Quick Overview
- 1#1: Profit Series - Comprehensive ERP software tailored for hardware stores, featuring POS, inventory control, purchasing, rentals, and special order management.
- 2#2: ProfitMizer - Specialized POS and back-office system designed for independent hardware retailers with robust inventory and customer loyalty tools.
- 3#3: R-Series - Integrated retail management platform for hardware stores offering advanced inventory tracking, sales analysis, and multi-store support.
- 4#4: Harbinger - Full-suite software for home centers and hardware retailers with POS, inventory, eCommerce, and delivery management capabilities.
- 5#5: Epicor Eclipse - Powerful ERP system for specialty retail like hardware stores, providing sophisticated inventory, order processing, and supply chain tools.
- 6#6: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS and inventory management platform ideal for multi-channel hardware retail operations.
- 7#7: Revel POS - Mobile-first POS system with inventory management and reporting suited for fast-paced hardware store environments.
- 8#8: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software with inventory and customer management for small to medium hardware retailers.
- 9#9: Square for Retail - Affordable, easy-to-use POS with inventory tracking and purchase order features for small hardware stores.
- 10#10: Cin7 - Multi-channel inventory and order management software that integrates POS, suppliers, and ecommerce for hardware retailers.
We ranked these tools based on core features, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they effectively address the unique demands of hardware stores, from small independent operations to multi-location networks.
Comparison Table
Hardware store software plays a critical role in optimizing operations, from inventory management to financial tracking, and selecting the right tool requires evaluating key features. This comparison table breaks down top options like Profit Series, ProfitMizer, R-Series, Harbinger, and Epicor Eclipse, highlighting differences in usability, pricing, and functionality to help you identify the best fit for your business.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Profit Series Comprehensive ERP software tailored for hardware stores, featuring POS, inventory control, purchasing, rentals, and special order management. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | ProfitMizer Specialized POS and back-office system designed for independent hardware retailers with robust inventory and customer loyalty tools. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | R-Series Integrated retail management platform for hardware stores offering advanced inventory tracking, sales analysis, and multi-store support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Harbinger Full-suite software for home centers and hardware retailers with POS, inventory, eCommerce, and delivery management capabilities. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Epicor Eclipse Powerful ERP system for specialty retail like hardware stores, providing sophisticated inventory, order processing, and supply chain tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS and inventory management platform ideal for multi-channel hardware retail operations. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Revel POS Mobile-first POS system with inventory management and reporting suited for fast-paced hardware store environments. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 8 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software with inventory and customer management for small to medium hardware retailers. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | Square for Retail Affordable, easy-to-use POS with inventory tracking and purchase order features for small hardware stores. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | Cin7 Multi-channel inventory and order management software that integrates POS, suppliers, and ecommerce for hardware retailers. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.9/10 |
Comprehensive ERP software tailored for hardware stores, featuring POS, inventory control, purchasing, rentals, and special order management.
Specialized POS and back-office system designed for independent hardware retailers with robust inventory and customer loyalty tools.
Integrated retail management platform for hardware stores offering advanced inventory tracking, sales analysis, and multi-store support.
Full-suite software for home centers and hardware retailers with POS, inventory, eCommerce, and delivery management capabilities.
Powerful ERP system for specialty retail like hardware stores, providing sophisticated inventory, order processing, and supply chain tools.
Cloud-based POS and inventory management platform ideal for multi-channel hardware retail operations.
Mobile-first POS system with inventory management and reporting suited for fast-paced hardware store environments.
Customizable POS hardware and software with inventory and customer management for small to medium hardware retailers.
Affordable, easy-to-use POS with inventory tracking and purchase order features for small hardware stores.
Multi-channel inventory and order management software that integrates POS, suppliers, and ecommerce for hardware retailers.
Profit Series
specializedComprehensive ERP software tailored for hardware stores, featuring POS, inventory control, purchasing, rentals, and special order management.
Advanced matrix inventory system that seamlessly handles hardware variations (sizes, colors, gauges) across thousands of SKUs
Profit Series by RMCS is a comprehensive, industry-specific retail management software suite tailored for hardware stores, lumber yards, and building material retailers. It provides robust point-of-sale (POS), advanced inventory management with matrix support for sizes/colors/styles, purchasing, special order processing, and integrated accounting. The software also includes rental management, CRM tools, and detailed reporting to optimize operations in the hardware sector.
Pros
- Deeply customized features for hardware inventory like matrix pricing and special orders
- Strong reporting and analytics for profitability insights
- Reliable on-premise performance with excellent industry-specific support
Cons
- Traditional desktop interface may feel dated compared to modern cloud apps
- Initial setup and training require investment
- Limited mobile accessibility without add-ons
Best For
Mid-to-large independent hardware stores needing powerful, specialized tools for complex inventory and operations.
Pricing
One-time license fee starting around $5,000-$20,000 based on store size, plus annual maintenance (~15-20% of license) and optional modules.
ProfitMizer
specializedSpecialized POS and back-office system designed for independent hardware retailers with robust inventory and customer loyalty tools.
AI-powered profit optimizer that dynamically adjusts pricing and predicts demand based on historical sales and market trends
ProfitMizer from shi-us.com is a comprehensive ERP-style software tailored for hardware stores, providing robust inventory management, POS systems, supplier tracking, and profit analytics. It excels in handling complex product catalogs like tools, lumber, and fasteners with real-time stock updates and automated reordering. The platform integrates with accounting tools and offers customizable reporting to optimize margins in a competitive retail environment.
Pros
- Advanced inventory control with lot tracking and multi-location support
- Powerful profit optimization analytics with AI-driven insights
- Seamless POS integration for high-volume hardware sales
Cons
- Initial setup requires significant data migration effort
- Limited native mobile app functionality
- Customer support response times can vary during peak seasons
Best For
Mid-sized hardware store chains needing sophisticated inventory and profit management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for single stores, scaling to $499+/month for multi-location with custom enterprise quotes.
R-Series
specializedIntegrated retail management platform for hardware stores offering advanced inventory tracking, sales analysis, and multi-store support.
Advanced matrix pricing engine that dynamically handles complex discount structures and customer-specific pricing for hardware products
R-Series from HTI Solutions is a specialized POS and enterprise management software designed for hardware stores, lumber yards, and building supply retailers. It provides comprehensive tools for inventory control, point-of-sale transactions, purchasing, vendor management, and accounting integrations like QuickBooks. The platform supports multi-store operations, special orders, matrix pricing, and customer loyalty programs to optimize retail operations in the hardware industry.
Pros
- Industry-specific features like matrix pricing and special order tracking for hardware items
- Robust inventory management with bin locations and lot tracking
- Strong integrations with accounting and e-commerce platforms
Cons
- Dated user interface that may require training
- Setup and customization often needs vendor support
- Limited native mobile app for on-the-go access
Best For
Mid-sized hardware stores and lumber yards needing advanced inventory and pricing tools for building materials.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $200-$400/month per store, based on users, locations, and add-ons; includes implementation fees.
Harbinger
specializedFull-suite software for home centers and hardware retailers with POS, inventory, eCommerce, and delivery management capabilities.
Advanced matrix pricing engine that dynamically handles size, grade, and bundle variations unique to hardware inventory
Harbinger is a specialized POS and enterprise management software tailored for hardware stores, lumber yards, and building material suppliers. It provides robust inventory control with matrix pricing, special order management, vendor portals, and integrated accounting features to streamline daily operations. The platform supports multi-location businesses with real-time data syncing and mobile access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Industry-specific features like matrix pricing and special orders excel for hardware retail
- Strong inventory and multi-location support with vendor integration
- Reliable uptime and dedicated support for the hardware sector
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users due to feature depth
- Pricing can be high for very small independent stores
- User interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-sized hardware stores and lumber yards needing advanced, industry-tailored inventory and POS management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starts at around $500/month for basic setups, scaling to $2,000+ for enterprise multi-location plans with hardware.
Epicor Eclipse
enterprisePowerful ERP system for specialty retail like hardware stores, providing sophisticated inventory, order processing, and supply chain tools.
Matrix Pricing Engine for dynamic, customer-specific pricing rules based on volume, product mixes, and promotions
Epicor Eclipse is a robust ERP platform tailored for wholesale distributors, including hardware stores, offering end-to-end management of inventory, sales orders, purchasing, and financials. It excels in multi-location operations with features like lot/serial tracking, matrix pricing, and vendor portals to streamline supply chain processes. The software integrates with eCommerce, CRM, and mobile apps, providing real-time visibility for hardware retailers handling complex product catalogs.
Pros
- Powerful inventory management with lot/serial tracking ideal for hardware SKUs
- Advanced matrix pricing and quoting for competitive retail environments
- Strong integrations for eCommerce and multi-location reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive ERP functionality
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large hardware stores or distributors needing enterprise-grade supply chain and inventory control across multiple locations.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $100-$300 per user/month for SaaS or perpetual licenses starting at $50,000+ with annual maintenance.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS and inventory management platform ideal for multi-channel hardware retail operations.
Matrix inventory system for efficiently managing product variations essential in hardware retail
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS and retail management platform that streamlines sales, inventory, and customer management for brick-and-mortar and online retailers. It offers advanced features like real-time inventory tracking, purchase order automation, and multi-location support, making it suitable for hardware stores dealing with diverse SKUs such as tools, fasteners, and building materials. The system integrates with e-commerce platforms and provides detailed reporting to optimize operations and boost profitability.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with matrix support for product variations like sizes and types
- Multi-channel selling capabilities including in-store, online, and mobile
- Strong purchase order and vendor management tools tailored for retail supply chains
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-location small stores
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Occasional learning curve for customizing reports and integrations
Best For
Mid-sized hardware stores with multiple locations needing scalable POS and inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (Lean plan, billed annually), up to $229/month (Advanced); plus hardware costs, payment processing fees, and add-ons.
Revel POS
enterpriseMobile-first POS system with inventory management and reporting suited for fast-paced hardware store environments.
Seamless real-time cloud synchronization for inventory and sales across multiple store locations
Revel POS is a cloud-based, iPad-centric point-of-sale system tailored for retail environments like hardware stores, providing robust inventory tracking, sales processing, and customer management. It excels in real-time data syncing across multiple locations, employee scheduling, and detailed reporting to help manage high-SKU inventories typical of hardware retail. While versatile for general retail, it integrates with barcode scanners, scales, and printers essential for hardware store operations.
Pros
- Real-time inventory management with multi-location syncing
- Intuitive iPad interface for quick staff training
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for sales trends
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and hardware costs
- Lacks deep specialization for hardware store needs like rental tracking or contractor portals
- Heavy reliance on Apple iPads limits hardware flexibility
Best For
Small to mid-sized hardware stores needing scalable POS and inventory tools without complex custom development.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for core features, plus $50-$100/month for advanced modules, hardware, and setup fees.
Clover
enterpriseCustomizable POS hardware and software with inventory and customer management for small to medium hardware retailers.
The Clover App Market with over 1,000 apps for tailored extensions like advanced inventory or loyalty programs
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, offering integrated hardware like countertop terminals, handheld devices, and mobile readers for retail transactions. It supports core functions such as payment processing, basic inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer management through an intuitive app marketplace. For hardware stores, it handles everyday retail operations like checkout and stock monitoring but lacks deep specialization for high-SKU inventory, vendor management, or rental tools.
Pros
- Highly customizable via extensive App Market for adding hardware store-specific apps
- Reliable integrated payment processing with competitive rates
- User-friendly interface and flexible hardware options for in-store and mobile use
Cons
- Limited native features for complex hardware store needs like matrix inventory or special orders
- Hardware upfront costs can be high for full setups
- Ongoing subscription and transaction fees add up for high-volume stores
Best For
Small to medium hardware stores seeking a straightforward, all-in-one POS for payments and basic inventory without needing heavy customization.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/month (Register Lite) up to $99.85/month (full suite), plus hardware from $49-$1,699 and 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Square for Retail
otherAffordable, easy-to-use POS with inventory tracking and purchase order features for small hardware stores.
Seamless integration of payments, inventory, and sales data in a single real-time dashboard across devices and locations
Square for Retail is a cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for retail businesses, including hardware stores, offering real-time sales tracking, stock monitoring, and customer management. It supports item variants for products like tools and fasteners, purchase orders, and multi-location inventory syncing. The system integrates seamlessly with Square's payment hardware for in-store transactions and e-commerce sales.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Robust inventory tools including low-stock alerts and variant support for hardware SKUs
- No monthly software fees for core features, only transaction-based pricing
Cons
- Ongoing transaction fees can add up for high-volume stores
- Lacks advanced hardware store-specific features like rental tracking or contractor invoicing
- Reporting and customization limited in the free tier
Best For
Small to medium hardware stores needing an affordable, user-friendly POS with solid basic inventory management.
Pricing
Free core POS software; Retail Plus plan at $60/month per location for advanced inventory and reporting; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Cin7
specializedMulti-channel inventory and order management software that integrates POS, suppliers, and ecommerce for hardware retailers.
Connected Inventory with real-time syncing across unlimited sales channels and locations
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management and POS platform designed for retailers and wholesalers, offering real-time stock tracking across multiple sales channels including e-commerce, POS, and marketplaces. It excels in unifying operations with features like order management, warehouse fulfillment, and integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. For hardware stores, it handles complex SKUs, bundles, and multi-location inventory effectively but lacks deep industry-specific tools like rental management or advanced contractor portals.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel inventory synchronization prevents stockouts across POS, online, and wholesale
- Advanced bundle and matrix inventory support ideal for hardware variants like sizes and types
- Comprehensive reporting and B2B portal for wholesale hardware sales
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features overwhelming smaller hardware stores
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for low-volume operations
- Lacks hardware-specific modules like job costing, tool rentals, or specialized supplier EDI
Best For
Mid-sized hardware stores with multi-location or omnichannel sales needing strong centralized inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (up to 250 orders), scales to $999+/month for Pro/Enterprise based on order volume and features; custom quotes available.
Conclusion
Among the top hardware store software options, Profit Series clearly leads as the most comprehensive choice, integrating ERP capabilities with POS, inventory, and rental management to streamline operations. ProfitMizer and R-Series follow closely, with ProfitMizer excelling in POS and loyalty tools for independent retailers, and R-Series impressing with advanced inventory tracking and multi-store support. Together, these three tools showcase the best in tailored software solutions for hardware businesses, each addressing distinct operational needs.
Don’t miss the chance to enhance your hardware store’s efficiency—explore Profit Series first; its integration of key tools makes it a transformative solution for managing sales, inventory, and more.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison