If you're running a business, chances are good that you need a
point-of-sale machine to complete consumer purchases and bars are no exception.
The components of a POS machine include hardware, software, and operational
features.
Not all POS machines are created equal and some will suit your
business better than others. You may just need a simple system to complete
business transactions, or you may need a full-service option that also tracks
inventory, and employee tips, and integrates with other apps. Before choosing
from the available epos
system for wine & liquor, assess your business
needs and assess how each option meets those needs.
Epos System For Pub & Bar
Epos system for a restaurant or
bar, you'll need to buy or rent your hardware components, although industry
experts recommend avoiding leasing because of the long-term and irrevocable
contract. The over-the-counter POS station typically includes a tablet and
stand, a receipt printer, and a cash drawer. You will also need a card reader.
Depending on your needs and budget, you may want to integrate
other peripherals for a seamless POS station, including barcode scanners,
scales, and liquor control devices. Bars with kitchens and cocktail servers
will require additional equipment. For example, if you serve food in your bar,
you will need a kitchen printer or kitchen display system (KDS).
Since bars are often fast-paced environments with occasional
spills, smaller accessories like a waterproof tablet case can be a good
investment to keep your gear up and running. POS hardware such as kiosks,
digital menu boards, and coin dispensers are available, but they are usually
not essential for a bar's POS system.
Epos Software
Most POS software is software as a service (SaaS) and
cloud-based or application-based, although you can also choose a local
server-based option. The best POS software for your business will depend on the
size and capacity of your bar.
Due to its affordability and ease of use, cloud-based POS
software has become very popular among the business community. This type of
software can be easily installed on your POS terminal or tablet and offers many
features including the ability to store and view your sales data online. The
type of integration you implement with this software will depend on the plan
you choose from your service provider. While the cloud-based software is easy
to deploy and maintain for most bars, it can be slow and prone to crashing if
you have an unstable internet connection.
Locally hosted POS software is the old way of operating an epos
system for a hotel or bar. With
this option, your data is stored on-local server, which can cause problems for
managers who need to access their data sets outside of the bar. This option is
more expensive and usually only beneficial for very large facilities. If you
run a small or medium-sized bar, cloud-based point-of-sale software is probably
the best option for your business.
Choose The Best Bar POS System
When choosing the best epos system for your bar, it's important
to consider what POS features you need and your available budget. You don't
want to be stuck with something that has all those features you'll never use or
worse, can't grow with your business. To make sure you're making an informed
decision, consider the following:
Does it meet your specific business needs?
Some POS systems cater to retailers, while others cater to
hospitality. So be sure to look for one that suits your specific needs. You
want to choose one designed with the bars in mind, not the one that makes it
the afterthought.
Can it support your growth?
It is important to anticipate the growth of your business and
choose a bar POS system that allows you to grow as you see fit.
Is it affordable for your budget?
There are many POS systems on the market with different price
points. You want to choose one that fits your budget. The point of sale is
designed to help you run your business better. If expenses are too high, it can
harm your cash flow.
Is the software compatible with your other business
applications?
A good bar POS will easily integrate with your accounting
software and other business apps to give you a holistic view of your business.
If the POS system doesn't integrate with your existing software and you don't
want to switch providers, choose another POS provider.
