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A Detailed Comparison to Toast, Focused on Boosting Profitability, Marketing, and Streamlining Operations
Why EPOS Now Could Be the Game-Changer Your Restaurant Needs
Running a restaurant is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. With rising costs, staff shortages, and the need to maintain excellent service, restaurant owners are constantly looking for ways to improve their operations and bottom line. One of the most powerful tools available is a modern Point of Sale (POS) system that helps streamline operations, boost revenue, and simplify financial management.
When comparing POS systems, EPOS Now and Toast are two major contenders. Both offer features tailored for the food and beverage industry, but they differ significantly in pricing, flexibility, and overall impact on profitability.
In this guide, we’ll explore how EPOS Now’s affordability, marketing tools, and integration capabilities can give your restaurant the competitive edge it needs.
Why Your Choice of POS System Matters
A POS system is more than just a cash register. It’s the backbone of your operations, managing inventory, tracking sales, processing payments, and even helping with marketing. The right POS system can:
- Reduce costs by automating manual tasks.
- Increase revenue with tools for upselling and customer retention.
- Improve customer experience by speeding up service and ensuring accuracy.
While Toast offers an all-in-one solution, it often comes with higher upfront and ongoing costs. EPOS Now, on the other hand, provides a flexible and affordable alternative that doesn’t compromise on features.
Explore how EPOS Now can transform your restaurant’s operations
How EPOS Now Helps You Increase Profitability
1. Lower Operating Costs
One of the biggest advantages of EPOS Now is its cost-effectiveness. Here’s how it helps you save:
- Flexible Payment Processing Options: Unlike Toast, which locks you into its payment processor (with fees ranging from 2.49% to 2.99% + 15¢ per transaction), EPOS Now allows you to choose your provider. This flexibility often results in lower fees and higher profits.
- Hardware Compatibility: Toast requires proprietary hardware, which can cost thousands upfront. EPOS Now works with most existing devices, drastically reducing your initial investment.
2. Inventory Management That Saves Money
EPOS Now’s inventory tracking tools are designed to reduce waste and improve purchasing decisions:
- Real-Time Stock Updates: Always know what’s in stock to avoid over-ordering or running out of key ingredients.
- Low-Stock Alerts: Automatically alerts you when supplies are low, helping you plan purchases efficiently.
- Waste Reduction: By tracking trends, you can cut down on overstocked items and spoilage, directly improving your profit margins.
3. Smarter Labor Management
Labor costs are among the highest expenses for any restaurant. EPOS Now simplifies labor management with tools to:
- Schedule staff based on historical sales data.
- Track employee performance and productivity.
- Monitor clock-in and clock-out times to prevent unnecessary overtime.
Save money and optimize your operations with EPOS Now
Increase Revenue with New Sales Channels
With EPOS Now, you’re not limited to in-house dining. This system helps you tap into multiple revenue streams:
1. Online Ordering Integration
EPOS Now integrates seamlessly with platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Toast also offers online ordering, but EPOS Now’s integrations are more affordable and user-friendly.
2. Custom Delivery Options
Want to avoid third-party fees? EPOS Now allows you to create your own in-house delivery platform, keeping more profits in your pocket.
3. Mobile Ordering and Table Management
With mobile POS devices, EPOS Now enables servers to take orders directly at the table. This reduces errors, speeds up service, and encourages more spending.
Discover new revenue streams with EPOS Now’s online ordering integrations
Marketing Made Easy with EPOS Now
Marketing isn’t just about bringing in new customers—it’s about keeping them coming back. EPOS Now offers advanced marketing tools to increase customer loyalty and drive repeat business.
1. Loyalty Programs
With EPOS Now, you can design custom loyalty programs that encourage diners to return. Toast offers similar programs, but EPOS Now gives you more control over customization, ensuring that rewards resonate with your audience.
2. Personalized Promotions
Using EPOS Now’s data-driven insights, you can create promotions tailored to customer preferences. For example:
- Offer discounts on menu items that perform well during specific times.
- Use customer purchase history to send targeted deals.
3. Social Media and Email Marketing
EPOS Now integrates with marketing platforms like Mailchimp and Constant Contact. Unlike Toast, EPOS Now also allows you to easily share promotions on social media platforms, driving more traffic to your restaurant.
4. Gift Card Sales
Expand your revenue potential by offering gift cards directly through your POS system. EPOS Now makes it simple to create and track gift card sales, which often bring in new customers.
Start building a loyal customer base with EPOS Now’s marketing tools
Simplify Accounting with Seamless Integrations
Managing your finances can be time-consuming, but EPOS Now’s integrations with top accounting software make it easy to stay on top of your numbers.
Here’s a breakdown of the top five accounting software integrations for EPOS Now:
| Software | Key Features | Benefits for Your Restaurant | Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xero | Cloud-based; automates invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking. | Streamlines bookkeeping and provides real-time cash flow insights. | Learn More |
| QuickBooks | Advanced income and expense tracking, tax preparation tools. | Simplifies tax filing and generates detailed profit and loss statements. | Learn More |
| FreshBooks | User-friendly invoicing and time-tracking with expense management. | Helps small restaurants track expenses and generate financial reports. | Learn More |
| MYOB | Payroll and financial management with compliance tools (popular in Australia). | Ensures accurate payroll and tax compliance. | Learn More |
| Sage | Ideal for small businesses; offers tax reporting and deep financial analysis. | Tracks profitability trends and simplifies annual tax preparation. | Learn More |
See how EPOS Now’s accounting integrations can simplify your finances
Comparing Pricing: EPOS Now vs. Toast
Here’s a quick breakdown of costs for each system:
| Feature |
EPOS Now |
Toast |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Starts at $39/month | Starts at $69/month |
| Hardware | Compatible with most devices | Requires proprietary hardware |
| Payment Processing | Choose your own processor for lower fees | Locked into Toast’s processor with higher fees |
| Customizability | Fully customizable to your needs | Limited customization options |
Toast’s higher fees and hardware costs can quickly eat into your profits. EPOS Now provides a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing features.
Final Thoughts: Why EPOS Now Is the Best Choice for Your Restaurant
When comparing EPOS Now and Toast, it’s clear that EPOS Now offers:
- Lower Costs: Save money on hardware and payment processing while still accessing top-tier features.
- Enhanced Marketing Tools: Build customer loyalty and drive repeat business with targeted promotions and loyalty programs.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Whether you’re a small café or a multi-location restaurant, EPOS Now grows with you.
- Accounting Simplification: Integrations with tools like Xero and QuickBooks make financial management easier than ever.
In a competitive industry where every dollar counts, EPOS Now gives you the tools to increase profitability, improve customer experience, and reduce costs.
Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Click here to explore EPOS Now
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