If you’ve recently decided to add a deli to your grocery store (or maybe you already have one), you need to make sure you have the right technology to run it effectively. One of the critical tools you need in your tech stack is the right point of sale (POS) system.
Operating a deli comes with unique challenges — and those challenges mean you can’t just use any POS system. Outdated or inefficient technology will lead to inefficiencies, lost sales, and frustrated customers and employees.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how a proper deli POS system can help you stay on top of orders, expiration dates, and inventory management. Plus, we’ll share five top POS providers to consider.
What Is a Deli POS System, and Why Do I Need One?
If you’re like many grocery store owners, you might think of a deli POS system as a modern cash register. But in reality, it's a unique solution that combines hardware and software to serve as your store’s operational hub, integrating various aspects of your business into one cohesive platform.
While traditional methods may have been “good enough” in the past, today’s shoppers and changing shopping economy demand more sophisticated solutions.
Deli POS systems simplify your processes, help you offer better customer service, and provide valuable insights to help you succeed and set you apart from the competition.
Here are some key features to look for in today’s top deli POS software picks:
- Inventory management: Accurately track stock levels, monitor product movement, and automate reordering processes.
- Self-checkout options: Provide customers with alternative checkout methods like self-checkout or scan-and-go to reduce wait times.
- Robust hardware: Invest in reliable, durable equipment designed to withstand the demands of a busy deli environment.
- Cloud-based technology: Access your data and manage your business from anywhere, ensuring you're always connected to your operations.
- User-friendly interface: Use an intuitive system that's easy for both staff and management to navigate to help operations run smoothly.
- Flexible payment processing: Accept a wide range of payment methods to accommodate customer preferences and streamline transactions.
- Customer loyalty programs: Implement and manage rewards systems to encourage repeat business and build customer relationships.
- Dedicated customer support: Access responsive, knowledgeable support to help your team and your customers when they need assistance or have questions.
Now that we understand what a deli POS system is and why it’s vital to your business, let's explore some specific POS features that can truly separate a good POS system from a great one.
Key Features To Look for in a Deli POS System
When selecting a system for your deli, you want to look for POS features that address the specific challenges of running a deli within a grocery store or market setting. Let’s explore the essential features that can make a significant difference in your day-to-day operations:
Robust inventory management: A top-tier deli POS system should offer real-time tracking of stock levels to monitor your products. It should also alert you to approaching expiration dates and streamline the reordering process so you can have fresh products on hand without overstocking. In turn you’ll reduce waste and always have the best quality products to sell.
Deli scale integration: Precision is crucial in a deli, and your POS system should seamlessly integrate with your deli scales and printers to enable accurate inventory tracking based on precise measurements. Weighing items and immediately generating a barcode speeds up your checkout process and reduces the likelihood of pricing errors.
Waste tracking: Understanding and minimizing product waste is one of your biggest levers for staying profitable. A good POS system should help you identify areas of high shrinkage where you can adjust your inventory and practices. By tracking these types of waste, you can make more informed decisions about portion sizes, pricing, and inventory management, and boost your bottom line.
Customer loyalty programs: It’s also important to look for a POS system that lets you implement and manage customer reward programs, track customer loyalty trends, preferences, and purchase history, and personalize your marketing based on what you find. A customer loyalty program can make customers feel appreciated, and it’s a win-win — they get perks, you get loyal customers.
Flexible discounting: Your POS system should help you plan, schedule, and launch special discounts so you can respond quickly to market demands, clear excess inventory, and reward loyal customers. Whether it's a daily special on your famous potato salad or a promotion on slow-moving items, offering flexible discounts is crucial to helping you keep your store profitable and your waste low.
Sales reporting: Your POS system should also provide insights into sales trends over time, best-selling and underperforming items, and peak sales hours and days. These reports will help you understand your customers' preferences and make sure you're always stocked with the products they want.
Employee management: A crucial (but often overlooked) feature is employee ease of use. Your POS system should let employees clock in and out directly through the system, generate accurate time sheets for simplified payroll management, and track employee performance metrics to streamline admin work.
A deli POS system that includes these key features will help yourun things smoother, reduce waste, keep customers happy, and ultimately put more money in your pocket.
How To Choose the Right POS System for Your Deli
Choosing the best deli POS software and system is not just about finding a system with the most features; it's about finding the right fit for your unique store.
Start by taking a critical look at your current operations. What are the pain points in your existing system? Maybe you're struggling with inventory management or finding it difficult to implement customer loyalty programs. Then, use your challenges to guide your search.
When it comes to budget, it's tempting to opt for the least expensive option. However, consider the long-term value a more comprehensive POS system might offer. A slightly higher upfront cost could translate into significant savings and increased revenue over time. So, don't let initial sticker shock deter you from a system that’s a better long-term fit.
Scalability is another crucial factor to consider. Your deli may be small now, but what about your plans for the future? Choose a POS system that can grow with your business.
Last, don't underestimate the importance of support and training. Even the most advanced system is only as good as your team's ability to use it effectively. Look for vendors that offer training and, ideally, 24/7 customer support to make sure you'll have help when you need it most, even during those late-night inventory checks or early-morning rushes.
By carefully weighing these factors, you'll be well-positioned to choose a POS system that not only meets your current requirements but also supports your deli's growth and success for years to come.
5 Top Deli POS Systems for Independent Grocers
When it comes to choosing the best deli POS system, several options stand out in the market. Let's briefly explore five top market POS solutions, each with its unique strengths and considerations.
1. POS Nation
POS Nation offers a robust solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses.
Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive inventory management make it a solid choice for independent grocers. While it excels in customer support, some users find its reporting features less intuitive than other options.
2. Clover POS
Clover POS is known for its sleek hardware and extensive app marketplace. This flexibility allows you to customize the system to your deli's specific needs.
However, the costs can add up quickly if you need multiple add-ons, and some users report a steeper learning curve for teams new to the system.
3. IT Retail
IT Retail brings deep industry knowledge to its POS solution, with features specifically designed for grocery stores and delis.
IT Retail’s strength lies in its robust inventory management and multi-store capabilities. On the downside, some users find the interface needs to be updated compared to more modern options.
4. Toast POS
Toast POS, while primarily known for restaurant applications, has features that can also benefit deli operations.
Benefits of Toast include its ease of use and excellent customer management tools. However, it is designed for restaurants and may be missing some of the specialized features that dedicated grocery and deli POS systems offer.
5. Markt POS
Last, Markt POS stands out with its focus on custom solutions for grocery stores and markets. Its strengths include powerful inventory management, seamless deli scale integration, and flexible reporting tools. The system can grow with your business, making it an excellent choice for forward-thinking independent grocers and markets.
While Markt POS offers comprehensive features, some small stores and markets might find it more robust or complex than they initially need (though this sets it up well to scale with your store).
How much does Markt POS cost? Get a custom quote for your perfect POS build using our transparent build and price tool.
Grow Your Deli Sales With the Best Deli POS System
A POS system is more than just a fancy cash register for your deli. It's a comprehensive tool that can simplify operations, improve the customer experience, and ultimately drive more sales. For independent grocers and market owners, the right POS system can be the difference between your store simply surviving and truly thriving.
While we've reviewed several strong contenders in the POS market, Markt POS stands out as the clear choice for independent grocers and delis.
MarktPOS’ specific build for the grocery and market industry makes it easy to get all the POS features you need tailored to your specific store and products.
Ready to see how Markt POS can impact your deli operations? Schedule a demo today.
