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Traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems have long been used to improve customer retention and safeguard customer data. Still, they may not be the best option when it comes to flexibility. On top of that, what if the upfront cost of POS hardware seems daunting for your budget?
This is where mobile POS systems come into play. They are designed to operate seamlessly on tablets or smartphones. With these systems, you get the best of both worlds—strong POS software with lower initial expenses. In this blog, you'll learn what makes mobile POS a better option than traditional POS for your restaurant.
A Mobile POS for restaurants is a portable point of sale on a smartphone or tablet that allows your customers to manage their transactions right from their device. This system transforms a traditional register setup into a sleek, cloud-based operation. All it requires is a device and an internet connection to function.
By 2028, in the Mobile POS Payments market, the number of users is expected to amount to 2.01bn-that's huge!
Here are some key features of a mobile restaurant POS system:
Compared to traditional POS systems that are often bulky and tied to one spot, mobile POS systems bring unmatched flexibility to the table. You can carry the entire sales system along with your device, no matter where you go.
Research by Starfleet Research for The Smart Decision Guide to Restaurant Management and POS Systems shows that after upgrading to advanced POS systems, 84% of full-service and 72% of quick service and fast casual restaurants saw a significant boost in their revenue.
Working without a POS system can be a headache. It can hinder your restaurant's ability to provide excellent service to your customers. Here are some of the common issues restaurants face when they don't use a POS:
Operating without a POS system can make managing orders feel easy. Misunderstandings between your waitstaff and kitchen can become more common, which may raise the chances of mistakes and delays in meals.
Say a server doesn't quite get a diner's special dietary request or forgets to write it down—and, you're serving a meal that wasn't expected. This misstep can disappoint your customer and tarnish their dining experience. Having a reliable POS system helps keep everyone on the same page.
Handling bills manually can often lead to errors that are not just frustrating but also potentially expensive. When totals, taxes, and split bills are calculated without automated help, there's a higher chance of mistakes. If a server accidentally charges a customer for the wrong table or gets the maths wrong on the total bill.
These mix-ups can cause disputes and may even harm your restaurant's reputation if they happen often. Using automated software helps minimize these errors and makes sure that every transaction is accurate.
Managing inventory is no easy task, especially without the help of a POS system. You never know when you might run out of essential ingredients when you need them the most. And nothing disappoints your customers more than hearing their favourite dish is not available.
This could lead to missed sales opportunities and leave your guests less than thrilled. When you have a system tracking your inventory in real-time, it becomes easy to stay prepared beforehand.
When these problems—like long waits, order mix-ups, and billing mistakes—pile up, they drag down the customer experience. And as a restaurant owner, you must know the stakes of leaving your customers unhappy.
A minor bad review, either online or offline, can turn potential customers away before they even step through your door. When you have a POS handling these operations, it becomes easier for you to provide better service to your customers.
There are several compelling POS system benefits that can transform your operations and enhance customer satisfaction. Here's how:
Mobile point-of-sale systems bring a new level of efficiency to serving guests, particularly during the hustle and bustle of peak hours. Their portability allows staff to take orders and process payments right at the table, cutting out those time-consuming walks to a stationary terminal. This streamlined process speeds up service and helps manage guest flow more smoothly.
Getting the bill right is key to keeping your customers' trust. Mobile POS for restaurant systems helps reduce human errors by automating how bills are created and calculated. This means every order is recorded accurately, and the math is always right, decreasing the likelihood of billing mistakes.
When it comes to things like dividing the bill among guests or adding discounts, the mobile POS system manages it smoothly.
A significant advantage of mobile POS systems is their ability to manage and track inventory in real-time. As orders are placed, the system automatically updates inventory levels. It alerts you when supplies are low and even automates reordering for essential items.
This real-time data prevents the situation of having to inform guests that their desired menu item is unavailable after they've ordered it. It keeps your menu offerings and stock maintained.
Servers have instant access to menu details, ingredient lists, and availability, which means they can answer guest queries without delay or having to check with the kitchen.
Moreover, their ability to provide personalized recommendations and accommodate special requests, like dietary restrictions, can make the dining experience more personal and satisfying.
You now know why mobile POS systems deserve a place in your restaurant, but how does it add to your revenue stream? Let's find out:
With mobile POS systems, there's no need for your staff to go back and forth to stationary terminals. Both the orders and payments are taken care of at the table. This way, your customers get speedy service without having to wait long.
They can immediately pay their bills after dinner without waiting for a server to return with their credit card. As a result, your staff gets to entertain more customers, especially during peak hours.
Having a smart software, servers get timely reminders to suggest extras that complement a customer's order. For instance, while ordering a burger, the mobile POS for restaurants might nudge the server to recommend a craft beer that pairs well with it. It will keep your customers happy while boosting the average sale per customer.
Mobile POS systems can be easily integrated with your loyalty programs. This integration makes it easy for new members to sign up and apply rewards to their payments. Not only this, personalized promotions not only make each guest feel special but also boost the chances they'll come back and spend more each time they visit.
Mobile point of sale keeps track of your analytics and makes it easy for you to stay responsive to these insights. It analyzes data on popular menu items and busy periods, which can help you fine-tune your menu to better meet customer tastes and schedule your staff more efficiently to handle the rush. It also provides insights on managing your inventory more precisely so that no or lesser wastes are there.
Wondering what to look for in a Mobile POS system so that you can make the most out of your investment? Here's a comprehensive guide on key features to look for, along with some tips for smooth implementation:
Ensure the mPOS handles more than just transactions. Its key functionalities should include inventory management, loyalty programs, and customer relationship management (CRM).
Ask the provider whether the system supports both iOS and Android. Can it cater to specific needs like menu management and loyalty programs?
The system should work seamlessly with other restaurant setups and integrate well with the third-party software you currently or plan to use. Confirm about the third-party integrations available. Is the mPOS capable of handling different operational setups like retail and dining?
Look for systems that offer a self-service portal, extensive support, and training resources. Before you choose, check what kind of customer support is provided. Are there training materials and onboarding processes to help staff adapt to the new system?
EMV compliance and the ability to accept NFC payments like Apple Pay or Google Wallet are essential for securing customer transactions. Ask the provider if the system is EMV compliant. Can it process NFC payments?
The system should support multiple devices and scale up with your business. It should handle everything from a single register to various outlets. Consider whether the system can grow with your business. Does it support multiple registers and locations?
Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities to track sales, customer interactions, and inventory. Check what kind of analytics and reporting the system offers. Can it provide real-time data insights?
Prioritize affordable hardware costs and flexible software licensing. Enquire about the initial and ongoing costs and if there are any hidden fees.
To make sure the implementation process of your Mobile point of sale is as smooth as your operations, keep these tips in mind:
Adapting to the latest technology is essential for success, and for restaurants, staying updated means integrating tools like mobile POS systems. These systems bring unparalleled ease to your operations and help to increase efficiency and boost revenue.
Ready to see the difference a mobile POS can make in your restaurant? Check out OneHub's mobile POS system and watch your revenue grow. Schedule a demo today and see how easy it is to enhance your restaurant's performance.
A mobile POS system enhances customer service by speeding up transactions, reducing wait times, and allowing staff to focus more on customer interaction.
Yes, mobile POS systems are secure. They utilize advanced encryption and secure payment technologies like EMV and NFC to protect transaction data so that both customer and business data remain safe from unauthorized access.
Many mobile POS systems are compatible with existing Android devices, which can help reduce costs. New hardware, if needed, typically ranges from affordable tablets to more specialized POS hardware, depending on business requirements.
No, many mPOS systems can integrate with your existing software. However, compatibility varies, so it's crucial to check with the mPOS provider about integration capabilities with your current setup.
The cost of a mobile POS system varies widely based on features and scale, ranging from free basic versions to premium packages that might cost hundreds per month. Setup and hardware costs can also apply.
Yes, the 52ViKING MPOS is designed to be compatible with various POS software systems, not just those from Fiftytwo. However, ensure to verify specific compatibility details with Fiftytwo to avoid any integration issues.
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