New Shopify POS Setup and Process

 

~ 8 mins read

🎯 How I Successfully Set Up My First Shopify POS on Desknest — 7 Key Steps & Lessons Learned

Summary: 5 min read

I recently set up my first Shopify Point of Sale (POS) system for my website, Desknest.com, to streamline both online and offline sales. In this post, I walk you through each step I took—from signing up for Shopify to configuring payments and connecting my POS to my store. I’ll also share the benefits I’ve experienced, the hiccups I ran into, and what I learned along the way. If you’re thinking about adding Shopify POS to your store, this guide is for you!

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Introduction: Why Shopify POS Made Sense for Desknest

Running a store like Desknest, which blends e-commerce with lifestyle and workspace design, meant I needed a tool that handled both online and in-person transactions. Shopify POS was a natural choice. It promised to unify sales, simplify inventory, and give me control of the business—no matter where I was selling.

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Why We Chose Shopify POS

There were three main reasons I went with Shopify POS:

• Seamless integration with my Shopify website

• Real-time inventory management between physical and digital sales

• All-in-one dashboard for sales, products, and customers

It felt like a no-brainer after comparing it with Square and Lightspeed, especially because I was already using Shopify.

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Step 1: Creating a Shopify Account

If you’re brand new to Shopify, step one is setting up your account.

• Go to Shopify and start a free trial

• Choose a plan (I picked the Basic plan)

• Add your store name—mine was already up as Desknest.com
  

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Step 2: Installing the Shopify POS App

The Shopify POS app is what turns your tablet or phone into a point-of-sale terminal.

• I downloaded the Shopify POS app on an iPad

• Logged in with my store credentials

• Selected Desknest as the active store
  

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Step 3: Connecting Desknest to POS

The real magic started when I linked Desknest to the POS system.

• I ensured the product catalog was synced

• POS locations were created under “Settings > Locations”

• I connected my hardware devices (receipt printer, barcode scanner)

This step can take a bit of tinkering if you're using third-party themes or custom setups.

  

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Step 4: Configuring POS Settings

This part includes:

• Assigning staff members and setting PINs

• Configuring taxes and currency

• Setting up shipping and pickup options

Make sure you test permissions—some actions require admin-level access.

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Step 5: Adding Products and Syncing Inventory

All my Desknest product listings automatically synced with Shopify POS.

• I checked for missing variants (sizes, colors)

• Adjusted stock levels in bulk

• Created barcodes for quick checkout

This made tracking and selling super efficient.

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Step 6: Setting Up Payments

Shopify Payments is built-in, so I activated that first.

• Connected my business bank account

• Paired a card reader (WisePad 3)

• Enabled tipping and tax calculation features

Payment setup was easier than expected, but I suggest testing with a small transaction first.

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Step 7: Launching the POS System

Before going live, I ran a few practice transactions. I also:

• Trained a team member using Shopify’s built-in training mode

• Printed test receipts

• Did a live test sale at a pop-up event

And voila! Desknest’s POS system was live.

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Common Issues & Fixes

No setup is perfect. Here are a few issues I faced:

Issues	Fixe
App not syncing with Desknest	Restart POS app, refresh products manually
Card reader not pairing	Ensure Bluetooth is on, restart device, use Shopify reader
Inventory not updating in real time	Check for duplicate SKUs or unpublished products
Sales location mismatch	Double-check address under Shopify “Locations” settings

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Pro Tips for a Smooth Shopify POS Experience

• Update the POS App Regularly: Avoid bugs and ensure latest features

• Train your staff: Shopify POS offers an intuitive layout, but practice helps

• Keep backups: Download reports weekly just in case

• Use tags: Tag products to make them searchable in-person

• Add a battery pack if you’re selling at events—trust me!

FAQs

• What is Shopify POS?

Shopify POS is a point-of-sale app that lets you sell products in person using your Shopify store.

• Do I need special hardware to use Shopify POS?

Yes, you’ll need a card reader and possibly a receipt printer, barcode scanner, or cash drawer.

• Can I use Shopify POS on any device?

You can use it on iPads, iPhones, and some Android devices. Tablets are ideal.

• Does Shopify POS work offline?

Yes, some functions still work offline and sync when internet is restored.

• Is Shopify POS free?

It’s included in your Shopify plan, but advanced features may require a Pro plan or paid hardware.

• Can I customize receipts and discounts?

Absolutely! You can tailor receipts, discounts, taxes, and more directly in POS settings.

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Conclusion: Shopify POS Was a Game Changer for Desknest

Setting up Shopify POS on Desknest wasn’t just a tech upgrade—it was a full transformation of how I run my business. It gave me better control, deeper insights, and a smoother customer experience. If you’re considering it for your store, take the leap. You’ll thank yourself later.