Instore Software
Instore is an iPad-based point of sale (POS) solution supporting small to midsize retailers. It offers features such as sales reporting, gift cards and employee time tracking. In addition, Instore’s real-time business performance reports are viewable anywhere and directly exportable for editing and input into QuickBooks or another accounting program.
Instore integrates with the Eatstreet online ordering system and multiple credit card processors. Instore's system is suitable for quick service restaurants and includes POS and management processes on a single device.
This system can be run on a single or multiple iPads and does not require any additional equipment to operate. If desired, users can purchase optional hardware, including receipt printers, tablet stands and cash drawers via Instore’s website.
Instore allows the user to split checks, hold orders, add tips at time of sale or later, create custom gift cards, run promotions and record all forms of payment—even from third-party credit card processors.
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POS
Supported Operating System(s):
Mac OS, Web browser (OS agnostic)
6 Reviews of Instore
Ted from Cherokee Web Design
Specialty: Other specialty retailer
Employees number: 2-10 employees
January 2017
January 2017
User friendly
Detailed features, good customer service, easy to use
Maria from Berkshire Union Free School Distric
Specialty: Other specialty retailer
March 2016
March 2016
Excellent customer service!
Likes Best
Employees were very nice, prompt and knowledgeable about their products.
It was very easy to understand the online presentation and make a choice for purchase.
Likes Least
So far I am 100% happy with the product and customer service. The equipment came nicely packet and was all brand new, and the employees have been helpful and friendly every time we speak!
Recommendations
Make sure to ask a lot of questions and give details about what you hope to accomplish with the software so they can match you with the proper programming.
Lacey from The SweetSpot
Specialty: Restaurant
July 2015
July 2015
Instore Hits The SweetSpot
Likes Best
The customer service, while not 24 support, is extremely responsive. I have felt like I am part of my POS team instead of just an end user of a purchased product. The software is reliable and flexible.
Likes Least
The lack of 24 hour support has been difficult at times, but very rarely.
Recommendations
We had a terrible experience with our previous POS provider and I learned a lot about how to interview POS providers. Be sure to write down all of the functions you expect and to go over each one in detail when searching for the right fit. Also, a big upfront investment is something to be wary of. What I loved about Instore was that, because we already had our own iPads and cash drawers, the initial set-up was extremely inexpensive. And it included completely supportive on-boarding.
Raja from Taj Indian
Specialty: Restaurant
February 2015
February 2015
Beautiful, easy to use, just the right amount of insights
Likes Best
The web dashboard is easy to follow and provides just the right amount of information and tools that I need (changing menu and prices, employees, locations).
Likes Least
A recent update resolved the issues I had. Before, there wasn't an offline mode for processing transactions.
Recommendations
There are many solutions for taking payments. If you're looking for an actual utility that goes beyond payment processing and is simple, this is for you.
Alexay from The West End Lounge
Specialty: Bar / nightclub
January 2015
January 2015
Hardships with InStore
Likes Best
There's not much I like about Instore.
Likes Least
There are all kinds of glitches with the software in addition to simple common functions not included that make using this product difficult and provide a less satisfying customer experience, which in turn affects sales, repeat business, and tips for the staff.
Recommendations
Make sure to have a service industry professional help you pick out the right POS software and hardware for your needs if you yourself have never bartended or served, or if you have done so, but never with a POS system.
Chris from Grounded Coffee
Specialty: Restaurant
January 2015
January 2015
Perfect for our shop
Likes Best
The Instore team is responsive to our needs and problems. Many times when I have had an issue, I have called to find them in the final stages of an update to resolve that very problem. They have a robust system that is very easy to use for our coffee shop. Menu updates are simple and can be pushed out immediately. Employee timesheets are kept automatically. They are worth every penny of our subscription, and I especially appreciate the use of third party hardware. We saved literally thousands of dollars in hardware alone. Bottom line: Instore is clean, easy to operate, easy to update, and simple. It's one less thing to consume my very limited time.
Likes Least
Some of the finer points of the software are a little clunky, such as item modifier management, and some of the backend is less user-friendly than desired. But again, I've been informed that a major backend overhaul is in the works to address these very issues. As far as complaints about the Vendor themselves, I have none!
Recommendations
Before you jump on the Square bandwagon, really evaluate the ease of use for item tracking, menu management, and accounting. Instore has a great (and getting better) handle on it, whereas some of the others are basically just credit card machines.
