Resources · Cloud POS, explained

Cloud POS explained: what UK venues actually get

Cloud POS connects compatible devices to remotely stored menu, order and reporting data. Servio brings the till, QR ordering and kitchen display together; connectivity, payment equipment and secure staff access remain part of the setup. Read EPOS systems guide, restaurant POS page, pricing, POS cost guide, methodology.

The short version

Cloud POS stores synchronised menu, order and reporting data remotely and lets authorised staff use it through compatible connected devices. Some work, such as pending offline orders, can remain on the device until it syncs. Read the till, QR table ordering, kitchen screens, owner analytics.

Compatible devices and readers

Check the software and hardware requirements independently. Some cloud providers supply dedicated equipment, while others support existing devices. Servio needs a compatible browser and separate supported payment equipment for integrated in-person cards.

Connected menus and reporting

A cloud system can provide connected menus, orders and remote reporting without an on-site database server. It still depends on its hosting, authentication and network services, so check recovery and support arrangements.

Equipment your service may need

Till, kitchen and owner access

Use the connected platform as a till, a kitchen display and an owner dashboard on compatible devices, with access appropriate to each staff member. Live shared updates require connectivity.

Built for real connections

A previously loaded POS can queue cash or external-card orders on that device and sync after reconnecting. Integrated Stripe Terminal payments cannot be queued offline. QR ordering, live kitchen updates and cloud reporting need connectivity. Keep a backup connection available and preserve browser data until pending orders sync.

Cloud records and pending orders

Keep staff access controlled and devices secure. Synchronised records are stored remotely, while pending offline work remains local until it syncs. Do not assume replacing a broken device also recovers work that never reached the server.

How to judge any cloud POS (including ours)

Compare device requirements, connected workflows and complete pricing. Include required readers and printers alongside reusable devices, and test how accepted orders reach the kitchen. The cost guide sets out historical assumptions, and connected order handling explains the workflow. See how providers compare, then explore the live demo. Configure and test your own venue before service.

Cloud EPOS by venue type

Use compatible devices you own. There’s no proprietary till to buy or standard setup fee. Integrated cards need a supported reader; other readers work separately, with payments recorded manually. Check printer compatibility before service. Read café EPOS guide, takeaway EPOS guide, kitchen display guide, 2026 UK system comparison, menu migration guide.

What "runs in the browser" actually means

Create your account, confirm your email and review your plan. Add your business details, then confirm your free trial in Stripe Checkout. Complete regional setup to open the dashboard. Menu import, Stripe payouts, tables and device registration can follow from Finish setup. Prepare the workflows you need and test them before taking live orders. A setup call is optional; timing depends on the menu, equipment and payment verification.

What works when the connection drops

Cost without the quote wall

Compare the subscription, required extras, devices, reader, usage charges and card fees at your own sales volume. Historical examples on this site have specific dates and assumptions; they are not current quotes or a promise of the lowest cost. No proprietary Servio till does not mean payment equipment is free. Servio publishes Starter £89/month, Growth £219 and Enterprise from £449, excluding VAT; annual billing is also available. Read EPOS guide, methodology.

Two offers, same software as the demo

What breaks on a traditional till, and what breaks in a browser

Cloud POS depends on both the venue connection and the platform. A backup connection may help a local network outage; it cannot repair a provider incident. Pending offline orders must sync from the original device before its browser data is cleared. Read If the internet drops.

Who holds the card, and what PCI you still have

Stripe collects card details; Servio keeps the payment identifiers and status information needed for the order. Review your payment provider’s requirements, protect staff accounts and manage access to devices. External-reader payments remain separate manual tenders.

Refunds with money attached

The published legal terms describe a 99.9% monthly uptime target and the applicable service-credit and refund conditions. This is a contractual target, not a statement of measured performance. Read the terms and incident information before relying on the service. Read refund policy.

How to judge any cloud POS, including us

Compare the plan, required extras, hardware, processing and terms at your own venue’s numbers. Check data exports, connectivity limits and recovery workflows. A demo can show the product; testing your configured menu and equipment establishes readiness for service. Read Pricing, export.

Common questions

What is a cloud POS system?

A cloud POS connects devices to remotely stored menus, orders and reporting through an app or browser. Servio runs in compatible browsers and connects POS, QR orders, kitchen tickets and venue reports. Pending offline work can remain local until it syncs.

What's the difference between cloud POS and traditional EPOS?

Cloud describes where services and synchronised records run, not whether equipment is proprietary. Compare device, network and payment requirements for each provider. Servio supports compatible existing devices and supported Stripe smart readers for integrated in-person payments.

What happens to a cloud POS if the internet goes down?

How much does a cloud POS cost in the UK?

Servio Starter is £89/month, Growth £219/month and Enterprise from £449/month, excluding VAT; equipment, processing and optional extras are separate. Historical examples on this site have specific dates and assumptions; they are not current quotes or a promise of the lowest cost. No proprietary Servio till does not mean payment equipment is free.

Do I need a proprietary cloud POS till?

Have you published an offline SLA?

Servio does not promise a guaranteed offline operating window. Cached local POS orders are limited to supported cash and external-card tenders; integrated Stripe payments and live cloud features require connectivity. Preserve browser data until pending work has synced.