There are many free POS systems out there with bar-centric features for your business. But you will have to purchase suitable hardware for them. If you want to choose open-source bar software, you need to consider some factors. You need to think about your bar’s size, how many bar locations you run, etc.
However, the best open-source software for a bar will have the best pricing and be most-suited for your business. This article will look at the best bar open source software and the factors to consider while choosing one.
Seven Best Open Source POS Systems for Bars
Below is a list of the best open source POS systems for bars with their feature set.
1. Chromis POS
Chromis is new source bar software, a result of a split from the uniCenta project in 2015. You can only use the software on the Windows system. The open-source POS allows you to customize layouts for receipts and screens. You also have features such as CSV-based product import, which can save you a lot of time.
There are so many positive reviews from users on the project’s SourceForge listing. Many of these reviews came from uniCenta or OpenBravo (the precursor to the UniCenta).
2. eHopper
eHopper is another free POS software that you can use on multiple devices. You can easily integrate it with many POS hardware. And this feature makes it perfect if you want to switch from another POS system. The ehopper software has other features like working offline, connecting with accounting software, delivering digital receipts, and implementing discounts and loyalty programs.
With the free version, you can only integrate one credit card processor. You have limited support and will be unable to integrate with QuickBooks. You are also limited to one register, and you won’t be able to use the system’s employee clock features.
Floreant POS
Floreant is another open-source POS. It is built for restaurants but is also suitable for bars. You can use it for free on Windows, Mac, or Linux. The company helps businesses set up the system and provide ongoing support.
Instead of using the traditional POS, you can use tablets or iPads to run Floreant in your bar. And this gives your bar in my sophisticated look. You can also use the bar tabs feature and preauthorize cards until your customer closes the night out.
4. Imonggo
Imonggo, built in 2009, is excellent open-source bar software. The company re-designed the software in 2016 and now has over 1,100 users all around the world. You can integrate Imonggo integrated with Mercury or Vantiv, the POS’s credit card processor, but you have to pay for it.
Imonggo’s free version can only serve you in one location, with one register in a single store. And you can manage up to 1,000 products and 1,000 transactions per month. The limit is high, depending on the type of bar you run.
5. Keyhut
Keyhut’s Cash Register software, founded by Dale Harris, is another open-source POS. It is completely free and worth taking a look. The founder, Dale, designed it for the sole purpose of helping small or medium businesses compete with large chain stores.
You can use it on any cash register, printer, and computer combo you have. If you are using a 64-bit system, you will need to run an additional program. Dale intends to expand the software to be able to run on tablets. Very small businesses can run the software off their phones or home computer.
6. Loyverse
Loyverse (which means Loyalty Universe) is a free mobile POS software. This software allows you to manage multiple bar locations. You can also email digital receipts, work offline, issue discounts, and accept credit card payments via integration with credit card processor Vantiv. Loyverse also includes inventory, employee, customer management, sales analytics features, and you can institute a customer loyalty program.
Loyverse now has over 240,000 users all around the world. One of its selling points the fact that it is free and rich in features.
7. uniCenta
uniCenta is one most popular open-source POS software out there. It is a system that can rival any paid small business POS. It includes features like reporting, inventory management, CRM, and even employee management. uniCenta has more features than many paid POS software. you can use it on any hardware, whether PC, Mac, Linux, or mobile.
uniCenta has a flexible setup, which allows you to manage multiple locations using the same system. The software is entirely free but upgradable to a subscription service.
Factors to consider when choosing a bar POS software
Bars need POS software with specific features, and not every POS comes with these features required to serve this business type. There are several factors you need to keep in mind while choosing a bar POS system. These factors include the following:
1) Feature set
The first thing to check while selecting a POS system for your business is the feature set. You need a POS system that matches your bar. If it lacks the necessary features that your bar needs, your sales process won’t function efficiently.
2) Pricing
It is tempting to choose the cheapest POS system, but you cannot consider price alone. Doing this may result in you purchasing a POS system that is unsuitable for your bar.
3) Hardware
You will also need to check the kind of hardware that will be suitable for your bar. Check how many POS terminals you will need in your bar. You will ensure that your POS hardware matches your bar setup.
Conclusion
There are many open-source point of sale (POS) systems for bars. But the best is the one with bar-centric features, good pricing, and suitable hardware. Chromis POS system is very rich in features and best if you are using Windows. I believe that after reading this, you now know the best open-source bar POS system out there.
