Restaurant POS System: Answers to the most common questions
POS systems vs. paper records?
Everybody knows that recording data by hand eats your time, now imagine recording business transactions by hand, you’ll think it’ll probably take you weeks or even months. And it still doesn’t include the time to copy all the data into a spreadsheet or database for further analysis! A POS system can keep track of all your sales, taxes,inventory, etc. so you are able to concentrate more on the other plans for your business’ success. While POS takes an investment to get started, the time savings and productivity increase more than makes up for the expenditure.
I don’t know much about computers. Can I still use POS systems?
Absolutely. A vendor can help you set up the software to perform tasks as you want it to be. You’ll then be able to learn and navigate through a series of menus that’s easy to follow. When the vendor sets your POS system, they will provide full training with you and your staff for how to use it. And if there’s any problem with the system, 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 easily! You don’t even need to own a computer since most vendors provide one as part of the entire system package.
How can POS help prevent theft?
POS systems provide multiple tools to stop shrinkage before it eats into your profits. Various applications allow 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 conflicts on the sales reports, it’ll raise a red flag so you can address the problem head-on.
Can I rely on POS to handle my sales or to manage my inventory?
Both can be handled by your POS with no problems! You can enter your daily transactions AND check inventory… but that’s just the beginning! POS terminal and software also allows the tracking of sales performance, you can even generate reports, set up reminders for inventory that’s running low, and plan future sales campaigns. You can use the customer data you collect to target effective sales campaigns and stock your shelves with their mostly purchased items.
When do I need wireless?
Wireless is best used for business people on the go, so they don’t need to go back and fort to a POS terminal in order to process transactions. Instead, they can easily process transactions using wireless technology.
Should I go straight for a flat-screen LCD monitor, or start off with CRT monitors?
There are too many benefits to LCD displays over CRT that you shouldn’t ignore. LCD monitors are far more attractive for customers, easy to place on top of any counter table, uses less electricity and lasts longer. For low volume of sales, CTR screens would be enough and if you’re not confident that POS is right for your business. But with the additional benefits afforded to flat screens, there will be little cost difference between the two.
Wich printer is better: 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. If you work wireless, it’s the only option you have. However, dot matrix printers are safer choices in hospitality kitchens because of heat from the ovens, grills, and fryers could warp thermal paper and ink.
What happens if my POS suddenly breaks down while conducting business?
This is one of the top reasons why it’s important to store back ups of your database. System failures can happen any time – power outages, system crashes, viruses, natural disasters, etc. By having a backup solution ready (preferably offsite so your critical files is protected), you ensure the system is always up and running when you need it the most. What’s more important about backing up your data, you can ensure that you can retrieve all customer information, sales figures, and custom reports you have saved prior to the crash.
What type of customer support should I expect?
Well, customer support vary from vendor to vendor, so there isn’t a simple answer for 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.
This is one of the key advantages to meeting with multiple vendors during your POS search, you can look into the offerings of different vendors and take your time before making a purchasing decision.
Does POS work if I have multiple locations?
For large businesses that needs several POS systems in various locations, you generally have two options. For the first option, you can have all locations operate independently with their own POS terminals and software. Then send their reports over to the corporate offices at the end of the day or each week.
The second option involves connecting all terminals to a central 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 all send their information at once.
With both solutions, it’s imperative to have a robust back up solution since all locations uses the same server – if it fails, every location could be inoperable.
Does my POS software needs license?
You typically need an individual license for each terminal hosted on your network. Vendors can offer volume discounts depending on the number of licenses you need.
Do I need to purchase a service contract?
It maybe part of the expense but surely worth it. Once your POS systems are set up, you will use it for your day-to-day operations and analysis for future plans. If the computer breaks down or got hit by a disaster, you probably don’t want to keep it any longer.
There are maintenance contracts offered by vendors, depends on the vendor, which can cost a couple hundred dollars per year who can provide you services each time a POS terminal of yours breaks, so you can go ahead and concentrate more in keeping your business running and growing.
Need additional information or an online resource?
Go to POS-For-Restaurants.com if you want to receive multiple quotes for your Restaurant Point of Sale System.
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.
