Shortlist systems against your actual catalogue: product variants, barcode scanning, refunds, purchase orders, online stock sync and the total cost of card acceptance. Ask to see each step working.
Test the workflows that cause stock errors
Variants and barcodes: If you sell sizes, colours or weighted goods, create several variants in the demo. Scan an item, apply a discount, then return it against the original receipt. Check how inventory changes after both transactions.
Purchasing: Ask whether the system can create supplier purchase orders, receive stock in part shipments and flag low-stock lines. A spreadsheet workaround can undo the benefit of real-time stock control.
Multiple channels: If you sell online, ask precisely how often stock synchronises and what happens when the same last item sells online and in-store. Ask whether an integration needs a paid app or a higher software tier.
Staff controls: Demonstrate restricted discounts and refunds, manager approval, end-of-day reconciliation and reports by location. Confirm what information remains available during a broadband outage.
A sensible starting shortlist
Epos Now's retail product page describes stock variants, barcode-based refunds and purchase orders. Square markets a UK point-of-sale product, and EPOS Direct publishes retail and hospitality solutions. These are examples to investigate, not a claim that any one supplier is best for your shop or that they are our quote partners.
For a small shop with a limited catalogue, first decide whether a tablet-based setup meets your needs. For a larger range or multiple sites, require a live demonstration using your own stock file and a realistic return. Written quotes should separate the terminal, scanner, software, payments and support.
Questions to bring to every retail demo
- Can we import our existing products, variants and stock counts without losing item history?
- How does a refund affect stock and card settlement?
- Does an offline sale sync safely, and which payment methods work offline?
- What does another till or store cost, including extra licences?
- Can we export products, customers and sales if we leave?
Score the same live tasks for every supplier rather than awarding stars from marketing descriptions. Record any missing feature as a follow-up question in the written quote.
Ready to describe your EPOS requirements?
Build a practical checklist from your answers and register your enquiry for review. This does not create an instant supplier quote.
Build your briefSource and further reading
EPOS Direct describes its own products; check current features, offers and terms before buying.
Providers are illustrative market examples, not a paid ranking, confirmed partner roster or product test. Check demonstrations, pricing and contract terms with each supplier.