Helcim Reviews & Pricing

Key Features

• Omnichannel Inventory Management: Track stock levels across physical and online stores, prevent stockouts, and optimize purchasing decisions.
• Mobile POS App: Run your business from anywhere with a POS accessible on smartphones and tablets.
• Virtual Terminal: Accept payments online without a physical store through a secure web interface.
• Invoicing and Billing: Send professional invoices, accept payments, and track customer payment history.
• Payment Processing: Accept various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, ACH transfers, and contactless payments.
• Customer Management: Store customer information, create profiles, and track purchase history to personalize shopping experiences.
• Loyalty Programs: Reward repeat customers and encourage brand loyalty with customizable programs.
• Gift Cards and Store Credit: Offer gift cards and store credit as additional sales channels and customer incentives.
• Reporting and Analytics: Generate comprehensive reports on sales performance, inventory levels, and customer trends to make informed business decisions.
• Integrations: Connect Helcim with various third-party apps and services for a streamlined workflow, including accounting software, marketing tools, and shipping platforms.
• API Access: Developers can leverage the Helcim API to integrate functionalities into custom applications.
• Security Features: Industry-standard security measures protect customer data and financial information, ensuring PCI compliance.

Approach to Common Challenges

• Inventory Management Headaches: Overcome stockouts and overstocking with Helcim's omnichannel inventory tracking across physical and online stores. Gain real-time insights and optimize purchasing decisions.
• Limited Mobility and Scalability: Run your business from anywhere with Helcim's mobile POS app and virtual terminal. Its adaptable pricing scales with your business growth, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
• Cumbersome Payment Processing: Accept diverse payment methods seamlessly with Helcim, including credit cards, debit cards, ACH transfers, and contactless payments. No need for multiple providers or complex setups.
• Inefficient Customer Engagement: Build customer loyalty with Helcim's built-in features like loyalty programs and customer profiles. Personalize shopping experiences and encourage repeat business.
• Data Silos and Fragmented Workflow: Connect Helcim with your existing business tools using integrations. Streamline operations and eliminate manual data entry, saving time and effort.
• Security Concerns and Compliance: Helcim prioritizes data security with industry-standard measures and PCI compliance. Ensure peace of mind knowing your customer and financial information is protected.
• Limited Reporting and Business Insights: Make data-driven decisions with Helcim's comprehensive reporting and analytics suite. Track sales performance, inventory levels, and customer trends to identify opportunities and optimize strategies.

Cost Of Ownership

• Q: Is there a monthly fee for using Helcim?
  A: No, Helcim has no monthly fees, making it attractive for budget-conscious businesses. This eliminates recurring costs, allowing you to focus on transaction processing fees.
• Q: What are the transaction processing fees like?
  A: Helcim uses a transparent interchange-plus pricing model, meaning you pay the wholesale processing rate set by card networks like Visa and Mastercard, plus a fixed markup from Helcim. The exact rate depends on the card type and transaction method (in-person vs. online), but typically ranges from 2.68% + 8¢ to 2.95% + 30¢ per transaction. This approach provides clarity and avoids hidden fees.
• Q: Are there any additional costs to consider?
  A: While the core POS system and basic features are free, additional costs might arise depending on your needs. For example, the Helcim Card Reader has a one-time fee of $109, and some third-party app integrations might have monthly charges. Carefully evaluate your requirements and factor in potential add-on costs before making a decision.

Limitations

• Potentially higher fees for low-volume businesses: While competitive for high-volume merchants, fees may be less economical for those processing fewer transactions.
• Limited hardware options: Helcim offers a single card reader, potentially restricting flexibility for businesses with specific hardware needs.
• Narrow integration ecosystem: While compatible with popular tools, integration options are somewhat limited compared to competitors.
• Occasional technical glitches: Users have reported occasional bugs or platform issues that can disrupt operations.
• Learning curve for complex features: Beginners may find the extensive feature set overwhelming, requiring a steeper learning curve.

Suite Support

FAQ

• Q: Is Helcim suitable for my industry?
  A: While not industry-specific, Helcim caters well to various small and medium-sized businesses. Retailers benefit from inventory management, restaurants appreciate table management, and service-based businesses utilize appointment scheduling. Its core functionalities adapt to diverse needs.
• Q: How does Helcim compare to competitors in terms of features?
  A: Helcim offers core POS features like inventory management, customer profiles, and reporting. Compared to some competitors, it might lack advanced features for complex retail needs. However, its focus on usability and affordability positions it well for startups and businesses prioritizing ease of use.
• Q: How secure is Helcim's platform?
  A: Helcim prioritizes data security with industry-standard measures like PCI compliance and encryption. They safeguard customer and financial information, giving users peace of mind. Regular security audits and updates ensure ongoing protection.
• Q: Does Helcim integrate with other business tools?
  A: Yes, Helcim offers integrations with various third-party apps and services, including accounting software, marketing tools, and shipping platforms. This streamlines workflows and eliminates manual data entry, saving time and effort.
• Q: What kind of customer support does Helcim offer?
  A: Helcim provides support via phone, email, and live chat. While some users report occasional wait times, overall satisfaction with the support team is positive. They assist with troubleshooting, setup, and general inquiries.
• Q: How easy is it to set up and use Helcim?
  A: Helcim's user-friendly interface and mobile accessibility make setup and use relatively easy. They offer helpful resources and guides, and the intuitive design minimizes the learning curve. This is particularly beneficial for non-technical users.