How to choose the suitable POS system? 3

[John Torn]

Hello!
I'm going to open my first restaurant soon and now looking for a reliable pos system for it. I don't need something expensive and sophisticated, the iPad-based system will do. One company contact me and promised to help me to choose the most suitable pos for a minimal price. Sounds interesting, but I can't find any testimonials about this company. Here's the link to their website Link
Someone know something about these guys?
Also, I'll be grateful for any recommendations, tnx!

 

[PosTech72]

if you can't find any testimonial about the company you just spotted your first red flag. Be careful of people promising too cheap of systems. You are probably buying junk. Go with a company that has actual clients you can call to talk about their systems. Don't go with Clover as I spend part of my time converting sites from Clover because the owners are so frustrated with it. I work with Aloha but it is pretty much the most expensive option. Good hardware and software just expensive. There are a number of websites out there that are unbiased and rank the systems based kind of on what you want and need. Definitely do your research and make sure it is a good fit for you.

 

[PosGuyUS]

Inexpensive but reliable, look at NCC Reflection. You can get all the same cloud features that the cloud people say they have plus they are experienced, not just came out of college and created a POS system that they are really only interested in selling to another company.
Wired is better than wireless and cheaper. If you go with IPads or Android, remember, most are not commercial grade. When you drop them, they break and they also cannot run printers, cash drawers etc so for those, you have to get IP printers, means more cost to you.

 

[PosGuyUS]

some good info in the forums here:

http://www.foodservice.com/forums/

 

[John Torn]

Is it true that android tablets can't work with printers?
I'm sure they can work with any wi-fi compatible printer, right?

 

[POSINSAM]

There are adapters for all interfaces. Worry more about the software and how you will use it. What kind of restaurant?

 

[PosGuyUS]

Some systems will appear to be very cheap, even free but you end up spending the money elsewhere. Either in higher CC fees, limited integration to other systems, having to provide Wifi and the firewall. When you get a quote, make sure you are comparing apples to apples as best you can. I agree with Shane, worry more about the software and what you will use it for.
Think about speed. How fast can you ring an order, how many touches? How many people do they suggest share a terminal? used to be 2-3 servers per terminal was recommended. I would probably shoot for 3-4 servers per terminal so if you expect to have 4-6 servers on the floor and a bartender, 3 terminals should be plenty.
Do you want a system that includes modules like labor scheduling, inventory, kitchen management, online ordering, etc? Do you want a system that integrates to other systems like Hot Schedules, Payroll providers, choices for credit card processing, online ordering, etc or are you okay with it not integrating with 3rd parties?
What happens when the system goes down? If it is Cloud, does it work without the internet. Does it work if the main terminal goes down?
I would recommend you ask the neighboring restaurants what systems they use and if they are happy with the service they get. If the service isn't good then you should probably look at other systems.