POS setup checklist for opening a restaurant or cafe

Two weeks before: decisions

• Decide the business type: dine-in, takeaway, delivery, or a mix? It defines the hardware and apps.
• Choose a cloud system that starts cheap and grows with you. Choosing guide.
• Confirm e-invoicing requirements and your system's readiness. Guide.
• Prepare your tax details: VAT number, commercial registration and address.

One week before: setup

1. Create your account and enter store details.
2. Add categories and products with prices and photos, and review them twice.
3. Add users with permissions (cashier, manager) and give everyone their own account.
4. Set tax (inclusive or added) and the receipt layout.
5. Enable the apps you need: kitchen screen, digital menu, delivery apps, loyalty.

Three days before: hardware and rehearsal

• Test the printer by printing a real receipt and checking paper and Arabic layout.
• Test card payment and the internet at the cashier spot itself.
• Run ten trial sales of different kinds (cash, card, discount, note, return).
• Check the kitchen screen receives orders and the team reads it clearly.
• Check a backup connection: a phone hotspot in case the internet drops.

Suggested devices and options are in the POS hardware guide.

Opening day

• Open the shift with a recorded opening cash amount.
• Keep at least one trainer beside the cashier for the first two hours.
• Note every problem to fix the next day.
• Close the shift and compare the daily report with actual cash.

After the first week

Review the daily KPIs: best-selling items, peak hours, average ticket. Adjust your menu and prices accordingly. Start now with a free system: Restaurant POS · Cafe POS.

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