Squirrel POS – Is It Great for Your Restaurant
Introduction to Squirrel POS
Choosing the suitable point-of-sale (POS) system is like choosing the heart of your restaurant. The core piece of technology keeps everything moving smoothly, just like the heart pumps blood to keep the body functioning. From managing tables, processing payments, tracking inventory, and generating reports, a reliable POS system can make or break your restaurant business.
With countless POS systems available, making that crucial choice can seem overwhelming in this digital era. One name that often comes up in these discussions is Squirrel POS. But why is it so popular? And more importantly, is it the right fit for your restaurant?
In this blog article, we will set out to find the answers to these questions. We will look at the features of Squirrel POS, its strengths and drawbacks, and its applicability to various eateries. We aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding to help you decide if Squirrel POS is the right choice for your restaurant.
Whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur or a newcomer to the industry, whether you run a small café or a multi-location chain, this guide aims to give you a clear picture of what Squirrel POS can do for you.
Understanding Squirrel POS: An Overview
The world of restaurant POS systems is broad and diverse, each bringing unique strengths and features. Squirrel Systems stands out as one of the pioneers in this bustling marketplace.
Squirrel Systems has been in the business for over 35 years, and they were the first in the world to offer a touchscreen point-of-sale system.
This alone speaks volumes about their commitment to innovation and customer-focused design. Over the years, they have built on an open architecture, consistently meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry head-on.
The Squirrel POS’s flagship product reflects this dedication to progress and customer satisfaction. It is designed to be your restaurant operation on its best day, every day. Imagine that, A system that not only works to streamline your operations but is also flexible and adaptable to meet the unique demands of your service style.
Squirrel POS is used by various businesses, ranging from small-footprint establishments to multi-unit operations with hundreds of locations spanning diverse industries. That’s the beauty of it – its versatility allows it to cater to different types of businesses without compromising on quality or efficiency.
A hallmark of Squirrel POS is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for staff to navigate even during the busiest shifts. The system is intended to be user-friendly, reducing training time and allowing your staff to concentrate on what matters most: delivering exceptional customer service.
Moreover, Squirrel Systems prides itself on developing and maintaining client partnerships. This means they are not just selling you a product but working with you to ensure the system meets your needs and helps your business grow.
Exploring the Key Features of Squirrel POS
As restaurant owners, managers, or staff, we all have our wish list for what makes a POS system great. Squirrel POS seems to have a knack for ticking many of those boxes. Let’s dive into some key features that make Squirrel POS stand out.
Comprehensive Reporting
One of the most frequently praised features of Squirrel POS is its extensive reporting capabilities. The system provides a wealth of report options that help management control cash and inventory.
These reports can be used directly for audit work, making them an essential tool for accounting departments. In addition, it provides real-time sales reports throughout the day, allowing managers to make informed decisions based on the latest data.
Payroll and Daily Reports
Besides sales and inventory reports, Squirrel POS also excels in handling payroll and generating daily and monthly reports. This is a one-stop shop for managing your company reports with the press of a button, saving you time and lowering the chance of mistakes arising when these operations are handled manually.
Excellent Customer Service
When it comes to software, good customer service can make all the difference. Users have praised Squirrel POS for its excellent customer service, with quick response times to resolve issues and ensure smooth operations.
Stability and Reliability
Squirrel POS is known for its stability and reliability, with users finding the system very stable even under high-volume, fast-paced environments.
Customization Capabilities
The ability to customize your POS system to your specific needs is another feature where Squirrel shines. Whether it’s menu changes, user access levels, or setting up different operational workflows, Squirrel POS allows you to tailor the system to fit your restaurant like a glove.
Mobile Compatibility
In the fast-paced world of restaurants, mobility can be a game-changer. WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF SQUIRREL MOBILITY, Squirrel POS offers mobile compatibility, enabling servers to take orders at the table and improving efficiency and customer service.
Security
Security has never been more critical with the increasing prevalence of digital transactions. Squirrel POS has implemented robust security measures to protect cardholder information, giving restaurant owners and customerspeace of mind.
Multi-Currency Options
For restaurants that cater to international customers, the multi-currency options of Squirrel POS are a boon. The system can handle transactions in multiple currencies, making it easier to serve customers worldwide.
As you can see, Squirrel POS packs a punch regarding features. But how do these features translate to real-world applications in restaurants? In the next section, we’ll explore how Squirrel POS is used in the restaurant industry and see how these features come to life. Stay tuned.
The Stability of Squirrel POS: A Reliable Choice
In the restaurant business, stability is a crucial factor. Your POS system is like an orchestra conductor, coordinating the various sections to create a symphony of service.
If the conductor falters, the entire performance can be thrown into chaos. This is why the stability of your POS system matters so much, and it’s an area where Squirrel POS truly excels.
Squirrel POS is often praised for its stability and reliability, even under challenging conditions. Whether it’s a busy Friday night rush or a high-volume holiday season, Squirrel POS keeps performing at its best, ensuring your service continues to run smoothly.
One of the reasons behind this stability is the robust infrastructure of the Squirrel POS system. It is built on a proven technology platform that ensures uptime and consistency in performance.
Regular updates and upgrades are provided to ensure the system is always at its best, adapting to the changing needs of the restaurant industry.
Another aspect contributing to Squirrel POS’s stability is its flexibility. The system can cater to various service styles and scales, from small businesses to large, multi-unit operations.
This flexibility allows it to adapt to your restaurant’s specific needs and challenges, ensuring a stable and seamless performance regardless of operational complexities.
Moreover, if any issue arises, the Squirrel POS team quickly responds, providing excellent customer service to get you back on track as soon as possible. This minimizes downtime and ensures that any potential issues are addressed promptly, maintaining the overall stability of your operations.
If you’re looking for a POS system that offers stability and reliability in the hectic world of restaurant operations, Squirrel POS is worth considering. Its proven performance, flexibility, and dedicated customer service make it a reliable choice for restaurants of all sizes and styles.
Squirrel POS in the Restaurant Industry: Real-World Applications
Having discussed the many features of Squirrel POS, it’s time to see how these features play out in the field, where it matters the most.
Squirrel POS is a versatile system many businesses use, from small local eateries to large restaurant chains with hundreds of locations. Each type of business finds value in different features, but a few common threads tie them all together.
Streamlining Multi-Unit Operations
For large, multi-unit operations, the ability to manage multiple locations through a single system is invaluable. Squirrel POS offers comprehensive solutions for these businesses, enabling them to streamline their operations and maintain consistency across all locations. This consistency is essential for the brand image and ensuring a uniform customer experience across all outlets.
Enhancing Service Speed and Efficiency
In fast-paced restaurant environments, every second counts. Squirrel POS helps expedite service by sending orders directly to the kitchen or the bar as soon as they are entered into the system. This eliminates the need for servers to manually relay orders, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
Simplifying Daily Menu Changes
For restaurants that change their menus daily, Squirrel POS is a godsend. The system allows easy input of menu changes and the ability to mark items as out of stock quickly. This is particularly useful for restaurants focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients, where availability may change from one day to the next.
Providing Robust Security
In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of customer information is paramount. Squirrel POS offers robust security measures to protect cardholder information, providing restaurant owners and customerspeace of mind.
Facilitating International Transactions
Restaurants located in tourist hotspots or major cities often cater to international customers. The multi-currency options of Squirrel POS make it easier to handle transactions in different currencies, enhancing the customer experience for international patrons.
Enhancing Customer Service
With the introduction of Squirrel Mobility, servers can take orders right at the table, leading to faster service and a more personalized customer experience. This mobile compatibility improves efficiency and allows servers to focus more on customer interaction, enhancing the overall dining experience.
These real-world applications demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of Squirrel POS. Whether you run a small diner or a large restaurant chain, Squirrel POS has the features and capabilities to meet your needs.
Squirrel POS Reporting: Harnessing the Power of Data
In the modern restaurant industry, data is not just a resource—it’s a critical asset that can drive decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, and ultimately boost your bottom line. With Squirrel POS’s powerful reporting capabilities, you can harness the power of data to propel your restaurant forward.
One of the standout features of Squirrel POS is its comprehensive reporting functionality. Depending on your preferences, you may generate various reports that drill down into specific facets of your business.
Sales Reporting
Squirrel POS provides detailed sales reports, allowing you to monitor your sales throughout the day. This real-time data can be invaluable for making quick decisions, such as adjusting staffing levels or running promotions to boost slow periods.
Payroll and Financial Reporting
Squirrel POS also makes payroll processing and financial reporting a breeze. You can generate daily and monthly reports, providing an overview of your financial performance and enabling you to keep a close eye on your bottom line.
Inventory Reporting
The system also offers robust inventory reporting, helping you keep track of your stock levels and identify trends in product usage. This can be crucial for effective inventory management, minimizing waste, and maximizing profitability.
Audit Reporting
For audit purposes, the reports generated by Squirrel POS can be directly used, saving time and effort on data preparation. This can be particularly beneficial for more extensive operations that comply with stringent auditing requirements.
Tip Distribution Reporting
Squirrel POS also provides a dedicated report for tip distribution, making it easy to manage and distribute tips among your staff. This feature can help ensure fair and transparent tip distribution, leading to happier employees and a more harmonious workplace environment.
But it’s not just about the sheer number of reports that Squirrel POS offers—it’s also about the accessibility and usability of these reports. Accessing your reports whenever and wherever you choose gives you more control over how you run your business.
Moreover, Squirrel POS provides excellent customer service to support you in leveraging its reporting capabilities. If you ever have issues or need assistance setting up or interpreting your reports, their team quickly provides a solution.
Squirrel POS for Payroll and Daily Reports: Streamlining Your Operations
Running a restaurant involves juggling many moving parts, and managing payroll and daily reports is integral. A system that effectively manages these facets will free you up to concentrate on what you do best: providing excellent food and service to your customers. This is where Squirrel POS shines.
Simplifying Payroll
One of the critical features of Squirrel POS is its capability to streamline payroll processes. Payroll in the restaurant industry can be complicated due to variable hours, tips, and overtime. Squirrel POS simplifies this by enabling you to handle payroll directly within the system.
With Squirrel POS, you can easily track hours worked by your staff, calculate wages, and even distribute tips.
This dramatically reduces the manual work involved and minimizes the risk of errors in your payroll calculations. Moreover, having payroll integrated into your POS system means that you have all your employee data in one place, making it easier to manage and maintain.
Providing Comprehensive Daily Reports
Regarding daily reporting, Squirrel POS offers a comprehensive report suite that can provide a snapshot of your restaurant’s daily performance.
These reports cover various metrics, including sales, inventory, and employee performance, providing valuable insights that can guide your decision-making process.
One notable feature is the ability to monitor your sales throughout the day. This real-time information can be invaluable in a fast-paced restaurant environment, allowing you to adjust your operations based on sales trends.
For example, if sales are slower than expected during a particular time slot, you could launch a flash promotion to attract more customers.
Offering Convenience and Flexibility
With Squirrel POS, you can access your payroll and reports anytime, anywhere. This allows you to manage your restaurant operations even when not on-site. Whether at home, on vacation, or at a business meeting, you can stay informed and in control of your business.
Backed by Excellent Customer Service
Lastly, Squirrel POS is backed by excellent customer service. If you encounter any issues or need assistance with payroll or reporting, their team is always ready to help.
This level of support can make a significant difference in smoothly running your operations and making the most of the system’s capabilities.
Squirrel POS offers powerful tools for handling payroll and daily reports, simplifying these critical tasks and freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your restaurant operations.
Squirrel POS Pricing and Plans: Is it worth the investment?
Squirrel POS offers several pricing options to accommodate the unique needs of each restaurant. According to the latest information from Squirrel Systems, the price for the Squirrel Cloud POS Independent Restaurant Edition starts from $57.50 per month for the first device, and each additional device costs $20 per month.
It’s important to note that these prices represent a 50% discount for an introductory offer based on a minimum 12-month term. The standard pricing for the first device is $115 and $40 per month for each subsequent device.
In addition to this, Squirrel Systems offers a Squirrel Cloud POS Foundation Bundle. This bundle provides the necessary hardware to get your POS system up and running quickly.
The bundle includes a WS150 Terminal, a cash drawer, a check printer, and a wireless network router. This all-in-one bundle starts at $2,425.
These prices include regular software updates and access to online training, providing an affordable solution for restaurants looking to digitize their operations.
However, it’s worth mentioning that there might be additional costs for add-ons such as online ordering, kitchen automation, reservations, and third-party delivery.
As with any significant business decision, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess your restaurant’s specific needs and budget before deciding on a POS system.
The cost of the system is just one factor to consider; the features, reliability, customer service, and ease of use are equally important, if not more so.
Below is a breakdown in Table format
| Squirrel POS Pricing Components | Cost |
|---|---|
| First Device (Introductory Offer) | $57.50/month |
| Each Additional Device (Introductory Offer) | $20/month |
| First Device (Regular Price) | $115/month |
| Each Additional Device (Regular Price) | $40/month |
| Squirrel Cloud POS Foundation Bundle | Starts at $2,425 USD |
Please note that the introductory offer is based on a minimum 12-month term and offers a 50% discount on the regular monthly subscription price.
The Squirrel Cloud POS Foundation Bundle includes a WS150 Terminal, Cash Drawer, Check Printer, and Wireless Network Router.
Additional costs may apply for add-ons such as online ordering, kitchen automation, reservations, and third-party delivery.
The Strength of Squirrel POS Customer Service: Always Here to Help
In today’s competitive business environment, exceptional customer service is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. This is especially true for POS systems, where issues can directly impact your business operations. With Squirrel POS, you can expect top-notch customer service ready to assist whenever you need help.
Quick and Responsive
One of the critical strengths of Squirrel POS’s customer service is its responsiveness. They quickly respond and provide a solution when you encounter an issue, whether a technical glitch or a question about using a feature. This swift action can minimize any potential disruption to your operations, ensuring that your POS system—and, by extension, your restaurant—runs smoothly.
Remote Assistance
Squirrel POS customer service goes beyond just answering your calls. They offer remote assistance, which means they can directly access your system to troubleshoot issues. This allows them to diagnose and resolve problems more effectively and saves you the trouble of explaining complex technical issues over the phone.
Knowledgeable and Professional
Squirrel POS’s customer service team is not just responsive—they’re also highly knowledgeable. They understand the ins and outs of the system and can provide clear, accurate explanations and instructions.
This level of expertise can be a significant asset when dealing with complex issues or trying to understand advanced features.
Focused on Customer Satisfaction
A genuine commitment to customer satisfaction is at the heart of Squirrel POS’s customer service. They are not just there to fix problems—they’re there to ensure you get the most out of your POS system.
Whether you need help setting up a new feature, want to learn about best practices, or are looking for ways to optimize your system, they’re ready to help.
Squirrel POS Mobile Compatibility: Taking Your POS With You
In the age of smartphones and tablets, having a mobile-compatible POS system is not just an advantage—it’s almost necessary. Mobile POS systems are becoming increasingly prevalent as restaurants seek to streamline their operations and enhance the customer experience. Squirrel POS is keeping up with this trend by offering robust mobile compatibility.
Squirrel Mobility: POS On-the-Go
One of the major advancements in Squirrel POS is the development of Squirrel Mobility, their mobile POS application. This app allows your staff to take orders, process payments, and perform other essential tasks from a mobile device. This can drastically improve the efficiency of your operations and the customer experience.
For example, servers can take orders at the table, eliminating the need to run back and forth to a stationary POS terminal. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors in order taking. Additionally, customers can pay at the table, adding convenience and enhancing their overall dining experience.
Real-Time Updates and Control
With Squirrel Mobility, you can manage your restaurant operations in real time from your mobile device. From monitoring sales to updating menu items, you have control over your operations at your fingertips.
This flexibility benefits restaurant owners or managers who are often on the move. Even when you’re off-site, you can keep an eye on your restaurant’s performance and make necessary adjustments.
Enhancing Customer Service
Mobile compatibility also enhances customer service. For instance, if a customer has a question about a menu item, servers can quickly look up the information on their mobile device, providing instant answers. This can lead to more informed customers and quicker decision-making, which can help turn tables faster.
Secure and Reliable
Despite the convenience it offers, mobile POS can raise security concerns. But with Squirrel POS, you don’t have to worry. Squirrel Mobility provides a secure platform for processing transactions and protecting customer data.
The mobile compatibility of Squirrel POS offers numerous benefits, from improved operational efficiency to enhanced customer service. It’s a testament to their commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of restaurants.
Safety First: Security Features of Squirrel POS
The security of your POS system is critical in the age of digital payments and online transactions. Not only is it essential for protecting your business, but it’s also crucial for maintaining the trust of your customers. With Squirrel POS, you can rest assured that your system is secure and reliable.
Data Protection
One of the key security features of Squirrel POS is its robust data protection measures. Whether it’s transaction data, customer information, or employee records, Squirrel POS uses secure encryption to protect sensitive information. This helps to prevent illegal access and data breaches, protecting your company and its customers.
Secure Transactions
When it comes to processing payments, Squirrel POS ensures a secure transaction process. This includes complying with PCI-DSS standards to ensure the secure handling of credit card information. Squirrel POS provides a safe environment for customers to make paymentsby meeting these stringent security requirements.
User Access Control
Squirrel POS also controls user access, allowing you to define what each employee can do and access within the system. This can help prevent unauthorized actions and protect sensitive areas of your system. For instance, you can restrict access to financial reports or limit who can process refunds. This level of control can help detect and prevent internal theft and fraud.
Mobile Security
As discussed in the previous section, Squirrel POS offers mobile compatibility through Squirrel Mobility. But they didn’t just make the system mobile—they also ensured it’s secure. Squirrel Mobility features the same robust security measures as the main system, so you can use it confidently, knowing that your data and transactions are protected.
The security of Squirrel POS is a key aspect of what makes it an excellent choice for restaurants. With robust data protection, secure transactions, user access control, and mobile security, Squirrel POS provides a safe and reliable platform for your restaurant operations.
The following section discusses how Squirrel POS supports payroll and daily reports. Stay tuned!
Squirrel POS Customization: Tailoring Your POS Experience
Customization is a key feature that sets a good POS system apart from a great one. With the ability to tailor the POS system to your unique business needs, you can enhance efficiency, improve user experience, and gain better insights into your operations. Squirrel POS stands out in this regard with its robust customization features.
Customizable Menu Setup
One of the areas where customization is most appreciated in a POS system is the menu setup. Squirrel POS allows you to input your menu items, define their specifications, and arrange them in a way that best suits your operations. Whether you’re a small café with a simple menu or a large restaurant with a complex assortment of dishes, Squirrel POS can accommodate your needs.
Furthermore, it’s easy to change the menu in Squirrel POS. If you run out of a particular item or want to add a daily special, you can quickly update the menu in the system, ensuring that your staff always has the most up-to-date information at their fingertips.
Versatile Reporting
Squirrel POS also offers customizable reporting. This allows you to choose the data you want and how you want to see it. Squirrel POS gives you the tools to analyze your business from multiple perspectives, from sales and inventory to labor and customer insights. This level of customization can help you gain deeper insights into your operations and make more informed decisions.
Multi-Currency Support
Squirrel POS offers multi-currency support for restaurants that cater to an international clientele or operate in different countries. This means you can customize your POS system to accept and display different currencies, making it easier to do business globally.
User Access Controls
As discussed in the previous section, Squirrel POS controls user access. This feature allows you to customize what each user or role can do in the system. This enhances security and ensures that users have the tools they need to do their job effectively.
The customization capabilities of Squirrel POS make it a versatile and adaptable system. Squirrel POS can be tailored to fit your unique business needs, whether you’re a small eatery or a large restaurant chain.
Squirrel POS Multi-Currency Options: Serving Global Customers
In an increasingly globalized world, the ability to handle transactions in multiple currencies is becoming more important for businesses of all sizes.
Whether you’re a small local eatery that frequently serves tourists or a large restaurant chain with locations in multiple countries, having a POS system that supports multi-currency transactions can be a significant advantage. Squirrel POS shines in this aspect with its multi-currency capabilities.
Multi-Currency Transactions
Squirrel POS supports transactions in multiple currencies, making it an excellent choice for restaurants that serve international customers or operate in different countries1.
Squirrel POS can handle the transaction smoothly if a customer pays with a foreign credit card or cash in a different currency. This can significantly enhance the customer experience, eliminating the need for customers to worry about currency exchange before making a payment.
Currency Display Options
Not only does Squirrel POS support transactions in multiple currencies, but it also allows you to customize the currency display. This means you can set the system to display prices in the local currency, the currency of the customer’s card, or even in a global currency like the US dollar. This flexibility can be useful for helping customers understand the cost of their meals in a currency they’re familiar with.
Accurate Exchange Rates
When handling transactions in multiple currencies, it’s important to use accurate and up-to-date exchange rates. Squirrel POS ensures this by integrating with currency exchange services to provide real-time exchange rates.
This means that when a customer pays in a foreign currency, the system will calculate the cost based on the most current exchange rate, ensuring fair and accurate pricing.
The multi-currency capabilities of Squirrel POS make it an excellent choice for restaurants that serve international customers or have locations in multiple countries.
With multi-currency transactions, customizable currency display, and accurate exchange rates, Squirrel POS helps you cater to a global customer base easily and professionally.
Conclusion: Is Squirrel POS Great for Your Restaurant?
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this comprehensive review of Squirrel POS. From its features and real-world applications to its reporting capabilities, customer service, mobile compatibility, security, customization, and multi-currency options, it’s clear that Squirrel POS has a lot to offer to the restaurant industry.
Squirrel POS is a robust and reliable system with impressive stability, making it a trustworthy partner in your daily operations. Whether running a small café or managing a multi-unit restaurant operation, Squirrel POS offers scalable solutions that can meet your needs.
The system’s strong reporting capabilities empower you with a wealth of data at your fingertips. This, coupled with its ability to streamline payroll and daily reports, makes Squirrel POS an excellent tool for managing your restaurant’s operations and making informed business decisions.
One of the standout features of Squirrel POS is its strong customer service. Users have praised the company’s quick response times and proactive problem-solving approach.
This strong support network can be a lifesaver in the fast-paced restaurant industry, where downtime can have significant implications.
The mobile compatibility of Squirrel POS allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in your operations. With the ability to access the system from your smartphone, you can manage your business on the go.
Squirrel POS has solid security measures to protect your business and customers. This includes user access controls and secure payment processing, which can give you and your customers peace of mind.
The customization capabilities of Squirrel POS and its multi-currency options are additional strengths that can enhance your operations and serve your customers better.
Squirrel POS presents a comprehensive, reliable, and feature-rich solution that can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your restaurant operations.
Its flexibility and agility make it suited for various eateries, and its sturdy characteristics appeal to the food industry’s specific demands. So, is Squirrel POS great for your restaurant? The answer is a resounding yes given its capabilities and positive user reviews.
Remember, however, that the best way to determine if Squirrel POS is right for you is to consider your restaurant’s specific needs and try the system yourself.
Happy exploring.
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.
