Choosing a Restaurant Payment System That's Powerful & Easy

When you step into a restaurant, the expectation is for your billing experience to mirror the ease and pleasure of dining. A streamlined restaurant payment system doesn't just settle tabs—it allows you to continue your day without hassle. 

When your restaurant’s payment hardware and software operate seamlessly, customers part on high notes while staff can excel in their roles without disruption. 

However, it’s crucial to understand that point-of-sale (POS) systems vary significantly. What you’re looking for is a restaurant POS system that includes every useful detail unique to managing ​restaurant and hospitality businesses. 

​​This article will guide you toward finding not just ‘any solution’ but one that supports the high-energy flow of peak lunch hours and the refined precision of a fully booked dinner service through operational simplicity and reliability.​​​

The Essentials of a Restaurant Payment System 

​​Your restaurant is fast paced, so your restaurant payment software has to keep up. ​​​During a busy evening, any issues with processing payments mean the customer experience is potentially ruined. 

The software also needs to be user-friendly. No one should have to struggle to find the right buttons when customers need to split a check or process a refund.  

Integration capabilities are the best of both worlds. When your payment system syncs with your inventory management and customer relationship management (CRM) tools, your operations are centralized and far more efficient. 

Understanding Different Types of Payment Systems

​​There are several payment systems to choose from​, and they often complement one another to form comprehensive solutions. It’s important to research the right tech stack for your business to ensure that your operational needs are all met without any investment in unnecessary software and hardware​. 

Here are three individual components to consider as you build a tech stack that’s customized for your restaurant’s needs and goals: 

• POS Systems: Modern restaurant POS systems act like hubs of your operation. They combine point-of-sale functions and advanced features found in restaurant POS software, such as table management. 
• Mobile Payment Solutions: With mobile POS options, you can process payments tableside or curbside, adding wireless convenience for your guests. 
• ​​Online Payment Gateways: If you’re offering takeout or delivery services, these payment gateways take care of online ordering for a seamless customer experience.

​​Many (if not all) restaurant owners are looking for cost-effective solutions with everything they need. Understanding how all these systems work together means you can invest wisely in essential tools without the risk of overspending. ​​ 

Evaluating Your Restaurant’s Payment Needs 

First, take a hard look at your current restaurant payment methods and systems. Is it efficient? Is it causing bottlenecks?  

Perhaps your current restaurant POS system costs a little more than you would like. Or maybe your online ordering setup is misaligned with your in-house payment processing. A payment systems audit helps you spot these issues and recognize where improvements can be made.  

Next, define what your restaurant truly needs. A cozy cafe has far different requirements than a high-volume bistro. Think about your service model, property size, average daily foot traffic, and the type(s) of customers you serve.  

Comparing 4 Popular Restaurant Payment Systems 

Every restaurant is unique, so choosing the right payment system means finding one that fits your business best. Let’s take a quick look at the top restaurant payment options out there: 

1. Paytronix 

Paytronix is the all-in-one solution for small, medium-sized, and enterprise restaurants looking for a platform that combines a payment system with loyalty programs, online ordering, marketing automation, and artificial intelligence.

Our platform is designed to provide seamless, hyperpersonalized experiences for your customers while increasing engagement and likelihood of return visits. With features like integrated delivery service and advanced customer analytics, Paytronix is the leading option for restaurants that want to build lasting, emotionally resonant relationships with their customers. 

2. Square for Restaurants

Image Source: Square 

Known for its intuitive interface and affordable pricing, Square is a good choice for small to medium-sized restaurants.  

​​​Square offers a no-frills POS payment system that supports delivery and online ordering for restaurants looking to prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness over extensive features. ​​ 

3. Toast

Image Source: Toast 

Toast POS offers detailed control over both dining and back-of-house operations. It includes full restaurant management features such as table management and kitchen display systems.  

4. Clover 

Image Source: Clover 

Clover is a POS system for businesses that includes a restaurant-specific platform. ​It supports a range of payment methods​, including credit and debit cards, EMV chip cards, contactless payment like Apple and Google Pay, and gift cards.

Clover integrates with third-party applications such as accounting software like Quickbooks, online ordering platforms like Uber Eats, and partners with restaurant commerce platforms like BentoBox​​. Because of its extensive features and customization options, ​​Clover is a more complex system that might take longer to implement compared with others.  

Integrating Payment Systems with Other Restaurant Operations 

Integrating payment systems with other restaurant operations significantly streamlines your business. By syncing it with inventory management, you keep stock levels in check automatically after every sale, averting the issue of suddenly running out or overstocking.  

When your payment system integrates with customer loyalty programs, rewards for patrons flow effortlessly, making their visit a little sweeter and nudging them to come back more often. 

On the technical front, ensuring that all systems communicate well is key to avoiding pesky tech interruptions and the ​ensuing​ (often avoidable) downtime.  

And let's not forget payment security—safeguarding customer information helps maintain their trust, especially for preventing gift card fraud, and ensures you’re ticking all the boxes when it comes to payment card regulations. 

​​​Enriching Customer Experience Through Payment Options 

​​​Today’s diners use a wide variety of payment methods, so it’s important that all customers feel acknowledged when it’s time to pay. A restaurant payment system needs to support credit cards, debit cards, cash, mobile and contactless payments, and eWallets.​​ 

​​​Interestingly, recent research has shown that customers of different generations tend to favor different payment methods. Surprisingly, 37% of Gen Z still use cash, with 52% preferring debit over credit cards. ​

​​​Millennials are largely using eWallets like PayPal, which are linked to tap-to-pay options. Both Gen X and Millennials still use credit cards as their main method of payment. Baby boomers favor traditional payment methods like credit cards and automated clearing house (ACH) payments, which is a direct bank account draft. ​​ 

​​​With such a wide variety of payment methods being used across your customer base, having multiple options available means you’re increasing the likelihood customers will return if they can continue using methods they’re most comfortable with.​​

Implementing and Training Staff on New Payment Systems 

Now that you've selected your ideal payment system and/or complete payment tech stack, it’s time to integrate it flawlessly with the rest of your restaurant's operations: 

5 Steps for Implementation 

1. Plan the Change: Opt for a less busy time to test and introduce the new system, reducing the impact on service. 
2. Set Up and Integrate: Install necessary hardware and software according to your vendor’s instructions, confirming its compatibility with your current systems. 
3. Test Thoroughly: Conduct test transactions to identify any issues before they impact your customers. 
4. Train Your Staff: Equip your team with rock-solid knowledge of the new system’s functionalities so they can use it with confidence. 
5. Go Live and Monitor: Activate the system while continually assessing its effectiveness. Contact your vendor’s customer service if you experience any issues, regardless of scope. 

5 Tips for Training Your Staff 

You can have the best staff in the world, but until they’re trained in the operation of your new payment system, your restaurant’s efficiency won’t be at optimal levels. Here are five tips to get your employee management up to speed: 

1. Hands-On Practice: Allow your team members the opportunity to gain practical experience in a no-pressure setting. Set up training sessions in advance so everyone has the chance to set aside time and be fully focused. 
2. Provide Simple Guides: Develop easy-to-understand material detailing standard procedures. Review your vendor’s resources first to reduce unnecessary time spent on developing training materials, but otherwise feel free to make materials based on what your staff needs. 
3. Encourage Questions: Create an open dialogue where staff can ask for guidance without hesitation. Make it as easy as possible for them to succeed, not just on launch day, but on an ongoing basis. 
4. Assign a Point Person: Ensure there is always someone available who can resolve queries confidently. Ideally this is both a dedicated point of contact at your software vendor in addition to an in-house expert (perhaps a team lead or manager). 
5. Offer Ongoing Support: Regularly touch base to troubleshoot problems or refine usage skills as needed. Make sure your entire team grows in proficiency and adapts to new processes and outcomes.

Security and Compliance in Restaurant Payments 

Protecting your customers' data is a top priority. Implement strong security measures like encryption and secure networks to prevent fraud. Pay special attention to ​​gift card fraud by ensuring you’re just as vigilant about your loyalty programs as you are with payments. 

When it comes to compliance, restaurants must adhere to regulations such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) to handle card information securely. Other important standards include EMV compliance for chip-enabled cards and, if you’re operating in Europe, GDPR for data. Staying compliant not only safeguards your guests but also builds trust. 

Monitoring and Optimizing Your Payment System 

It's crucial to keep a watchful eye on your payment system for business as usual. Keep track of​ important indicators such as transaction speeds, error rates, and the volume of successful transactions to gauge performance levels.  

Customer feedback is also a goldmine; it often highlights  problem areas that can’t be found in just the raw numbers, including how your restaurant employees speak to customers and the physical cleanliness of your business. 

Consistently evaluate your setup to identify chances for improvements or fresh functionalities that meet changing customer preferences. Remaining ahead of the curve means you're ensuring not only an effective payment process but happy customers all around. 

​​What This Means for You 

Choosing the perfect restaurant payment system and complete tech stack makes a tangible difference in your business.  

When you prioritize speed, smooth integration, and a vastly improved customer experience, you set up your business for more efficient operations and customers who are as satisfied with their billing experience as they are with the delicious food you serve. 

Keen on bringing your restaurant's functionality to an unprecedented level? Get a free copy of our eBook, How to Maximize Digital Ordering for Restaurants, to uncover tactics that refine your services and please your patrons.  

​​Let's collaborate to amplify your success. Book a demo now to see how Paytronix takes your restaurant from getting by to show-stopping, word-of-mouth hit.