What is an EPOS System and Why Does Your Business Need One?
Unlike traditional till systems, EPOS systems can effortlessly integrate real-time reporting, cloud-based management, and multi-channel sales tracking, making them essential for modern UK businesses. So, if you run a retail shop, a restaurant, or an online business, an EPOS system can simplify your life exponentially by streamlining your sales, tracking your inventory, and improving your customer service.
Benefits of Using an EPOS System
We believe that investing in an EPOS system can bring multiple benefits to your business, including:
1. Faster (and more efficient) transactions
- Reduce queue times with a user-friendly touchscreen interface.
- Accept various payment methods, including contactless, mobile wallets, and chip & PIN.
2. Improved inventory management
- Track stock levels in real-time and set low-stock alerts.
- Automate reordering processes to avoid stockouts.
3. Cloud-based access for remote management
- Manage your business from anywhere with cloud connectivity.
- Access sales data, update prices, and monitor employee performance remotely.
4. Advanced sales/business analytics
- Generate detailed reports on sales trends and customer behaviour.
- Identify top-performing products and optimise pricing strategies.
5. Integration with online and offline sales
- Sync in-store and e-commerce sales to manage all orders from one system.
- Provide customers with a seamless shopping experience across multiple platforms.
6. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Store customer details for personalised marketing and promotions.
- Implement loyalty points, gift cards, and targeted discounts to encourage repeat business.
Types of EPOS Systems for Different Business Needs
We think that choosing the right EPOS system will depend on your business model, and to help you get started, here are some of the most popular types used by UK businesses:
| EPOS Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Retail EPOS | Shops, supermarkets, fashion stores | Barcode scanning, stock tracking, CRM integration |
| Hospitality EPOS | Restaurants, cafés, takeaways | Table management, kitchen display, split billing |
| Mobile EPOS | Market traders, pop-up shops, delivery services | Portable hardware, contactless payments, cloud connectivity |
| Multi-Channel EPOS | Online & offline retailers | E-commerce integration, order tracking, real-time stock updates |
| Touchscreen EPOS | Fast-paced businesses | Intuitive interface, customisable menus, high-speed transactions |
The Best EPOS Providers in the UK (2025)
With many providers offering EPOS solutions, we’ve shortlisted some of the best options for UK businesses based on pricing, features, and reliability.
| Provider | Best For | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | Small businesses | Free basic plan | Cloud-based, inventory tracking, integrated payments |
| Lightspeed | Retail & hospitality | From £39/month | Multi-location support, staff management, analytics |
| Epos Now | Versatile business needs | From £25/month | Hardware + software bundles, extensive integrations |
| Zettle by PayPal | Startups | £29 one-time | Mobile-friendly, simple interface, card reader included |
| Talech | Growing businesses | From £49/month | Custom reporting, employee & customer management |
| TouchBistro | Restaurants & cafés | From £69/month | Table management, menu customisation, payment integration |
How to Choose the Right EPOS System for Your Business
When selecting an EPOS system, consider the following factors:
- Your business size and needs (for example, retail businesses may need barcode scanners and inventory management tools, but restaurants should look for table management and split-bill features.
- Your budget, and the scalability of the system
- Integration & compatibility features – does the EPOS integrate with your existing payment processor, accounting software, and e-commerce store?
- Customer support options (and ratings)!
- Ease of use