Instore POS – Is It Great for Your Restaurant

Hello there, and welcome to our comprehensive exploration of a question many in the restaurant industry have been asking lately: “Instore POS System- Is it great for your restaurant?” You are in the right place.

A Point of Sale system, or POS, is the foundation of any retail or restaurant business. It’s the hub where everything from sales transactions to inventory management comes together. The heart of this system is the software that powers it, and one of the popular choices in today’s market is the Instore POS system.

What is a Instore POS System

The Instore POS system is a dynamic iPad-based POS software solution designed for small businesses, including restaurants. It serves as a comprehensive platform that facilitates transactions and offers a wide array of features to manage your restaurant more effectively.

But why exactly should a restaurant consider an Instore POS system? Here are five compelling reasons:

1 – Boosts Efficiency in Ordering and Payment Process

An Instore POS system can revolutionize your restaurant’s ordering and payment process. It empowers customers to place orders and make payments right at their tables. This reduces waiting times and minimizes errors that can occur during order taking. The result is a smoother, quicker service that leaves your customers satisfied.

2 – Enhances Customer Engagement and Retention

The Instore POS system can seamlessly integrate with various platforms, such as online ordering systems, social media marketing tools, gift cards, and customer loyalty programs. This opens up new avenues for customer engagement and helps build a loyal customer base, which is crucial for the growth of any restaurant business.

3 – Provides Valuable Data for Decision Making

Data is a powerful tool for any business, and restaurants are no exception. Instore POS systems can provide real-time data and reports on sales, inventory, staff performance, and customer behavior. This information is invaluable for making informed decisions and strategic planning, helping you optimize your operations and maximize profits.

4 – Streamlines Inventory Management

Efficient inventory management is key to reducing waste and avoiding overstocking or understocking. Instore POS systems can sync with suppliers and provide real-time updates on your inventory. You can manage your inventory more effectively and reduce unnecessary costs.

5 – Simplifies Employee Management

Managing employees can be a complex task in a restaurant setting. However, with an Instore POS system, this becomes simpler. It helps track hours, tips, commissions, and payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance. This not only helps in maintaining a happy workforce but also in reducing the administrative load on management.

An Instore POS system can be a game-changer for your restaurant. It can help enhance efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately boost profitability. If you want to streamline your operations and take your restaurant to the next level, an Instore POS system is worth considering.

Overview of Instore POS Systems

The Instore POS system is a comprehensive iPad-based POS software solution designed with the unique needs of small businesses in mind. It bridges the gap between in-store and online sales, offers seamless integration between different platforms, and equips businesses with the tools for successful operations.

While its use isn’t confined to any industry, restaurants, in particular, can gain significant advantages from implementing this POS solution. Let’s delve into the features and capabilities that make the Instore POS system stand out:

1. Versatility in Payment Processing: Instore POS is flexible when accepting payments. Whether it’s cash, cards, gift cards, or mobile wallets, this system can handle it all. With reliable POS hardware and integrated payment processing, transactions are smooth and hassle-free for your staff and customers.

2. Integrated Marketing and Loyalty Programs: Instore POS integrates your marketing efforts directly into your sales platform. The system syncs with online ordering platforms, social media marketing, email marketing, and customer rewards programs. This multifaceted approach enhances customer engagement and fosters customer loyalty, critical components in the long-term success of any restaurant.

3. Real-Time Data and Reports: In today’s cutthroat restaurant business, data-based decisions might be the difference between success and failure. Instore POS provides real-time data and reports on critical business metrics like sales, inventory, staff performance, and customer behavior. This insight helps restaurant owners make informed decisions and strategic plans.

4. Efficient Inventory Management: With the Instore POS system, inventory management becomes less of a chore and more of a strategic operation. The system syncs with suppliers, providing real-time updates on your inventory status. This helps prevent wastage from overstocking and loss of sales from understocking.

5. Streamlined Employee Management: Instore POS simplifies the often complex task of managing employees in a restaurant setting. The system tracks hours, tips, commissions, and payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance. This reduces administrative work, allowing management to focus more on enhancing service and improving the dining experience.

6. Quick Access to Frequent Purchases: Instore POS is designed to make transactions as quick and efficient as possible. It offers shortcut keys for the most frequently purchased items or categories, speeding up checkout and enhancing customer satisfaction.

7. Comprehensive Business Management Tools: Beyond everyday transactions, Instore POS offers a range of tools to manage your business operations effectively. This includes support for invoicing, customer orders, supplier orders, integrated supplier purchases, and multi-store management.

The Instore POS system is a powerful tool for small businesses, particularly restaurants. It offers a versatile, comprehensive solution to meet the demands of modern restaurant operations and stands as a valuable asset in the quest for efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Key Features of Instore POS for Restaurants

Instore POS system is not just any POS solution; it’s designed with features that specifically cater to the needs of restaurants. These features streamline operations, enhance customer service, and drive growth. Here are the distinct features that make Instore POS a suitable solution for your restaurant:

Tableside Ordering and Payments

Instore POS allows customers to place orders and make payments at their tables. This feature significantly reduces wait times and eliminates errors during the order-taking process. As a result, you can provide quicker, more efficient service to your customers.

Integration with Online Ordering Platforms

In today’s digital age, offering pickup and delivery options is crucial for any restaurant. Instore POS system integrates seamlessly with online ordering platforms like Flipdish. This enables you to expand your service options and reach more customers, all from a single platform.

Floor Plan and Table Management

Managing a bustling restaurant floor can be a challenge. Thankfully, Instore POS provides a floor plan and table management feature. Your staff can easily assign tables, track occupancy, and even split bills. This feature simplifies restaurant management and enhances your staff’s ability to serve customers effectively.

Menu Management and Customization

A dynamic menu can be a game-changer for your restaurant. With Instore POS, you can create and update menus, add modifiers, and set prices. You may modify your offerings in response to seasonality, product availability, or sales.

Tip Management and Distribution

Instore POS also supports tip management. It offers an easy and fair method to collect and distribute tips among your staff. This motivates your team to deliver great service and ensures a smooth end-of-shift process.

Comprehensive Sales Reports and Analytics

Instore POS goes beyond transaction processing to offer valuable insights into your restaurant’s performance. It generates detailed sales reports showing key metrics like revenue, average check size, table turnover, and customer feedback. These insights help you understand your business better and make informed decisions to improve profitability.

The Instore POS system is equipped with a range of features that specifically cater to the needs of restaurants. These features, designed to improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability, make Instore POS a compelling choice for restaurants aiming to elevate their service and grow their business.

Instore POS User Experience

User experience is critical in choosing any software solution; a POS system is no different. A system can have all the features in the world, but if it’s not user-friendly, it can become more of a hindrance than a help. Fortunately, the Instore POS system shines in this aspect. Here’s what makes the user experience of Instore POS stand out:

1. Intuitive Interface: The Instore POS system boasts an intuitive, touch-enabled, and mobile-friendly interface. You can access all the features and functions directly from an iPad device. The system’s design is modern and straightforward, making it easy for users of all tech proficiency levels to navigate and utilize it effectively.

2. Ease of Use: Efficiency is the name of the game with Instore POS. Users can perform various tasks – from ordering and payment to inventory management, customer loyalty initiatives, and reporting – with just a few taps and swipes. This ease of use translates to less time spent on manual processes and more time for staff to focus on what truly matters: providing great service to your customers.

3. Overall User Satisfaction: When it comes to overall user satisfaction, Instore POS delivers. Instore POS helps restaurant owners and staff achieve their business goals by improving efficiency, enhancing customer engagement, and aiding profitability. Users have reported satisfaction not only with the software itself but also with the positive impact it has had on their operations and bottom line.

The Instore POS user experience is designed to be seamless and satisfying for restaurant owners and staff. Instore POS may help you manage your restaurant more efficiently and financially because to its intuitive design, extensive feature set, and excellent results. All of this while also elevating the dining experience for your customers, making Instore POS a great investment for any restaurant.

Instore POS Integration and Compatibility

The flexibility of a POS system significantly depends on its integration capabilities and hardware compatibility. Integration with other programs and hardware may considerably expand the system’s usefulness. Let’s explore how Instore POS fares in these aspects:

Integration Capabilities

One of the strong points of Instore POS is its ability to integrate seamlessly with various third-party applications and platforms. Here are a few examples:

• Online Ordering Platforms: Instore POS can connect with online ordering platforms like Flipdish, Shopify, and Square. This integration enables you to offer pickup and delivery options, a crucial service in the current restaurant landscape.
• Accounting Software: Keeping your finances in order is simplified with Instore POS. The system can integrate with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks. This makes bookkeeping and tax reporting more efficient, saving time and potential headaches.

Hardware Compatibility

Instore POS is designed to work with a variety of hardware devices to facilitate your restaurant operations:

• iPad Compatibility: The system works with any iOS 11 or higher device. This allows you to choose a tool ideal for your situation and wallet.
• Peripheral Device Compatibility: Instore POS is compatible with various peripheral devices like printers, scanners, cash drawers, and card readers. This compatibility allows you to build a POS setup that fits your restaurant’s operational needs.
• Networking and Display Systems: Instore POS can also work with wireless routers, enhancing network connectivity. Plus, it’s compatible with barcode scanners, kitchen display systems, and customer display systems, helping you create a comprehensive, efficient operation.

Instore POS’s integration capabilities and hardware compatibility allow for a more versatile and efficient system. Instore POS can enhance your restaurant’s efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability by connecting with third-party applications and working with a wide range of hardware.

Instore POS Security Measures

In an increasingly digital world, security is paramount for any business. This is especially true for restaurants, where sensitive customer data and payment information are routinely handled. An effective POS system must offer robust security measures to protect this data. Let’s delve into the security measures that the Instore POS system has in place:

1. Use of iPads as POS Devices: Instore POS utilizes iPads for its POS devices, which inherently offer higher security. iPads can only run one app at a time, reducing the risk of malware infection and memory scraping, common security threats in multi-tasking environments.

2. End-to-End Encryption: The Instore POS system employs end-to-end encryption for all transactions. This means the data is encrypted at both ends of the communication channel and cannot be intercepted or decrypted by hackers. Your customer’s payment information remains secure from the moment they make a payment until it reaches the payment processor.

3. PCI-Compliant Payment Processing:  in-store point-of-sale systems adhere to PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). These are a set of rules and guidelines aimed at securing cardholder data. By being PCI-compliant, Instore POS ensures that your restaurant meets industry standards for data security.

4. Access Control Measures: The Instore POS system uses secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and user permissions to limit access to the system. These measures prevent unauthorized users from logging in or making changes, further enhancing the security of your data.

5. Network and System Security: To defend against malware assaults, network intrusions, and illegal actions, in-store POS uses firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software. Your system is given an extra layer of security as a result. Your system is now more protected than ever before.

Instore POS employs robust security measures to protect your restaurant from cyber threats. Protecting your system and data can guarantee a secure and positive client experience and shield your company from monetary and reputational harm. A secure POS system like Instore POS is not just a choice; it’s necessary in today’s digital restaurant environment.

Instore POS vs. Other POS Systems

The effectiveness and profitability of your company may be greatly affected by the POS system you choose for your restaurant. In this section, we’ll compare Instore POS to two other popular POS systems on the market – Rezku POS and Oracle Hospitality POS.

Instore POS

Instore POS is a solid choice for small to medium-sized restaurants. It’s an iPad-based POS system with an intuitive interface and a strong focus on secure payment processing. Some of its key strengths include:

• Simple and intuitive interface
• Online ordering integration
• End-to-end encryption
• PCI-compliant payment processing

However, while Instore POS is reliable and affordable, it may not offer some advanced features that larger or more complex restaurants might need. These include floor plan and table management, menu customization, and tip distribution.

Rezku POS

Rezku POS is another iPad-based POS system that offers a user-friendly, customizable interface. This system is suitable for restaurants of all sizes, offering a variety of features:

• User-friendly and customizable interface
• Online ordering integration
• Floor plan and table management
• Menu customization
• Tip distribution

Despite its flexibility and rich feature set, some users have reported issues with customer support, software updates, and hardware compatibility. It’s essential to consider these potential challenges when evaluating Rezku POS for your restaurant.

Oracle Hospitality POS

Oracle Hospitality POS might be more suitable for larger or multi-location restaurants. This cloud-based POS system offers a robust and scalable interface with a wide range of features:

• Robust and scalable interface
• Online ordering integration
• Floor plan and table management
• Menu customization
• Tip distribution
• Inventory management

While Oracle Hospitality POS is comprehensive and powerful, it may be more expensive, complex, and difficult to use than other POS systems. These factors might make it less suitable for smaller restaurants or those with simpler operations.

Choosing between Instore, Rezku, and Oracle Hospitality POS largely depends on your restaurant’s specific needs and budget. Because every system has benefits and limitations, the best solution for your company will be determined by your specific requirements. It’s always recommended to thoroughly evaluate each option and consider a trial run to find the best fit for your business.

Cost-Effectiveness of Instore POS

Instore POS offers a competitive and cost-effective pricing model that suits various restaurant businesses, from small to large-scale operations. Here are some key points that underline the cost-effectiveness of Instore POS:

1. Instore POS Basic Plan: Starting at $39 per month per device, the Basic plan includes unlimited transactions, inventory management, customer loyalty, and online ordering integration​.
2. Instore POS Pro Plan: For $59 per month per device, users can avail of additional features such as gift cards, employee management, multi-store management, and phone support.
3. Instore POS Enterprise Plan: Large or complex businesses can opt for a customized plan that provides advanced features and services, such as custom integrations, dedicated account management, and priority support.
4. Comparison with Rezku POS: Rezku POS offers plans starting at $0/month for small restaurants, $99/month for medium-sized ones, and $199/month for large restaurants​​. Although the initial plan is free, as your business grows, you might end up paying significantly more than what you would with Instore POS.
5. Comparison with Oracle Hospitality POS: Oracle’s Simphony Essentials plan starts at $55 per month, and the Simphony Plus plan starts at $75 per month​​. While Oracle Hospitality offers robust features, it might not be the most cost-effective choice for small and medium-sized restaurants.
6. No Transaction Fees: Instore POS charges no transaction fees, ensuring you keep a larger portion of your revenue.
7. Free Trial and Money-Back Guarantee: New customers can try Instore POS risk-free, allowing them to determine whether it’s the right fit for their business before committing to a paid plan.

From these points, it’s clear that Instore POS provides a cost-effective solution, offering a balance of affordability and feature-rich service that can suit a variety of restaurant businesses.

Conclusion: Is Instore POS Great for Your Restaurant?

In conclusion, the Instore POS system presents an effective solution for restaurants seeking to improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Considering all the factors we’ve discussed, Instore POS is a compelling choice for restaurants of various sizes and needs. Here’s why:

1. Wide Range of Features: Instore POS offers various features catering to the restaurant industry. These include the ability to order and pay at the table, online ordering integration, floor plan and table management, menu and customization, tip management, and comprehensive sales reports and analytics.
2. Intuitive User Experience: The system is iPad-based, offering a touch-enabled, mobile-friendly, and intuitive interface. Due to its high level of use, restaurant personnel may do various duties with only a few taps and swipes.
3. Integration and Compatibility: It integrates well with various online ordering platforms and accounting software, expanding its functionality. Additionally, its hardware compatibility extends to any iPad device running iOS 11 or higher and compatible printers, scanners, cash drawers, and card readers.
4. Security Measures: With end-to-end encryption, PCI-compliant payment processing, secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and user permissions, Instore POS offers robust security measures that help protect the system and the data it handles.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: The pricing model of Instore POS is competitive, with plans starting at $39 per month per device. Unlike other POS systems such as Rezku POS and Oracle Hospitality POS, Instore POS could be a more affordable choice, especially for small and medium-sized restaurants.

Given these points, whether running a small diner, a medium-sized bistro, or a large fine-dining restaurant, Instore POS could be a great choice.

Its features, ease of use, security measures, integration capabilities, and cost-effectiveness make it a viable choice for any restaurant looking to streamline operations and enhance the overall dining experience.

However, it’s crucial to consider your restaurant’s specific needs, size, and budget before making a final decision.

A free trial of Instore POS could be a good starting point to see if it fits well with your restaurant’s operations.

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.  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.