The festive season can be make-or-break for many small businesses. Shops, cafés, salons, pubs – they all get busier, and customers expect quick, reliable service. That means your point-of-sale (POS) system, whether that be a card machine or an EPOS system, needs to be ready for the rush. A little preparation with your merchant set-up now can save a lot of stress later, and help you make the most of the busiest time of the year.
Give Your POS a Pre-Christmas Check-Up
Before things ramp up, take time to give your hardware and software a once-over. Check your terminals, printers, scanners, and any connected devices – you don’t want to find out something’s faulty in the middle of a big rush. Make sure your card machine is updated to the latest version so it runs smoothly and securely. This is also the time to stock up on accessories. Think extra receipt rolls, spare chargers, and cleaning wipes for touchscreens. A quick tidy-up and test of everything, from card readers to cables, can prevent those mid-service meltdowns.
It’s worth the effort: UK retail sales typically jump by around 20–30% in December compared to the rest of the year. So, it’s not just about avoiding problems — it’s about being ready to make the most of that extra footfall.
Add an Extra Terminal for the Busy Season
If you know December is going to be hectic, consider getting an additional card machine. Having a spare means you can serve customers faster, take payments anywhere – whether that’s at tables, pop-up stalls, or outdoor areas – and you’ve got a backup if your main terminal has a wobble.
During last year’s Christmas period, footfall in the UK rose by 7.1 % in December versus November across all retail destinations, and hospitality venues were even busier. That extra terminal could easily help you keep up with queues, boost sales, and avoid turning customers away. The peace of mind alone is worth it – especially when your busiest weekend of the year is at stake.
Make the Most of EPOS Integrations
EPOS (electronic point-of-sale) systems can do much more than take payments – especially if you use a smart platform like EPOSNow. Take advantage of the integrations available to make life easier over the festive season. Plus, you can save £400 on an EPOS system when you choose Reduce My Costs!
The goal? Spend less time chasing spreadsheets and more time serving customers.
Keep Up with Maintenance and Backups
No one wants their card reader to go down mid-transaction. Keep things running smoothly by doing regular maintenance checks. Clean terminals and printers, update firmware, and make sure you’ve got working spares like charging cables, stands, and receipt rolls.
If you’re running mobile terminals, we recommend the PAX A920 Pro, make sure batteries are holding charge – and test your Wi-Fi or data signal if you’re trading outdoors. A few minutes of prep now means you won’t be scrambling when queues are out the door, helping to avoid or resolve any issues you may face before the rush.
Get Your Team Ready
Even the best system won’t help if your team aren’t confident using it. Give everyone a refresher before the rush — how to process refunds, apply discounts, and manage split payments. If you’re hiring seasonal staff, make sure they’ve had hands-on training before their first shift. The better trained your team are, the faster they’ll serve, the happier your customers will be, and the smoother your December will run.
Wrapping It Up
A reliable POS setup can make the difference between a stressful December and a successful one. With a quick check-up, a few smart upgrades, and a bit of staff prep, your business will be ready to handle the festive crowds with ease.
Christmas is a huge opportunity with a lot of potential customers coming through your doors, with the right setup, you can ensure you’ll be ready for every single one of them. If you’d like some help getting your merchant setup ready for the busy season, our expert team are just a call away. Get in touch and ensure you’re prepared for the Christmas rush.
