How much does a complete POS system cost?

Three ways to put your POS together.

The first decision is how you want to buy the system and arrange payments. Compare the equipment cost and the ongoing obligations together.

The discounted-bundle conditions described below apply to the named bundle offers. Confirm the free-reader offer’s own terms separately. Neither offer means payment processing is free.

Option 1: Buy the POS system outright.

Buying outright lets you select a system and add the hardware your counter needs. It helps to start with the base configuration, then build a complete list instead of assuming every accessory is included.

The current standalone SAM4s Sapphire starts at $929. That includes the terminal, a one-year software license, programming, remote operation training and six months of support, with the setup scope confirmed with your order. The receipt printer, cash drawer and scanner are optional and are not selected by default.

Does buying outright remove monthly software costs?

It depends on the software. Sapphire’s optional Forever License provides perpetual use without a monthly POS software subscription and includes five years of software upgrades. The base one-year license has different renewal terms. Later upgrades, additional services and payment processing are separate considerations.

Other systems use monthly software plans even when you purchase the equipment. Hardware ownership and software licensing are two separate questions. Compare the available no-monthly-software-fee options and confirm your selected license before ordering.

Option 2: Buy your POS and ask about a free integrated card reader.

If you’re buying a compatible POS or already have supported equipment, a qualifying NBS processing account may include a free integrated PIN pad or card reader. This can reduce the payment-device cost while keeping the rest of your POS purchase separate.

For example, the standalone Sapphire builder has an optional free PIN pad interest selection. Choosing it does not activate a processing account. NBS follows up to confirm approval, equipment compatibility and the offer terms.

A free card reader does not automatically include a new POS, software license, all programming or unlimited support. Confirm the device, any interface or setup work, the processing fees and agreement, and what ongoing help is included. If you already own a reader, its exact model, software and current payment setup need review before reuse.

Ask NBS to review your integrated payment options. Square uses its own processing and is separate from these NBS processing offers.

Option 3: Choose a complete discounted POS bundle with processing.

A discounted bundle brings a defined equipment package and NBS services together with NBS payment processing. It can lower the upfront equipment cost, but its agreement and continuing costs are part of the decision.

The following are current retail examples, not universal prices for every business or restaurant system:

What are the processing requirements?

All three named bundles require a three-year NBS payment processing agreement. A $50 monthly bundle fee applies in months when you process less than $15,000. Processing fees remain separate, and the OrderCounter software fee is separate from that conditional bundle fee.

The as-low-as-$499 price is not automatic. NBS reviews your statement, processing volume and proposed rates to confirm your offer. The higher listed starting bundle prices also require NBS processing. Applicable taxes and anything outside the included package should be confirmed in writing.

A scale, extra display, additional checkout station, ID reader, onsite services or optional software module should not be assumed included. Start with the bundle comparison and ask for the exact package your business needs.

How are restaurant POS systems priced?

A restaurant setup needs a quote around its service style. A single counter-service station has different requirements from a full-service dining room using tableside devices, kitchen displays and online ordering.

When comparing restaurant systems, tell NBS how many stations you need, how orders reach the kitchen, whether you need handhelds or kitchen displays, and which menu, takeout and online ordering workflows matter. Ask for software plans, optional modules, installation, training and support to be itemized with the equipment.

Square, OrderCounter, Genius Restaurant and SAM4pos have different hardware, software and payment arrangements. Use the restaurant POS cost and requirements comparison to compare the platforms, then request a package-specific quote. The retail examples in this guide are not restaurant package quotes.

Compare ongoing costs alongside the equipment price.

The lowest equipment price and the lowest total cost are not always the same choice. Use the same period and the same equipment and service scope when comparing offers.

• Software: the license term, renewals, subscriptions, extra stations and optional modules.
• Payments: rates, transaction charges and account or service fees in the written processing offer.
• Conditional charges: any volume-related bundle fee or other condition attached to the equipment offer.
• Support and upgrades: the included coverage, eligibility, future upgrades and any additional service charges.
• Getting started: shipping, applicable taxes, onsite work, data preparation and any equipment outside the package.

For a three-year agreement, ask for a 36-month comparison based on your actual sales and transaction mix. Include the costs above and review cancellation, equipment ownership or return obligations in the written agreement. Comparing the equipment prices alone does not establish the best value.

What about software, programming, training and support?

Ask about each service separately. “Complete” should mean a defined package, with a clear explanation of what you still need.

• SoftwareA standalone Sapphire base includes one year; its optional Forever License is $340. The named Sapphire and 630R processing bundles include that perpetual license with five years of software upgrades. OrderCounter Retail has separate monthly software fees.
• ProgrammingThe Sapphire example and the three named bundles describe included programming. Confirm item or menu work, imports, payment configuration and the information NBS needs from you.
• TrainingStandalone Sapphire describes remote operation training. Sapphire and 630R bundles include training. OrderCounter training and installation needs are planned with your quote. Do not assume onsite training is included.
• SupportStandalone Sapphire describes six months of support. Sapphire and 630R bundles describe unlimited support for the life of the system while processing with NBS. OrderCounter describes ongoing U.S.-based support; confirm its quoted software and service scope.

Standalone Sapphire’s optional $199 onsite installation covers equipment setup and testing where available; it does not include onsite training. Other systems and locations need their own installation quote. See NBS programming, training and support for service options and eligibility.