POS system for a small restaurant
A point-of-sale system is a software solution that is used to manage transactions, inventory, and customer data in a restaurant or other retail environment. In small restaurants, a POS system can help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience. It can help small business owners and managers manage inventory, process orders, track sales, and automate certain tasks.
The purpose of this blog post is to provide an overview of the best POS systems for small restaurants. As a small restaurant owner, you need a POS system that is affordable, easy to use, and packed with the features you need to run your business. We have researched and compared the top POS systems on the market to help you find the right solution for your small restaurant. Whether you're a new business owner or looking to upgrade your current system, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Criteria for selecting POS systems for small restaurants
When selecting a POS system for a small restaurant, there are several key factors that you should consider. These include:
- Affordability: As a small business owner, the cost is likely a significant factor in your decision-making process. Look for a POS system that is affordable and offers a pricing structure that fits your budget.
- Ease of Use: Your POS system should be user-friendly and easy to learn for both staff and customers. A simple and intuitive interface can help reduce errors and save time.
- Inventory Management: Your POS system should allow you to track inventory levels and receive alerts when items are running low. This can help you avoid stockouts and overordering, which can impact your bottom line.
- Employee Management: A good POS system should allow you to manage employee schedules, track hours, and set permissions for different users. This can help you streamline your payroll process and reduce errors.
- Customer Management: Your POS system should allow you to manage customer data, such as contact information, order history, and loyalty program rewards. This can help you build stronger relationships with your customers and encourage repeat business.
- Integrations with other software: Your POS system should be able to integrate with other software and tools that you use, such as accounting software, online ordering systems, and loyalty programs. This can help you streamline your operations and improve your efficiency.
By considering these factors, you can choose a POS system that is affordable, easy to use, and packed with the features you need to run your small restaurant.
Top POS systems for small restaurants
Based on our research, we have identified the following top POS systems for small restaurants:
Square
Square is a popular POS system that is easy to use and affordable for small businesses. It offers features such as order management, inventory tracking, and reporting, as well as payment processing and marketing tools. Square charges a transaction fee of 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction, but there is no monthly fee or contract required.
Toast
Toast is a cloud-based POS system that is designed specifically for restaurants. It offers features such as order management, inventory tracking, and reporting, as well as online ordering and loyalty program integration. Toast offers tiered pricing plans, with pricing starting at $79 per month per terminal.
ShopKeep
ShopKeep is a cloud-based POS system that is popular among small businesses. It offers features such as order management, inventory tracking, and reporting, as well as employee management and customer data tracking. ShopKeep offers tiered pricing plans, with pricing starting at $49 per month per register.
Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a cloud-based POS system that offers features such as order management, inventory tracking, and reporting, as well as customer management and marketing tools. Lightspeed offers tiered pricing plans, with pricing starting at $69 per month per register.
TouchBistro
TouchBistro is a POS system that is designed specifically for restaurants and is popular among small businesses. It offers features such as order management, tableside ordering, and menu customization, as well as inventory tracking and reporting. TouchBistro offers tiered pricing plans, with pricing starting at $69 per month per terminal.
All of these POS systems offer features that are essential for small restaurants, including order management, inventory tracking, and reporting. They are also affordable and easy to use, making them a great option for small business owners. Pricing may vary based on the specific needs of your business, so it's important to compare plans and features before making a decision.
Comparison chart
| POS System | Key Features | Pricing | Customer Support | Integrations |
| Square | Order management, inventory tracking, reporting, payment processing, marketing tools | 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction, no monthly fee or contract | Phone, email, and chat support, online resources | Accounting software, online ordering systems, loyalty programs |
| Toast | Order management, inventory tracking, reporting, online ordering, loyalty program integration | Starting at $79/month per terminal | 24/7 phone and email support, online resources | Online ordering systems, accounting software, loyalty programs |
| ShopKeep | Order management, inventory tracking, reporting, employee management, customer data tracking | Starting at $49/month per register | Phone, email, and chat support, online resources | Accounting software, online ordering systems, loyalty programs |
| Lightspeed | Order management, inventory tracking, reporting, customer management, marketing tools | Starting at $69/month per register | Phone and email support, online resources | Accounting software, online ordering systems, loyalty programs |
| TouchBistro | Order management, tableside ordering, menu customization, inventory tracking, reporting | Starting at $69/month per terminal | Phone and email support, online resources | Online ordering systems, accounting software |
It's important to note that the specific features, pricing, and integrations may vary based on the specific needs of each small restaurant. This chart is intended to provide a general overview and should be used as a starting point for research and comparison.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right POS system for your small restaurant is crucial for the efficient operation of your business. When choosing a POS system, small restaurant owners should consider factors such as affordability, ease of use, inventory management, employee management, customer management, and integrations with other software.
Based on our research, we have identified the top POS systems for small restaurants, including Square, Toast, ShopKeep, Lightspeed, and TouchBistro. These POS systems offer features that are essential for small restaurants and are also affordable and easy to use.
For small restaurants on a tight budget, Square and ShopKeep offer affordable pricing plans with essential features such as order management and inventory tracking. For small restaurants that need more advanced features such as loyalty program integration and online ordering, Toast, and TouchBistro are great options. And for small restaurants that need more robust customer management and marketing tools, Lightspeed may be the best choice.
Ultimately, small restaurant owners need to do their research and select the POS system that works best for their specific needs. We encourage you to review the key features and pricing plans of each system and compare them to your specific requirements. By selecting the right POS system for your small restaurant, you can improve your operations, enhance the customer experience, and ultimately grow your business.
