Cost of an EPOS System in London: 2026 February Price List

The 2026 London EPOS Market: Price Reality Check

In February 2026, London’s retail and hospitality scene is facing a "Triple Squeeze": rising National Insurance contributions, increased National Living Wage, and fluctuating energy costs. Consequently, choosing a Point of Sale (POS) system is no longer just about the "look"—it’s about the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Whether you're opening a boutique in Marylebone or a high-volume café in Canary Wharf, this guide breaks down the exact costs you'll encounter this month.

1. Hardware Costs: The "Initial Hit"

In 2026, hardware has bifurcated into two categories: "Use Your Own Device" and "Purpose-Built Terminals."

• Entry-Level (Mobile/Pop-up): £19 – £150. This usually includes a simple card reader (like the Square Reader or Zettle) that connects to an existing iPad.
• Professional Countertop: £300 – £800. A standard setup for a London shop includes a 15-inch touchscreen, a thermal receipt printer, and a heavy-duty cash drawer.
• The Premium Experience: £1,000+. For high-end London restaurants, systems like the Square Register or GetPOSVerse Premium Bundles feature dual-screens (one for the customer) and integrated 4G failover.

2. Software Subscriptions: The "Monthly Pulse"

Most London merchants have moved away from legacy "one-off" licenses. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is the standard in 2026.

• Basic Tier (£0 - £30/mo): Best for side hustles or very low-volume stalls. You get basic reporting and a simple catalog.
• Growth Tier (£39 - £75/mo): This is where GetPOSVerse excels. It includes inventory telemetry, staff clock-in/out, and multi-site management.
• Enterprise Tier (£100+/mo): Includes advanced AI-driven stock forecasting and deep CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools to drive repeat visits in competitive London postcodes.

3. Transaction Fees: The "Silent Margin Eater"

While monthly fees are visible, transaction fees can be the most expensive part of your EPOS.

London Pro Tip: If your business processes more than £10,000 per month, do not stay on a flat 1.75% rate. Moving to a provider like GetPOSVerse with rates as low as 1.2% can save a Shoreditch restaurant over £600 per year in fees alone.

• Flat Rates: Typically 1.75% (Square, Zettle). Simple, but expensive for high-volume stores.
• Interchange Plus: (GetPOSVerse / Dojo). More complex, but often results in rates between 0.3% and 1.5% depending on the card type (debit vs. premium credit).

4. Hidden Costs to Budget for in February 2026

Don't get caught out by these common "extra" line items:

VAT: Almost all listed EPOS prices are exclusive of 20% VAT.

Menu/Product Upload: Some providers charge £100–£300 to digitize your menu for you.

Kitchen Display Systems (KDS): Essential for hospitality, these screens cost roughly £15–£40 per month/device.

Paper Rolls: A "hidden" recurring cost—expect to spend £20/month on high-quality thermal paper for a busy site.

Why GetPOSVerse is the "Value King" for London

While Square offers a £0 entry point, the GetPOSVerse model is built for the "Second Stage" of business. If you have moved past the "market stall" phase and need a system that offers 1.2% transaction rates and live London-based human support, the TCO of GetPOSVerse actually drops below Square once you cross the £5,000/month revenue mark.

Final Summary: Estimated Year 1 Budget

For a new London retail shop in 2026, your "Success Budget" should look like this:

• Hardware: £450 (One-time)
• Software: £588 (£49/mo x 12)
• Estimated Fees: £1,500 (Based on £100k turnover at 1.5%)
• Total Year 1: £2,538 + VAT

Conclusion: Future-Proofing Your London Business

As we look at the February 2026 EPOS price landscape, it is clear that the "cost" of a system is no longer just a single figure on an invoice. In a city where overheads are rising and consumer expectations are higher than ever, the most expensive system is often the one that fails during a Friday night rush or traps you in a high-interest transaction fee cycle.

The Bottom Line for 2026

For a standard London setup this month, you should budget for an initial investment of £300–£900 for hardware and a monthly operational cost of £40–£100. While the "free" software models offered by global giants are tempting for startups, growing businesses are increasingly pivoting toward local specialists like GetPOSVerse to lock in lower transaction rates (averaging 1.2%–1.5%) and guarantee 24/7 UK-based support.

Key Takeaways for Your February Budget:

• Hardware: Don't just buy for looks; ensure your terminals have 4G/5G failover to handle London’s occasional localized network drops.
• Software: Look for "Value-Add" features like AI inventory forecasting and native Deliveroo/UberEats integrations, which are now standard in 2026.
• Transaction Fees: If you process more than £5,000 a month, a flat 1.75% rate is likely costing you hundreds in unnecessary fees. Negotiate an "Interchange Plus" model.

Choosing the right EPOS in 2026 is about more than just processing payments—it’s about gaining a data-driven partner that helps you navigate the competitive London market. By investing in a system that balances local reliability with transparent pricing, you ensure that your business isn't just surviving the February chill, but thriving well into the new year.