choose Helcim if you’re Cost-conscious businesses wanting transparent pricing. Helcim has a higher user rating (4.6 vs 4.1). Also, choose Helcim if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.