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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, itâs significantly more difficult to compare prices on POS systems than it is for other restaurant essentials. Why? Because POS companies donât want you to see the true costs of using their platform, and the start-up price you see, usually isnât the price you get.
At Adora, we believe in being transparent, so weâre here to help you calculate the true costs you should consider when you choose your POS. Letâs 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 âsticker priceâ most companies show you is usually just the tip of the icebergâespecially with big-box platforms.
While their start-up costs (and even monthly subscription fees) may be low, they arenât offering these prices out of the goodness of their hearts. The reality is, itâs usually just a marketing tactic that ropes you in, and costs you later.Â
Even if you read the fine print and think you have a grasp on the total cost, thereâs one pricing aspect that many owners overlookâcredit card fees. Â
Many POS companies force you to use their credit card processing system, which means they make money every time you make a sale. Although thereâs 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.Â
Beware of Software that Ties You to Hardware
As you begin comparing different POS systems, youâll 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:
Unless you’re a tech wizard, youâre also going to have to pay a pretty penny for installation. At Adora, weâre hardware agnostic, which means you can purchase technology that works for your budget, or use what you already have. The only thing thatâs required is an internet connection.Â
Consider Every DetailÂ
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:
Adora recognizes that not all businesses need all these special features, and our goal isnât to make you pay more than you need to. We offer several plans that are designed with your individual needs in mind. Plus, theyâre totally customizable, so you can add one or two extra features without having to level-up to the next package. Weâre on your side!Â
Treat Your POS as an InvestmentÂ
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 youâre going to be using it for years (and hopefully even decades) to come.Â
On the one hand, itâs crucial to look beyond initial start-up fees and extrapolate the costs (and potential savings) of your system. At first glance, Adora isnât the cheapest platform on the marketâbut we are the most transparent. When you put a pencil to it, youâll discover that our pricing structure is designed for long-term savings.Â
On the other hand, you also need to view your POS as a tool that can make you money. Think of it this way:
Adora is Here to HelpÂ
Thereâs a lot that goes into choosing your POS, and itâs a decision you shouldnât make lightly. In order to get the most in-depth picture of what each company offers, itâs a good idea to schedule meetings and demos with different vendors.Â
At Adora, our goal is to make you feel 100% confident in your decision, and weâre 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 donât hesitate to reach out.Â
Weâre always here to help!Â