pros
- Easy to set up
- Competitive fees
- Seamless integration with GoDaddy eCommerce
cons
- Not ideal for enterprise-level
- Limited support for fine dining/restaurants with reservations
Is GoDaddy Worth It?
GoDaddy's POS system offers a comprehensive solution for businesses with the Smart Terminal for counter sales and the portable Smart Terminal Flex for on-the-go transactions. It is easy to setup with no contracts. You'll benefit from low transaction fees, next-day transfers, customizable catalogs, and real-time device syncing. The user-friendly interface with product images also streamlines the checkout process and supports in-store and online sales.
GoDaddy at a Glance
What Is GoDaddy?
GoDaddy's Point of Sale (POS) system is a comprehensive solution for small and medium-sized businesses looking to streamline their sales and inventory management. Built by the well-known web hosting company, this POS system integrates in-store and online sales channels, making it ideal for retail shops, cafes, and service-based businesses.
At its core, GoDaddy's POS offers real-time inventory tracking, sales processing, and performance analytics all in one platform. You can ring up sales using its sleek Smart Terminal or mobile app, accept various payment methods, including contactless options, and automatically update your stock levels across all channels. This integration eliminates the headache of manual inventory reconciliation and reduces the risk of overselling.
GoDaddy's POS for small businesses also provides valuable business insights through its web dashboard and mobile app. You can analyze sales trends, track best-selling items, and manage employee access rights from anywhere.
GoDaddy Features
Inventory Management
GoDaddy's POS system offers robust inventory management capabilities, allowing you to track your stock across all sales channels in real-time. You can set up low-stock alerts, manage product variants, and easily update your catalog using bulk actions. With the Point of Sale Plus plan, you get inventory stock alerts directly on your POS device, ensuring you never miss a sale due to out-of-stock items.
eCommerce
GoDaddy's POS system seamlessly integrates with your online sales channels like WooCommerce, providing a unified platform for managing in-store and online transactions. The Point of Sale Plus plan allows for online ordering with in-store pickup, syncing orders, and inventory across all sales points.
Employee Management
The POS system includes features for effective employee management. You can set up customizable roles and permissions, controlling access to sensitive business information and POS functions. The Point of Sale Plus plan enhances this feature, allowing you to manage more advanced roles and permissions to suit your business needs.
Payments
GoDaddy's POS accepts a wide range of payment methods, including major credit and debit cards and contactless options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The system offers competitive transaction fees, with rates as low as 2.3% + 0¢ per in-person transaction for users on the Point of Sale Plus plan, which makes it a standout option as a POS for restaurants.
All transactions are securely processed with end-to-end encryption and PCI compliance. The Smart Terminal and Smart Terminal Flex allow various payment types, including tap, chip, and magstripe.
Hardware Options
GoDaddy offers two main POS hardware options: the dual-screen Smart Terminal ($399, originally $499) for countertop use and the compact Smart Terminal Flex ($275, originally $299) for mobile sales. Both come with free two-day shipping and a buy now, pay later option through Klarna. The hardware is purchased outright, not leased.
Reporting
GoDaddy's POS system offers comprehensive reporting and analytics tools to help you make informed business decisions. You can access real-time insights into your sales, orders, inventory, and payments through the web dashboard or mobile app. The system provides visual dashboards and detailed reports, allowing you to track business performance, analyze sales trends, and identify your best-selling products.
Setup and Compatibility
Setting up the GoDaddy POS system is designed to be straightforward, with no extra software to install. The Smart Terminal has a charging dock that connects to accessories like kitchen printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners. The Smart Terminal Flex can connect to printers and cash drawers via Bluetooth or WiFi.
AI-Powered Assistance
GoDaddy's POS system also includes Airo, an AI-powered assistant designed to streamline your business operations. You can leverage Airo's capabilities to set up and manage your product catalog effortlessly, using voice commands or simple uploads to update items and prices.
The assistant provides quick access to valuable business insights, from sales data to financial trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Whether you prefer voice or chat, Airo adapts to your communication style, helping you tackle tasks efficiently as they arise.
App Integrations
GoDaddy's Smart Terminal offers a diverse ecosystem of apps through its App Center, allowing businesses to customize their POS experience. With 35+ vertical-specific apps available, merchants can extend their device's capabilities to address industry-specific needs.
For example, restaurants can streamline operations with apps like Kitchen Display for order management, while salons can optimize bookings with the Salon Scheduler app. The App Center also includes broadly applicable tools such as DAVO Sales Tax for automated tax management and various customer loyalty programs.
GoDaddy Hardware
GoDaddy's proprietary POS hardware caters to your diverse business needs. The flagship Smart Terminal offers a dual-screen setup with a customer-facing display and merchant interface, featuring a built-in receipt printer, barcode scanner, and NFC reader.
The Smart Terminal Flex provides similar functionality for on-the-go businesses in a compact, single-screen format. Both devices boast high-resolution touchscreens and run on a custom operating system optimized for GoDaddy's POS software.
If you only need basic payment processing, the standalone Card Reader accepts chip, swipe, and contactless payments. All hardware options are built to last, with scratch-resistant screens and durable construction for daily commercial use.
Is GoDaddy Safe and Reliable?
GoDaddy's POS system can handle high-volume transactions, making it suitable for busy environments. Its cloud-based infrastructure allows for smooth operation during peak traffic periods, ensuring reliable performance when you need it most.
The system employs industry-standard security measures to protect payment information and sensitive data stored in the software. This includes end-to-end transaction encryption and compliance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) requirements.
How GoDaddy Works
GoDaddy's POS system operates as an integrated solution for in-store and online sales, centered around two main hardware options: the Smart Terminal for counter-based transactions and the Smart Terminal Flex for mobile sales. These devices connect seamlessly with GoDaddy's cloud-based software, allowing you to manage your business from anywhere.
The system streamlines your operations by offering a user-friendly interface with customizable product catalogs, real-time inventory management, and detailed analytics. You can process transactions quickly, with funds typically transferred to your account by the next business day. The POS software syncs data across your in-store device, web-based dashboard, and mobile app, ensuring you have up-to-date information at all times.
How to Get Started With GoDaddy
How to Set up GoDaddy Payments:
Go to GoDaddy.com and sign up
Verify your email address
Start the setup process
Log into your GoDaddy dashboard
Click "Setup GoDaddy Payments" or "Set up Payouts"
Provide your information
Business owner details: Full name, contact information, and Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Business profile: Address, Business Number (BN) if annual sales exceed $30,000, or Employer Identification Number (EIN) for US business dealings
Verify your identity: Follow prompts to verify via text or government ID
Connect your bank account: Enter your bank details to receive payments
Choose your payment methods: Select from Online Pay Links, Virtual Terminal, or POS hardware
Set up POS hardware (if applicable)
Connect your Poynt Smart Terminal or Card Reader
Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your device
Download the GoDaddy Mobile App for mobile payments
Configure your settings
Set tax rates and shipping options
Customize customer notifications
Begin accepting payments
Start using your chosen payment methods
Monitor transactions in your GoDaddy dashboard
Note: It's recommended that you complete this entire setup process before fulfilling any orders to ensure smooth operations and timely payouts.
How to Set up the GoDaddy Poynt Smart Terminal:
Prepare your device
Charge your GoDaddy Poynt Smart Terminal
Power on the device (press the power button on the back for three seconds)
Initial setup
Select your language on the Welcome screen
Connect to a secure Wi-Fi network (or 4G LTE for V3.0 devices)
Configure the device
Allow the terminal to update software and configure settings
Create a 6-digit passcode for signing in
Activate your device
Review and accept the Terms of Service
Run a test transaction
Process a small transaction to ensure everything works correctly
Final steps
Familiarize yourself with both screens (merchant and customer)
Ensure the device is ready for regular use
Note: The terminal is pre-associated with your GoDaddy Payments account. Always use a private, password-protected network for secure payment processing.
GoDaddy Customer Service
GoDaddy stands out with its comprehensive POS support system. You can reach customer service 24/7 by phone (1-866-938-1119) or text (1-647-955-7723), while live chat support operates all day, Monday through Friday.
Setting up your POS is hassle-free. Devices arrive with free two-day shipping and include a Quick Start Guide. For immediate use, simply download the GoDaddy mobile app to begin accepting payments.
If you need assistance, GoDaddy's extensive help center offers guides, FAQs, and how-to videos tailored to the POS system. You can also connect with fellow users in the community forum to share insights and solutions. GoDaddy's commitment to service excellence is reflected in its A+ BBB rating, setting it apart from many competitors in the field.
Is There a GoDaddy App?
Yes, GoDaddy offers a mobile app that integrates with its POS system, allowing you to manage your business on the go. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app lets you process payments, manage your product catalog, and handle sales operations from your smartphone or tablet. It accepts various payment types, including credit cards, digital wallets, and contactless payments.
With its user-friendly interface and high 4.7/5 star rating on the Apple Store, the app is particularly praised by small business owners for its ease of use and versatility in managing in-person sales efficiently.
How Much Does GoDaddy Cost?
GoDaddy offers a range of POS solutions to cater to various business needs, from in-store retail to mobile sales. The pricing structure includes both hardware costs and optional software subscriptions, allowing you to tailor your POS system to your specific requirements.
Product/Service
How to Choose the Best Option for Your Business
GoDaddy offers three payment hardware options to fit different business needs:
Dual-screen Smart Terminal ($399, originally $499): This terminal is ideal for brick-and-mortar stores or fixed-location businesses. Its two screens allow you to manage transactions while customers view their purchase details.
Single-screen Smart Terminal Flex ($275, down from $299): This portable yet full-featured device is perfect for businesses that need mobility within a space, like restaurants or pop-up shops.
- Card Reader ($79, reduced from $99): Best for on-the-go entrepreneurs, mobile services, or businesses just starting out. It's ultra-portable and connects to your smartphone or tablet.
Comparing GoDaddy's POS Pricing to Industry Standards
GoDaddy's pricing remains competitive within the industry, offering discounted hardware prices and no setup fees for many services. The company's POS systems exclusively use GoDaddy Payments, which charges a flat 2.3% per transaction without additional fixed fees, making it potentially more cost-effective than some rivals like Square.
However, this might be a drawback if you want payment gateway flexibility. Each device has a one-year limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing additional value and peace of mind.
What Can You Do With GoDaddy for Free?
Regarding POS services, GoDaddy offers limited free options, as most POS features are part of its paid services. Here’s what you can do for free:
GoDaddy mobile app: You can download and use the basic features of the GoDaddy Mobile App for free. This allows you to manage certain aspects of your GoDaddy account on the go.
Account setup: You can set up a GoDaddy account and explore the POS features at no cost. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the interface and available options before committing to a paid plan.
Product catalog creation: You can start creating your product catalog within the GoDaddy ecosystem for free. This groundwork can be useful if you decide to upgrade to a paid POS system later.
Customer support: GoDaddy offers free customer support, which can be helpful if you have questions about its POS system before purchasing.
Educational resources: You also get free access to the knowledge base, tutorials, and guides about using the POS system and other business tools.
Optional Add-Ons
Point of Sale Plus Plan
GoDaddy's Point of Sale Plus plan enhances your Smart Terminal experience for $28.99 monthly with an annual commitment. This upgrade reduces transaction fees to a flat 2.3% and unlocks features to streamline your operations. You can sell unlimited products, receive inventory alerts, implement credit surcharges, and offer online ordering for in-store pickup.
The plan also allows you to customize digital receipts and manage employee roles for improved security. With a one-month free trial, you can explore these advanced features to see if they align with your business needs before subscribing.
Bottom Line (Is GoDaddy Worth It?)
GoDaddy's POS system offers a solid, integrated solution for small to medium-sized businesses. It blends competitive rates with user-friendly hardware and seamless integration with other GoDaddy services. Its scalability makes it appealing for startups and growing enterprises.
While the exclusive use of GoDaddy Payments may limit flexibility, the system's comprehensive features, ease of use, and robust support make it a strong contender in the POS market. If you value a one-stop-shop approach to business management, GoDaddy POS is worth considering.
