Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What EPOS/till systems do members recommend for bar and taproom operations?
Several members use iPad-based EPOS systems paired with payment processors. Key recommendations: - **Vend** — praised as a great EPOS option; members link it to Zettle as the payment processor - **Tyl with iPad** — members report a simple setup that works well, with competitive payment rates and no complex requirements - **SumUp** (sumup.co.uk/point-of-sale/) — used across multiple bars; paired with Global Payments as the payment processor, which members found significantly cheaper than iZettle - **iZettle** — initially planned by one member for consistency with their event setup, though SumUp users noted iZettle's higher payment processing costs The choice often hinges on payment processor rates as much as the EPOS itself. Members using SumUp with Global Payments specifically highlighted this as a cost advantage over iZettle's rates.
How do EPOS systems handle stock control and wastage tracking in bars and restaurants?
EPOS systems can manage stock control and wastage tracking within the platform itself, though member experience suggests the implementation varies significantly by system quality. **Stock control via EPOS:** Premium accounts typically offer built-in stock management features accessible through customer support. The system allows CSV bulk uploads for recipes and inventory data, enabling you to track usage and wastage. **Key caveat:** Members reported that the bulk upload functionality is not user-friendly, which has been a significant driver of bars moving away from certain EPOS platforms. If choosing an EPOS specifically for integrated stock management, test the inventory workflow thoroughly before committing—poor usability can create operational friction that outweighs the convenience of a unified system. **Separate software option:** Some members use dedicated stock management software alongside their EPOS rather than relying solely on the EPOS system's built-in features, suggesting this hybrid approach may be worth evaluating if your EPOS stock tools feel cumbersome.