How to choose the best POS software for a gift shop in Australia or New Zealand

The best POS software for a gift shop is built for a wide, changing range from many suppliers. It should load supplier invoices automatically, build hampers that take each item out of stock, keep the shop and website in step, manage special orders and gift cards, and bring customers back. Look for local support and no transaction fees too. Use the checklist that follows to test any system on your list.

Gift shops carry a range unlike almost any other shop. The range can run to thousands of lines from dozens of suppliers, and much of it changes each season. One customer wants a $15 candle. The next wants a hamper made up by Friday and a gift card for her sister. A basic till can take the payment, but it usually can’t tell you which lines earned their shelf space.

Since 1981 we’ve made POS software for independent specialty retailers, and gift shop owners have shaped the gift shop features in our software. The checklist below works whichever system you choose.

When a simple system will do

If you carry a small, steady range from a few suppliers, with no hampers, special orders or online store, a general retail POS may do the job and cost less.

It’s a different story as the range grows. Hundreds of new lines before Christmas, hampers built from stock, special orders, gift cards and an online store all add work. General systems leave that to keying, spreadsheets and guesswork. That’s where time goes and margin leaks.

What gift shop POS software should do: ten essentials

1. Bring invoices in automatically. New stock should come in from the supplier’s electronic invoice, or from a PDF read by AI, not keyed line by line. Ask to see an invoice from one of your own suppliers.
2. Use product catalogues. Pre-loaded product data means scanning a new item fills in its description and category. That turns a big delivery into a short job.
3. Build hampers and gift packs. When a hamper sells, the system should take the candle, the chocolate and the card out of stock individually. Look for kit or manufactured goods tools.
4. Track special orders. Customers ask you to find things. Special orders should be recorded against the customer, with a deposit if you take one, so nothing is forgotten.
5. Sell gift cards. Gift cards bring new customers in and are often redeemed for more than their value. The system should issue and track them, including the balance remaining.
6. Sell online from one set of stock. If you use Shopify, WooCommerce or Magento, a sale in the shop should update the website straight away, and click and collect orders should be easy to set aside.
7. Bring customers back. Points schemes are easily forgotten. A voucher printed on the receipt, based on what the customer spent and valid for a set time, gives a clear reason to return.
8. Remember the customer. Recording birthdays, anniversaries and preferences supports the personal service that sets a gift shop apart from a chain.
9. Support local groups. Pricing for members of a local club or group, applied automatically, turns one relationship into many customers.

• Report on the season. You need to know what sold for Mother’s Day and Christmas, which suppliers performed and which stock is ageing. That is how next season’s orders get better.

Counting the full cost

The monthly fee is only part of the cost. Compare the total over two years, and include:

• Transaction fees. A cut of every card sale goes to some providers. In a busy December, that adds up quickly.
• Fees per terminal. A second counter for Christmas shouldn’t bring a bigger invoice.
• Check that phone support is included, that its hours suit you and that it covers Saturdays and the weeks before Christmas.
• Add-ons. Ecommerce, gift cards, loyalty, product catalogues and accounting links are sometimes extra.
• Lock-in terms can trap you with a system that doesn’t suit.

Tower Systems doesn’t charge transaction fees or lock you into a contract. As at November 2026, Tower Systems pricing plans start at $145 a month including GST, billed annually. Unlimited terminals at one location come with Standard and above. Our pricing page has current prices and shows which plan includes each feature.

Getting the most from a demonstration

A useful demonstration uses your own examples. Take these questions along:

1. Show me an invoice from one of my suppliers being imported.
2. Show me a new item scanned and filled in from a product catalogue.
3. Show me a hamper selling, then the stock of each item in it.
4. Show me a special order with a deposit.
5. Show me a sale in the shop updating my website.
6. What does support cost, and who answers the phone on a Saturday in December?
7. Is your support team in Australia or New Zealand?
8. How do I reach a person when I need one?
9. Who will train us, and where are they located?

• Is there a gift shop I can talk to who uses your system?

Switching without disrupting Christmas

The changeover worries most owners more than the features. Three things make it easier:

• Get your data checked before you commit, so you know for certain what can be moved. Our streamlined data conversion service, released in mid 2026, draws on many past conversions. It’s fast and accurate.
• Choose the timing. Avoid October to December. The quieter weeks after the January sales are usually better.
• Ask about training. One-on-one help, backed by videos staff can watch at any hour, takes the pressure off the first busy weekend.

Australia and New Zealand

For Australian and New Zealand retailers, the basics are GST handled correctly for your country, support in your time zone and a supplier with local staff. Tower Systems supports gift shops in both countries, with an Australian and New Zealand help desk open six days a week and after-hours help for system outages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best POS software for a gift shop in Australia?

It’s software built for a wide, changing range: automatic supplier invoice import, hampers that update stock, special orders, gift cards, a connected website and loyalty customers understand. Compare options on those needs, their two-year cost and their local support.

Can gift shop POS software manage hampers?

Yes, if it supports kits or manufactured goods. Tower Systems takes each item in a hamper out of stock when the hamper sells, so stock counts stay accurate.

Can gift shop POS software be used in New Zealand?

Yes. Tower Systems works with gift shops in both countries and has help desk staff in each. New Zealand customers can reach sales on 0800 444 367.

How much should gift shop POS software cost?

Costs vary widely. Compare the total, including transaction fees, terminal fees, support and add-ons. As at November 2026, Tower Systems pricing starts at $145 a month including GST, billed annually. There are no transaction fees and no lock-in contract.

Book a gift shop demonstration

Book a demonstration of Tower Systems set up for a gift shop like yours. We’ll answer your questions and record it so you can review it later. First, we take the time to understand your business. If our software isn’t the right fit for any need you raise, we’ll be upfront about it. To book, call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand, or email sales@towersystems.com.au.