POS System for Small Businesses and Startups in Austria
A practical guide to choosing a POS system for small businesses and startups in Austria.
- Bahram Davoodi
Specific challenges small businesses and startups face when choosing a POS system
Small businesses and startups in Austria usually have a limited budget, uncertainty about future growth, and a need for quick setup. Choosing the right POS system should account for these constraints without sacrificing quality or legal compliance.
Essential features of a POS system for small businesses
- Low monthly subscription cost with no long-term commitment;
- Quick setup without requiring complex technical knowledge;
- Full RKSV compliance from day one;
- Scalability as the business grows (adding a location or till).
The small-business (Kleinunternehmer) rule and the cash register
Since 1 January 2025, the Kleinunternehmer threshold (VAT) has stood at €55,000 gross per year, with a 10 per cent tolerance within the current year. Important: the VAT exemption must not be confused with the cash register obligation – the RKSV thresholds of €15,000 annual turnover and €7,500 in cash revenue apply regardless. So even as a Kleinunternehmer, you need an RKSV-compliant till once you reach these thresholds. The basics are explained in our RKSV guide.
How to combine low cost with enough features?
The best strategy for startups is choosing a cloud system with a subscription model that lets you start with minimal upfront investment and gradually add features, rather than a heavy upfront investment in a complex system.
The practical roadmap for getting started
- Choose a package: start with a lean entry-level setup – the pricing overview shows what Basic includes.
- Decide on hardware: for many founders, a tablet with a receipt printer is enough; you can expand later.
- Get a signature-creation unit (e.g. A-Trust) – mandatory for every RKSV till.
- Register the till with FinanzOnline: our step-by-step guide shows you how.
- Check the Startbeleg (start receipt) and get going.
A POS system that suits small business owners and founders should be simple, affordable and RKSV-compliant from the start. With the Lonio POS system, Lonio offers an entry point built for small Austrian businesses that grows with your company – from your first receipt through to inventory management and an online shop.
A suitable POS system for small businesses and startups should be simple, affordable and RKSV-compliant from the start. Lonio's POS system, designed for Austrian small businesses, delivers exactly this balance. Get in touch to get started. This article is for general information only; for the exact tax classification of your business, we recommend consulting a tax advisor (Steuerberater).
Do small businesses (Kleinunternehmer) also need a cash register?
Depends on their turnover and cash revenue; if they exceed the RKSV thresholds, yes.
How much does setting up a POS system cost for a startup?
Cloud systems usually let you start with a low upfront cost.
Can you add more features later?
Yes, scalable systems let you gradually expand features as your business grows.
Is setting up a POS system complicated?
Modern cloud systems can usually be set up without specialised technical knowledge.
What is the current Kleinunternehmer threshold?
Since 1 January 2025: €55,000 gross annual turnover with a 10 per cent tolerance. Always go by the current information from BMF/USP.
Note: This article is for general information only and does not replace legal or tax advice. For your business's specific situation, please contact your tax advisor.
