Selling cigars isn’t like running a typical retail business.
Inventory moves in cartons, packs, and singles. Regulations around tobacco sales change frequently. Age verification is critical, and high-risk payment processing is a must.
Safe to say, a generic point of sale (POS) system won’t cut it.
A specialized cigar POS software tackles the unique challenges of the tobacco industry and can make all the difference in driving long-term success for your business.
In this blog, we’ll break down how a tobacco-specific POS solution can improve your shop’s daily operations, highlighting must-have features and popular providers so you can confidently manage your storefront.
1. Enhanced Inventory Management
Reliable cigar POS software makes inventory management more convenient by automating product tracking, quantities, and stock levels. Systems catering to the tobacco industry often offer features like carton-pack inventory tracking to better handle cigars according to your shop’s needs.
With barcode scanning and real-time inventory updates, you can avoid discrepancies and prevent stockouts, ultimately improving cash flow.
Key features include:
- Tobacco scan data reporting: Stay compliant with industry regulations by tracking product details, including packaging and batch numbers required for regulatory reporting.
- Advanced reorder notifications: Get reminders when it's time to reorder and suggestions on how much to buy, helping you maintain the right stock levels while reducing waste.
These tools help you manage inventory costs, meet customer demand, and stay on top of industry regulations.
Related Read: How To Manage Tobacco Store Inventory: 7 Easy Tips
2. Speedy & Accurate Checkout Process
From picking out cigars to completing the purchase, a smooth transaction minimizes delays, cuts down on frustration, and leaves a lasting positive impression.
Cigar POS software automates payment processing, tax calculations, and discounts, reducing the likelihood of human error. Touchscreen compatibility and barcode scanning help complete transactions faster, keeping lines short and customers moving.
Your POS solution should also leverage high-risk processing technology to securely handle transactions and keep your business compliant.
Make sure your cigar POS solution includes features like:
- Age verification: Scan IDs instantly to verify customer age and ensure compliance without slowing down the checkout process.
- Integrated payment processing: Handle transactions swiftly and securely without switching between different systems.
- Barcode scanning: Speed up the process, reduce mistakes, and continually charge the correct items.
By reducing checkout time and preventing mistakes, your cigar POS system improves the customer experience, keeps things hassle-free for your employees, and helps you avoid legal risks.
3. Customizable Reporting & Analytics
Data-driven decision-making is critical to grow your business long-term, and the best way to do this is to regularly analyze sales and performance metrics.
But all those charts and graphs can quickly get confusing — which is why having a POS that generates customizable, intuitive reports can help you make sense of it all.
With cigar POS software, you can easily track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as sales by category, bestselling products, and employee performance. For example, our Cigars POS solution generates easy-to-use, prebuilt reports that make complex data feel more accessible and actionable.
Here are some key features to look for in a POS reporting system:
- Sales trend tracking: Identify shifts in product demand to adjust stock levels, so you're never overstocked or running low on popular items.
- Employee performance tracking: Get insights into your team’s performance to help you make staffing adjustments and invest in necessary training.
- Bestselling product reports: Understand which items drive your sales so you can focus on promoting your most profitable products.
With this data at your fingertips, you can make more informed decisions that lead to better product offerings, smarter inventory choices, and improved customer satisfaction.
4. Improved Customer Relationship Management
Building long-lasting relationships with customers is critical for any small business, especially specialty tobacco shops. When customers feel like they’re getting the best deal, they’re more likely to return, making your business thrive in the long run.
Cigar POS software strengthens these relationships by capturing valuable customer data, such as purchase history, preferences, and contact information. You can then use this data to tailor marketing campaigns, target promotions, and design loyalty programs that resonate with your most frequent customers.
Here’s how a good customer relationship management (CRM) tool within your POS system can help:
- Purchase history tracking: Review past purchases to offer personalized product recommendations or send targeted promotions based on customer preferences.
- Automated loyalty programs: Set up reward programs that automatically track points or discounts, making it easier to keep customers engaged without the hassle of manual tracking.
- Customer communication: Promote special deals or check in with loyal customers via email and/or SMS.
When looking at a tobacco POS solution, choose one with integrated customer loyalty features (like Cigars POS) to drive repeat business and improve retention.
5. 24/7 Technical Support & System Training
A tobacco shop POS system needs to work without fail, day after day. You can’t afford system downtime, especially when it’s time to serve customers and run your business.
That’s where reliable, round-the-clock technical support and expert system training comes in. Cigars POS, for example, comes with 24/7 technical support and comprehensive system training, so you’re never left in the dark if something goes wrong.
Here’s how these features benefit your business:
- 24/7 support: Get the help you need anytime, whether it’s a latenight issue or busy weekend — no more waiting for business hours to resolve a technical glitch.
- Ongoing system training: Train your team with built-in resources so both new and seasoned employees stay informed and confident using the system.
With these support features in place, you can run your shop knowing help is available whenever needed.
Top 3 Cigar POS Software Providers
Now that we've covered essential features, let's look at some of the best cigar POS software providers — starting with one of the top options on the market.
1. Cigars POS
Cigars POS is the ideal POS solution for smoke shops, cigar lounges, and vape retailers, providing everything you need to manage the unique challenges of the tobacco industry, including:
- Scanner-powered age verification to protect your shop’s reputation and stay compliant with regulations
- Carton-pack inventory tracking to make sure your bestselling cigars are always in stock
- Automated inventory reordering to prevent stockouts and save valuable time
- Integrated high-risk payment processing to support the sale of regulated products like CBD, delta-8, and kratom
- Customer loyalty programs to encourage repeat business and increase customer satisfaction
- 24/7 expert support from professionals who understand the intricacies of the tobacco industry
With these features, Cigars POS helps you stay ahead of inventory demands, build customer loyalty, and make your business run more smoothly. Schedule a free demo or use the pricing tool to get an instant, tailored quote for your cigar shop.
2. KORONA POS
KORONA POS serves retailers across various industries, including cigar shops and lounges. While not explicitly tailored to tobacco retailers, it offers a solid array of features, such as:
- Customer database to store contact information and shopping history
- Age verification prompts to remind cashiers to check IDs before tobacco sales
- Accounting integrations for financial management and reporting
- Built-in SMS marketing to send personalized messages to customers
As a flexible solution, KORONA POS allows you to scale your features as your business grows — but advanced features like reporting and integrations come at an additional cost, so factor this into your budget planning.
3. FTx POS
FTx POS is a versatile point of sale solution designed for tobacco shops, liquor stores, and convenience stores. Its comprehensive features support daily operations and business growth, including:
- Multistore management to handle multiple cigar shop locations
- Handheld inventory scanners for faster, more accurate stock counts
- App-based loyalty program to encourage repeat customers and increase sales
- Integrated credit card processing to avoid high-risk fees and speed up transactions
Trusted by major tobacco retailers, FTx POS offers a strong set of features, including inventory management, customer loyalty tools, and integrated payment solutions.
However, its pricing structure may be more suited to larger operations, as costs can add up with additional features and integrations.
How To Choose the Right Cigar POS Software
When selecting a POS system for your cigar shop, it's important to find a solution that not only meets your immediate needs, but supports your long-term growth. Take the time to evaluate each option based on your store’s size, future goals, and specific requirements.
No matter which system you choose, it should evolve with your business. Look for a solution that’s scalable, offers strong support, and simplifies essential operations — whether you're managing one store or expanding.
If you’re interested in seeing how Cigars POS can benefit your shop, schedule a demo today to take the first step toward making more informed decisions for your business.
