Restaurant POS Systems in Canada

Oct 4, 2024
4 minutes Read
Looking for restaurant POS systems in Canada? OTT Pay offers fast processing, supports cards & global e-wallets, and provides real-time reporting. Request a demo today!
Restaurant POS Systems in Canada

Picking the Best Restaurant POS System in Canada

With 84% of Canadian consumers becoming more selective about where they dine, factors beyond the menu—such as ambience, customer service, and even the efficiency of the restaurant’s POS system in Canada—are increasingly important. Restaurateurs across Canada are seeking every possible edge, and offering seamless, diverse payment options can be the key differentiator in attracting patrons from around the world. In bustling cities like Toronto, which boasts over 10,000 restaurants, and New York, which has nearly 50,000, standing out requires not only exceptional cuisine but also embracing technology to enhance the overall customer experience.

The payment process is the last interaction your patrons have with your restaurant, and it can make a lasting impression. Beyond just handling transactions accurately and efficiently, a smooth checkout leaves customers feeling good about their experience and more likely to return. That’s why your restaurant POS system in Canada plays a vital role in enhancing the overall dining experience.

While cybercrime, data issues, and network outages are significant risks, another key concern is when your restaurant POS system lacks payment options. It can result in lost sales and unhappy customers. A survey by Restaurant News found that 69% of customers value experience over price, and nearly 75% say it’s more important than convenience. You might not notice if your restaurant POS system in Canada is missing key payment options, but your customers will, especially if your competitors accept WeChat Pay, Alipay, or another method from the World of Payments™ that you haven’t added yet. With the OTT Pay Smart POS Terminal and its QR code reader, you can meet these demands and stay ahead in the market.

Woman at counter using pointer of sale terminal

Choosing the right restaurant POS system in Canada is a significant decision because it affects every customer interaction in some way.

Your specific needs will largely depend on the type of restaurant you operate. Consider the following factors:

  • Are you full service or counter service restaurant? This will help determine the number of POS machines you need and whether they need to be portable. For instance, a counter service restaurant with a drive-thru may also need portable POS machines.

  • Will your customers use the machines, or will they be operated solely by your staff? This will influence how user-friendly the interface should be. If only trained staff will operate it, a more complex system might work just fine. However, if your employees aren’t tech-savvy or fluent in English, choosing a simpler system can make training easier and streamline daily operations.

  • What types of data do you want to track from your restaurant POS system in Canada? The information can be a potential goldmine for your business if you put it to good use. You can find out which items are selling the most and which servers are earning the highest tips, as well as discover other helpful insights to improve your operations and increase profits.

  • What other features do you need from your POS system? For example, do you sell gift cards that need processing? Do you accept online orders? Some POS systems can handle both, while others might not support these options.

How do your customers pay now, and how will they want to pay in the future? Canada welcomes over 1 million newcomers each year to live, work, and study, and many still use bank accounts from their home countries. Offering familiar payment methods can make these new customers feel more comfortable, increasing the chances they’ll return. With a restaurant POS system in Canada that supports various payment options, you’ll be ready to serve a wider range of customers. Adapting your POS to their preferences can unlock a whole new base of loyal customers.

Many of the top restaurant POS systems in Canada allow you to request a demo, and it’s a good idea to try them all. A system that looks great on paper might not be the best fit if you or your staff find it hard to use. While testing, get employee feedback, and if customers interact with the system, ask for their input, too. You could even offer them a small reward for their time. Once you pick the system that feels right, clearly explain your needs to the provider so they can customize a POS system for your restaurant.

Woman paying with credit card

As payment options continue to evolve, credit and debit cards remain the most commonly used today. Make sure your restaurant POS system in Canada can process cards from all major networks like Visa, Mastercard, Interac, and American Express. The OTT Pay Smart POS Terminal not only processes traditional card payments but also connects you to the Wider World of Payments™ through exclusive partnerships with international e-wallets. With the ability to accept e-wallets used by over a billion people globally, you can easily cater to a wider range of customers. In today’s competitive market, offering diverse payment options could be the key to growing your customer base and staying ahead of the competition.