Nothing in this world uses technology inefficiently. In this regard, restaurants are not an exception, as they have made excellent use of technology. The Covid-19 era has put several elements to the test, from the processes to streamlining each one.
Due to the social distance involved, the physical aspect of the activities here was put on the back burner. This was the time when types of restaurant POS systems, a sort of technology, became increasingly powerful, noticeable, and significant.
Due to their advantages, certain restaurant POS system types are rising to the top of lists. This article will discuss the most common types and bring you the best solutions here.
In the first place, what is POS?
Most of you may initially ask what this POS is. A POS, also known as a point of sale or point of purchase, is a modern technological marvel attracting a lot of attention in the current business operations system.
It is the time when you tally your customers’ payments. The point of sale is when a customer makes an online purchase, approaches the check-out counter, or selects an item from a booth.
This point-of-sale system, or POS, is what we refer to as the hardware and software that enables businesses to generate sales more successfully and effectively.
If we relate it to various operations, such as those for restaurants, it has aided in sharing a significant amount of process strain.
What is POS for Restaurants: Delving Deeper to Details
For restaurants, though, it involves far more than just collecting cash. To clarify what it comprises, we can remark that a restaurant POS system aids owners in improving customer satisfaction and streamlining business processes.
This operation includes sales, food inventory, bookkeeping, and cash flow. This procedure also handles other responsibilities, including order administration, analytics, payment gateway, and table reservations.
Food costing, a built-in marketing suite for budgeting, and the development and implementation of outreach initiatives are just a few of the sophisticated capabilities incorporated during this process.
Choosing the best one for your business is more challenging, but it becomes simpler if you conduct an extensive study.
There are numerous types of restaurant POS systems, which we will discuss in this. Let’s learn more about these systems and find out which ones dominate the market.
Shedding Light on the Most Common Types of POS Systems for Restaurants
- Square
Due to its accessibility as the finest free choice, this type of POS for restaurants is currently ruling the business. It has developed solutions for all the merchants that are both paid and free. Speaking of the free edition, its menu administration, inventory management, employee time tracking, and table management may worry practically everyone.
Restaurants can use Square POS on iPads with a stylish customer display and an NFC reader/card.
For a more streamlined and effective operation, it includes features like internal payroll software, per-item sales tracking, and workforce management tools.
When discussing all its benefits, it is initially completely free and does not have any monthly payments. Additionally, it works with iOS and Android smartphones. Additionally, you gain the advantage of paying for the gear in installments. A free online ordering bundle is included with every plan you purchase from this POS system. There are no installation costs or lengthy commitments involved.
The absence of 24/7 support in the free plan is a drawback. There is no reservation management.
Thanks to a basic feature set, you can use this system for nothing. You would need to pay $60 a month if you wanted to continue with the advanced versions.
Thanks to a basic feature set, you can use this system for nothing. You would need to pay $60 a month if you wanted to continue with the advanced versions.
$799 is the Square registration fee. The basic reader is provided for free, and the handheld square terminal starts at $299.
- Upserve
Upserve was introduced in 2009 and is currently a versatile and restaurant-ready solution. It has more functions, such as a training mode. It is one of the most common types of restaurant POS systems now available.
It is once again a solid POS system with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Speaking of features, it also includes market monitoring, dine-in menu optimization, and POS system training for all staff members.
Now, this system’s live mobile application, integrated restaurant marketing program, and a ton of reporting functions are its main benefits. However, the cost of adding terminals can be high. This is a significant flaw in the system.
Upserve offers three sets of plans with different characteristics. Built-in credit card processing, reputation management, training mode, sales, labor, and product analysis, and live mobile application are some of the programs covered by the tool.
The Core plan, Pro Plan, and Pro Plus, enterprise management plan, are the basic versions of Upserve. These are available at various price points. Through Upserve payments, these plans provide integrated credit card processing. Depending on the system, the processing charge can change.
You may pay $60 for each terminal in addition to the core plan’s $59 monthly subscription fee. All the previously listed functionalities are included. For the Pro Plan, you might pay a terminal fee of $50 and roughly $199 per month.
This Pro Plan has a ton of options to offer, like server management, menu optimization, and reward programs.
Upserve does not miss a chance to entice merchants with its never-ending list of benefits, including the ability to finance systems and equipment. Hardware options include Tableside Units, EMV readers, kitchen display systems, POS terminals, printers, and wireless networking.
It includes advanced reporting, inventory management, and extra servings of loyalty.
It has merged with several programs for a more sophisticated approach to supplementary services and a POS management system. It has dedicated assistance available around-the-clock and will be easier to use.
So, create a perfect plan for yourself based on your operational needs.
- TouchBistro
Among the many different types of restaurant POS systems, this one is also making a good place in the market.
Due to its advantageous phase, which provides limitless users and free support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it is regarded as the best. It is designed specifically for restaurants and is often considered the best POS software overall.
It enables users to establish a solid operating foundation on the iPad without being online. It resembles a locally installed system very substantially. It is now a system that is used in more than 100 nations. It has altered company operations on a worldwide scale.
The outstanding software management and customer-facing display system are among the important features. The handling of the payroll and workforce is significantly more efficient. This system incorporates an excellent internal reservation system. Included among the extra features are built-in reward programs and restaurant gift card add-ons.
Now, if we highlighted the benefits of this system, there might be a long line of supporters. A free trial is one of this system’s top features. It includes a locally installed POS app without the requirement for an internet connection. It involves a VIP social network and is a fantastic internal reservation system. It is simple to combine with third-party delivery programs and has a robust enough customer support system.
Now, just as every feature has advantages and disadvantages, this system also has certain flaws. The system’s lack of online payment is a significant drawback. With its add-ons, it can also catch an expensive speed.
TouchBistro’s pricing structure is adaptable enough to support a monthly subscription of roughly $69 in most cases. You don’t need to worry about the costs as you receive several features for the least amount of money invested.
- Clover
Since its launch in 2010, Clover has provided independent payment and point-of-sale solutions. It has collaborated with numerous channels, creating wonderful results. Clover highlights the POS on your hand’s plan. For the food trucks, this makes it a wiser and more intelligent decision.
One of the top choices for the food trucks is Clover. It provides space-saving POS equipment and holds a significant position among the types of restaurant POS systems. The selection is ideal for restaurants that are on the go.
It now has several advantages, including being portable, having a cheaper monthly cost, and having built-in credit card processing.
The restaurant POS system integration, which must go through the Clover App market, is one of its drawbacks. Additionally, it is unable to function with all hardware.
The hardware portion of the Clover Flex all-in-one system costs about $599. You have the benefit of accepting all forms of payment using Flex. This includes managing the restaurant loyalty program, storing data in the cloud, and tracking payments. If for whatever reason, you can’t purchase the higher version of it, it comes with an all-day battery and is also helpful on the three-month plan.
Register and Register Lite are available for Clover software and payment processing. The monthly fee for Register’s credit card processing is $39.95.
2.3%, in addition to $0.10, are the fees for this credit card processing for the appropriate transaction. It includes 3.5% in addition to $0.10 for keyed transactions.
However, the Register Lite edition costs $9.95 per month and processes credit cards at a rate of roughly 2.7% + $0.10 for the appropriate transactions. However, transactions that are entered cost $0.10.
Both layouts include a solid addition of features. The following functions are among them: management of employees and payroll; reports on sales, taxes, and payroll; and remote activity monitoring of refunds and sales. It supports item-level analytics and credit card processing.
When it comes to features, Clover doesn’t hold back. It offers a wide range of hardware and equipment options. Clover provides a full-sized POS system and printer.
If you choose to move forward with the idea of operating a full-service restaurant or have a need for more equipment, this system will always be helpful to you.
Additionally, you are granted access to the Clover App Market, which has more than 200 apps and connections.
With a 24/7 support network, Clover has a strong network and is consistently available for its consumers. You may have your needs met more quickly and efficiently as a business.
- Toast
Next in the line of different types of restaurant POS systems is Toast, which is quicker, more user-friendly, and regarded as the finest for sophisticated digital ordering.
It has a robust loyalty program accessible. Due to the fact that there are many more benefits than disadvantages, you may rely significantly on it as a restaurant business.
It provides intelligent tools, including mobile app ordering, internet ordering, delivery, food tracking, and tracking of the food. Toast is skilfully and meticulously crafted to provide restaurant operators with a quicker and more efficient solution to alter the business. Within the context of restaurants, it has fundamentally altered the notion of guest expectations and management.
Toast is a product created especially for small- to medium-sized eateries. Its hardware is compatible with Android.
The restaurant food ordering system and restaurant delivery services, dynamic floor plans, third-party integration, integrated credit card processing, and in-house delivery platform are some of the standout characteristics of this type of POS for restaurants. Additionally, it offers a variety of client loyalty programs.
This system has some great benefits, including that it was created especially for restaurants and is entirely result-oriented. It comes down to the free plan for restaurants with a strong guest management program. Significant, round-the-clock help is available via phone, email, chatbots, and live chat.
One significant drawback is the lack of a declared charge for optional.
Toast offers a no-cost plan. The total all-inclusive subscription costs $165 per month and includes access to an ordering website and a takeout app.
The following describes the payment system: 2.99% + 15 cents without the starting Kit Upfront. The Starter Kit Upfront charges 2.49% + 15 cents for each card transaction and 3.5% for each card, not present transaction.
- LightSpeed
It is one of the oldest POS systems on the list, founded in 2005. It leads the list of the best restaurant POS systems and offers a wide range of features.
LightSpeed is frequently the greatest among the most popular styles of POS systems used in restaurants, making it a sizable and influential system. This style of point-of-sale restaurant system is ideal for takeout orders.
One of the main features of this system is that it includes a quick service mode and strong 24/7 network support. It is one of the various POS types that is a good carry-out.
However, this approach has certain drawbacks, including the fact that payment processing is handled separately.
This system is anticipated to have a monthly payment structure of roughly $69 and include all of the basic functions. It includes a second register that will run you for approximately $34 per month. The following features make up the key highlights of the carry-out orders: Taking care of one’s own deliveries and carrying out orders for a third party. Additionally, it has a smooth ordering process that keeps clients ahead of the ordering schedule and sends orders to the POS.
There are many benefits, including the quick service mode and the pay-at-order procedure.
There are many hardware alternatives for custom-facing displays, kitchen display systems, and the restaurant website.
It is one of the most widely used POS systems today and offers a tonne of connectors.
It includes restaurant websites and self-order table menus. With the LightSpeed credit card processing service, you have total freedom. You will pay 2.6 + $0.30 for cards that have been manually carried out and tapped or swiped.
It offers a full range of services, including 24/7 phone or email support, demos, videos, and many other things, giving restaurants maximum independence. You will require a cash drawer and a receipt printer, among other pieces of gear.
Therefore, use the top POS restaurant system.
- Revel
This type of feature integration within the well-known bar software is intuitive. Among many other things, it has system solutions for pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, and breweries.
There is less table service and more straightforward, rapid restaurant service: management software integration, driver dispatch, and financial management.
It has complete functionality, a flat pricing capability, significant customizability, and 24/7 support.
This app’s extra credit card service is a considerable drawback. It includes a long-term contract with the best pricing for at least three years. The average price of the three-year Revel Advantage contract is $99 per month. It has an advantage for transactions and is compatible with many processors.
Among the various kinds of restaurant POS systems, there are a few uses for them. Because there are more benefits than drawbacks, you can rely on the system’s functioning and operation as a system owner.
What Changes are Being Made to Restaurant Operations by POS?
On a much larger scale, the POS system records transactional data and aids in real-time process simplification. You can easily follow employee actions at work thanks to the outstanding information transmission to smartphones.
You may use the POS to streamline the ordering and payment processes in restaurants while also lowering the number of orders. It has remarkable reporting capabilities and greatly aids in making informed decisions, with menu adjustments being just one of the many other tasks it promises to carry out.
As a result, in order to be successful in changing how restaurants run, POS is effective enough.
How Do You Pick the Right System Type for Your Restaurant?
It is time to execute your strategy after conducting the necessary research and gathering all the necessary data. Therefore, all you need to do is comprehend the features and make better judgments. You must evaluate the add-on services and integration services, as well as have examined the plans.
The functions, operations, and integration-based factors significantly impact the type of POS. You gain an advantage in the loyalty programmes as a result. Each of the top picks provides first-rate customer service. So go ahead and select the option that best fits your needs and puts you on the leading edge of the restaurant industry curve.
Therefore, in order to successfully make the right option, it is essential to take experience into account as well as other POS information. In order to serve your consumers as quickly as possible, consider the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each system, as well as the pricing structure.
Get the information you need and stay on the cutting edge of smart business decisions to maximize your earnings. Therefore, make sure to know all there is to know about POS so that it is successful and efficient in every way.
Knowing the externalities and internalities is always preferable so restaurants can choose the proper POS.
How Much Does POS Really Cost According to the Average Costing System?
The initial equipment can be relatively expensive, depending on whether you are using an iPad or a POS terminal. For both the front and back of the house, most restaurants require numerous printers. You would have to calculate the prices accurately.
For the initial price, the majority of POS offers more comprehensive financing or payment plans. The following is the range of monthly fees and costs:
The average monthly cost of software is between $359 and $419. However, the costs associated with processing credit cards can range from 2.49% to 3.89%, in addition to $0 to $0.15 for each transaction.
However, the additional services, such as payroll processing, cost $12 each month.
To Sum It Up
The optimal POS option will mostly depend on the size of the business, the target market, and the budget, among many other factors. These aspects are of utmost importance to the company, and they enable one to select the system that will yield the most returns.
Whether you use POS software hosted in the cloud or locally is always your decision.
Therefore, select a system that is manageable for your organization and effective. You may focus your efforts in the appropriate way by doing this.