Local POS setup and support for small businesses

New and existing cafes, restaurants, retail shops, salons and market vendors that want a working checkout without handling the tech themselves.

Margin on hardware, a setup and training fee, optional monthly support plans, and sometimes processor commission if you are also a registered reseller.

• Comfortable with tablets, networks and printers
• Patient teaching of non-technical staff
• Reliable customer service

• General liability insurance, and consider professional liability (errors and omissions) cover; check with an insurance broker
• Check your city or county for a business license, and your state for sales tax registration if you sell hardware
• Follow PCI security rules and never store customer card data yourself
• Check reseller agreements for exclusivity, support duties and payout terms
• Support requests can come outside business hours, so set clear support hours and prices

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the hardware stock you hold, tools, insurance and how you set up your reseller arrangements. Your own figure will vary with the range of systems you offer.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,200 to $6,000, depending on how many installs you complete, hardware sales and any ongoing support you charge for. Revenue is not profit, so account for hardware and insurance costs.

Check general liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance with a broker, your city or county business license, and state sales tax registration if you sell hardware. Follow PCI security rules, never store card data, and review reseller agreements for exclusivity and payout terms.