After their historic promotion back into the EFL, it has been a hectic few months for Barrow AFC. The Bluebirds have not only had to adjust to life back in the upper echelons of the football league pyramid, but they’re also dealing with the pandemic and the unprecedented challenges this has created for all football clubs.

Barrow are regarded as of the best managed football clubs in the country, and this off-field stability and administrative excellence has played a key role in their rise and promotion back to the EFL. Nevertheless, Barrow were eager not to rest on their laurels, and quickly identified areas where further improvements could be made.

One such area was their point of sale facilities, and they approached Android EPOS to put together a detailed proposal.

The brief was clear; to supply and install the latest in POS technology, while at the same time minimise the on-going financial outlay by keeping software and card payment fees as low as possible. However, Android EPOS were able to go one better than that, by reducing the on-going financial commitments to zero.

The hardware solution saw the supply of terminals from the outstanding Sunmi range. The Sunmi T2 is now installed in locations throughout the club, boasting a 15.6″ HD touchscreen and a fully integrated 80mm Seiko thermal receipt printer – it is the market leading Android POS terminal; and the terminals have been paired with APG cash drawers and 2D barcode scanners where needed.

The choice of software was key. It had to be adaptable to all facets of the business; from hospitality areas, to ticketing and to the club shop. You might think that running retail and hospitality operations within the same POS system simultaneously would require an expensive solution and bespoke set-up. Not so. Android EPOS recommended Loyverse; a powerful, adaptable and intuitive software solution that is free to use, with no strings.

Fully integrated payments was also a pre-requisite, and this was achieved using SumUp; a no-fuss solution with a negotiated flat-rate, no contract, no monthly fees and no transaction fees.

Barrow AFC now have a cutting-edge POS system that is owned outright by the club, with no leasing charges, no on-going software licence fees and no card processing fees or charges above the basic rate. For a football club operating during uncertain times, in a sport with so many ups and downs, the elimination of all on-going charges, coupled with the supply of advanced hardware, proved to be the perfect match.

Speaking recently, Anya Wood of Barrow AFC said, “It is difficult to explain just how much easier life is in the club shop with the new EPOS System, it is fantastic.”

Android EPOS installed multiple Sunmi T2 terminals with integrated printers running Loyverse point of sale software. The installation was completed in partnership with Sixdecks AV Limited.