There are many options when it comes to getting an EPOS system for your restaurant or retail business. And while choosing which features you need is important, there is another aspect of getting an EPOS system that you will need to decide early on: How to pay for it.

There are three ways to pay for an EPOS till system:

1. Rent
2. Lease
3. Purchase

What many new business owners don’t realize is that choosing the payment model can have a major impact on both operations and the bottom line. Let’s take a closer look at each option to help you determine which is the right fit for your business.

Option 1:  Buy an EPOS Till System

Buying an EPOS till outright offers complete ownership of the hardware and software used in your setup. While this is a larger upfront investment—around £1,800 for a single unit—you are not tied any vendor contract or rental terms. The hardware usually comes with a warranty that protects your purchase for a set period. However, once that expires, repairs and updates are your responsibility.

Financially, purchasing also offers some solid benefits. When you buy a till, a portion of the expense may be tax-deductible. And while you’ll need to budget for future maintenance and software upgrades, you avoid the recurring costs that come with renting or leasing.

This setup typically is best suited to established businesses, particularly those who own their premises or plan to stick around long-term, like franchises and chains. For them, stability and control outweigh the upfront cost.

Option 2: Rent an EPOS Till System

Opting to rent an EPOS till offers maximum flexibility with minimal commitment, making it an attractive choice for short-term setups or anyone testing the waters. With rental options starting at around £25 per week and a simple rolling 30-day contract, businesses can get started quickly without being locked into long-term deals. The initial cost generally includes your first month plus a 30-day deposit, which is returned at the end of the rental contract, so you’re essentially paying for just one month of use upfront.

Best of all, if your till breaks or has technical issues, your EPOS rental company is responsible for fixing it. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about upgrades, warranties, or other related issues, as those are all handled by the rental company.

Option 3:  Lease an EPOS Till System

Leasing a till blends the benefits of ownership with the ease of manageable monthly payments, making it a popular middle-ground for growing businesses. Much like leasing a car, it allows you to spread the cost over a fixed period, often with lower rates depending on the term length.

For instance, a 5-year lease could cost as little as £10 per week, while a 2-year plan might average around £87 per month, totalling roughly £2,107. At the end of the contract, the hardware is yours, giving you the flexibility of ownership without the upfront financial hit. Leasing also provides fixed costs throughout the term, which helps with budgeting and forecasting.

Another major perk? Tax relief. Leasing payments are categorized as operating expenses, which means they’re fully deductible. Businesses typically benefit from around 19 percent tax relief on these costs, which can significantly reduce overall expenditure. However, it’s worth noting that leasing requires solid credit; having no history or low credit rating can mean higher rates or stricter terms.

Still, for companies on a steady trajectory that aren’t quite ready to buy outright, leasing offers stability, scalability, and a clear path to ownership.

Not sure whether you want to buy, rent, or lease an EPOS till system? We can help. Contact our EPOS specialists who can walk you through your options and help you choose the right financing to fit your business.