Is cash still king? How changing customer habits are shaping EPOS trends

We’ve all heard the phrase “cash is king” - but in today’s world of contactless, mobile, and online payments, does that still ring true?

Across coffee shops, farm shops, butchers and more, businesses are seeing a clear shift in how customers want to pay. And with that comes a shift in what they expect from your EPOS system too.

So, is cash on the way out? Or is there still a place for it in a world driven by speed, convenience and choice? Let’s explore how customer habits are causing EPOS trends to evolve, and how the latest technology from Cunninghams is helping businesses stay one step ahead.

Card, contactless, mobile – the demand for flexibility

There’s no denying it: card and contactless payments now dominate. More customers than ever are using debit cards, phones, or smartwatches to make purchases. Cash still has its place, but speed and ease are king.

That’s why flexibility is so important. With our Quantum EPOS solution, businesses can offer customers a smooth, quick and secure checkout experience, whether they’re paying with cash, card, mobile, or digital wallet.

Fully customisable and designed to meet the needs of a wide range of industries - from coffee shops and cafés to bakeries and restaurants, Quantum provides powerful sales reporting, stock control, and integrations that help you manage your business more efficiently.

Going mobile: Serve customers, not queues

For fast-paced environments where customer flow is key, mobility matters. That’s where the Quantum Go comes in.

This mobile version of Quantum gives your staff the freedom to take orders and payments on the go, perfect for table service in hospitality or seasonal outdoor events in garden centres, farm shops, and even pop-up food stalls.

It helps reduce queues, increase customer satisfaction, and gives your team more flexibility to serve wherever they’re needed most.

Payment processing you can rely on

It’s not just the ‘how’ of payments that’s changed, it’s the expectations around speed, security, and service. Whether your customers are tapping their card, using Apple Pay, or settling up with cash, they want a fast, reliable experience.

Payments by Cunninghams offer competitive rates and dependable card processing solutions, fully integrated with our EPOS systems. From countertop terminals to wireless and mobile payment devices, you can accept payments the way your customers prefer, without slowing down your business.

And because everything is fully integrated, there’s no need to reconcile card and till totals separately. It’s all streamlined in one smart system.

But cash hasn’t disappeared just yet…

While digital payment methods continue to grow, cash still plays a role in many sectors -especially in rural areas, among older demographics, or for small everyday purchases.

The important thing is choice. Your EPOS system should make it easy to accept all payment types, without hassle. With our payment and EPOS solutions, that’s exactly what you get.

Ready to future-proof your business with a smart, sector-specific EPOS system?Get in touch with our team on 0330 024 5014 or email us at info@cunninghams.co.uk.