Concerns About Restaurant POS Systems? Here Are The Answers!

Why do I need a POS system for recoding?

Everyone knows that recording data by hand eats your time, now imagine recording every business transaction by hand, you’ll probably think it’ll take you weeks or even months. And it still doesn’t include the time to make copies of the information into a spreadsheet or database for further analysis! A POS system can keep track of all your sales, taxes,inventory, etc. so you’d be able to concentrate on other aspects of the business. While your POS system do the tiring and crucial task of recording business data, it saves time and increases productivity more than the expenses you make.

I’m not that computer savvy. Will I still be able to use a POS system?

Yes. A vendor can help you in setting up the software to do the things that you want. You’ll then be able to learn and navigate through a series of menus that’s easy to follow. When your POS vendor sets you up, they will provide full training with you and your employees for how to use it. And if technical problems occur, a POS customer service professional is just a phone call away!

What are the required equipments for setting up?

For starters, you’ll be needing a phone connection, internet access and working electrical outlets. If you already have these, then your POS vendor will be able to set you up in a cinch! Most vendors will provide you with computers as part of their packages so you don’t even need to own a computer in the first place.

Does a POS system really help prevent theft?

POS systems provide multiple tools to stop shrinkage before it eats into your profits. There are various applications which allows you to track every item in your inventory so you can estimate exactly how much profit you should realize for every sale and pinpoint problems with your margins. If there are differences on the sales reports, it’ll raise a red flag so you be warned about problems that needs immediate action.

Can POS handle sales or manage inventory?

Both can be handled by your POS with no problems! You can input all the data you want AND check out the inventory… and those aren’t just the tasks you can do, there are so much more you can do with a POS. POS terminal and software also allows the tracking of sales performance, allows you to generate reports, set up reminders for inventory that needs to be restocked, as well as plan for future sales campaigns. You can use the customer data you collect to target effective sales campaigns and fill your shelves with the items they purchase the most.

Is wireless required?

If you’re a business person on the go, especially doing tradeshows or processing orders in a restaurant, it’s best if you use wireless technology. With this, you can easily process any transaction without having to go back to a POS terminal.

Should I buy a flat-screen LCD monitor, or a less expensive CRT monitor?

LCD monitors provides many benefits for a restaurant compared to CTR monitors. They will last much longer, they don’t require as much electricity, and they take up less space. Plus, they are far more attractive. For low volume of sales, CTR screens would be enough and if you are not really sure that POS fits your business. But with the additional benefits afforded to flat screens, there will be little cost difference between the two.

What printer is best for my restaurant: a dot matrix printer or a thermal printer?

For most businesses, a thermal printer works best. There are less moving parts so it’s less likely to break down. It’s also the only option if you are going to work wirelessly. Even so, the dot-matric printers are a safer choice in hospitality kitchens because of the heat from the ovens, grills, and fryers could warp thermal paper and ink.

What happens if my POS suddenly breaks down during business?

This is why back ups are so important for any type of business. System failures can happen any time – power outages, system crashes, viruses, natural disasters, etc. By implementing a backup solution (preferably offsite so your critical files is protected), you ensure the system is always up and running when you need it the most. More importantly, by backing up data, you ensure you can retrieve all customer information, as well as your sales figures and reports you’ve saved prior to the crash.

What kind of customer support should I expect?

Well, customer support vary from vendor to vendor, so there isn’t a simple answer to this question. Others may have a round-the-clock telephone support, while others only offers support during business hours and can schedule you for repairs on the next 24 hours.

That’s why it is very important to keep in contact with your POS vendor in case of problems, especially if you baught separate POS equipments from different vendors, look into the offerings of different vendors, take time evaluating each, and make a straight decision before purchasing.

What if I have multiple locations?

For large businesses that need several POS systems in various locations, you generally have two options. The first option, you can have all locations operate independently with their own POS terminals and software. You can then send reports over to the corporate offices at the end of the day or week.

The second option involves connecting all terminals to a main server allowing reports and sales figures to be uploaded and downloaded in real time. The benefit of the second option is that it’s available remotely. But, since several POS terminals will be working on the same server, expect backlogs when sending information all at once.

With both solutions, you will be needing a robust back up solution since the central server connects all locations – if it fails, every location could be inoperable.

POS software licensing?

Each terminal hosted on your network will need individual license. There are POS vendors who’ll offer you discounts depending on the number of terminals that needs licenses.

Will I be needing a service contract?

It maybe part of the expense but surely worth it. Once your POS system is set up, you’ll be able to use for day-to-day business operations and analysis of your business. If the machine breaks down or you experience a disaster, you probably don’t want to be without it for too long.

There are maintenance contracts offered by vendors, depends on the vendor, which can cost a couple hundred bucks a year who can provide you services each time a POS terminal of yours breaks, so you can go ahead and concentrate in making your profits grow.

Need additional information or perhaps an online resource?

Just visit POS-For-Restaurants.com for access to multiple quotes for your Restaurant POS Systems.

The author of this article is the Vice-President of Customer Relations at POS-For-Restaurants with over 20 years of experience serving businesses throughout the U.S.

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