Tally is built for your accountant. RetailerOS is built for your counter.
TallyPrime is accounting software, and it is excellent at it: ledgers, GST returns filed from the software, e-invoicing and the books your CA works from. It was not built to run an electronics counter. Tally's own pages describe batch tracking, not IMEI or serial tracking — that comes from third-party add-ons — and there is no brand scheme or repair job card workflow. RetailerOS is built for that counter.
Where each one is strong
Where Tally is strong
- Deep accounting and GST: returns filed from the software, 2A/2B reconciliation, e-invoicing, multi-GSTIN
- A one-time lifetime licence (₹22,500 Silver, ₹67,500 Gold, plus GST), with yearly renewal for updates
- Works offline on the desktop
- Nearly every CA in India already knows it
Where RetailerOS goes further
- IMEI and serial tracking built in — no add-on to buy and maintain
- Brand schemes tracked against targets, with claims built from the sales that earned them
- Repair and service job cards, from intake to handover
- WhatsApp receipts and follow-ups included in the plan
- Several stores from one owner login, in the browser and on phones
- Published per-store pricing, with a free plan
Side by side
| What you need | TallyPrime | RetailerOS |
|---|---|---|
| Built forWhere the software starts from | Accounting | The counter |
| GST invoicing, e-invoice, e-way bill | ✓ | ✓ |
| GST returns filed from the softwareGSTR-1, 3B, 2A/2B reconciliation | ✓ | Summaries |
| Ledgers, P&L, balance sheet | ✓ | Day book & ledgers |
| IMEI / serial trackingPer unit, purchase to warranty | Third-party add-on | ✓ |
| Brand scheme tracking & claims | Not listed | ✓ |
| Repair job cards | Not listed | ✓ |
| WhatsApp bills & reminders | Paid add-on | ✓ |
| Several stores, one owner login | Godowns / branches | ✓ |
| Runs in the browser & on phones | Desktop; cloud access extra | ✓ |
| Starting priceexcl. GST | ₹750/mo or ₹22,500 once | Free · ₹3,999/mo |
TallyPrime details from tallysolutions.com and help.tallysolutions.com (pricing, features, WhatsApp, batch tracking), checked 28 September 2026. Third-party add-on: antraweb.com.
Which should you choose?
Choose Tally if
You mainly need books and GST returns, you sell few serialised items, and your counter is simple.
Choose RetailerOS if
You sell phones, appliances or electronics by serial number and lose time on schemes or repairs.
Many retailers use both
Their accountant stays on Tally for the books, and the counter runs on RetailerOS.
Questions
Is RetailerOS a replacement for Tally?
For running the retail counter, yes: billing, stock, IMEI and serial tracking, schemes and repairs. For filing-grade accounts and GST returns, Tally is stronger, and many retailers keep their accountant on Tally for the books.
Does Tally track IMEI numbers?
Tally's own pages describe batch tracking, not IMEI or serial tracking. Serial-number tracking for TallyPrime is sold by third-party add-on vendors. RetailerOS tracks every unit by IMEI or serial number as standard.
Does Tally send bills on WhatsApp?
Yes, since TallyPrime 4.0, as a paid subscription (₹1,300 a year plus GST, plus Meta message charges) that needs an active Tally Software Services plan.
How much does Tally cost?
TallyPrime Silver is ₹750 a month, ₹8,100 a year or ₹22,500 for a lifetime licence; Gold is ₹2,250 a month, ₹24,300 a year or ₹67,500 lifetime (all plus GST). A lifetime licence includes one year of updates; renewing costs ₹4,500 a year for Silver or ₹13,500 for Gold. Prices from Tally's site, checked 28 September 2026.
Can I move my data from Tally to RetailerOS?
Yes. There is a step-by-step migration guide on the Resources page.
Try RetailerOS free
Free for up to 50 bills a month, with no card needed — run it alongside what you use today.
