In today’s world, it’s possible to integrate technology into almost every aspect of your restaurant business. The benefits of utilizing tools like QR codes, self-ordering kiosks, and inventory management systems are seemingly endless. However, there is one considerable downside to using these cutting-edge innovations—the cost. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cut technology costs without sacrificing convenience or efficiency. Let’s take a look at a few strategies you can use to get the most out of all the helpful restaurant technology on the market—without breaking the bank. 

Be Smart About Digital Marketing

Implementing a top-notch digital marketing strategy is a key to attracting new business and keeping loyal customers walking through your doors. From social media, to email blasts, to creative promotions, there’s a lot of moving parts (and expenses) involved in creating a robust marketing strategy. 

If the cost of hiring a dedicated public relations team or marketing manager is out of your budget, don’t worry—there are several ways to step-up your digital marketing game, for less. Take a look at how you can market smarter, not harder:

• Focus on Organic Social Media: Although a perfectly composed, professionally photographed Instagram post can work wonders, so can posts that give your audience insight into the heart and soul of your restaurant. The best part is, you can handle these posts on your own. Try bolstering engagement by giving customers a behind the scenes look at your kitchen, posting polls about their favorite dishes, or highlighting rockstar members of your team. 

• Do Your Homework: Paid Google ads are an important way restaurants attract hungry customers. While it might be tempting to bid on broad terms that you think will put your website at the top of a Google search, sometimes focusing on narrower and more specific keywords can be a more effective strategy. This means it’s important to take time to research what’s worth spending your advertising budget on (and what isn’t). 

Re-Think POS Pricing 

Your point of sale system is one of the most important tools in your restaurant. Unfortunately, it can also be unnecessarily expensive, since many big-box POS companies use confusing pricing structures. In fact, you might not even be aware you’re overpaying. Large companies, like Toast, offer low start-up costs to make it seem like their software is affordable. Your initial payment might be low, but there’s a catch—credit card fees. 

Most POS companies don’t allow you to choose your own credit card processing system, meaning your business is subject to their transaction fees, which are significantly higher than many independent options. 

Big-box POS companies cost more in the long-run, and the better your business does, the more money you’ll have to spend on their system. 

Adora uses a more transparent, more affordable pricing structure. You may pay more upfront, but you’ll also have the freedom to choose your own credit card processor. Unlike most other options, we won’t take a higher cut of your sales as time goes on. 

Scale-Back Subscriptions

These days, the hospitality industry looks a lot different than it did before the pandemic. With fewer customers choosing to dine-in, and more people opting for takeout and delivery, it might make sense to cut out or cut back on subscriptions like:

• TV packages
• Music streaming services
• Schedule management programs like ScheduleFly or HotSchedules

Make it a Team Effort

As a restaurant owner, you already know that having a strong staff can make or break your business. What you might not realize is having a trustworthy team on your side can help you cut down on technology-related expenses. 

All it takes is one wrong move for an expensive piece of technology like an iPad, computer screen, or printer to be damaged. This means it’s important to hire people who treat your property with care and respect, and to train your employees on best practices. 

Accidents happen, but there are steps you can take to make them happen less frequently.

The Bottom Line 

At Adora, we understand that you’re constantly looking for ways to maximize your profits while minimizing your expenses. We’re here to make the process easier by being transparent about our pricing. Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to make your business more successful by offering a POS that’s affordable, reliable, and innovative.  We’re here to make technology work for you, not against you.