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Updated Feb 01, 2024

The Best POS Systems for Coffee Shops

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Jamie Johnson, Contributing Writer
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Best All-in-One POS
  • Flat-rate payment processing fees
  • Well-designed hardware
  • Free 30-day trial
Visit Site
Links to Clover POS System
  • Flat-rate payment processing fees
  • Well-designed hardware
  • Free 30-day trial
Best for Small Vendors
Square POS
Square logo
  • Free and paid service plans
  • Free card reader
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
Links to Square POS
  • Free and paid service plans
  • Free card reader
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
Best for Cafes
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Third-party app integrations
  • Restaurant-specific features
Visit Site
Links to TouchBistro
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Third-party app integrations
  • Restaurant-specific features
Best for Cafes
  • Restaurant-grade hardware
  • Customizable features and functions
  • Online ordering add-on
Visit Site
Links to Toast
  • Restaurant-grade hardware
  • Customizable features and functions
  • Online ordering add-on
Best for Efficiency
CAKE
Cake by Mad Mobile logo
  • Easy-to-navigate software
  • Durable hardware
  • 24/7 customer support
Links to CAKE
  • Easy-to-navigate software
  • Durable hardware
  • 24/7 customer support

Table of Contents

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The right point-of-sale (POS) system can help you manage every aspect of your coffee shop. A POS system makes tracking customer orders and managing payments easier in a coffee shop’s fast-paced environment. It can help you monitor inventory levels and identify which beverages and food items are most popular with customers.

With numerous options on the market, finding the right POS system can be challenging. We’ve evaluated dozens of POS solutions to determine the five best platforms for coffee shops specifically. We evaluated POS system costs, ease of use, and features that facilitate ordering, menu management, inventory control, loyalty programs and more to determine the best POS systems for coffee shops.

Compare Our Best Picks

BDC Ribbon
Our Top Picks for 2024
Clover POS System
Square POS
TouchBistro
CAKE
Rating (Out of 10)9.79.29.49.59.4
Best use case

All-in-one POS system

Small vendors

Cafes

Online ordering

Efficiency

Starting price

$14.95 per month

Free

$69 per month

Free

$69 per month

Free trial

30 days

30 days

None

None (demo available)

None

Contract length

Monthly or annual

Monthly

Varies (specified in quote)

Multiyear

Two years

POS hardware

Clover Station Solo, Clover Station Duo, Clover Flex, Clover Mini, Clover Go

Register, terminal, stand, card readers

iPad, kitchen display system, customer-facing display

Toast Flex, Toast Go 2, Toast Flex for Guest, Toast Flex for Kitchen, kiosk

iPad

Compatible with third-party payment processors

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Integrations

500+

300+

20+

80+

15+

Payment options

Debit cards, credit cards, mobile payments, gift cards

Debit cards, credit cards, mobile payments, gift cards

Debit cards, credit cards, mobile payments, gift cards

Debit cards, credit cards, mobile payments, gift cards

Debit cards, credit cards, mobile payments, gift cards

Customer support

Phone, email, web chat

Phone, email, web chat, social media

Phone, email, web chat

Phone, email, web chat

Phone, online ticket, email

Review Link
Scroll Table

Clover POS System: Best All-in-One POS

  • Clover offers competitive flat-rate payment processing fees; you can also opt to pass along processing fees to your customers.
  • Clover’s fixed and handheld hardware is attractive and durable, making it ideal for a coffee shop environment.
  • Clover doesn’t offer a free plan to test its hardware and services; additionally, its pricing is nuanced and industry-specific, making it difficult to understand.
Editor's Rating: 9.7/10
Visit Site

Clover is our choice for the best all-in-one POS system for coffee shops because of its flexible software, seamless payments and high-quality hardware. Clover can help you provide your coffee shop customers with convenient options like online ordering and perks like loyalty programs and gift cards.

Clover’s pricing can be a little confusing because its offerings vary by industry and business type. For example, a small coffee shop may be able to utilize the lowest level of Clover’s Professional Services plan, which starts at $14.95 monthly. However, bigger operations may need to go with a Quick-Service Dining plan, which comes with a touchscreen POS and additional features and starts at $799 plus $54.95 per month. Consider getting advice from a Clover rep to design the best solution for your coffee shop.

When you opt for a Clover POS system, you can’t use a third-party credit card processor. You must use Clover for your payment processing needs. However, Clover offers competitive, flat-rate credit card processing fees your coffee shop can easily handle. You can pay for your Clover POS system monthly or annually, and you’ll enjoy a full warranty on your hardware if you sign up for the monthly payment plan.

Square POS: Best for Small Vendors

Square POS
Square logo
  • Square’s free plan is surprisingly robust and provides everything a coffee shop needs to get started and operate smoothly.
  • Square’s software and interface are intuitive and easy to use, making it easy for you and your staff to learn the system.
  • You must use Square as your credit card processor; helpful features like customer loyalty options are available only as paid add-ons.
Editor's Rating: 9.2/10

Square is the best choice for small vendors because of its comprehensive and feature-packed free plan – ideal if you’re just starting a business. We were impressed that coffee shop owners can use the free plan to access built-in payment processing, essential inventory management and POS reporting functionality. You can also use Square’s free plan to create your menu and set up online ordering.

Square’s budget-friendly hardware is durable; options exist to accept a wide range of payments. Additionally, Square’s mobile app lets you convert your smartphone into a mobile POS system – handy for coffee shop owners with minimal resources and staff.

As your business grows, you can pay to add functionality like kitchen displays, email marketing and loyalty programs. When you move to Square’s Plus plan ($29 per month), you can access advanced reporting and staff management features, enhanced seat and course management, and much more. Square’s Premium plan (custom pricing) can add features and services customized to your business’s needs.

TouchBistro: Best for Cafes

  • TouchBistro is a highly customizable system you can tailor to suit your coffee shop’s unique needs.
  • TouchBistro’s payment processing options are flexible; you’re not locked into a specific processor.
  • TouchBistro’s integration options aren’t as robust as those of many of its competitors. Additionally, it’s an iOS-only system, so Android users are out of luck.
Editor's Rating: 9.4/10
Visit Site

TouchBistro is an ideal POS system for cafes, especially if you’re already familiar with and like iPad POS systems. TouchBistro includes numerous restaurant-specific features, including online ordering for pickup and delivery, drag-and-drop table-management tools for floor plan creation, and staff efficiency evaluation functions. We like that its software is intuitive and easy to use and that you can customize the system’s features to fit the specific needs of your cafe.

While TouchBistro doesn’t offer as many integrations as some of its competitors, we found that the third-party apps it works with are very helpful. For example, its 7shifts integration enhances the system’s built-in scheduling and staff management tools – helpful for a coffee shop with a rotating staff.

We appreciate that when you choose TouchBistro, you pay only for the features you need. The POS system starts at $69 per month; you can add additional features as needed. For example, once your cafe starts to grow, you can pay for online ordering, loyalty programs and custom marketing campaigns.

Toast: Best for Cafes

  • TouchBistro is a highly customizable system you can tailor to suit your coffee shop’s unique needs.
  • TouchBistro’s payment processing options are flexible; you’re not locked into a specific processor.
  • TouchBistro’s integration options aren’t as robust as those of many of its competitors. Additionally, it’s an iOS-only system, so Android users are out of luck.
Editor's Rating: 9.5/10
Visit Site

TouchBistro is an ideal POS system for cafes, especially if you’re already familiar with and like iPad POS systems. TouchBistro includes numerous restaurant-specific features, including online ordering for pickup and delivery, drag-and-drop table-management tools for floor plan creation, and staff efficiency evaluation functions. We like that its software is intuitive and easy to use and that you can customize the system’s features to fit the specific needs of your cafe.

While TouchBistro doesn’t offer as many integrations as some of its competitors, we found that the third-party apps it works with are very helpful. For example, its 7shifts integration enhances the system’s built-in scheduling and staff management tools – helpful for a coffee shop with a rotating staff.

We appreciate that when you choose TouchBistro, you pay only for the features you need. The POS system starts at $69 per month; you can add additional features as needed. For example, once your cafe starts to grow, you can pay for online ordering, loyalty programs and custom marketing campaigns.

Cake: Best for Efficiency

Cake
Cake by Mad Mobile logo
  • Cake’s easy-to-use system makes employee training seamless; the company also provides 24/7 support and implementation assistance.
  • Cake’s system sends orders straight to the kitchen, improving employee efficiency and freeing staff to tend to customers.
  • You’ll pay activation fees to get started with Cake and must sign a two-year contract, which may be a hurdle for some coffee shops wary of such a commitment.
Editor's Rating: 9.4/10

Cake is the best POS system for efficiency because coffee shops will find its software exceptionally easy to use. It’s easy to train and successfully onboard employees on the system, which is a huge advantage for coffee shops that consistently bring on new employees. Additionally, Cake’s implementation team will help you get up and running quickly, maximizing efficiency further.

If you enroll in the loyalty program, customers can check in via an app and start earning points toward free items. Loyalty programs improve the customer experience and allow you to collect data about your customers’ buying habits.

We also really liked Cake’s Guest Manager add-on, which streamlines your coffee shop’s reservations and waitlist while allowing customers to communicate with staff about allergies, preferences and more. You can even access a customer’s visit history to personalize their experience.

Pricing for POS Systems for Coffee Shops

When you invest in a POS system, you must pay for the platform’s software and the hardware you need for operations. The software costs are usually paid monthly, though some companies offer a discount for annual payments. Depending on the features you need, you can expect to pay anywhere from nothing to $200 or more monthly for POS software.

POS hardware costs are usually a one-time fee; precise costs will vary depending on the types and quantity of devices you need. For example, some businesses may be able to get by with a card reader and tablet, while others may need self-service kiosks and kitchen displays.

You must also pay ongoing credit card processing fees that will vary depending on your payment processor. When evaluating different POS systems, ask about additional charges like activation fees, installation fees and user licenses.

FYIDid you know
POS charges and fees can add up. Remember to factor in costs for payment processing, user accounts, hardware and essential add-ons.

Features of POS Systems for Coffee Shops

Anyone who runs a coffee shop needs a reliable way to accept payments and track sales. But the best POS systems do much more than that. Pay close attention to the following features when seeking a coffee shop POS system.

Online Ordering

Online ordering features provide convenience for everyone. It helps your coffee shop operate more efficiently and generates a better customer experience. Customers can place an order online or through an app and pick up the items in the store. If you operate a larger coffee shop, you can also consider offering third-party delivery options.

Menu Management

When customers visit your coffee shop, they’ll want to customize their order. When ordering, they should easily be able to add an extra shot, dairy-free milk, an additional pump of vanilla or any other modifier they choose. It should be easy to modify these orders online and in the store.

Loyalty Programs

Building a customer loyalty program is a great idea for enhancing customer satisfaction. Customers can earn rewards like free drinks or food items, and you can collect data about their buying habits. Check whether loyalty programs are included with your POS system subscription or if you have to pay extra for this feature.

Inventory Management

Coffee shops need a way to manage their inventory levels and ensure they always have the items they need in stock. The right POS system will track your inventory and alert you when specific items are running low. Some systems may even automatically re-order these items for you.

TipBottom line
You should be able to customize your POS system for your business needs. Look for a system that integrates with third-party apps, like the best accounting software, payroll services and e-commerce platforms.

How to Choose a POS System for Your Coffee Shop

The right POS system will improve your coffee shop’s functionality and make it easier to grow and scale your business. Take the following steps to choose the right POS system for your coffee shop.

1. Determine your coffee shop’s specific needs.

Start by determining the features you need in a POS system. For example, are you looking for an affordable POS system like Square that offers a free plan? Do you need something more comprehensive that provides inventory and menu management features? Understanding your priorities will make it easier to find the right POS system.

TipBottom line
Look for a POS system that lets you accept contactless payments like NFC mobile payments from your customers.

2. Research the best POS systems for coffee shops.

Start by researching available products and narrowing them down to the most promising solutions. You can use online guides to compare various vendors and match their offerings to your needs. You can also read through user reviews and customer comments on third-party review sites and the Better Business Bureau’s website. It’s helpful to find direct side-by-side comparisons to help you understand how various POS systems stack up. For example, our Clover vs. Toast comparison weighs these vendors’ features and pricing.

3. Register for demos and free trials.

Reach out to each company you’re considering and ask for a product demo. If the company offers a free trial, you can sign up and test the software before investing.

4. Get multiple POS system quotes and compare them.

Finally, obtain quotes from multiple vendors and compare your options. Compare and contrast what each package includes and which product gives you the most bang for your buck.

Benefits of POS Systems for Coffee Shops

Here are some of the biggest benefits of using a POS system at your coffee shop:

Receive payments faster

POS systems make it easier to process customer payments quickly while accepting various payment methods for added convenience. In addition to accepting debit and credit card payments in-store, you can offer in-app purchases or let customers pay via a QR code or mobile wallet.

Manage your inventory

Manually tracking inventory is tedious and error-prone. A POS system will keep track of your coffee shop’s inventory and ensure you always have the necessary items on hand.

Create a better customer experience

POS systems come with many features to improve the customer experience, like loyalty programs and online ordering. Additionally, they help you process payments quickly, increasing customer convenience.

Boost operational efficiency

A POS system ensures your coffee shop is more productive and efficient. This allows you to stay organized and make business decisions faster.

Increase payment security

Most POS systems come with double user authentication, which reduces credit card fraud and the likelihood of your system getting hacked. As the administrator, you can grant or block access to specific users. These features ensure your data is secure at all times.

FAQ

The best POS system will vary depending on your business’s size and the features you need. For example, Clover is best for coffee shops looking for an all-in-one system, and Square is a good choice for small coffee shops looking to save money.

A POS system allows you to manage every aspect of your coffee shop. You can use a POS system to accept customer payments, manage your menu, track inventory and improve the customer experience.

When you’re looking at POS systems, you must account for software and hardware costs. The software can cost anywhere from $0 to $200 per month, and the hardware can cost up to $5,000.

Square is the best option for a small coffee shop, thanks to its robust free plan. And you can add additional features as your business grows.

Yes, Square and Toast are two POS systems with free software plans. Choosing a free POS system can be a good way to save money, but make sure the system contains the features your business needs.

author image
Jamie Johnson, Contributing Writer
Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based freelance writer who writes about finance and business. She has also written for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Fox Business and Business Insider. Jamie has written about a variety of B2B topics like finance, business funding options and accounting. She also writes about how businesses can grow through effective social media and email marketing strategies.
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