Why Choosing the Right EPOS Matters
A modern EPOS system is absolutely essential for managing transactions, stock, customers, and reporting, but not all EPOS solutions are created equal, and each industry has different requirements.
You likely know that selecting the wrong system can result in inefficiencies, lost revenue, or missed growth opportunities. To help you choose the right system that aligns with your business needs, we’re going to provide you with some helpful tips in our blog below.
What Should You Consider When Choosing an EPOS System
✅ Industry-specific features – Table management for restaurants? Appointment scheduling for salons? Ensure the system meets your niche needs.
✅ Ease of use – Staff should be able to learn the system quickly with minimal training.
✅ Integration support – Check if the EPOS connects with your accounting, eCommerce, and marketing tools.
✅ Hardware compatibility – Do you need fixed tills, tablets, or mobile card readers?
✅ Always choose a provider that can grow with you, and offers UK-based support.
✅ Pricing structure – Transparent monthly fees, affordable hardware, and fair transaction rates.
Best EPOS Features by Industry
🛍️ Retail EPOS
Retailers need robust stock management and fast transactions to keep sales flowing smoothly, so here are our must-have features:
- Firstly, inventory tracking with barcode scanning is a non-negotiable
- (If relevant to you) multi-store and multi-register support
- Customer loyalty programmes will help boost sales
- So will discount and promotion management
- Another essential is real-time reporting and analytics
Our top picks? Square, Lightspeed, Shopify POS – because they are perfect for clothing shops, gift stores, electronics retailers, and more.
🍽️ Hospitality EPOS
Pubs, restaurants, cafés, and takeaways need EPOS systems that can handle high-volume orders and fast-paced service – so here are some ofour must-have features:
- Table and tab management will simplify your employees lives significantly!
- Split billing and custom order options is a nice to have
- Kitchen display system (KDS) integration – another must
- Delivery and takeaway integration (such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo)
- Shift and tip tracking for staff
Our top picks? Epos Now, Zettle by PayPal, Lightspeed Restaurant are all great for full-service restaurants, quick-service takeaways, and food trucks.
✂️ Salon & Beauty EPOS
For salons, spas, and barbershops, scheduling and customer management are just as important as payments, so here are our must-have features:
- Appointment booking calendar
- SMS/email reminders and confirmations
- Client profiles with notes and history
- Retail product management
- Commission tracking for stylists and staff
Our top picks? We think that Fresha, Square for Salons, Epos Now are est for hair salons, nail bars, massage therapists, and beauty clinics.
🛠️ Service-Based Business EPOS
Mobile professionals (or) appointment-based services need flexible EPOS solutions that work on the go, so here are our must-have features:
- Mobile-friendly POS via app or tablet
- Invoicing and payment links
- Real-time booking and scheduling
- Contactless and mobile payment support
- Cloud-based access from any location
Our top picks? Square, SumUp, Zettle are deal for tradespeople, tutors, dog groomers, cleaners, and consultants.
🏢 Multi-Industry or Hybrid Businesses
Some businesses operate across multiple verticals — such as a café with retail or a salon offering eCommerce, and must-have features:
- All-in-one platform with customisable modules
- eCommerce and inventory sync
- Flexible hardware setups
- Customer database with marketing integrations
Our top picks? Shopify POS, Epos Now, Lightspeed are all great for mixed retail-hospitality or service-retail models.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing an EPOS
- What are my top three business needs from an EPOS?
- Is the provider well-reviewed in my industry?
- What level of support and training is available?
- Does it integrate with my payment gateway or eCommerce store?
- Can I scale up easily if I open more locations?
Final Thoughts: Match Your EPOS to Your Business Type
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing an EPOS system and we think that the best solution is one that understands the unique challenges of your industry and offers the tools to help you grow.
💡 Need help finding the right EPOS provider for your sector? Use our comparison tool to get tailored recommendations for your industry — and make the smart choice for your business in 2025.