Opening a restaurant in Germany comes with many challenges—from menu planning and staff hiring to compliance with local tax regulations. Among these, choosing the right Point-of-Sale (POS) system is often underestimated, but it can directly affect your daily operations, customer experience, and financial management.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials every new restaurant owner in Germany should know before selecting a POS system.
1. Legal Compliance: GoBD and KassenSichV
In Germany, POS systems must comply with GoBD (Principles of proper management and storage of books, records, and documents) and KassenSichV (Cash register security regulations).
A compliant POS system ensures that all transaction data is stored securely, tamper-proof, and can be submitted to the tax authorities when required. Before making a decision, always check whether the provider offers a certified TSE (Technische Sicherheitseinrichtung).
2. User-Friendliness for Your Team
Your staff will use the POS system daily, so ease of use is critical. A good system should offer:
Intuitive interface that minimizes training time
Multilingual options (helpful for international staff)
Quick checkout functions for busy hours
3. Features Tailored for Restaurants
Restaurant operations are different from retail businesses. Make sure your POS system includes:
Table and order management
Split bill and tip functions
Integration with kitchen displays or printers
Support for takeaway and delivery orders
4. Payment Flexibility
German customers increasingly prefer cashless payments. Your POS should support:
EC & credit card payments
Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Contactless transactions
The more options you provide, the smoother the customer experience.
5. Cloud-Based vs. Local Systems
Cloud-based systems: Data accessible anytime, automatic updates, often subscription-based.
Local systems: Data stored on-site, potentially lower running costs, but less flexible.
Choose based on your internet stability, data security preferences, and budget.
6. Costs and Contracts
Look beyond just the hardware price. Consider:
Monthly software fees
Payment processing charges
Contract duration and cancellation terms
Hardware maintenance and support
7. Customer Support and Training
Technical issues can arise at peak hours. Ensure your provider offers:
24/7 customer support (preferably in German and English)
Onboarding training for staff
Regular software updates
Conclusion
For new restaurant owners in Germany, the POS system is not just a cash register—it’s the heart of your daily operations. A well-chosen solution saves time, ensures compliance, and enhances customer satisfaction.
When making your decision, consider legal requirements, ease of use, restaurant-specific features, and long-term costs. By doing so, you’ll set your business up for smooth operations from day one.