- Understanding Mobile POS Devices
- Issues That Restaurants Face Without Mobile POS Integration
- Orders.co’s Mobile POS System
Point-of-sale (POS) systems have become essential for restaurants, streamlining operations and enhancing customer service.
Traditional POS systems, however, are often stationary, limiting their utility.
Portable point-of-sale machines have emerged as a game-changer, offering unprecedented flexibility and efficiency.
It is projected that at the end of 2024, the overall mobile POS transactions will reach up to $787,60 billion in the US.
This highlights how important mobile point-of-sale devices are in helping restaurants meet customer needs and simplify ordering processing.
In this article, we delve into the advantages of mobile point-of-sale devices, explore how they function, and guide you through the process of choosing a restaurant handheld POS.
Understanding Mobile POS Devices
What is a handheld POS?
A mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) system is a portable version of a traditional POS system, typically running on a smartphone or tablet.
It enables businesses to process transactions, manage order-taking, and track sales on the go.
This versatility is particularly beneficial for restaurants, where staff often need to interact with customers at various locations, such as tableside, bars, or outdoor dining areas.
Essential components of mobile pos systems for restaurants include:
Hardware
- Mobile device: A smartphone or tablet powerful enough to become a handheld restaurant ordering device.
- Card reader: For processing credit and debit card payments.
- Receipt printer: For generating customer receipts.
- Other peripherals: Optional equipment like cash drawers, barcode scanners, and customer displays.
Software
- POS application: The core software handles sales transactions, inventory management, and payment processing.
- Payment processing integration: Connects the system to payment gateways for secure transactions.
- Cloud-based backend: Stores and manages data, enabling access from multiple devices.
These components work together to create a flexible and efficient platform for restaurant operations.
Issues That Restaurants Face Without Mobile POS Integration
Restaurants that don’t use Mobile POS systems face significant challenges that can impact their overall efficiency and customer satisfaction:
Increased Wait Times: Without mobile POS systems, staff must manually enter orders at fixed stations, leading to longer service times.
This is particularly problematic during peak hours when speed is crucial for handling high customer volume. Extended wait times can frustrate customers and deter them from returning.
Higher Error Rates: The traditional method of relaying orders from the table to a stationary POS increases the likelihood of communication errors.
Misunderstandings or misentries can result in incorrect orders, which require remaking waste resources and irritating customers.
Limited Data Access: Conventional POS systems cannot often provide real-time updates on sales.
This limitation can prevent managers from accessing up-to-date information necessary for quick operational decisions, such as adjusting menu availability or planning stock replenishment.
Reduced Staff Efficiency: Servers assigned to multiple tables far from their POS stations can experience increased physical strain and decreased efficiency.
This affects their ability to serve promptly and reduces opportunities for engaging with customers, which is vital for ensuring a pleasant dining experience and encouraging tips.
Competitive Disadvantage: In a market where customers increasingly value technological convenience, restaurants without mobile POS solutions fall behind.
Orders.co’s Mobile POS System
Mobile POS systems provide staff with a powerful tool for increasing revenue. With access to menu options, suggestive selling prompts, and special promotions right at the customer’s table, servers can effectively recommend additional items, upgrades, or complementary dishes.
Besides, 86% of restaurants use POS data to shape discounts, loyalty programs, and marketing efforts. This ability to upsell boosts average order value and enhances the overall dining experience.
Orders.co‘s Mobile POS system is designed to simplify online order management and offer a range of features that can help your restaurant operate more smoothly and efficiently.
Here’s how our system can benefit your business:
Key Features & Benefits of Orders.co’s Mobile POS System
1. Integration & Flexibility:
- Seamless Integration: Our system integrates smoothly with popular POS platforms like Clover, Square, and Toast, allowing you to add mobile capabilities without changing your existing setup.
- Flexible Hardware Options: Use the Mobile POS app on existing smartphones or tablets, or choose our dedicated handheld devices as needed. This flexibility helps save on hardware costs and ensures efficient operations.
2. Efficiency, Accuracy & Revenue Boost:
- Faster Service: Enable staff to take orders and process payments directly at the table, reducing wait times and speeding up table turnover.
- Reduced Errors: Orders are entered directly into the system from the table, minimizing mistakes common with manual entry, which improves order accuracy and customer satisfaction.
- Increased Revenue Through Upselling: With access to the full menu and promotions at their fingertips, your staff can easily suggest add-ons and upgrades, helping to boost sales and enhance the dining experience.
3. Takeout & Delivery Management:
- Enhanced Takeout Management: The system categorizes phone orders for takeout or delivery, simplifying tracking and management.
- Optimized Delivery Management: The AI system helps select the best driver for each order by considering availability factors like in-house and third-party drivers. This ensures your customers get their food quickly and efficiently, improving overall service quality.
4. Payment & Loyalty Support:
- Comprehensive Payment Support: Offer customers the convenience of multiple payment methods, including tap payments, credit cards, mobile wallets, and SMS payment links.
- Loyalty Integration: Connect takeout orders with Orders.co’s loyalty programs, allowing customers to earn and redeem points and fostering repeat business & customer loyalty.
5. Reporting & Security:
- Unified Reporting: Consolidate all order data into one 11-in-1 Order.co’s system, providing a clear overview of your restaurant’s operations and aiding in decision-making.
Ready to upgrade how your restaurant manages dine-in service and order taking?
Schedule a demo today and discover how Orders.co can elevate your restaurant business.
