A cheap EPOS system that doesn’t cut corners

The monthly software fee is only part of the bill. Add the hardware bundle, extra screens and terminals, the kitchen display, card processing and any minimum contract term, and a system that looked cheap can cost more than one with a higher headline price.

Café QR’s POS plan includes the till, waiter app, tabs, floor plan, bookings, kitchen screen and QR ordering for £39 per venue a month. Card payments go to your own Stripe account at Stripe’s rates, with a 0% Café QR platform fee.

• See every plan and price →
• What a café ordering system costs in the UK →

The till, waiter app and kitchen screen run in a web browser, so an iPad, Android tablet, old laptop or staff phone is enough. Add a Star or Epson network printer if the kitchen wants paper, and a Stripe card reader if you want card linked to the till.

• Choose a card machine →

Free plans exist: Square’s Free plan has no monthly fee and charges 1.75% on in-person card payments. They suit a venue starting out with simple counter sales. Check what is extra, such as kitchen display devices or table ordering, before you compare.

If you need tabs, a waiter app, a kitchen screen and table ordering together, compare the full monthly bill on your own card takings, not just the software price.

• Compare the best UK EPOS systems →
• Café QR vs Square →