Revel Systems occupies a unique spot in the POS space. Many providers fall into one of two categories: sector-specific solutions or generalized systems. Revel’s iPad POS straddles both; users can configure it for restaurants or retail stores. It’s not quite an all-in-one solution, but it’s more versatile than most.
This Revel POS review focuses on features for restaurants. If you’re outfitting an eatery, read on to find out how it measures up.
| Review | |
|---|---|
| Aloha Restaurant POS | Rating |
| Features | |
| Ease of Use | |
| Help & Support | |
| Summary | |
| Reviewed by Expert Market: | 09/13/2017 |
Getting Started with Revel
Revel Systems ships hardware and software pre-configured for quick installation. In our experience, integrations for third party payment solutions such as PayPal are seamless. Setup of the iPad terminal and peripherals is also largely fuss free. However, Revel customer support is a phone call away for first time users running into any issues.
Upon launching the Revel POS iPad app, on-screen instructions and prompts ferry you through the system’s suite of controls. Switching between dashboards and tools on the fly soon becomes second nature thanks to a standout user interface.
Watch the video below to see a demonstration of the system in action.
Video: Revel POS System Demo
Features
Revel segments its POS systems based on restaurant type. Each package offers a hardware and software feature set that’s suited for a different kind of restaurant. Among the system types are those for fast service, table service, events, bars, breweries, coffee shops, and even food trucks. Not all features listed below will be deployed on all solutions.
- Common hardware (iPad, POS stand, payment device, router, cash drawer, digital menu board, and POS printer)
- Delivery management
- Table layouts
- Tableside ordering
- Ingredient inventory
- Customer experience (gift cards, loyalty cards)
- Reporting features
- Analytics
- Payment processing
- Online ordering
- Menu maintenance
- Kitchen/BOH management
- HR/employee management
- Extensive security
- Open API
Ease of Use
Whether you’re using it for FOH or BOH purposes, the Revel POS interface is intuitive and attractive. There’s substance behind the style too, and users can customize menus and reporting dashboards for their particular needs.
Support
Revel Systems customer service staff help with a wide range of POS issues. Their over-the-phone support is can be very useful during the DIY system installation. While many reviews note generally positive experiences, some complain of slow responses to emails. Payment processing fees have also been known to change without notice. In short, online guidance is plentiful, person-to-person support sometimes less so.
Plans and Pricing
Revel pricing plans differ across market segments. Systems can also be configured differently, depending on where they are installed. When budgeting, remember that peripherals, credit card processing and third-party applications add to costs.
Case Study: Scafuri Bakery
Revel Systems iPad POS: The Verdict
As mentioned, offering a POS specializing in both retail and hospitality is somewhat outside the norm. Revel Systems’ iPad POS fills this void adeptly. The system packs features that many competitors either don’t offer, or don’t implement quite as well. Add in the ability to use it offline and online, and you have a truly reliable POS system. Some comparison shopping is certainly wise, but Revel merits your attention when comparing quotes.
Competitors
Toast POS
The sleek Toast POS system offers similar core features. Revel’s integration with peripherals gives it a slight edge.
Breadcrumb POS
Upserve’s Breadcrumb POS is a versatile system offering in-depth restaurant analytics.
Aloha Restaurant POS
NCR’s Aloha POS system mixes mobile, cloud-based and locally-installed features. Versatile, but lacks something of Revel’s simple elegance and ease of use.
