Mobile EPOS and self-service kiosks are changing how UK and Irish retailers and hospitality businesses serve customers.
Mobile EPOS from B-Spoke Systems
B-Spoke Systems is the UK’s largest independent distributor of HiStone EPOS hardware and also supplies Hisense commercial displays, with trade supply, UK-based support and showroom demonstrations for businesses across the UK and Ireland.
Looking for HiStone EPOS hardware? Browse our HiStone self-checkout kiosks, mobile tablet EPOS systems and all-in-one EPOS terminals, or contact B-Spoke Systems for trade supply across the UK and Ireland.
What Is Mobile EPOS?
Mobile EPOS is point-of-sale technology that isn’t tied to a fixed counter. Instead of asking customers to come to the till, staff take the till to the customer using a handheld terminal or tablet-style device. A mobile EPOS device can take orders, process card payments, print or email receipts, look up stock and update sales records in real time, all from anywhere in a shop, restaurant, beer garden or event space.
Modern mobile EPOS hardware is built for commercial use. Devices are lightweight but rugged, with long-life batteries, bright touchscreens that work in different lighting conditions, and built-in options such as barcode scanners, receipt printers and card payment integration. Because they run the same software as your fixed terminals, every transaction feeds into the same reporting and stock system.
How Mobile EPOS Works in Retail
In retail, mobile EPOS gives staff the freedom to serve customers wherever they’re on the shop floor. Some of the most common uses include:
- Line-busting – during busy periods, staff scan items for customers waiting in the queue so they can pay quickly or move to a fast lane.
- Assisted selling – staff check stock, sizes and colours in other branches without leaving the customer.
- Stocktaking and replenishment – handhelds speed up stock counts, goods-in checks and shelf replenishment.
- Click-and-collect – staff locate and hand over online orders anywhere in the store.
- Pop-up and outdoor sales – take payments at events, markets and seasonal outdoor areas.
Because mobile EPOS devices are connected to the same back office as the main tills, stock levels stay accurate and every sale is recorded correctly. For an overview of hardware for shops, see our retail EPOS systems page.
How Mobile EPOS Works in Hospitality
In hospitality, mobile EPOS is often called order-at-table or handheld ordering. Servers take orders directly at the table and send them instantly to the kitchen or bar, rather than writing them on paper and walking back to a fixed terminal. The benefits are significant:
- Faster service – orders reach the kitchen the moment they’re taken.
- Fewer mistakes – modifiers and allergy notes are recorded clearly, with no handwriting to misread.
- More time with guests – staff spend less time walking and more time serving.
- Higher spend – prompts for sides, drinks and desserts help servers upsell consistently.
- Pay-at-table – guests can settle the bill the moment they’re ready, improving table turns.
Mobile EPOS is especially useful in large venues, beer gardens, terraces, hotels and stadiums, where fixed tills are a long walk away. For more on hospitality hardware, visit our hospitality EPOS systems page.
What Is a Self-Service Kiosk?
A self-service kiosk is a touchscreen terminal that lets customers complete a transaction on their own. In retail, kiosks are usually used for self-checkout, where shoppers scan and pay for their items. In hospitality, self-order kiosks let guests browse the menu, customise their order and pay before collecting their food or having it brought to the table.
Kiosks come in several forms, including freestanding floor units, countertop models and wall-mounted designs. They typically combine a large touchscreen with a card payment terminal, receipt printer and, for retail self-checkout, a barcode scanner and bagging area.
Mobile EPOS vs Self-Service Kiosks: Which Is Right for You?
Mobile EPOS and self-service kiosks solve related problems in different ways. Mobile EPOS puts more capability in the hands of staff, while kiosks give more control to customers. Many businesses use both.
- Choose mobile EPOS if your customers value personal service, your venue is large or spread out, or you want staff to sell and serve away from a fixed counter.
- Choose kiosks if you have high volumes of simple transactions, regular queues at peak times or limited staff to cover the counter.
- Use both if you want to give customers a choice, cover busy periods without extra staff and keep service personal where it matters most.
A coffee shop might use a kiosk for quick takeaway orders and a mobile EPOS handheld for table service. A supermarket might combine self-checkout lanes with staff carrying handhelds to help customers and bust queues.
Choosing Mobile EPOS Hardware
Not all handheld devices are equal. When choosing mobile EPOS hardware, consider the following:
- Durability – look for devices designed to survive drops, spills and daily cleaning.
- Battery life – a device should comfortably last a full shift, with spare batteries or fast charging available.
- Screen quality – bright, responsive screens are easier to use indoors and outdoors.
- Built-in peripherals – integrated scanners and printers reduce the number of devices staff need to carry.
- Operating system – make sure the device runs the platform your EPOS software requires, often Android or Windows.
- Connectivity – reliable Wi-Fi and, where needed, mobile data support for outdoor areas.
- Payment integration – check compatibility with your card payment provider.
Our mobile POS systems include the HM336 mobile terminal and the HM628N and HM626R, designed for all-day use in retail and hospitality.
Choosing a Self-Service Kiosk
When choosing a kiosk, think about where it will be placed, who will use it and what it needs to do:
- Form factor – freestanding, countertop or wall-mounted, depending on space and footfall.
- Screen size and orientation – portrait screens suit menus and product browsing.
- Payments – card and contactless payment integration, with optional cash handling for some environments.
- Accessibility – screen height, contrast and software options for all customers.
- Peripherals – scanners, printers and, for self-checkout, scales and bagging areas.
Browse our self-checkout kiosk systems, including the HS330U, HS150 and HK568MSC.
Real-World Scenarios
To show how these technologies fit together, here are a few typical examples drawn from the kinds of businesses we work with every day.
A Busy Garden Centre
A garden centre with a café, plant area and gift shop faces long queues at weekends. Staff carry handhelds in the plant area to scan large items where they stand, so customers don’t need to wheel heavy trolleys to the main tills. In the café, a self-order kiosk handles drinks and snacks, freeing staff to clear tables and prepare food.
A City-Centre Pub
A pub with a large beer garden struggles to serve outdoor customers quickly in summer. Handhelds let staff take orders and payments at the table, while orders print or display at the bar instantly. Customers no longer queue at the bar, and the team can serve more people with the same number of staff.
A Convenience Store
A convenience store near a station sees intense peaks in the morning and evening. Two self-checkout kiosks handle quick purchases such as drinks and snacks, while the staffed till focuses on age-restricted sales, tobacco and customer queries. Queue times fall and staff have more time to keep shelves full.
A Quick-Service Restaurant
A busy quick-service restaurant installs a bank of self-order kiosks near the entrance. Customers browse the full menu at their own pace, add extras and pay by card. Orders flow straight to kitchen display screens, and a customer-facing screen shows when each order is ready to collect.
Getting Started With Mobile EPOS
Introducing mobile EPOS doesn’t have to mean replacing your whole system. Many businesses start with a handful of handhelds alongside their existing tills, test them during busy periods and then expand once staff are comfortable. Here’s a simple approach:
- Step 1: Identify the problem – long queues, slow table service, inaccurate stock counts or lack of space for extra tills.
- Step 2: Check software compatibility – confirm that your EPOS software supports handheld devices.
- Step 3: Start small – trial two or three mobile EPOS devices in your busiest area.
- Step 4: Train staff – short, hands-on training helps staff feel confident quickly.
- Step 5: Measure results – track queue times, average spend and customer feedback.
- Step 6: Scale up – add more devices or kiosks once you have proven the benefits.
Wi-Fi and Infrastructure
Mobile EPOS depends on a reliable wireless network. Before rolling out handhelds, check Wi-Fi coverage in every area where devices will be used, including outdoor spaces, cellars, stock rooms and corners of large venues. Weak spots cause frustrating delays at exactly the wrong moment. A professional wireless survey and a small number of additional access points are often all that’s needed to make mobile EPOS work smoothly. Card payment terminals also need dependable connectivity, so plan network capacity for peak trading periods.
Security and Compliance
Handheld devices should be managed as carefully as fixed tills. Use individual staff log-ins, keep software up to date and set devices to lock automatically when not in use. Integrated card payments keep card data separate from the EPOS device, which supports compliance with the PCI Data Security Standard. It’s also sensible to keep a simple register of every mobile EPOS device, including serial numbers, so devices can be tracked and supported easily.
Why Choose B-Spoke Systems for Mobile EPOS and Kiosks?
B-Spoke Systems has supplied point-of-sale hardware since 2003 and is the UK distributor for HiStone. We hold mobile EPOS devices, kiosks and terminals in our Leicester warehouse, and our technicians can configure, image and test hardware before it’s delivered. Whether you’re a retailer, a hospitality operator or a reseller supporting customers, we can help you choose the right combination of devices. Find out more about B-Spoke Systems or browse our full range of EPOS hardware products.
Mobile EPOS Frequently Asked Questions
Can mobile EPOS replace my fixed tills?
For pop-up and event sites, mobile EPOS can replace a fixed till entirely. Most larger businesses use handhelds alongside fixed terminals to add flexibility during busy periods.
Does mobile EPOS work outdoors?
Yes, provided there’s reliable network coverage and the device has a screen bright enough for outdoor use. Many venues use handhelds in beer gardens, terraces and event spaces.
How long do handheld batteries last?
Battery life depends on the device and how it’s used, but commercial handhelds are designed to last a typical shift. Spare batteries and charging cradles help keep devices running during long days.
Can kiosks and mobile EPOS use the same software?
In many cases, yes. Many EPOS platforms support fixed terminals, handhelds and kiosks from a single system, so menus, prices and reports stay consistent.
Are self-service kiosks suitable for compact sites?
Yes. Countertop and wall-mounted kiosks take up very little space and can be a cost-effective way for smaller cafés, takeaways and shops to handle busy periods. Many sites start with a single kiosk and add more as demand grows.
Can I try the hardware before buying?
Yes. Our Leicester showroom has handhelds and kiosks on display, and we can arrange demonstrations for businesses, resellers and software houses who want to see the devices working before they commit.
How do I get a quote?
Call us on 0116 260 3100, email sales@b-spokesystems.com or contact us online to discuss mobile EPOS and self-service kiosks for your business.
About B-Spoke Systems: B-Spoke Systems is a Leicester-based EPOS hardware distributor and the UK distributor for HiStone. Since 2003 our EPOS distribution service has supplied configured, tested EPOS hardware to retailers, hospitality operators, software houses and resellers across the UK. Resellers can find out more about EPOS distribution and trade terms.