81. Choosing the Right POS System at the Right Time for Your Coffee Shop

SUMMARY: In this episode, Drew and Ben dive into the essential topic of selecting the right Point of Sale (POS) system for your coffee shop. Whether you're launching a new drive-thru or scaling up with multiple locations, Drew and Ben break down the pros and cons of popular POS systems, with a focus on Square and Toast, to help you make an informed choice.   Drew shares real-world insights on how Square's reporting tracks sales trends and supports digital loyalty programs, making it a solid starting point. But as shops grow, the conversation shifts to when it's time to upgrade. Enter Toast—a robust option for multi-location shops needing advanced features like employee management, offline mode, and seamless integrations with delivery platforms like DoorDash and GrubHub.   From avoiding the chaos of complex systems to ensuring your POS supports fast order processing and inventory tracking, this episode is packed with practical advice. Key considerations include ease of setup, reliable reporting, digital loyalty integration, and remote management capabilities to keep your shop running smoothly, even when you're sipping coffee on a beach somewhere.   Key Takeaways: Start Simple with Square: Ideal for new shops with its free software, competitive 2.6% + $0.15 transaction fees, and intuitive design that reduces barista panic. Upgrade to Toast for Scale: Perfect for 3+ locations, offering handheld hardware, KDS integration, and delivery app connectivity to streamline operations. Must-Have Features: Prioritize easy setup, sales reporting, digital loyalty, and remote access to keep your business flexible and customer-focused. Inventory Tip: Stick to basic POS inventory tracking for drinks and ingredients unless you're managing complex supply chains. Tune in for a lively discussion filled with frontline barista stories and expert tips to help you choose a POS system that grows with your coffee shop dreams.   Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction 2:42 Square, a low barrier to entry 7:57 Loyalty and marketing via Square 13:28 Comparing popular  17:05 Moving to that next tier of POS 21:00 Inventory inside the POS?