In hospitality, efficiency and customer experience reign supreme. One of the most transformative tools to hit the restaurant scene in recent years is handheld point-of-sale (POS) devices.

These compact, mobile devices allow servers to take orders and process payments directly at the table, bypassing the need to run back and forth to a stationary POS terminal. But like any innovation, handhelds come with their own set of best use cases, benefits, and considerations.

When to Use Handheld Devices in Restaurants

Handheld POS devices can enhance operations across many restaurant formats:

• Full-Service Restaurants: Ideal for tableside ordering and payments, allowing staff to spend more time with guests and less time walking.

• Busy Bars: Bartenders and cocktail servers can take and close tabs quickly without waiting in line for the terminal.

• Outdoor Patios or Large Venues: Extend your POS system beyond your four walls to serve more guests efficiently.

• Quick-Service Locations: Great for line-busting and increasing throughput during peak hours.

  
  

Benefits of Handheld POS Devices

• Faster Service: Reduce wait times by entering orders and accepting payments at the table.

• Improved Accuracy: Orders are sent to the kitchen in real-time, minimizing communication errors.

• Better Tips and Guest Satisfaction: Quicker service = happier customers.

• More Table Turns: Speedier transactions can lead to higher volume and increased revenue.

• Reduced Staff Fatigue: Servers stay in their section, saving steps and energy.

  
  

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the pros are clear, it’s important to weigh the potential challenges:

• Cost of Hardware: Outfitting your team with handhelds is an investment. Do a thorough cost analysis before diving in.

• Training Time: Staff will need time to become confident using the new tools. Make sure to choose a POS software that is consistent between terminals to limit the learning curve.

• Battery Life: Devices should be charged and ready to handle long shifts. A dead device is less useful than no device at all. 

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi reliability is crucial to avoid delays or dropped transactions. Always ensure handheld devices are on their own network, not sharing with a public access connection.

Features to Look for in a Handheld POS Device

When selecting a handheld, look for features that support the specific needs of your hospitality environment:

• Lightweight and ergonomic design

• Long battery life

• NFC/contactless payment support

• Integrated receipt printer (if needed)

• Rugged build for durability in a fast-paced setting

The Q6 handheld device is our preferred handheld of choice at HRET. It's packed with features that make it a perfect fit for restaurants looking to streamline tableside service without sacrificing speed or style.

If you're exploring POS systems with robust handheld capabilities, HRET is ready to show you what we can do. Schedule a demo with us and see how we can help your merchants boost service and satisfaction.