A Shopify store owner wants to replace a broken Bluetooth barcode scanner, which staff found difficult to use, and avoid clumsy camera scanning. They prefer a reliable corded scanner but are concerned that buying one could require a POS Hub and a new, awkwardly cabled iPad stand.
Two setup options emerged. One recommendation is to use a compatible scanner, such as the Zebra DS2208, in USB keyboard (HID) mode; it enters scanned codes like a keyboard and may connect directly to the iPad with a USB-C adapter, avoiding the Hub. Alternatively, the POS Hub can connect a wired scanner without Bluetooth pairing, but it does not work with Shopify’s older POS Tablet Stand. A third-party stand may be used instead, provided the iPad’s charging port remains accessible.
Before purchasing, the owner should verify the scanner’s connection mode and Shopify compatibility. If choosing the Hub, they should also confirm the iPad runs iPadOS 18 or later. No purchase or final setup has been confirmed.
Does anyone have newer hardware recommendations for in-person sales, especially barcode scanner.
I’ve been running a brick-and-mortar POS from my initial hardware setup for a couple years. I have the last (original?) tablet stand, Tap&Ship card reader, printer/cash drawer, and a random keyboard. I had a Socket barcode scanner, but my staff could never figure it out, and then it broke (or rather the charger stopped charging). We have taken to scanning with the camera, which is clunky.
Now I’m experiencing the hardware creep. I want a corded barcode reader (a zebra, as big as possible) because BT randomly disconnects, and it’s always charged. That requires a new POS Hub, which might be great. But then I also need a new iPad stand, as the old one isn’t compatible with the Hub. The new stand seems clunky - they picture without any cords, but really the cords are hanging out.
Am I reconfiguring for a barcode scanner that doesn’t work? I’ve read on here about another scanner that doesn’t actually work, so I’m just wondering what works for people.
Before you buy a Hub and a new stand, check whether a corded scanner needs the Hub at all. Many corded scanners can be set to keyboard (HID) mode and plugged straight into a USB port, so you may only need an adapter for your current iPad. Look up the scanner’s interface and mode in its manual, then confirm it’s listed on Shopify’s supported hardware page for POS before you spend money. For the cable mess, a short USB-C adapter or a desk clamp for the cable often solves what the stand photos hide.
Lauren_Scott is spot on. Before buying the Hub and new stand, try the corded Zebra in USB keyboard (HID) mode. It just types the scanned code into the POS search field like a keyboard, so it doesn’t need the Hub at all. The DS2208 is the one I see work reliably with POS this way, and it reads both 1D and 2D codes. A short USB-C adapter for your current iPad is usually all you need, so the new stand can wait.
Hey @Knit3, your corded instinct is right, and you can keep the iPad stand you already have. The POS Hub picks up a wired USB scanner by itself, so there’s no pairing step for staff to fumble, and the corded Zebra DS2208 is sold as a Hub companion for exactly that reason. The Hub won’t pair with Shopify’s older POS Tablet Stand, but it’s happy with ordinary third-party stands, so just use one that leaves the charge port reachable and skip Shopify’s new stand entirely. I’d check your iPad’s iPadOS version before ordering, since the Hub needs 18 or newer. Once it’s plugged in, scan something into a cart and the line item should appear with no setup screen at all.