--- title: "POS Software: Subscription vs One-Time License in Kenya | Qyvea" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-software-subscription-vs-one-time-license-kenya description: "Compare POS software pricing models in Kenya: monthly subscription, annual plans and one-time licences, including updates, support, backups and total cost." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-software-subscription-vs-one-time-license-kenya for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. 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Compare total cost, support and updates, not just the quote. A queue at your till is a sale walking out of the door. Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that. **In this guide you will see:** - Subscriptions spread cost and include updates. - One-time licences cost more now and may add support fees. - Compare three-year totals, not first-month price. Quick answer POS software is sold as a monthly or annual subscription, or as a one-time licence with optional support. Subscriptions usually include updates, cloud backup and support but keep charging. One-time licences cost more up front and may add fees for updates and support. Compare the total cost over three years, plus what happens if you stop paying. [Photo: John Cameron / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/JWEwaHqSAHU) Why this matters now ## Each week without records is a week of money you cannot trace. ### If you wait - Cash, stock and receipts that never agree - Queues because every price is typed - Mistakes you find out about at month end ### What you get - Scan and sell in seconds - Stock updates with every sale - An end-of-day report for each cashier [Syble 1D Laser Barcode](/products/syble-1d-laser-barcode-scanner-38726 "Syble 1D Laser Barcode Scanner")[SAM4S Sapphire-A60 Android POS](/products/sam4s-sapphire-a60-android-pos-terminal-10002583 "SAM4S Sapphire-A60 Android POS Terminal")[NT-8330 80mm Thermal Printer](/products/nt-8330-80mm-thermal-printer-10002335 "NT-8330 80mm Thermal Printer") [Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20POS%20Subscription%20vs%20One-Time%20License.%20I%20want%20a%20POS%20system%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## Key takeaways - Subscriptions spread cost and include updates. - One-time licences cost more now and may add support fees. - Compare three-year totals, not first-month price. - Ask what happens to your data if you stop. - Check eTIMS and tax updates are included. ## Compare the models | | Subscription | One-time licence | | --- | --- | --- | | Upfront cost | Low | Higher | | Ongoing cost | Monthly or annual | Optional support or update fees | | Updates | Usually included | May be extra | | Backups | Often cloud-based and included | You manage them | | If you stop paying | You may lose access | The software keeps working, unsupported | | Best for | Growing and multi-branch businesses | Single shops with stable needs | ## Questions to ask - What does the price include: updates, support, backups? - Are tax and eTIMS updates covered? - Can I export my data at any time? - What does an extra till or branch cost? - What is the support response time? ## Get a clear quote **When to call a professional**: We quote hardware, software and support clearly, so you can compare totals. Call [0113 301 244](tel:+254113301244) or [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20need%20help%20with%20POS%20software%20pricing). ## Frequently asked questions Which is cheaper over time? It depends on your size and how long you keep the system; compare the three-year totals. Can I own my data? You should be able to export it; ask before you buy. What if the supplier disappears? Prefer suppliers with local support and data export. ## Why customers choose Qyvea **Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews. **Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs. ## Related articles [Shopping Guides · Guide What Hardware Do I Need for a POS Till? The complete list of till hardware, with live stock below. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-hardware-checklist-kenya)[Shopping Guides · Guide How Do I Choose the Right POS System for My Business? Ten questions that separate a POS you will use from one that sits unused. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-choose-a-pos-system-kenya)[Shopping Guides · Buying Guide POS System Cost Breakdown for Kenya The terminal is only part of the bill. Here is everything a complete POS setup includes. 3 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-system-cost-breakdown-kenya) ### Related services [POS Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-systems)[System Integration](https://qyvea.co.ke/system-integration)[Networking & Cabling](https://qyvea.co.ke/networking) ### Related products [POS system prices](https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-system-price-in-kenya)[Receipt printer prices](https://qyvea.co.ke/receipt-printer-price-in-kenya)[Barcode scanner prices](https://qyvea.co.ke/barcode-scanner-price-in-kenya) ### Related projects [Real Qyvea case studies](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#case-studies) [← Previous**POS During Power Cuts and Offline Mode**](https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-system-during-power-cuts-and-offline-mode-kenya)[Next →**: POS System Cost Breakdown for Kenya**](https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-system-cost-breakdown-kenya) ## Want help choosing? Send us your budget on WhatsApp and we'll suggest what's in stock, with delivery across Kenya. Chat with us — 30 min response --- **Qyvea Limited** · Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya (delivery only, no walk-in pickup) · serving all 47 counties Phone/WhatsApp: [+254 113 301 244](https://wa.me/254113301244) · Email: info@qyvea.co.ke · Shop: [qyvea.co.ke/products](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) · Facts: [qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts](https://qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts)