We score each system across five weighted criteria, with vape compatibility weighted most heavily — because a beautiful POS that gets your account terminated scores zero on everything else.
- Vape compatibility & high-risk payments — 30% (native vape underwriting, high-risk gateway integration)
- Compliance features — 25% (ID/age verification, audit logs, age-restricted reporting)
- Value & pricing — 20% (total cost over 24 months, contracts, hardware)
- Inventory & operations — 15% (SKU/batch tracking, multi-store, reporting)
- Ease of use & support — 10% (setup, training, support quality)
How we test: hands-on trials of each system's demo environment; merchant interviews across smoke and vape shop communities; compatibility checks with major high-risk processors (WAAVE, PayKings, EMB); review of each vendor's acceptable-use policies and age-restricted retail documentation; and cross-checking FDA/ATF guidance on age verification and record-keeping. Pricing reflects published US list prices as of August 2026 and varies by location and negotiation.
What we couldn't test: processing approval is case-by-case — your business history, volume, and processor choice determine final approval. Always confirm vape eligibility with the vendor in writing before you sign.
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