• Understanding Handheld POS Systems
• How To Choose The Right Handheld POS System
• Orders.co’s Handheld POS System

Point of Sale (POS) systems have become indispensable tools for streamlining restaurant operations. 

A 2020 Salesforce survey found that half of small businesses consider analytics and reporting features in their POS system essential to their operations. 

However, during the past years, with the increased need of flexibility and mobility in restaurant service, handheld POS devices continue to grow in demand.  

This comprehensive guide will delve into restaurant handheld POS systems, exploring what they are, their benefits and features, and how they can revolutionize your restaurant business.

Understanding Handheld POS Systems

Handheld POS is a portable point-of-sale device designed to manage orders and process transactions directly from the point of customer interaction. 

It’s a miniaturized version of a traditional POS system equipped with a touchscreen and payment processing capabilities, currently preferred by 1 out of every 4 people globally.

These systems usually include sturdy equipment designed to handle the demands of a busy restaurant, along with powerful software that helps with key tasks like taking orders and processing payments quickly.

Key Features of Handheld POS Systems

• Portability and mobility: These devices allow staff to move freely around the dining area, improving service efficiency.
• User-friendly interface: Intuitive designs make order-taking and payment processing quick and easy.
• Integration with existing POS systems: Seamlessly connects with existing restaurant technology for data consistency.
• Support for multiple payment methods: Accepts various payment options to cater to customer preferences.
• Real-time data access and reporting: Provides up-to-date information for informed decision-making.

Advantages of Handheld POS Systems

Here are some mobile point-of-sale device advantages: 

Increased efficiency and reduced wait times: Handheld devices streamline order-taking and payment processes by eliminating the need for servers to constantly run back and forth to the main POS station. 

This results in faster service, increased table turnover, and improved customer satisfaction.

Improved order accuracy: Order details are entered directly into the system at the customer’s table, minimizing the risk of transcription errors. This accuracy leads to fewer mistakes in the kitchen and happier customers.

Upselling opportunities: With a handheld POS system, servers gain instant access to menu details, enabling more effective upselling by recommending add-ons, specials, or premium items.

Flexibility in managing orders and payments: Handheld devices allow staff to handle various tasks, such as taking orders, splitting checks, processing payments, and managing reservations from anywhere in the restaurant. This flexibility improves operational efficiency and responsiveness to customer needs.

How To Choose The Right Handheld POS System

Several key factors should guide you in choosing the best handheld POS.  

• Compatibility with your existing POS infrastructure is essential to avoid disruptions. 
• The system should offer a feature set that aligns with your restaurant’s specific needs, such as order taking, payment processing, inventory management, and customer relationship management. 
• Consider the overall cost of the system, including hardware, software, and ongoing fees. 
• Reliable customer support is paramount to promptly addressing any technical issues.

With numerous handheld POS options available, knowing how to choose handheld pos with thorough research and comparing different providers is essential. 

Once you select a system, train your staff thoroughly on how to use it. Make sure they understand all the features and how these can streamline their work. 

Training ensures everyone feels comfortable and confident using the new system, which can lead to a smoother transition and better adoption across the board.

Orders.co’s Handheld POS System

Besides the above considerations, consider the system’s scalability and cost-effectiveness and review the provider’s reputation within your industry to ensure you’re choosing a trusted partner that can grow with your business.

As being one of the trusted restaurant growth solutions providers, Orders.co‘s offers a mobile POS system, which is a powerful tool for restaurants looking to improve dine-in service efficiency. 

Key Features & Benefits:

• Reduced Wait Times: Process orders and payments directly at the table, speeding up service and reducing customer wait times.
• Increased Sales: Efficient order management allows staff to handle more orders, boosting overall sales.
• Seamless Integration: Integrates smoothly with existing POS systems like Clover and Square, minimizing disruption.
• Flexible Hardware Options: This feature lets you use the mobile devices or tablets you already have to set up your POS system, helping you save money. If needed, you can also add specialized devices later. This keeps initial costs low and lets you easily expand your setup as your business grows.
• Versatile Payment Options: Supports secure tap payments, mobile wallets, and SMS payment links for flexible, contactless transactions.
• Optimized Turnover Rates: Faster order processing increases table turnover, allowing you to serve more customers.
• Upselling Opportunities: Access to menu options and promotional prompts at the table encourages upselling and higher ticket values.
• Secure Transactions: Advanced encryption and security measures ensure that all customer and payment data is protected.
• Improved Phone Order Management: Easily enter phone orders directly into the system. Orders are sorted as takeout or delivery, making tracking and management simpler.

• AI Dispatch Feature: This feature optimizes your delivery process by using AI to select the best driver for each order. It evaluates factors like the driver’s proximity, performance ratings, and cost-effectiveness to ensure timely and efficient deliveries. This way, you maintain high-quality service even when your regular drivers are unavailable.

If you’re ready to see how our handheld POS can ease your restaurants’ operations, Schedule a DEMO with Orders.co today and see these advantages firsthand.