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Running a busy restaurant comes with its fair share of challenges, from long queues and incorrect orders to payment issues and the complexity of splitting bills for large groups. But what if you could simplify all these processes with a powerful, intuitive point-of-sale (POS) solution? OneHubPOS is designed for ease so your staff manages orders, processes payments, and keeps customers satisfied.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of order management using OneHubPOS, highlighting how you can streamline operations from start to finish. Let’s dive in!

Order Management Made Easy In Six Simple Steps

Managing orders effectively is key to enhancing your restaurant’s efficiency. With OneHubPOS, you can take charge of order management in just a few clicks. Here’s how it works:

1. Download and Install the App

Start by downloading the OneHubPOS app on your devices. Once you’ve got it, installation is quick and easy.

2. Log in to the App

Before your staff can start taking orders, they’ll need to clock in. With OneHubPOS, the process is seamless:

1. Click “Clock-in” to log shifts using the built-in time clock feature.
2. Select Employee Name and enter the 4 digit passcode assigned by your admin.
3. This quick login allows your team to jump right into taking orders.

3. Process the Order

Once logged in, your staff can efficiently navigate through the menu:

One screen to process and track orders: The left side of the screen displays essential sections like "Home," "Online," "All Items," and "Misc," making navigation a breeze. Here you can access online orders, saved orders, transaction history and more.

Under All Items: Product categories are preloaded and visible—like "Chicken Items," "Meal Deals," and "Fountain Soda"—your team can quickly add items to the order, customizing with modifiers and add ons.

4. Go to Payment Page

With the order ready, staff can seamlessly transition to the payment page. OneHubPOS supports a variety of payment methods for customer convenience:

1. Customers can swipe, insert, or tap their card at the POS terminal. The system handles magnetic stripe cards, chip cards, and contactless (NFC) payments seamlessly.

2. For digital wallet payments like Apple Pay, the system generates a QR code that the customer can scan to complete the transaction.

3. Cash transactions are also supported. Simply enter the amount tendered, and the system will calculate the change.

OneHubPOS automatically applies tax and discounts based on your pre-set configurations, ensuring compliance with every transaction.

Note: The payment merchant gateway is integrated with your existing merchant service provider by the OneHubPOS team before the devices are shipped.

Manage Tips and Payments

With the POS system’s built-in features, managing tips and payment methods becomes effortless. After payment is processed, customers are prompted to leave a tip. Staff can offer set percentages (10%, 15%, or 20%) or allow customers to enter a custom amount.

5. Settle the Order (Card, Cash or Wallets)

OneHubPOS supports a variety of payment methods for customer convenience:

• Card Payments: Customers can swipe, insert, or tap their cards at the POS terminal.
• Cash Transactions: Simply enter the amount tendered, and the system calculates the change.
• Digital wallets: Payments like Apple Pay, the system generates a QR code that the customer can scan to complete the transaction.

6. End of Day Operations

Completing end-of-day operations is made simple with OneHubPOS. Your team can finalize daily transactions and prepare for the next day’s rush with ease. At the end of shift, staff can simply click “clock-out” to end their day. 

Navigate to MISC > Click on “Shift End”.

OneHubPOS Offers Robust Order-to-Pay Features

• Order Processed: Each order is logged and accessible within the system.
• Order Saved: If needed, orders can be saved for later, making it easy to retrieve and finalize later.
• Refunds and Cancellations: Easily manage any refunds or cancellations right from the POS.

• Dual Pricing: Available for both restaurant and retail solutions, making it adaptable to your business needs.
• Bill Splitting: Bill splitting is made easy with OneHubPOS. The staff taps the “Split” option, and each customer can pay their share using different payment methods (e.g., cash + card).

OneTouch: Quick Sales Reports

OneHubPOS allows for quick sales reporting in real-time. Staff can generate concise reports to review sales performance and operational efficiency.

Navigate to MISC > OneTouch to access Product, Labour & Expense reports within seconds.

Miscellaneous Features You Must Know

Beyond order management, OneHubPOS offers additional functionalities to enhance your restaurant's efficiency:

• History Tracking: Access transaction history for insights into past sales and customer interactions with one click.
• Cash drop: Keep a record of the cash drop amount and which employee every time cash is taken out of the register to the safe. 
• Pay in and Pay out: Record daily expenses on your POS.
• Manage petty cash: Track spending petty cash and such expenses in one place on your POS and tally bills at the end of the day, easily.

Managing orders and payments with OneHubPOS is not just efficient; it's transformative. No more long queues or confused customers. With just a few clicks, your staff can process orders, manage payments, and provide a seamless experience for diners.

Ready to elevate your restaurant’s operations with OneHubPOS? Talk to our POS experts today.

Efficient and secure restaurant payment processing is key to succeeding in the competitive restaurant industry. It goes beyond just taking credit cards. Modern payment methods need to fit well into your restaurant's daily operations, improve the customer experience, and keep payments safe. 

A great payment system can handle different payment methods, stay compliant with regulations, and manage transaction data, helping your restaurant run smoothly and keep customers happy.

In this blog, we will explore restaurant payment processing in detail, the key features you should look for, and the processing fees. So, let’s dive in.

Restaurant Payment Processing: The Basics

Restaurant payment processing is the system and technology that enables seamless, secure transactions between your diners and your business. It includes the hardware, such as terminals for accepting credit, debit, and digital payments, the sophisticated software and backend systems that approve transactions, move funds, and ensure compliance with industry standards. It is the bridge between your customer’s money and your bank account. 

These systems help make sure the payment goes through smoothly and then transfer the money to your bank account. In return for their service, they charge a processing fee.

What’s Behind Restaurant Payment Processing? Here’s the Scoop 

The restaurant payment system is complex, with different key players working together to make sure transactions go smoothly. Here's a breakdown of what happens behind the scenes:

1. Merchant

As the restaurant owner, you are the merchant. You set up the payment system and take payments from your customers.

2. Payment Processor

A payment processor is a third-party company that helps move funds from your customer’s bank to your bank. They provide the equipment, like payment terminals, to accept debit and credit card payments. Once the payment is processed, the money is usually sent to your bank account within one to three business days.

3. Card Brand Network

Card brands like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express set the guidelines for where and how credit cards can be used. As intermediaries, they help manage the transactions between your restaurant and the banks that issue the cards. Each card brand has its own system, which can influence the fees you pay and how quickly transactions are processed.

4. Issuing Bank

The issuing bank is the bank that gives your customers their credit or debit cards. For example, if a customer uses a Visa card from Chase, then Chase is the issuing bank. This bank checks if the customer has enough money or credit to make the purchase.

5. Payment Gateway

For online orders, a payment gateway is often used. This safe system protects the customer’s payment details and sends them to the payment processor, making sure the information stays secure during the transaction.

6. Customer

Finally, the customer starts the process by deciding to pay with their card. Their role is important because they are the ones providing the money. After they choose how to pay, they either enter their card details or use a contactless method to begin a safe transaction.

Key Features of a Restaurant Payment Processing System

Here's a quick look at what basic features you’ll find in a restaurant payment processing system:

1. Multi-Channel Payment Acceptance: It empowers your restaurant to handle a wide spectrum of payment methods, from traditional cash to cutting-edge digital wallets. By accommodating diverse customer preferences, this capability enhances satisfaction and potentially boosts your bottom line.
2. Integration with POS Systems: A restaurant payment processing system seamlessly integrates with your existing point-of-sale setup, creating a unified operational ecosystem. 
3. Fast Transaction Processing You also get a speedy payment completion process, cutting down wait times at checkout. The speed boost enhances customer satisfaction, improves table turnover, and optimizes your restaurant's overall operational flow.
4. Security Features: It implements a fortress of protective measures, including PCI DSS compliance, advanced encryption, and tokenization. Your business and customer data stand shielded against breaches and fraud, providing peace of mind for all parties involved.
5. Mobile Payments: Customers can settle bills using their smartphones or tablets. Particularly valuable for tech-savvy clientele and fast-casual concepts, this functionality facilitates quick, contactless transactions on the go.
6. Reporting and Analytics A restaurant payment processing system delivers a treasure trove of restaurant insights. By generating detailed reports on sales patterns, customer behaviors, and trends, it equips you with the data needed for informed decision-making and strategic growth.
7. Recurring Payments and Subscription Support: It simplifies the management of regular billing cycles, proving invaluable for restaurants offering subscription-based services or exclusive membership programs. It ensures consistent revenue streams and enhances customer retention.
8. Chargeback Management: You get robust tools to efficiently handle and contest chargebacks. By streamlining dispute resolutions and protecting your merchant reputation it helps safeguard your financial health against unwarranted claims.
9. Support for Tipping: The system Incorporates flexible gratuity options into the payment process, accommodating various tipping preferences. From suggested percentages to custom amounts, it ensures smooth transactions and fair staff compensation.
10. Offline Functionality: Your payment system remains operational even during internet outages. By enabling offline transaction processing, it ensures business continuity regardless of connectivity issues, with data syncing once the connection is restored.
11. Multi-Currency Support: It facilitates transactions in various international currencies, proving especially beneficial for establishments in tourist-heavy areas. It enhances convenience for global customers, potentially attracting a more diverse clientele.
12. Loyalty Program Integration: A payment system seamlessly connects with your existing loyalty initiatives, automating point accrual, reward redemptions, and member tracking. 
13. Inventory Management Integration: You can easily synchronize payment data with your inventory control system, enabling real-time stock updates based on sales. This capability helps prevent overstock situations or shortages, optimizing your supply chain management and reducing waste.

The Perks of a Smooth Payment System: What’s in It for You?

Efficient payment processing for restaurants doesn’t just speed up your guest payments; it can transform the entire operation. Here's how:

1. Amped Up Customer Experience

Offering contactless payments keeps operations quick and smooth. Plus, faster transactions mean happier customers who are more likely to return. 

2. Reduced Wait Times and Better Table Turnover

With faster restaurant payment processing solutions, you can turn tables over more quickly, especially during peak hours. For example, contactless payments can shave off minutes during the checkout process.

3. Well-managed Operations and Fewer Errors

Integrated systems cut down on the chances of human error. This makes sure your sales and inventory management system reports are always accurate.

4. Improved Financial Management and Reporting

Real-time reporting allows you to track everything from sales trends to cash flow. Then, you're much more likely to make informed business decisions.

Payment Processing Rates and Fees: How Are They Determined?

Payment fees can be a bit confusing to understand. So, here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)

MDR is the percentage taken from the transaction amount as a fee by the payment processor. It usually has a few parts:

• Interchange Fee: Card networks (like Visa and Mastercard) set this fee, which goes to the bank that issued the customer's card. It pays the bank for processing the transaction and usually ranges from 1.5% to 3%.
• Assessment Fee: Card networks charge this small fee for processing the transaction, around 0.1% to 0.2%. It helps maintain the network.
• Processor Fee: The payment processor charges this fee for their services. It can vary based on the processor and your agreement.

2. Transaction Fees

Transaction fees usually include two parts:

• Percentage Fee: This is a small percentage of the total sale amount (e.g., 2%–3%).
• Flat Fee: A fixed charge for each transaction, no matter the amount (e.g., $0.20).

This is the basic breakdown of what you pay whenever a customer makes a payment.

3. Additional Fees

• Setup Fees: A one-time charge for getting your payment processing system and equipment ready to go.
• Equipment Rental Fees: If you’re renting payment machines or other tools, this fee can come up every month.
• Chargeback Fees: If a customer disputes a transaction and it leads to a chargeback, you might have to pay a fee (usually between $20 and $50) to handle the dispute.
• Gateway Fees: If you use an online payment service, there may be extra charges, including a monthly fee and costs for each transaction.

The Nitty-Gritty of Payment Processing Fees for Restaurants

Transaction Flow and Fees Breakdown

Customer Payment

A customer pays with a credit or debit card at your restaurant.

Payment Processing

The payment details are sent to the payment processor, which sends it to the card network (like Visa or Mastercard).

Authorization

The card network checks with the customer’s bank to make sure there are enough funds or credit.

Fees Breakdown

Once the payment is approved, the money is transferred, and these fees are taken out:

• The customer's bank gets the interchange fee.
• The card network takes its assessment fee.
• The payment processor charges a processing fee.
• The rest goes into your merchant account.

Example of Fees

• Transaction Amount: $100
• Total Fees Rate (MDR): 2.5%
• Interchange Fee (1.8%): $1.80
• Assessment Fee (0.1%): $0.10
• Processor Fee (0.6% + $0.20): $0.80
• Total Fees: $1.80 + $0.10 + $0.80 = $2.70
• Net Amount to Merchant: $100 - $2.70 = $97.30

The Payment Modes

Processing fees vary with the type of transaction method you've opted for. Here's how:

1. Type of Credit Card

A student credit card with a small limit costs less to process than an international business card with many perks. High-end cards like American Express usually come with higher processing fees, such as from 2.5% to 3.5%. On the other hand, a standard Visa or Mastercard levies a 1.5% to 2.5% processing fee.

2. Type of Payment

Generally, more secure payment methods are cheaper. For instance, swiped cards usually have lower fees compared to online payments, where fraud risk is higher. EMV chip cards are more secure than old debit or credit cards and cost less to process. Phone orders, where the card isn’t present, also cost more due to higher fraud risks.

3. Type of Retailer

Larger restaurant or food truck chains often get better processing rates as they handle higher transaction volumes. Processors know they’ll be dealing with a lot more transactions, so they’re willing to offer lower rates to secure their business. 

On the other hand, small, independent restaurants process fewer transactions. So, they're riskier and less profitable for processors, leading to higher rates. 

Considerations for Restaurant Owners to Choose the Right Payment Processor for Your Restaurant

Now that you understand payment processors and their rates, here's how you can find the right fit for your restaurant:

• Transparent Pricing: Look for processors that provide clear, transparent pricing structures to avoid hidden fees.
• Negotiate Rates: Depending on your volume, you may have leverage to negotiate better rates or terms.
• Monitor Transaction Costs: Regularly review your processing statements to identify any unexpected fees or discrepancies.

1. Consider the Best Payment Services and Terminals 

Aggregators vs. Merchant Account Providers

2. Compare Different Payment Processors 

Aggregrators

Pros

• Quick and easy setup
• No application fees

Cons

• Higher fraud risk
• Limited customer support
• Slower fund transfers
• Fixed rates may be expensive for growing businesses

Merchant Providers

Pros

• Competitive pricing tailored to business
• Faster fund transfers
• More stable accounts

Cons

• Lengthy approval process
• More scrutiny during application

With these insights, you can narrow down your options for a service provider. Whether you want the personalized support of a Merchant Account Provider or the quick setup of a Processing Aggregator, picking the right choice is important. In the end, you can go with an MAP and combine it with a good processor to get the best benefits from both.

Common Restaurant Payment Processing Hiccups and How to Fix Them 

Conclusion

Restaurant payment processing goes beyond just swiping cards. With integrated POS systems and top-notch security, picking the right processor can make a big difference in how smoothly your restaurant runs and how happy your diners are.

OneHubPOS plays nice with your payment processing system. Packed with amazing features and top-notch support, it’s here to make payments easier. Whether you're running a restaurant, food truck, bistro, or even a pizza joint, OneHubPOS has got your back. Get started with just $1!

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Virtual dining is getting super popular among consumers and restauranteers, thanks to the convenience, less overhead costs, and the growing demand for delivery. 

You don’t need a physical space. So, you save on rent and utilities while helping you reach more customers. This blog breaks down what virtual dining is, why it’s trending, and how to open a virtual restaurant and reach new customers.

What's Virtual Dining?

In a Virtual Dining Concept, your customers can only order food online. This restaurant has no physical place to visit or pick up their food—everything happens through a digital platform. They’ll place their order via an app or website, and then their meal is delivered straight to their door.

Ypou might think, virtual dining sounds like a ghost kitchen concept. But here’s the scoop on how it’s different. The big difference is that ghost kitchens are strictly delivery-only. They don’t have a storefront or a dine-in area at all. They cook up food for delivery, and that’s it.

On the other hand, virtual restaurants operate from a space that might be part of a larger restaurant that serves customers on-site, though often they’re focused on delivery. It might also be a themed-food a chef is trying out for a few months (a virtual pop-up restaurant, if you will)

Livy's Plant Based Foods is a good example of virtual dining. Philadelphia chef Jose Garces started this plant-based, mostly vegan concept.

Types of Virtual Dining

There are two main types of virtual restaurants: virtual brands and virtual kitchens. Both rely on an advanced set of tech and tools to run, but their setups and how they operate are a bit different.

Virtual brands run entirely online, with no physical spot for customers to visit. Existing restaurants or chefs often launch them to try out new menu ideas or reach different types of customers without changing their main brand. 

Virtual kitchens are shared kitchen spaces where multiple brands use the same space to cook for online orders and deliveries only. They’re super cost-effective since you can run several brands from one spot, cutting down overhead and boosting efficiency big time!

The Real Wins of Going Virtual with Your Restaurant

Now that you're aware what is a virtual restaurant, here’s a rundown of the benefits that it can bring:

Low Overhead Costs

You can ditch the costly real estate and fancy decor. With no need for a dine-in area, you save on a lot of aspects, such as:

• Rent
• Utilities (electricity, water, and gas)
• Furniture
• Design ideas
• Cleaning services
• Front-of-house staff (servers, hosts)
• Dining ware (plates, utensils)
• Table linens

So, a virtual kitchen can run at a shared commercial kitchen space for a fraction of the cost of running a traditional setup.

Increased Revenue Potential

You’ll definitely want your own exclusive menu on all the top food delivery apps. Opening a virtual restaurant lets you reach way more people than just walk-in customers. Take Virtual Dining Concepts in the US, for example—they’ve got many virtual restaurant brands like The Meltdown, Banda Burrito, and The Burger Den, all running out of a single Denny’s kitchen. 

Flexibility for Menu Experimentation

Without a physical dining space, you can try out new dishes or even totally fresh concepts with way less risk. For example, a pizzeria could test out vegetarian options or global flavors without completely changing their whole menu.

Reduced Food Waste

In a virtual kitchen, you’re not preparing for a full dining room. So, you can tweak your inventory based on up-to-the-minute data to make just enough of each dish. The result: neither you overstock nor do you throw away excess, which helps cut down on waste. It’s like running a lean cooking business with no room for waste!

Access to New Customer Segments

Suppose there is a busy office crowd that’s too busy to dine in but is craving a quick lunch delivery. Going virtual means you can reach these people. This expands your customer base beyond just those who would have visited your physical spot.

Quick Setup

Setting up a virtual restaurant is like setting up an online store; you don’t need physical renovations. You can get your virtual brand up and running quickly, often within weeks. On the other hand, it might take months to open a traditional restaurant.

Scalable Growth Opportunities

Scaling up virtual dining effortlessly. If your concept really catches on, you can easily team up with more delivery services or even use multiple virtual kitchens. This means you can grow your brand without the usual limits of having a physical space.

Better Customer Data Management

Virtual dining gives you a lot of info about what your customers like and how they order. This data is super useful for tweaking your marketing, adjusting your menu and its pricing, and keeping your customers happy. For instance, you might find out that your late-night burger special is a big hit, so you’ll want to do its promotion more often!

The Not-So-Great Side of Virtual Restaurants

Virtual restaurants do have their drawbacks compared to traditional ones. 

• Without a physical spot for customers to hang out, you might miss out on some brand visibility and chances to interact with them. 
• Since you’re all into delivery, you might run into problems with food quality and how reliably it gets to customers. For example, a bistro may perfectly cook a sandwich but it might arrive cold and soggy because of delivery delays.
• Dealing with customer complaints and feedback can be a bit tricky without face-to-face interactions. For instance, if someone gets a wrong order from your virtual cafe, resolving the issue over the phone or online chat can be less effective.

How to Set Up A Winning Virtual Dining Space 

Starting a virtual restaurant is pretty similar to launching a traditional one. You still need to do your research and plan things out carefully. Here’s the lowdown on how to start a virtual restaurant from home:

1. Check Out the Market

Take a look if there’s a need for your dishes. For example, if you’re thinking about opening a virtual taco place, see if there are tons of taco options or if people are craving something unique.

2. Know the Local Laws

Double-check the local rules, especially for food delivery. For instance, your city might have specific regulations on packaging or speed limits. This way, you’d avoid fines and hassles.

3. Craft a Business Plan

A good business plan will help you figure out details in advance, so you’re ready for whatever comes your way. For example, if you haven’t thought through delivery logistics, you might end up with unhappy customers and missed orders. 

4. Hire and Train Staff

Even though virtual restaurants can run with a small team, it’s crucial to hire skilled folks. Think about bringing on:

• Chefs or cooks
• Customer service reps
• Inventory managers
• Integrate with marketplace delivery services like Delivery Collective, Doordash

5. Create a Sample Menu

Put together a sample menu for testing and training. Understanding ingredient costs, food costs - to make scrumptious food without losing money, It’s also handy for fundraising or getting feedback before you go all-in.

6. Get Your Finances in Order

Sure, you don’t need to worry about a dining room, but you still need the right funding to get your brand off the ground and running. For example, a new Virtual dining kitchen or restaurant would need staff, menu, company registration, inventory, kitchen space, pos software - that are must-haves before you start.

7. Think About Expansion

To grow your virtual restaurant beyond your local area, plan how your brand will adapt to different markets. For example, if you’re known for spicy tacos in your hometown, you might need to tweak your menu a bit if you’re launching in a place where people prefer milder flavors.

What's Next for Virtual Dining?

Virtual dining is set to evolve even more as new tech and online delivery trends keep pushing it forward. 

For instance, AI-driven kitchen management is on the horizon. So, your kitchen can automatically adjust to orders, keep track of inventory, and even predict what you’ll need next.

Plus, advanced POS solutions like OneHubPOS mPOS can ease order management, connect with delivery platforms, and give you real-time inventory and sales reports. It can also connect you up with loyalty programs to keep your customers coming back.

On top of that, mobile apps are getting more intuitive, so customers are getting a smoother experience when ordering from their phones. So, when super-easy-to-use apps ease ordering, customers keep coming back for more.

Furthermore, online food ordering is booming! Last year, the number of people ordering food online jumped to 760 million, a 20% increase from the year before. And it’s not stopping there—by 2029, that number is expected to hit 2.5 billion. 

Why? People are loving the convenience of having food delivered right to their doorsteps. Delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats are making it even easier. 

To get ahead of these trends, you should invest in the right tools and tech. This includes:

• adopting reliable ordering and delivery platforms
• using AI for operational efficiency
• ensuring their online presence is optimized for a great customer experience
• investing in a virtual restaurant POS system to manage online orders, delivery logistics, inventory, and customer data insights

Ready to Move to Virtual Dining?

Opening a virtual restaurant is pretty awesome! It cuts down on overhead costs, helps you reach more customers, and takes advantage of the big delivery trends. Plus, you can run your business more smoothly and flexibly without needing a physical dining area. 

To make your shift to virtual dining easy, OneHubPOS is the perfect POS system. It comes with powerful tools and integrations to improve your efficiency. Book a demo with us and find out how OneHubPOS can help you succeed in the virtual dining space today!