Restaurants across the country, and even around the world, are recognizing the value of self-service point of sale (POS) systems and are implementing kiosk POS systems in staggering numbers. Market data shows sales of kiosks topped $234.6 million in 2021 and are projected to grow to $665 million in 2028, sporting an impressive 16% CAGR.
Before you jump on this particular bandwagon, you need to make sure you have a plan. Use this checklist to ensure you get the most value from your investment.
What You Need in a Restaurant Kiosk POS System
Strategy
Assuming you have already answered the question “Why,” we can work on the how, the where, and the what of your ideal kiosk POS system.
Start with deciding how you will use the kiosk. Will you put stand-alone kiosks on the floor, or will you use table-side kiosks? There are multiple ways to use kiosks and where to place them. Think about where your high-traffic areas are, and be mindful of how you layout your self-service kiosk POS. Before making a purchase, build a plan and then find the solution that fits your needs.
Software
The software you choose is essential. First, it has to be easy for your customer base to use. Whether young or old, customers don’t want to undergo intensive software training just to order a tasty meal. It must be easy to use, intuitive to figure out, and visually appealing so they subconsciously want to return to your restaurant.
Your self-service kiosk POS solution should make navigating the menu, ordering meals, making modifying items super easy. So often, as industry insiders, we can think something is easy, but to an outsider, it really isn’t. Choose your software with your least technologically savvy customer in mind.
One of the financial benefits of self-service kiosk POS systems is automating upselling.
The 15-year-old working your cash register can be easily distracted by friendly conversation and forget to upsell your most lucrative menu options. The kiosk can’t be distracted and will always upsell. So don’t miss out on that feature.
Cloud-based software is a real-timesaver. You can manage all of your kiosks in multiple locations from wherever you are. With radical fluctuations in the supply chain and inflation, you need to be agile with changing your menu and pricing.
It should go without saying that your sales kiosk needs to be integrated with your restaurant POS system. If it isn’t, all the valuable data collected by those kiosks can’t be shared with your back office. Make sure they are connected and unlock greater efficiencies in your business. Kiosks should also be integrated with your Kitchen Video Display System (KDS) for immediate communication with the kitchen.
Hardware
Most importantly, your kiosk hardware should be secure. Because the hardware is out where it can be abused, you need to ensure your self-service kiosks have a tamper-proof design. Additionally, your kiosk needs to have a durable touch screen that is big enough for the space where you want to use it and can be easily cleaned.
Your kiosk must have the processing horsepower necessary to run the compatible POS software. Customers waiting for your kiosk to chug through order processing will quickly find a different restaurant.
As mentioned earlier, how you want to use the kiosk will determine what kind of hardware you get, whether stand-alone, tabletop, or countertop. You could also consider adopting a tablet system that is versatile to be used in various ways.
Branding elements
You take great care to ensure that everything in the restaurant fits the aesthetic of your eatery. Kiosks should be no different. They should look like they belong. Ensure the hardware and software complement your brand. Sleek hardware must be coupled with a user interface that reflects your brand.
Payment Processing
Your customers are using varied methods of payment. A good self-service kiosk POS system will have the ability to accept all payment types, including credit, debit, cash, mobile wallets, contactless, and in-app/QR codes, where the consumer pays from a smartphone.
The Benefits of Doing it Right
If you implement your self-service kiosk POS system effectively, you will likely see your average ticket price increase by 12-20%. Reducing labor costs is another financial benefit of kiosks. With well-planned kiosk implementation, you may not need counterworkers or as many servers.
Self-service kiosk POS systems hold many benefits for Quick Service Restaurants. With this checklist, you are now ready to make your plan for how you will implement kiosks in your restaurant. Click here to get started creating your plan right now.
