In the fast-paced world of takeaway businesses, efficiency and customer satisfaction are not merely objectives; they are the very lifeblood of your success. Nevertheless, identifying the appropriate tools to streamline your operations can be formidable.
Operating a takeaway enterprise entails a distinct array of challenges. The demands can be overwhelming, from handling orders and monitoring inventory to guaranteeing prompt service. Conventional methods or antiquated systems frequently lead to mistakes, sluggish service, and disgruntled customers.
Envision the aggravation during a dinner rush, with orders accumulating and your present system unable to cope. Customers are enduring longer waits, orders are becoming confused, and your staff is pushed to the brink of their endurance. It’s not solely about the revenue lost that evening but the enduring harm to your reputation. Each dissatisfied customer represents a tale of discontent spreading throughout your community, a potential regular patron lost.
This is where our five meticulously selected EPOS systems for takeaways come into play. Each system provides a distinctive amalgamation of features purposefully crafted to address the specific challenges encountered by establishments like yours.
Quick Links
- Square EPOS: Empowering Takeaways
- Lightspeed EPOS: Tailored Solutions for Takeaways
- TouchBistro EPOS: Tailored for Takeaways and Restaurants
- GoodTill EPOS: Tailored for UK Takeaways and Food Service
- Zettle EPOS: Simplifying Takeaway Operations in the UK
Compare Takeaway EPOS Systems
 |  Our Top Pick |  |  |  |  |
EPOS Systems | Square | Lightspeed | TouchBistro | goodtill | Zettle |
Rating | |||||
Pricing | £0 – £69/month | From £39/month | From £59/month | From £29/month | Free |
Key Benefits | -Seamless Integration with Online Ordering -Real-Time Inventory Management | -Integrated Online Ordering | -Efficient Order Management - Robust Integration Capabilities | -Versatile Payment Options -Advanced Inventory Management | -Multiple Payment Options Including Contactless -User Friendly Interface |
Strengths | -Free software | -Efficient multi-location management capabilities. | -Employee Management | -Low transaction fee | -Explore the benefits of a free EPOS app |
Weaknesses | -Limited hospitality-specific features available | -Customer support options are limited | -Limited Advanced Features | -Add-ons can get expensive | -Features are lacking |
1. Square EPOS For Takeaway Business
Square offers a comprehensive EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system tailored for takeaways, providing businesses in the food industry with the tools they need to streamline operations and enhance customer service. With Square’s EPOS system, takeaways can efficiently manage sales transactions, accept various payment methods, and optimise daily processes.
The system combines hardware and software components, including user-friendly POS terminals, card readers, and a range of software features designed to simplify order management, track inventory, and generate insightful sales reports. Square’s EPOS system is known for its versatility, making it suitable for small takeaways and larger food establishments. Its intuitive interface and range of features empower takeaways to provide efficient service, cater to customer preferences, and thrive in the competitive takeaway industry.
Square Epos Features
Integrated Online Ordering and Delivery
Square for Restaurants offers an integrated online ordering system, allowing takeaways to accept orders directly from their website or via Square’s ordering platform, reducing the need for third-party delivery apps and associated fees.
Integration with popular delivery platforms for businesses that prefer using third-party delivery services.
Contactless Payments and Mobile Payment Support
Supports various payment methods, including contactless, chip and PIN, mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and traditional magnetic stripe cards, catering to customer preferences for quick and hygienic transactions.
Customisable Menus and Modifiers
Easy to create and update digital menus with item modifiers, allowing for customisation of orders based on customer preferences, which is essential for takeaways offering various options and toppings.
Inventory Management
Real-time inventory tracking helps takeaways manage stock levels efficiently, ensuring popular items are always available and reducing waste.
Alerts for low stock levels, helping to prevent running out of key ingredients.
Sales and Performance Reporting
Access detailed sales reports and analytics to gain insights into popular menu items, peak sales periods, and overall business performance, enabling data-driven decisions to grow and optimise the takeaway business.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Built-in CRM tools to collect and manage customer data, enabling personalised marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, and improved customer service.
Multi-Location Management
Square EPOS provides centralised management capabilities for takeaways with multiple outlets, allowing for uniform menu updates, consolidated reporting, and oversight of all locations from a single dashboard.
Offline Mode
Square EPOS can continue to accept payments even when the internet is down, ensuring that takeaways can operate uninterrupted during connectivity issues.
Ease of Integration
Offers integrations with a wide range of third-party apps for accounting, payroll, marketing, and more, allowing takeaways to create a tailored ecosystem that fits their unique business needs.
24/7 Customer Support
Round-the-clock support from Square ensures that takeaways can get help whenever needed, minimising downtime and keeping operations smooth.
Prices
| Pricing | Strength | Weaknesses |
| £0 – £69/month | Free software | Limited hospitality-specific features available |
Pros
- User-friendly
- Mobile payments
- Integrated online ordering
Cons
- Transaction fees
- Internet dependency
- Limited advanced features
2. Lightspeed Electronic Point Of Sale System
Lightspeed offers a versatile EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system designed to cater to the unique needs of takeaways in the food industry. Lightspeed EPOS system empowers takeaways with tools to manage operations efficiently, enhance customer service, and streamline daily processes.
The system includes a combination of both hardware and software components, featuring user-friendly POS terminals, card readers, and a range of software functionalities tailored to simplify order management, track inventory, and generate detailed sales reports. Lightspeed’s EPOS system is highly adaptable, making it suitable for small to large takeaways. Its intuitive interface and array of features enable takeaways to provide efficient service, cater to customer preferences, and succeed in the competitive takeaway industry.
Features
Menu Management: Takeaways can easily customise and update menus, including item names, prices, descriptions, and modifiers, to accommodate seasonal changes or special promotions
Bill Splitting and Payments: Lightspeed allows for seamless bill splitting among diners and supports various payment methods, including credit cards, cash, and mobile payments.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Collect and store customer information, track preferences, and run marketing campaigns and loyalty programs to enhance customer engagement.
| Pricing | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Starting from From £39/month | -Efficient multi-location management capabilities | Customer support options are limited |
Pros
- Comprehensive features
- Customisable
- Strong analytics
Cons
- Costly for small businesses
- Steep learning curve
- Internet reliant
3. TouchBistro EPOS For Takeaway
TouchBistro is a leading EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system designed specifically for takeaways and restaurants in the food service industry. This comprehensive EPOS solution offers a range of features and functionalities tailored to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and improve overall efficiency for takeaways.
TouchBistro EPOS Features
User-Friendly Interface: TouchBistro boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, simplifying order processing and making it easy for staff to navigate the system.
Tableside Ordering: Staff can take orders directly at the table using handheld devices, improving order accuracy, reducing wait times, and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Menu Management: Easily customise and update menus, including item names, prices, descriptions, and modifiers. This flexibility ensures that takeaways can adapt to seasonal changes and promotions seamlessly.
Bill Splitting and Payments: TouchBistro allows for seamless bill splitting among diners, supporting various payment methods, including credit cards, cash, and mobile payments.
With its user-friendly interface, TouchBistro simplifies order processing and enhances staff efficiency, making it ideal for the fast-paced takeaway environment. It supports tableside ordering, allowing staff to take orders directly from customers, ensuring accuracy and speeding up service. The system also facilitates seamless bill splitting among diners and supports various payment methods, including credit cards, cash, and mobile payments.
Menu management is easy, allowing takeaways to customise and update menus to accommodate seasonal changes or promotions. Efficient inventory management with real-time stock tracking and reporting and employee management tools ensures smooth restaurant operations. Moreover, TouchBistro provides in-depth reporting and analytics tools, aiding data-driven decision-making. It integrates seamlessly with various third-party applications and services, enhancing its capabilities for takeaways. Additionally, the system prioritises data security and offers offline functionality for uninterrupted service during technical issues or outages.
TouchBistro Pricing
| Pricing | Online Ordering Support | Equipment Cost |
| The cost can range from approximately £40 to £49 per month per license, with variations based on the features and functionalities required. | Employee Management | Limited Advanced Features |
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface
- Tableside Ordering
- Menu Management
- Reporting and Analytics
Cons
- Limited Customer Support
- Reliance on Internet Connectivity
- Transaction Processing
4. Goodtill EPOS
GoodTill Features
Reporting and Analytics: Access detailed reports and analytics to gain insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and overall performance. This data-driven approach aids in making informed business decisions.
Integration: Seamlessly integrate Goodtill with third-party applications and services, such as accounting software and online ordering platforms, to extend functionality.
Security: The system prioritises data security and compliance with industry standards, ensuring the protection of sensitive customer information.
Multi-Location Support: For takeaways with multiple locations, Goodtill offers centralised management to monitor and control operations across all branches, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
Detailed reporting and analytics provide valuable insights into sales trends and customer preferences, guiding data-driven decisions. Additionally, Goodtill offers CRM capabilities to collect customer data and run targeted marketing campaigns, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty. The system can seamlessly integrate with third-party applications and services, further extending its functionality. Security is a top priority, with measures in place to protect sensitive customer information. For multi-location takeaways, Goodtill offers centralised management to ensure consistency and efficiency across all branches.
Goodtill’s EPOS system is designed to empower takeaways, helping them provide efficient service, adapt to changing customer preferences, and thrive in the competitive food service industry. Its user-friendly features and comprehensive capabilities make it a valuable asset for businesses looking to streamline operations and enhance the takeaway experience.
Goodtill, a UK-specific EPOS system, is tailored to meet the unique needs of takeaways and food service establishments. Its user-friendly interface simplifies order processing and enhances staff efficiency, ensuring swift service during peak hours. The system’s menu management tools allow for easy customisation and updating of menus, accommodating changing offerings and seasonal specials. Goodtill also supports various payment methods, including contactless and mobile wallets, catering to the growing trend of cashless transactions. Efficient inventory management, real-time tracking, and automated updates help prevent stockouts and minimise wastage.
GoodTill Pricing
| Basic package | Per-Term Licensing | Hardware Costs |
| It might start at £30 per month, while more advanced packages with additional features can range from £60 to £100 per month. | Hardware costs can range from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds per device, depending on the brand and specifications. | Depending on the brand and specifications, hardware costs can range from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds per device. |
Pros
- Reporting and Analytics
- Integration
- Security
- Multi-Location Support
Cons
- It may require an initial investment in hardware.
- Monthly subscription fees apply
- Transaction processing fees may affect profitability
5. Zettle EPOS For Takeaway Establishments
Zettle EPOS, a part of the PayPal family, is a user-friendly electronic point-of-sale system designed specifically for takeaways and food service businesses in the UK. It simplifies order processing, offers easy menu customisation, and supports various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets.
Zettle Pricing
| Pricing | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Zettle Reader – £29 Zettle charging dock – £58 | Explore the benefits of a free EPOS app | Features are lacking |
Zettle Features
Reporting and Analytics: Comprehensive reporting tools offer insights into sales trends, inventory, and customer data, empowering data-driven decision-making.
Payment Processing: Zettle EPOS supports various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets, meeting the demand for cashless transactions.
Menu Management: Customisable menu tools allow businesses to easily update menu items, descriptions, and prices to accommodate changing offerings.
Customer Data Collection: Businesses can collect and store customer information for marketing campaigns and loyalty programs, enhancing customer engagement.
One notable feature is the ability to designate orders as ‘Sit in’ or ‘Take out,’ primarily for accurate tax calculation purposes, as different VAT rates apply to eat-in and takeout orders (VAT settings are configured in the back office). Zettle has plans to introduce delivery service integrations in the future but currently lacks a seamless solution for pick-up and order management. While there is integration with Practi and compatible e-commerce platforms, it remains uncertain whether these can integrate seamlessly with the Food & Drink software to facilitate click-and-collect and online ordering.
Regarding employee management, the system allows for the creation of individual staff logins, with the admin assigning a 4-digit PIN for each user. Notably, employees are not required to enter a username, expediting the login process. Users can be categorised as Manager, Supervisor, or Staff, with distinct permissions for each role – such as the ability to process refunds or access reports within the app – all configured by the admin for efficient management.
Pros
- Integration with third-party apps
- Strong security measures
- Multi-location support
- Support for various payment methods
Cons
- Transaction fees
- Limited advanced features
- Reliance on stable internet connection
Selecting the Ideal EPOS System for Your Takeaway Business
When choosing the perfect electronic point of sale (EPOS) system for your takeaway business, several crucial factors must be remembered. Ease of use is paramount, as a user-friendly interface simplifies staff training and minimises errors. The system should support various order types, from dine-in to takeaway, delivery, and online orders, ensuring flexibility in your operations.
Menu management is essential, allowing you to easily customise and update menu items, prices, and descriptions. Payment options should cater to customer preferences, including card payments, contactless payments, mobile wallets, and cash. Integration with delivery services streamlines order management for businesses offering delivery.
Efficient inventory management with real-time tracking and reporting helps prevent stock issues. Employee management features, such as user accounts with different permissions, enhance security and control. A good POS system captures customer data for personalised marketing efforts. Ensure reliable support, regular updates, scalability, and pricing that fits your budget. Reviews and recommendations from fellow takeaway business owners can offer valuable insights.
Restaurant POS Systems vs. Traditional Tills
In the modern restaurant landscape, choosing an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system and sticking with traditional cash registers can significantly impact a business’s efficiency and success. Here, we delve into the key differences between these two options, helping you make an informed decision for your restaurant.
Functionality and Efficiency
EPOS systems are designed to do much more than cash registers. They offer features like order management, inventory control, reporting, and integration with various payment methods. On the other hand, traditional cash registers are limited to basic transaction processing and lack the advanced capabilities of EPOS systems.
Accuracy and Error Reduction
EPOS systems minimise human errors by automating tasks like order entry and inventory tracking. Cash registers rely more on manual input, which can lead to mistakes in order processing, inventory management, and cash handling.
Customer Experience
EPOS systems can enhance the customer experience through features like digital receipts, loyalty programs, and quick payment processing. Traditional cash registers offer a more basic service with limited options for customer engagement.
Data Insights
EPOS systems collect valuable data on sales, customer preferences, and inventory levels. This data can be analysed to make data-driven decisions and improve business operations. Cash registers lack the data analytics capabilities of EPOS systems.
Cost and Investment:
While EPOS systems may require a higher initial investment, they can lead to cost savings in the long run by reducing errors, improving efficiency, and enabling data-driven decisions. Cash registers have a lower upfront cost but may increase operational costs over time.
Scalability
EPOS systems are highly scalable and can adapt to the growing needs of your restaurant. Cash registers are less flexible and may require replacement as your business expands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key challenges faced by takeaway businesses?
Takeaway businesses often encounter challenges in order management, inventory tracking, and ensuring prompt service during busy periods. Conventional methods or outdated systems can lead to errors, slower service, and unhappy customers, ultimately damaging a business’s reputation.
How can an EPOS system for restaurants benefit my takeaway business?
An EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) for restaurants system offers various advantages for takeaway businesses. It streamlines operations, enhances customer service, and improves overall efficiency. EPOS systems simplify order processing, support multiple payment methods, and provide tools for menu management and inventory tracking. They also offer valuable data insights and integration options, making them valuable asset for modern takeaways.
What are the key features to consider when choosing an EPOS system for a takeaway?
When selecting an EPOS system for your takeaway, consider factors such as ease of use, support for various order types (dine-in, takeaway, delivery, online orders), menu management capabilities, payment options (including card payments, contactless, and mobile wallets), efficient inventory management, employee management features, and data capture for personalised marketing. Scalability, customer support, and pricing that align with your budget are also essential considerations.
How do EPOS systems compare to traditional cash registers in a restaurant setting?
EPOS systems offer advanced functionality and efficiency compared to traditional cash registers. They provide features like order management, inventory control, and integration with payment methods, reducing errors and enhancing customer experience. EPOS systems also collect valuable data for decision-making. In contrast, cash registers are limited to basic transaction processing and lack the capabilities of EPOS systems. While EPOS systems may have a higher initial cost, they can lead to long-term cost savings and scalability for your restaurant.
What factors should I consider when deciding between an EPOS system and a traditional till for my restaurant?
When choosing between an EPOS system and a traditional cash register, consider factors like functionality, efficiency, accuracy, customer experience, data insights, cost, and scalability. EPOS systems offer advanced features and data-driven benefits, making them suitable for modern restaurants. Traditional cash registers may have a lower initial cost but lack the capabilities and efficiency of EPOS systems. Making the right choice depends on your restaurant’s specific needs and goals.
Final Words
In the dynamic world of takeaway businesses, staying ahead of the competition and ensuring customer satisfaction are paramount to success. The right Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system can be a game-changer, transforming how you manage your operations and serve your customers. Our carefully curated selection of EPOS systems for takeaways has been designed to address the unique challenges businesses like yours face.
From Square’s versatile and user-friendly system to Lightspeed’s adaptability and TouchBistro’s comprehensive features, we’ve explored various options to help you make an informed decision. Goodtill, tailored specifically for UK-based takeaways, offers robust menu management and inventory control, while Zettle simplifies order processing and payment options.
When choosing the ideal EPOS system for your takeaway, consider factors like ease of use, support for various order types, menu management capabilities, payment options, and efficient inventory management. Furthermore, think about employee management features, data capture for personalised marketing, scalability, and pricing that aligns with your budget.
