Running a restaurant is tough. Finding the best restaurant POS systems can be even tougher with so much information online. The cloud POS market is growing and expected to reach over $30 billion by 2031, according to Straits Research.
This growth makes sense, as 100% of retail business owners surveyed said automation helped their business. Let’s explore what the best restaurant POS systems offer. This post will break down restaurant POS systems to make it easier.
What Makes a POS System Great for Restaurants?
A great POS system is more than a digital cash register. It simplifies restaurant management, streamlines operations, and controls costs. It can even impact customer loyalty and increase sales with the right loyalty programs.
Key Features to Look For
Essential features include online ordering, inventory management, and table management. Detailed sales reports and customer support should also be included in best restaurant pos systems.
Look for staff scheduling, marketing tools, loyalty programs, and integrations with third-party delivery services. 24/7 customer support is invaluable when issues arise after hours.
The Future is Mobile & Automated (and Best Restaurant POS Systems Help)
With the mPOS market estimated at $3.78 trillion and over 2 billion users by 2028, mobile payments and ordering are key for growth. Restaurant POS systems must adapt to this mobile-first world.
Almost 25% of consumers prefer mobile checkout. Two-thirds prefer self-service options. The right POS system accommodates these preferences and card processing fees.
POS terminals can even help track live sales and improve overall management through management tools. Mobile ordering options also enhance customer convenience, particularly among the growing customer base.
Mobile POS and integrated ordering free up staff. This lets restaurants focus on guest interaction and other vital aspects of restaurant management. Some even replace staff with robots.
Consider Biometrics for Enhanced Security
Biometric payments are gaining rapid traction and expected to grow substantially over the coming years. They may become the standard checkout method soon, increasing the ease of use of your gift card or other payment option. This makes it even more necessary for business owners to focus on this important area.
Biometrics in restaurant POS systems verify customer identity using fingerprints or facial recognition. This adds security, combats fraud, and makes payments quick.
Choosing the Best Restaurant POS Systems for Your Needs
Each restaurant is different, so the best POS system depends on specific needs. Factors like average check value and business popularity play a role.
A quick-service restaurant has different POS needs than a fine dining restaurant. Consider if you are focused on take out and to-go orders rather than sit-down customers who may have multiple locations that will utilize your POS terminal or software options.
Factors to Consider
- Restaurant Type and Size: Quick service restaurants with take-out don't need complex table layouts. Consider a smaller size restaurant's limited needs versus full-service establishments.
- Budget: Prices vary based on features and transaction volume. Start-ups often benefit from lower-cost systems, while established restaurants need more advanced features that offer specific processing fees. Newer restaurants with a limited budget may opt for free plans or lower monthly fees while using the lowest monthly fees of the best restaurant pos systems for their needs.
- Required Features: Inventory management is crucial for sit-down restaurants. Online ordering, mobile POS, and third-party delivery services add efficiency and improve delivery services and streamline ordering options. It also decreases labor costs by eliminating the need for an order taker to handle incoming phone orders.
Top Contenders for Best Restaurant POS Systems
When it comes to finding the best restaurant POS system, there are a lot of options out there. But not all POS systems are created equal. Whether you’re running a food truck, a casual dining spot, or a fine dining establishment, choosing the right system can make or break your operation.
Here’s a breakdown of some leading contenders to help you weigh your options.
Comparing BPA POS to the Competition
When evaluating restaurant POS systems, it’s essential to consider both features and costs. Let’s dive into how BPA POS stacks up against other major players in the industry.
Cost Efficiency
BPA POS stands out with its low monthly license fee of $55, significantly undercutting competitors like NCR Aloha ($178) and Lightspeed ($399). While many other systems charge extra for essential features or additional stations, BPA POS includes these at no additional cost.
For example:
- Square may start at $60, but online ordering comes with a 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee, which can quickly add up.
- Toast charges $110 + $4/employee for payroll management, whereas BPA POS offers this feature included in its pricing.
Feature Comparison
BPA POS offers a comprehensive package that eliminates the need for multiple add-ons or expensive subscriptions:
- Inventory Management: Fully included, while competitors like TouchBistro and EPOS Now charge up to $330 and $149 respectively.
- Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs: BPA POS bundles these features without extra charges, unlike systems such as Cake or Clover, which charge $25 or more.
- Online Ordering: BPA POS provides online ordering for $50 with no transaction fees, a stark contrast to competitors like Toast and Square, which impose percentage-based fees on every order.
Flexibility and Functionality
Many POS systems require costly third-party integrations for key functionalities. BPA POS consolidates these into one cohesive platform:
- Accounting and Payroll: Fully included, unlike others where these features are either unavailable or require additional fees.
- Reservations and Guest Management: Available without the need for external tools, unlike competitors like Cake or TouchBistro.
Long-Term Savings
While some POS systems may seem affordable upfront, hidden costs for add-ons, hardware, and transaction fees can inflate your expenses over time. BPA POS keeps things straightforward, offering a transparent and budget-friendly approach that grows with your restaurant.
Why BPA POS Deserves a Closer Look
For restaurants looking to strike a balance between affordability and functionality, BPA POS provides a clear advantage. Its flexibility, competitive pricing, and all-in-one capabilities make it an excellent fit for small eateries, large dining establishments, and everything in between. Whether it’s managing staff, tracking inventory, or improving customer experience, BPA POS can handle the day-to-day demands of your restaurant seamlessly.
FAQs about the Best Restaurant POS Systems
What is a restaurant POS system?
A restaurant Point of Sale (POS) system is a digital tool that helps manage sales, orders, and various operations in a restaurant. It allows you to take customer orders, process payments, track inventory, and oversee staff activities, all in one place. This integration streamlines daily tasks, making your restaurant run more smoothly.
Why is a POS system important for a restaurant?
A POS system is vital because it simplifies many aspects of running a restaurant. It speeds up order processing, reduces errors, manages inventory, and provides sales reports. With features like online ordering integration and customer loyalty programs, it enhances the dining experience and can boost customer satisfaction.
What features should I look for in a restaurant POS system?
When selecting a POS system, consider these key features:
- Order Management: Efficiently handles customer orders and sends them directly to the kitchen.
- Payment Processing: Accepts various payment methods securely.
- Inventory Tracking: Monitors stock levels in real-time.
- Employee Management: Tracks staff hours and performance.
- Reporting and Analytics: Provides insights into sales and operations.
- Integration Capabilities: Works seamlessly with online ordering platforms and other tools.
For example, BPA Restaurant Professional offers a comprehensive package that includes these features, along with accounting and payroll processing, to support your restaurant's needs.
How much does a restaurant POS system cost?
The cost of a POS system varies based on features and providers. Generally, software fees range from $49 to $150 per month. Hardware costs, such as terminals and printers, are additional and can range from $400 to $2,600.
Some systems, like BPA Restaurant Professional, offer competitive pricing with a monthly license and support fee of $55, plus additional fees for online ordering integration and kiosk systems.
Can a POS system help with inventory management?
Yes, a good POS system helps track inventory in real-time, alerting you when stock is low and helping prevent shortages or overstocking. This ensures you always have the right ingredients on hand, reducing waste and saving money. BPA Restaurant Professional includes robust inventory management features to assist with this aspect of your operations.
Are POS systems suitable for small restaurants or cafes?
Absolutely. POS systems are scalable and can be tailored to fit the needs of small establishments like cafes or food trucks. They help manage orders, process payments, and keep track of sales, making daily operations more efficient.
BPA POS offers systems designed to support businesses of all sizes, ensuring that even small restaurants can benefit from advanced POS features.
How do POS systems handle online orders?
Many POS systems integrate with online ordering platforms, allowing orders placed online to go directly to the kitchen. This integration ensures accuracy and timely preparation of online orders.
For instance, BPA Restaurant Professional offers online ordering integration through EatOnTheWeb.com, enhancing your restaurant's ability to manage both in-house and online orders seamlessly.
Can a POS system manage employee schedules?
Yes, many POS systems include employee management features that allow you to schedule shifts, track working hours, and monitor performance. This helps in organizing staff effectively and ensures smooth operations. BPA Restaurant Professional includes comprehensive employee management tools to assist with scheduling and payroll processing.
What kind of support can I expect from a POS provider?
Support varies by provider, but many offer 24/7 customer service, training resources, and regular software updates. It's important to choose a provider that offers reliable support to assist you whenever needed. BPA POS is known for its excellent customer support, ensuring that your system runs smoothly at all times.
Conclusion
Choosing the best restaurant POS systems can transform your business operations by improving efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing customer satisfaction. From managing orders to streamlining payments and inventory, the right system can make running a restaurant easier and more profitable. With the growing demand for mobile and automated POS solutions, it's more important than ever to invest in a system that meets your restaurant's unique needs.
At BPA POS, we provide everything you need in one comprehensive package—inventory tracking, online ordering, loyalty programs, and even payroll management—at an affordable price. Our commitment to helping restaurants thrive sets us apart from the competition. Request a free demo today and discover why BPA POS is the right fit for your business!
