How can we help?

Because the POS is web-based, the general rule for equipment is that it must work with a computer.  If you already have a point of sale system that operates on a computer, it is likely that your existing equipment will work with our system. Specialized hardware, such as a dedicated cash register machine, most likely will not work with our system for its special-function buttons. We have some recommendations for equipment that we have tested, but they are not required for our system. Hardware is an area that can change rapidly so for the latest possible information, if you are in the onboarding process, ask your Client Success Manager. If your system is launched, call our Support team at 385-404-6200 and use option 2.

***Please keep receipts for equipment until you are certain it is compatible with your computer.*

 

Computer

The POS is web-based, so any computer/tablet with a full-function operating system that connects to the internet should work. Here is a list of minimum requirements to work with our system:

• Windows: We recommend Windows 10 or 11. Please note that in late 2025 Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10.
• Mac: macOS 12.0 Monterey is recommended, but older versions will work with Rain POS.
• CPU: Windows - Intel Core i3 or better / AMD Ryzen 3 4300 or better. Mac - Intel Core i3 or better.
• RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended.
• Storage: At least 64GB of hard disk space.
• Ports: At least one USB 2.0 or better port*. It is not recommended to try and use hardware that connects by serial port or parallel port with our system. If you wish to use Ethernet connected printers, you will need to have a network professional set that hardware up for you, our support team does not to local area network setup, as this work cannot be done over the phone.
• Internet: We advise a broadband connection speed of at least 5 - 10 Mbps. You can test your connection speed by going to SpeedTest.net. Be careful to avoid advertisements; the button that starts the test says Begin Test.

Devices such as Netbooks, Chromebooks, iPads, and any Android, Linux, or other operating system devices may experience limited functionality. For utilizing the Point of Sale Register, iPad tablets and similar devices will function just fine as long as you have a wireless receipt printer and barcode scanner. Android tablets often have USB ports you can use to connect more affordable wired receipt printers and barcode scanners.

*Devices such as the iPad do not have a USB port, and printing through a browser from an iPad is not supported so you will need wireless peripheral devices.

Here is a computer that fulfills system requirements from our hardware partners at POSGuys:

21" Touch Screen Display

Intel i3 Processor

8GB RAM

128GB Storage

Windows 10 64-bit

Available Stand (sold separately)

Rain POS IC-215P-AW3-W10-RN

Many of our customers have chosen to go with a standard desktop PC that you can pick up for about $300 - $400. Some of our customers have gone with a touchscreen computer. If you have to buy, get something that you like and that is dependable. If you have any questions, please call us.

 

Router

For our system, your existing router that is already working for you will usually be sufficient. If you have internet outages that are of concern to you, there is a type of router that will automatically switch over to a cellular connection as a hotspot, to save you as much down time as possible. Understand, this is purely optional, but below is a link to an excellent router by Linksys.

Linksys Router Example > (PC and Mac Compatible)

 

Barcode Scanner

Nearly any barcode scanner that connects to your computer by USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi will work. USB barcode scanners for a desktop or laptop are generally the most affordable and reliable. Generally, more expensive scanners will have additional features, but may not offer better scanning. Your scanner should be able to read 1D scans in code 128 (just a single read across the barcode), which is something almost all scanners currently available can do.

USB Example > (PC & MAC Compatible)

 

Portable Wireless Barcode Scanner

If you need something even more portable, for example, to use at a trade show or a remote location, this scanner will work well for you. This unit is designed to connect using Bluetooth to mobile devices such as notebooks (Apple, Windows, or Chromebooks), tablets (iOS or Android), or even phones (iOS, Android, Windows, or Blackberry) to scan 1D barcodes into the device.

Bluetooth Example > (PC & Mac Compatible)

 

Label Printer

The label printer is used to create barcode labels for products in your store. Look for one that connects to your computer. An inexpensive printer here should work just fine. We frequently set up Dymo 550 series printers and Zebra ZSB series printers. If you have a different type of printer, we can almost certainly help you set it up with our system if it plugs into your computer by USB.

Our system is currently capable of printing to 1" x 1" labels, 2.25" x 1.25" labels, 2" x 3/4" labels, and .4375" x 2.125" 'dumbbell' labels. Click here for more information on where to buy these labels: How to Set Up Your Dymo Label Printer in Windows. If you are a Mac user, here is how to set up your Dymo label printer in MacOS.

Label Printers > (PC & MAC Compatible)

 

Receipt Printer

Unless you are on a very tight budget, we would recommend spending enough money to purchase a heavier-duty receipt printer. Printers can be found for around $50, but many priced that low will print receipts that aren't very legible or easily scanned. Something in the $200 - $300 range will be more reliable and might save you some headaches in the long run.

We set up Star TSP143 series printers and Epson TM-M30 series printers on a regular basis, but other models work well, too, just make sure it plugs in with USB and can print from your operating system (do a test print from Word or a similar application).

Please note that unless you have your own IT administrator who can set up an Ethernet-based printer, it is recommended you order the USB version, which we can help you set up.

Receipt Printers > (PC & MAC Compatible)

 

Cash Drawer

Most likely, unless you have a drawer or cash box you prefer, you will want a cash drawer that can plug into your receipt printer so the drawer will pop open after a sale is completed and the receipt starts printing.

Cash Drawer >

 

Credit Card Terminal

If you are using Rain POS Payments as your credit card processor, the WisePOS E terminal on the left side in the image above is currently the terminal you'll be using for our U.S. clients. If you are in Canada using Interac, it is likely you have the S1 F2 terminal pictured above. Part of the process of setting up your credit card processing will be informing you of how you will get your terminal so you do not need to buy this separately ahead of time.

 

Internet Hotspot

What would you do if your internet connection went down in the middle of your business day? Our system depends on the internet to operate, so if you are wanting to make sure you can always connect, having an internet hotspot that uses your cellular service as an alternative is a great option. Contact your mobile service provider for hardware solutions.