How much does a retail POS cost in Australia?
Last reviewed 2026-08-05 · by the RetailPOS team
The sticker price is only the software line. This guide totals software, hardware and processing for a single independent shop so you can budget the first year, and covers the AU-specific surcharging angle.
The three cost parts
1. Software (monthly, in AUD). RetailPOS Starter is about A$44/shop/month (from the $29 plan) with every feature and no per-transaction fee.
2. Hardware (one-off). A tablet, receipt printer, barcode scanner and a card reader — bought once, kept.
3. Processing (per sale).A percentage on card payments paid to your acquirer. Australian merchants can pass the card surcharge to customers, so processing needn't erode margin the way a bundled percentage does.
Worked example — one shop, first year
| One-off | Per month | First year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software (RetailPOS Starter) | — | ≈ A$44 | ≈ A$528 |
| Tablet | ≈ A$500 | — | ≈ A$500 |
| Receipt printer | ≈ A$300 | — | ≈ A$300 |
| Barcode scanner | ≈ A$120 | — | ≈ A$120 |
| Card reader (your processor) | ≈ A$80 | — | ≈ A$80 |
| Card processing | — | a % (surchargeable) | varies with volume |
| Estimated total (ex-processing) | ≈ A$1,000 | ≈ A$44 | ≈ A$1,528 |
Indicative 2026 AU street prices; GST-inclusive. Processing depends on your provider and whether you surcharge. Reusing an existing tablet lowers the one-off total.
Flat software vs bundled, over three years
Bundled providers advertise low monthly fees but take a fixed percentage of every card sale. Because Australian merchants can surcharge the card fee, the case for flat per-shop software plus bring-your-own processing is especially strong — you keep software costs fixed and pass processing through. See the full model in how much a POS costs in 2026.
Frequently asked
- What GST applies to Australian retail?
- Australia's GST is 10%, and prices are shown GST-inclusive; the POS backs it out for your BAS. Check any figure with the tax calculator (select Australia).
- Can I surcharge card fees?
- Australian merchants can pass on the reasonable cost of card acceptance as a surcharge, within the rules. RetailPOS supports surcharging so the fee needn't erode your margin.
- Is there a lock-in contract?
- No — RetailPOS is flat per-shop with no hardware lease and no contract; you own your hardware and bring your own processor.
Open your shop in 30 seconds.
No card. Free until your first 100 sales. Bring your own Stripe; keep your hardware.