The future has arrived – which is great news for bars and nightclubs. The fast-paced nightlife industry has been crying out for a better electronic point of sale (EPOS) system for too long now.
So what is an EPOS exactly?
An EPOS system is an updated version of the classic checkout till. Backed up by the cloud, this system not only handles each transaction but also helps the modern nightlife business collect and analyze valuable data for making more informed decisions.
Until now, affording this kind of tech was a lavish expense many nightlife venue owners could only dream about. However, now that’s all changed.
Say hello to subscription-based EPOS systems.
If you haven’t noticed, subscription software is taking over the world. From Netflix to Apple Music, the option to pay small subscription fees rather than a huge chunk upfront has quickly become a crowd favorite.
However, the movie and music industries are not the only ones to embrace this change. The nightlife industry wants a slice of that sweet success too.
So what’s the fuss all about?
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these systems and discover why they can be your bar or nightclub’s new best mate.
What Is a Subscription-based EPOS System?
For years, the nightlife industry has endured the trials and tribulations that came with the former bar and nightclub EPOS. You know what I’m on about: unavoidable support fees, upfront hardware investments, and unwieldy (not to mention pricy) on-site-only software updates.
But, like poor Basil Fawlty, we accepted these headaches as part and parcel of the hospitality business, and we soldiered on (even when we felt like jumping out a window).
Thankfully, you no longer need to suffer.
Today, leading EPOS companies in the Philippines have embraced subscription-based systems, allowing more business owners to streamline and simplify their operations. Once you do that, you can focus on your passion, why you opened a bar or nightclub in the first place.
What does this new format look like?
- Free support
- Affordable monthly or annual payments
- Remote software updates you can get with non-proprietary hardware
In terms of aesthetics, this EPOS till is no Henry Hoover. We’re talking next-level innovative tech that would make James Bond green with envy.
Your bar or nightclub’s new secret weapon? A sleek tablet.
But instead of dazzling your friends with it as a present that keeps them entertained, you’ll be using it to run your business.
What Is a Traditional POS System?
On the flip side, we have traditional or legacy POS systems.
These run on closed, internal networks, storing data on a local server. However, as we briefly mentioned earlier, this can pose a problem. As the system is reliant on the local server, it makes the hardware and your precious data extremely vulnerable to any damage or corruption.
Let’s say some plonker spills a drink on your old-school system. If your server crashes, your business can grind to a halt. And these days, disruptions to service mean you’re going to lose customers. No one’s willing to wait.
The threat of technical issues that comes with traditional or legacy EPOS systems put your entire business at risk. Which – clearly – is not worth it.
Traditional POS vs. EPOS: Which Is the Best?
I know what you’re thinking.
EPOS systems can crash too. After all, they need the Internet to work, right?
Well, not all of them.
Some EPOS systems, like XenoPOS, work on a hybrid system. A hybrid system runs on two elements: a hardwired, local connection within your venue and access to data through the cloud. This means your system still works if the Internet cuts out.
Reliability and security are important – of course, they are.
But these aren’t the only factors. As a business owner, you want a system that is cost-efficient, easy to maintain, secure, and reliable AND ultimately helps enhance the guest experience and increase sales.
Not asking for too much, is it?
Well, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty to find out which really is best: a traditional POS or a modern EPOS.
| Traditional Legacy POS | Subscription-based EPOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ₱40000 to ₱80000 with ₱2000 to ₱5000 a month support fee. | Starting at ₱1300 / month |
| Payments | Upfront licensing fee & continual upgrades | Monthly & annual payment options |
| Data Access | On-site-only access to EPOS reporting & data | Anywhere, anytime access to EPOS |
| Software Updates | Completed onsite (pricey and infrequent) | Completed remotely, for free, every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Main Focus | Daily restaurant operations management | Boosting performance and revenue |
| Maintenance | Additional fees for physical maintenance and upgrades (must be performed by an expert at the store location) | Updates and maintenance are done remotely |