Not all EPOS systems are built the same and different industries have unique operational needs, whether managing table service in a restaurant, handling client appointments in a salon, or quickly processing transactions at a boutique or market stall.
UK businesses can use several sector-specific EPOS solutions, and these systems have tailored features to make day-to-day operations faster, easier, and more efficient.
Below, we break down the best EPOS providers for different industries — from food trucks to beauty salons — and highlight the standout tools you should look for.
Why Sector-Specific EPOS Matters
Choosing an EPOS system tailored to your business type means you get:
- Relevant features that match your daily workflow
- Less unnecessary functionality
- More accurate reporting for your sector
- Better customer experience tools (e.g. tipping, booking, or loyalty)
Best EPOS Systems by Industry
Industry | Recommended Provider | Why It Stands Out | Starting Price |
Fresha | Free bookings, SMS reminders, stock & payment integration | Free + fees | |
Food Trucks | Square | Offline mode, mobile app, simple setup, integrated card reader | Free + 1.75% fees |
Boutiques | Lightspeed Retail | Stock management, multi-channel selling, custom receipts | From £59/month |
Cafés & Quick Service | Goodtill by SumUp | Menu-level reporting, mobile ordering, loyalty options | From £29/month |
Market Stalls | Zettle by PayPal | Compact card reader, free EPOS app, simple inventory | Free app + reader |
Restaurants | TouchBistro | Table layout, kitchen printing, tipping | From £45/month |
Barbershops | Treatwell | Booking integration, staff rota, marketing tools | From £25/month |
Pop-Up Retail | SumUp POS | Affordable hardware, quick setup, mobile functionality | Free app + hardware |
EPOS for Salons & Spas 💇
Salons need more than just a till — they need appointment booking, client notes, staff scheduling, and product sales all in one place. Fresha is a leading solution, offering a free-to-use model with optional add-ons.
Top Features:
- Calendar booking
- SMS reminders
- Integrated payments
- Stock and service reporting
Other Options: Treatwell, Phorest, Zenoti
EPOS for Food Trucks 🍲
Mobility is key. You need a compact setup that works anywhere with 4G or offline. Square is a favourite for food trucks thanks to its plug-and-play hardware and reliable offline mode.
Top Features:
- Offline sales
- Mobile-friendly
- Fast card processing
- Inventory sync
Other Options: SumUp Solo, EPOS Now Mobile, Zettle Go
EPOS for Boutiques 🌂
Retail boutiques often sell high-margin, low-volume items and benefit from stylish EPOS systems with detailed stock insights. Lightspeed offers deep inventory tools and multi-channel sales features.
Top Features:
- Customisable product catalogue
- Supplier management
- Customer loyalty tools
- Ecommerce integration
Other Options: Vend by Lightspeed, Shopify POS, Epos Now Retail
EPOS for Cafés & Quick Service ☕
Speed, simplicity, and queue management are key in a busy café. Goodtill’s modular system allows you to start small and scale, with add-ons for mobile ordering and loyalty.
Top Features:
- Customisable menus
- Order-at-table features
- Till & kitchen printer sync
- Loyalty programmes
Other Options: Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, Toast POS
EPOS for Market Stalls 🏢
Market traders need low-cost, portable solutions that handle quick transactions. Zettle is a standout for its compact setup and ease of use.
Top Features:
- Contactless payments
- Battery-powered card reader
- Product library
- Real-time sales tracking
Other Options: SumUp Air, Square Reader, mypos Go
EPOS for Restaurants 🍽️
Restaurants need table management, kitchen communication, tipping, and integrated payments. TouchBistro offers an intuitive interface designed for full-service dining.
Top Features:
- Floor plan layout
- Tip handling
- Course management
- Waiter handheld support
Other Options: EPOS Now Hospitality, Lightspeed Restaurant, Tevalis
Our Final Thoughts
We think that when choosing an EPOS system for your UK business, the right fit depends on your industry, so you should look for software tailored to your sector’s specific needs — appointment scheduling for salons, offline payments for food trucks, or stock control for boutiques.
we think that choosing a system designed with your workflow in mind can increase efficiency, improve customer experience, and support future growth.
Need Help Finding the Right EPOS for Your Industry? Use our free EPOS comparison tool to filter by sector, feature, and price, and get matched with the best providers for your unique business.
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