Choosing the right POS system for your business
According to Retail Insider, 44% of consumers still prefer to shop in-store, but they now expect that experience to be as easy and connected as shopping online.
That means your POS system does more than take payments. It’s the link between your physical and digital channels. It helps you speed up checkout, connect payments across locations, and see your business performance in one place.
At MultiSafepay, we help merchants choose POS solutions that fit how they sell, today and tomorrow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of point-of-sale terminals, how to choose the right setup for your business, and where MultiSafepay can make the process easier.
POS at the heart of in-person sales
A modern POS terminal isn’t just a payment device, it’s a business tool. The right setup helps you:
Serve customers faster and reduce queues
Simplify daily operations and reporting
Connect in-store and online sales
Build a more consistent customer experience
To get there, your POS should work the way your business does. Whether you run a café, a boutique, or manage deliveries on the move, choosing the right system starts with matching your operational reality.
The main types of POS terminals
Different business models call for different setups. Here’s a look at the main POS terminals and where they fit best.
C-TAP: Fast, flexible and cost-efficient
C-TAP (Common Terminal Acquirer Protocol) is the most common in-person processing method in Benelux. If you have ever paid by card, you’ve used C-TAP.
Best for: Businesses that need a sturdy device focused on payment processing.
Example: A café using C-TAP terminals at the counter and on the terrace to process payments quickly and securely.
SmartPOS: The all-in-one connected solution
SmartPOS terminals do far more than accept payments. They run smart software that connects directly with the rest of your business. From managing inventory to tracking loyalty or insights, everything runs from one device.
And because every business operates differently, SmartPOS terminals come in multiple formats, from handheld or stationary, to large or compact, and built for indoor or outdoor use, all supporting flexible setups.
Best for: Businesses that want a connected system to handle payments and operations together.
Example: A restaurant using SmartPOS tablets to take orders, process payments, and manage tables through one connected app.
Tap to Pay: Payments without the hardware
Tap to Pay turns your smartphone, tablet, or kiosk into a contactless payment terminal, with no extra hardware required. It’s quick to set up and perfect for merchants who value mobility and low overhead.
Best for: Mobile or seasonal businesses such as couriers, food trucks, or pop-ups.
Example: A florist accepts payments directly on their phone while delivering bouquets around town.
Each solution connects directly to your MultiSafepay account, giving you a unified view of all transactions, online and offline, from one simple dashboard.
What to consider before you choose
The right POS system isn’t just about hardware. It’s about how well the setup supports your business goals.
Security and trust
Make sure your POS follows the latest security standards, so your customers’ data stays protected, and your business stays compliant.
Integration and connectivity
Your POS should work seamlessly with the tools you already use, like your webshop, accounting, or loyalty systems, keeping everything connected and consistent.
MultiSafepay supports multiple ways to connect your POS system, depending on how you operate:
Manual entry: Ideal for accessibility or backup situations where contactless or chip readers may not work, for example, in outdoor or high-moisture environments. Staff can key in details directly on the terminal, ensuring payments go through without interruption.
Web/API: Perfect for businesses that manage payments through an online dashboard or want to unify systems across stores and webshops. A web integration is fast to set up, while API connections enable deeper automation for syncing stock, customer data, or reporting in real time.
App-to-App: The smoothest experience for businesses using their own apps. It allows your POS and app to communicate directly, no browsers or manual steps, ideal for hospitality, delivery, and mobility services where speed and accuracy matter most.
Reliability and performance
Check for stable connectivity, strong battery life, and offline capability, so your checkout never stops even if your network does.
Scalability and cost
As your business grows, your POS should scale with you. Look for transparent pricing, flexible service models, and easy ways to add more terminals or locations.
Your POS isn’t just a payment point, it’s part of how customers experience your brand. Choose one that makes every interaction fast, smooth, and trustworthy.
Match your POS to your business
Every business has unique needs. Here’s our recommendations to align your POS terminals with your operations and customer journey.
Business type | Recommended setup | Recommended terminal | Key features |
Restaurants & Cafés | Combination of SmartPOS handheld and countertop terminals | 4G and Wi-Fi enabled for mobility, with fast processing and built-in receipt printing. Helps staff take payments tableside and improve service speed. | |
Retail stores | SmartPOS or C-TAP for countertop | Combines a touchscreen tablet with a payment terminal, enabling mobile checkout, stock management, refunds, and receipt printing directly on the device. | |
Hospitality & Events | Mobile SmartPOS for on-the-go transactions | Built for durability with a physical keyboard, built-in printer, and long battery life. Ideal for wet or outdoor environments where reliability matters. | |
Delivery & Mobile Services | Mobile SmartPOS or Tap to Pay | Tap to Pay app (coming soon) | Accept contactless payments directly on a smartphone or tablet, no extra hardware needed. Perfect for couriers and service providers on the move. |
Each option helps you remove friction and create an experience that feels natural for your customers, no matter where or how they pay.
Why merchants choose MultiSafepay
Choosing and managing in-person payments doesn’t have to be complicated. MultiSafepay simplifies it with:
A full range of SmartPOS, C-TAP, and Tap to Pay (coming soon) solutions built for every business type.
One unified platform that connects your in-store, online, and mobile payments into a single, clear overview.
In-house technology and direct integrations, reducing reliance on third parties and keeping your setup consistent across channels.
Hands-on, local support from our experts to help you select the right setup and scale with confidence.
With MultiSafepay, your payments work together, seamlessly and securely, so you can focus on your customers, not your checkout.
Ready to find the right POS for your business?
The right POS system depends on how your business operates, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you need the reliability of C-TAP, the flexibility of Tap to Pay, or the all-in-one power of SmartPOS, MultiSafepay helps you build a setup that clears the way for growth.
