Key Takeaways:
- A basic retail kit has five parts: a screen, barcode scanner, card reader, receipt printer, and cash drawer.
- Plan on $800 to $1,800 in hardware for one standard checkout lane, plus a monthly software fee.
- “Free” kits are usually paid for through higher processing fees or contract terms, so check the rate before you sign.
- Software and payment processing affect your costs more over time than the hardware does.
A POS kit is the set of hardware you need to ring up a sale: a screen, barcode scanner, card reader, receipt printer, and cash drawer. A standard retail kit for one checkout lane typically runs $800 to $1,800, while a small or mobile setup can start closer to $300. The right kit depends on how many items you sell, how you want to take card payments, and whether your staff needs to check out customers away from the counter.
What a POS Kit Includes
A POS kit can be sold as a preassembled package, or you can build one piece by piece. Either way, most retail stores need the same core parts. Learn more about POS hardware options before making your choice.
POS Screen
This is the display monitor through which you can access your point of sale software. It will allow you to view products, log in employees, and process transactions and returns. It’s essentially the command and communication center of the POS kit.
Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanners operate either as laser or photo-driven readers of product barcodes. These barcodes help with inventory management efficiency and improve accuracy. Scanners vary from basic 2-D that are fixed to a countertop to omnidirectional grocery store scanners and handheld “gun” style scanners.
Credit Card Reader
All POS systems must be hooked up to a credit card machine. Some POS kits will have built-in readers that are connected to certain payment processing companies. Many others are externally connected to the system. KORONA POS is credit card agnostic, meaning we will work with any card machine/third-party payment processor that works best for the client.
Receipt Printer
This one is pretty straightforward. A good amount of customers still prefer paper receipts over emails and texts. Consequently, all POS kits should include a printer in order to provide a physical receipt to customers.
Cash Drawer
This is the original point of sale component. Most businesses still accept cash. And, in some locations, being cash-free is actually illegal. Therefore, connecting a cash drawer to your POS kit will help you keep your paper bills safe and organized for easy till counting.
Optional Add-Ons
Mobile POS is a tablet or phone that staff can carry around the store. A furniture store, for example, can let a salesperson check out a customer right at the sofa.
RFID scanners read tags without a direct line of sight to a barcode. The newest versions let customers drop a full basket into a self-checkout bin that reads every item at once.
What a POS Kit Costs
Prices vary by brand and by how much you buy at once. Here are typical ranges for new hardware.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| POS terminal or touchscreen computer | $200 to $1,500 |
| Barcode scanner | $30 to $300 |
| Receipt printer | $80 to $400 |
| Cash drawer | $40 to $200 |
| Customer-facing display | $100 to $400 |
| Card reader or payment terminal | $0 to $600 |
| Starter or mobile bundle | $300 to $800 |
| Standard retail bundle (one lane) | $800 to $1,800 |
Prices are for new hardware, single units. Monthly software and processing fees are extra.
Hardware is only part of the cost. Software plans range from $0 to over $200 a month, depending on the provider, and processing fees apply to every card sale.
Common Types of POS Kits
Most kits fall into one of three groups. The right one depends on your product count, sales volume, and how much control you want over payment processing.
| Kit type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
All-in-one kitExample: Clover |
Polished hardware, quick setup, and built-in processing. Hardware runs from about $49 to $1,900. | Hardware is tied to one vendor. Processing goes through Clover or its resellers, so rates depend on who sells it. |
Basic tablet-based kitExample: Square |
Low startup cost, with readers from $49 and a free plan. Works well for shops with few items. | Processing is fixed to Square. Advanced inventory tools need a paid plan. |
Open, customizable kitExample: KORONA POS |
Choose your own card processor and hardware. Built for retail inventory, with a full barcode setup. | More setup up front, since you pick the hardware and compare processors yourself. |
“Free” Kits and Fixed Processing Rates
Some companies offer free POS hardware, but the cost shows up elsewhere. It usually comes back through a limited promo period, higher processing fees, or both.
Fixed rates matter most on small sales. Tomas runs a convenience store where the average card sale is $12. On Square’s free plan, which charges 2.6% + 15¢ for in-person payments, that sale costs about 46 cents, or 3.9% of the total. Run your own numbers with the processing rate calculator before you commit.
Software Is Part of the POS Kit
Hardware does little without the software behind it. Look for inventory management, reporting, and customer loyalty tools, and for integrations with your accounting, eCommerce, and cash protection services. Most modern POS software is cloud-based, so you can add registers at new locations and view sales from anywhere.
KORONA POS includes inventory, CRM, and loyalty tools and works with the card processor you choose. Schedule a demo to build a kit that fits your store, or get a quote.
Speak with a product specialist and learn what KORONA POS can do for your business.
FAQs
What is a POS kit?
A POS kit is the full set of hardware needed to check out customers. It can be sold as a package or bought piece by piece, and it usually includes a screen, barcode scanner, card reader, receipt printer, and cash drawer.
How much does it cost to set up a retail POS system?
Plan on $800 to $1,800 in hardware for a standard single-lane retail setup, plus a monthly software fee. Extra checkout lanes, mobile devices, and add-ons raise the total.
How much does a small POS system cost?
A starter or mobile kit, such as a tablet or compact terminal with a card reader and small printer, typically costs $300 to $800. Some providers offer hardware for no upfront cost, but they usually require you to use their payment processing at higher rates.
