POS Hardware Essentials: Equipment Every Retailer Needs

  • By Danielle Dixon
  • Feb 3, 2025
Retailer processing a transaction using a POS system

In today’s fast-paced retail world, having the right point-of-sale (POS) hardware isn’t just nice to have – it’s a must.

The right POS hardware can keep things running smoothly, make your customers happier, and ultimately drive up your sales. Whether you run a cozy corner shop or a bustling retail chain, getting the essentials right can make all the difference.

Let’s look at the key POS hardware every retailer needs to succeed. We will also see how FTx POS equipment can help you stay ahead.

Essential POS hardware for retail success, supported by FTx POS equipment

Must-Have POS Hardware for Retailers

No matter what type of business you own, there are some fundamental pieces of POS hardware that every retailer needs to have.

Let’s take a closer look at each one and why it’s essential:

POS Terminals:

Why You Need It

The POS terminal is the nerve center of your retail operations. It’s where transactions happen, sales are tracked, and business performance is analyzed. The best POS terminal ensures smooth checkouts, reduces errors, and provides vital data to help you make informed decisions.

Options Available

The market offers touchscreen terminals that are intuitive and visually appealing, perfect for creating a sleek, modern checkout area. For busy or rugged environments, traditional terminals with physical keys still have their place due to their durability.

FTx POS Recommendation

HP Engage One Pro 15.6″ Display

POS terminal facilitating smooth transactions and business analysis in retail operations

This powerful, user-friendly terminal combines an elegant design with advanced functionality, making it an excellent choice for all types of retail businesses.

Receipt Printers

Why You Need It

Fast and reliable receipt printers are essential for providing customers with accurate transaction records. A smooth receipt printing process ensures your checkout line doesn’t stagnate.

Choosing the Right One

  • Thermal Printers: Quiet, speedy, and ink-free, they are ideal for most retail environments.
  • Impact Printers: If you operate in a rugged setting like food service or outdoor retail, impact printers are a better choice for durability and resilience.

FTx POS Recommendation

HP Thermal Receipt Printer and Cable

This efficient receipt printer delivers high-speed printing with minimal maintenance, perfect for a seamless checkout experience.

Barcode Scanners

Why You Need It

Barcode scanners speed up transactions, reduce human error, and keep stock levels accurate. They’re paramount for processing items quickly and ensuring inventory is updated in real time.

Streamline your retail operations with POS systems

Types to Consider

  • Handheld Laser Scanners: Ideal for small operations with lower transaction volumes.
  • Fixed Omnidirectional Scanners: Designed for high-volume stores, they offer speed and efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.

FTx POS Recommendation

HP Engage Imaging Barcode Scanner

This scanner offers unmatched speed and accuracy, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free checkout experience for both customers and staff.

Cash Drawers

Why You Need It

Despite the rise in digital payments, cash remains a preferred method for many customers. A sturdy, secure cash drawer is essential for managing this efficiently.

Features to Look For

Look for durable, long-lasting construction, a reliable locking system, and multi-currency slots if your business deals with foreign cash.

FTx POS Recommendation

HP Cash Drawer

Built for durability and security, this dependable cash drawer is perfectly suited for managing cash transactions.

Optional

SMARTtill Cash Drawer

Take it up a notch with advanced real-time cash management, accurate tracking of every transaction, and built-in theft prevention features to enhance security and efficiency in your business operations.

Curious about how the SMARTtill cash drawer can revolutionize your business operations? Don’t just take our word for it – watch the demo video brought to you by Amanda and experience its powerful features firsthand! Discover how real-time cash management, automated alerts, and advanced theft prevention can simplify your day-to-day operations while boosting efficiency and security. Watch the demo now!

Join Zack as he takes you through everything you need to know to set up the SMARTtill cash drawer! From easy installation to expert tips, he’s got you covered – get ready to streamline your cash management system like a pro.

Customer-Facing Displays:

Why You Need It

Boost transparency and trust with customer-facing displays. These allow customers to see what they’re being charged as items are being rung up.

Going Beyond Basics

Some displays can do more than show prices. They can promote offers, upsell products, or collect feedback.

Empower your team and elevate your sales with FTx Uplift! Discover how you can drive impulse buys, reward employees, and create unforgettable customer experiences. Don’t wait – learn more below!

FTx POS Recommendation

HP Engage 14″ Customer Facing Display w/ Stand – Inform and engage your customers with this clear and concise display.

Payment Terminals:

Why You Need It

With the rise of contactless and digital payments, modern payment terminals are essential for any business.

Key Features to Look For

Choose terminals that accept credit and debit cards, support near-field communication (NFC) payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and cater to other preferred payment methods your customers use.

FTx POS Terminal Options

FTx offers a variety of POS terminals designed to meet the unique needs of your business. From compact solutions to versatile mobile devices, there’s an FTx terminal for every checkout experience.

Customer making a payment with a credit card using a POS system

Here’s a closer look at your options:

PAX A35

Compact, fast, and reliable, the PAX A35 is built to adapt seamlessly to any checkout setup. Its sleek design ensures it saves space without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for busy counters.

PAX A80

As the most affordable option in the A-Series, the PAX A80 combines cost-effectiveness with flexibility. Whether used as a stationary countertop terminal or on the go, this device delivers dependable performance wherever you need it.

PAX A920

The iconic PAX A920 redefines mobile POS with its elegant design and tablet-like functionality. Combining style with power, it’s perfect for businesses looking to create a modern and sophisticated checkout experience.

PAX Aries 8

With its larger display and an extended list of features, the PAX Aries 8 shines as a versatile mobile POS device. It’s designed for businesses that demand flexibility and functionality without compromises.

Label Printers

Why You Need It

Looking to print barcodes, price tags, shipping labels, or promotional stickers? A versatile label printer is an essential tool for any business. With the right label printer, you can streamline your operations, keep your store organized, and ensure your inventory management stays efficient and error-free. Whether you’re running a retail store, a warehouse, or an ecommerce business, having a reliable label printer can save you time and improve productivity.

You can create custom labels in just a few simple steps. Add barcodes, item descriptions, prices, and more – exactly how you want them. Drag, drop, customize, and import your label design effortlessly.

Ready to get started? Watch the video below and let Zack show you how easy it is to take full control of your labeling process today!

Go for Thermal Printers

Thermal label printers are a great choice for businesses of all sizes. They are fast, cost-effective, and ideal for printing in bulk without the need for ink or toner. These printers use heat to create high-quality, smudge-proof labels, making them perfect for high-demand environments. Whether you need to label products, packages, or shelves, thermal printers deliver professional results while reducing operational costs.

Network Equipment:

Why You Need It

A stable network is key to a cloud-based POS system, ensuring smooth device communication and uninterrupted transactions. Without it, downtime can disrupt operations and hurt customer satisfaction.

Essential Components

Invest in quality routers and switches built for heavy traffic, especially during busy hours. These prevent connectivity issues, reduce lag, and keep your POS system running efficiently. Consider adding a backup internet connection for extra reliability.

Experience the FTx POS Advantage

Discover a POS solution designed to make your life easier. With FTx, you get a perfect blend of flexibility, transparency, and top-notch support – tailored to help your business thrive.

No Hidden Fees, No Commitments

With FTx POS, you’ll never face surprise fees or binding contracts. Enjoy the freedom to cancel anytime, no strings attached.

Comprehensive Warranty for Peace of Mind

Every FTx POS bundle includes a 3-year warranty, with options to extend to 4 or 5 years. Benefit from next-business-day peripheral replacement and on-site technician support for quick repairs or swaps.

Your All-in-One POS Solution with Essential Accessories

Complete POS solution with essential accessories for seamless transactions

HP Engage One Bundle

Streamline your store with our all-in-one retail POS hardware bundle! Featuring the HP Engage One, this sleek, durable, and powerful system is designed to transform your checkout experience. It’s everything you need to create a modern, efficient setup that impresses customers and keeps your operations running smoothly.

Unlock the potential of the HP Engage One all-in-one POS system! Discover how its sleek design and powerful features can simplify your operations and transform customer experiences. Don’t miss these game-changing insights – read the full blog post!

Here is what is included in the bundle:

  • Engage One Pro 15.6” display
  • Barcode scanner
  • Cash drawer
  • Receipt printer and cable
  • HP Keyboard and mouse
  • HP Engage 14” customer-facing display

Modern, Durable Design

Sleek and professional, the HP Engage One elevates your checkout area with its clean, clutter-free look. Hidden cable management ensures a tidy workspace, while the durable aluminum frame withstands bumps, spills, and daily wear – making it ideal for fast-paced environments.

Power-Packed Performance

Powered by up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, with options for 32 GB of RAM and 1TB storage, this system delivers lightning-fast performance. Process transactions, manage inventory, and handle peak-hour demands without skipping a beat.

Flexible and Adaptable

With three screen sizes – 15.6″, 19.5″, and 23.8″ – and the ability to mount in landscape or portrait mode, the Engage One adjusts to your unique business needs. The 360-degree swivel display ensures easy transitions between staff and customer interactions.

Advanced Security You Can Trust

Protect your business and customer data with built-in security features like malware protection and antivirus capabilities. With HP Engage One, your data stays safe, giving you peace of mind.

User-Friendly and Intuitive

The bright, anti-glare touchscreen is quick, responsive, and easy for staff and customers alike, ensuring seamless and efficient checkouts.

See for yourself just how simple it is to get started! Watch the video below as we walk you through the easy setup process step by step for the HP Engage One.

Terminals Built to Work Your Way!

Check out our range of flexible credit card terminals. Enjoy easy transactions with devices that fit in any setting! Learn more!

Boost Sales and Build Loyalty with Engaging Digital Signage

POS system with a customer-facing digital display for seamless checkout

Effortlessly showcase sales, menus, events, and new products across your screens and captivate your customers at just the right moments. FTx Digital Signage makes it easier than ever to share the content that matters most, driving engagement and enhancing shopping experiences.

Flexible Device Options to Suit Your Needs

Choose from Android Digital Signage Devices or Brightsign Digital Signage Devices (available with or without WiFi). Whatever your setup, we have a solution that fits seamlessly.

Deliver Impactful Messages, Every Time

With FTx Digital Signage, you can connect with your customers by displaying targeted messages when they’re most likely to take action. This means better customer interactions, stronger loyalty, and more sales for your business.

Elevate Your Retail Space with Digital Signage SolutionsTransform your retail space with integrated digital signage solutions! From eye-catching promotions to effortless scheduling, discover how our tools boost sales and simplify your marketing. Explore the possibilities!

Budget-Friendly Hardware Tailored for You

Lease New Equipment

Upgrade your hardware hassle-free! With our leasing plan, you can swap out equipment every 3 or 4 years for the latest technology – all while staying within your budget.

Lease-to-Own Flexibility

Get the best of both worlds. Lease your hardware at an affordable rate, and after 3 or 4 years, you can own it outright for just $1.

Looking to make every dollar count? We’ve got your back! We offer low rates for leasing hardware with flexible 3- or 4-year plans that fit your needs.

Peace of Mind with Extended Warranties

Both options come with 3-4-year warranties, ensuring dependable support and protection for your investment.

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Danielle is a content writer at FTx POS. She specializes in writing about all-in-one, cutting-edge POS and business solutions that can help companies stand out. In addition to her passions for reading and writing, she also enjoys crafts and watching documentaries.

Danielle Dixon

Content Writer

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