Plum POS vs. TouchBistro: An In-Depth Comparison for Restaurant Owners
Explore the detailed comparison between Plum POS and TouchBistro, highlighting the features, benefits, and customer testimonials of each to help restaurant owners make an informed decision.
Introduction
When it comes to selecting the perfect Point of Sale (POS) system for your restaurant, the decision can be overwhelming. With numerous options available, each boasting unique features and capabilities, it’s essential to choose a system that not only meets your current needs but also scales with your business. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into two leading POS systems in the market – Plum POS and TouchBistro. By analyzing their features, benefits, and customer experiences, we aim to provide restaurant owners with the insights necessary to make an informed decision.
History and Background
TouchBistro, on the other hand, was founded with a mission to streamline restaurant operations and enhance customer experiences. Known for its intuitive design and restaurant-specific features, TouchBistro has been widely adopted by various restaurants, cafes, and bars worldwide. Both Plum POS and TouchBistro have earned reputations for their reliability and advanced functionalities, making them top contenders in the POS market.
Features and Functionalities
Understanding the key features and functionalities of both Plum POS and TouchBistro is crucial for making an informed choice. Here’s a breakdown of what each system offers.
Plum POS Features:
- OrderRight Technology: Plum’s patented OrderRight technology helps reduce mistakes and incorrect orders by setting up triggers. For example, reminding servers to check for food allergies before sending orders to the kitchen.
- Customizable Menu: Update your menu from any terminal, with access and customization available from anywhere thanks to the cloud-based system.
- Dynamic Pricing: Easily change your menu pricing with a few clicks, which can significantly boost revenue during peak hours. CiCi's Pizza saw an 18% revenue increase with this feature.
- Detailed Menu Breakdown: Break down menus to the ingredient level, aiding in precise inventory tracking and upselling opportunities.
- Scalability: Plum caters to both small and large businesses, providing a customizable 'environment' as you scale.
- Top-Grade Hardware: Spill-proof, drop-proof hardware that’s built to last.
- Real-Time Data: Access up-to-date data from any location, ensuring you have the information you need to make informed decisions.
- Backend Business Control: Create tags, promotions, discounts, and more from the backend, giving you full control over your business.
TouchBistro Features:
- Integrated Payment Processing: TouchBistro integrates seamlessly with popular payment processors, making transactions smooth and efficient.
- Table Management: An intuitive table management feature that helps streamline seating and improve service flow.
- Menu Management: Customize your menu items and categories to cater to different dining times or special events.
- Inventory Management: Stay on top of your inventory levels and get warnings for low-stock items to avoid running out during peak hours.
- Staff Management: TouchBistro helps manage employee shifts, track hours, and streamline payroll processes.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Build stronger relationships with your customers by storing important data and preferences.
- Reporting and Analytics: Gain valuable insights into sales trends, employee performance, and customer behavior.
Both systems offer a robust set of features designed to enhance restaurant operations, though Plum POS’s real-time data and detailed menu breakdown give it an edge for those focusing on inventory and upselling.
Ease of Use and Integration
The ease of use and the ability to integrate seamlessly with other systems are critical factors for any POS system.
Plum POS Ease of Use:
Plum POS is designed with user experience in mind. Its intuitive interface means minimal training is required for staff, allowing them to quickly learn and adapt to the system. According to Terry Radat from CiCi's Pizza,
'I had Plum POS up and running within 24 hours. The support is excellent; I really feel like these guys are willing to do anything for us!'
The cloud-based system also ensures that managers can access data and make changes from anywhere, be it customizing the menu or adjusting prices for a promotion.
TouchBistro Ease of Use:
TouchBistro is also known for its user-friendly design. The drag-and-drop table management and easy menu customization options make it simple for staff to navigate. The system supports various third-party integrations, enabling seamless coordination with other software solutions like accounting and payroll systems.
Integration Capabilities:
Both Plum POS and TouchBistro offer robust integration capabilities. Plum POS integrates with various payment processors, CRM systems, and third-party services, eliminating the need for multiple vendors. This seamless integration streamlines operations, reducing complexity and saving time. TouchBistro also excels in integration, supporting an extensive list of third-party applications, from payment gateways to inventory management tools, making it a versatile choice for many restaurant types.
Customer Support and Training
Customer support and training play a crucial role in the successful implementation of any POS system.
Plum POS Customer Support:
Plum POS is renowned for its exceptional customer support. The Plum team provides ongoing training and assistance to ensure that restaurant staff can fully utilize the system's features. Terry Radat of CiCi's Pizza appreciates the commitment of the support team, stating,
'I really feel like these guys are willing to do anything for us!'This level of dedication ensures that any issues are resolved promptly, minimizing downtime and keeping operations running smoothly.
TouchBistro Customer Support:
TouchBistro also offers comprehensive customer support with 24/7 assistance. They provide detailed onboarding and training sessions to help staff get acquainted with the system. Their extensive knowledge base and customer forums are additional resources for restaurant owners and staff to resolve queries quickly.
Both systems prioritize customer support and training, but Plum POS’s personalized support and willingness to go above and beyond make it particularly noteworthy.
Cost and Pricing Plans
Cost is a significant factor when choosing a POS system, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
Plum POS Pricing:
Plum POS offers various pricing plans tailored to different business needs, showcased in packages such as Plum One, Plum Growth, Plum Professional, and Plum Complete. Each plan comes with a specific set of hardware and software features, ensuring businesses only pay for what they need.
For example, Plum One is ideal for small businesses, offering a handheld or POS terminal, a thermal printer, a cash drawer, and a credit card device. Larger businesses might prefer Plum Growth or Plum Complete, which include multiple POS terminals and handhelds, online ordering, scheduling, and a range of additional features. To get accurate and customized pricing, businesses are encouraged to contact Plum's sales team.
TouchBistro Pricing:
TouchBistro’s pricing model is subscription-based, with prices varying according to the number of terminals and additional features required. They offer a standard plan with core POS functionalities and an Advanced plan with additional features like online ordering and marketing tools. As with Plum POS, potential customers should reach out to receive personalized quotes to match their specific needs.
While both Plum POS and TouchBistro provide flexible pricing options, Plum POS’s varied plans offer more customizable solutions for businesses at different stages of growth.
Customer Testimonials and Case Studies
Hearing from actual users can provide valuable insights into how well a POS system performs in real-world scenarios.
Plum POS Customer Testimonials:
Desiree Nichols, a restaurant owner, praises Plum POS for its efficiency:
'Plum has helped our operations by increasing its efficiency. My favorite feature is how fast those orders get sent to the kitchen. It doesn't crash your kitchen, it's organized, you can go table to table without backing up your kitchen, and everybody leaves happy!'
Similarly, Jamie Hayden from Famous Dave's commends the seamless integration and real-time data management provided by Plum POS.
TouchBistro Customer Testimonials:
TouchBistro has also received positive feedback from its users. Restaurant owners appreciate its intuitive design and robust table management features. Many customers have highlighted how the system has streamlined their operations and improved service speed.
By analyzing these testimonials, it becomes clear that both systems offer significant benefits. Plum POS stands out for its efficiency and real-time data capabilities, while TouchBistro is valued for its user-friendly design and comprehensive management tools.
Customization and Flexibility
Customization and flexibility are crucial for POS systems, particularly for businesses that need to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
Plum POS Customization:
One of Plum POS’s standout features is its customization capabilities. Users can modify their entire menu from any terminal and change layout settings as needed. The dynamic pricing feature allows for quick price adjustments, enabling restaurants to maximize revenue during peak hours. Additionally, the detailed menu breakdown feature aids in upselling by breaking down dishes into components and adding customizable options.
TouchBistro Customization:
TouchBistro also offers various customization options. The menu management feature allows restaurants to easily update their offerings, and the table management system can be tailored to fit the restaurant's layout. Integration with third-party applications offers additional flexibility, enabling businesses to adapt the system to their specific needs.
Both POS systems provide robust customization capabilities, but Plum POS’s detailed menu breakdown and dynamic pricing features make it particularly attractive for businesses looking to optimize operations and revenue.
Security and Reliability
In today’s digital age, security and reliability are paramount when it comes to POS systems.
Plum POS Security:
Plum POS employs cutting-edge security measures to protect sensitive data. The system is designed to prevent unauthorized access and ensure that all transactions are encrypted. This level of security is crucial for building customer trust and maintaining the integrity of restaurant operations. The robust hardware design, featuring spill-proof and drop-proof components, also enhances reliability, ensuring that the system can withstand the rigors of a busy restaurant environment.
TouchBistro Security:
TouchBistro also prioritizes security. The system complies with industry-standard security protocols, including PCI compliance, to ensure that customer data is protected. Regular updates and patches are deployed to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, TouchBistro’s reliable hardware and software infrastructure minimizes downtime, ensuring smooth and continuous operations.
Both systems prioritize security and reliability, but Plum POS’s enhanced hardware durability offers an additional layer of reliability in demanding restaurant settings.
Future-Proofing Your Investment
Investing in a POS system is a long-term commitment, so it’s essential to choose one that can adapt to future needs and advancements.
Plum POS Future-Proofing:
Plum POS is built with scalability in mind. Its customizable features and dynamic pricing capabilities ensure that the system can grow alongside your business. Whether you're running a small café or a large restaurant chain, Plum POS can be tailored to meet your evolving needs. Furthermore, the regular updates and new feature releases ensure that the system stays current with industry trends and technological advancements.
TouchBistro Future-Proofing:
TouchBistro’s modular design and extensive integration options make it a future-proof choice. The ability to add new features and integrate with various third-party applications enables businesses to adapt quickly to market changes. TouchBistro’s commitment to continuous improvement and user feedback ensures that the system evolves to meet the needs of its users.
Both POS systems offer robust future-proofing capabilities, though Plum POS’s scalability and real-time adaptability give it an edge for rapidly growing businesses.
Conclusion
Selecting the right POS system is a critical decision for any restaurant owner. Both Plum POS and TouchBistro offer a range of features that can enhance restaurant operations, improve customer service, and drive growth. However, Plum POS stands out in several key areas, including real-time data access, detailed menu breakdown, dynamic pricing, and extensive customization options. It’s no surprise that leading brands like McDonald's, Little Caesars, and Chicken Salad Chick trust Plum POS for their operations.
Restaurant owners need to evaluate their specific needs and consider how each POS system aligns with their business goals. Whether you prioritize ease of use, customer support, customization, or scalability, this in-depth comparison should provide the information necessary to make an informed decision. Investing in a robust, reliable, and future-proof POS system like Plum POS can set your restaurant on the path to long-term success.
