December 20, 2024
Written by: The POS Exchange Team
The dinner rush is in full swing. Your servers are darting between tables, juggling orders while a growing line of frustrated customers waits to pay. The antiquated POS system crawls at a snail's pace, and you watch helplessly as potential customers walk out the door – taking their business elsewhere. Sound familiar?
There's a better way. With restaurant POS integration, your system can seamlessly connect orders, payments, and inventory in real-time, streamlining operations and reducing stress. Imagine your servers effortlessly processing payments tableside in seconds, not minutes. No more bottlenecks, no more walkouts, no more stressed staff. This isn't just a dream – it's the reality of mobile POS systems for restaurants. This guide will show how this game-changing technology can transform your restaurant operations, boost your bottom line, and delight your staff and customers.
The POS Exchange offers valuable solutions to help you meet your goals. Our comprehensive guides and articles will help you find the perfect mobile POS system for restaurants to save time, reduce costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of your operations.
A mobile POS system is a portable device that enables businesses to accept payments and manage sales transactions. These systems typically comprise a smartphone or tablet with a card reader and POS software. With their portable and versatile nature, these systems are a game-changer for businesses of all sizes and industries.
Mobile POS systems allow businesses to accept payments anywhere, whether at a trade show, pop-up event, or tableside at a restaurant. They provide a convenient and efficient way to process transactions, allowing businesses to streamline operations and improve customer service. One key feature of mobile POS systems is their ability to accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Mobile payments are digital transactions, and customers don't need a physical debit or credit card to make a sale. As a result, mobile payments don't require hardware.
Here are some of the most popular mobile payment platforms:
Mobile POS is no longer limited to traditional brick-and-mortar stores and has expanded to various types of establishments across industries. Understanding the diverse applications of mobile POS systems can help businesses make informed decisions when adopting this technology. Below, we've listed the types of establishments that commonly use mobile POS systems and how they can aid every kind of business in operations:
In the fast-paced environment of restaurants and mobile food businesses, mobile POS systems provide a quick and easy way to take orders, process payments, and manage inventory. With the ability to move equipment around the dining area or serve customers in outdoor settings, these systems enhance operational efficiency and improve customer service.
Bars and cafes benefit significantly from the mobility and versatility of mobile POS systems, allowing staff to take orders and accept payments directly from customers' tables or seating areas. This streamlined process speeds up service and helps reduce errors in order-taking and payment processing.
Whether it's processing room service orders, managing reservations, or handling payments at various points of sale within the hotel, mobile POS systems offer a convenient solution for enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency.
Event venues, such as concert halls, sports arenas, and conference centers, often have multiple points of sale scattered throughout the premises. Mobile POS systems enable vendors and staff to accept payments hassle-free at locations like concession stands, merchandise booths, or ticketing counters.
Mobile POS systems and mobile payments are great options for delivery drivers as they reduce contact with customers when collecting cash for orders.
Integrating mobile POS into your business model provides massive benefits to your operations. Discover the benefits you could reap from utilizing mobile POS below:
Mobile POS systems allow businesses to provide faster and more personalized customer service. By processing transactions on the spot, staff can reduce wait times and enhance overall satisfaction.
Mobile POS systems provide flexibility in setting up temporary checkout stations during peak hours or special events. This adaptability ensures businesses can efficiently handle high-volume traffic without additional traditional POS terminals.
Mobile POS systems provide real-time access to sales data, inventory levels, and customer information. This allows businesses to make informed decisions on the go, optimize inventory management, and personalize customer interactions.
Implementing a mobile POS system can save costs by reducing the need for expensive traditional POS hardware and minimizing the risk of human errors in manual data entry. Additionally, the streamlined processes enabled by mobile POS systems can increase productivity and profitability.
Many mobile POS systems integrate with other business tools, such as accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM), and e-commerce platforms. This smooth integration streamlines operations and provides a cohesive view of business performance across various channels.
Most mobile POS systems have advanced security features such as encryption, tokenization, and remote data-wiping capabilities to protect sensitive customer information and prevent fraudulent activities. This extra security helps keep your restaurant and your customers safe.
Mobile POS systems quickly scale with the growth of a business. Whether adding new locations, expanding product offerings, or increasing customer volume, mobile POS systems can adapt to meet evolving business needs without significant investments in additional infrastructure.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use system that resonates best with your quick-service restaurant or cafe, Square – a cloud-based restaurant pos system – is a befitting choice. Square is centered on speed and intuitive payment experiences. Its beautiful hardware – that performs gracefully with its very versatile and state-of-the-art software – fits distinct restaurant types and sizes, from small single to multi-location restaurants. What many restaurateurs like about Square is that it can be used on a phone or tablet; it is a convenient, no-frills system.
Moreover, Square lets you manage everything directly from your Kitchen Display System. It offers all the functionalities a restaurateur could ask for, offering many tools to integrate outside Square’s platform. It’s a wholesome package that includes table/floor management, excellent backend management, an easy and intuitive interface, various payroll options, employee management, custom reporting, awesome integrations, payment and delivery options, etc.
Square’s mobile/online order and its integration with many mobile apps are why we have placed it among our top picks. With Square for restaurants, you can integrate mobile orders, curbside pickup, your delivery service, or other delivery options through third-party platforms with your restaurant.
Square POS solution for restaurants offers integrations with various third-party apps, Doordash, Postmates, Caviar, Cuboh, Chowly, and PoppinPay (to name a few), ensuring that the orders appear directly in the restaurant’s POS and Kitchen Display System (KDS).
It’s what makes it a good selection. Integrations with these give your restaurant a centralized, streamlined, smooth, practical, and convenient experience when receiving pick-up, delivery, and takeout requests. Moreover, with Square, you can tap into services like Payroll, Loyalty, Marketing, and Capital.
Let’s not overlook that Square offers an Order API for dev folk, enabling them to build solutions for sellers to send and manage in-person or in-app orders online.
If you run a full-or quick-service restaurant, bar, nightclub, hotel restaurant, or even a cafe, Lightspeed’s restaurant cloud-based point of sale (POS) solution is a great choice. Lightspeed Restaurant is a robust cloud-hosted POS system that lets restaurateurs manage their restaurants from any place using the internet and an iPad. Here are some key features it offers:
With orders ahead trending fast, many restaurateurs opt for POS systems offering these services. Lightspeed integrates with mobile/online ordering platforms like UberEats, Skip The Dishes, DoorDash, etc., allowing customers to order ahead for delivery, curbside pickup, or a takeout — contactless, with no third-party commission fees.
With Lightspeeds’ POS system for restaurants, you can add a new revenue stream and engage your customers – allowing them a commission-free service – and save a considerable chunk of money by avoiding third-party fees by managing your delivery. With its streamlined delivery service, Lightspeed’s POS solution for restaurants preps your business for the long term.
Because it lets you customize and sync your menu with delivery platforms, you can create a delivery-specific menu based on customer data. What’s more, consolidating your online orders on one screen – KDS – Lightspeed makes it shockingly easy to manage all your orders in one place. It’s just perfect.
Lightspeed integrates with various other online ordering platforms, including Ask Emma, BPL Digital Online Ordering, Chowly, City Hive, Growzer, Inventivio, Mobi2Go, Mobikon, Orderlord, and UEAT UNO app.
Most restaurants prefer Olo, which has quickly climbed the staircase to success. More than 300 restaurant brands have partnered with Olo, and at least 70,000 restaurants are currently using Olo. New York-based Olo mainly works with large chains, including Chipotle, Five Guys, Jamba Juice, and Chilli’s, to power their mobile and online ordering and pick-up businesses—many notable restaurants like Jimmy John's leverage Olo’s mobile/online order services. Olo is designed for restaurants with ten or more locations.
Olo works with restaurants to design mobile applications for iPhone, Android, and Blackberry, as well as mobile-optimized ordering websites that assist these restaurants in managing orders and streamlining point-of-sale operations. When you sign up, your restaurant establishment has two options: direct your customers to Olo’s web and mobile apps for order placement or integrate Olo’s technology into your website or apps.
Olo is well-reputed when it comes to its white-label software that integrates with its in-store point-of-sale (POS) payments system and website checkouts. Although its offerings are similar to Square's, Olo is more focused on larger chains, and Square has gained traction with mom-and-pop shops.
Its app programming interface makes it easy to use the system, enabling restaurateurs to modify the system and integrate it with numerous third-party CRM and POS applications. Moreover, it has an administrative dashboard, allowing users to enable/disable online ordering and get an overview of closed orders or average sales per store. Many delivery services like Uber Eats, Allset, and Waitr have partnered with Olo to streamline orders and delivery.
Toast Restaurant POS provides advanced capabilities to handle the restaurant’s day-to-day activities, including simple menu changes, real-time business monitoring, and a straightforward labor-management interface. Revenue-driving resources such as digital and physical gift cards, loyalty plans, and online ordering are also available on the platform.
Toast is highly mobile, enabling servers to relay orders instantly from their Toast Go tablets to the kitchen display screen and even process payments or send invoices. Toast’s flexible payment options now include a free restaurant POS software package for new customers and single locations with $0 down.
With the Pay-as-You-Go plan, restaurants can keep startup costs low by including Starter Kit Hardware for $0 (just pay shipping and taxes) and eliminating monthly POS software subscription fees. The payment processing fee covers all costs, meaning Toast only gets paid when you do. The Pay-as-You-Go plan is subject to a platform fee and a 2-year agreement; the platform rate is 2.99% + 15¢ per transaction for both card-present and card-not-present processing.
Toast is an all-in-one solution offering numerous integrations across various platforms, including GrubHub, Chowly, SpeedEtab, Bevspot, and Takeout Technologies for mobile order and delivery. It works for online orders and mobile ordering and includes pickup, curbside delivery, or contactless delivery that is commission-free. What’s more, you get access to thousands of potential new guests and offer your regulars easy ordering at their fingertips.
Lavu is considered an industry leader for launching a new era for restaurants, bars, food trucks, breweries, cafes, bakeries, and pizzerias. It offers a comprehensive and competent management toolset that fits your pant’s back pocket. Lavu’s iPad point of sale system is one of the leading mobile POS in the market. It’s the first-ever iPad system that provides premier, proprietary bar and restaurant POS systems, currently being leveraged by thousands of restaurants across over 80 countries. Lavu helps you increase your restaurant business’ operational efficiency and decrease service time via pre-order and pay-at-POS with automated loyalty redemption.
By offering orders ahead or pre-ordering, you can help your customers skip long queues as the order is sent directly to the POS, and a countdown is shown to the customer. Product information is pulled from the POS, and preorder menus can be managed through the Lavu Loyalty App web console. Lavu’s integrations include Chowly, Square, FoodBam, Como Sense, Postmates, Cuboh, Postmates, Menu Pad, and many more.
The new Oracle Tablet is designed to withstand heat, spills, and drops while managing every swipe, tap, and scan. Customers can choose their preferred contactless payment option, and the tablet will handle the rest. Staff can send orders to the kitchen, monitor timings, and update inventory in real-time. From indoor dining to curbside and more, our handheld POS systems make restaurant management simpler.
Oracle Tablets helps staff manage tables, curbside pickups, inventory, and other operations anywhere on the property using Simphony, our secure, cloud-based POS software.
Accelerate service and avoid strain on the kitchen with a single integrated system that manages your front and back-of-house operations. Access real-time reporting and analytics to inform business decisions that reduce costs and improve service
Equipped with a long-lasting battery, you can ensure your staff is prepared to handle any service. With multiple charging options, your staff can stop worrying about the tech and spend more time with guests.
Reduce charging time between services with an 8-hour hot-swappable battery. Other accessories available: extended battery, carrying pouch, bay tablet gang charger, extended battery charger, desktop charging cradle, and more
Built for maximum reliability, Bump it. Spill on it. Drop it. The Oracle Tablet can handle the chaos of your kitchen. Our modern, portable tablets are designed to match any restaurant decor while standing up to the rigors of dinner service.
Clover uses Android devices and gives you a variety of hardware packages to choose from, including:
Clover Mini is the best choice for businesses that need a more full-featured solution, as it's smaller and more portable than the Clover Station, which is hardwired. Clover's plug-and-play service is excellent for smaller retail stores and quick-service restaurants.
That said, it still has enough capability to serve full-sized restaurants and larger businesses. It even has a built-in eCommerce platform for those who need it!
The Clover Mini comes in at $749 and has a mobile-friendly design, allowing employees to sell on the floor or outside the boundaries of a physical store location. You can even sync it up with other acquired Clover hardware to create more streamlined communication between various systems.
If you want a piece of hardware that is more portable, we recommend Clover Go. This intuitive hardware syncs up with your smartphone, making it easy to conduct business no matter where you are.
Clover's plans go through Fiserv, which used to be First Data. When you purchase one of these plans, using the Clover payment processor is your only option. The quality of your service and the pricing you'll receive will depend on the provider you choose. For this reason, it's crucial to buy from a reputable seller.
Buying directly from Clover, you can get a $0 monthly plan equipped with a 2.6% + $0.10 payment processing fee. However, most small business owners use the Clover Essentials plan ($9.95 per month) or the Register plan ($39.95) for additional features, such as advanced inventory management.
Overall, Clover is more of a full-fledged POS system with mobile capabilities, making it a comprehensive option.
TouchBistro is an iPad POS system built specifically for restaurants. It offers customizable solutions for full-service restaurants, food trucks, quick-service restaurants, bars, bakeries, and coffee shops. The company’s core software plan includes inventory management, menu, and table management, reporting, tableside ordering capabilities, and staff management tools. Reservations, online ordering, digital menu boards, and customer loyalty programs are available for an extra monthly fee. The system is a solid option for restaurants that need more functionality than other companies’ free plans have to offer.
24/7 phone, chat, and email support. Offers customizable plans for a variety of restaurant types.
Loyverse is an extremely popular free POS software and mobile app that works with various payment processors worldwide (though only SumUp and Zettle by PayPal in North America). The app includes loyalty, inventory, and even employee management features—though some require additional fees. Notably, Loyverse can also work offline for transactions and sales/inventory syncing—not even Square can do that. Loyverse also scored well for its 24/7 customer service and ease of use.
Loyverse charges extra for integrations and does not include a native ecommerce platform. It also lost points for its limited payment integration options, lack of custom reports, and lower-than-average user ratings for its app on third-party software review sites. While Loyverse does have add-ons, there are not many, and there are no advanced POS plans. As your business grows, Loyverse might not be able to support it, and you will need to switch providers rather than upgrade your plan.
Any retail shop or restaurant wanting free POS features, a simple yet solid loyalty program, and flexibility with hardware and payment processors.
Do you need a mobile POS system for your restaurant? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. While mobile POS systems can help restaurants streamline operations, they’re not for everyone. Before investing in a mobile POS system, it’s wise to consider the limitations and benefits.
Although mobile POS systems are becoming more secure as cloud technology evolves, there is still some risk. POS systems can be hacked through phishing attacks or malware. Not to mention, if you run your POS from your phone, there is always the risk that your device can be stolen. You’ll want security systems to prevent hacks and protect your business’s data. However, many companies today still use mobile POS systems despite these risks.
Even if your POS system is free, maintenance costs must be considered. Devices can break down and necessitate repairs. Your POS software will need regular updates, which might require hiring a tech expert. Simply put, a POS system is always an investment. Be prepared to maintain and repair your system even if you don't have a monthly plan.
Running your business from a smartphone sounds great until you consider the practicalities. Mobile devices can easily break — especially in busy restaurants or retail environments. Tablet POS systems and other touchscreen devices should always have protective cases. You might also want to be prepared with a backup system in case the device your business relies on suddenly breaks.
Despite the limitations, a mobile POS system is still a great way to streamline your business and simplify things for your staff and customers. There are many options out there, and every company has unique needs. You don't want to buy the first POS you see just because it works for another business. Before you start shopping, keep these factors in mind.
The size and complexity of your business will affect the type of POS system you need. For example, if you run a small retail shop with no other staff, you’ll probably be OK with a free app and card reader. Square POS systems are great for new businesses that are getting off the ground. But if you’re opening a restaurant that takes online orders and has multiple team members, you might want to invest in a more complex POS. Restaurant POS systems can get a little pricier but offer integrated features like kitchen screens and cash registers to keep everything flowing smoothly.
Consider the features you need from your POS system along with your business size. Most POS companies offer multiple types of hardware and software. Do you want a loyalty program to build relationships with your regulars? How about receipt printers for customers who want a physical copy instead of one sent by text? If you’re looking for a POS system with many features, you should be ready to invest in a high-tier plan with a company like Toast or Lightspeed.
Some POS systems only work with a specific device type. If you already own the devices with which you will integrate your POS system, make sure you choose a compatible solution. Compatibility with iOS and Android operating systems allows you to keep your POS if you change devices. It also means your team members can access your POS from their phones.
There are plenty of cheap POS systems out there. But more affordable isn’t necessarily better. Consider your budget and the value you’ll get from your POS system. It might be worth the investment if it brings in more business and keeps your customers happy.
The POS Exchange brings over 20 years of restaurant expertise, serving 200,000+ merchants and processing billions annually. Our tailored POS system solutions help businesses speed up checkouts by 30%, implement dynamic pricing, and manage customer reviews while reducing overhead. Perfect for full-service restaurants, pizza shops, coffee houses, and multi-location enterprises.
We offer end-to-end service, from competent consultation and interactive demos to local installation and 24/7 support. Our mobile iPad POS systems streamline operations with features like order management, bill splitting, and inventory control. With integrations for business management tools and advanced security measures, we ensure your POS system grows with your business. Trust our expertise to help you avoid the common pitfall that affects 38% of new business owners who choose the wrong POS system.
Whether managing a busy restaurant, a local café, or operating a multi-location business, The POS Exchange delivers customized POS system solutions that tell your unique business story. Book a free demo with POS exchange to learn about our customized POS system solutions today.
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