What Is EPOS? Your Complete Guide to Electronic Point of Sale Systems
EPOS, short for Electronic Point of Sale, is the digital heartbeat of modern retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses across the UK. Whether you're running a high-street store, a mobile food truck, or a busy salon, the right EPOS system can streamline sales, track inventory, manage staff, and improve customer service. At EPOS Bookings, we help UK businesses compare the best EPOS systems—covering everything from mobile POS setups to advanced retail software—so you can make an informed choice with confidence.
What Does EPOS Mean?
EPOS stands for Electronic Point of Sale. It’s a powerful digital system that allows businesses to process transactions, track stock, manage employees, and generate reports—all in one place. Unlike traditional tills, EPOS systems are cloud-based, customizable, and scalable, meaning they grow with your business needs. As a result, businesses can easily adapt to new challenges and opportunities in real-time.
Key Features of Modern EPOS Systems
Here are the essential features of EPOS systems that drive efficiency:
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Real-Time Inventory Management
Automatically track stock levels, ensuring you always know what's in stock. This means fewer shortages and smoother restocking processes. -
Fast Payment Processing
Accept card, mobile, and contactless payments securely. Therefore, customers experience quick and easy transactions. -
Sales Reporting & Analytics
Generate actionable insights from real-time data. Consequently, you can adjust your strategy and optimize profits more effectively. -
Employee & Shift Management
Track work hours, shifts, and productivity. In addition, it streamlines payroll and reduces scheduling mistakes. -
CRM & Loyalty Integration
Reward loyal customers and foster long-term relationships. For example, you can offer points, exclusive deals, or personalized discounts.
Who Needs an EPOS System?
EPOS systems are invaluable for various types of businesses across the UK, including:
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Retail Stores
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Coffee Shops & Restaurants
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Hairdressers & Salons
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Gyms & Fitness Studios
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Market Stalls & Mobile Vendors
In other words, if your business processes payments or tracks stock or appointments, investing in an EPOS system will help improve efficiency and customer service.
Compare the Best EPOS Systems in the UK
We’ve reviewed and compared some of the top EPOS providers in the UK to help you make an informed choice:
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Square
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Lightspeed
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Shopify POS
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SumUp
Each of these providers offers unique features. Take a closer look at the options below:
EPOS Provider |
Price (Monthly) |
Features |
Best For |
Free Trial |
Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Square |
£0 – £60 |
POS, inventory, CRM |
Small retail |
✅ |
4.8/5 |
Lightspeed |
£59+ |
Retail, eCom, analytics |
Multi-location retail |
✅ |
4.6/5 |
SumUp |
£0+ |
Mobile POS, card reader |
Pop-ups, sole traders |
✅ |
4.4/5 |
Shopify POS |
£69 |
Retail + Online store |
Omnichannel sellers |
✅ |
4.5/5 |
EPOS Bookings |
0.2-0.5% |
Hospitality, mobile POS |
Hospitality & Leisure |
✅ |
4.7/5 |
In summary, each provider has its strengths. Consider your business size, type, and budget when making your choice.
Why Choose EPOS Bookings?
At EPOS Bookings, we stand out by:
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Offering unbiased EPOS reviews and comparisons
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Connecting you with exclusive discounts from leading providers
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Providing free consultations, especially for startups and small businesses
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Keeping our guides updated with the latest trends in EPOS systems
As a result, we simplify your search for the perfect EPOS system, saving you time and money.
FAQs About EPOS Systems
Q: What’s the difference between EPOS and POS?
A: POS is a general term for any system used to make sales. However, EPOS specifically refers to digital, cloud-based systems with advanced features like real-time analytics and customer management.
Q: How much does an EPOS system cost?
A: Costs range from 0.2% per sale for basic setups to a 1.5%/ per sale for full-featured systems including Accountancy and Payroll. In either case, the right EPOS system can provide a significant return on investment.
Q: Can EPOS work offline?
A: Yes, most cloud-based EPOS systems offer an offline mode and sync automatically once the system reconnects to the internet.
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