Episode 03:
Best Restaurant POS System? SkyTab vs. Clover vs. Toast – Find Out Which One Wins!

Sam Young (Intro):
Welcome to another episode of Big Ideas For Restaurants, where we focus on providing independent restaurant and bar owners with insights they need to elevate their business. I’m your host, Sam Young, My mission? To help you grow your business with quick, actionable tips you can digest in just 5 to 10 minutes—perfect for your commute, workout, or that quick coffee break between lunch and dinner rushes. 

You can find this show by going to BigIdeasForRestaurants.com and selecting the “podcast” link”.

Today’s episode is all about choosing the right Point of Sale, or POS, system for your restaurant. We’ll be diving into three major competitors in the space: SkyTab, Clover, and Toast. Each of these systems offers unique features and possibilities for enhancing your restaurant’s efficiency, profitability, and overall customer experience. Let’s dig right in.

Let’s first talk about why choosing the right POS system is crucial for your restaurant’s success. The right system can streamline operations, improve service speed, and ultimately, impact your bottom line positively. A POS system is not just a cash register; it’s the lifeblood of your restaurant’s operational management. From order processing and payment management to inventory control and customer relationship management, your POS system plays a crucial role in your daily operations. SkyTab, Clover, and Toast – Which POS is Right for Your Restaurant?

Skytab
Let’s kick things off by exploring SkyTab, one of the leading contenders in the restaurant POS arena. SkyTab offers several appealing features that are particularly advantageous for independent restaurant owners. One of the most significant benefits is that there are zero upfront costs for hardware, and they provide a lifetime hardware warranty. This translates to lower initial financial burdens and peace of mind about hardware maintenance in the long run. SkyTab also comes with lower processing fees, which can save you a considerable amount of money over time, and it features built-in marketing tools that help in promoting your business effectively.

Another standout feature of SkyTab is its comprehensive integration capabilities. These include table side ordering, online reservations, and takeout options which streamline the entire dining experience for both staff and diners. Additionally, the listener-only offer we have today is impressive for those processing more than $30,000 monthly—you can claim thousands in incentives if you qualify. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore a potential game-changer for your business. For those interested, you can sign up for a free demo at Big Ideas For Restaurant dot com slash skytab dash POS.

Clover
Now, let’s shift gears to Clover POS, another robust option known for its flexibility and customizability. One of the main selling points of Clover is the variety of hardware options available that cater to the unique needs of each restaurant, whether you’re a quick-service café or a more formal dining establishment. Clover’s reporting features are exceptionally strong, providing valuable insights that help you make informed business decisions. Additionally, the system boasts extensive third-party app integrations, which can be a boon for restaurants that rely on specific software solutions beyond core POS functionality.

However, it’s essential to consider the pricing structure of Clover, as it can vary depending on the features and add-ons you choose. Some users have noted limitations in scalability for high-volume establishments, which is something to consider if your restaurant sees a lot of foot traffic. At this time Clover doesn’t offer a lifetime hardware warranty which could result in out of pocket expenses when equipment breaks or malfunctions.

Toast
Lastly, we have Toast POS. Toast is designed to serving the food service industry specifically. This focus has led to the development of features tailored to what restaurants need most, such as seamless integration with online ordering platforms and delivery services—a critical feature in today’s dining landscape.

Some of Toasts best features come with hidden costs. While it offers strong online ordering and analytics, many restaurant owners find themselves paying high monthly fees for basic functionality and the company’s contract terms have been known to present issues for restaurants in the past.

Before making any decisions, it’s paramount to assess your restaurant’s individual needs. The right POS system for your business will depend on several factors, such as the size of your operation, average traffic, specific features you prioritize, and budget constraints. Consider running a small audit or survey among your staff to identify where your current system might be falling short, paving the way for an informed decision.

Now lets look at how POS systems impact the show’s ‘Delectable Dozen’ – The 12 Areas Where Restaurants Win

With the strongest incentives, which include free setup and a bonus incentive for qualified restaurants, at the time of this episode, let’s see how SkyTab optimizes all 12 key areas of restaurant success, do they do a good job in these key areas and is it worth taking the time for a demo?