Operating a brewery is a difficult job. It requires the best brewery POS system that can manage your brew crew, create the ideal hop blend for your seasonal drinks, and deliver an amazing guest experience.
Ineffective business operations could be a problem for you if you don’t have the proper point-of-sale system. As a result, we would like to introduce our brewery POS system review with the top choices that have become industry leaders in this sector for you to choose.
Contents
1. Best Brewery POS System: A Quick Look
A POS system specifically made for breweries and other hospitality enterprises is known as a brewery POS system. It facilitates transaction processing, bar or taproom management, sales data tracking, and much more.
Moreover, brewery POS systems include many advanced features that meet the unique needs of breweries. These are inventory tracking for kegs and taps, integration with accounting software, tools for managing tabs and mobile orders, and more. By leveraging these capabilities, breweries can improve efficiency and create a more enjoyable experience for customers.
2. Best Brewery POS System: Our Top Picks
The best brewery POS systems are:
- Shopify POS: Best for diverse and seamless integrations
- TouchBistro POS: Best for fast and high-volume operations
- Toast POS: Best for personalization
- GoTab POS: Best for guest experience improvement
- Lightspeed POS: Best for diverse inventory management
2.1. Shopify POS: Best for diverse and seamless integrations
Our rating | 4/5 |
Monthly software fee | $0 – $89+ |
Hardware cost | $49 – $500 |
Feature Highlights | – Ordering Omnichannel – Apps Integration |
Shopify POS is a good fit for breweries to set up and open their stores quickly. It provides store owners with robust features and seamless integrations that will benefit them, their staff, and their customers.
2.1.1. Pricing
Shopify POS Lite, which is a part of your initial Shopify subscription costs, starts at $5/month or Shopify POS Pro at $89/month/location. See their comparison here.
Transaction costs vary based on your subscription plans, starting from 2.4% to 2.7% + $0 per transaction.
2.1.2. Features
- Seamless Ordering Omnichannel: Seamlessly syncing your store with the POS system, allowing for streamlined multi-location inventory management, menu updates, customer interactions, and much more.
- Customer Engagement: To share news, updates and provide special discounts on your brewery products, you can make personalized consumer profiles and send tailored marketing communications.
- Apps Integration For Advanced Functionality: You can improve your operations with specialized-brewery functions by utilizing the vast collection of more than 8,000 apps that are accessible on the Shopify App Store.
2.1.3. Hardware
Here’s a summary of Shopify POS retail hardware prices below:
- A Chipper 2X BT card reader or Tap & Chip card reader: 49$
- Retail Kit: $219
- Shopify POS Go mobile device: $399 ($429 with case)
- Barcode scanners: $229 to $329
- Label printers: $299 to $499
- Receipt printers: $299 to $369
- Cash drawers: $139 to $159
2.1.4. Payment method
Cash, credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, loyalty points, and gift cards are the payment methods that Shopify POS accepts.
Moreover, you have Shopify Payments, the integrated payment processor, which ensures the security of both corporate data and payment information. Businesses can also take advantage of Shopify Payments’ free transaction fees, which lowers operating expenses.
2.1.5. Pros & Cons:
Pros | ✅ Efficient omnichannel management ✅ Availability of free plan ✅ Diverse payment methods |
Cons | ❌ Limited features for table management, reservation, and KDS ❌ Lack of offline functionality |
2.1.6. Why we choose it:
- It has a free plan, which makes it one of the best POS for small businesses.
- There are tons of apps and integrations to complement your business functions.
2.2. TouchBistro POS: Best for fast and high-volume operations
Our rating | 4.5/5 |
Monthly software fee | $69+ |
Hardware cost | Contact for more Info |
Feature Highlights | – Streamlined Operations – Tab Management |
TouchBistro offers cloud-based POS systems that are specifically designed to meet the unique requirements and challenges faced by establishments such as taprooms and breweries.
2.2.1. Pricing
- Monthly subscription fee: Starting from $69/month
- Add-on pricing: Starting from $25/month
- Transaction fee: Varying based on whether you use third-party payment processing partners or TouchBistro Payments (US only).
2.2.2. Features
- Streamlined Operations: It greatly speeds up the ordering process with its “Fast Tap” register mode and tableside ordering system, allowing companies to serve more customers with shorter wait times.
- Tab Management: It allows visitors to place several orders during their stay and pay for them at a later time. This feature provides convenience and flexibility, which improves the user experience.
- Staff Management: TouchBistro offers useful staff management tools to save labor expenses and guarantee proper staffing during busy periods.
2.2.3. Hardware
This best POS for a brewery doesn’t display the price of its hardware and you are encouraged to contact them to get quoted. Here’s a summary of Shopify POS retail hardware:
- iPad system
- Barcode scanners
- Label printers
- Receipt printers
- Cash drawers
2.2.4. Payment method
TouchBistro enhances customer comfort and service speed by providing taproom-side payments and quick payment processing. To accommodate a range of consumer preferences, it offers multiple payment methods, such as swipe, dip, tap, and mobile payments.
You can still accept payments with TouchBistro Payments (US Only) even if their internet is down thanks to its offline payment feature.
2.2.5. Pros & Cons:
Pros | ✅ User-friendly and easily navigable ✅ Comprehensive features for brewery operations ✅ Ongoing software improvements |
Cons | ❌ Technology issues during updates ❌ Reaching customer support can be time-consuming |
2.2.6. Why we choose it
- Complete management solution streamlines taproom and brewery operations.
- The seamless integration and functionality of all the essential POS features.
2.3. Toast POS: Best for guest experience improvement
Our rating | 5/5 |
Monthly software fee | $0 – $165+ |
Hardware cost | $0 – $1,400+ |
Feature Highlights | – Customer Experience Boost – Data Analytics |
Toast has expanded rapidly and gained recognition through a number of noteworthy acquisitions. As a one-stop shop for taprooms and brewers, it is aiming to become a complete hospitality operating system.
2.3.1. Pricing
- Quick Start Bundle: Starting at $0/month
- Core Plan: Subscription starting at $69/month
- Growth Plan: Subscription starting at $165/month
Credit card processing fees: Since Toast will manage all of your credit and debit card transactions, you are unable to choose to use a third-party payment processor. Depending on your restaurant’s unique requirements, this best POS for brewery adjusts the processing fees for credit card transactions.
2.3.2. Features
- Customer Experience Boost: Taproom munchies and rounds of brews are served promptly thanks to the rapid order feature. Additionally, consumers can order, pay, and avoid the line with Toast Mobile Order & Pay.
- Kitchen Display System and Inventory Management: Toast’s user-friendly KDS and inventory management tools let your brewery or bar run smoothly.
- Data Analytics: Top-selling beers can be identified using Toast’s reporting and analytics tools, enabling menu changes appropriately.
2.3.3. Hardware
Here’s a summary of Toast’s main hardware prices below:
- $799.20 for the Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee)
- $1,024.20 for the Countertop Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee)
- $1,339.20 for the Guest Self-Service Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee)
2.3.4. Payment method
Toast POS accepts a variety of payment methods, including:
- Credit cards and debit cards
- Mobile wallets and Gift cards
- Prepaid credit cards
- Cash
- Toast rewards (Loyalty points, promo codes, and Toast cash)
Additionally, this best brewery POS system provides contactless payment terminals, counters, and handheld point-of-sale devices.
2.3.5. Pros & Cons
Pros | ✅ The software is easy to navigate, and training new employees is straightforward ✅ High level of customization ✅ Comprehensive reporting |
Cons | ❌ Technical issues with the system ❌ Limited quick service tools |
2.3.6. Why we choose it
- It is very feature-rich but at reasonable pricing.
- User-friendly interface handles complex transactions swiftly and accurately.
2.4. GoTab POS: Best for personalization experience
Our rating | 4.3/5 |
Monthly software fee | $15 – $99+ |
Hardware cost | $0 – $1,200+ |
Feature Highlights | – Contactless Ordering and Payment – Comprehensive Service |
GoTab is a flexible and cutting-edge brewery point-of-sale and commerce platform that was established in 2016 with the goal of using technology to enhance the hospitality sector’s operations and customer experience.
2.4.1. Pricing
- Basic: $15/month
- Pro: $99/month
For a quote on the Quickstart, Premium, and Enterprise programs, get in touch with GoTab.
Processing Fees:
- 2.25% + $0.15 for Card Present Transactions. (When a card is tapped, dipped, or swiped in person).
- 2.5% + $0.25 for Card Not Present Transactions. (When an order is placed through mobile ordering, card on file or manual entry).
2.4.2. Features
- Real-Time Menu Management: You can adjust your brewery menu to reflect inventory availability in real time like adding seasonal specials or bringing back favorite discontinued items.
- Contactless Ordering and Payment: The system allows your clients to go through your brewery’s menu and place orders entirely via their phones. That reduces the need for face-to-face interaction while increasing convenience and safety.
- Comprehensive Service: You can access all aspects of the customer experience in a single system where you can freely manage, including buying drinks and leaving tips.
2.4.3. Hardware
Here’s a summary of GoTab POS retail hardware prices below:
- Hardware Bundles: $295 to $1,120
- Receipt printer: $350
- Microtouch: $565 to $600
- Checkout terminal: $585
- Card reader: $75
2.4.4. Payment method
Almost any payment method is possible with this best brewery POS system. You can effortlessly process payments by inserting, tapping, or using our Phone-Only POS system. This enables you to take payments straight from a phone without the need for a card reader, whether you’re at a fixed point of sale or at the customer’s table.
2.4.5. Pros & Cons
Pros | ✅ Strong features with high uniqueness and practicality ✅ Ease of adoption and use ✅ Fast and exceptional customer support |
Cons | ❌Some users encounter daily glitches and problems ❌Integration limitations |
2.4.6. Why we choose it
- GoTab is compatible with almost any web-enabled mobile device, so you can use your current gear.
- This best POS for brewery allows you to adapt quickly to changing norms, safety needs, and technology.
2.5. Lightspeed POS: Best for diverse inventory management
Our rating | 5/5 |
Monthly software fee | $90 – $516+ |
Hardware cost | $169 – $600+ |
Feature Highlights | – Customizable Layouts and Menus – Automated Beverage Inventory Management |
Lightspeed POS is a robust cloud-based point-of-sale system specifically created for the food and beverage service sector. This best brewery POS has a number of features that may be customized to fit your unique needs, whether you’re running a chain of bars or a small brewery.
2.5.1. Pricing
- Lightspeed Restaurant Essentials: $90/month (annual plan $69/month)
- Lightspeed Restaurant Plus: $246/month (annual plan $189/month)
- Lightspeed Restaurant Pro: $516/month (annual plan $399/month)
Transaction fees: Lightspeed Payments charges 2.6% plus 10 cents for each card-present transaction. There are also third-party payment processors accessible.
2.5.2. Features
- Customizable Layouts and Menus: Create customized floor designs that reflect the layout and seating configurations of your brewery. Make several menus that are suited to particular gadgets, times, or occasions.
- Automated Beverage Inventory Management: Lightspeed’s automated inventory system makes it easy to handle ingredients and keep track of your brewery supplies, so you never run out of your customers’ favorite brews.
- Integration with Delivery Apps: Integrate your menu with popular brewery delivery applications, such as UberEats, to attract more customers who prefer to drink their beer at home and manage all online orders in one location.
2.5.3. Hardware
Here’s a summary of Lightspeed POS’s main hardware prices below:
- Barcode scanners: $259
- Receipt printers: $499
- Cash drawers: $169
- Black iPad Stand: $259
- Smart Terminal with Printer: $529
2.5.4. Payment method
Lightspeed POS supports a variety of payment methods, including:
- Credit and debit cards
- Contactless payments
- Cash, check, gift card, and credit account
Lightspeed Payments is the best brewery POS system’s integrated payment processor that allows businesses to accept payments directly within the Lightspeed POS system.
2.5.5. Pros & Cons
Pros | ✅ Intuitive interface and rapid onboarding capability ✅ Round-the-clock support ✅ High-quality hardware designed specifically for breweries |
Cons | ❌ Lightspeed is more expensive than some other POS systems ❌ Limited customization |
2.5.6. Why we choose it
- The application of advanced technology to simplify tasks for users.
- Lightspeed is dedicated to continuous development and frequently updates its platform with cutting-edge features like analytics driven by machine learning.
3. Why Brewery Need to Use POS Systems?
3.1. Intuitive & Easy To Use
Managers of breweries should know that employees have more important things to do than waste time attempting to understand the basic functionality of business operations. The best POS system for brewery can save your bacon with its user-friendly layout.
POS systems are praised by many users for their straightforward design and simple setup procedure. Additionally, the POS software is simple to use, and new hires can pick up the fundamentals of the system in minutes thanks to the clear training instructions.
3.2. Increasing Staff Efficiency & Organization
Making sure employees have the tools they need to complete their work as efficiently as possible is one of the primary advantages of the best POS system for brewery.
By eliminating the need for servers to handle orders and collect payments, the technology can help you save money on labor expenditures. Additionally, it helps speed up order delivery and lessen ordering friction.
By relieving them of time-consuming administrative duties, the best brewery POS enables employees to engage in more friendly chats with patrons, thus improving the taproom experience.
3.3. Marketing Capabilities
When it comes to experimenting, the best brewery POS comes with a variety of marketing tools that let you interact with customers, launch campaigns, and establish your brands. POS systems can provide you with the following tools:
- Loyalty programs to engage your biggest fans and encourage new ones to join.
- Discounts and other promotions both online and on-premise with timed digital menus.
- Event tools to host a party and stay organized.
- Gift cards to guarantee future sales
3.4. Real-Time Reporting
For taprooms to expand and thrive, thorough reporting is essential so that managers and owners can identify what is and is not working and make the necessary adjustments.
Because POS systems provide real-time reporting capabilities, they are the best choices for breweries. Every sale is automatically entered and saved online in a central database.
4. Wrap Up
Shopify POS focuses on optimizing business operations with affordable feature bundles and a variety of integrations. Thanks to this, it’s a flexible option that might suit businesses’ budget of any level.
TouchBistro POS distinguishes itself by emphasizing operational simplification and service speed improvement. This best POS system for brewery works well for taprooms and brewers with large volumes that need prompt, effective service.
Toast POS is a fantastic fit for high-end breweries and taprooms where the owners focus on the customer experience. With features that raise customer satisfaction, it knows how to bring out the best service.
GoTab POS allows brewers to customize each visitor’s ordering and payment experience. This high level of customizability leads to an unique experience that suits personal tastes.
Lightspeed POS offers fantastic automatic inventory management and layout customization. Thus, it’s a fantastic option for breweries with a variety of products, such those with rotating taps and large beer menus.
5. Conclusion
Options from our brewery POS system review are all feature-rich and adaptable, and they can be customized to fit the requirements of a broad range of businesses.
For better understanding, visit the websites of these systems to learn more and arrange for free trials or demos. Experience the platforms that spark your interest firsthand.
Keep in mind that the performance of your company can be greatly impacted by the best brewery POS system you choose. Visit eComStart to learn more about POS systems.
6. FAQs
