For restaurants seeking a powerful and reliable point-of-sale (POS) system, Aloha POS by NCR is a popular choice. Known for its scalability, flexibility, and robust features, Aloha POS caters to businesses of all sizes. However, like any POS system, there are costs associated with purchasing, implementing, and maintaining Aloha POS.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the costs to help you understand what to expect when investing in Aloha POS for your restaurant.
1. Hardware Costs
Aloha POS requires specific hardware to operate effectively. These costs vary based on the size of your operation and the hardware components you need. Common hardware includes:
- Terminals: Touchscreen devices for processing orders. Prices typically range from $800 to $2,000 per terminal.
- Printers: Kitchen and receipt printers, costing approximately $250 to $500 each.
- Cash Drawers: Cost between $100 and $300.
- Kitchen Display Systems (KDS): Optional displays for routing orders to the kitchen, priced around $800 to $1,200 each.
- Card Readers: For accepting payments, which can range from $150 to $300 per device.
2. Software Licensing Costs
The Aloha POS software itself involves licensing fees. These costs depend on the features you choose, the number of terminals, and whether you opt for additional services such as online ordering.
- Initial Licensing Fees: Start at $1,200 to $3,000 per terminal for a perpetual license.
- Monthly Subscription Fees: If you choose a subscription-based model, expect to pay between $50 and $150 per terminal per month, depending on the software package and features.
Additional software features, such as loyalty programs, reporting tools, or advanced inventory management, may incur extra costs.
3. Installation and Setup Costs
Setting up Aloha POS involves professional installation to ensure that hardware and software are configured correctly. These costs include:
- Installation Fees: Generally range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of your setup.
- Training Costs: Training staff on how to use the system may cost around $100 to $500, though some vendors include this as part of the installation package.
4. Payment Processing Fees
Aloha POS integrates with NCR payment processing solutions or third-party providers. Payment processing fees are typically structured as a percentage of each transaction, with an additional per-transaction fee.
- Processing Rates: Usually 2.5% to 3.5% per transaction, plus a fixed fee of around $0.10 to $0.30.
- PCI Compliance Fees: Some providers charge a monthly fee, typically $20 to $50, to ensure compliance with payment card industry standards.
5. Maintenance and Support Costs
To keep your system running smoothly, Aloha POS offers maintenance and support services. These costs are often part of an ongoing subscription or support plan.
- Monthly Support Fees: Range from $50 to $150 per terminal.
- Hardware Maintenance: Costs for repairs or replacements vary, but extended warranties can help minimize expenses.
6. Online Ordering and Integration Costs
If you plan to integrate online ordering or delivery systems with Aloha POS, additional costs apply.
- Online Ordering Software: Fees range from $50 to $200 per month, depending on the platform.
- Third-Party Integrations: Additional setup or transaction fees may apply for services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub.
7. Cloud Hosting Costs
For restaurants using cloud-based versions of Aloha POS, there may be hosting fees for data storage and system access.
- Monthly Cloud Hosting Fees: Typically $30 to $100 per terminal.
8. Customization and Add-On Costs
Aloha POS is highly customizable, but additional features or third-party integrations may increase costs. Examples include:
- Loyalty and Rewards Programs: Fees range from $50 to $150 per month.
- Advanced Reporting Tools: May cost $25 to $100 per month.
- Multi-Location Management Tools: Pricing depends on the number of locations, starting at $100 per month.
Is Aloha POS Worth the Investment?
While the costs of Aloha POS can add up, it provides significant value through advanced features, reliability, and scalability. Its robust capabilities, including menu management, reporting, and integrations, make it ideal for restaurants that need a comprehensive POS system.
Tips to Manage Costs
- Shop Around for Vendors: Compare quotes from multiple NCR resellers to find the best deal.
- Bundle Services: Many vendors offer discounts if you purchase hardware, software, and support as a package.
- Assess Your Needs: Avoid paying for features you won’t use, such as advanced reporting or loyalty programs.
- Consider Financing Options: Some vendors offer financing plans to spread the cost over time.
- Plan for Growth: Invest in a scalable system to avoid costly upgrades as your business expands.
Conclusion
Investing in Aloha POS can be a game-changer for your restaurant, but it’s important to understand the associated costs to make an informed decision. By carefully evaluating your needs and budgeting for both initial and ongoing expenses, you can ensure a smooth implementation and maximize the system’s value.
If you need help selecting or implementing Aloha POS, call Phoenix Geeks at 833-PHX-Geek. Our team specializes in helping restaurants optimize their technology and minimize costs.
