The Best Tills for Small Businesses in the UK: A Comprehensive Review

For UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in retail, hospitality, and beauty, choosing the right till system is critical to streamlining operations and improving customer service. The ideal till system could require seamless integration with payment processing, inventory management, and reporting tools, providing a comprehensive solution for managing sales. This guide reviews the best till systems tailored to SMEs, helping business owners make informed decisions.

‍

Why Choosing the Right Till Matters for SMEs

A till system, also known as a point-of-sale system (often shortened to POS Systems) or cash register, is more than just a tool for processing payments. It’s a vital part of your business operations that can:

• Improve Efficiency: Automate tasks such as inventory tracking and sales reporting.
• Enhance Customer Satisfaction: Offer features like contactless payments, loyalty programme integration, and fast transaction processing.
• Support Scalability: Adapt to your business growth with additional features and software integrations.
• Secure Cash Flow: Many systems include secure cash drawers or compact size cash registers for managing cash tills.

‍

Key Features to Look for in a Till System

When selecting a till for your SME, consider the following features:

• Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is essential for quick staff onboarding and efficient operations for you and your staff.
• Payment Integration: Support for multiple payment types, including card payments, debit card processing, contactless, QR codes, and digital wallets like Apple Pay.
• Inventory Management: Real-time stock tracking to prevent overstocking or stock shortages.
• Scalability: The ability to add users, locations, or integrations as your business grows.
• Thermal Printers: Ensure your till system includes high-quality thermal printers for reliable receipt printing.
• Customer Support: Access to an expert team for reliable UK-based customer service to address issues quickly.
• Transaction fees: Many of the best pos systems for small businesses will charge different transaction fees, you should always check what they will cost!

‍

The Best Till Systems for UK SMEs

Square POS

Square POS software is a popular choice for UK small businesses thanks to its simplicity, and comprehensive features. Although payment fees are on the high side, software can start from free and scale with your business.

‍

Key Features:

• Free pos software with optional pos hardware.
• Integrated payment processing with transparent fees (1.75% per card transaction).
• Robust inventory management tools.
• Customisable customer loyalty programmes.

‍

Best For:

Retail shops (it's one of the most popular retail pos systems) and beauty businesses looking for a cost-effective and easy-to-use system.

‍

Pricing:

Free software; hardware packages start from £149 - £599 + VAT.

‍

EPOS Now

EPOS Now is a flexible and scalable till system widely used in hospitality and retail.

‍

Key Features:

• Intuitive touchscreen interface.
• Comprehensive reporting tools.
• Seamless integration with third-party apps like Xero and QuickBooks.
• Industry-specific features for hospitality, including table management.

‍

Best For:

Retail POS Systems - Types of businesses in hospitality or retail requiring advanced features and scalability.

‍

Pricing:

From £25 per month, with hardware bundles starting at £375 + VAT.

Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed POS (A cloud-based pos system) is a premium option designed for SMEs that prioritise customisation and advanced analytics.

‍

Key Features:

• Cloud-based software with real-time data access.
• Multi-location management capabilities.
• Advanced inventory tracking, including bulk imports and supplier management.
• Customisable loyalty programmes.

‍

Best For:

Growing businesses in retail and hospitality that need advanced analytics and scalability.

‍

Pricing:

From £49 per month + VAT; hardware sold separately.

Zettle by PayPal

Zettle offers a simple, affordable solution ideal for microbusinesses and startups.

‍

Key Features:

• Affordable hardware and transparent pricing (£1.75% per transaction).
• Compact and portable card readers.
• Basic stock management and reporting tools.
• Integration with PayPal for seamless online and offline transactions.

‍

Best For:

Beauty salons, market stalls, food trucks, and small retail businesses.

‍

Pricing:

Card reader starts at £29 + VAT; no monthly fees for basic use.

Clover POS

Clover POS offers an all-in-one solution with sleek hardware and robust software.

‍

Key Features:

• Customisable interface and apps to suit your business needs.
• Integrated payment processing with contactless and card terminal support.
• Cloud-based access to sales data and reports.
• Scalable hardware options, from compact terminals to full cash desk systems.

‍

Best For:

SMEs in hospitality or beauty looking for an aesthetically pleasing and versatile cash register.

‍

Pricing:

From £15 per month; hardware starts at £299 + VAT.

Comparing the Best Till Systems for small businesses

System

Best For

Starting Price

Key Features

Square POS

Retail and beauty SMEs

Free software; hardware from £49

Transparent fees, loyalty programmes, inventory

EPOS Now

Hospitality and retail

£25/month; hardware from £399

Table management, integrations, reporting

Lightspeed POS

Growing retail and hospitality businesses

£49/month; hardware sold separately

Advanced analytics, multi-location management

Zettle by PayPal

Microbusinesses and startups

Card reader from £29

Affordable, portable, PayPal integration

Clover POS

Hospitality and beauty

£15/month; hardware from £299

Customisable apps, cloud-based reports

‍

How to Choose the right POS System for Your Business

When selecting the best till system, consider your business type, size, and specific needs:

• Retail Businesses: Look for systems with strong inventory management, advanced cash registers, and detailed sales reporting to manage cash flow efficiently.
• Hospitality SMEs: Prioritise table management, order customisation, and split billing features for a wide range of applications.
• Beauty SMEs: Choose portable and stylish options, such as mobile card machines, with appointment scheduling integration.

Final Thoughts on choosing POS systems

Investing in the right till system can revolutionise how your small business operates, improving efficiency and enhancing the customer experience. Whether you’re running a boutique, a café, a food truck, or a beauty salon, there’s a system to suit your needs. From the affordability and portability of a mobile pos system, like Zettle to the advanced features of Lightspeed POS, the modern pos systems options reviewed above are tailored to UK SMEs in retail, hospitality, and beauty.

Evaluate your specific requirements, trial systems where possible, and choose a till that will grow with your business. Ensure that your system offers competitive prices, supports a wide range of payment types, includes thermal printers for receipt printing, and offers secure cash drawers or compact-size cash registers to handle your daily operations effectively.

For UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in retail, hospitality, and beauty, choosing the right till system is critical to streamlining operations and improving customer service. The ideal till system could require seamless integration with payment processing, inventory management, and reporting tools, providing a comprehensive solution for managing sales. This guide reviews the best till systems tailored to SMEs, helping business owners make informed decisions.

‍