POS Alternatives

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marty R on February 23, 2008 at 8:50pm

So what have you got that will work in a small operation ?

Permalink Reply by Chris Lanno on March 3, 2008 at 6:05pm

Marty-

Check out www.myhalo.com for an inexpensive, web based solution. I used to work with the people there and they will tell it to you straight. I've sold traditional POS and operated a family owned restaurant for years. They'll see what is most important to you, then see if the product will meet those needs.

Good luck

Permalink Reply by John McGrath on March 6, 2008 at 9:54am

Chris really does know what he is taling about. I would follow up on his suggestion.

Smart and knowledgeable guy and a great contact to have in here too.

Permalink Reply by Sausan on September 28, 2008 at 10:08am

I sold my POS system. I have a 49 seating ethnic restaurant and was convinced I needed a $10,000 system. Huge mistake!! What are the alternatives? BTW...I sold the system. It never worked properly.

Permalink Reply by Marty R on September 28, 2008 at 3:58pm

I researched the alternative "pos "with Chris and though I was impressed I continue to do it the old way with pen and paper and we are doing just fine ....and we didn't spend an additional "large " sum of money. We're operating a 40 seat restaurant and averaging 95 covers per night. Yes the system provides you with alot of info....some of which is useful and alot of facts and figures that will muddy the water in my opinion. I say that if you are a decent operator and you're "hands on " then go with your gut ! I preferred to spend themoney on myself than a new system !

Permalink Reply by Chris Lanno on September 29, 2008 at 5:59am

If you already went the POS route and your experience changed your mind; Marty is right, pen and paper and hands on is the alternative. A nightly inventory of high cost menu items/liquor etc. might help any shrinkage. Setting this up with a clipboard in the appropriate station should only take a few minutes nightly. I used to audit guest checks for people, it was time consuming but a way to determine if all items were making it on the guest checks. Particularly things like coffee and desserts- any self service waitstaff item that when they are busy can be left off the check (POS, or no POS).

POS in my opinion, is a neccesary evil. Every chain operation across the country uses them for several reasons. They are supposed to save time and prevent shrinkage. The challenge is finding the right provider for you and your business. When you say "never worked properly" I hear "never set up properly" by your vendor. Most computers will function, the programming and training usually determine the level of success or failure. The reality is there are alot of vendors that cannot meet the expectations of their clients.

Hearing stories like yours is why I got out of the POS business- spending $10k for a system that never worked properly- I hope you recovered a good portion of your investment.

Best of luck.