Software built for booksellers, since 1995

Over 50 million books sold with Papyrus

Papyrus handles point of sale, stock control, purchasing, and reporting. It runs in single-shop independents and in a chain of 87 stores. We've been at it for thirty years.

Some of the booksellers who use Papyrus

Bargain Books
Red Pepper Online
Kalk Bay Books
Clarke's Bookshop
Hargraves Library Services
The Bookmark Hermanus
The Book Cottage
Die Boekspens
Bargain Books
Red Pepper Online
Kalk Bay Books
Clarke's Bookshop
Hargraves Library Services
The Bookmark Hermanus
The Book Cottage
Die Boekspens

In their words

From our clients

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Papyrus is a well-supported, adaptable, robust, and reliable inventory management system. It feeds sales and stock data from our 87 stores to head office seamlessly.
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Our business model has changed over the years, but Papyrus has adapted with us, fulfilling all of our business needs.
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We have received exceptional service from Papyrus over the years that Kalk Bay Books has been in business.
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The move was seamless and their service outstanding. They have not faltered in accommodating our needs. I cannot think of any other system or service provider that I would recommend as highly.

Who uses Papyrus?

Bookshops, mostly. Independent shops, a chain of 87 stores, a couple of distributors, and a library supplier. All in Southern Africa.

Is Papyrus a point of sale?

It includes one, but it's more than that. Papyrus covers stock control, purchasing, goods receiving, supplier returns, reporting, and cashups as well. The till is just the part your customers see.

How long does it take to learn?

A new cashier can start ringing up sales after a few minutes. The till is keyboard-driven — about twenty short commands cover everything.

Does it handle sale-or-return?

Yes. Sale-or-return stock is tracked separately from firm stock, with its own return windows, supplier claims, and accounting. It’s been part of Papyrus from the beginning.

Who is behind Papyrus?

David Clarke founded Papyrus in 1995. He built it in collaboration with booksellers who needed it — and he’s been developing it ever since. More about us

Can I see it in action?

Of course. Just get in touch and we’ll arrange a time.

Learn how it works

If you are a bookseller and you'd like to see what Papyrus does, we'll walk you through it.

Get in touch