What you need
The phone in your pocket is enough to start.
TAB is a web app. It runs in the browser on any phone, tablet or laptop, so there is nothing to buy and nothing to install. Here is everything you need, and the one thing worth checking before you buy a printer.
You need two things
1 · A device with a browser
Any of these, with an up-to-date Chrome, Safari or Edge. Use one, or several together.
A phone
Android or iPhone. Enough to take orders, see payments come in and run your store on the go.
A tablet
Android tablet or iPad. The bigger screen suits a counter, a front desk or a kitchen.
A laptop or computer
Windows, Mac or Chromebook. Best for the back office, reports and printing tickets.
2 · An internet connection
Mobile data or Wi-Fi. TAB uses little data: it is mostly orders and numbers, not video.
Orders and payments need a connection to go through, so keep data on during opening hours. A backup, like a second SIM or a hotspot, is worth having if your area drops often.
Optional
A receipt printer, if you want paper
You don't need one: receipts can be sent to the customer by link, WhatsApp or email. Restaurants usually want kitchen tickets on paper. TAB prints the same way your device prints anything else, so a printer works with TAB if your device can already print to it.
Laptop or computer
Easiest for printing
A USB or network (Wi-Fi or cable) receipt printer, 80mm or 58mm.
Set it as the default printer. TAB can then print kitchen tickets automatically, without a print window each time; the setup is in Settings, under station printing.
Android phone or tablet
Works, check first
A printer that shows up in Android's print menu.
Many Bluetooth receipt printers need their maker's print app installed before Android can see them. Check this works before you buy.
iPhone or iPad
Limited
AirPrint printers only.
Most small Bluetooth receipt printers are not AirPrint and won't work. If you need printed tickets, print from a laptop or an Android device.
Paper size: 80mm is the standard receipt roll; 58mm is the smaller one. TAB prints either, set in Settings.
Put TAB on your home screen
So it opens in one tap, like an app.
- Android (Chrome): open TAB, tap the ⋮ menu, then Add to home screen.
- iPhone or iPad (Safari): open TAB, tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.
- Laptop (Chrome or Edge): open TAB and use the install icon in the address bar, or bookmark it.
One business, as many devices as you like
Owner on a phone, cashier on a tablet at the counter, kitchen on an old laptop by the printer. Add your staff and each signs in on their own device, seeing only what their role allows.
What you don't need
Got a phone and data? You're ready.
Start on the device you're holding
Open an account, add what you sell and share your link. You can add a tablet or a printer later, whenever it helps.