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My journey with Future POS

As a restaurant owner in sunny Florida, I know how important it is to have a reliable and efficient point of sale (POS) system. It’s the heart of any successful restaurant operation, and in this day and age, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game with the latest technology.

That’s why I decided to share my experience with Future POS. This innovative POS system has helped me streamline my business operations, making my life as a restaurateur much easier.

When I first opened my restaurant, I knew having a modern POS system was necessary. After extensive research, I decided on Future POS.

What caught my attention was the company’s reputation for providing state-of-the-art technology, flexible features, and exceptional customer support.

In this blog post, I’ll share my journey with Future POS and how it has improved my restaurant’s overall efficiency and customer experience.

A Brief Overview of Future POS

What is Future POS? Future POS is a cutting-edge solution for restaurants, bars, and other food service establishments, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and features to streamline operations, track inventory, and manage staff.

The system’s user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities have made it a popular choice among restaurateurs, helping them stay on top of their game in an increasingly competitive industry.

So, let’s dive into my experience with Future POS and explore what makes it stand out from other POS systems in the market.

Key Features of Future POS Systems: Transforming My Restaurant Operations

When I decided to implement Future POS at my restaurant, I was particularly impressed by its comprehensive features. In this section, I will discuss some of the key features that have transformed my restaurant operations and contributed to the success of my business.

Touch Screen POS System

Future POS has a user-friendly touchscreen interface that is incredibly easy to use. The system allows me to build menus, customize orders, and manage transactions effortlessly. Although the design may appear somewhat outdated compared to other modern systems, its reliability and functionality have never failed me.

Cloud-Based Technology

The hybrid platform of Future POS combines locally installed software with robust cloud-based technology. This allows me to access and manage my restaurant’s data from offsite locations, making it convenient to oversee multiple locations and access crucial information without needing to be physically present.

Inventory Management

One of the most valuable features of Future POS is its inventory management capabilities. The system allows me to track my restaurant’s inventory and ensure I never run out of essential items. This has significantly reduced food waste and improved cost management at my restaurant.

Staff Management and Scheduling

Future POS has made managing my team a breeze. I can easily create staff schedules, track hours, and manage shifts, all within the POS system. This has improved staff communication and ensured that our team operates efficiently, providing the best possible service to our customers.

Reporting and Analytics

Future POS’s in-depth reporting and analytics have been game-changing for my business. I can access sales data, create detailed reports, and even manage multiple locations from a central office. This valuable information has allowed me to make informed decisions to drive my restaurant’s success.

In addition to these key features, Future POS offers integration with QuickBooks accounting software, mobile POS capabilities for tableside ordering and payments, gift card management, and a loyalty system for repeat customers. These additional features have further enhanced my restaurant’s operations and customer experience.

Future POS has been an essential tool in the growth and success of my restaurant. Its comprehensive features, user-friendly interface, and cloud-based technology have made managing my restaurant more efficient and enjoyable.

Customization and Integration Options for Future POS

As a food lover and a tech enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can elevate the dining experience. When I first heard about Future POS, a point of sale (POS) system specifically designed for the restaurant and hospitality industries, I knew I had to try it.

I will dive into Future POS’s customization and integration options, focusing on menu customization and themes, QuickBooks integration, and integrations with platforms like PeachWorks and Posiq.

Menu Customization and Themes

One of the features I appreciate most about Future POS is its ability to build and customize menus easily. The system offers multi-column modifiers that allow you to modify and customize menu items to your liking.

I love how this feature enables me to create unique and personalized menus for my restaurant, showcasing the dishes that I’m most proud of.

The platform also offers the option to create custom themes for the POS interface, allowing me to ensure that my restaurant’s branding is consistent throughout the entire dining experience.

QuickBooks Integration

Managing finances is crucial to running a successful business as a restaurant owner. Future POS offers seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software, making it easy to keep track of sales data, expenses, and other crucial financial information.

This integration has been a game-changer, allowing me to efficiently manage my restaurant’s finances without switching between multiple platforms. I can now focus on what I love most – crafting delicious dishes for my customers!

Integrations with Other Platforms

Future POS doesn’t stop at QuickBooks integration. The system is designed to work well with other platforms, such as PeachWorks, Long Range Systems, and Posiq.

These integrations allow me to manage various aspects of my restaurant more efficiently, such as inventory tracking, supply cost analysis, and building customer loyalty schemes.

With Future POS, I feel like I have a suite of tools at my fingertips, helping me provide my patrons with the best possible dining experience.

Future POS has proven to be an invaluable addition to my restaurant. Its customization and integration options have helped me create a personalized and efficient dining experience for my customers while simplifying the financial management process.

Mobile POS Solutions for Tableside Ordering: The Future POS Advantage

I can’t help but get excited when I come across a system that combines the two, such as mobile POS solutions for tableside ordering.

One aspect of Future POS that caught my attention is its mobile POS ability for tableside ordering and payments. I decided to dive deeper into this feature and am thrilled to share my findings.

Advantages of Tableside Ordering

Tableside ordering has become increasingly popular in the restaurant industry and for a good reason. It offers numerous advantages, such as:

Faster and more accurate order taking, resulting in fewer errors and improved customer satisfaction.
Increased table turnover rates allow restaurants to serve more customers quickly.
Enhanced server efficiency, as they can focus on providing exceptional service without being tied to a stationary POS terminal.
Improved upselling opportunities, as servers can easily suggest add-ons or specials while taking orders.
Streamlined payment processing allows customers to pay at their table without waiting for the server to bring the check.

Mobile POS Devices Offered by Future POS

What sets Future POS apart is its focus on the food and hospitality industries, offering features tailored to these businesses. Regarding mobile POS solutions, Future POS offers the Skytab mobile device, which provides increased efficiency and mobility for tableside ordering and payments.

With Skytab, servers can easily take orders, process payments, and even print or email receipts right at the table. This saves time and enhances the overall dining experience for customers.

In addition to tableside ordering, Future POS offers various features, such as menu building, gift card integration, and comprehensive reporting data and analysis.

However, it’s important to note that Future POS does have some drawbacks, such as its lack of pricing transparency, an outdated interface design, and limited hardware options.

As a blogger who appreciates both good food and efficient technology, I must say that I’m impressed with Future POS’s mobile POS solutions for tableside ordering. The advantages it brings to both restaurant owners and customers are undeniable.

Payment Processing and Security: A Key Focus for Future POS

In today’s world, where cyber threats are rampant, businesses need to ensure the safety of their customers’ data. I want to share my thoughts on how Future POS addresses this critical aspect.

EMV Credit Card Processing

One of the standout features of Future POS is its support for EMV credit card processing. For those who might not be familiar, EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) is a global standard for credit cards that use computer chips to authenticate and secure transactions.

This technology provides an extra layer of security against fraud, making it a must-have for any restaurant or bar owner who wants to protect their customers and business.

I appreciate that Future POS prioritizes security by offering EMV compatibility. This shows that they understand the importance of keeping up with the latest technology and ensuring that their clients can provide a safe and secure environment for their customers.

Choosing the Right Payment Processing Partners

One aspect of Future POS that I found particularly appealing is its flexibility regarding payment processing partners. Instead of being tied to a specific provider, Future POS allows you to choose from various processing companies.

This means you can shop for the best deal and find a payment processor that suits your needs.

I believe that the freedom to choose is a significant advantage. It allows restaurant and bar owners to make informed decisions and potentially save money on processing fees.

Additionally, since Future POS is now provided by Shift4 Payments, a payment processing company itself, I expect they will continue to prioritize offering various processing options for their clients.

Looking at the Bigger Picture: A Comprehensive Solution

While payment processing and security are crucial components of any POS system, it’s essential not to overlook the other features that Future POS offers. From easy menu building and loyalty schemes to gift card integration and strong reporting data, Future POS has much to offer restaurant and bar owners.

However, I have some reservations about the system’s design, which feels somewhat outdated compared to other modern POS systems. Also, some may be concerned about the lack of flexibility in hardware options.

Nevertheless, Future POS’s solid customer service record and work with large national brands speak volumes about its product and standards.

Future POS is a stable, reliable solution for restaurant and bar industry employees.

Its focus on payment processing, security, and other features makes it a strong contender. Remember to weigh your options and compare different POS systems to ensure you make the best choice for your business.

Loyalty Programs and Gift Cards: A Personal Take on Future POS

As a restaurant owner, I know how important it is to keep my customers returning. I was thrilled to learn about Future POS’s loyalty programs and gift card features. I’ll dive into these features and share my experiences with the system.

Implementing Loyalty Programs

One of the things that caught my eye about Future POS was the ease with which you can create and manage loyalty schemes. I know from experience that rewarding repeat customers are key to building a loyal customer base, and Future POS makes it simple.

The system allows you to design your loyalty program with customized rewards, which was great for tailoring it to my restaurant’s specific needs. I could easily track customer visits, points earned, and rewards redeemed through the POS system.

This feature has been invaluable in helping me maintain strong relationships with my regular customers and encourage new ones to become loyal patrons.

Offering and Managing Gift Cards through the POS System

Gift cards have always been a popular offering at my restaurant, and Future POS made it easier than ever to integrate them into my business. The system allowed me to create and manage gift cards directly within the platform, simplifying keeping track of balances and redemptions.

I also offered customers the option to purchase gift cards online, which expanded my sales reach beyond the physical location. Plus, the system’s reporting features provided valuable data on gift card sales and usage patterns, helping me make informed decisions about promotions and customer engagement.

A Human Touch

As a restaurant owner, I’m always looking for ways to improve my customer service, and Future POS has been instrumental in that regard. From building loyalty programs to managing gift cards, the system has made it easier for me to connect with my customers and offer them personalized rewards.

The touchscreen interface and easy-to-use platform have streamlined my operations, and integrating with QuickBooks and other software tools has made managing my business more efficient. While the design of the interface might feel a bit outdated, it hasn’t hindered the system’s overall functionality.

I’ve been extremely pleased with Future POS and its features for loyalty programs and gift cards. Its reliable and efficient system has helped me build strong customer relationships and boost sales.

Future POS Solutions for Different Niches

As a foodie and technology enthusiast, I always watch the latest innovations in the restaurant industry. One innovation that has caught my attention is the Future POS system, a touchscreen point-of-sale platform designed to increase efficiency and streamline operations in restaurants, cafes, bars, and more.

I’ll share my thoughts on how Future POS caters to various niches within the hospitality industry, using the detailed article I recently came across as a guide.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars

Future POS offers a range of features for restaurant, cafe, and bar owners that can help elevate the customer experience and boost business efficiency. The easy-to-use platform allows you to build menus, take orders, create tabs, split bills, and even offer gift cards, all through a touchscreen interface.

With its strong reporting and data analysis capabilities, you can closely monitor your establishment’s performance and make data-driven decisions.

While the platform is quite powerful, it has some drawbacks, such as outdated interface design and limited hardware options.

However, with over 20 years of experience in the industry and a track record of providing POS technology to large brands like Wendy’s, Arby’s, and Dairy Queen, Future POS has proven itself a reliable solution for restaurant and bar owners.

Food Trucks and Entertainment Venues

As someone who loves exploring the world of food trucks and entertainment venues, I appreciate the adaptability of Future POS for these unique niches.

For food truck owners, the mobile POS ability allows for tableside ordering and payments, making the process quick and efficient.

In the case of entertainment venues such as stadiums, Future POS can handle high-volume transactions and provides tools to manage staff shifts, scheduling, and hours.

The platform’s cloud-based system ensures your data is safe and secure, even during hardware failure.

Additionally, integrating with QuickBooks and other third-party platforms can help streamline your business operations, allowing you to focus on what matters most – providing customers with an unforgettable experience.

As a passionate advocate for technology and the hospitality industry, I believe Future POS offers a solid solution for various niches, from restaurants and bars to food trucks and entertainment venues.

While more powerful POS platforms may be available in the market, Future POS’s reliability, ease of use, and strong customer service record make it a worthwhile consideration for small and mid-sized businesses.

Suppose you’re looking for a more traditional POS solution with the added benefit of working with regional resellers for sales and support. In that case, Future POS might be the perfect fit for your establishment.

Just compare it with other POS systems and weigh the pros and cons before deciding. And always remember, a robust and efficient POS system can help you provide your customers with the exceptional service they deserve.

Restaurant Inventory Management with Future POS

Future POS is primarily geared toward the food and hospitality industries, with a touch screen platform offering various restaurant-specific tools to increase efficiency.

Today, I’ll focus on two key features that caught my attention: Inventory Tracking, Reordering, and Supply Management.

Inventory Tracking

Running a restaurant means managing an ever-changing inventory of ingredients and supplies. Future POS makes tracking your restaurant’s inventory a breeze by offering a system that ensures you never run out of the food you need.

This is especially helpful for those who manage multiple locations, as it allows you to access your inventory data from offsite computers. This feature is a lifesaver for busy restaurant owners who must keep an eye on their stocks without being physically present at every location.

Reordering and Supply Management

Another important aspect of managing a restaurant is keeping your supplies in check and ensuring you never run out of essential ingredients. Future POS helps you manage your reordering process and supply management with ease.

Integrating with platforms like PeachWorks, Long Range Systems, and Posiq allows you to analyze supply costs, streamline your reordering process, and ensure you never run out of what you need to keep your customers happy.

Its inventory management features alone can be a game-changer for restaurant owners looking to improve efficiency and better serve their customers. With Future POS, you’ll find the tools to take your restaurant to the next level.

Future POS offers restaurant owners a reliable and easy-to-use platform to manage their inventory and supplies. It may not be the most modern-looking POS system, but it certainly packs a punch when streamlining restaurant operations.

Future POS Pricing and Plans

When choosing a point of sale (POS) system for your restaurant or small business, the pricing and plans are crucial.

Today, I’ll discuss Future POS’s pricing and plans in more detail, based on my experience and research, including the guide provided by the article mentioned earlier.

Pricing Transparency

One of the main drawbacks of Future POS is the lack of pricing transparency. It’s frustrating that they don’t provide publicly available pricing information on their website or online.

As someone who likes to compare products and their costs, I would have preferred more straightforward pricing information to make a well-informed decision. Future POS would rather have you contact their team directly to discuss a quote.

Monthly Fee Structures and Plans

According to an industry insider, Future POS switched to a monthly fee structure after being acquired by Shift4. The monthly fee is estimated to be in the range of $69 to $79 per terminal.

This information, however, is not confirmed, and you may need to reach out to Future POS directly or find a POS dealer in your region to get a demo and make a price comparison with other products.

As a potential customer, knowing the different pricing plans and fee structures is essential when choosing a POS system.

While Future POS may offer some great features and benefits, its lack of pricing transparency can be a drawback for some people. However, it’s worth noting that Future POS is a solid solution with a strong track record, so it might still be worth considering despite this issue.

While Future POS offers a reliable and efficient solution, its pricing transparency leaves something to be desired. You may need to contact them directly to get an accurate quote or work with a regional dealer to understand their pricing structure better.

But with its robust features, proven reliability, and a wide range of tools tailored for the food and hospitality industries, Future POS might still be worth considering for your business.

Watch the Demo video on Future POS.

Customer Support and Reputation: A Human Touch to Future POS

Having been in the restaurant business for a while, I’ve encountered various point of sale (POS) systems. My latest experience is with Future POS, primarily serving the food and hospitality industry.

One thing that stood out for me was their customer support and reputation. A reliable POS system is essential, and knowing you can count on their support is a huge relief.

Customer Support Hours: The Human Connection

Future POS offers customer support from 8 AM to 12 AM, seven days a week. Although I appreciate the long hours, I wish they provided 24/7 support for those late-night venues. However, the hours they have are still quite reasonable for most businesses.

It’s also worth noting that if you purchase from a regional dealer, they might offer 24/7 support.

So, it’s crucial to inquire about their support policy before purchasing. The human touch in customer support goes a long way in making you feel like you’re in good hands.

Customer Reviews and BBB Rating: Trust Matters

When it comes to the reputation of a POS provider, I always look at customer reviews and their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Future POS has an A+ rating with the BBB, which is quite impressive.

Like any other technology company, they’ve had a few complaints. Most of these revolve around account holds and integration issues. However, Future POS’s anti-fraud activities may be to blame for these account hold concerns.

In my experience, Future POS has a positive reputation in the industry. Digging deeper, you’d typically find many more negative comments about point-of-sale providers. But this isn’t the case with Future POS, which gives me more confidence in their service.

My experience with Future POS has been quite positive. Their customer support hours, while not 24/7, still offer a reasonable coverage window for most businesses. Their reputation, backed by an A+ BBB rating, reflects their commitment to quality service. Knowing you can count on a company’s support when needed most is reassuring.

Future POS PROS AND CONS

I’ll share my experience with Future POS and provide a detailed analysis of its pros and cons in the restaurant business.

PROS:

Easy to use platform: Future POS has an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate, making it simple for my staff to learn and adapt to the new system. The touch screen technology also adds to the ease of use.
Payment processing freedom: Unlike other POS systems, Future POS allows me to choose my payment processor and find the best deal on the market.
Easy to build menus and loyalty schemes: I was able to quickly and easily create menus, special offers, and loyalty programs, which has helped me attract new customers and keep regulars coming back.
Gift card integration: Future POS lets me offer gift cards directly through the system, making it easy for customers to purchase and redeem them at my restaurant.
Strong reporting data and analysis: The system provides in-depth reporting and analytics, allowing me to monitor sales, inventory, and other key performance indicators to make data-driven decisions for my business.

CONS:

No pricing transparency: One drawback is that Future POS doesn’t publicly disclose its pricing information. This made it difficult for me to compare the costs with other systems and required contacting their sales team for a quote.
Interface design feels outdated: While the functionality of Future POS is solid, the interface design can feel a bit dated compared to some of the more modern POS systems available.
Not as many integrations as some competitors: Though Future POS offers integration with popular platforms like QuickBooks, it doesn’t have as many integration options as other systems on the market.
Can’t use your own hardware devices: Unfortunately, Future POS doesn’t allow for personal hardware, like iPads or tablets. This might be a drawback for those who want to use their existing devices.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Future POS

After thoroughly reviewing Future POS, it’s clear that this point-of-sale platform offers many attractive features for restaurant and bar owners.

Its benefits are the easy-to-use interface, complete flexibility with payment processing, and strong reporting data and analysis. However, it’s essential to consider the drawbacks, such as the lack of pricing transparency, the outdated interface design, and limited hardware options.

Despite these cons, I am happy with my decision to choose Future POS for my restaurant. The ease of use, flexibility in payment processing, and robust reporting features have made it a worthwhile investment.

Furthermore, the company has a strong track record, serving over 20,000 merchants across the US, including well-known brands like Wendy’s, Arby’s, and Dairy Queen.

While Future POS may not be the most cutting-edge option on the market, it is a reliable, stable solution that meets my restaurant’s needs.

Comparing Future POS with Other Systems

Compared to other POS systems on the market, Future POS has unique strengths and weaknesses. Its focus on the hospitality industry and its long-standing reputation in the market make it a reliable choice.

However, some newer systems offer a more modern design and additional features that might appeal to some restaurant owners. Evaluating your business needs and comparing different POS systems is essential to ensure you choose the best fit for your restaurant.

Conclusion: Future POS Honest Review

In conclusion, Future POS is a solid option for restaurant and bar owners looking for a reliable and feature-rich POS system.

Its focus on the hospitality industry and the backing of Shift4 Payments provide confidence in its stability and support. While there are a few drawbacks, such as the outdated interface and the lack of hardware flexibility, these may be outweighed by the system’s benefits for some restaurant owners.

Future POS could be an excellent choice for those who prefer to work with local dealers and are looking for a more traditional POS solution. The company’s positive customer service record and history of providing services to large national brands speak volumes about its product and standards.

Jeff Smith is a Restaurant Consultant with over 20 years of hospitality experience ranging from server to owner and general manager. He focuses on Restaurant POS technology as well as restaurant marketing. Make sure to check out our world famous restaurant resources page for a comprehensive offering of hand picked resources and tools to help your business. You can also check out some of our other restaurant business articles.