Tills are easy to buy and hard to replace. The system you choose now shapes how quickly you can add a second site, a click-and-collect option, or a loyalty scheme.

Ask about the exit before the entry

Can you export your product and sales history in a usable format? If the answer is vague, treat that as the most important thing you learned in the demo.

Match the hardware to the room

Counter space, card readers, back-office printing and network coverage decide as much about daily experience as the software does.