In the competitive landscape of coffee shops, delighting your customers with great-tasting brew is only half the battle. Providing fast, efficient service is crucial to driving repeat business.
The right point of sale (POS) system can make all the difference in helping you meet your customers’ needs and grow your business. Long lines, wrong orders and missed upsell opportunities can all turn customers away.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best POS for your coffee shop?
Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:
1. Ease of use
Your POS system should be user-friendly and easy to learn. If it’s complicated and takes a long time to train your staff, it will only slow down your operation.
Choosing a system that runs on a proven and reliable operating system like Windows or Android can help your team feel more comfortable with your hardware. Ask vendors about their training and support options to make sure you’re getting the help you need.
2. Order accuracy
Inaccurate orders are one of the biggest complaints customers have about restaurants. Make sure your POS system can help you take and manage orders quickly and accurately. Nothing kills your morning routine like the wrong coffee in your cup — so ensure you are providing the best possible experience by using a system that will help your staff get it right the first time, every time.
3. Speed of service
Your customers are likely in a hurry in the morning, so you’ll need a POS system that can keep up with their orders. Look for features like order chaining, which allows employees to ring up several orders at once, and the ability to split payments.
Quick moving lines can also help you drive more revenue. With the ability to serve customers more quickly, you can take more orders, more payments, and keep customers coming back every morning.
4. Reporting and analytics
In today’s data-driven world, it’s important to have a POS system that provides insights into your business. Look for features like sales reporting and customer tracking to help you make better decisions about your coffee shop.
5. Flexibility
Your POS system should be able to grow with your business. If you’re planning on expanding your operation, make sure your system can accommodate additional locations and users. Having to reinvent your payment solution on the fly can lead to gaps in service and lost sales.
Is it easily expandable with peripherals like thermal printers and cash drawers? Think about what you need today and what you might need in the future as you consider your options.
Flexibility is key when it comes to payments. Your POS system should be able to accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payments like Apple Pay and Android Pay. It’s also important to have a backup plan for when the power goes out or the internet is down.
6. Support
When something goes wrong with your POS system, you’ll want to know that you can get help quickly. Look for a vendor that offers support and training so you can keep your coffee shop running smoothly.
7. Price
POS systems can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget. But don’t sacrifice quality for price — a cheap system might end up costing you more in the long run if it’s not able to meet your needs.
The Best Choice Will Depend on Your Needs
No two coffee shops are alike, so it’s important to find a POS system that fits your specific business needs. With so many options on the market, taking the time to do your research will pay off in the long run.
Need help finding the right POS System for your business? Our experts can help. Just contact us here to get started on the path to exploring the possibilities of an upgraded payment system.
