Start with the retail journey
A fixed checkout, assisted-selling floor and pop-up concession each require a different device and connection. Map where payment begins, where it is completed and how refunds or exchanges are handled before building a shortlist.
Countertop, portable or mobile?
Fixed checkout
A countertop terminal can keep cabling and charging controlled and may suit an integrated till.
Shop-floor payment
A portable device can reduce queuing or support assisted selling, but Wi-Fi and staff permissions need testing.
Pop-up or events
A mobile connection and flexible commitment may matter more than a finely negotiated rate.
Mixed estate
Standardise where possible, but do not force one device into every use case.
The retail cost model
Model the quote against recent statements and separate consumer, commercial and international transactions where the data allows. Add terminal, software, PCI, authorisation, minimum and gateway costs.
For multi-site retail, check whether fixed costs or minimums apply per outlet, per merchant number or across the group.
Operational questions providers should answer
- Which EPOS versions and integrations are supported today?
- Can staff search, refund or reverse a transaction with role-based permissions?
- How are online and in-store payments reconciled?
- Can head office see performance and settlement by site?
- What is the replacement process and service level for a failed terminal?
- Can a location continue taking payments if broadband fails?
- How are new sites, seasonal tills and temporary devices priced?
Multi-site procurement
A group should define common requirements, use consolidated transaction data and request one clearly structured offer. That makes site-level exceptions visible and gives head office a better basis for negotiation.
See the retail payments guide and multi-site payments guide for operational detail.
Make the comparison manageable
We can help turn merchant statements and operational requirements into a like-for-like comparison. The result should show both commercial and practical differences—not just name a provider.
Need the right setup—not another generic sales pitch?
Tell us how your business takes payments. We’ll help compare suitable machines, the complete costs and the contract terms that matter.
Compare My Payment SetupOfficial sources
About this guide
Published by Card Payment Connect, an independent card-payment consultancy for UK businesses. Reviewed by Matthew McCarthy, who has worked in UK merchant services for over a decade. Last reviewed 11 September 2026.