"How much does a restaurant POS cost?" is the first question most owners ask, and the hardest to get a straight answer to. The real cost has several parts. Here is how to budget for each.

1. Software subscription

Most modern restaurant POS systems are sold as a monthly or yearly subscription. Pricing usually depends on features (billing only vs inventory, analytics and online ordering) and the number of outlets or terminals. Always ask what is included in the base plan and what is an add-on.

For reference, Bhojan Mitra publishes its pricing: QR ordering is free forever, then ₹250 per month for Simple Billing, ₹500 for Analytics + QR Ordering and ₹5,000 for Voice-enabled Ordering, with no hidden charges.

2. Hardware

You have three options:

• Use what you have. Browser-based POS runs on an existing Windows PC, laptop or Android tablet, which costs nothing extra.
• Tablet setup. An Android tablet with a stand is an affordable, compact option for small cafés and QSRs.
• Dedicated POS machine. A touchscreen terminal built for restaurant use is durable and fast. See our POS machine.

3. Printers and kitchen displays

Budget for a thermal receipt printer at the counter and one or more kitchen printers for KOTs. Larger kitchens may prefer a kitchen display screen. A cash drawer is optional if most payments are UPI or card.

4. Setup and training

Menu entry, tax setup, printer mapping and staff training take time. Some vendors charge for onboarding separately. Ask whether menu import and training are included.

5. Hidden costs to watch for

• Per-terminal or per-user fees as you add devices
• Charges for GST reports, inventory or multi-outlet features
• Online ordering or integration add-on fees
• Annual price increases after an introductory offer
• Paid support or on-site visit charges

6. The cost of not having a POS

Handwritten KOTs and bill books leak money: items cooked but not billed, pricing mistakes, stock pilferage and hours spent tallying at night. For most restaurants, a POS pays for itself within weeks by closing these leaks.

Bottom line

A small restaurant can start with software on an existing device and a thermal printer for a very modest monthly cost, then add kitchen printers, inventory and QR ordering as it grows. Talk to us for a setup quote tailored to your restaurant.