Running a successful restaurant or hospitality business can feel like you’re constantly spinning plates! One of the most crucial aspects of managing the workflow and cashflow in a restaurant is the point-of-sale (POS) system. The right restaurant POS system can make all the difference by streamlining operations, reducing errors, and improving customer engagement. With many POS systems in the market, how do you know which one is the best fit for your business?
In this blog post, we will walk you through how Eftpos Now will make the restaurant POS selection process a breeze.
Things to consider when choosing restaurant POS software
Features
We all know what it’s like when shopping for technology becomes overwhelming. Fortunately, Eftpos Now has narrowed the options down to one trusted software provider, Idealpos. Our successful POS partnerships with software and hardware suppliers has culminated in market leading POS solutions that will revolutionise your business operations. Receive and manage orders, track inventory, manage staff schedules, operate loyalty programs, edit programming, and source reports. With the ability to both add and subtract features, we can tailor a solution that is pliable and appropriate for your business. Idealpos is one size fits all because it can expand or contract to suit your preferences.
Eftpos Now won’t bombard you with lots of options as our hardware and software partners have developed reputable market leading innovations that simplify the restaurant POS experience and means we don’t shop around. Narrowing the options down to a handful of trusted suppliers means we keep abreast of advancements, have visibility of our supply chain and are proficient in every aspect of restaurant POS operation.
Pricing
You may have seen a number of POS suppliers pop up in your social media feeds and online. Not all suppliers are created equal however, and it is imperative that you find a New Zealand based supplier that is responsive and supportive. You may be tempted to opt for a cheap and cheerful solution, but some POS-in-a-box options are not backed by guaranteed after-sales assistance, a local free phone number and experts who understand your needs. Eftpos Now technicians are fully conversant with Idealpos software, and we understand our obligation to our clients to be available to assist when questions arise.
Introducing a POS system to your new or established restaurant is as simple as renting the hardware or purchasing it outright. Each option has its merits, but we do recommend renting the hardware from us as you can benefit from our full sales and technical support, replacement units when repairs are taking place, and the option to upgrade upon renewal.
Our POS software, Idealpos, is subscription based and is not available for purchase. This arrangement has no drawbacks as it provides effortless access to evolving features, support, add-ons, and new releases. The dynamic nature of Idealpos software ensures you benefit from advancements and ensures you are at the forefront of hospitality and retail POS developments. We also manage your software license so that you don’t have to give it another thought.
It’s important to weigh up the options that work best for your budget and match your business needs, customers, and workflow. Consider the fees associated with operating an EFTPOS terminal also. As you will incur merchant services fees and network fees when transacting through an EFTPOS terminal, you should factor this into the cost of the entire restaurant POS system.
Support
Responsive and thorough customer support is crucial when it comes to settling on the right restaurant POS provider. Eftpos Now is one of the few providers that provide technical support 24/7. This is especially important when you consider that retail and hospitality establishments do not keep regular hours! We are proud of the fact that we personally install POS systems and kiosks so that comprehensive training can be delivered on-site. Your team will appreciate this personal service and will get better acquainted with the system.
Innovations
Idealpos provides a suite of features that perform a number of very intuitive, time-saving tasks. Idealpos can easily link your online orders directly to in-store POS so your customers can place their order before they leave home! You can also view sales data and reports via the Pocket Pad app, administer promotions, manage gift cards, and offer savvy customers QR code table service.
Reviews
Do your research and read customer reviews to learn how other restaurant owners and retailers have benefited from POS systems. You can also ask for recommendations from other restaurant owners in your area or industry associations. Check out our Google reviews and you’ll note that there is representation from several hospitality businesses who not only enjoy our products, but our personal service.
Customisation
Every restaurant is unique, so the cookie cutter approach is not appropriate. Look for a restaurant POS system that allows for customisation and flexibility, so it can cater to your unique business needs. Customisations such as menu item modifiers, table layouts, and kitchen printouts can help streamline your operations and improve efficiency.
Flexibility
It may take a few weeks of trial and error to find the settings and reports that work best for you. Automate repetitive tasks and easily edit prices, products, and promotions to keep on top of customer tastes and seasonality.
Data Analytics
Idealpos grants you insight into inventory levels and real-time sales data. The Idealpos sales reports are excellent and if charts and graphics are easier to interpret then you will find Idealpos has this covered. Take forecasting to a new level and avoid waste and overspending. Staff rosters can be planned accurately based on accurate data that highlights busy and not so busy periods. These features are just the tip of the iceberg.
Customer Management
Capture behavior, preferences, trends and spend and use this valuable information to create targeted campaigns and personalised service.
Security
Ring fence access and permissions to specific clerks and staff members to ensure certain functions and sensitive data is accessible to the appropriate person.
Conclusion
Choosing the right restaurant POS software is a critical decision that will impact almost every aspect of your business. By understanding your needs and considering the factors we’ve outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision that’s tailored to your specific requirements and budget. Remember that Eftpos Now takes the guesswork out of the entire process. Ultimately, the right POS system can simplify your operations, help you generate more revenue, and improve customer satisfaction.
Assessing the following aspects of your business, will help us pinpoint the solution that best suits your needs:
- Features
- Price and your budget
- The needs of your staff and their workflow
- The complexity of your menu, inventory, and data and how frequently you need to make changes
- The level of data analysis and reporting you require
- How you want to record data to add value to the customer experience
- Where your business is headed in the future
Follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop with the hottest updates, thrilling news, and insider tips. Be the first to know about exciting announcements and game-changing innovations. Join our Facebook community today!