What Are The True Costs to Consider
When You Choose Your POS?

🕐 5 Minute Read

What Are The True Costs to Consider When You Choose Your POS?

point of sale softwares

What Are The True Costs to Consider When You Choose Your POS?

Every penny counts in the restaurant industry. As an owner, you know how important it is to do your due diligence when it comes to finding the best prices on everything from fresh produce, to linens, to takeout boxes. When choosing your POS system, doing your research is just as important.

However, it’s significantly more difficult to compare prices on POS systems than it is for other restaurant essentials. Why? Because POS companies don’t want you to see the true costs of using their platform, and the start-up price you see, usually isn’t the price you get.

At Adora, we believe in being transparent, so we’re here to help you calculate the true costs you should consider when you choose your POS. Let’s break it down:

If It Seems Too Good to be True, It Probably Is

The first, and arguably most important, thing to keep in mind as you begin researching different platforms is that the ‘sticker price’ most companies show you is usually just the tip of the iceberg—especially with big-box platforms.

While their start-up costs (and even monthly subscription fees) may be low, they aren’t offering these prices out of the goodness of their hearts. The reality is, it’s usually just a marketing tactic that ropes you in, and costs you later. 

Even if you read the fine print and think you have a grasp on the total cost, there’s one pricing aspect that many owners overlook—credit card fees.  

Many POS companies force you to use their credit card processing system, which means they make money every time you make a sale. Although there’s no way to avoid credit card fees altogether, some processing systems are significantly more affordable than others. Adora allows you to choose whichever credit card processor you please, giving you freedom to shop around and find the best prices. 

Beware of Software that Ties You to Hardware

As you begin comparing different POS systems, you’ll notice that most companies highlight the cost of their software, since they market and brand themselves as software companies. However, most traditional POS platforms are tethered to hardware, which means you also need to factor in the cost of:

  • Tablets
  • Computer terminals
  • Credit card readers
  • Cash drawers
  • Printers
  • Routers 

Unless you’re a tech wizard, you’re also going to have to pay a pretty penny for installation. At Adora, we’re hardware agnostic, which means you can purchase technology that works for your budget, or use what you already have. The only thing that’s required is an internet connection. 

Consider Every Detail 

Every restaurant is different, and what you need in a system depends on your unique business model. For some, a basic, bare-bones service is enough to get the job done. However, most restaurants need features that go the extra mile to accommodate robust delivery businesses, multiple locations, or extra customer care. These costs add up, so be sure to look at fees associated with:

  • Upgrades – Just like the latest smartphone, POS platforms are always changing and improving their services. Don’t forget to ask whether or not your subscription includes free upgrades when new versions are released. 
  • Add-Ons & Special Features – A good system can do more than just send orders to the kitchen. However, the following features usually cost more:
    • Gift card hosting
    • Curbside pick-up
    • Contactless payments
    • Self-serve kiosks
    • Loyalty/rewards programs
    • Inventory tracking
    • Customer relationship management (CRM)

Adora recognizes that not all businesses need all these special features, and our goal isn’t to make you pay more than you need to. We offer several plans that are designed with your individual needs in mind. Plus, they’re totally customizable, so you can add one or two extra features without having to level-up to the next package. We’re on your side! 

Treat Your POS as an Investment 

Another important piece of advice to bear in mind is that you need to consider the costs of your POS in the long run. Your system is one of the most important elements of your restaurant, and you’re going to be using it for years (and hopefully even decades) to come. 

On the one hand, it’s crucial to look beyond initial start-up fees and extrapolate the costs (and potential savings) of your system. At first glance, Adora isn’t the cheapest platform on the market—but we are the most transparent. When you put a pencil to it, you’ll discover that our pricing structure is designed for long-term savings. 

On the other hand, you also need to view your POS as a tool that can make you money. Think of it this way:

  • If you pay for a system that’s optimized for delivery and take-out, you open up a whole new market and potential revenue stream.
  • If you pay for a system that offers a state-of-the-art, time-saving kitchen interface, you’ll be able to turn more tables.
  • If you pay for a system that offers 24/7 support, you’ll be able to resolve issues quickly, and get back to serving your delicious food faster. 

Adora is Here to Help 

There’s a lot that goes into choosing your POS, and it’s a decision you shouldn’t make lightly. In order to get the most in-depth picture of what each company offers, it’s a good idea to schedule meetings and demos with different vendors. 

At Adora, our goal is to make you feel 100% confident in your decision, and we’re happy to go through ALL the ins and outs of our pricing structure with you. Our platform was created by restaurant pros, and our entire team is there to help your restaurant succeed by being upfront, honest, and thorough. Check out our customizable plans, schedule a demo, and don’t hesitate to reach out. 

We’re always here to help! 

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