FAQ
Straight answers for owners comparing POS options.
What is included in the free trial?
A 30-day trial on one store with Counterly POS, Admin, sample catalog seeding if you want it, and email support. We verify your card through Stripe during onboarding, then start billing after the 30-day trial ends.
Which industries does Counterly support?
Counterly is built for liquor, gas, smoke shops, cafes, perfume and beauty, shoes and apparel, convenience, specialty retail, and other retail floors that want a configurable register. The same product model powers every store; capability unlocks sit on top of that foundation.
Does every store get age verification?
No. Age verification only appears when your catalog includes restricted capabilities such as liquor, tobacco, or lottery. If you do not sell restricted products, the register stays cleaner.
When do I need the Fuel plan?
Only when the store sells gas and needs fuel sale recording or wet-stock workflows. Convenience and specialty stores can use Counterly without Fuel unless they actually operate a forecourt.
What is the difference between monthly and yearly billing?
Both plans include the same Counterly software for the selected tier. Monthly gives you flexibility, while yearly is the best savings at roughly two months free because the yearly rate is about ten times the monthly rate.
How does trial card verification work?
During onboarding, Counterly creates your organization first and then opens a Stripe Checkout session to verify the payment method for the trial. If checkout does not open, your store is still created and you can retry billing from Admin.
Does Counterly handle bottle deposit / CRV?
Yes. Admin tax settings load state deposit tables for CA CRV and other US bottle-bill states. The register charges per container (a 12-pack is twelve deposits), including size tiers like CA 5¢ under 24 fl oz and 10¢ at 24 fl oz and above. Stores outside those states can leave deposits off or set a manual store policy.
Does Counterly replace my card processor?
No. Your merchant account stays yours. Pair existing PAX or Verifone terminals and use Counterly as the POS software layer.
What setup services can I buy?
One-time options include POS data transfer consultation, remote setup, terminal pairing, staff training, catalog buildout, and on-site go-live. Services can be added from pricing or during billing.
Which apps do I need?
Operators use Counterly POS for the register and Counterly Admin for the back office, with web access available at pos.counterlypos.com and app.counterlypos.com. HQ is a founder-only web surface; operators do not need it.