If you operate a pizza restaurant, you know that almost every customer has a unique preference — one variety of pizza will not work for everyone. It’s the same when selecting a point-of-sale system for your pizzeria — one POS system will not fit every type of restaurant, so you need one designed to handle pizza sales. Here are some of the most important features you should look for in a POS solution to ensure you find the optimal one for your pizza shop.
Top considerations
Because your restaurant moves at a rapid pace, your POS system should be fast and efficient. It should track your inventory (so you can monitor your stock of ingredients, boxes, and other supplies to know when to reorder them), manage seating and reservations, split checks, and generate itemized receipts with blank lines for tips. It needs to execute these tasks quickly enough to keep up with your pace of operations, so be sure to test any hardware and software solutions for speed prior to implementation.
Your POS system should have a merchant account included for credit card sales. Inquire about extra credit card processing fees. Your POS should also interface with other restaurant software you use, like your accounting system.
You may also want your POS system to manage carryout orders and/or delivery orders — something most restaurant POS systems don’t handle. If you intend to have a customer loyalty program, you should look for that feature as well. Your system should also track how often your employees honor coupons and provide customers discounts, so you can ensure these benefits are not being overused and harming profits.
Your pizza restaurant will want to select a POS system that possesses user-friendly graphical interfaces so you can train your employees to use it without difficulty. You might also want a wireless mobile option to use directly at customer tables to collect payments. Most restaurant POS solutions are a combination of hardware and software, so inquire about the different configurations available. Ask if hardware can be leased or provided free.
Because a POS problem can bring your sales to a halt, hunt for a reputable POS vendor with technical support available around the clock, 365 days per year. You should also ask how the vendor protects customers’ data, like encrypting credit card numbers.
Interested in a pizzeria POS system?
Host Merchant Services provides POS systems and payment processing for pizzerias. We bundle our hardware and software with credit card processing services, installation, and support. Contact one of our sales representatives for more information about HMS’s pizza restaurant solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pizza POS system?
A pizza POS system is a Point of Sale software specifically designed for pizzerias. It combines hardware and software to handle various aspects of a pizzeria’s operations, including order taking, menu customization, inventory management, delivery tracking, and payment processing. These systems often have features tailored to the unique needs of pizzerias, such as pizza-building tools, half-and-half toppings, and delivery driver management.
What are the key features to consider in a pizza POS system?
When choosing a pizza POS system, key features to consider include menu customization for toppings and modifiers, easy order entry and modification, delivery management with real-time driver tracking, inventory management for ingredients and supplies, integrated online ordering capabilities, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and robust reporting and analytics.
Should I opt for a cloud-based or on-premise pizza POS system?
Both cloud-based and on-premise POS systems have their advantages. Cloud-based systems offer remote access, automatic updates, and data backup, making them convenient and scalable. On-premise systems, on the other hand, provide more control over data and may be preferable for businesses with limited or unreliable internet connectivity. Consider your specific needs, budget, and technical capabilities to determine which option is the best fit for your pizzeria.
Can a pizza POS system integrate with third-party delivery platforms?
Yes, many pizza POS systems offer integrations with popular third-party delivery platforms like Grubhub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats. These integrations allow you to streamline the process of receiving and managing orders from multiple platforms in one central system. This helps reduce manual errors, improves order accuracy, and enhances overall efficiency.
What about payment processing options for a pizza POS system?
Payment processing is a crucial aspect of a pizza POS system. Look for a system that supports various payment methods, including cash, credit cards, mobile payments, and online wallets. It should also have features like split payments, tipping options, and secure card data handling to ensure smooth and secure transactions for both in-store and online orders.
How can a pizza POS system improve customer experience?
A pizza POS system can enhance the customer experience in several ways. It enables quick and accurate order taking, customized pizza building, and easy modifications, ensuring orders are prepared correctly. Additionally, features like online ordering, delivery tracking, and loyalty program integration help streamline the ordering process and reward loyal customers. A seamless and efficient POS system ultimately leads to satisfied customers and increased loyalty to your pizzeria.
