How to choose a restaurant POS plan without paying for unused capacity

Start with one service, not a feature count

A POS decision becomes easier when you describe what happens during one busy service. Who takes the order? Where does the kitchen see it? Who confirms payment? Which receipt does the guest receive? A long feature list is useful only when those everyday actions work together.

ScanFirst connects guest QR ordering, the kitchen queue and counter billing. Start by trying the sample workflow. The demo uses sample dishes and does not create orders or move money. Then choose an eligible trial and repeat the important checks with your own menu and operating settings.

Count the capacity you actually need

• Outlets: count the physical branches you need to operate from one shop workspace.
• Staff: count the people who need separate accounts, including owners who work in service. Shared passwords make it harder to control access.
• Menu items: include drinks, seasonal dishes and the items you plan to add soon.
• Service points: count dining tables, takeaway counters or rooms that your enabled workflow uses.
• Printers: count the devices you expect to configure. Printer hardware and a compatible shop-side print agent are separate from the subscription.

Limits apply to the shop's shared capacity; they are not a fresh allowance for every outlet. A second branch can therefore change the plan you need even when the first branch still feels small.

Compare the whole bill

On the pricing page, switch between monthly and annual billing. Compare the plan price, any annual discount, configured tax and the total payable. An annual amount is a payment for the year; its monthly equivalent is a comparison figure, not an offer to pay that amount every month.

The registration screen shows the selected total before activation. Eligible trials have no payment due today. Renewal is paid manually from the Subscription screen. Check that screen for the current renewal amount and date instead of assuming the first purchase price is a permanent promise.

Restaurant guest payments and ScanFirst subscription payments are different transactions. Hardware, connectivity and payment-provider charges can also affect your operating cost. Include them in your decision without treating them as part of the software price.

Test the workflow before committing

Use your launch checklist to confirm operating settings, publish available menu items, review prices and scan the correct service-point QR. Show each staff member the screens their role needs. Kitchen staff should be able to work tickets without receiving unnecessary billing or administrative access.

Finish with a controlled real order only after the branch is ready. Collect the correct tender, settle the bill and check its receipt. Live orders affect reports; the sample demo is the place to practise without those records.

Choose room to grow without guessing

Start with capacity that covers your present service and a reasonable near-term increase. Review the next tier before opening another outlet or adding more staff. If your rollout does not fit a standard tier, request a custom plan and describe your branches, team, menu and hardware needs.