EPOS systems explained – How to choose an EPOS for your business

Choosing the right Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system is a critical decision for any business, regardless of its size or industry. An effective EPOS system can streamline your operations, improve customer service, and provide valuable insights into your business. However, with so many systems and suppliers on the market, making the right choice can often feel like a daunting task.

Whether you’re a small business owner looking to implement your first EPOS system or a seasoned retailer considering an upgrade, this guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to choose the best EPOS system for your unique business needs. Let’s get started!

Understanding EPOS systems

An Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system is a combination of hardware and software that helps businesses process transactions, track sales and inventory, and manage many other commercial functions.

This powerful tool can streamline your operations, reduce manual errors and provide useful business insights. But with a plethora of EPOS systems on the market, it can be quite a challenge to choose the right one for your business.

Let’s explore what EPOS systems are and how you can select the one that will best meet your needs.

The role of an EPOS system in a business

At its core, an EPOS system is essentially the digital version of traditional cash registers. However, modern EPOS systems do far more than just process transactions.

They can integrate with your inventory systems, generate sales reports, track customer habits, manage employees, and even help with marketing strategies.

In essence, an EPOS system can handle multiple aspects of your business, leading to increased efficiency and improved decision-making.

Types of EPOS systems compared

There are several different types of EPOS systems available, each offering unique features and benefits that cater to different kinds of businesses. Here, we will compare the main types of EPOS systems: on-premise EPOS systems, cloud-based EPOS systems, and mobile EPOS systems.

On-premise EPOS systems

On-premise EPOS systems are installed locally on your business’s hardware and servers and are managed by your IT staff. This traditional type of EPOS system usually involves a high initial investment but can be cost-effective in the long run as there are typically fewer ongoing fees.

Pros:

• Greater control over your data
• Usually more customisable
• No reliance on an internet connection

Cons:

• High upfront costs
• Requires dedicated IT staff for maintenance and updates
• Less flexible and harder to scale

Cloud-based EPOS systems

Cloud-based EPOS systems, also known as Software as a Service (SaaS), are hosted on the vendor’s servers and accessed through the internet. They typically operate on a subscription model with monthly or annual fees.

Pros:

• Lower initial costs
• Easy to scale and update
• Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection

Cons:

• Ongoing subscription costs
• Dependence on a reliable internet connection
• Potentially less control over your data

Mobile EPOS systems

Mobile EPOS systems, often known as mPOS systems, operate on a smartphone or tablet, making them a flexible solution for businesses that need to process transactions on the go, like market stalls, pop-up shops, or mobile food vendors.

Pros:

• High flexibility and portability
• Lower cost than traditional systems
• Easy to set up and use

Cons:

• May lack advanced features of larger systems
• Dependence on a reliable mobile data or Wi-Fi connection
• May require additional hardware for printing receipts

It’s worth noting that many businesses often opt for a hybrid solution, combining elements of the different types to best meet their needs.

For instance, a restaurant might use an on-premise EPOS system in their main location, but use a mobile EPOS system for their pop-up events. As always, the choice of EPOS system will depend on your specific business needs and circumstances.

Factors to consider when choosing an EPOS system

Business needs

Before you start shopping around for an EPOS system, first establish what you need the system to do. Are you looking to streamline transactions, or do you want to integrate it with your inventory system? Are customer loyalty programmes or employee management features important to you? Your specific business needs will guide you in determining which EPOS system is the right fit.

Usability

The user-friendliness of an EPOS system is paramount. If it’s too complex, you could face a steep learning curve, leading to lost time and productivity. Test drive a few systems before deciding on one.

Ask your employees to use it as well – after all, they will be the ones interacting with it regularly. Look for systems that have intuitive interfaces, clear instructions and offer solid customer support.

Cost

EPOS systems can be a significant investment, with costs varying widely based on the features and the provider. Make sure to consider both the upfront costs and the ongoing costs, such as monthly or annual fees, maintenance costs and payment processing fees.

Remember, the most expensive system isn’t necessarily the best. It’s about finding a balance between cost and functionality.

Scalability

Your EPOS system should be able to grow with your business. As your business expands, you might need additional features or the ability to handle a greater volume of transactions. Choose a system that is scalable and can adapt to your changing needs.

Integration

Most businesses use a variety of software solutions, from accounting and HR systems to customer relationship management (CRM) and ecommerce platforms. Ideally, your EPOS system should be able to integrate with these other tools to enable data sharing and streamline operations.

Purchasing vs renting an EPOS system

One crucial decision to make when choosing an EPOS system is whether to purchase or rent the equipment. Both options have their merits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on your business’s specific circumstances.

Purchasing an EPOS system

When you purchase an EPOS system, you pay a lump sum upfront and own the equipment outright. This option often includes the necessary hardware such as cash drawers, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and card readers, in addition to the EPOS software.

Pros:

• Lower long-term costs
• More control over your system
• Can be more cost-effective over time if the system has a long lifespan

Cons:

• High initial outlay
• Responsibility for maintenance and upgrades
• Risk of technology becoming outdated

Renting an EPOS system

Renting an EPOS system, often referred to as leasing, involves paying a regular fee to use the system. This cost is typically a monthly or annual charge and can include services such as technical support, system updates and hardware replacement in case of failure.

Pros:

• Lower upfront costs
• Regular updates and maintenance often included
• Flexibility to upgrade as new technology becomes available

Cons:

• Ongoing costs can add up over time
• Less control over your system
• Potential for long-term contracts and cancellation fees

The decision between purchasing and renting an EPOS system will depend on your business’s financial situation, your long-term plans, and your comfort level with managing the system’s maintenance and upgrades. As with any significant business decision, it’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor before deciding which option is right for your business.

Top 15 EPOS system suppliers compared

EPOS Supplier	Key Features	Pricing
Vend	User-friendly, excellent inventory tracking, ecommerce integration	Starts from £69/month
Epos Now	Suitable for a wide range of businesses, offers a range of hardware, 24/7 support	Starts from £39/month
Lightspeed	Strong reporting and inventory management, highly customisable	Starts from £69/month
Zettle by PayPal	Low-cost, good for mobile businesses, quick setup	Fixed fee of 1.75% per transaction
Square	Easy to set up, transparent pricing, good for small businesses	1.75% for chip and pin or contactless payments
Shopify	Seamless integration with e-commerce platform, user-friendly	Starts from £69/month
Clover	Wide range of hardware and software options	Prices start at around £50/month
TouchBistro	Designed for the food service industry, offline mode	Contact vendor for pricing
Revel Systems	Strong feature set, can handle high volume transactions	Contact vendor for pricing
Zettle Pro	More features than basic package, low monthly cost	£29 per month + transaction fees
Nobly	Industry-specific features, user-friendly	Starts from £39/month
QuickBooks POS	Good integration with QuickBooks, strong inventory management	One-time purchase cost starts at around £1000
Tillpoint	Flexible and scalable, can handle multiple business tasks	Contact vendor for pricing
Goodtill by SumUp	Easy-to-use, solid range of features	From £29 per month
Aures Yuno	Compact and robust hardware, customisable software	Contact vendor for pricing

Note: Pricing for these suppliers can vary based on various factors, such as the number of locations, terminals, and specific features. Always contact the supplier for a detailed quote that matches your specific business needs. The prices listed are approximate, based on general market trends as of the time of writing, and may have changed.

1. Vend

Vend is a versatile, cloud-based EPOS system suitable for a variety of retail businesses. It offers features such as inventory management, loyalty programmes, and ecommerce integration.

Pros:

• Highly user-friendly
• Excellent inventory tracking
• Integrates with a variety of payment processors

Cons:

• May lack advanced features for larger businesses
• Some users report slow customer service

2. Epos Now

Epos Now is a popular choice for both retail and hospitality businesses. It offers a comprehensive range of features, including stock management, reporting, and integrations with various other business platforms.

Pros:

• Suitable for a wide range of business types
• Offers a good range of hardware
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• Additional cost for premium support
• Some users report the system can be slow at times

3. Lightspeed

Lightspeed offers separate EPOS systems specifically designed for retail, hospitality, and golf businesses. Its systems are known for their in-depth reporting and inventory features.

Pros:

• Strong reporting and inventory management features
• Highly customizable
• 24/7 support

Cons:

• More expensive than some competitors
• Occasional issues reported with software updates

4. Zettle by PayPal

Zettle is a simple, mobile EPOS system, making it a great choice for small businesses and pop-up shops. It offers features such as sales reporting and inventory tracking, alongside seamless integration with PayPal.

Pros:

• Low-cost, straightforward pricing
• Good for mobile businesses
• Quick setup

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• May not be suitable for larger businesses

5. Square

Square is a mobile EPOS system known for its ease of use and straightforward pricing. It is a great option for small businesses, offering inventory management, sales reports, and ecommerce integration.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use
• Straightforward, transparent pricing
• Good range of features for small businesses

Cons:

• Transaction fees can be higher than some competitors
• Limited customizability

Absolutely, here are an additional 10 EPOS system suppliers:

6. Shopify

Shopify isn’t just an e-commerce platform; it also offers a robust EPOS system, making it perfect for businesses with both online and physical stores.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Shopify e-commerce platform
• Supports multiple locations and channels
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Monthly fee is separate from e-commerce platform cost
• Limited reporting in lower-cost plans

7. Clover

Clover offers flexible EPOS solutions with a range of hardware options. It’s ideal for businesses looking for a tailored solution.

Pros:

• Wide range of hardware and software options
• Feature-rich platform

Cons:

• Some features require additional monthly fees
• Hardware can be costly

8. TouchBistro

TouchBistro is a dedicated EPOS solution for the restaurant industry. It provides features like table management, menu customisation, and bill splitting.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for the food service industry
• Offline mode available

Cons:

• Not suitable for retail businesses
• Can be pricey for smaller establishments

9. Revel Systems

Revel Systems provides a scalable EPOS platform suitable for businesses of all sizes, with a focus on restaurants, retail, and quick service.

Pros:

• Strong feature set for restaurant and retail industries
• Can handle high volume transactions

Cons:

• High upfront cost
• Monthly software fee per terminal

10. Zettle Pro

Zettle Pro offers more advanced features compared to its simpler counterpart. It’s ideal for hospitality businesses such as bars and cafes.

Pros:

• More features than the basic Zettle package
• Low monthly cost

Cons:

• Only suitable for hospitality businesses
• Limited customisation

11. Nobly

Nobly is an EPOS system specifically for the hospitality industry. It provides features like table management, loyalty programmes, and ingredient tracking.

Pros:

• Industry-specific features
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Not suitable for retail businesses
• Hardware sold separately

12. QuickBooks POS

QuickBooks POS integrates seamlessly with its accounting software, making it a good choice for existing QuickBooks users.

Pros:

• Good integration with QuickBooks
• Strong inventory management features

Cons:

• Can be expensive
• Limited customer support

13. Tillpoint

Tillpoint offers a modular EPOS system, allowing businesses to pick and choose the features they need.

Pros:

• Flexible and scalable
• Can handle multiple business tasks

Cons:

• Interface can be complex for beginners
• Occasional software glitches reported

14. Goodtill by SumUp

Goodtill by SumUp is a user-friendly EPOS system for hospitality and retail businesses. It provides solid features, including loyalty schemes, table layouts, and pre-orders.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Solid range of features

Cons:

• Additional modules at extra cost
• Card machine sold separately

15. Aures Yuno

Aures Yuno is an all-in-one EPOS system with a compact design, making it a good choice for businesses with limited counter space.

Pros:

• Compact and robust hardware
• Customisable software options

Cons:

• Limited information on pricing
• Hardware and software may be complex for beginners

These suppliers offer a wide variety of EPOS systems suitable for different types of businesses with diverse needs. When choosing a supplier, consider your business size, industry, and specific requirements to ensure you get a system that best suits your needs.

When choosing an EPOS system supplier, remember to consider your specific business needs and circumstances. What works best for one business may not be the best fit for another. It’s always a good idea to take advantage of free trials or demonstrations where available to ensure a system is the right fit for your business.

Making the decision

In conclusion, choosing an EPOS system is a significant decision that can have a substantial impact on your business operations. It’s crucial to do your research, understand your needs, and consider all the key factors mentioned above.

Remember, the right EPOS system should not just handle transactions but also streamline your operations, provide valuable insights, and be adaptable to the changing needs of your business. So, invest time in finding an EPOS system that is the right fit for your business. It could be one of the most important investments you make.

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