Plenty of businesses overspend on a full POS they don't need — or outgrow a basic reader and end up duct-taping spreadsheets together. Here's how to pick the right level.
A card reader is enough if…
- You sell a small number of items or services
- You mainly need to take a card quickly
- You're mobile, occasional or low-volume
- You don't need stock tracking or table service
You want a full POS if…
- You carry real inventory and need stock control
- You run tables, tabs or appointments
- You sell online and want it synced with in-person
- You want detailed reporting and staff management
The middle ground
Square and Zettle blur the line: they start as simple readers but include free POS software you can grow into. That makes them a low-risk starting point if you're not sure which camp you're in.
TPThe POS
The POS editorial team
Independent UK payments research. We test, read the small print and write it up in plain English.
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