New Shop Owner

If you're opening your first shop, you want low upfront costs and easy setup. Square is your best bet. Start with the free plan, add an age verification app, and keep your inventory simple. As you grow, you can migrate to something more robust.

Multi-Store Operator

For multiple locations, you need real-time inventory sync and central reporting. Lightspeed or Cova are the way to go. They both support multi-store management, with Lightspeed being slightly more affordable.

High-Compliance State Retailer

If you're in a state with strict age verification and reporting rules, Cova is the safest choice. Its built-in compliance features will save you headaches during inspections.