What is EPOS? How electronic point of sale systems run a shop
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
- 1Customers pick what they want
- 2They pay by card at checkout
- 3The order lands with you
EPOS stands for electronic point of sale. It is the till system a shop, café or restaurant uses to ring up sales, and usually much more: stock, staff, receipts and reports, all in one place.
What an EPOS system does
- Rings up items and works out the total, discounts and tax.
- Sends the amount to a card machine, or records cash.
- Updates stock levels as items are sold.
- Prints or emails receipts.
- Reports on sales by day, product and staff member.
EPOS vs a card machine
A card machine only takes the payment. An EPOS system runs the whole sale, and many connect to a card machine so the amount is sent across automatically instead of being typed in twice. Small businesses often start with just a card machine and add EPOS as they grow.
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What it does
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Choosing one
Check whether it suits your type of business (retail and hospitality systems differ), which card machines it works with, what it costs each month, and whether it connects to your accounting software.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay doesn't sell EPOS systems or card machines. SendPay platforms give your business payment links, invoicing, subscriptions and an online store under your own brand, powered by licensed partners.
How it works
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SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank. Accounts, cards and payments are powered by licensed partners.
Questions people ask
Which card machine deal is cheaper?
Compare device price, fees and monthly charges over a year.
Card machine cost calculator →Virtual terminal or payment links?
Two ways to take payments without a card machine.
Virtual terminal vs payment links →Read next
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.