In short:  on paper, buying a cash register is usually a few hundred euros cheaper than renting one, calculated in gross euros over 4 years — since renting structurally includes more services. But that figure says nothing about the upfront investment you have to pay in one go, the cost of replacing your equipment at the end of its life, or the risk of a breakdown landing on your shoulders. And depending on your commitment period and any additional fees, that gap can narrow, or even reverse completely. The right decision depends on factors like your cash flow, how long you've been running your business, and your growth outlook. Here's a breakdown of both options, with a concrete pricing example.

Two economic models, not just two prices

Buying​ is a capital investment (CAPEX): you pay a lump sum upfront, you own the equipment, and you depreciate it on your books over its useful life.

Renting​ is an operating expense (OPEX): you pay a monthly usage fee that generally includes the equipment, the software, updates, and part of the support. You never own the equipment, but you don't carry its risk either.

This distinction matters more than the price tag at first glance — it determines where your money is tied up, how it's accounted for, and who bears the risk if something goes wrong.

Buying your cash register equipment: advantages and limitations

The advantages

• You own it: no contractual dependency on a provider for anything equipment-related.
• Depending on the plan and the number of years, potentially a lower total cost in gross euros than renting

The limitations

• Equipment cost to pay upfront from your cash flow: generally between €2,000 and €6,000, depending on your establishment's needs (till, mobile registers, order kiosks, kitchen screen, etc.).
• The risk of breakdown falls on you, unless a specific contractual warranty applies.
• Equipment can become obsolete — technically or from a regulatory standpoint — before it's even physically worn out.
• Every upgrade (adding a kiosk, a second till) is a new capital investment.

Renting your cash register: advantages and limitations

The advantages

• No upfront investment: a fixed monthly fee, easy to budget for.
• Maintenance, updates, and replacement in case of breakdown are generally included — except in cases of damage or misuse.
• Equipment is renewed at the end of the contract, with no new investment to make.
• Scalable: add equipment (kiosk, kitchen screen, payment terminal) with no upfront reinvestment.
• An operating expense, fully deductible in the year it's paid, with no depreciation to manage.

The limitations

• Depending on the total duration and the plan, the gross cost in euros can end up higher than buying.
• Mandatory contractual commitment, generally with specific early termination conditions.

Before you decide: a few important points to check

Whether you lean towards buying or renting, these points help you avoid unpleasant surprises:

• Regulatory compliance: is the cash register certified​ SCE 2.0/GSK 2.0 ?

​ Guess what? Restomax's cash register solutions are certified.

• What's really included​: are equipment, software licence, and support bundled into one price, or do you need to add up several line items?

​ Whoop, whopp! ​Restomax's rental offers include the equipment, the corresponding licences, and first-line phone support, 7 days a week.

• Breakdowns and scalability​: is replacement included, or is it on you? Is the equipment renewed?

​ ​With Restomax rental offers, if your equipment is faulty, it's replaced immediately, as long as usage and storage rules have been respected. You can renew your equipment every 4 years. ​

• Commitment:  understand the rental contract's duration and early termination conditions, or, for a purchase, the warranty terms..

​ At Restomax, what does it look like? 

​ ​ for rentals: 

​ ​ ⏱️ the contract duration is flexible: 24, 36, or 48 months. At 36 months, installation fees are on us. At 48 months, on top of the installation fees, you also get an extra month of rental for free.

​ ​ 💎No price indexation applies during the initial commitment period

​ ​ 📜​Standard early termination conditions are clearly laid out in your quote.

​ ​ ​For purchases: the manufacturer's warranty terms apply.

• Compatibility with your business and the ecosystem on offer. uA bistro, a fry shop, a juice bar, a three-storey brasserie, or a fine-dining restaurant don't have the same equipment and feature needs. The real strength of a cash register system shows when it properly integrates every order flow (dine-in, terrace, takeaway, delivery) and every customer feature (table reservations, customer accounts, etc.). If it can also connect to your other business tools (accounting, scheduling), that's a real bonus.

​ Whether you rent or buy, the Restomax ecosystem is among the most complete on the market, with all ordering and customer management features natively built in, whether you run table service or  quick service.

A concrete pricing example: what this looks like in practice with Restomax

Based on a standard till equipment package including the Restomax Main Till licence, the till equipment (a premium 15'' screen, a professional cash drawer, and a receipt printer), and the payment terminal, here's an illustration of the gross costs:

Of course, this calculation stays fairly basic, but it illustrates something important: the general rule that renting costs more in gross euros… doesn't necessarily hold true at Restomax 😊. As explained above, renting and buying are, first and foremost, two different models. It's your profile and your criteria that tip the balance — not just the raw calculation.

Buying or renting: what's your profile

Opening a brand-new establishment soon?

Cash flow is probably tight, and every euro counts double. Renting limits your upfront investment at the moment it matters most.

Planning to upgrade your equipment?

Whether it's adding equipment or wanting to always have up-to-date gear, renting absorbs that evolution without a big reinvestment at every step.

Prefer a small, fixed, predictable amount over a big investment followed by unexpected costs?

Renting smooths out your budget and shifts the equipment's financial risk elsewhere.

Has your establishment been running for a while, is your business relatively stable, and do you have cash available with no urgent needs elsewhere?

Buying is a relevant option for you.

What Restomax offers

At Restomax, you freely choose between buying and renting, based on your situation and your needs.

Buying

• 🧩 Professional equipment delivered ready to use — it's yours.
• 📦 Attractive bundled plans or à la carte options, with an annual commitment and a monthly direct-debit payment.
• 🛠️ First-line phone support, 7 days a week, for all customers.

Renting

• 💰 Zero upfront cost, zero deposit — your cash flow stays available for stock, staff, the dining room. Professional equipment delivered ready to use.
• 📅 24, 36, or 48-month commitment via direct debit, with no price indexation regardless of duration — installation free from 36 months.
• 🔁 Equipment renewed after year 4, with no need to repurchase.
• 🛡️ Breakdowns, obsolescence: that's our problem, not yours.
• 📈 Easy scaling: add a till, a kiosk, or a kitchen screen whenever the need arises, without a big investment.
• 🛠️ First-line phone support, 7 days a week, for all customers.

FAQ