Are you interested in learning more about the Toast restaurant POS system? If so, you have come to the right place! We have put together this guide to review everything about the Toast POS system, including the following: notable features, pros and cons, and the cost of the platform.
In This Guide:
The Toast Restaurant POS System
The Toast point-of-sale system was specifically designed to help restaurants have access to intuitive software. It includes robust features and impressive reporting and caters to restaurants of all types and sizes. Similarly, it is relatively competitive when it comes to pricing.
A unique feature of the Toast restaurant POS system is that it runs on Android operating systems. Most competitors used iOS-based processing, so if you are a fan of the customization options provided by Android OS, this may be a great option for your restaurant!
This platform is an all-in-one POS system that includes a variety of advanced reporting tools, inventory and employee management, eCommerce integration, and more.
Toast Pros
A benefit to the toast POS system is that it is easy to use and learn. A company representative will show you how to use the entire system and walk you through everything you need to feel comfortable operating it.
The screens are intuitive, and a lot of the processes speak for themselves. Although the visuals may not be as modern are sleek as some of its competitors, it makes up for it by getting the job done easily.
For example, your employees can take orders by using handheld tablets or through customer-facing terminals that can be placed on a counter. These terminals do not only place orders and take payments, but they can also directly transmit instructions to the kitchen and create reports on the spot.
Other benefits of this platform include easy tools to split checks, void transactions, closeout the day, and more. You will not be disappointed with the labor-management options that are included as well!
Toast Cons
Even though there are many benefits to utilizing the Toast POS system, there are several drawbacks as well.
One of the main shortcomings of this platform is that you must buy it in an all-in-one package. In other words, if you want to work with them, you have to buy their hardware and software. You are also required to use their credit card processing services.
This restriction severely limits your options for third party integrations and other payment processing options, and the credit card contract they make you sign is ironclad. There is an early termination fee if you decide you no longer want to use them, so most of the time, you will end up stuck with them as your payment processor.
Similarly, there have been complaints that the pricing structure is unclear, and there is the risk that the processing fees may increase throughout the life of the contract. It doesn't help that there is limited disclosure about their pricing online!
Toast POS System Cost
So, how much does it cost to install the Toast POS system? The answer to this will depend on the size of your restaurant and how many terminals you will need.
Their software subscriptions start at $75 per month per terminal, and this includes features like menu management and order workflows. Additional features and software modules like online ordering, payroll management, and inventory are separately priced.
Since the system is all-inclusive, you must also purchase the hardware starter kit that begins at $999. Although they say you can use your hardware, it is strongly discouraged and likely will prevent certain functionality from working. Remote installation of your system will also cost about $500.
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