SumUp reacts to cost of living with POS kit for small firms

Global payments fintech SumUp is responding to the cost-of-living crisis by launching a new lightweight suite of point-of-sale (POS) solutions, which it says will create “an entry-level POS product” for the smallest independent businesses.

The new solution, called POS Lite, includes a 13in splash-proof touchscreen and stand, card reader, and subscription to SumUp’s software. Designed for small and nano-sized businesses, it will allow merchants to register card and cash payments, organise their item catalogue, track earnings and more. It is based on the fintech’s existing POS Pro system but designed to be more cost efficient; in recent months, small businesses have been hit the hardest by rising fuel costs, spiralling inflation and higher business rates.

SumUp has built the hardware for the POS Lite system entirely in house, drawing on feedback from small merchants to make the suite as easy-to-use as possible. The firm says it’s designed for businesses that need to take cashless payments but don’t require a fully fledged POS solution just yet, and it will cost merchants a one-time price of £199.

Giving merchants the tools needed to be successful

SumUp co-founder Marc-Alexander Christ comments: “SumUp has consistently delivered cutting-edge technology, which supports and serves the global small and nano business community. By expanding our point-of-sale solutions, SumUp continues to provide merchants with the tools they need to make a success of their business. Innovation is at our core, and SumUp is very proud to support over 4mn merchants around the world.”

In a statement, SumUp continues: “Unlike what the market offers today, it's ready to use straight away, comes with free pre-installed SumUp POS software, and [has] no subscription charges.”

SumUp has also unveiled new features to POS Pro – its advanced POS product that lets merchants, particularly bars and restaurants, send multiple orders to the kitchen at once. The new features will be available in the UK and Ireland, France, Spain and Germany. The London-based company supports more than 3.5mn merchants in over 30 markets worldwide and is doing its bit to use its success for good: SumUp has pledged to donate 1% of future net revenues to environmental causes in the fight against climate change.