In the dynamic world of hospitality, a good till system is not just a luxury but an absolute must. Whether you run a busy restaurant, a bustling café, or own a food truck – a good till system for hospitality makes the difference between chaos in service and a smoothly running business. But what should you look for when choosing a till system? In this blog, we list the most important points for you and show how the right system can save you not only time but also money.
What exactly is a till system for hospitality?
Let's start at the beginning. A till system for hospitality is more than just a device that processes payments. It is a complete system that helps streamline orders, payments, inventory management, and staff planning. Modern till systems go even further: they offer insights into your turnover, popular dishes, and peak times. In short, a central tool that allows you to not only run but also grow your hospitality business.
Did you know that 68% of guests pay faster when a modern till system is available? Time is money!
Why is a good till system crucial for hospitality?
The hospitality industry is a hectic sector where speed and efficiency are key. An error in an order or a long wait at checkout can cost you customers. This is where a good hospitality till system comes in. It enables your staff to work faster, pass on error-free orders, and increase customer satisfaction. In addition, it offers you, as an entrepreneur, valuable insights, such as:
- Which dishes are most popular and which are less so.
- How much stock you still have, so you never run out.
- When your peak hours are, so you can adapt the team accordingly.
How do you choose the right hospitality till system?
Your choice of till system depends on your specific hospitality business. Do you have a coffee-to-go, a busy restaurant, or a catering service? Each type of business has slightly different requirements. Here are a few things to look out for:
1. Is the system user-friendly?
In hospitality, you often deal with changing staff. A system that is intuitive and quick to learn ensures that your team can get started immediately without spending hours on training. A cumbersome interface is a no-go.
2. Can it be linked to other systems?
It is a big plus if your till system can work with, for example, your accounting software, a reservation system, or a loyalty programme. This saves double work and minimises error margins.
3. Is it scalable?
Whether you run a small café or have multiple locations, a good till system grows with you. This way, you don't have to buy a new system every time your business expands.
45% of hospitality businesses that switch to a new till system see a direct increase in efficiency within three months.
What are the benefits of a modern till system?
A modern till system offers many more advantages than a traditional till. Think, for example, of functions such as:
Real-time reporting
With real-time insights into your sales, you can adjust immediately if necessary. For example, if you see that a certain dish is unexpectedly popular, you can quickly reorder or stock up.
Wireless payments
Customers want to pay quickly and easily, especially in hospitality. Contactless payment and mobile payments are now a must-have.
Integrate online orders
If you offer delivery options or takeaway, a modern till system allows you to seamlessly integrate all those orders. This prevents errors and ensures that you have everything clearly arranged in one system.
How much does a hospitality till system cost?
The cost of a till system varies enormously, depending on what you need. Simple systems can be available from as little as €30 per month, while comprehensive all-in-one solutions can run into hundreds of euros per month. However, you get what you pay for: more functions, more automation, and more user-friendliness can quickly recoup that amount.
Tip: first try a demo or trial period to see if the system really works well for your specific situation. This way you can be sure that you are not paying too much for features you don't need.
What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a till system?
We've all made a bad purchase, haven't we? Choosing a till system is no different. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Overpaying: Don't pay for features you won't use anyway.
- No mobile options: Make sure the system is future-proof, such as support for mobile and contactless payments.
- No support: Always choose a supplier with good support. If your till breaks down, you don't want to be on hold for hours.
Do you really need a till system?
Okay, you can also work without a fancy system. Pen, paper, and a simple calculator also work. But honestly, how scalable is that? If you want to save hours, minimise errors, and support your staff, a good till system is definitely worth it.
An example: A small café in Utrecht switched to a digital till system linked to an online reservation platform. Result? Fewer phone calls during peak hours and a smoother running kitchen. More time for guests, more satisfied faces.
What does the future hold for till systems in hospitality?
In the coming years, technology in hospitality will only become more important. Think, for example, of AI-driven systems that automatically suggest improvements to your menu or inventory management. Or till systems that track guests via their smartphone, so you can serve them even more personally. Who knows what else is coming? What is certain is that a good till system forms the basis for all these innovations.