It’s been said that hindsight is 20/20. We can always look back and see how we could have done things better, made better decisions, or avoided mistakes. If you are opening a food truck business, you have a lot of decisions to make — many of which can have a profound impact on the success of your business. If you are faced with choosing a food truck POS (point of sale) system, luckily, you have the ability to draw on the wisdom of your more seasoned colleagues to avoid pitfalls surrounding this business decision.
“Don’t skimp on features and functionality.”
A POS system is more than just a cash register. It has the ability to help you operate a profitable business. In addition to POS hardware — commonly a computer, printer, cash drawer, customer display, and payment card reader/PIN pad — your POS system has software that enables you to manage payment transactions and track your finances. In an industry with tight margins, your POS software can help you keep a close eye on inventory and expenses. Consider how these POS software features could enhance your business:
• payment with multiple tenders (cash, check, credit, debit, etc.)
• gift card acceptance and integration with a customer rewards or loyalty program
• the ability to split checks and adjust tips
• inventory tracking and management
• sales tax calculations
• processing multiple orders at the same time and communicate orders with the cook
• keeping a record of your sales and generate reports.
“Food truck service is fast, your POS should be too.”
Make sure your food truck POS system is robust enough to handle orders and payment from customers at peak times. The system should also be easy to use to facilitate speedy customer service — there won’t be time to search for function keys or remember how to modify an order during a lunch rush. An easy-to-use system is also a bonus when you train new employees or bring on temporary help.
“Operating a food truck is tough, your POS system should be tougher.”
Think twice before purchasing a POS system that uses a consumer tablet as its hardware. POS hardware built for restaurants or other industries are “ruggedized” — they are designed for use in a harsh environment where drops, dirt and dust, grease, water and moisture, and temperature extremes are a reality. Although built-for-purpose, ruggedized hardware requires more of an initial investment, it will reduce maintenance and replacement costs you incur over time with consumer hardware. If you decide to use a consumer tablet as a part of your food truck POS system, it would be wise to add a commercial tablet enclosure or stand to help protect it.
“There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
As you research food truck POS systems, you may find offers for “free” or “freemium” solutions. A part of a POS system — such as the software or hardware — may be provided for free if you pay for certain components of the system or subscribe to a monthly service. It’s important to understand the terms of the agreement fully (don’t skip the fine print) before entering into such an agreement. For example, if you close your business, do you still owe payments over the term of the agreement?
In addition, look at the features and functions of the food truck POS system you would use under the agreement. Does it offer all of the features you need to help manage your business? Trading cost-saving features — like inventory control and sales reporting — for a lower cost system may not add up in your favor.
Don’t go it alone
There is a lot riding on your choice of a food truck POS system. The good news is you don’t have to make the decision without expert advice. Rely on a value-added reseller (VAR) or other IT solutions provider with experience working in the restaurant and hospitality industry for guidance.