1. Define your must-have workflow
Write down the one thing your business absolutely needs — split checks, modifiers, appointment booking, weight-based pricing — before looking at any options.
2. List your hardware needs
Count your checkout points at peak traffic, not average traffic, and decide what environment they need to survive.
- Number of stations, terminals, or handhelds needed
- Kitchen printer or display, if applicable
- Barcode scanner, cash drawer, or other peripherals
3. Get a real total cost estimate
Software subscription, hardware cost (or confirm it's provided), and processing rate applied to your actual average transaction size and monthly volume.
4. Confirm the contract terms
Length, auto-renewal, and early termination fee. Get this in writing, not just described verbally.
5. Confirm hardware ownership
Is it purchased, leased, or provided at no cost? If provided, what's the process if you ever switch providers?
6. Test the setup and training process
Ask who builds your menu or catalog, whether setup happens in person or remotely, and how staff will be trained.
7. Confirm support details
Hours, contact method, and whether there's a real person to call — not just a support ticket system with a multi-day response time.
8. Do a final demo with your own data
Load your real items and run your most common transactions one last time before signing. This is the last chance to catch a workflow problem before it's live in your business.