Operating a successful bar is equal parts inspiration, perspiration, and frustration. Integrating your inventory control, customer relationship management, back of house, and other functions might seem like a pipe dream. Getting to the point where you need something more than a bunch of software and hardware cobbled together from one or more big box stores is something to celebrate! Picking the right bar POS system will be something to celebrate – and with the time and money saved, you’ll have something to celebrate with, as well. But what features should you look for in a POS?
· Cloud functionality. It’s not a buzzword. Using a cloud-based point-of-sale system offers many features that were once available only to big players. Access data from anywhere, with access level set on an individual user basis. Startup costs are lower for cloud-based systems, and more units can be added as other locations or stations open without significant IT work. Simply open unit, plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and your cloud POS is ready for business.
· Integration. Any POS that you consider should be able to integrate with your bar and kitchen inventory software, QuickBooks, CRM, and other software. The point of the POS is not just to take payments, but also keep track of your stock in trade – food, beverages, and the means to serve them.
· Portability. Servers lose a lot of time running back and forth to the cash register, generating checks, and other make. By using a tablet-based POS system, the server can deliver the tablet to the table, and accept payment right there.
It goes without saying that you should not purchase any bar POS system without having a demonstration form for you by the manufacturer or an authorized reseller. Choose only systems that are highly rated by trustworthy sources like Nerdwallet. Then contact and set up appointments with your top five choices and take time to compare them by their features and pricing.