Epos Now Review: Best Value Retail Management System?
Choosing the right retail management system can make or break a small business. Many owners struggle with slow checkout, messy inventory, and confusing sales reports. Epos Now claims to solve these problems with simple, affordable tools. But is it really the best value option for new and growing retailers? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Epos Now?
Epos Now is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed for retail and hospitality businesses. It combines hardware (like touchscreen tills and receipt printers) with software for sales, inventory, and staff management. Because it works in the cloud, you can check your sales or update products from anywhere with internet.
Key Features Of Epos Now
Epos Now packs many tools into one system. Here’s what stands out for beginners:
- Easy Inventory Management: Add, edit, and track thousands of products. Set alerts for low stock.
- Fast Checkout: Touchscreen interface helps staff process sales quickly. Accepts cards, cash, and contactless payments.
- Real-Time Reporting: See sales and stock levels instantly. Export data for tax or planning.
- Employee Management: Track working hours and sales by staff member.
- Customer Loyalty: Create discounts, points, or promotions for repeat customers.
- Integration: Connects with accounting tools like QuickBooks and e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
- 24/7 Support: Help is available by phone or chat day and night.
One insight beginners often miss: Many retail POS systems charge extra for support, but Epos Now includes it in most plans.
How Much Does Epos Now Cost?
Epos Now aims for affordable pricing. Most users pay a one-off fee for hardware plus a monthly software subscription. As of 2024, a basic package starts around $39/month for software, plus about $499 for a touchscreen terminal. Add-ons like extra tills or advanced features can raise the price.
Here is a price comparison with two popular competitors:
| System | Monthly Software | Hardware (Starter Kit) | Support Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epos Now | $39 | $499 | Yes |
| Square POS | $0 (basic) | $299 | Limited |
| Lightspeed | $69 | $499 | Yes |
This shows Epos Now is not the cheapest, but offers strong value with support and features.
Epos Now Vs. Other Retail Pos Systems
Many beginners compare Epos Now to Square and Lightspeed. Here’s how they differ:
| Feature | Epos Now | Square | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Growing retailers | Small shops, pop-ups | Larger stores |
| Inventory tools | Advanced | Basic | Very advanced |
| Custom reports | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Offline mode | Yes | No | Yes |
A detail beginners miss: Epos Now works well both offline and online, which is critical if your internet is unreliable.
Who Should Choose Epos Now?
Epos Now is best for retailers who want an affordable system with room to grow. It suits fashion shops, convenience stores, and small chains. If you want a free starter system, Square is simpler. For very large or complex stores, Lightspeed may offer deeper tools, but costs more.
What Could Be Better?
No system is perfect. Some users report that Epos Now’s advanced features require a learning curve. Others wish the basic subscription included more add-ons. Still, for most beginners, the setup is fast and training is easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epos Now Suitable For Very Small Shops?
Yes, but if you only need the basics, Square’s free plan may be enough. Epos Now shines as your needs grow.
Can I Use My Own Hardware With Epos Now?
Often yes, but full compatibility is best with their official devices. Always check before buying.
Does Epos Now Support Online Stores?
Yes, it integrates with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, letting you sync online and in-person sales.
How Secure Is Epos Now?
All data is encrypted and backed up in the cloud. User permissions help protect sensitive information.
Where Can I Learn More About Epos Now?
You can visit the official Epos Now website for in-depth details and user guides.
Epos Now offers a strong balance of price, features, and support for most retailers. If you want a system that grows with your business, it’s a top contender. Beginners will appreciate its simplicity, while advanced users can unlock deeper tools as they expand.
