One of the most important components for running a successful takeaway is your point of sale system. That is, you can’t run a shop without having a way to take money and accept credit cards! And in today’s modern world, that means getting an electronic point of sales (EPOS) system.
Unlike traditional restaurants, chippies and takeaways face unique challenges that will impact what EPOS system you choose and the features you need. Let’s take a closer look at what to consider when choosing an EPOS system for your takeaway.
It’s essential to integrate your EPOS system into the planning process as early as possible. Unlike restaurants, chippies and some takeaways have unique requirements because of the range. Because the space is small, it’s a good idea to think about both present needs and future scalability from the outset.
It’s a good idea to consider both present day and potential future needs. While you might only need one till on opening day, consider installing the necessary infrastructure to accommodate additional tills or upgrades later. Additionally, you may want to add integrations with popular food delivery services later on (or right away), which may require additional infrastructure. This forward-thinking approach can save you time and money down the line, especially as your business expands.
Electrical compatibility is another key factor. Fish and chip shop ranges typically run on 3-phase electric, which isn’t compatible with most EPOS systems (they run on regular 2-phase connections). To address this, ensure your range design includes standard electric plug sockets that convert the power for your EPOS system and position your tills where they are most effective. Additionally, takeaways often turn their ranges or grills off at certain times, but the EPOS system needs to remain on and connected in order to take new orders, run reports, etc.
Lastly, you need to consider where you’re going to place your till in your shop. Counterspace if usually limited, and you don’t want to block the customer’s view of the till. Additionally, you may need to space the tills out (if you have more than one) and put the cash drawer under the counter to allow for food preparation.
Most EPOS systems can run using Wi-Fi, but a backup is needed if the Wi-Fi stops working. In fact, you may not need Wi-Fi capabilities at all if you don’t plan on being cash only and not accept online orders.
However, internet is typically needed for till maintenance, such as running software updates and troubleshooting. Internet also enables shop owners to run reports remotely, so they don’t need to be physically present in the shop to get the information they need to run their business. And while tills can use Wi-Fi, they can sometimes be slowed down, so having a wired connection is a good idea. The good news is that you may not need a separate, hard-wired ethernet connection; most phone lines can handle basic internet connections and can suffice in a small setup.
If you do decide to use Wi-Fi connectivity, there are a number of ways your EPOS system can enhance efficiency in managing orders, especially with features like touch screen kiosks, online ordering, and QR code-enabled ordering at tables. These systems eliminate bottlenecks in customer interactions, enabling faster service and smoother workflows. What’s more, given the size of most takeaways, order printers are generally not needed and extraneous, as they’re designed for restaurants that have kitchens separate from customer ordering areas.
Security is an important concern for fish and chip shops and takeaways, which are often at a higher risk of break-ins compared to other businesses. Integrating security features with your EPOS system can provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
Installing surveillance cameras is a good first step—not only for deterring potential theft but also for monitoring daily operations. Many modern EPOS systems can communicate their sales to the CCTV system, offering real-time transaction information and the ability to overlay sales data and review footage linked to specific transactions. This integration ensures that your business is safeguarded while also enabling smoother handling of any disputes or incidents.
If you need an EPOS system for a new chippy or takeaway, we’re here to help! Not only can we provide you with an EPOS system designed to meet your current and future needs, but we can also help you with cameras and security systems. Contact our sales department to learn more about how an EPOS system can help your business grow.
