Like most small businesses, restaurateurs threw their 2020 plans out the window after pandemic shutdowns shuttered locations. But SMBs aren’t the only ones who altered their plans. You can add point of sale software providers to the list.
Companies like Heartland began upgrading products and developing new features to help small business owners thrive when business is unusual.
Here are six of the latest product features and things you should consider when deciding to upgrade your point of sale:
Is your POS more than you bargained for?
Point of sale systems aren’t one size fits all. Some solutions are designed for complex businesses, offering features that you’ll never use. Usually, complex solutions mean a complex user experience. If you’re having trouble navigating the display screen, think about the new server you just hired. How many hours will it take to cross-train him on the system?
Support. Support. Support.
If location is most important in small business hierocracy, support is the next bullet on the list. Make sure you’re getting the point of sale support you need as the business grows. Is the company offering consulting support? If not, find a partner who’s aware of the latest payment tech trends and products, so you have the tools you need today and in the future.
Does it have online ordering?
Yes, it’s not new, but before you skip ahead to the next tip, make sure you understand the benefits of integrating online ordering with the point of sale.
A cloud-based POS with a built-in online ordering tool lets you accept orders on your website and manage them at the POS. And since these are cloud-based systems, you can track online sales from anywhere, on any web browser.
Make sure it’s restaurant approved.
Remember, not all point of sale systems are the same. Choose one built for your restaurant. Some newer, cloud-based POS systems offer an array of features like real-time reporting, time and attendance, inventory management, and customer buying behaviors. These systems are perfect if you want to save on inventory costs, reduce overtime wages, and optimize your menu.
Can’t touch this.
Payment companies invested a ton of resources into contactless and touchless payment technology over the last year, with Scan to Pay and Pay-to-Link being the latest to hit the market. These two features are transforming the way restaurants accept payments. Sounds great, but what is Scan to Pay and Pay-by-Link?
Scan to Pay technology lets customers scan a unique QR code with their smartphone, usually printed on their check, and pay for their meal at the table, host stand, or the curb.
With Pay-by-Link, you can create a unique payment link and text it to the customer. No more accepting cards over the phone. No more unpaid to-go orders.
Keep scheduling, payroll, and the POS under one roof.
Why should you find a solution that combines these three functions? Well, fewer headaches for one, but by combining scheduling, payroll, and payments, you’ll spend less time scrolling through spreadsheets and more time growing your business.
An integrated solution shares data, so if a server enters her tip on the point of sale, it’s synced with the other programs. And since these are cloud-based systems, you can create schedules from anywhere, on any web browser. Staff can view schedule updates from their phone in real time.
If it feels like the right time to update your point of sale, we suggest you check out Heartland Restaurant. It’s a smart, cloud-based POS designed for restaurants; it checks all our boxes.