Billing Machine for Shop vs POS App: A Buyer's Guide
Compare a dedicated billing machine with a POS app on an Android tablet or phone: GST bills, UPI, reports, counters and what to check before you buy.
- Tables & KOT
- UPI QR & WhatsApp bills
- Works offline
- Android tablet or phone
Billing machine or POS app: the two options
When shop owners search for a billing machine, they usually mean one of two setups:
- A dedicated billing machine: an all-in-one device with a keypad or small screen, built-in software and often a built-in printer.
- A POS app on a tablet or phone: billing software such as VelBooks POS on an Android tablet or phone, connected to a thermal printer, with an optional barcode scanner and cash drawer.
Both print a bill. The difference is what happens to the data afterwards, and how easily the setup grows with your business.
Side by side
Dedicated machines differ a lot by brand and model; check the specific model's features before buying.
| Typical dedicated billing machine | VelBooks POS on Android | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | One fixed device | Android tablet or phone + thermal printer; scanner and cash drawer optional |
| Items and rates | Entered on the machine; varies by model | Item master with photos, codes, GST and HSN; Excel import |
| GST bills | Varies by model | Per-item GST, CGST/SGST split and round-off |
| Payments | Usually cash entry | Cash, UPI QR, card and split |
| Bill on WhatsApp | Varies by model | Yes |
| Reports | Often on the device only | Dashboard and day-end report in VelBooks |
| Multiple counters and branches | Varies by model | Yes |
| Internet | Often not needed | Works offline, syncs later |
What to check before you buy
- Will it print a proper GST bill with your GSTIN, HSN and the tax split?
- Can it take UPI with a QR for the exact amount?
- How do you add or change hundreds of items and rates?
- Where do the sales reports live, and can your accountant use them?
- What happens when you add a second counter or branch?
- Is service available in your city, and what does a breakdown cost you in lost sales?
- What is the full cost over three years, including paper rolls, software and support?
Hardware for a VelBooks POS counter
- Android tablet or phone. VelBooks POS runs on Android tablets and phones, so a counter can start with a device you may already own.
- Thermal receipt printer. Receipts print on 80 mm or 58 mm thermal paper, and on A4/A5 when you need a full page. Tell us your printer model and we will confirm it before you buy.
- Barcode scanner (optional). Scan packaged items, or type the short item code shown on each tile.
- Cash drawer (optional). Tick Open cash drawer on the payment screen when you take cash.
- Internet. Needed to sync and to receive online orders, but VelBooks POS keeps billing when the connection drops. See offline billing.
Comparing a dedicated billing machine with a tablet setup? Read our billing machine guide.
Pricing
POS add-on pricing: contact us / WhatsApp for current price
VelBooks POS is a separate add-on to a VelBooks plan. The plans are Basic ₹299, Gold ₹499 and Elite ₹799 per month + 18% GST (introductory). Tell us how many counters and branches your shop needs and we will share the current POS price. See VelBooks pricing.
See VelBooks POS with your own menu or items
Message us on WhatsApp for a demo of VelBooks POS. Start your free 30-day VelBooks trial at app.velbooks.com and ask us to switch on the POS add-on.
Or call +91 81472 70720 · admin@finacc.in