Like any technological investment, implementing a Point of Sale (POS) system for your restaurant requires upfront costs and ongoing maintenance. However, in today's digital landscape, a robust POS system is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Modern restaurant POS systems enable seamless credit and digital transactions, significantly improving operational efficiency and revenue generation. While initial and recurring expenses are inevitable, the potential return on investment (ROI) is substantial. Benefits include increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, stronger brand loyalty, and ultimately higher profitability.

The total cost of ownership depends on several factors, including the POS provider and the features you choose. Generally, costs fall into the following categories:

One-time fees covering system configuration, onboarding, and data migration.

Recurring costs for POS terminals, cash drawers, printers, card readers, and software licenses. Pricing often follows a per-terminal or per-user model, depending on your setup.

PREST provides comprehensive training and integration support to ensure a smooth transition. Other providers may charge separately for training and onboarding services.

PREST includes ongoing support and maintenance within its service package. Some providers may charge monthly or per-incident support fees.

A percentage is charged per transaction processed through the POS system. This varies based on payment type (credit card, debit card, etc.) and processing method (swipe, tap, mobile wallet, or manual entry). PREST offers competitive rates tailored to your operations.

Note: The cheapest system is not always the best. Long-term value, operational features, and revenue-boosting capabilities matter more than upfront cost.

Running a restaurant without a POS system can significantly hurt both profitability and efficiency. The risks include:

Not accepting digital or card payments limits your customer base and reduces average order value. Modern customers expect fast checkout options, QR code ordering, and digital convenience—key features that help boost sales and brand loyalty.

Manual tracking leads to stockouts, overstocking, and food wastage. A POS system provides real-time inventory insights, helping optimize purchasing and reduce waste.

Cash-only or paper-based operations are vulnerable to human errors and theft. POS systems create a secure digital audit trail to improve transparency and accountability.

Without a POS system, valuable insights are lost, such as:

This data is essential for smarter staffing, marketing, and menu optimization.

Manual tasks consume time and reduce productivity. A POS system streamlines operations, allowing staff to focus more on customer service rather than tedious backend work.

Data shows that restaurants using POS systems:

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, POS software plays a critical role in:

Restaurants equipped with a POS system consistently outperform those without one.

In today’s digital-first world, a POS system is not just an add-on—it's a strategic investment that fuels long-term business growth.

If you're considering implementing a POS system, PREST provides free consultations to help you determine the ideal solution for your restaurant’s operational and financial goals.

Ready to boost efficiency and maximize profitability? Let PREST help you build a smarter restaurant business.