As an Amazon Associate, Deals Squad earns from qualifying purchases. We also earn commissions from other partners. How this works

Buy the right gear for your store, and good gifts for everyone else.

Plain-language buyer guides for small retail and convenience store owners, from POS systems to cameras. Plus gift guides for the holidays.

No paid rankings

We pick what fits a small store's budget and day-to-day work, and say who should skip it.

Prices change fast. We never post a price we can't keep current.

Pick your aisle

Popular picks right now

Gift pick

Kindle Paperwhite

For readers
  • Glare-free screen that reads like paper, even in sun
  • Built-in adjustable light for reading in bed
  • Waterproof, so it is safe at the pool or in the bath
  • Battery lasts weeks, not hours
More details

Holds thousands of books, and new books download in seconds over Wi-Fi.

Skip it if they prefer paper books or mostly read comics in color.

Check price on Amazon
Store pick

Square

Best for most small stores
$0/mosoftware from
2.6% + 15ยขin-person rate
Nonecontract
  • Free plan to start, upgrade any time
  • iPad stand, terminal or full register
  • Inventory, employee logins and daily reports
More details

Paid plans are $49 and $149 a month and lower the card rate. Hardware: Stand $149, Terminal $299, Register from $799.

Skip it if you need features it does not support for your store, such as EBT on your setup. Ask Square first.

See Square for Retail

Why Deals Squad

Deals Squad is run by Rizwan Prasla, a Houston web developer who also runs a wholesale business that supplies convenience stores. Store owners ask the same questions every week: which register, which cameras, what it really costs per month. These guides answer them in plain terms.

When we link to a product, we may earn a commission. It never changes what we recommend, and every guide says who should skip a product. Read our disclosure.