The Truth About "Free" POS Gear: Why that "Zero-Dollar" Deal is a Total Margin Killer

In the Anchorage restaurant and retail scene, we all know that every penny counts. Lately, it seems like every big national company is knocking on doors promising "Free POS Hardware". On the surface, it sounds like a no-brainer—get a shiny new terminal for zero bucks. But we’ve all been around long enough to know that if you aren’t paying for the product, you are the product.

At Skurla’s, we’re celebrating 50 years right here in town. We’ve seen it all, and we want to pull back the curtain on this "free" gear trap.

1. They hide the cost in your fees

Big corporate isn't giving away gear for the fun of it. They get their money back by locking you into high processing rates. That "free" system can easily tack on an extra 0.5% to 1% to every single tap or swipe. Do the math over a three-year contract: that "free" $800 terminal can end up costing you $5,000 or more in padded fees.

2. Support is a "Pay-to-Play" game

When that hardware inevitably acts up during a busy shift, you’ll find out what "Standard Support" really means. Usually, it’s a chatbot or a call center halfway across the world. If you actually want to talk to a human who knows your name and your business, you’re suddenly looking at a "Premium Support" monthly fee that nobody mentioned during the sales pitch.

3. You don't own the tech; it owns you

These national guys often use "proprietary" hardware. That’s a fancy word for saying it only works with their processing. If you ever try to leave for a better rate, your hardware basically becomes a brick. You aren't buying a tool for your business; you're letting them own a piece of your counter.

The Skurla’s Way: No Games, Just Business

We changed our whole business model to fix these headaches. Our all-inclusive 3-year plan replaces that "free hardware" gamble with something you can actually trust:

• One simple price: You pay one monthly fee that covers the hardware, the software, and the support. No surprises.

• We show up: If your system goes down on a Friday night, a local expert—someone who lives here in Anchorage—walks through your door to fix it. You can't download that kind of help from a 1-800 number.

• Honest residuals: We make sure your credit card residuals are handled fairly. We succeed when you’re profitable and your system is up and running.

  
  

The Bottom Line

Stop being a nameless account number for a company in the Lower 48. Don't get stuck with a "free" box in the mail that kills your margins. Your business deserves a partner that is just as invested in Anchorage as you are.

Want to see the real math? Give us a shout. We’ll do a side-by-side comparison of what you’re paying now versus a Skurla’s system. We’ve been here for 50 years, and we aren't going anywhere. Contact us today!