The old POS model — thousands up front for hardware, then monthly software on top — is how new businesses ended up on an iPad with a cheap reader. Placement programs flipped that: the hardware shows up free or nearly free, you pay a monthly rate, and the processor earns it back on processing. Here's how the three strongest no-upfront options compare.
SkyTab by Shift4 — $29.99/month, hardware included
The benchmark for restaurants: $29.99/month per station with no upfront hardware cost, lifetime warranty on the equipment, and 0% processing available with dual pricing. You get a 30-day trial before the standard 36-month agreement begins. Kitchen displays, handhelds ($20/mo) and kiosks add on at published monthly prices — full lineup here.
Clover — placement on the whole family
Clover Stations, Minis and Flex handhelds are available through placement — no upfront hardware, a monthly figure tied to your processing. Strong when you want Clover's app marketplace and polish without the four-figure sticker price. Clover options here.
PAYS — all-inclusive with 0% built in
PAYS bundles the whole thing: software plans at $59, $79 or $99/month (Starter/Growth/Enterprise) with dual pricing at the core, so card fees run at 0%. The plan includes support, online ordering and — on higher tiers — delivery integrations, gift cards and loyalty. See PAYS.
The honest trade-offs
- Terms: placement pricing comes with an agreement (SkyTab's is 36 months after the trial). Fair trade for $0 down — but know what you're signing.
- Own-it-outright math: if you have the capital and want no strings, buying hardware (Square Register $899, Clover Station Duo ~$2,078, Korona bundles) costs more today and less over five years. We quote both ways.
- Processing is where placement earns: the "free" hardware is funded by your processing — which is why our match-or-beat rate review matters even more on placement deals.
Compare everything on POS Systems, or read what a POS actually costs in 2026.