The monthly EPOS fee is just the start. When you calculate total cost of ownership — including add-on modules, hardware, setup fees, and price increases — the difference between subscription and one-time payment is enormous.
Total cost of ownership (TCO) for EPOS software goes beyond the monthly fee. UK businesses must factor in setup costs, hardware, add-on module fees, payment processing margins, annual price increases, and exit costs. When you calculate the full TCO over 5 years, EposDirect at £399 + VAT (with FREE setup, on your existing hardware, with any payment provider) consistently delivers the lowest TCO of any full-featured UK EPOS system. This guide breaks down every component of EPOS TCO so UK business owners can make an informed decision.
| Provider | Monthly Cost | 5-Year Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EposDirect (5-year TCO) | £0/month software | ~£500–£700 total (software + hardware if needed) | All features, any payment provider, no exit cost |
| Mid-tier subscription (5-year TCO) | £69–£89/month | ~£6,000–£9,000 (software + setup + hardware + add-ons) | Exit costs, data portability issues |
Pay £399 + VAT once. No monthly software fees. FREE setup by our UK team on your existing hardware.
EposDirect's total cost of ownership is: £399 + VAT software licence (once), FREE installation, and your own hardware if needed (any Windows PC from £200–£400). No monthly fee, no add-on modules, no payment margin, no annual price increase. 5-year TCO: approximately £399–£799 depending on hardware needs.
Subscription EPOS hidden costs include: setup fees (£200–£600), proprietary hardware (£500–£1,500), add-on module fees (£20–£80/month), payment processing margins (0.5–1.5%), annual subscription price increases (5–15%), and exit/cancellation fees. Over 5 years, total TCO for a subscription provider often exceeds £7,000–£10,000.