How to find the best restaurant POS system

ByJennifer Lee | 01 Sep 2023

5 minutues read

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There are several restaurant Point of Sale (POS) systems were popular and widely used across the industry. Market leaders often shift positions based on various factors such as technological advancements, customer preferences, mergers and acquisitions, and regional market dynamics.

Best restaurant POS system

Square for Restaurants

Originally known for their simple credit card processing system, Square expanded its offerings to cater to restaurants specifically, providing functionalities like table mapping, order modification, and delivery integration.

Toast

Tonline ordering, on-table ordering, and a suite of back-end tools for things like inventory management.

DoYourOrder

Presents a comprehensive restaurant solution, featuring multilingual menus, self-ordering, on-table service, detailed reporting, secure card processing, and efficient inventory management. Accessible via Android and Apple app downloads or desktop, it revolutionizes dining experiences."

Clover

While it's suihis cloud-based POS system was designed specifically for the restaurant industry. Features included table for various businesses, Clover also offers functionalities tailored for restaurants. Its customizable system and integration capabilities made it popular among many establishments.

Lightspeed Restaurant

Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, Lightspeed was used by numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes. It also offers tools for managing inventory, staff, and customer relationships.

TouchBistro

Designed exclusively for the food service industry, TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS system offering tableside ordering, floor plan customization, menu management, and more.

Costs of a restaurant POS system

The cost of a restaurant POS system is influenced by a variety of factors, including the software license, hardware, transaction fees, and any commissions. Let's break down some potential costs

Software License

Many POS systems charge a monthly fee per terminal or user. This can range from $30 to $300 or more per terminal/user per month. Some providers might offer tiered pricing based on the features you need. There are also POS systems that operate with a one-time purchase model, but these have become less common. For those systems, costs can range from $500 to several thousand dollars upfront.

Hardware Costs

POS hardware typically includes tablets or touchscreen terminals, cash drawers, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and credit card readers. Some systems might require proprietary hardware. Basic hardware bundles can start at $500-$1,000 and go upwards of $5,000 for more advanced setups or larger restaurants.

Transaction Fees

If your POS provider also processes your payments, you'll have to consider transaction fees. These are often a percentage of the transaction plus a flat fee. For example, 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.Rates will vary depending on your sales volume, card types, and whether cards are present during transactions.

Commissions

Some POS systems, particularly those integrated with online ordering or delivery platforms, may charge a commission on sales made through the system. This can range from 5% to 30% or more, especially with third-party delivery integrations.

Setup & Training

Initial setup, installation, or training fees might be applicable. These can range from being free (DIY setup) to a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars, depending on the provider and level of service.

Support & Maintenance

While some providers include customer support in their monthly fee, others might charge extra for premium support, updates, or extended warranties.

Additional Features:

Features like loyalty programs, advanced reporting, or integrations with other software might come with additional costs.

Contracts & Termination Fee

Some POS providers might lock you into a contract and charge fees if you decide to terminate early. It's essential to read the terms before committing.

Why DoYourOrder Stands Out as the Premier Restaurant Platform

Affordability with Comprehensive Features:

DoYourOrder is not just another restaurant platform. With a single flat fee of $38 per month, you can access all eight licenses, making it one of the most cost-effective solutions in the market. The comprehensive suite of features it offers, from self-ordering to table management and promotions, ensures you're getting more than your money's worth.

User-Friendly Design:

Available as an intuitive app, DoYourOrder is designed with users in mind. Its simple interface means that anyone, whether tech-savvy or not, can quickly get the hang of it, reducing the learning curve commonly associated with new platforms.

Say Goodbye to Expensive Hardware:

Many POS systems come with the burden of buying proprietary hardware, leading to escalated costs. With DoYourOrder, that's a thing of the past. It seamlessly integrates with personal devices, whether that's your smartphone, iPad, or even your smart TV, serving as an efficient kitchen display system. The savings, both in terms of money and space, are substantial.

DIY Product Upload:

No more waiting or paying for external setups. DoYourOrder empowers restaurant owners by allowing them to upload their product lists directly to the platform. This do-it-yourself approach streamlines operations and ensures you're up and running in no time.

Transparent Payment Mechanics:

Hidden charges can be the bane of any business, but not with DoYourOrder. The only payment processing fees you'll encounter are those from your credit card terminal provider. No surprises, just transparent billing.

Reliable Remote Support:

Whether you have a query or face an unexpected issue, the platform's robust remote support is available via chat or phone. The focus is always on ensuring a smooth experience for users.

Flexible Contract Terms:

Commitment can be daunting. That's why DoYourOrder offers a flexibility rarely seen in the industry. If, for any reason, you wish to terminate, unsubscribing is a hassle-free process.

In an industry inundated with POS systems and platforms, DoYourOrder shines as a beacon of simplicity, affordability, and efficiency. It's not just about managing your restaurant; it's about doing it the right way.