Quick Answer
A cash register records sales and opens a cash drawer. An EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system does all that plus manages stock, tracks staff performance, generates business reports, processes card payments, and integrates with online ordering platforms.
What is a cash register?
A traditional cash register records transactions, opens a cash drawer, and prints receipts. High-end models store basic product data and print totals. They don't manage stock, don't process card payments natively, and generate no business intelligence.
What does an EPOS do that a cash register doesn't?
An EPOS system is essentially a computer running specialist retail or hospitality software.
- ✓Real-time stock tracking — know exactly what you have
- ✓Card payment processing — integrated, not a separate device
- ✓Staff management — individual logins, commission tracking
- ✓Business reports — hourly sales, top products, slow movers
- ✓Customer database — purchase history, loyalty schemes
- ✓Online integrations — Just Eat, Deliveroo, Xero, QuickBooks
- ✓Multi-site — manage multiple locations from one dashboard
When should I upgrade from a cash register to an EPOS?
If you're losing stock to unknown shrinkage, spending hours manually counting stock, can't tell which products are most profitable, need to accept card payments, or are considering delivery platforms — it's time to switch. EPOS Direct starts from £549 one-time including a card machine, so the cost of switching is low.
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
Is an EPOS more expensive than a cash register?
A basic cash register costs £50–£300. An EPOS system costs from £549 one-time (including card machine) or from £399 outright. When you factor in what an EPOS replaces (separate card machine, stock system, reporting tools), it often costs less overall.
Can I get an EPOS that also works as a cash register?
Yes. EPOS Direct manages cash and card in one system. The cash drawer is integrated — you open it for cash transactions just like a traditional register, but all sales are tracked digitally.
Do I need a cash register if I have an EPOS?
No. An EPOS replaces your cash register entirely. EPOS Direct manages cash transactions, opens the cash drawer, and prints receipts — just like a register, but with all the additional intelligence of a full EPOS system.