The Ultimate Guide to EPOS Hardware for UK Businesses There’s no doubt that EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) systems are a game-changer for UK business owners and that the backbone of an effective EPOS system is its hardware. So, in our blog, we will explore the essential EPOS hardware components UK businesses need, how they function, and how to select the best hardware for your needs.
If you would like to read more information or learn more about the pricing of EPOS Systems, you can do so here.
Useful links from our article:
What Is EPOS Hardware?
Key EPOS Hardware Components
How to Choose the Right EPOS Hardware for Your Business
EPOS Hardware Costs: What to Expect
What Is EPOS Hardware? EPOS hardware refers to any of the physical devices that work with your EPOS software to process transactions and manage business operations and can include everything from cash drawers to barcode scanners. These all work together to make your business operations more efficient, and we think having the proper EPOS hardware is crucial for creating a seamless transaction experience for customers.
Key EPOS Hardware Components Touchscreen terminals
This is a central device that allows staff to process sales, access customer data, and view reports.
Why we think they are essential:
We think that a good-quality touchscreen terminal makes transactions quicker and more intuitive for your staff, improving customer satisfaction.
Cost
Prices can range from £300 to £1,500 depending on the features you go for, and the durability.
Cash drawer
This is a secure compartment where cash from transactions is stored.
Why we think they are essential:
Even in today’s increasingly cashless society, many businesses still need a cash drawer to manage the physical cash flow!
Cost
Not much, but expect to be set back between £50 and £150.
Receipt printers
These are pretty much as the name describes: a device that prints receipts for customers .
Why we think they are essential:
We know that fast and reliable receipt printers enhance customer experience by providing instant proof of purchase.
Cost
They vary, but roughly between £100 and £300.
Barcode scanners
These are either a handheld or stationary device used to scan product barcodes – we’ve gone into more detail about them here .
Why we think they are essential:
Scanning items reduces errors, speeds up transaction times, and ensures accurate stock tracking.
Cost
Prices vary from £50 to £400 based on features and functionality.
Card payment terminals
Again, they do what the name suggests – a device that allows customers to pay via debit or credit cards.
Why we think they are essential:
With more consumers opting for card and contactless payments, having a reliable card terminal is essential for a smooth checkout process.
Cost
Card payment terminals can cost between £30 and £150 – but ask about leasing if cost is a concern.
Customer display screens
These can show customers the details of their transaction in real-time .
Why we think they are essential:
These are handy becasuse they improve transparency and therefor e your customer experience .
Cost
Typically ranges from £100 to £300 per screen.
How to Choose the Right EPOS Hardware for Your Business Choosing the right EPOS hardware depends on the size, nature, and scale of your business, so run through our handy questionairre below to help choose the right hardware for your business needs:
What is your business type?
Why ? Retailers might focus more on barcode scanners and receipt printers, while restaurants and cafes may prioritise touchscreen terminals and kitchen printers.
What is your budget?
Why? While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in high-quality hardware can save you time and money in the long run due to fewer breakdowns and repairs.
Do you want to be able to scale up/down?
Why? If you plan to grow your business, opt for hardware that can easily scale with your needs.
4 .How much do you value ease-of-use ?
Why? User-friendly hardware means less time training staff and fewer errors which means happier customers.
Is it compatible with your existing setup?
Why? We suggest you check that your chosen hardware integrates with your existing EPOS software, as not all hardware is compatible with all systems.
EPOS Hardware Costs: What to Expect The costs of EPOS hardware can vary significantly depending on the complexity and scale of the system, but we’ve made a summary to help figure out a rough estimate:
Hardware component Cost range
Touchscreen Terminals
£300 – £1,500
Cash Drawers
£50 – £150
Receipt Printers
£100 – £300
Barcode Scanners
£50 – £400
Card Payment Terminals
£30 – £150
Customer Display Screens
£100 – £300
Here is a Handy YouTube video About EPOS Hardware
Other useful links:
EPOS Hardware – Other useful links about EPOS Systems Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.
