Epos Now provides a flexible point-of-sale system for businesses across retail, hospitality, and other sectors. Used by over 64,000 locations globally, it offers cloud-based software and adaptable hardware.
In this review, we’ll cover Epos Now’s features, pricing, and the pros and cons to help you determine if it’s right for your business.
So, what can Epos Now offer your business?
Epos Now: My Verdict
Epos Now is a highly functional POS and payment processing solution, particularly suited for retail and hospitality businesses, from small startups to multi-location stores and restaurants. The system offers a wealth of industry-specific features and customisation options, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their unique needs. This flexibility makes it a great choice for businesses that need to scale as they grow.
The user-friendly interface simplifies operations, while the cloud-based system ensures you can manage your business remotely and in real time. Epos Now’s integration with various third-party apps and its range of hardware options also add to its appeal.
However, there are a few considerations. The standard contract length is typically 2-3 years, and some advanced features come with additional charges, meaning the overall cost can increase depending on your business needs. Additionally, Epos Now requires you to use its payment processing service, which may not suit businesses looking for more flexibility in their payment solutions.
Epos Now at a Glance
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Should Use | Businesses in retail, hospitality, and services that need an adaptable, cloud-based POS system. Ideal for companies looking for comprehensive transaction management. |
| Who Should Not Use | Small businesses that only require simple, single-location systems or those with minimal tech infrastructure might find it too complex or costly. |
| Products and Features | Cloud-based POS system, customizable for various industries. Includes hardware options like countertop terminals, card readers, self-service kiosks. Features include real-time analytics, inventory management, customer loyalty programmes, and integrations with major platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. |
| Pricing | Pricing varies depending on the system and package chosen. Card machines from £19/month, bundles from £225. Additional costs for hardware and accessories. |
| Ease of Use | The system is user-friendly with step-by-step onboarding, cloud-based access, and mobile app compatibility for easy management on the go. |
| Account Access | Cloud-based dashboard accessible from any device. Real-time updates and remote monitoring capabilities. |
| Safety/Security Aspects | PCI compliant, multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and fraud prevention tools ensure secure transactions and data protection. |
| Customer Support Available | 24/7 support available for premium packages. Standard support through phone, email, and live chat. Written and video guides available for self-service. |
| Reviews (Trustpilot/Google) | Trustpilot rating of 4.5/5 from 19,924 reviews. Mixed Google Play reviews (2.8/5) citing technical issues, but positive feedback on ease of use and customer support. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Businesses must undergo identity and business verification. Required documents include proof of identity, bank details, and business registration (limited companies only). |
| Additional Information | No long-term contracts, optional same-day payouts, integrates with over 130 apps and platforms. Hardware warranties and replacements are available. |
Pros and Cons
- Tailored to different industries with a range of hardware and software options.
- Intuitive interface with onboarding and ongoing support.
- Real-time analytics, inventory management, and integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
- Accepts a wide range of payment methods, including contactless and digital wallets.
- PCI-compliant and offers strong fraud prevention.
- Initial setup might be challenging for very small businesses or those with limited technical expertise.
- Pricing can become expensive depending on hardware choices and additional services.
- While most reviews are positive, technical issues and poor app performance are commonly noted in some reviews.
- Limited to UK-based businesses and requires specific documentation for setup.
Who Are Epos Now?
Founded in 2011 in Norwich, UK, Epos Now has grown into a global provider of cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) systems, serving over 64,000 businesses across 74 countries.
Known for its versatile solutions, Epos Now caters to industries like retail, hospitality, and leisure, offering systems that simplify payment processing, inventory management, and customer engagement.
Trusted by brands such as Planet Doughnut and Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Epos Now provides businesses with customizable hardware, real-time reporting, and a range of integrations.
Recognised as “Fintech of the Year” at the 2023 UK Business Awards, Epos Now continues to support growth and operational efficiency for businesses of all sizes.
Epos Now Products and Features
Cloud-Based POS System: Manage your business remotely with real-time syncing across all devices, ensuring up-to-date information anytime, anywhere.
Customisable Interface: Tailor the POS system to fit the needs of your business, making transactions and staff management more efficient.
Flexible Payment Acceptance: Accept chip and pin, contactless payments, digital wallets, and remote payments via links. Portable card readers like Pro+ and Air allow for secure transactions on the go.
Hardware Options: Choose from various POS terminals such as the Duo Countertop, which features dual touchscreens for staff and customer interaction, and portable devices for payments anywhere in your store or business.
Real-Time Inventory Management: Track your stock levels in real time, with automatic updates and barcode scanning, reducing errors and keeping your inventory accurate across multiple locations.
Reporting and Analytics: Access detailed reports and custom dashboards, providing real-time insights into sales, inventory, and staff performance, helping you make informed business decisions.
Customer Engagement Tools: Manage customer loyalty programs and profiles to personalise marketing, encourage repeat business, and track customer preferences.
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Staff Management: Schedule shifts, track employee attendance, and manage role-based access, ensuring security and efficient use of staff resources.
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Integration with 130+ Apps: Integrate with popular apps for accounting, e-commerce, and delivery, or use the open API to create custom integrations specific to your business needs.
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Order & Pay: Enable customers to place orders and pay directly via their smartphones, reducing wait times and improving the customer experience. Integration with delivery services makes managing both in-store and online orders seamless.
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24/7 Support and Onboarding: Benefit from round-the-clock customer support and dedicated onboarding assistance to ensure a smooth setup and continuous optimisation of your system.
How Much Does Epos Now Cost?
Epos Now charges a flat fee of 1.7% for card payments, with custom pricing options available for larger businesses. From February 2024, the rate for accepting Amex, JCB, Diners, Discover, and UnionPay transactions will increase to 2.5% for new UK customers. Existing customers and those outside the UK will continue to be charged at their pre-agreed rates.
Hardware Pricing:
- Card machines start from £19 per month.
- Printers are priced from £129.99.
- Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) start from £15 per month.
- Barcode scanners are available from £39.
Bundled Packages:
- The Complete Solution bundle is priced at £225 + VAT and includes a POS terminal, cash drawer, receipt printer, and Epos Now software.
- The Duo Countertop and Air Bundle costs £375 + VAT and includes the Duo Countertop POS terminal, the Air card reader, and one-on-one configuration and training.
Additional Services:
- Epos Now Capital offers funding from £1,000 to £1 million with no hidden fees or fixed monthly payments. Repayments are automatically deducted from card sales.
- Epos Now My Business provides a free, secure business account with next-day payments and automated sync with your Epos Now financial data.
Epos Now Ease of Use
Epos Now is designed for simplicity, with an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate, even for users with little experience. Its customisable features adapt to the specific needs of your business, streamlining operations.
The cloud-based system allows remote access from any device and offers quick setup, often taking just 15 minutes to get started.
The platform also provides comprehensive onboarding and 24/7 customer support, ensuring businesses have the guidance and help they need at all times. Epos Now prioritises ease of use, making it a practical solution for businesses of any size.
Epos Now Safety and Security
Epos Now ensures robust security through multiple layers of protection for both businesses and their customers. All hardware and software are PCI compliant, adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), which is essential for secure payment processing. The system also supports EMV compliance for all card readers, ensuring that all transactions are secure.
For data protection, Epos Now uses encryption to safeguard sensitive customer information. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required to access the back office, adding an extra layer of security.
Additionally, the platform helps businesses manage payment disputes, chargebacks, and fraud prevention, further enhancing transaction security.
By maintaining high security standards and offering tools for fraud protection, Epos Now ensures a safe and reliable system for businesses and their customers.
How to Get Started with Epos Now
- Sign Up for an Account: Visit Epos Now’s website and complete the sign-up process to create an account. You will need to provide details about your business, including your business type and contact information.
- Choose a Plan: Once you’ve registered, select a plan that suits your business needs. Epos Now offers different pricing tiers depending on the features and hardware you require. Choose a plan that fits your business’s size and operational needs.
- Select Your Hardware: After choosing your plan, you can select the hardware that fits your business. Options include POS terminals, card readers, printers, and barcode scanners. You can also opt for a complete bundle, which includes everything needed to start, such as the POS terminal, receipt printer, and cash drawer.
- Order Your Hardware: Once you’ve selected the hardware, proceed to order. Epos Now will deliver the hardware directly to your location. Depending on your selection, you may also be offered installation services or setup assistance.
- Configure Your System: Once your hardware arrives, follow the easy setup instructions to connect everything. Epos Now’s software can be configured to suit your specific business needs, such as setting up products, pricing, and payment methods.
- Training and Onboarding: Epos Now offers comprehensive onboarding and training resources. You will receive step-by-step guidance to set up the system, customise your POS settings, and train your staff. They also provide one-on-one onboarding support if needed.
- Start Using the System: After completing the setup and training, you’re ready to begin using the Epos Now system for managing sales, inventory, and customer transactions.
- Access Ongoing Support: If you need any help during or after setup, Epos Now’s support team is available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues, questions, or system updates.
Alternatives to Epos Now
| Feature | SumUp | Square | MyGuava | Zettle by PayPal | Shopify POS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | SumUp Air Reader (£39 + VAT); Solo (£79 + VAT); Solo & Printer (£139 + VAT) | Square Reader (£19 + VAT); Square Terminal (£149 + VAT) | MyGuava POS Terminal (pricing via dashboard) | Zettle Reader (£29) | Shopify Card Reader (£49 + VAT); integrates with various hardware options |
| Payment Processing Rates | 1.69% per in-person transaction; 2.5% for online payments | 1.75% per in-person transaction; 2.5% for online payments | 0.60%–1.10% UK, 1.50%–1.90% international; £10 monthly fee | 1.75% in-person, 2.5% online | 1.5%–2.2% per transaction, depending on the plan |
| POS Features | Inventory management, invoicing, Tap to Pay on mobile devices | Inventory tracking, invoicing, payroll integration, free POS app | Full POS for in-store, hybrid solutions, CRM | Mobile POS, inventory management, sales analytics | Multi-channel sales, inventory synchronisation, customer profiles, loyalty programs |
| Pricing | No monthly fees for basic services; POS Pro at £49/month + VAT | No monthly fees for basic services; optional add-ons available | POS monthly fee: £10; 30-day rolling contract | Card reader £29; POS app free with transaction fees | POS Lite at £9/month; POS Pro at £89/month |
| Best For | Small to medium-sized businesses across various sectors | Small businesses needing flexible, scalable solutions | UK-based businesses with broad currency options | Mobile-focused small retailers | E-commerce and retail businesses seeking integrated online and offline sales |
| Link | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site |
FAQs
Yes, Epos Now can easily manage multiple locations. The cloud-based system allows you to track sales, inventory, and staff performance across different sites from a single centralised platform.
Epos Now can process various payment methods, including chip and pin, contactless, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and remote payments via link. This flexibility allows your business to offer multiple payment options to suit customer preferences.
Epos Now offers real-time inventory management, allowing you to track stock levels, set up automatic stock updates, and receive low-stock alerts. You can also use barcode scanning for easier stock management across multiple locations.
Yes, Epos Now allows you to upgrade or change your hardware as your business grows. Whether you need more terminals, additional card readers, or new accessories like printers or barcode scanners, Epos Now offers flexibility in hardware choices. You can also exchange or add devices to match your business requirements at any time.
Epos Now allows you to monitor staff performance by tracking sales, shifts, and customer interactions. The system generates reports on individual staff members, allowing you to assess performance, manage productivity, and make informed decisions on staffing.
