Cova POS is a specialized point-of-sale system designed exclusively for cannabis dispensaries. With strict compliance requirements in the cannabis industry, Cova provides the tools dispensaries need to stay legal while maximizing sales.
Cova POS Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | Custom (contact for quote) |
| Best For | Cannabis Dispensaries |
| Compliance | Metrc, BioTrack, Leaf Data integrated |
| Hardware | iPad-based with scanners |
| Our Rating | 4.6/5 |
Key Features for Dispensaries
- Compliance Integration: Auto-sync with Metrc, BioTrack, Leaf Data Systems
- ID Verification: Built-in age verification and customer limits
- Inventory Tracking: Seed-to-sale tracking with batch management
- Purchase Limits: Automatic enforcement of state purchase limits
- Menu Management: Real-time inventory updates to online menus
- Loyalty Programs: Points-based rewards for repeat customers
- Reporting: Compliance reports, sales analytics, and inventory reports
Why Dispensaries Choose Cova
Cannabis retail is heavily regulated. Using a general POS system puts you at risk of compliance violations. Cova was built from the ground up for cannabis, meaning:
- Automatic compliance with state regulations
- Real-time sync with state tracking systems
- Built-in purchase limit enforcement
- Age verification at every transaction
- Audit-ready reporting
Cova vs Other Cannabis POS Systems
| Feature | Cova | Dutchie | Treez |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good | Good |
| E-commerce | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Support | Excellent | Good | Good |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Purpose-built for cannabis
- Excellent compliance features
- Easy to use interface
- Strong customer support
- Integrates with major tracking systems
Cons
- Pricing not transparent
- Cannabis-only (no other industries)
- E-commerce not as strong as Dutchie
- Requires sales consultation
Our Verdict: 4.6/5
Cova is one of the best cannabis dispensary POS systems available. Its compliance-first approach gives dispensary owners peace of mind, while the intuitive interface keeps lines moving. Highly recommended for any licensed dispensary.
Quick Facts: General POS
Expert Tips for Choosing a POS System
Start with a Free Trial
Never commit to a POS system without testing it first. Most reputable providers offer 14-30 day free trials. Use this time to run real transactions, train your staff, and identify any workflow issues before signing a contract.
Calculate Total Cost of Ownership
The monthly software fee is just the beginning. Factor in hardware costs, payment processing fees, add-on modules, support tiers, and potential early termination fees. A "$0/month" system might cost more than a $100/month system when you add everything up.
New to POS Systems?
Start with our quick guide for business owners
Get StartedPrioritize Integration Capabilities
Your POS should connect with your accounting software, e-commerce platform, delivery apps, and loyalty program. Poor integrations lead to manual data entry, errors, and wasted time. Ask vendors about their API and native integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cash register simply records sales and stores money. A POS (Point of Sale) system is a comprehensive business management tool that processes payments, tracks inventory, manages employees, generates reports, and integrates with other business software. Modern POS systems provide data-driven insights that help you make better business decisions.
POS costs vary widely. Software ranges from $0-$200+ per month. Hardware costs $500-$2,000 for a basic setup. Payment processing fees are typically 2.3%-2.9% plus $0.10-$0.30 per transaction. Consider the total cost of ownership over 3 years, including add-ons and upgrades.
Some POS systems are processor-agnostic, allowing you to choose your payment processor. Others require you to use their integrated processing. Locked-in processing can be convenient but may limit your ability to negotiate rates. Always ask about processing flexibility before committing.
Data portability varies by provider. Most systems allow you to export sales history, customer data, and inventory lists. However, the format may not be directly importable to a new system. Always ask about data export options and consider this when choosing a POS.