There are many options available when it comes to choosing a restaurant POS. The task is often confusing and difficult because of the number of options. The following things should be catered to in choosing the best restaurant POS.
1. Hardware durability – The hardware that is used in this system should be durable, sturdy and water resistant. Often people spill drinks on them and therefore the restaurant POS should be capable of resisting it. The payment processing system in case of a restaurant business is much different from the retail business because of this reason.
2. Large Touch screen – the servers and bartenders are usually very busy and often they have no time to relax. This is why the place needs a very efficient server and easy to use systems. Orders and payments can be speeded up using large touch screens.
3. Multiple functionality – Along with the regular features, additional features like timeclocks, employee schedule management and employee tips record may be present. This saves time and need for keeping paper based items. Keeping track of the inventory, tracking the sales history, identifying some popular items, discount monitoring, refund management, reduction of checkouts and pricing errors.
4. Choose compact hardware – If the system occupies large space in the bar or the restaurant area, it can be very disastrous for the business. The decorum and space in a place like an eatery or bar is of great importance. The whole of the area just cannot be occupied by the restaurant POS system. Some customers may like to watch some sporting events and do some other things. Space can be allotted for these things instead.
5. Customer Support system and online installation – look for such systems that have a free installation facility. It can be a very cumbersome job otherwise. Also such suppliers should be chosen who provide 24x7 technical support and customer service. This is of keen importance when there is an emergency need with the system. It can be a very difficult task to locate a technician otherwise.
There are many options and the business should go for that option which satisfies most of its needs given the budget restriction. More the features in it, the more will be the price. Some companies also offer customisation which means that the whole system can be customised according to the specific needs of the business. This way the whole setup would be more effective and better functional.
It is important that while purchasing such a system the business maintains the budget and doesn’t cross it. Moreover while locating a good supplier, the reputation and the track record of the supplier should be checked. There are many good and reputed suppliers of POS systems online for both restaurant and retail businesses. Good deals and easy comparison of one or more products make online buying suitable.