The cash register has had its time in the sun. While its hefty and cumbersome gray steel lining offers a certain familiarity and reassurance, there’s no question that retail businesses and restaurant operations would benefit from a sleek, modern point-of-sale system (POS system), like an iPad POS system.
POS software does everything the noble cash register could do and much, much more. Aside from processing payments, POS systems often encompass a whole range of routine business functions from inventory management to omnichannel integrations.
While traditional POS systems required expensive, proprietary POS hardware, a new generation of cloud-based POS systems operate on a range of common tablet devices, including the Apple iPad.
In this guide, we’ll go over how you can transform your business by taking advantage of the best POS systems on the market today that you can run from an iPad.
iPad POS systems are a cloud-based POS software tool that you can download directly onto your iPad via an app. Functionality varies quite a bit from app to app. However, all iPad POS systems should be able to process sales, and most encompass additional duties, such as employee management and inventory tracking. Some may offer built-in customer loyalty programs and/or customer support features.
While it’s possible to run your POS system entirely from your iPad, most systems benefit from additional hardware and tools. A credit-card chip reader is a common addition. You might also spring for a cash drawer or a mount to hold up your iPad.
As with most sophisticated technological tools, maximizing your POS software means taking the time to fully understand what it has to offer.
Getting started with an iPad POS system is fairly easy. Simply navigate to the Apple store and select the appropriate POS app. Click on it to begin downloading. You may have to repeat this step multiple times.
Customization is an essential part of optimizing your POS software for your business. First, you’ll want to go in and configure your settings. You may need to adjust the sales feature to accommodate local tax rates. Setting user permissions is also a can’t-miss step since you’ll likely be sharing the system with multiple people.
Your POS system should include a tutorial or walkthrough feature. If you’re having a hard time understanding how to customize your software, use an online forum to speak with other customers or reach out to a customer service representative.
Some POS software companies will sell you a credit card reader for an additional fee. Others will give it away for free when you subscribe to their service for a monthly fee. You can also buy a card reader from a third-party vendor.
Generally, it’s recommended that you opt for a modern chip-reader device. The added layer of security will protect both you and your customers. Depending on your client base, you may want to spring for fancier hardware with QR-code-reading capabilities.
Depending on the payment options you offer, you might also want a cash drawer, and a receipt printer is a must for most businesses.
For greater convenience, you’ll want to purchase an iPad stand that will serve as your POS terminal. This will hold your iPad securely in place facilitating superior ease of use for whoever’s manning the register.
Tools like the Square Stand effortlessly transform your iPad into a POS checkout station. Not only does it keep your iPad safe from unexpected falls and drops, but you can also swivel it 360 degrees. This lets your customer examine their order, electronically sign, and input a tip with ease.
Plus, with the Square Stand or the Square Kiosk mount, your chip reader and contactless payment reader is built right in. So you don’t need an extra piece of hardware.
Even if your POS doesn’t have all of the extra features you need, many POS solutions integrate seamlessly with a number of third-party apps. Common integrations include:
Employee management tools
Loyalty programs
Customer relationship management (CRM) software
Inventory management
Accounting software
Online ordering apps
Payment processing gateways
Regardless of whether you run a quick-service restaurant, a brewery, a food truck, or a retail store, making sure that your staff members have a clear understanding of how to manage your iPad POS software is a critical element in ensuring smooth functioning and a superior customer experience.
Many POS systems grant users access to advanced reporting and analytic features. You can take advantage of this function to track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as units sold over time. They also provide actionable insights into which products are selling and which aren’t.
Before you purchase a mobile POS system, look to see if it has the extra features you need for your business. Here are some of the functions that might be important for you.
Inventory tracking tools keep track of your stock in real time. Whenever you make a sale or get a shipment, your inventory levels are automatically adjusted to accommodate incoming and outgoing products. In addition, inventory tracking tools can help you keep track of when food items are nearing their expiration date.
Restaurant owners should consider purchasing an iPad POS system with a kitchen display system (KDS) integration. A KDS receives orders from the POS system and shares it immediately with the back-of-house staff. This may prove especially helpful for small businesses that need to streamline operations on a budget.
Plus, many kitchen display systems sync with online ordering and delivery platforms — making it easy to offer takeout services.
Many modern POS systems let you customize your digital menu straight from your restaurant POS system. Simply click in and alter the price, ingredients, or name. A customizable menu lets you add and remove items with ease.
Many iPad point-of-sale tools also let you run your online store alongside your physical location. Omnichannel integrations combine ecommerce functionality with the ease of use offered by in-store shopping.
Many POS systems come with built-in customer loyalty functionality. You can reward repeat shoppers or diners with points that are good toward a discount on a future purchase or a free meal.
The cloud-based POS market has seen a flood of new systems in recent years. We’ve curated a list containing the top three iPad POS systems on the market today.
TouchBistro is a powerful POS solution for restaurants of all stripes. From quick-service to sit-down dining, TouchBistro offers a range of features geared toward enhancing business efficiency. It comes with:
24/7 customer support
Paid add-ons
Third-party integration functionality
Inventory management tools
Check-splitting abilities
Unfortunately, TouchBistro does not currently offer a free plan. It is only compatible with iOS devices, such as the Apple iPad.
Lightspeed POS offers a range of tools for business owners. Its built-in SEO feature allows for content marketing capabilities. Lightspeed POS also features advanced ecommerce features for a solid omnichannel experience.
Lightspeed POS doesn’t offer a free tier, and its retail plans can get slightly pricey. However, the robust inventory management and customization features may make it worthwhile for business owners of retail stores.
You can use Lightspeed POS with both Android and iOS devices.
Square POS stands out as one of the strongest all-in-one cloud-based POS software solutions for the iPad. It has a user-friendly interface and a robust payment processing system. You can take advantage of features, such as:
Inventory management
Ecommerce capabilities
Employee management
Reports and analytics
Customer loyalty programs
Square POS lets you choose between its free tier and paid plan options that charge you a monthly fee. Both the free and paid plans require that you pay processing fees on each transaction. There are also several add-on tools available like the Square Stand and credit card readers.
KioskBuddy lets you turn your iPad POS system into a complete self-service kiosk system. You can transform your front-of-house experience by placing the power to order and pay directly into your customer’s hands.
KioskBuddy takes advantage of the best that Square POS has to offer. Enhance its powerful and secure payment processing features with a comprehensive suite of self-service features.
Get started today with your free 30-day trial!