Best POS System for Bars

Basic Overview of What to Look for in a Bar POS System

Not all point of sale (POS) systems are created equally, and it is important for you to select a POS system that fits your bar's business model. Essentially, your POS should offset its cost and turn into a value-adding asset that your business can use to increase staff efficiency, boost turnover and raise profits. 

The important questions to ask when purchasing a new bar POS are as follows:

1. Is the POS system flexible?

2. Does the POS system have relevant features?

3. Is this POS too expensive?

4. Is this POS open source?

5. Is the POS scalable?

6. Is the interface intuitive?

7. How hard is it to set up?

8. How good is the customer support?

9. Does the POS provide CRM features?

10. How in-depth are the data and analytics?

Let's go over these ten points one-by-one and dissect why they are so important for any bar business to consider.

1. Is the POS system flexible?

Flexibility in a bar POS system is key in ensuring that the POS system can adapt to your business and not the other way around. A good POS system will be flexible enough to fit perfectly with your business model and strategy so it can easily add value and turn into an asset. One way to consider how flexible a bar POS is is by considering if they offer modules along with their POS. Many POS solution providers offer add-ons that range from kitchen display systems to mPOS solutions to self service kiosks. These should work seamlessly with the POS and help smoothen your bar's operations. A good POS solution provider should also be willing to work with your business to accommodate any special requests you may have.

2. Does the POS system have relevant features?

Depending on what your bar requires, many POS systems may be too simple or too complicated in terms of the features they offer. It is best to make a list of the most important features you need before searching for a new bar POS system. For example, do you need table tracking, split bills, e-wallet payment options, printing or printer requirements, orders to be fired to specific kitchen stations, menu management tools, etc. By knowing what general features you require, it'll be much easier to find your perfect bar POS fit.

3. Is the POS expensive?

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but if you're investing more in a POS than it offers back to you, it's likely not your ideal match. Some things to consider about POS price include, what are the gains in efficiency you might see, will you see reduced losses through features like inventory tracking or pricing controls, will your POS system provide the data to help you market better to customers, how hefty is the upfront payment and are you locked in for a long period of time, is the POS provider interested in aiding you throughout the process? 

4. Is the POS open source?

A POS system that's open source is a must for most modern businesses. An open source system essentially allows third-party companies to integrate into the POS system's architecture and work seamlessly as one unit. For example, if you have individual bar taps for customers to use that measure the amount they drink, this feature can be integrated directly into your POS for a custom solution. Open source POS systems also allow integration from local payment providers so you can let your customers pay in ways that are convenient and relevant. The possibilities with an open source POS system are endless. 

5. Is the POS scalable?

A scalable POS system is one that is able to grow with your business as it grows. Put simply, if you expand your business, your POS system should be able to run throughout multiple store locations and even across different countries. TScalability is often known as enterprise features, and should allow a complete experience for businesses who operate on a larger scale. Be it customer data, sales information or even menu management, you should be able to control everything, across multiple shops, from a single, convenient location. 

6. Is the interface intuitive?

A hidden cost of getting a new bar POS is in how long it takes staff to get used to the system. Training, if complex, can take weeks and that bites into profits. A simple user interface that's still robust enough to be rich in features is a difficult balance to strike. Make sure that your POS isn't like a pilot's cockpit but is rather more like the interior of a car. It should be intuitive and familiar rather than something out of a sci-fi movie. 

7. How hard is it to set up?

The setup costs of any POS system can be astronomical. On-site servers, a team of technicians, additional hardware, it all adds up. Modern iPad POS systems are often a far more viable solution. Not only do such solutions not require any servers or technicians, but your POS can be downloaded as an app and run directly on the iPad itself. Better yet, you can simply log in and have access to all your data by downloading the app to multiple iPads. This essentially allows any bar business to be up and running in minutes. Additionally, updates can come in regularly and quickly, providing quality of life improvements and new features. All you need to do is hit the download button. Nice and simple.

8. How good is the customer support?

Having the support of a great customer service team is paramount when selecting the perfect bar POS. As with any new technology, there is likely to be growing pains. Be sure that the POS provider values your business and is willing to guide you through any issues or send someone over if you need help. Without such aid, navigating a new system can sometimes be an absolute nightmare. 

9. Does the POS provide CRM features?

Bars very often have customers that come in time and time again. Why not incentivise these customers and turn newer customers into long-time patrons? CRM (customer relationship management) provides your business with the tools to view which customers spend the most, what they are likely to order, etc. Based on these statistics, you can create a loyalty program that offers discounts or rewards to those customers who frequent your establishment the most. Be it a free drink after every ten beverages purchased, or a simple points system, you could stand out from the competition simply by knowing your customers on a more personal level. 

10. How in-depth are the data and analytics?

Without a robust offering of figures, it becomes impossible to track the performance of your bar business. You want a system that does it all for you and packages your numbers in an easy-to-digest format. You also want a POS system that offers you more than just simple sales data. If you need to isolate sales of a particular product over a set number of dates, your POS should allow you to do that. Often, with solid data and analytics, you can start noticing patterns and use these observations to push the right products at the right time. For example, if you notice that mojitos do well during the summer, you can have a promotion for them to entice even more customers to come in. If you notice hot beverages do well in the winter, make specials or promotions that play right into your customers' desires. You can also keep track of what products sell less at certain times and order less ingredients for those products. Essentially, you need a full financial map of your business so you can make informed decisions that help you save more and earn big.