How much does a POS system really cost? Complete breakdown of all expenses.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
Software (Monthly) Free tiers often have hidden fees | $0 | $50-100 | $200+ |
Hardware Use existing iPads vs proprietary | $0 | $500-1,000 | $2,000+ |
Payment Processing Per transaction fees vary | 2.5% | 2.6-2.9% | 3%+ |
Setup/Training Some charge for onboarding | $0 | $200-500 | $1,000+ |
These costs aren't always disclosed upfront:
Some systems charge per staff account
Multi-location can get expensive
Loyalty, online ordering often extra
Proprietary hardware costs more
Contract cancellation penalties
Premium support often costs extra
Total: ~$910/year
Total: ~$1,720/year
Total: ~$2,580/year
Choose a POS that works on iPads or tablets you already have.
Month-to-month plans let you switch if something better comes along.
Use a POS that lets you choose your own payment processor.
Avoid systems that nickel-and-dime you for every feature.
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