EPOS till systems have replaced the cash register in almost every UK shop, café and bar. A modern touch screen till runs your EPOS software, takes payments, tracks stock and reports sales in real time. This guide explains what to look for in EPOS till hardware and how the HiStone EPOS range fits different businesses.
What is an EPOS till system?
An EPOS (electronic point of sale) till is a touch screen computer built for the counter. It combines the screen, processor and ports in one unit, and connects to a receipt printer, cash drawer, barcode scanner and card terminal. Unlike an office PC, an EPOS till is designed to run all day, survive spills and knocks, and be quick to swap if anything goes wrong.
Five things to check before you buy EPOS tills
- Screen size and shape: 15.6-inch widescreen suits most retail and hospitality software. A 15-inch 4:3 screen suits older layouts, and an 18-inch screen gives more space for busy menus.
- Operating system: choose Windows for the widest choice of EPOS software, or Android for app-based systems. Some software also runs on Linux.
- Printer: a till with a built-in printer saves counter space and cabling.
- Customer display: a second screen shows prices and promotions to customers and builds trust at the counter.
- Ports and peripherals: check there are enough USB, serial, LAN and cash drawer ports for your kit.
HiStone touch screen tills compared
B-Spoke Systems is the UK’s largest independent HiStone EPOS distributor, holding stock in Leicester. The main HiStone EPOS till models are:
- HiStone HK528 – 15.6-inch Windows EPOS with a built-in printer, ideal where counter space is tight.
- HiStone HK568 / HK568U – 15.6-inch all-in-one Windows EPOS for retail and hospitality.
- HiStone HK578 / HK578U – 15-inch 4:3 all-in-one EPOS for software designed around a square screen.
- HiStone HK960U – 15.6-inch all-in-one EPOS with a modern folding stand.
- HiStone HK788 – 18-inch all-in-one EPOS for large menus and busy bars.
- HiStone HK566Q and HK526Q – 15.6-inch Android EPOS, with the HK526Q adding a built-in printer.
Windows or Android EPOS tills?
Your EPOS software usually makes this decision. Windows tills run established retail and hospitality software, including ICRTouch. Android tills are popular with cloud and app-based EPOS and can lower the cost per site. If you are a reseller supporting both, HiStone offers matching Windows and Android models so your estate looks the same at every site.
EPOS tills for retail and hospitality
In retail, look for fast barcode scanning, a customer display and a reliable printer. In hospitality, a larger screen, spill-resistant design and links to a kitchen display system matter more. Many sites also add mobile EPOS tablets for table service and queue busting.
Why buy EPOS tills from B-Spoke Systems?
- Supplying EPOS hardware since 2003, from our Leicester warehouse and workshop.
- ISO 9001 certified for over 20 years.
- Systems can be imaged, configured, tested and asset-tagged before dispatch.
- Trade supply for EPOS resellers, software houses and VARs.
EPOS till systems FAQs
What is the difference between an EPOS till and a cash register?
A cash register records sales and holds cash. EPOS till systems do much more: they run EPOS software that manages stock, staff, promotions and reporting, connect to card terminals and online channels, and can be managed remotely across multiple sites.
Which screen size is best for an EPOS till?
A 15.6-inch widescreen is the most popular choice for EPOS till systems in UK retail and hospitality. Choose a 15-inch 4:3 screen if your software was designed for a square layout, or an 18-inch screen such as the HiStone HK788 for large menus.
Do EPOS tills work with any EPOS software?
Most Windows EPOS software runs on HiStone Windows tills, and Android EPOS apps run on the HK566Q and HK526Q. Always check with your software provider which operating system and specification they support.
Can I buy EPOS till systems as a reseller?
Yes. B-Spoke Systems supplies HiStone EPOS till systems to EPOS resellers, software houses and VARs across the UK and Ireland, with imaging, configuration and testing available before dispatch.
Get a quote for HiStone EPOS tills
Use our HiStone EPOS quote builder to choose a till, pick the specification and add peripherals, or browse the full EPOS hardware range. Prefer to talk? Call us on 0116 260 3100.