Why Now Is the Time to Review Your EPOS and Payment Options
If your business uses Epos Now with Dojo, recent reports about changes to their integration may have raised a few questions. What happens next? Will your payment setup still work as expected? Should you stay with your current provider, switch payment processor, or review your EPOS system altogether?
The good news is that this does not have to be a crisis. It can be a useful opportunity to look at your current setup and decide whether it still works for the way your business trades today.
What has happened between Epos Now and Dojo?
Epos Now and Dojo have previously worked together to support integrated card payments. This meant businesses could use Epos Now as their EPOS system while taking payments through Dojo, with the till and card terminal communicating with each other during the transaction. According to industry reports, this relationship has now changed. Some businesses using both platforms may need to review how their payment integration works going forward. This could mean considering a different payment provider, using standalone card terminals, or reviewing whether their current EPOS system is still the best fit. If your business is affected, the first step is to check the details of your own account, contract and integration directly with your providers. Not every business will be in the same position.Why integrated payments matter
Integrated payments are more than a nice extra. They are a key part of a smooth checkout process. When your EPOS system and card terminal are connected, the till sends the payment amount directly to the card machine. Staff do not need to key the amount in manually. The payment is recorded against the sale and reporting is easier to reconcile at the end of the day. This can help reduce errors, speed up service and make life easier for staff. In a busy bar, restaurant, café, takeaway, shop, social club or members’ club, that can make a real difference.Why has the change happened?
The full commercial details between Epos Now and Dojo are not public. However, the wider EPOS and payments market has been moving in a clear direction for some time. Many EPOS providers now want to offer their own payment services. This allows them to control more of the customer journey, from the till software and hardware through to the card terminal and transaction processing. For some businesses, this can feel simple. One provider. One platform. One support route. But it can also reduce choice. If your EPOS provider controls the software, hardware and payment processing, it may become harder to move one part of your setup later without affecting the rest.Why now is a good time to explore your options
A change like this can feel frustrating, especially if your current setup has worked well for a long time. But it can also be a useful prompt to review the systems your business relies on every day. Your business may have changed since your EPOS was first installed. You may now need faster service, better reporting, improved stock control, handheld ordering, Kitchen Display Systems, customer-facing displays, loyalty features, member pricing, online ordering, digital signage or better connectivity. You may also want to understand whether you are still getting good value from your payment provider, card terminal contract and EPOS software. Reviewing your setup does not mean you have to change everything. It simply helps you make an informed decision.Should you change your payment provider, EPOS system or both?
There is no single answer that suits every business. Some businesses may be happy with their EPOS system and only need to review their payment provider. Others may prefer their current card payment setup and want EPOS software that gives them more flexibility. Some may decide this is the right time to upgrade their full system. The right route depends on how your business works. A high-volume bar needs speed and reliability. A restaurant may need table management and handheld ordering. A members’ club may need loyalty, account sales and member pricing. A retailer may need barcode scanning, stock control and clear reporting. This is why a proper review is important. The best EPOS and payment setup is not always the one with the loudest sales pitch. It is the one that fits your business, your staff and your customers.What should you check before making a decision?
Before you switch provider or sign a new agreement, take time to review your current setup properly.- Check your EPOS software contract and notice period.
- Review your card terminal agreement and transaction rates.
- Ask whether there are any exit fees or hardware rental commitments.
- Confirm whether your current integration will continue to work.
- Look at how much manual work your staff currently do.
- Consider whether your reporting gives you the information you need.
- Think about whether your tills, card machines and back-office tools still feel fit for purpose.
