Technology has transformed the world of point of sales systems and tills, and nowhere is this more apparent than within the hospitality sector. When it comes to sourcing EPOS systems for restaurant, it can be tricky to understand exactly what your business needs, especially if you haven’t opened your doors to customers yet.
At Merchant Advice Service, we assess EPOS systems on four main factors;
Security
Back office functionality
Customer profiling
Staff management
Here we look at all four elements related to POS systems for restaurants to help you decide what your business needs and to really make your EPOS system work for you.
Technology has transformed the world of point of sales systems and tills, and nowhere is this more apparent than within the hospitality sector. When it comes to sourcing restaurant POS systems, it can be tricky to understand exactly what your business needs, especially if you haven’t opened your doors to customers yet.
At Merchant Advice Service, we assess EPOS systems on four main factors;
Security
Back office functionality
Customer profiling
Staff management
Here we look at all four elements related to POS systems for restaurants to help you decide what your business needs and to really make your EPOS system work for you.
SECURITY
Restaurants can be very busy places, with numerous members of staff on site at one time. Installing a restaurant till system with restricted access for various levels of staff is vital. For example, refunds and discounts can only be issued by managing staff. Equally each team member has a unique pin code or log on card/fob, this way no unwanted hands can gain access to both funds or valuable business information.
BACK OFFICE
‘Knowledge will be your passport to wherever you want to go in the world.’
Marco Pierre White.
Having access to reports is important to running a successful restaurant or cafe. The best restaurant POS software documents everything from staff performance to the best-selling items on the menu. This enables managers and owners to make informed decisions when it comes to marketing, opening hours, staff rotas and menu changes. The beauty of having a smart back office system is that with a click of a button information can be accessed by the right people.
If the restaurant software has a clock in and out system for staff, payroll becomes easier and less time consuming. This very clever bit of software can handle all sorts of tasks, and if cloud based can be used from anywhere with an internet connection. Up to date restaurant POS system software can have the benefits of the following, saving businesses time and money.
CUSTOMERS
A smooth transaction will increase repeat custom. The best restaurant POS systems have the ability to take bookings and deposits, have a loyalty system in place and can issue refunds if the customer isn’t happy. If the EPOS can work alongside PDQ machines, this limits staff error when it comes to paying the bill. Equally some restaurant software systems can split the bill easily if customers wish to pay for items rather than splitting the overall cost with other dinners.
STAFF
The majority of restaurant staff would welcome a restaurant system that is easy to use and understand. Most popular POS systems for restaurants, are touch screen and very user-friendly. They can include the following features;
Staff clock in/out
Table plans and prompts
Prompts to up-sell
Reward/discounts
How we can help
At Merchant Advice Service, we do not believe that one size fits all. There are many elements to consider when finding the correct POS restaurant system for the business now and in the future.
Whether you are searching for a complete solution or an iPad based alternative we will aid you in finding the best POS system tailored to your restaurant at a price that’s comfortable for you.
EPOS systems for retail shops
EPOS systems uk for retail stores have developed significantly in recent years, and are now sophisticated enough to do more than simply process customer payments. Understanding the new technological features involved in retail POS can help businesses find the best point of sale system for to suit its needs which will, in turn, help increase profit margins, efficiency and accuracy with stock control.
At Merchant Advice Service, we specialise in finding EPOS systems to suit a variety of retail business needs. We work closely with business owners and managers to find the right solution based on your immediate and long-term business plan to ensure you have the best deal possible. Whether you are searching for a more complex retail POS system for a big business or want to know what’s the best POS system for a small retail business our experts are at hand to give expert advice so you can make the right decision.
The Merchant Advice Service team has experience in EPOS implementation across the following retail businesses:
Shops and boutiques
Selecting retail software that suits the way your business operates now as well as how you forecast its growth is crucial to selecting the right deal. The right retail point of sale software will largely depend on the footfall to your store, the percentage of these visits that then convert to a sale and the value of the sales. Large chains and franchises should also consider using retail EPOS software to streamline internal communication, manage stock levels across multiple stores and also plan staff timetables. Smaller shops or boutique looking to implement a retail EPOS system should consider iPad system as this may provide many of the same advantages as a complete solution without the hefty price tag. Of course, it’s not one-size fits all but these systems are often suitable pop-up shops or businesses that trade in varying locations. Either way, most shops prefer touch screen tills so that checkouts remain uncluttered and the customer experience is more positive.
Hair and beauty salons
Industry specific retail systems can go a long way towards improving the customer experience and streamlining business operations. The best retail software available to hairdressers and beauty salons work can be easily integrated with existing booking apps and websites, so adding an EPOS system should cause minimal disruption. The implementation of an EPOS system means clients will be able to arrange appointments without picking up the phone. For hairdressing and beauty salon businesses, EPOS systems work with diary management, and can be pre-programmed to include length and cost of treatments as well as staff working hours to help reduce risk of human error when making bookings. This, coupled with stock control management as well as payroll and back office statistics, is a breakthrough offering to the industry and could have a hugely positive impact on retailers if the right deal is selected. Why not speak to us about merchant services for your salon, we’ve put together some handy tips to help you in this area too.
Motor trade
Implementing a point of sale retail system within a business in the motor trade could set your business apart from competitors. The motor industry has largely been slow at uptake on EPOS systems, but with software available that deals with customer enquiries and back office management means introducing this to your business could really set it apart.
Some retail software systems have the ability to contact customers prior to their MOT expiring, prompting them to book an appointment. The ease of this process for the consumer from a supplier they already know and trust could create thousands of pounds worth of extra revenue, with little effort or expense.
Trade desks
EPOS systems for retail don’t just cover businesses that sell directly to the customer – we work with a number of business to business retailers too. Choosing the best POS retail system could mean a more streamlined process across operations from email invoices, generating orders, taking deposits and providing a service to other businesses that will improve brand awareness via word of mouth.
Service providers such as Jewellers
Service industries can benefit from POS systems for retail as much as product led retailers. Jewellers are a good example as, although most sell products alongside services such as valuations and repairs, both elements of the business can be inputted into a retail sales system, ensuring combined management for both areas of operations.
Cash and carry
Selling wholesale goods to businesses can be just as competitive as a consumer facing high-street store. Implementing a retail management system for stock counts and marketing purposes could not only save time and money but provide business insight you might otherwise not have access to. In large warehouses or where there’s multiple sites, reporting becomes even more important for management. Introducing retail POS system software will help streamline this process and reduce risk of human error with aspects like stock control. A cloud based retail POS can be assessed from anywhere with an internet connection – proving particularly useful for site visits and management meetings.
Regardless of the size or location of your business, our team of experts are on hand to provide free and impartial advice to ensure you make the right choice for your business needs. Get in touch for a quote, price comparison or for any questions you have around merchant services.
Retail point of sale options
To help you understand the options available a little more, here’s our guide to point of sale systems and how they best suit businesses.
IPAD and Android based systems
Cloud based POS systems for retail is best suited to pop-up shops or start-ups. It often runs using very similar software to the larger, more complex hardware available but the benefit of this solution is that the system is portable, enabling orders to be taken remotely and away from the cash register. This type of EPOS system is usually compatible with cash draws, barcode readers and printers too, making integration simple and effective.
Complete solutions
The ‘check-out’ points in shops have improved in recent years and now retail EPOS systems are more sophisticated than ever. This means customers can expect a more efficient service whilst businesses can digitalise its operations with the likes of email receipts. Retail point of sale systems allow prompts to upsell products as well as staff performance reporting and target setting to motivate employees. Stock control and orders are streamlined using an EPOS system and cashing up also becomes easier for till systems and general processing.
Industry specific solutions
Running a booking system alongside an EPOS system can sometimes complicate processes. Merchant Advice Service has software available for businesses that provide a combined package, helping to streamline operations by integrating with apps and websites. There’s also cloud based and mobile options available to streamline further.
Customer made EPOS
The growth in EPOS technology has meant customised packages are more competitive and readily available to retailers. If you have specific business requirements that are more complicated than usual you’ll be sure to find a suitable bespoke option – you just need to know where to look. At Merchant Advice Service our programmers and developers can create custom designs for businesses based on specific needs to ensure your EPOS system works perfectly for the demands of your business.
Merchant Advice Service specialise in the following areas:
If you need help with sourcing an EPOS system get in touch and speak to our expert advisors today.
Retail computer systems
POS systems for retail
Retail management software
Retail solutions for small business
Portable retail POS
Touch screen tills
Merchant accounts for your retail business
Processing fees on merchant accounts can be small but this depends entirely on your businesses unique circumstances, as well as things like contract length. Average credit card processing fees for shops and other retail outlets can vary considerably depending on the size of your average transaction.
At Merchant Advice Service we can advise you on suitable options based on your individual needs to make sure you get the best deal possible.
Get in touch today for a no fee, no obligation quote.
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