What is the difference between POS and pop display?

 

The Point of Purchase (POP) is where buying decisions are made—like a promotional display or shelf in a store. The Point of Sale (POS) is where the transaction takes place—like your billing counter or POS machine. For example, in a retail store, a branded snack display at the aisle end is a POP.

Key Differences Between POP and POS

Feature	POP (Point of Purchase)	POS (Point of Sale)
Location	Placed throughout the store — on shelves, displays, aisle ends	Fixed location — at the billing counter, checkout page, or POS terminal
Purpose	Influences and encourages purchase decisions	Finalizes the sale and processes payment
Customer Interaction	Passive — visual engagement with product promotions and displays	Active — direct interaction to complete the transaction
Example	A coffee mug displayed near the entrance of a gift shop	The checkout counter where the mug is scanned and paid for

What is Point of Purchase (POP)?

The Point of Purchase (POP) is the location within a store where customers make buying decisions. It could be a product shelf, an aisle display, or a promotional stand — any place where an item captures a shopper’s attention and encourages them to consider purchasing it.

You’ll often encounter POP displays in various forms, such as banners, demonstration counters, standees, and shelf talkers highlighting special offers or product benefits. Their primary purpose is to attract attention and prompt last-minute purchase decisions before customers reach the checkout.

For example, think of candies and chewing gum placed near a supermarket cashier, or a tech store featuring its newest laptops right at the entrance. These are classic POP strategies designed to influence shopper behavior at precisely the right moment.

 

What is Point of Sale (POS)?

The Point of Sale (POS) is where the customer finalizes their purchase. This could be your store’s checkout counter, an online payment page, or a mobile POS device used at market stalls.

Today’s POS systems are much more than just cash registers or card readers. They often support QR code scanning, UPI payments, and digital wallets, making transactions quicker and more convenient for customers.

A full POS solution also includes software tools that help track sales, manage inventory, generate invoices, and monitor daily business performance. For instance, in a clothing store, the POS isn’t just the physical counter—it’s the integrated system that records orders, prints receipts, and updates stock levels in real time.

 

The Role of POP in a Sales Strategy

POP plays a crucial role in capturing customers’ attention and driving impulse purchases. It targets shoppers at the critical moment—just before they reach the checkout—using displays like product stands, posters, and discount signs to highlight key products and encourage buying.

For instance, supermarkets often place bread near butter or jam to prompt customers to purchase these items together.

POP strategies aren’t limited to physical stores. Online retailers use digital POP equivalents, such as “Recommended for You” sections, to influence shoppers’ choices and increase cart value.

 

The Role of POS in a Sales Strategy

The POS is where customers complete their purchase, so the checkout process needs to be fast, seamless, and user-friendly. Today’s modern POS systems go far beyond simple billing—they collect valuable customer data, support loyalty programs, and create a smooth, enjoyable checkout experience. This helps businesses better understand buying patterns and reward loyal shoppers.

For example, a retail store with an efficient POS system can speed up transactions, reduce long queues, and offer instant cashback or discounts at checkout—a win-win for both retailer and customer.

Many businesses now use UPI payments, contactless cards, mobile POS devices, and automated billing to make the checkout process quicker and more convenient than ever.

 

POP and POS Best Practices

POP Best Practices:

• Use striking visuals to capture attention immediately

• Position products strategically, such as at eye level or in busy store areas

• Emphasize limited-time deals to create a sense of urgency

POS Best Practices:

• Ensure a fast checkout process to prevent long lines

• Provide multiple payment methods—UPI, cards, cash, contactless options

• Offer personalized incentives at checkout, like loyalty rewards or cashback

Example:
A makeup store showcases its latest collection near the mirror area to attract shoppers—an effective POP tactic. At checkout, self-service POS kiosks accept UPI payments and display cashback offers, enabling quick purchases without long waits.

 

Choosing Between POP and POS for Your Business

Deciding whether to prioritize POP or POS depends on your business type and sales objectives. If your goal is to capture attention and boost brand awareness, focus more on POP strategies. However, if delivering a fast and seamless checkout is critical, enhancing your POS system should take priority.

For instance, FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) brands rely heavily on POP elements like banners, standees, and shelf displays to drive impulse purchases. In contrast, e-commerce platforms prioritize robust POS features such as saved payment methods, UPI, and instant checkout to improve user experience.

To maximize results:

• Use POP to attract attention and create urgency with promotions or new product launches

• Ensure your POS system supports quick billing, multiple digital payment options, and hassle-free returns

• Continuously test and refine both based on customer feedback

Striking the right balance between POP and POS helps you draw in customers and keep them coming back.

 

Conclusion

Although POP and POS serve different roles, they are most effective when combined. POP grabs customers’ attention and influences their purchase decisions, while POS ensures transactions are quick and hassle-free. By balancing eye-catching displays with an efficient checkout system, you can increase sales and enhance customer satisfaction.

Take time to evaluate your business needs. Whether you operate in retail, food service, or e-commerce, aligning your POP and POS strategies will help drive better sales and create a superior customer experience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can businesses use both POP and POS together?
   Yes, combining both is often the most effective way to boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction.

2. What are the advantages of a good POS system?
   A reliable POS speeds up checkout, reduces queues, supports multiple payment options (like UPI, cards, wallets), and helps manage sales and inventory.

3. Which drives impulse purchases better, POP or POS?
   POP is better for triggering impulse buys. Eye-catching displays near checkout or at eye level attract attention and encourage last-minute decisions.

4. Does POS only mean checkout counters?
   No. POS includes not only physical billing counters but also digital payment systems, mobile POS devices, and online checkout pages—anywhere payments are processed to complete a sale.