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In this TouchBistro review, we’ll delve into its capabilities, pricing, pros and cons and provide insights to help you determine if it’s the right POS solution for your business.
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What is TouchBistro?
Launched in 2010 in Toronto, Canada, TouchBistro is a leading provider of innovative point-of-sale solutions tailored for the restaurant industry. Their robust platform caters to a diverse range of establishments, including full-service restaurants, quick-service eateries, cafes, bars, coffee shops, and even mobile food trucks.
Its efficient hardware options and intuitive interface enable these establishments to manage various operational aspects, such as table management, order taking, payments, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and customer relationship management (CRM).
TouchBistro centers its offering around an iPad-based POS application. This solution enables servers to take orders directly at the table, simplifying the ordering process and improving customer service. The system’s customizable features empower businesses to adapt the POS to their specific requirements, whether it’s creating customized menus, floor plans, or handling intricate workflows.
How Much Does TouchBistro Cost? – Plans and Pricing
TouchBistro offers flexible and scalable pricing plans for restaurants of all sizes. The pricing model is designed to provide versatile solutions while allowing for growth as your business expands.
| Plans | Price | Transaction fee | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TouchBistro Plan | From $69/month | Quote-based | Restaurants in need of an all-in-one solution |
The pricing for the TouchBistro POS plan starts at $69 per month. This fee covers the software and essential features necessary to run your restaurant operations efficiently. It equips you with essential features like menu management, floor plan and table management, reporting and analytics, staff management, tableside ordering, and integrations.
TouchBistro’s POS system is designed to be highly customizable. Instead of forcing restaurants into predetermined packages, you can pick and choose the specific features and solutions your business requires. This modular approach lets you create a fully integrated, all-in-one system tailored precisely to your needs.
TouchBistro does not offer a free trial or free plan. To get a personalized quote for the tiered pricing options, you’ll need to reach out to TouchBistro’s sales team directly.
TouchBistro Key Features
TouchBistro helps restaurateurs streamline processes, from managing menus and orders to handling reservations and staff scheduling.Here are some of the key features that set TouchBistro apart:
TouchBistro’s easy-to-use inventory management feature allows businesses to track stock levels, monitor ingredient usage, and receive alerts when items need to be restocked.
This ensures that popular menu items are always available and minimizes waste, improving overall efficiency and profitability.
The menu management system simplifies menu creation and organization, enabling restaurants to add, categorize, and schedule menu items easily.
Key features include color-coded menus for upselling, customizable modifiers to accommodate dietary needs, non-food merchandise sales capabilities, and efficient routing of orders to kitchen stations based on menu items. Having centralized control over multiple menus means that managers can update menus in seconds and drive more sales.
TouchBistro’s order management system facilitates the entire process, from taking orders tableside to sending them directly to the kitchen. Servers can easily split bills, apply discounts, and manage complex orders with ease, like allergies or adding dietary requirements, improving the overall dining experience for customers.
With the reservation management tool, you can maximize capacity by accepting bookings through your website, Google, or other reservation platforms. It provides guest engagement solutions, like table tracking, sends reminders to reduce no-shows, and records notes on dining preferences.
The reservations system integrates seamlessly with TouchBistro’s POS for streamlined front and back of house operations. Advanced reporting gives restaurants data-driven insights to make smarter business decisions around reservations and capacity.
TouchBistro’s POS includes a table management system where the restaurant owner and managers can design and update the restaurant floor plan, assign tables, monitor occupancy, and manage capacity. It allows seamless table transfers without losing orders to enhance the guest experience.
The table management integrates with reservations to assign expected guests to the best available tables. Real-time visibility into active tables and total spend helps maximize covers and keep service running smoothly.
The customer loyalty program helps restaurants increase customer lifetime value by creating rewarding experiences to turn first-time guests into regulars. It functions as a CRM to capture guest details and order history to deliver personalized service.
The loyalty program can be customized with points, discounts, and rewards tailored to the business. It integrates with TouchBistro’s online ordering and marketing platforms for a 360-degree customer engagement solution across all channels.
Employees can easily clock in/out with the TouchBistro staff restaurant management system, managers real-time visibility into labor costs, overtime, and sales performance.
Staff can be assigned customizable roles with controlled access privileges for increased security.
The software integrates with payroll providers to simplify processing and tax calculations. Comprehensive reporting helps restaurant owners simplify labor costs and make informed staffing decisions.
TouchBistro Payments offers transparent pricing for credit card processing that reduces errors from manual entry. Restaurants can accept all payment types, including credit cards, debit cards, tap-to-pay, and digital wallet payments from Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, as well as other contactless options like digital wallets for an enhanced guest experience.
The platform ensures payments can be processed even offline, keeping operations running smoothly. With fast fund deposits and integrated reporting, TouchBistro simplifies payment reconciliation for restaurants.
TouchBistro’s POS provides over 50 real-time reports with comprehensive insights into sales, customer behavior, staff performance, and more to drive data-driven business decisions. Cloud-based remote access allows restaurant owners to monitor operations from anywhere. This reporting functionality helps optimize menus, promotions, and the guest experience to increase sales and turn casual diners into loyal customers.
Detailed labor data streamlines scheduling and staffing decisions, while automated report sharing simplifies accounting and payroll.
TouchBistro POS Integrations and Add-Ons
TouchBistro seamlessly integrates with a variety of best-in-class software and payment partners. These integrations transform TouchBistro into an all-in-one restaurant management system.
Here are some key areas where TouchBistro shines:
TouchBistro Security Features
TouchBistro takes data security seriously with multiple layers of protection. It does not store full credit card details, only the cardholder’s name and last four digits. Data is encrypted during transmission over Wi-Fi and internet connections.
TouchBistro utilizes secure cloud servers hosted by Amazon Web Services with robust security compliance. The company has dedicated security personnel monitoring systems and investigating vulnerabilities. Access controls allow limiting what staff can view or edit. Stringent privacy policies prevent selling or improperly sharing customer data. Administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are implemented to secure personal information against unauthorized access.
TouchBistro POS Hardware
TouchBistro offers a flexible and scalable hardware solution for restaurants using its iPad-based point-of-sale system.TouchBistro supports the latest iPad models from Apple to ensure reliable, cutting-edge technology.
To complete the POS setup, restaurants can customize their hardware bundle with additional peripherals sourced directly from TouchBistro. Options include cash drawers:
- receipt printers,
- kitchen display systems,
- customer-facing displays, and more.
All TouchBistro hardware comes pre-configured for seamless integration with the TouchBistro software right out of the box. The company also provides 24/7 support across both hardware and software for a unified technology experience backed by experts.
What really sets TouchBistro apart is its hybrid cloud architecture. The platform utilizes local software installed directly on restaurant hardware, coupled with cloud data storage and services. This dual approach provides incredible resilience – if the internet connection goes down temporarily, operations can continue uninterrupted by processing transactions locally on the iPad terminals. Once online access is restored, all cloud data automatically syncs back up.
TouchBistro Alternatives & Comparison
TouchBistro is a popular POS software for restaurants, but it’s not the only option available. In this comparison, we’ll explore several TouchBistro alternatives to help you find the best fit for your business.
| POS | Best For | Free Version | Free Trial | Starting Price | Transaction Fee | Hardware Cost | Inventory management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TouchBistro | Integrations | No | No | From $69/month | Quote-based | Custom quote | Yes |
| Square | Small Businesses | Yes | 30-day free trial | From $60/month | From 2.6% + 10 cents | $10 for card reader, terminals start at $299 | Yes |
| Toast | Online Orders | Yes | No | From $69/month | From 2.49% + 15 cents | Custom quote | Yes |
| Lavu | Food Trucks | No | No | From $59/month | From 2.6% + 10 cents | Included in monthly fee | Yes |
| Lightspeed | Cafes | No | 14-day free trial | From $69/month | From 2.6% + 10 cents | Quote-based | Yes for higher tiers |
| Clover | Reports and Analytics | No | No | From $14.95 for professional services | From 2.3% + 10 cents | From $49 | Yes |
| Epos | Retail and Hospitality Businesses | No | 14-day free trial | From $99 + subscription | Quote-based | From $349 for a complete POS solution | Yes |
| SpotOn | Multi-location restaurants | Yes | No | From $99/month
+$3 per employee/month |
From 1.99% + 25 cents | Included in monthly fee | Yes |
| CakePOS | Customer Experience | No | No | From $69 per month | From 2.5% + 15 cents | Included in monthly fee | Yes |
TouchBistro Customer Reviews
TouchBistro offers 24/7 customer support through multiple channels, including phone, chat, and email, which is appreciated by many customers. Several users praise TouchBistro’s customer service for relatively short hold times and efficient, patient tech support able to resolve issues.
“We opened our craft beer bar about 2.5 years ago and just sold it. Thanks to TouchBistro one of the most used and possibly largest hurdle to new businesses, the POS, was super simple to learn and use. All of our employees loved the system and would highly recommend to any bar.”
However, the software has an aggregate rating of 3.8/5 on Trustpilot, indicating that not all experiences have been positive. A number of reviewers complain about long wait times, having to explain problems repeatedly without resolution, and unacceptably slow response times in addressing technical issues effectively.
Despite criticisms, TouchBistro does engage with dissatisfied customers, airing grievances publicly. Beyond live assistance, they provide a support center with articles, videos, workshops, and a VIP community for self-service.
How to Use TouchBistro – Quick Guide
Purchase and Set Up Hardware
Acquire the necessary hardware, such as an iPad, cash drawer, receipt printer, and payment terminal. Follow TouchBistro’s hardware recommendations and compatibility guidelines for seamless integration.
Install and Configure the App
Download the TouchBistro app from the Apple App Store and create an account. Then, customize settings such as menu items, pricing, taxes, staff permissions, floor plan, and table layout.
Integrate Payment Processing
Set up your chosen payment processor to facilitate secure transactions within the TouchBistro system.
Step 4: Build Your Menu and Venue Layout
Create menu categories and individual menu items with details like prices, modifiers, and discounts. Set up your venue layout by mimicking your actual floor plan with sections and tables.
Step 5: Manage Staff and Permissions
Add staff members, assign their roles, and configure access levels for cash drawers, refunds, and other functionalities. Set schedules and breaks.
Step 6: Take Orders and Process Payments
During service, staff can take orders tableside using the TouchBistro app, applying modifiers and discounts as needed. Send orders to the kitchen printer. At checkout, access the detailed bill, add tips or split payments, process transactions, and print or email receipts.
Step 7: Access Reports and Analytics
Review sales data, taxes, staff performance, and run custom reports through the Admin section or web browser. Export data for integration with accounting platforms.
How We Review and Test POS Software
To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular POS products on the market to find the best options for you.
Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Features – We examine the features offered by each POS software, how useful those features are, and how they compare to others on the market.
- Scalability – We look at how many users can be added to a platform and how easy it is to do so to ensure companies can easily add more employees to their payroll as they scale their operations.
- Integrations – We evaluate each piece of software’s integrations to determine how well it fits in with other key pieces in a business’s software stack and whether its functionality can be expanded as required.
- User Experience – We get hands-on with each product to put ourselves in the shoes of a new user, testing each platform to gain an understanding if the platform is easy to use or requires onboarding.
- Total Cost – Transaction fees, hardware costs, and additional costs. We look at the features, integrations, customer service, and extras to determine if the software’s price matches its value. We score a product higher if it offers customers a free trial and is upfront and transparent about its pricing plans.
- Security – We delve into the security protocols of each company, assessing the measures in place to safeguard user data.
- Customer Reviews – We consider customer reviews from reputable third-party websites as a crucial aspect of our evaluation process.
How to Choose the Best POS Software
Selecting the right POS software is crucial for the success of any business, as it plays a central role in managing operations, customer interactions, and financial transactions. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best POS software:
Evaluate the upfront and ongoing costs of the POS software, including subscription fees, hardware expenses, and potential add-on costs. Ensure that the solution offers a good return on investment and aligns with your budget.
Different industries have unique requirements, so it’s essential to choose a POS system that caters to your specific business needs. For example, restaurants may require table management and inventory tracking, while retail stores may prioritize inventory management and customer loyalty programs.
As your business grows, you may need to integrate additional tools and services with your TouchBistro POS software. Consider solutions that offer seamless integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, loyalty programs, and other third-party applications. Also, ensure that the POS software can scale to accommodate your expanding operations.
Choose a POS system that supports secure and reliable payment processing, including traditional methods like cash and credit cards, as well as emerging payment technologies like mobile wallets and contactless payments. Evaluate the transaction fees and ensure compliance with industry standards like PCI-DSS.
A user-friendly interface and intuitive design can significantly reduce the time and effort required for training employees and streamline daily operations. Look for POS systems with a clean, straightforward layout and customizable features to meet your specific workflow needs.
Read reviews from existing customers to gain insights into the POS software’s performance, reliability, customer support, and overall user experience. Positive reviews can be a good indicator of a solution’s quality and customer satisfaction.
Depending on your business model, you may require a POS system that supports mobile operations or can function reliably in offline mode during internet outages or connectivity issues.
Comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities are essential for monitoring performance, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions to optimize operations and drive growth. Ensure that the POS software offers robust reporting features tailored to your industry and business needs.
Our Other POS Guides
In addition to this TouchBistro review, we have curated several other POS-related guides to help you navigate the diverse landscape of point-of-sale solutions:
- Best POS System
- Best POS System for Restaurants
- Best POS System for Bars
- Clover POS Review
- Square POS Review
- Best Restaurant Accounting Software
