Odoo POS: How It Works and How Much It Costs to Set Up (2026 Guide)
2026-05-25
A practical guide to Odoo POS explaining how it works and what it costs to set up, including features, setup steps, and real-world business expenses.
POS in Odoo: How It Works and How Much It Costs to Set Up
Point of Sale (POS) systems are essential for modern retail and hospitality businesses. They help companies process sales quickly, manage inventory in real time, and improve customer service. One of the most popular business solutions today is the POS system from Odoo, which is part of its all-in-one ERP platform.
In this article, we will explore how Odoo POS works, what features it includes, and how much it typically costs to implement in a business.
What is Odoo POS?
Odoo POS is a web-based point-of-sale application that works both online and offline. It is designed for shops, restaurants, cafés, and service-based businesses that need a fast and reliable way to handle transactions.
Unlike traditional cash registers, Odoo POS is fully integrated with inventory, accounting, sales, and CRM modules inside the Odoo ecosystem.
Official Odoo platform: https://www.odoo.com
How Odoo POS Works
Odoo POS is designed to be simple for staff while powerful for business owners. Here’s how it works step by step:
1. Product Setup
Products are created in the Odoo backend with:
- Price
- Barcode
- Tax rules
- Stock quantity
Once created, they automatically appear in the POS interface.
2. Selling Process
At the checkout:
- The cashier selects or scans products
- The system calculates totals and taxes automatically
- Discounts can be applied instantly
- Customer details can be added (optional)
3. Payment Processing
Odoo POS supports multiple payment methods:
- Cash
- Card (via payment terminal integration)
- Contactless payments
- Split payments
4. Offline Mode
One of the strongest features of Odoo POS is offline capability:
- Sales continue even without internet
- Data syncs automatically when connection returns
5. Inventory Synchronization
Every sale updates stock in real time:
- Prevents overselling
- Keeps inventory accurate
- Supports multi-warehouse management
6. Reporting & Analytics
Business owners can track:
- Daily sales
- Best-selling products
- Employee performance
- Profit margins
Key Features of Odoo POS
- Fast touchscreen interface
- Barcode scanner support
- Multi-store management
- Customer loyalty programs
- Kitchen printer support (for restaurants)
- Integrated accounting and invoicing
- Real-time stock updates
How Much Does Odoo POS Cost?
The cost of implementing Odoo POS depends on several factors:
1. Software Licensing
Odoo pricing is modular. Typically:
- Basic POS functionality is included in Odoo apps
- Costs depend on number of users and apps used
- Subscription is usually charged per user per month
For most businesses, pricing can range:
- Small setup: low monthly cost per user
- Larger enterprise setup: higher cost depending on modules
2. Hosting Costs
You can choose:
- Odoo Online (cloud hosting) – included in subscription
- Odoo.sh (custom cloud hosting) – extra monthly hosting cost
- On-premise hosting – server + maintenance costs
3. Implementation Costs
If you hire a developer or partner:
- Basic setup: relatively low cost
- Custom POS features: higher cost depending on complexity
- Integration with external systems (e.g. accounting, eCommerce, delivery apps): additional cost
4. Hardware Costs
Typical POS hardware includes:
- Tablet or touchscreen terminal
- Cash drawer
- Receipt printer
- Barcode scanner
Estimated setup hardware cost:
- Low-budget setup: £300–£800
- Professional setup: £800–£2,000+
Example Total Cost (Small Business UK)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Odoo subscription | £20–£60/month per user |
| Hardware | £300–£1,000 one-time |
| Setup/implementation | £500–£3,000 (if outsourced) |
Advantages of Using Odoo POS
- Fully integrated ERP system
- Scalable for small and large businesses
- Works offline
- Real-time data synchronization
- Customizable workflows
Disadvantages to Consider
- Requires setup and configuration
- Advanced features may require developer support
- Learning curve for non-technical users
Final Thoughts
Odoo POS is a powerful solution for businesses that want more than just a cash register. It connects sales, inventory, accounting, and customer management into one system.
While the initial setup may require some investment, the long-term benefits in efficiency and automation often outweigh the cost.
If you are building or scaling a retail or restaurant business, Odoo POS is one of the most flexible options available today.