Picture two checkout counters. One has a terminal that wakes instantly, a scanner that reads on the first pass and a drawer that pops open when the receipt prints. The other has a tablet propped against the register, a drawer you open with a key and a scanner that needs three tries. Both stores spent money on hardware. Only one bought a system that works together.
To choose POS hardware, start from how you sell, not from a shopping list. Every store needs a screen to run the POS, a way to take card payments and a barcode scanner if products carry barcodes. Most also need a receipt printer and a cash drawer. Then choose each piece for your volume and counter space, and confirm it works with your POS software before you buy.
Key takeaways
- The core POS hardware stack is a terminal or tablet, a card reader, a barcode scanner, a receipt printer and a cash drawer; everything else is optional.
- Decide between an all-in-one terminal and a tablet setup based on transaction volume, counter space and whether you need to sell away from the counter.
- Card readers usually come from your payment processor, so pick the processor and the reader together.
- Compatibility matters more than individual specs: confirm your POS software supports each printer, scanner and drawer before you buy.
- On hardware.shelfperks.com, complete ShelfPerks kits are listed from $729.99 to $1,599.99 (October 2026 prices).
What hardware does a retail POS system need?
A retail checkout handles a short chain of jobs: identify the product, total the sale, take payment, record it and secure the cash. Each piece of hardware covers one link in that chain.
| Component | Job | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal or tablet | Runs the POS software and shows the sale | Every store |
| Card reader | Accepts chip, tap and mobile wallet payments | Every store that takes cards |
| Barcode scanner | Adds products to the sale quickly and accurately | Stores whose products carry barcodes |
| Receipt printer | Prints receipts and triggers the cash drawer | Most stores |
| Cash drawer | Secures and organizes cash | Stores that take cash |
| Scale | Weighs products sold by weight | Grocery, produce, deli, bulk |
| Label printer | Prints shelf tags and price labels | Stores that tag their own stock |
Understanding each piece helps you avoid two common mistakes: paying for things you don't need and missing something you do.
Should you choose an all-in-one POS terminal or a tablet?
The terminal is the screen your staff use all day. You have two basic choices.
All-in-one POS terminals
All-in-one terminals combine the computer and display in one unit built for a counter, often with a second, customer-facing screen. They have ports for printers, scanners and drawers, and they stay put. They suit a permanent checkout with steady traffic.
On hardware.shelfperks.com (October 2026), a single 15.6" Android 14 touchscreen terminal is listed at $549.00, a dual-screen 15.6" + 11" Android terminal at $609.00, and an Elo Z30 15.6" Android terminal at $700.00.
Tablet setups
A tablet setup pairs an iPad, Android tablet or similar device with a stand and peripherals. Tablets are compact and portable, which makes them a good fit for small counters, pop-ups, markets and selling on the floor. ShelfPerks runs on iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets through its free apps, so a tablet you already own can be your starting terminal. The ShelfPerks catalog also lists a Lenovo Idea Tab Pro 12.7" at $389.99.
How to decide
| If your store... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Has one fixed checkout with steady lines | An all-in-one terminal |
| Wants customers to see the sale on their own screen | A dual-screen terminal or a customer-facing display |
| Has a tiny counter or sells at markets and events | A tablet setup |
| Needs to check people out on the floor | A tablet or phone alongside the main counter |
For a deeper look at the trade-offs, see professional vs consumer POS hardware.
How do you choose a card reader for a retail store?
The card reader is where money changes hands, and it is tied to your payment processor. Most processors supply or certify their own readers, so choose the processor and the reader together.
Look for:
- Chip (EMV), contactless tap and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Security certification. Ask your processor whether the reader is approved for their network and which security standards it meets.
- The right form factor. A countertop reader for a fixed counter, or a handheld or phone-based option if you check customers out on the floor.
ShelfPerks lets you choose and switch payment processors: Stripe, Fiserv, Helcim and Stax are supported, crypto payments are available through Coinbase Commerce, and Tap to Pay on iPhone works through the ShelfPerks iPhone app with some processors. You don't have to change your current payment provider to use ShelfPerks. See the payments page for current options.
What should you look for in a receipt printer?
Thermal receipt printers are the retail standard. They print with heat on special paper, so there is no ink to replace, and they are quick and quiet. Most retail printers use 80 mm (3 1/8 inch) paper.
Pick the right connection
| Connection | Best for |
|---|---|
| USB | One printer attached to one terminal |
| Ethernet | Fixed counters, or a printer shared by more than one terminal |
| Wi-Fi or Bluetooth | Tablet setups and counters without network cabling |
Check that your POS supports it
Receipt printers are where compatibility problems show up most. ShelfPerks documents support for Epson TM-T88 printers (Merchant Portal and app) and the Epson TM-P20 (app). The hardware.shelfperks.com catalog lists receipt printers from $79.95 (Volcora 80 mm, USB/Ethernet) to $677.99 (Epson TM-T88VII with Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet), plus a Star Micronics TSP143IIILAN at $329.99. If you are buying a printer elsewhere, confirm it with support first.
How do you choose a barcode scanner?
Match the scanner to how products cross your counter.
- Handheld scanners suit stores with items of many sizes, such as clothing, hardware and general merchandise. Corded models never need charging; wireless models let you scan bulky items without lifting them.
- Presentation (countertop) scanners sit still while the cashier passes items over them. They suit fast-moving counters such as convenience and grocery stores.
- 2D imagers read standard barcodes and also QR codes and barcodes on phone screens.
ShelfPerks works with USB or Bluetooth barcode scanners. The catalog lists 2D scanners from $39.95 (wireless with stand) and $43.95 (wired countertop) up to $230.00 for a Datalogic Gryphon GD4590 imager.
What size cash drawer do you need?
A cash drawer connects to the receipt printer with an RJ12 cable and opens automatically when a cash sale completes. ShelfPerks documents this setup with the Epson TM-T88.
When comparing drawers, check:
- Size and layout. Count how many bill and coin compartments you actually use. Smaller drawers fit tight counters; larger ones hold more denominations.
- Media slots. A slot lets staff drop checks or large bills without opening the till.
- Mounting. An under-counter bracket frees counter space and makes the drawer harder to remove.
The catalog lists drawers from $49.95 (13", 4 bill/5 coin) and $59.95 (16") to Star Micronics models between $144.00 and $154.00, and an under-counter mounting bracket at $25.95.
Which POS hardware does your type of store need?
Not every store needs every peripheral. Use this as a starting point:
| Store type | Must-haves | Worth considering |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery, produce, deli | Terminal, countertop scanner, receipt printer, cash drawer, card reader | A scale for items sold by weight (check how it connects to your POS) |
| Clothing and specialty retail | Terminal, handheld scanner, receipt printer, cash drawer, card reader | Label printer for tagging stock |
| Convenience and liquor | Terminal, countertop scanner, receipt printer, drawer with media slot, card reader | Customer-facing display |
| Pop-ups and markets | Tablet or phone, card reader | Compact receipt printer, small drawer |
| Multiple locations | The same setup in every store | Standardized network equipment |
If you sell by weight, look for a scale approved for trade use and check with your state or provincial weights and measures office about the rules that apply to you. ShelfPerks integrates with scales, including Datalogic scale scanners and the Star Bluetooth scale. For multiple stores, standardizing on the same hardware makes training, spare parts and troubleshooting simpler.
Does your network matter for POS hardware?
Your POS is only as reliable as your connection. A few rules of thumb:
- Use wired Ethernet for fixed terminals and printers where you can.
- Keep customer Wi-Fi on a separate network from your checkout devices.
- Put your router somewhere ventilated and out of reach of customers.
- Keep spare receipt paper on hand, because running out mid-rush is a common, avoidable problem.
ShelfPerks also keeps Point of Sale, Receive and Batch Scan working for up to 24 hours offline in the app, then syncs when the connection returns (offline POS is listed on Plus and above).
How much does a complete POS hardware kit cost?
Here is what the complete kits on hardware.shelfperks.com include, at prices listed in October 2026. Check the site for current pricing.
| Kit | Price | What's in it |
|---|---|---|
| POS Essential | $729.99 | 15.6" Android 14 touchscreen terminal, 2D countertop scanner, 13" cash drawer, Volcora 80 mm USB/Ethernet printer, wireless keyboard |
| POS Essential Duo | $799.99 | Same as Essential, with a dual 15.6" + 11" customer-facing screen terminal |
| POS Complete | $1,399.99 | Elo Z30 Android terminal, Datalogic Gryphon scanner, Star Micronics cash drawer, Star Micronics Ethernet printer with auto-cutter, Cherry keyboard |
| POS Complete Duo | $1,599.99 | Same as Complete, plus an Elo 10.1" customer-facing display |
A kit does not include a card reader, because that comes through your payment processor. If you already own a tablet, you can start with the free ShelfPerks app and add a scanner, printer and drawer as you need them.
How do you make sure POS hardware works with your software?
Buying random parts online is the fastest way to end up with a scanner the software ignores or a drawer that won't open. Before you buy:
- Check your POS provider's list of supported hardware.
- Confirm the connection type (USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth) works with the device you will run the POS on.
- Ask whether the cash drawer opens through the printer, and with which printer models.
- Keep receipts and model numbers so support can help if something doesn't connect.
The ShelfPerks hardware integration page covers cash drawers, barcode scanners, receipt printers and card readers, and help is available at support.shelfperks.com. When your hardware arrives, follow our POS hardware kit setup guide.
ShelfPerks software starts with a Free plan (1 user, 1 location, 1 terminal). Standard is $29.95/month billed annually ($34.99 billed monthly), Plus is $99.95/month billed annually ($119.99 monthly) and Premium is $199.95/month billed annually ($249.99 monthly). Payment processing is advertised from as low as 1.83% + 25¢. Compare plans on the pricing page, then try ShelfPerks with a 14-day free trial of Premium features, no credit card required, at grow.shelfperks.com.
Frequently asked questions
What hardware do I need for a retail POS system?
Most stores need a terminal or tablet, a card reader, a barcode scanner, a receipt printer and a cash drawer. Grocery and produce stores may also need a scale, and stores that tag their own stock may want a label printer.
Can I use an iPad or Android tablet as a POS?
Yes, if your POS software supports it. ShelfPerks runs on iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets through free apps, and a tablet works well for small counters, markets and checking out customers on the floor.
How much does POS hardware cost for a small store?
On hardware.shelfperks.com, complete kits were listed from $729.99 (POS Essential) to $1,599.99 (POS Complete Duo) in October 2026. A card reader comes separately through your payment processor.
Does the cash drawer connect to the terminal or the printer?
In a typical setup the cash drawer connects to the receipt printer with an RJ12 cable, and the printer signals the drawer to open when a cash sale completes. ShelfPerks documents this setup with the Epson TM-T88.
