How Much Do Restaurant POS Systems Cost?
The Rezku Team
How Much Do Restaurant POS Systems Cost?
Restaurant POS system costs can vary widely, from around $0 to $400 per month for basic software. Total costs vary based on the hardware and extra licenses you might specifically need.
Hardware costs can range from $400 to $5,000 as a one-time fee, depending on your specific needs. Understanding how much a restaurant POS system costs is crucial for budgeting.
In this article, you will learn more about the various factors that influence restaurant POS system costs.
How Much is a POS System for a Restaurant?
The cost of a restaurant POS system can vary widely depending on the provider, features, and hardware required. Most POS software plans range from $0 to $400 per month, with pricing based on the level of functionality included. Some systems offer basic, no-cost plans with limited features, while more advanced solutions with inventory tracking, employee management, and customer loyalty programs come at a higher price.
Hardware costs are another important factor to consider. Depending on your restaurant’s setup, you may need touchscreen terminals, receipt printers, kitchen display systems (KDS), cash drawers, and handheld ordering devices. These can range from a few hundred dollars for a tablet-based system to over $5,000 for a full multi-station setup. Some POS providers bundle hardware and software together, while others allow you to use your existing devices to save on upfront costs.
Beyond software and hardware, restaurants must also consider licensing fees, installation costs, ongoing support, and payment processing fees. Some providers charge monthly fees per register, while others offer plans with no extra licensing fees. Additionally, payment processing rates vary depending on the provider, with some charging flat rates per transaction and others offering custom pricing based on sales volume.
For restaurant owners looking for a reliable and feature-rich POS system, selecting the best POS system can ensure long-term cost efficiency and seamless business operations.
What Influences the Cost of a POS System for a Restaurant?
When choosing a POS system for your restaurant, understanding the total cost is crucial. While some systems offer low upfront pricing, additional expenses can add up quickly depending on your restaurant’s unique needs.
To make an informed decision, consider these six key cost factors when exploring restaurant POS system prices.
1. Hardware Needs
The right hardware is essential for a smooth POS operation, but costs can vary significantly based on your restaurant type and size.
A full-service restaurant may require multiple stations, kitchen display screens, and handheld ordering devices, while a small café might only need a single tablet and receipt printer.
Common POS hardware and costs break down as follows:
- Touchscreen Terminals – $300–$1,500 per unit
- Receipt Printers – $150–$500
- Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) – $200–$1,000
- Handheld Ordering Devices – $200–$800 each
- Cash Drawers – $50–$300
Some POS systems allow you to use your own hardware, reducing upfront costs significantly.
For businesses considering a mobile-friendly and flexible setup, exploring the best iPad POS systems should be on your to-do list.
2. Software Subscription
The POS software is the backbone of your system, powering everything from order management to analytics. Pricing typically ranges from $0 to $400 per month, depending on features.
Key software features that affect pricing include:
- Inventory Management – Helps track stock levels and reduces waste.
- Sales & Performance Reporting – Provides insights to optimize business decisions.
- Loyalty & Marketing Tools – Increases customer retention.
- Third-Party Integrations – Syncs with accounting, delivery, and payroll systems.
3. Licensing Fees for Additional Registers
If your restaurant requires multiple terminals, some POS providers charge licensing fees for each additional station. These fees typically range from $9 to $99 per month per register, which can add up for larger restaurants with multiple service areas.
4. Installation and Setup Costs
Getting your POS system up and running may involve installation and setup fees, especially if professional installation is required.
Some providers charge for:
- On-site installation – Ensures everything is properly connected.
- Software configuration – Tailors the system to your restaurant’s needs.
- Employee training – Helps staff learn to use the system efficiently.
Setup specifics will vary by vendor, but in general terms, checking out our how to set up a restaurant POS system can provide some insights into how the general process and considerations look like.
5. Support and Maintenance Fees
Ongoing support and maintenance are critical to ensuring your POS runs smoothly without disruptions.
Some POS providers charge extra for:
- Technical support – 24/7 assistance or premium service plans.
- Software updates – Access to new features and security patches.
- Hardware repairs & replacements – Warranties and service contracts.
6. Payment Processing Fees
Every transaction processed through your POS incurs a payment processing fee, which is a percentage of each sale. These fees vary based on the payment processor, contract terms, and transaction type.
Common payment processing rates breakdown as follows:
- Flat-rate pricing (e.g., Square, PayPal) – 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction
- Interchange-plus pricing (e.g., Stripe, traditional merchant accounts) – 1.5%–3% + a small per-transaction fee
- Custom rates – Some providers offer negotiable processing rates tailored to your sales volume.
How Much Do Restaurant POS Systems Cost on Average?
When evaluating the cost of a restaurant POS system, you’ll find a wide range of pricing options. Most POS software plans range from $0 to $400 per month, depending on the features offered. Additionally, hardware costs can vary significantly, typically ranging from $400 to $5,000, based on the type of equipment needed. If you require multiple stations or advanced technology, expenses can increase accordingly.
Some POS providers bundle hardware and software into a single package. For example, many competitors offer starter packages for around $1,340, with each additional station costing about $1,020. Tablet-based POS systems, like Square or Zettle, can provide a lower-cost option, particularly for restaurants looking to reduce upfront hardware costs.
Unlike some competitors that require costly hardware investments, flexible POS systems allow businesses to use their own tablets or select from high-quality hardware options. Many providers also include unlimited training and customer support, ensuring you have expert assistance whenever you need it.
Example Breakdown Of Restaurant POS Costs Based On Features and Add-Ons
Understanding the cost of a restaurant POS system involves looking at features and add-ons. Prices can vary depending on the system’s specifics and your business needs.
| Feature | Upfront Costs | Monthly Costs | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | $500 - $1,500 | $0 | Repair fees per incident |
| Software | $0 - $500 | $50 - $300 | Updates included |
| Loyalty Program | $0 - $200 | $10 - $100 | Optional setup fees |
| Online Ordering | $0 - $200 | $20 - $100 | Transaction fees per order |
How Much Does Rezku Cost?
At Rezku, we believe every restaurant should have access to powerful, industry-leading POS technology—without the burden of high costs. That’s why we offer our Essential Plan starting at $0 per month, giving small and growing restaurants a cost-effective way to streamline operations.
With the Essential Plan, you get core POS features designed to help your restaurant run smoothly, including:
- Order management – Quickly take and process orders with an intuitive, user-friendly system.
- Menu management – Easily update and customize your menu in real time.
- Basic reporting – Gain insights into your sales and performance.
- Secure cloud-based access – Manage your restaurant from anywhere.
Plus, every Rezku plan comes with unlimited training and 24/7 customer support, so you’ll always have expert assistance when you need it. As your business grows, we offer additional features and custom solutions to scale with you.
If you’re looking for a POS system that’s affordable, reliable, and built for restaurants, Rezku’s Essential Plan is a great place to start. Get in touch with us today to learn more or upgrade to a plan that fits your expanding needs!
Final Thoughts on The Cost of Restaurant POS Systems
When choosing a restaurant POS system, it’s important to consider the costs involved.
Different POS systems offer varying functionalities, meaning different restaurant POS systems’ prices can vary widely. Selecting the right one for your restaurant can enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
You’ll need to balance initial expenses with long-term benefits to find the right fit for your restaurant’s operations.
FAQs
How much do major restaurant POS software providers charge?
The cost of restaurant POS software can vary.
On average, software charges range from $0 to $400 per month. Meanwhile, additional software licenses usually cost between $9 and $99 per register per month.
Prices often depend on features and scalability suited for different restaurant sizes. Researching specific providers can give you a clear understanding of your potential costs.
What are the most common models for restaurant POS pricing?
Restaurant POS pricing usually follows two main models: subscription-based and one-time-purchase.
Subscription models may charge monthly fees, with software updates and support included. This model can range from $30 to $300 monthly, depending on features.
The one-time purchase model involves paying upfront for software and hardware, which can cost from $1,000 to $5,000.
Understanding these models will help you determine what aligns with your budget and preferences.
How much does restaurant POS installation and training cost?
Installation and training costs for restaurant POS systems can be significant but vary widely.
Some providers include these services in the overall package. If not, installation may range from $500 to $1,200; training can add $100 to $600 or more, depending on your team size and needs.
Investing in proper setup and training ensures effective use, which can enhance operational efficiency and customer service in the long run.
How much do bar POS systems cost?
Bar POS systems share similarities with restaurant POS systems but often include bar-specific features like inventory tracking for beverages.
Costs can range widely; a basic setup might be as low as $500, while more advanced systems could reach up to $5,000.
Monthly software fees might start around $30.
When choosing a bar POS system, consider your specific needs, such as speed, reliability, and support for bar transactions.
How to maximize the ROI of your POS system?
To maximize the return on investment (ROI) for your POS system, focus on several key areas.
Train staff effectively so they can use the system’s features fully. Regularly update software to utilize new features and improve efficiency. Analyze data collected by the POS to enhance inventory and sales strategies.
Ensure your system is scalable to grow with your business, reducing the need for future major investments.
Is Rezku the POS system you’ve been searching for?
Get a custom quote and start your free trial today.
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