How to choose a cash register for your business

1. Do you need a certified cash register?

This comes first, because it decides everything else. In Belgium, the certified cash register system (SCE/GKS, with a “black box”) is mandatory for hospitality businesses serving meals eaten on site for more than €25,000 excl. VAT per year, drinks excluded. Retail shops, bakeries without eat-in, boutiques, florists or chip shops selling takeaway are not concerned today. If you are, only a certified till will do. All the rules.

2. Is the software really simple?

At the counter, every second counts. Ask for a demo with your own products and check that a simple sale takes three or four taps, that the change is clear and that a new member of staff can check out alone after a few minutes.

3. What happens when the internet goes down?

Many “cloud” tills stop working, or work poorly, without a connection. A till that runs locally, on a computer in the shop, keeps selling no matter what and keeps your data with you.

4. Which payment methods?

Since 1 July 2022, every Belgian business must offer at least one electronic payment method. Check that the till handles cards (with your Worldline, CCV or SumUp terminal), split payments, 5-cent rounding on cash and, ideally, the bank-transfer QR code, a commission-free alternative.

5. What hardware, and can you reuse your own?

A typical till setup is a PC or touchscreen tablet, a receipt printer, a cash drawer and, for shops with barcodes, a scanner. Choose standard hardware: it costs less and is easy to replace. The hardware we recommend.

6. Is the back office good enough?

Real-time stock, item import from Excel, VAT breakdown (21, 12, 6 and 0 %), X and Z reports, export for your accountant: these are the features that save you time every week.

7. What does it really cost?

Compare over three years: monthly subscription, lifetime licence or turnkey pack, but also hardware, installation, training, support and payment commissions. A cheap offer at the start can turn out expensive in use.

8. Who helps you when something goes wrong?

Reachable support that speaks your language and knows the Belgian rules is worth more than a long contract. Ask who installs, who trains your team and who answers on a Saturday morning.

The checklist before you sign

• I know whether I need a certified cash register.
• I tested a sale with my own products.
• The till works without internet.
• Card, cash with 5-cent rounding and split payments are supported.
• My hardware is standard and replaceable.
• I know the total cost over three years, commissions included.
• I know who helps me, and in which language.