High-Risk POS for Convenience Store: 3 Best Providers

Products like cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-8 have exploded onto the market, becoming a popular addition to consumers’ convenience store purchases. 

Are these items on your shelves yet? If not, you could be missing out on big sales. 

The only catch is that stocking these products comes with a few strings attached. Carrying new-to-the-market and highly regulated substances like CBD, delta-8, and kratom means that your convenience store will be labeled a high-risk merchant by payment processors. 

But have no fear: We’ve rounded up the best high-risk point of sale (POS) solutions for convenience stores to help you stock and sell these exciting products hassle-free. 

What Is a High-Risk POS?

Simply put, a high-risk POS system is a system that offers integrated high-risk payment processing. 

High-risk payment processing is a specialty service for retailers specializing in heavily regulated goods, or businesses with other risks like high chargeback rates, poor credit, or higher chances of fraud. 

This type of payment processing is typically associated with a more intensive application process, higher fees, and stricter operating guidelines. 

Related Read: What You Need To Know About Delta-8 Payment Processing

The Benefits of a High-Risk POS for Your Convenience Store

While being categorized as a high-risk merchant might sound like a negative, high-risk processing can actually be an excellent opportunity for your business. 

A high-risk POS opens new doors for your convenience store and allows you to carry a broader range of products, giving you the chance to be first in your neighborhood to offer new items like CBD, delta-8, and kratom. 

The benefits of choosing a high-risk POS for your convenience store don’t stop there. High-risk payment processing usually comes with a higher level of security and support, helping you keep your money in your business by preventing fraud and helping you adopt best practices. 

Must-Have Features of a High-Risk POS for Convenience Stores

Before we dive into our top picks for high-risk convenience store POS systems, let’s take a look at the critical features to keep in mind as you evaluate your options. 

• Integrated high-risk payment processing: This is the most important feature to keep an eye out for. Choosing a POS solution with integrated high-risk processing will ensure a seamless transaction experience and that your inventory and sales records are always accurate and up to date. 

• Built-in age verification: If your convenience store sells CBD and related products, tobacco, and alcohol, built-in age verification is essential for protecting your customers and your business. 

• Inventory management tools: With the wide variety of items you carry in your c-store, you need the right tools to keep your shelves well-stocked. Your POS system should track your inventory in real time and alert you when you’re running low. 
• Detailed reporting and analytics: Your POS system should come with solid reporting features that give you insights into your overall sales performance, bestselling products, and your customers’ shopping habits. 

Every convenience store is different, so make sure to consider your business’ unique needs and priorities as you compare providers and features. 

Now, let’s dive into the best high-risk POS systems for convenience stores!

1. KORONA POS

KORONA POS offers retailers a comprehensive set of features designed to help them manage and grow their businesses. 

We’ve listed KORONA POS as one of the best high-risk POS systems for convenience stores for a few reasons. They offer integrated high-risk payment processing, which is a must-have if you carry products like CBD, and they have robust security features, making it an ideal choice for convenience store owners concerned about theft. 

Pricing for KORONA POS is available on their website. 

2. Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed POS is an all-in-one solution offering a full suite of features. Lightspeed promises retailers that their software will streamline operations and give them the tools they need to scale.

This provider earned a spot on our list of the best high-risk POS systems for convenience stores because of their expert guidance to potential high-risk merchants. 

If you’re looking for a general retail solution or if your primary goal is to launch new locations, Lightspeed POS is a solid option. 

Lightspeed offers a few different pricing options, but their most popular plan starts at $119 per month. 

3. C-Store POS

C-Store POS is the only option on our list tailored specifically to convenience stores, making it our top pick. 

Not only does C-Store POS have integrated high-risk payment processing, but this solution also includes all the tools you need to run your convenience store efficiently and profitably. Notable features include powerful inventory management for cases and cartons, insightful sales reports, simple employee management, security tools, and a built-in customer loyalty program. 

You can use C-Store POS’ build and price tool to create a custom high-risk POS solution for your convenience store and generate an instant quote. 

Leverage the Power of High-Risk Payment Processing With C-Store POS

Ready to become the go-to convenience store in your neighborhood? Then you need the best high-risk POS system for convenience stores on the market. 

C-Store POS has everything you need to grow your business, whether you’re operating a single location specializing in CBD, delta-8, and kratom or you’re managing several locations across your area.

See C-Store POS in action by scheduling a live demo today!