Dive Shop 360 Blog

6 Must-Have Scuba Shop Point of Sale Features [+ Top Providers]

Written by Dive Shop 360 | Dec 30, 2024 6:10:48 PM

The scuba gear business is booming, with an estimated industry growth rate of 4% between 2024 and 2031

Underwater exploration continues to captivate adventurers, who depend on high-quality equipment to get the most out of every dive. 

A well-designed point of sale (POS) system can help you meet these growing needs and increase your scuba shop profits. 

This powerful tool lets you track specialized inventory, nurture customer relationships, and schedule equipment maintenance — giving you more time to focus on growing your scuba shop. 

Explore these six must-have scuba shop point of sale features, and learn which providers are a good fit for your business needs. 

Must-Have POS Features for Scuba Shops

In the scuba diving industry, a basic POS system just won’t do. Your store needs an industry-specific software program that offers the following must-have scuba shop point of sale features: 

1. Inventory Management

Your scuba shop houses a diverse range of inventory, from tanks and dive suits to smaller essentials like O-rings and air fills. Staying organized while selling and renting these items can be a challenge.

POS software with an inventory management system can do the hard work for you. 

The right system can track item status, send low stock alerts, and flag gear requiring repairs or maintenance. Advanced features like automatic restocking make stocking your shelves with must-have scuba equipment effortless.

2. Rental and Service Tracking

Equipment rentals can be a major revenue driver for your dive shop, especially if you cater to tourists or beginner divers. 

To make the most of this potential, streamline the process for both new and returning customers with a user-friendly deposit and rental agreement system.

A dive shop POS should make every step of the rental management process easier. Look for features that track gear availability — whether it’s being rented, undergoing maintenance, or ready for use — while syncing with your inventory. This makes sure you’re never scrambling to locate equipment or accidentally double-booking popular items. 

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Customer relationship management (CRM) is another must-have scuba shop point of sale feature, helping you deliver exceptional customer service and keep customers coming back for more dive adventures. 

With CRM tools, you can record and access valuable customer details, including identification information, purchase history, and certification records. You’ll know how customers are progressing in your classes and which equipment they frequently rent. 

This data helps you refine your marketing strategies. Use it to suggest trips, equipment upgrades, or services aligned with their interests, delivering a personalized experience that promotes engagement and loyalty to your shop.

4. E-Commerce Integration

Do you sell or rent equipment through your website? Look for a POS system that integrates with your e-commerce platform. 

These integrations are the best way to manage online sales, synchronize your online and physical inventory, and get a complete view of what items are available anytime.

Integrating your e-commerce platform with the store’s POS system also makes offering online trips and class bookings easier. Your customers can use your website to purchase the same products and services as they would at your physical locations, making it a more convenient shopping experience.

5. Mobile Compatibility

Dive shops need to be flexible, and a mobile-friendly POS keeps you and your team connected — whether you’re in the shop or on the water. Whether you’re checking inventory, managing bookings, or tracking sales, a POS built for mobile devices makes it all easy — right from your tablet or smartphone!

You can pull up class schedules and book a customer for their next adventure during a dive trip or at an event. 

With the right tools, you can manage your business on the go, making every interaction more convenient for you and your customers.

6. Integration With Other Systems

Your POS system isn’t the only tool for running your business. 

You likely rely on email platforms like MailChimp for your marketing efforts or QuickBooks to manage accounting and payroll. 

That’s why you need a POS system that integrates easily with all the other software you currently use. An interconnected system means less manual input and fewer errors on important tasks like logging transactions in your accounting software or calculating sales tax. 

Top Scuba Shop POS Providers

It’s not easy to run a successful scuba shop, but the right POS system can relieve some of the pressure. Check out the top providers with the must-have scuba shop point of sale features to help you stay organized.

Dive Shop 360

Dive Shop 360 has been a trusted scuba shop partner for over twenty years. It was developed by professionals who know the industry inside and out. The system simplifies your day-to-day workflow — from managing equipment rentals to planning group adventures — so you can grow your business.

What It Offers

  • Simplified rental tracking for everything from wetsuits to tanks, so your customers always have the gear they need.
  • Customer loyalty tools that make it easy to reward repeat divers and keep them coming back.
  • Product catalogs with vendor images preloaded, saving you time when updating inventory.
  • Travel and charter booking features to organize trips without the stress of coordinating schedules, managing bookings, payment processing, and keeping track of who’s signed up for what. 
  • Automatic inventory syncing with your website, keeping your stock up to date across all sales channels in real-time.

Rain POS

Rain POS is a practical cloud-based solution for dive shops of all sizes, offering tools that simplify both the front and back end of your business. It’s designed to manage the essentials like bookings, inventory, and customer engagement while keeping everything running smoothly as your shop grows.

What It Offers

  • Easily book dive trips and classes with a system that keeps schedules clear and organized.
  • Stay stocked and ready by keeping track of scuba gear and rental equipment all in one place.
  • For more personalized service, keep customer data handy, including certifications and purchase history.
  • Connect with customers through automated messages and review requests to stay on their radar.

Harbortouch Retail

Harbortouch is an in-store retail POS solution designed to work with a range of convenient hardware and devices that make daily operations as easy as possible. With Harbortouch’s retail POS, you can track inventory, manage employee schedules, and even create purchase orders directly from the system. 

What It Offers

  • Organize dive gear effortlessly with a color, size, and style matrix.
  • Track employee hours and commissions to keep payroll simple.
  • Maintain a customer database with purchase histories and contact details for better service.
  • Offer layaway options so customers can reserve gear for later.
  • Restock quickly by creating purchase orders directly from the system.

Discover the Best POS for Your Scuba Business

Don’t let the daily tasks of managing a dive shop overwhelm you! 

With a feature-rich POS system like Dive Shop 360, you get all the must-have scuba shop point of sale tools you need to run your dive business efficiently. Track gear rentals, manage your customers, watch your inventory, and organize unforgettable trips and dive classes without breaking a sweat!

Book a demo today and discover how Dive Shop 360 can take the hassle out of managing your dive shop.