How To Offer Finance For EPOS Systems

What offering EPOS finance really means

Offering finance for EPOS systems means giving customers a way to spread the cost of hardware, software and installation over time, rather than paying everything upfront. In practice, you present a monthly payment option at the point a customer is choosing terminals, peripherals and subscriptions, and a lender funds the purchase once the application is approved. This can protect a customer’s working capital while still enabling them to modernise, especially as UK payments keep shifting towards contactless and mobile wallets and cash use continues to fall. For many SMEs, it also makes budgeting simpler because EPOS costs become a predictable operating expense rather than a large capital outlay.

Why buyers prefer finance in EPOS purchases

EPOS is rarely a single item. Even a mid-level setup can involve a tablet or touchscreen terminal, a card reader, printer, cash drawer, barcode scanner, setup and training, plus ongoing software fees. Typical UK pricing often lands around £1,500 to £2,000 upfront for a mid-range setup with software commonly £30 to £50 per month, while more advanced systems can exceed £3,000 with £60 to £100 monthly software. At the same time, buyers are being pushed to upgrade by payment behaviour: customers increasingly expect fast, reliable contactless and mobile wallet experiences, and many businesses want systems that can be updated via the cloud rather than replaced outright. Finance helps buyers say yes sooner, without stalling projects while they build a cash buffer.

How finance helps you sell more EPOS

Finance can increase sales because it reframes the decision from “Can I afford this today?” to “Does this investment pay back monthly?”. That is important when modern EPOS includes analytics, stock control and staff tools that can improve margins over time, but still requires an upfront commitment. By offering finance, you can reduce price sensitivity, protect average order value, and make premium bundles feel accessible, particularly when customers want multiple terminals or seasonal capacity. It also supports upgrades and add-ons later, because customers who are comfortable with monthly payments are more likely to expand their system as they grow.

Understanding affordability isn’t just about the headline price. It’s about whether the monthly cost matches the value the system returns in speed, accuracy and sales.

Typical transaction values (UK)

What you can put on finance

1. Tablet or touchscreen EPOS terminals

2. Card readers and contactless devices

3. Receipt and kitchen printers

4. Cash drawers and till accessories

5. Barcode scanners and label printers

6. EPOS installation, configuration and staff training

7. Software subscriptions and add-on modules (where the finance product supports services)

8. Integrated payments bundles and terminal rollouts

The compliance essentials (FCA)

If you introduce customers to a lender, financial promotion and permissions matter. In the UK, credit broking is regulated, and you must be clear about your role, the lender’s role, and the key credit information customers need to make an informed decision. Your sales materials should be fair, clear and not misleading, and you should avoid implying that approval is guaranteed. You must also treat customers fairly, handle personal data properly, and ensure any APR or repayment examples are representative where required.

Broker-led finance models, explained simply

Most EPOS providers do not want the burden of becoming a lender. An introducer or broker model solves that: you focus on selling the EPOS solution, and a finance partner handles underwriting, regulated processes and payout. Typically, you embed finance at key points in the sales journey (quote, checkout, invoice stage), and the broker matches the customer to an appropriate product, such as fixed-term finance, leasing or a revenue-linked option where repayments flex with card takings. This matters for hospitality and retail, where seasonality can be pronounced and integrated payment processing is becoming more common. The best model is the one that preserves your margins, keeps the customer experience seamless, and supports both hardware and the ongoing nature of modern cloud EPOS.

A clear customer journey you can implement

1. Identify the finance trigger: when the customer asks about price, cash flow, or compares packages.

2. Present two prices: total cost and an estimated monthly figure (based on term options).

3. Confirm eligibility basics: UK trading status, bank account, and any minimum order value.

4. Send the finance link or application: keep it mobile-friendly and quick to complete.

5. Customer completes checks: identity, affordability and business details as required.

6. Approval and agreement: customer reviews and e-signs credit documentation.

7. Order confirmation: you finalise EPOS spec, delivery dates and installation plan.

8. Payout and fulfilment: the lender pays the supplier, and you deliver and onboard.

9. Aftercare: schedule a check-in after go-live to identify add-ons or extra terminals.

Next-step suggestions

• Add “from £X per month” messaging to quotes for bundles above £1,500.

• Create a finance-ready EPOS package that includes installation and training, not just hardware.

• Offer a seasonal scale-up option for hospitality customers adding terminals for peak periods.

Getting started with Kandoo

Kandoo helps UK EPOS sellers and installers offer finance without turning your business into a lender. We work as a retail finance broker, supporting you with a structured approach to promotions, a straightforward application experience, and guidance on presenting finance confidently. The goal is to help you convert more customers who want modern payments, cloud upgrades and better reporting, but prefer to protect working capital. If you already sell tiered EPOS packages, finance can be integrated into your quoting process so customers can compare options on monthly affordability, not just upfront price.

FAQs

What types of finance work best for EPOS?

Fixed-term finance and leasing are common for hardware-led deals, while flexible options can suit businesses with variable card volumes. The right fit depends on the customer’s cash flow, seasonality and whether software is included.

Can EPOS software subscriptions be included?

Sometimes, depending on the finance product and how the contract is structured. Even when software is separate, offering finance for the hardware can still make the overall upgrade far easier to approve internally.

Will offering finance slow down our sales process?

Not if it is built into your quote and checkout flow. A simple, mobile-first application with clear eligibility checks upfront can keep momentum while the customer decides.

Do we need FCA authorisation to introduce finance?

Credit broking is regulated. Whether you need authorisation depends on your exact activities and arrangements. Many businesses operate under a compliant model with the right structure and oversight.

How do we talk about APR without confusing customers?

Keep it practical: show total repayable, term length and representative examples where appropriate. Customers care about what leaves their bank each month, and whether it matches the value they expect from the EPOS.

What if a customer is declined?

Have a clear fallback: a lower-spec package, fewer terminals initially, or an alternative payment plan. You can also schedule a follow-up, as the customer’s position may change after a strong trading period.