Running a successful deli takes more than just serving up delicious sandwiches and salads. To keep your operations running smoothly, you need a reliable and efficient point of sale (POS) system tailored to your deli’s needs.
The right deli POS software can streamline:
- Your order management
- Inventory tracking payment processing
- Reporting
The results? You save time and money and keep your customers happy and coming back.
However, finding the perfect fit for your deli isn’t always easy. Not all POS systems offer the specific features and integrations that delis need.
In this article, we'll explore the must-have features of a deli POS system and showcase three top deli POS software solutions that cater to delis' unique requirements. Whether you're looking to improve your inventory management, streamline your order processing, or gain valuable insights into your business performance, we’ll give you the information you need to make the right choice for your deli.
Deli POS Software Must-Haves
You know you need strong point of sale software to run your deli effectively, but what makes one deli POS solution better than another? Let’s look at some of the unique, must-have features deli owners should look for in their POS solution.
Essential POS Features for Delis
Every business is unique, but similar businesses require similar tools and features. What features does every deli need from their point of sale system?
- Order management:
Every deli needs a solution that efficiently processes orders, including customizations and modifications. If your deli offers prepared foods like sandwiches, you may also want a solution that integrates with kitchen displays. - Inventory tracking:
Delis have varied, perishable stock. As a result, you need a robust inventory tracking solution that can track stock levels in real time to prevent shortages or excess stock. The right solution for your deli will also allow you to set reorder alert thresholds, automatically alerting you when you’re running low so you can streamline your ordering process. - Flexible payment options:
Modern businesses cannot simply accept cash payments. You must implement a point of sale system that accepts cash, credit cards, mobile pay, and contactless payment methods. Select a POS system that integrates with secure payment processors to keep your business’ and customers’ data safe. - Reporting and analytics:
Finally, you need a solution that can generate detailed sales reports by product, time period, and staff. These reports help to surface insights on bestsellers, low performers, and trends, giving you the information you need to identify areas of improvement.
Related Read: How to Use Your Point of Sale Analytics to Increase Profits
Unique POS Needs for Delis
In addition to the essential features mentioned above, delis have specific requirements that set them apart from other food service businesses. A deli-specific POS system should address these unique needs:
- Scale integration:
Many of your products are priced by weight. As a result, you need a POS solution that connects with digital scales for accurate pricing. This feature reduces errors and maintains consistency in portion sizes and pricing. - Waste tracking:
Where are your most significant areas of shrinkage? If you don’t know, you can’t solve those problems. The solution? A point of sale system that helps you track food waste, including expired items, shrinkage due to theft and error, and more. - Labeling and expiration date tracking:
Finally, you need a solution that allows for custom label printing. You must label your products with ingredient lists, expiration dates, and more. With an integrated label printer, you can automate the process of labeling your products and make expiration date tracking easier.
Let’s examine three top choices you might consider for your deli business.
1. POS Nation
POS Nation offers a comprehensive point of sale solution designed to meet the unique needs of grocery stores and supermarkets. This solution focuses on smart inventory management, speedy transactions, and integrated security measures, allowing you to streamline your processes and improve profit margins.
Key Features:
- Smart inventory management:
POS Nation's intelligent inventory management system allows grocery stores to track stock levels in real time and generate reports on inventory performance. The system also provides real-time metrics on inventory value, turnover rates, and more, giving you critical insights into performance and sales trends. - Integrated security measures:
POS Nation offers built-in measures to protect sensitive customer and business information. The system uses encryption and tokenization to secure payment data and includes features like user access controls and audit trails to prevent unauthorized access and fraud. - Built-In customer loyalty:
POS Nation's customer management features allow grocery stores to track customer purchase history, preferences, and contact information. You can use this data to create targeted marketing campaigns, personalized promotions, and loyalty programs. - Reporting and analytics:
POS Nation provides a range of reports and analytics tools that give grocery stores and delis valuable insights into their business performance. From sales reports and inventory analytics to customer behavior and employee performance, business owners can access the data they need to make informed decisions about their operations. The system also includes customizable dashboards and alerts, allowing users to track key metrics and stay on top of important trends.
Pricing: POS Nation offers a build-and-price tool on its website, allowing grocery stores to customize their POS solution based on their specific needs and budget.
2. IT Retail
IT Retail offers a POS solution tailored specifically for independent grocers and delis. With features like quick transaction processing, custom reporting, and powerful inventory management, IT Retail helps delis and butcher shops streamline operations.
Key Features:
- Tailored to grocery stores and markets:
IT Retail was founded by a second-generation grocer and who knows the grocery and deli industry inside and out, giving them a unique perspective on the specific needs and challenges of these businesses. This expertise is reflected in the design and functionality of the POS solution, which includes features and tools specifically tailored to the needs of independent grocers and delis. - Custom reporting:
IT Retail's reporting capabilities are second to none. Custom reports highlight top-selling products, customer preferences, and other key metrics. Business owners can access these reports from anywhere using the cloud-based back office management system. - E-commerce integrations:
IT Retail understands that many independent grocers and delis are looking to expand their reach through online sales and delivery. That's why the system seamlessly integrates with major grocery e-commerce providers, allowing businesses to manage their online orders and inventory from within the POS system. - Powerful inventory management:
IT Retail's inventory management system is designed to help businesses keep their shelves stocked and their customers happy. With features like low stock alerts and vendor-sorted reports, business owners can easily track their inventory levels and reorder products as needed. The system also includes tools for managing pricing, promotions, and other key aspects of inventory management.
Pricing: IT Retail also offers customized packages. To see your price, build your package using their online pricing tool.
3. Markt POS
Markt POS is a point of sale solution designed specifically for delis. It features seamless scale and printer integration, real-time inventory tracking for perishables, and deli-specific reporting. Created by deli owners for deli owners, Markt POS offers a tailored solution that meets the unique needs and challenges of deli operations.
Key Features:
- Seamless scale and printer Integrations:
Markt POS seamlessly integrates with scales and printers, ensuring accurate pricing and labeling of deli products. These integrations help you reduce errors and improve efficiency while also ensuring compliance with legal requirements for food labeling. With Markt POS, deli owners can be confident that their products are always accurately priced and labeled, helping build customer trust and avoid costly mistakes.
Related Read: 3 Best Deli Scales with Printers and What to Look For
- Real-time perishable inventory tracking:
One of the biggest challenges for delis is managing perishable inventory. Markt POS includes real-time inventory tracking for perishables, with features like expiration date tracking and reorder alerts. - Deli-specific reporting:
Markt POS includes deli-specific reporting capabilities, with detailed insights into sales, profitability, and ingredient usage. Deli owners can track their best-selling products, identify opportunities for growth and optimization, and make data-driven decisions about their operations. - Food safety features:
Food safety is a top priority for delis, and Markt POS includes a range of features to help deli owners maintain compliance with food safety regulations. From product rotation and expiration tracking to temperature monitoring and recall management, Markt POS provides the tools and insights needed to ensure the safety and quality of deli products. - 24/7 dedicated support:
Markt POS offers 24/7 dedicated support with a team of experts who understand deli operations' unique needs and challenges. We also offer robust training and onboarding services to help your staff get up to speed quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth transition to your new POS system.
Pricing: Get your perfect price tag using our online build and price tool. With our customizable packages, you’ll get all the features and hardware you need and none of the expensive bells and whistles you don’t.
Finding the Right Deli POS Software for Your Store
Investing in a tailored POS system for your deli can be a game-changer, allowing you to optimize back-end processes, minimize waste and risk, and boost your bottom line. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best deli POS software for your store? The key is to start by clearly defining your specific needs and priorities.
At a minimum, consider the following essential features:
- Deli counter order management with customization options
- Scale and printer integration for accurate pricing and labeling
- Inventory tracking for perishables to ensure freshness and minimize waste
- Deli-specific reporting for sales, profitability, and ingredient usage insights
- Prepared food labeling for compliance and customer transparency
- Food safety features for product rotation, expiration tracking, and food safety compliance
Our platform is specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of your deli, no matter your priorities. With Markt POS, you'll have access to a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to streamline your operations, boost sales, and maximize profitability. Plus, our user-friendly build and price tool makes it easy to create a POS solution that perfectly fits your store's needs and budget.
Ready to take your deli to the next level? Book a demo of Markt POS today and see how our powerful point of sale system can streamline your business.
