Quick Answer
No — not with EPOS Direct. You can buy a complete EPOS system outright (or spread the £999 system at £99/month over 12 months) with no annual contract. However, most other UK EPOS providers do require 12–24 month contracts.
Why do most EPOS providers require contracts?
EPOS providers use contracts to guarantee revenue and recoup hardware costs. Annual contracts with auto-renewal clauses and exit fees of £200–£500 are common. This locks businesses in even if they're unhappy with the service or their business changes.
What are the risks of signing an EPOS contract?
The main risks of long EPOS contracts include: paying for a system that no longer fits your needs, being stuck if the provider's support deteriorates, facing exit fees if your business closes or pivots, and annual price increases baked into multi-year terms.
- ✓Exit fees often £200–£500 for early termination
- ✓Annual price increases of 10–15% are common on renewal
- ✓Difficult to switch if a competitor offers better rates
- ✓Business closure still often incurs remaining contract liability
EPOS Direct's no-contract approach
EPOS Direct operates without annual contracts. The £549 complete package and £399 software licence are one-off purchases with no tie-in — you own the system. The £99/month × 12 option on the £999 system simply spreads the cost with no long-term commitment beyond the 12 payments. Once paid, you own everything outright.
Complete EPOS + Teya Card Terminal
£549 + VAT
One-time — or own outright from £399 — no monthly software fees ever
- ✓ Hardware + software included
- ✓ Teya card terminal (1% rate)
- ✓ No monthly software fees
- ✓ No long-term contracts
- ✓ Works offline
- ✓ UK-based support team
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EPOS with no contract in the UK?
Yes. EPOS Direct has no annual contract. You can buy outright, or spread the £999 complete system at £99/month over 12 months with no exit fees and no auto-renewal trap. The outright purchase option from £399 has zero ongoing commitment.
What EPOS providers require annual contracts?
EPOS Now, Lightspeed, and many resellers of Clover require annual or multi-year contracts. Square and Zettle have no contracts but their per-transaction fees create a different form of lock-in.
Can I switch EPOS mid-contract?
You can switch, but you may face early exit fees from your current provider. Review your contract's termination clause — look for notice periods (typically 30–90 days) and any hardware return requirements. EPOS Direct can advise on timing your switch to minimise exit costs.