Compare cloud and traditional EPOS systems for retail, hospitality, and service businesses
Integrated card payments, stock management, and sales reporting in one system
Hardware, software, and installation packages — compare the full cost of ownership

An EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system is the combination of hardware and software that manages sales transactions, inventory, and customer data at the point of purchase. Modern cloud-based EPOS systems include a touchscreen terminal or tablet, barcode scanner, receipt printer, and card reader — all connected to a management platform that tracks stock levels, generates sales reports, manages staff access, and integrates with accounting software. They are used across retail, hospitality, hair and beauty, and service businesses of all sizes.
A good EPOS system is far more than a till — it gives you real-time visibility of what is selling, what is running low in stock, and how your business is performing at any time of day. Cloud-based systems allow you to manage your business remotely, integrate card payments to eliminate manual reconciliation, and reduce the human errors associated with traditional cash handling. For hospitality businesses in particular, integrated EPOS drives efficiency across the entire operation.
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Common questions from businesses comparing EPOS system options.
A cloud EPOS stores your data online and can be accessed from any device — giving you real-time sales and stock data wherever you are. A traditional (or legacy) EPOS stores data locally on the hardware. Cloud systems are generally preferred for their flexibility, automatic software updates, and the ability to manage multiple locations from one dashboard.
Yes — most modern EPOS systems integrate directly with card payment terminals, so card transactions are automatically recorded alongside cash sales. This eliminates the need for manual reconciliation at end of day and significantly reduces errors. Confirm which payment processors your chosen EPOS provider supports before signing.
Most leading EPOS platforms integrate with Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and other popular accounting software — automatically posting sales data and reducing bookkeeping time. Ask any prospective provider about their specific accounting integrations before committing.
The right number depends on your peak transaction volumes and queue tolerance. As a general guide, retail businesses should plan for one terminal per 200–300 transactions per day. Hospitality businesses often add table-side handheld terminals to improve service speed. Your provider will advise on the right configuration for your specific operation.
Beyond the initial hardware cost, budget for: monthly software subscription (typically £30–£100/terminal/month for cloud systems), card processing fees if using the provider's integrated payments, and technical support or maintenance contracts. Compare the total cost of ownership — not just the upfront hardware price.