Running a restaurant—or any small business—is challenging, and the right tools can make all the difference. If you want to streamline service, track inventory, and process payments effortlessly, you need to compare point of sale systems carefully before making a decision.
With so many options available, choosing the best POS for your business can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to compare point of sale systems based on key factors like usability, features, and long-term value. The right system isn’t just about taking payments—it’s about helping your restaurant grow and operate efficiently.
Understanding POS Systems
Before diving into features, it’s important to understand what a POS software does. More than just a cash register, a modern POS system automates tasks, tracks data, and streamlines operations—all while improving the customer experience.
By integrating sales, inventory, and reporting, a POS system reduces manual errors, enhances efficiency, and provides restaurant owners with real-time business insights.
These capabilities allow for smarter decision-making, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and better financial control.
Components of a POS System
Here's a look at some key components found in most POS systems:
| Component |
Function |
| Display Unit |
Shows transaction details. |
| Touchscreen/Keyboard |
Input for billing and order details. |
| Barcode Scanner |
Quickly scans items for billing. |
| Receipt Printer |
Provides physical or digital receipts. |
| Cash Drawer |
Securely stores cash transactions. |
| POS Software Interface |
Integrates all components and additional features. |
| Credit Card Processor |
Facilitates various payment types, including mobile payments, improving checkout flow. |
POS Terminal vs. POS System: What’s the Difference?
A POS terminal is just a payment processor (e.g., a card reader). A POS system, however, goes beyond payments, integrating inventory management, staff scheduling, sales tracking, and customer loyalty features.
What is a POS Terminal?
A POS terminal is a basic device that processes credit card, debit card, and mobile payments. It’s a necessary component, but it lacks features that help manage a restaurant’s day-to-day operations.
What is a POS System?
A POS system includes everything a restaurant needs to operate efficiently. In addition to processing payments, it tracks inventory, manages employees, provides sales analytics, and supports loyalty programs.
Why a Full POS System Matters for Your Restaurant
For small businesses, choosing a complete POS system helps:
- Reduce manual work by automating inventory, reporting, and staff management.
- Improve efficiency with a system that connects every part of your business.
- Increase revenue by using real-time insights to optimize pricing, sales, and promotions.
Types of POS Systems
Whether you run a fine dining establishment or a fast-casual chain, the right choice depends on your business model and growth plans. That’s why it’s critical to compare point of sale systems based on what works best for your operation.
Here are the three main types:
1. Legacy POS Systems
Installed on-site and storing data locally, legacy POS software provides stable performance, ensuring restaurants can continue operating even if the internet goes down.
Unlike fully cloud-based systems, BPA POS combines the best of both worlds—local reliability with essential cloud features like remote reporting and online ordering.
2. Hybrid Cloud-Based POS Systems (The Right Amount of Cloud)
A hybrid Cloud-Based POS system blends traditional on-site reliability with selective cloud features. Instead of fully relying on cloud storage, these systems offer cloud-based reporting and remote access to key business insights.
BPA POS follows this model, offering Cloud Reporting for real-time access to sales and performance data while keeping transaction processing local for enhanced reliability.
3. Mobile and Tablet POS Systems
These systems are designed for tableside ordering and service efficiency. Staff can process orders, send them to the kitchen, and take payments at the table, reducing wait times and improving customer experience.
BPA POS’s RapidServer tablets are built for restaurants looking to streamline service—enabling your staff to place orders directly from the table without running back and forth to a terminal.
Compare Point of Sale Systems to Choose the Right One
Comparing point of sale systems can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Simplify the process with these three steps before making your selection.
By strategically evaluating your options, you can reduce stress and ensure you choose the best POS solution for your restaurant's current and future needs.
- Needs Assessment: Identify must-have features. Consider restaurant size, service style, and future plans. Will you expand your menu or manage multiple locations?
- Market Research: Research providers, compare pricing, and read user reviews. Identify any potential red flags.
- System Testing: Most providers offer free demos. Use these to experience the user interface firsthand.
Compare Point of Sale Systems: Features To Consider
Consider your business needs, present and future, when purchasing. These systems are packed with features. Effectively comparing point of sale systems means assessing what matters to your business now and in the future.
Essential POS Features for Restaurants
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels and ingredient usage.
- Payment Processing: Seamlessly integrate with payment processors for secure, quick transactions using built-in payment processing.
- Reporting & Analytics: Monitor sales trends, best-selling items, employee performance, and customer behavior, aiding smarter business decisions.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Collect customer data and run targeted loyalty programs for better customer retention.
- Employee Management: Track staff hours, and sales performance, and set permissions.
- Offline Functionality: Ensure business continuity during internet outages with offline payment processing.
- Tableside Ordering & Payments: Increase efficiency and improve customer experience.
- Menu Management: Edit menus instantly to promote offerings, specials, or unavailable items.
- Third-Party Delivery Integration: Manage online orders from various platforms centrally with integrations, optimizing off-premise sales.
How Our BPA Restaurant POS Meets These Needs
At BPA POS, we've designed our Restaurant POS system to address all these key features, ensuring your restaurant operates efficiently and effectively.
- User-Friendly Interface: Our system is intuitive, making it easy for your staff to learn and use, which means faster service and happier customers.
- Comprehensive Inventory Management: With our robust inventory tools, you can track ingredients, manage recipes, and receive alerts when stock is low, helping you reduce waste and control costs.
- Fully Integrated Accounting: Our POS system includes a complete accounting suite, eliminating the need for separate POS software and ensuring accurate financial records.
- Gift & Loyalty Programs: Keep your customers coming back with customizable gift cards and loyalty programs that are easy to set up and manage.
- Seamless Online Ordering: Through our EatOnTheWeb platform, you can offer your customers the convenience of online ordering, fully integrated with your POS system.
- Tableside Tablets: Our RapidServer tableside tablets allow servers to take orders directly at the table, improving order accuracy and speeding up service.
- Dedicated Support: With over 30 years of experience, our U.S.-based support team is ready to assist you with any questions or issues, ensuring your restaurant stays up and running.
Comparing Point of Sale Systems: How BPA POS Stands Out
Choosing the right POS system for your restaurant means balancing features, cost, and efficiency. This comparison chart highlights how BPA POS delivers an affordable yet feature-rich solution compared to other industry-leading POS providers.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
1. Cost-Effective Pricing
One of the biggest takeaways from this comparison is BPA POS's affordability. Our monthly license fee is only $55, significantly lower than competitors like NCR Voyix ($170), Clover ($165), and Lightspeed ($189). While other providers charge monthly fees for additional stations, we do not—helping restaurants save more.
2. Essential Features at No Extra Cost
Unlike many competitors, BPA POS includes several critical features without additional fees, such as:
- Gift Cards (included, while others charge up to $99).
- Loyalty Programs (free, while others charge up to $99).
- Reservations & Guest Management (included, whereas competitors like TouchBistro charge $229 for reservations alone).
- Inventory Management & Accounting (included, while others charge up to $330).
- On Account Orders (included, which some competitors do not offer).
Other POS providers charge separately for these features, which quickly adds up to a much higher monthly cost.
3. Lower Online Ordering Costs
BPA POS offers online ordering for just $50 per month with zero transaction fees. In contrast, most other POS providers charge a percentage on every online transaction, such as:
- EPOS Now: 3.15% + $0.30.
- Square: 2.9% + $0.30.
- Toast: 2.95% + $0.29.
- Cake: 5% processing fee.
With BPA POS, restaurant owners can save a significant amount on online orders.
4. Payroll & Employee Management
Payroll management is included with BPA POS, whereas competitors charge extra:
- Cake: $50 + $9 per employee.
- Square: $35 + $6 per employee.
- Toast: $50 + $9 per employee.
- Clover: $50 + $9 per employee.
Our payroll management is built-in, reducing overhead costs.
5. Advanced Ordering Solutions
BPA POS also supports Kiosk Ordering ($50) and QR Code Payments, allowing restaurants to streamline the customer experience. Many competitors either charge significantly more for kiosk ordering (NCR Voyix: $50) or do not offer it at all.
Why BPA POS Is the Best Choice
Why pay hundreds per month for basic features when you can get a complete POS system for just $155/month?
With competitors like Lightspeed charging $932/month and TouchBistro at $1,076/month, BPA POS gives restaurant owners everything they need—at a fraction of the cost and without hidden fees.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly, all-in-one restaurant POS system, BPA POS is the best choice for maximizing efficiency and profit.
FAQs about Compare Point of Sale Systems
What is a POS system?
A POS system is a combination of POS hardware and software that large and small businesses use to process sales transactions, manage inventory, and handle various operational tasks. It's like a modern cash register with added features to help run your business smoothly.
Why is it important for small businesses to compare point of sale systems?
Many restaurant owners assume that going with a big-name POS provider means getting the best system—but once they sign up, they quickly realize they’re paying way more than expected.
That’s why it’s crucial to compare point of sale systems before committing—so you don’t end up with unexpected costs and a system that doesn’t truly fit your needs.
Comparing POS systems helps you find a solution that truly fits your restaurant’s needs—one that offers essential features without hidden costs. Instead of feeling pressured to increase sales just to cover your POS expenses, you can invest in a system that supports your business without eating into your profits.
What features should I look for in a restaurant POS system?
Key features to consider include:
- Inventory Management: Keeps track of your stock levels.
- Sales Reporting: Provides insights into your sales performance.
- Employee Management: Helps manage staff schedules and performance.
- Customer Loyalty Programs: Encourages repeat business.
- Online Ordering Integration: Allows customers to place orders online.
These features can streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
How do costs vary between different POS systems?
POS costs can vary widely based on features, hardware, and subscription plans. Many well-known providers lure businesses in with low upfront fees, only to tack on additional charges for essential features like inventory tracking, gift cards, and online ordering. Over time, these add-ons can make the system far more expensive than expected.
At BPA POS, we take a different approach—offering a transparent, all-in-one solution without hidden fees. For just $155/month, restaurants get everything they need, including built-in inventory management, loyalty programs, and accounting tools.
No surprise charges, no expensive add-ons—just a powerful, cost-effective POS that supports your business without draining your profits.
Can I customize a POS system to fit my restaurant's needs?
Many POS systems offer customization options, allowing you to tailor the interface, features, and reports to match your restaurant's specific requirements. However, some providers limit customization unless you pay extra or upgrade to a higher-tier plan.
We believe your system should adapt to your restaurant—not the other way around. Our fully customizable POS lets you modify menus, adjust pricing, create detailed reports, and integrate loyalty programs without hidden fees or unnecessary restrictions.
Whether you're a small café or a high-volume restaurant, BPA POS gives you the flexibility to run your business your way.
Conclusion
When you compare point of sale systems, it’s clear that choosing the right one can transform your restaurant’s efficiency. A great POS system helps manage orders, track inventory, and simplify payments, making day-to-day operations smoother.
Investing in the best system ensures better service, fewer errors, and more satisfied customers. We provide a cost-effective, feature-rich system with no hidden fees—helping you streamline operations and boost profits.
Why wait? Compare point of sale systems and see why BPA POS is the smarter choice. Schedule your free demo today!
📞Call now: (801) 336-3303 | 📅 Schedule a Demo
