Differences between attended and unattended physical POS: Which is better for your business?

The choice of payment system has become a fundamental issue in the commercial world to achieve the best shopping experience. Physical POS terminals have evolved to adapt to different types of businesses: they started with those where an employee serves the customer, up to fully automated spaces that do not require human staff.

In this article, we will analyse the differences between attended and unattended physical POS terminals to decide which fits your business best with PaynoPain.

What is an attended physical POS?

An attended physical POS is a payment device managed directly by a shop employee, i.e., the classic payment terminal we know today. Personal interaction was key in its design to form part of the customer experience process back in the 1970s.

Definition and main features

An attended POS combines a secure payment terminal with a simple interface that the employee uses to record and process payments. Its main features include:

• Direct interaction with the customer.
• Real-time payment transactions.
• Greater control over potential incidents and their immediate resolution.

Examples of use in restaurants, retail, and personal services

Attended physical POS terminals are particularly useful in sectors where human interaction is a value-added element of the customer experience.

In restaurants, for example, the waiter uses the terminal to bring the bill directly to the table. This not only speeds up the payment process but also allows for the resolution of queries or incidents, offering a personalised and attentive service. In addition, it facilitates splitting bills or applying special discounts, if applicable.

In retail, also known as retail trade, such as clothing stores, footwear shops, or supermarkets, attended POS terminals are used at tills to offer customer advice, record promotions, or manage returns efficiently. The employee can recommend products and answer questions, creating a more satisfactory shopping experience.

In personal services such as hair salons, clinics, or beauty centres, an attended POS allows payment for treatments or products through direct contact with the professional. It facilitates appointment management and application of personalised pricing, making the process smooth for both the customer and the business.

In these cases, the presence of the employee during the payment process ensures security and strengthens customer loyalty towards the establishment.

What is an unattended physical POS?

An unattended physical POS is a payment terminal designed to operate without direct staff supervision, allowing customers to carry out transactions independently. It emerged in small and large commerce between the late 20th century and the early 21st century.

Definition and operation in autonomous environments

These devices are designed to accept payments automatically, with intuitive and durable interfaces. They include functions such as:

• Payment transactions without staff intervention.
• Support for multiple payment methods (card, contactless, mobile, etc.).
• Machines designed for public use.

Applications in vending machines, car parks, and charging stations

Unattended physical POS terminals have become an essential solution for businesses and services operating without staff. They allow users to make payments quickly, safely, and independently.

It is common to find vending machines for snacks, drinks, or basic products using these terminals to accept multiple forms of cashless payment. The intuitive interface and durability ensure proper functioning even under high traffic conditions.

Today, car parks are practically automated, not requiring human staff to collect fees. As such, unattended POS terminals are very common, reducing queues and waiting times. These terminals are designed to withstand outdoor conditions and intensive use by drivers.

Charging stations have recently become more prominent due to the current automotive context. Autonomous payment for electric vehicle charging involves the use of unattended POS terminals. This system allows users to pay directly at the terminal, supporting the expansion of these vehicles.

Comparison: Attended vs. unattended POS

Customer interaction

First and foremost, customer interaction is very important. Attended POS terminals allow personalised and attentive service, whereas unattended POS terminals focus on user autonomy. This speeds up the payment process and removes the need for staff, optimising time for both customers and the business, avoiding queues.

Installation and maintenance costs

In terms of costs, attended POS terminals require a moderate initial investment, but need staff to operate. Unattended POS terminals involve a higher installation cost due to their technical features. However, in the long term, they reduce costs by eliminating the need for staff.

Flexibility in accepted payment methods

Both attended and unattended POS terminals from PaynoPain stand out for their flexibility in payment methods, thanks to advanced technology allowing card payments, contactless, digital wallets (Apple Pay and Google Pay), and other methods such as PayPal, Klarna, Bizum, ensuring a modern and secure user experience.

Application depending on business model

Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on the business model and specific needs. Attended POS terminals are better suited for businesses where customer attention and personalised service are priorities, such as restaurants or specialised shops. Unattended POS terminals are more efficient for businesses with high volumes or operating non-stop, such as vending machines or car parks.

Advantages of combining attended and unattended POS in the same business

Examples of integration in hybrid companies

A supermarket can combine tills with staff serving customers and self-checkout tills. Similarly, a petrol station may offer payment at the counter or via automatic terminals. These are clear examples of integrating both systems to cater to different times of day and customer needs.

Benefits for optimising customer experience

Offering both payment options increases customer convenience and reduces waiting times, as they can choose how they wish to pay. It also extends service to more customers at different times and situations, reinforcing loyalty through flexibility.

Which is the best option for your business?

The choice of POS type mainly depends on the type of business you have. Consider transaction volume and the level of interaction you want to provide to your customers.

An attended POS is the best choice if your priority is to provide a personalised service. Direct attention and immediate query resolution are crucial. This system is ideal for businesses where human experience is part of the differentiating value, such as restaurants, specialised shops, or personal services.

On the other hand, if your business operates continuously with a high transaction volume, an unattended POS is more advantageous. Its autonomy reduces the need for staff and allows payment at any time: vending machines, car parks, or charging stations are ideal scenarios.

Additionally, many companies choose to combine both models. You can cover a wider range of scenarios, adapt to different customer profiles, and maximise both operational efficiency and user satisfaction.

In conclusion, using PaynoPain technology provides a modern, secure, and smooth payment experience, regardless of the chosen option for your business. The key is to analyse your specific needs and create a payment strategy that boosts your activity and customer relationships.

If you want to learn more about attended and unattended POS terminals to choose the best option for your business, you are in the right place. Complete the following form, and our team will guide you on the right path: