Concession stands are quick-service businesses constantly on the go. Owning a stand means you have to consider flexibility, mobility, and cost when it comes to the tools your concession stand uses.

A good merchant service will quickly process orders and payments while helping you run your business. But what’s best? A card reader? Point of sales system? Or both?

Flexible Payment Options For Concession Stands

People don’t always carry around cash. It’s important to have a card reader so customers can have the option to pay with a credit card. According to VISA, accepting credit cards in addition to cash increases concession stand revenues by 25%.  

A card reader (usually) isn’t enough. The administrative burden of now having to reconcile cash transactions and digital payments in a manual report at the end of the day, week, or month can be very stressful. This is where a POS system is required. Point-of-sale apps allow you to customize your POS to your business, including accepting credit card payments, managing inventory, quickly taking and processing customer orders, and receiving automated reports in your inbox.

What To Look For In A POS System?

Which card reader & app combination is best for me? Consider the following when selecting a card reader and POS app for your concession stand.

1. User-Friendly

Card Readers and POS options for concession stands have to be simple to use. The easier it is to use the system, the better! Point of Sale apps score best for usability out of all POS systems.

2. Compatibility

The app should be compatible with iOS and Android phones and tablets.  

3. Functionality

Mobile orders are self-serve orders via a contactless QR code menu. They’re critical when you have a long line, or when a customer doesn’t want to wait for their food to be prepared. Instead, they can order and pay directly from their phones. They’ll receive a text when it’s time to pick up.

Tip: Make sure you add a Service Fee to the customer to offset costs. Most customers are willing to pay up to $0.75 to avoid waiting in line.

In-Person orders allow people to pay with their credit cards and phones with tap to pay. 

4. Costs

Of course, you want to look for competitive processing rates. However, some apps have processing rates as high as 12% per transaction, and others might charge a hefty monthly fee to keep their transaction rates low. Be sure to look for the most competitive transaction rates.

When considering mobile orders, make sure to offset some of those platform fees by charging a Service Fee to the customer. Not having to wait in line is a great value-add!  

5. Features

 Use this checklist of features to help find the right app for you.

• Ability to create and operate multiple menus

• Ability to download and print QR code menu signs

• Inventory or countdown items (automatically disable sold out items)

• Order status

• Flexible pickup/serve/delivery options

• Text to pickup notifications

• Custom service fee

• Tipping

• Geofence

• Automated reports  

Working With ZeroTouch

ZeroTouch is the most intuitive free concession stand POS app. Create your contactless QR menu to accept mobile orders, and process in-person orders with a free card reader and phone tap to pay. ZeroTouch is simple and easy to use.

Start accepting payments of all kinds, including credit cards and contactless payments, right away with ZeroTouch. Download the app today and start making sales instantly or schedule a short personal demo to ask any questions you might have.