Any business that sells products to customers can make use of an EPoS system. The size of the business will determine the scale of the EPoS solution necessary, those very small businesses may not need to use such advanced technology.

Stand-alone EPoS systems
£5000 is the average cost of one of these systems. For your money you get a specialised EPoS terminal, software, a printer and a networked back office PC. Solutions like this often have XML or EDI links for connecting with your website or back-office systems, making it easy for online businesses to connect with their physical stores. Highly beneficial if the company has more than one location such as hotels and department stores.

Software-based solutions
If you have a PC that could run an EPoS system then you can get additional software for approximately £350. There are many other features available that can simply be plugged in including printers, card readers and customer displays.

EPoS/Accounting systems
You can get a system with accounting packages on for £500. As well as this you will need to implement some software on the back office PC like label printing and electronic funds transfers. If you do not think that your organisation requires a whole off the shelf product then this option could be cheaper although you should ask the supplier to advise you on the best system for your needs.

Contract out EPoS to a third party specialist
This concept is relatively new in the UK. An Application Service Provider (ASP) will rent specialised software to you and provide a secure, internet-based link to your system as well as managing your system. Any technical problems that you come across will be solved by the ASP. For this to be right for you it is necessary to have a broadband connection.

Customised EPOS solutions
If you have hardware or software for your business already then a software expert can design a system and integrate it with the rest of your technology and website. It will however cost you in excess of £10,000 as you are paying for labour and software but this price will change depending on your personal needs. This is the best EPoS system for very large organisations like hotel or retail chains.