Revel POS Review For 2025
Revel POS Plans & Pricing
Revel Comparison
Expert Review
Pros
Cons
Revel POS's Offerings
Revel Systems offers a comprehensive POS solution tailored to various business needs. On the Revel website, you may not precisely find answers to all the pricing questions you may have concerning Revel POS.
Pricing starts at $11.99 per terminal per month, with a minimum requirement of two terminals and a three-year contract.
This base price includes features such as employee management, inventory management, CRM integration, and reporting analytics.
Additionally, Revel charges a flat fee of 2.49% per transaction for payment processing.
Optional onboarding and training services are available, starting at $674, which typically cover hardware installation, software setup, and consultations.
Customer Support
When I tested Revel’s customer support, I found that they offer 24/7 live assistance, which is crucial for businesses operating beyond standard hours. The support team was responsive and knowledgeable, addressing my queries efficiently. Additionally, Revel provides a comprehensive online knowledge base, including tutorials and FAQs, which I found helpful for troubleshooting common issues. However, some users have reported mixed experiences regarding response times and issue resolution.
Onboarding and Training
I tried out Revel’s onboarding process and discovered that it can be complex due to the system’s extensive features. To assist with this, Revel offers detailed documentation and training resources. For businesses seeking personalized assistance, Revel provides implementation services for an additional fee, which can be beneficial for a smoother setup.
Community Engagement
Exploring further, I found that Revel maintains active community forums where users can share experiences and solutions. This peer-to-peer interaction can be valuable for gaining insights and tips from other business owners utilizing the same POS system.
Remote Support
For technical issues requiring direct intervention, Revel provides remote support through their Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. This allows support technicians to remotely access and diagnose problems within your POS system, facilitating efficient issue resolution.
Social Media
Revel maintains an active presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These channels offer additional avenues for users to engage with the company, stay updated on new features, and seek support when needed.
There’s also a Help Site, on the website:
Features & Functionality
Best For
The Revel POS system is suitable for both the retail and hospitality industries.
General Features
The Revel POS boasts a long list of functionalities. However, the following functions are worth mentioning:
- Table Management
- Delivery Management
- Employee Scheduling
- Flexible Hardware Options
- Real-time Inventory
- Customer Management
- Self-service POS
- Loyalty Programs
- Gift Card Support
- Menu Building
- Kitchen Display Feature
- Reports and Analytics
- Barcode Scanning
- Purchase Order Management
- Age Verification
- Accessibility Features
- Integrations and Add-Ons
The POS dashboard looks like this:
Table Management
Revel’s Table Management feature offers a comprehensive view of your restaurant’s floor plan, allowing staff to monitor table statuses in real-time. When I utilized this tool, I could efficiently assign tables, track occupancy, and manage reservations, which streamlined service and reduced wait times. The customizable layout reflects the actual restaurant setup, enhancing navigation for servers and hosts. This functionality is particularly beneficial for optimizing table turnover and improving overall guest satisfaction.
Delivery Management
Revel’s Delivery Management system integrates seamlessly into the POS, providing tools to handle delivery orders effectively. In my experience, I could assign drivers, set delivery zones, and track orders in real-time. The system supports role-specific permissions, ensuring that delivery staff have appropriate access levels. This feature enhances operational efficiency by consolidating delivery tasks within the POS, reducing errors, and improving customer satisfaction.
Employee Scheduling
Revel’s Employee Scheduling feature simplifies workforce management by allowing managers to create, modify, and distribute schedules directly from the Management Console. When I tested this tool, I appreciated the ability to copy previous schedules and email them to staff, ensuring timely communication. The system also highlights potential overtime, helping to control labor costs. This integrated approach to scheduling aids in maintaining organized staffing and enhances overall operational efficiency.
Flexible Hardware Options
While Revel advises that users purchase the Revel POS hardware alongside the software, there is no denying that the flexible hardware option is a plus for the POS system. Users can decide on the printers, scanners, and network options that are best for them. If you already have functional POS hardware, all you need to do is configure it to meet Revel’s system requirements.
Real-time Inventory
With each item’s price, SKU and cost, you can keep real-time inventory on all your store products using Revel POS. Entering similar products in large numbers has also been accessible on this system as the product table excellently differentiates the products.
Since items that are low in stock are displayed in red, you can actively track the inventory level of each product or meal ingredient and restock with a single click.
Customer management
This POS system allows for improved customer management by enabling the active use of customer details. You can keep a record of their names, email addresses, and phone numbers and use them for marketing campaigns. You also get to track their purchase or order history to know how to serve them best or make future product recommendations.
Self-service POS
You can customize this POS to enable your customers to navigate your product or meal menu and place their orders by themselves. Customers can also review their order features or quantities and pay using any method of their choice.
Loyalty Programs
Revel’s integrated loyalty program enables businesses to design customized rewards systems to enhance customer retention. When I configured this feature, I could set up point-based rewards, track customer purchases, and offer tailored promotions directly through the POS interface. This seamless integration facilitates personalized marketing efforts, encouraging repeat business and fostering customer loyalty.
Gift Card Support
Revel’s gift card functionality allows businesses to create and manage their own gift card programs efficiently. In my experience, setting up the program was straightforward, enabling me to load, sell, and redeem gift cards directly through the POS system. This feature not only provides an additional revenue stream but also promotes brand exposure and attracts new customers.
Menu Building
Revel’s menu building feature offers a user-friendly interface for creating and organizing menus. When I utilized this tool, I could easily add items, categorize them, and adjust pricing as needed. The system supports bulk uploads via spreadsheets, simplifying the process for extensive menus. This flexibility ensures that menu management is efficient, allowing for quick updates to reflect changes in offerings or pricing.
Kitchen Display Feature
Revel POS integrates efficiently with your restaurant’s kitchen display option to make order placement and modification easier. Upon placing a new order, the system forwards it to the kitchen display system to enable the parties involved – waiter and cook – to know the status of each order.
Every order detail – including the customer who placed it – is displayed on the kitchen display in this option. The responsible waiter clicks on ‘completed’ to clear that order from the system when the meal is served.
Reports and Analytics
Revel systems give you valuable insights so you can monitor your business progress. Its reporting and analytical features give you an in-depth understanding of how effectively you can implement your entire business process. These reports range from sales reports to employee reports, transaction summaries, and ingredient tracking. You can also export the reports to other formats or systems of your choice.
Table Management
Revel’s Table Management feature offers a comprehensive view of your restaurant’s floor plan, allowing staff to monitor table statuses in real-time. When I utilized this tool, I could efficiently assign tables, track occupancy, and manage reservations, which streamlined service and reduced wait times. The customizable layout reflects the actual restaurant setup, enhancing navigation for servers and hosts. This functionality is particularly beneficial for optimizing table turnover and improving overall guest satisfaction.
Delivery Management
Revel’s Delivery Management system integrates seamlessly into the POS, providing tools to handle delivery orders effectively. In my experience, I could assign drivers, set delivery zones, and track orders in real-time. The system supports role-specific permissions, ensuring that delivery staff have appropriate access levels. This feature enhances operational efficiency by consolidating delivery tasks within the POS, reducing errors, and improving customer satisfaction.
Employee Scheduling
Revel’s Employee Scheduling feature simplifies workforce management by allowing managers to create, modify, and distribute schedules directly from the Management Console. When I tested this tool, I appreciated the ability to copy previous schedules and email them to staff, ensuring timely communication. The system also highlights potential overtime, helping to control labor costs. This integrated approach to scheduling aids in maintaining organized staffing and enhances overall operational efficiency.
Integrations and Add-Ons
Perhaps, the vast number of apps integrated with this POS system makes it the ideal choice for most businesses. It can easily be integrated with third-party payment processors like PayPal, Bitcoin, Braintree, and Zapper; accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks Online; and ecommerce software like Shopify, Chowly, and Kosmos Central.
The add-ons of this software ensure that it serves its complete purpose in restaurants, grocery stores, and retail stores. Users get to enjoy a kiosk POS, aboard for digital menu, and an attractive kitchen or shelf display.
Hardware & Software
Revel runs on the iPad and works with Apple iOS devices, including the 12.9 inch iPad Pro, iPad Mini (2021) and iPad (9th Generation)
Performance:
System Responsiveness
During my evaluation of Revel’s POS software, I observed that the system operates efficiently, with minimal lag during transactions. The intuitive iPad interface contributes to swift navigation, enhancing the overall user experience. However, some users have reported occasional slow performance, particularly during peak hours.
Reliability
Revel’s hybrid architecture ensures that the POS system remains operational even during internet outages, thanks to its offline capabilities. This design is crucial for businesses that cannot afford downtime. Nonetheless, some users have reported system crashes and connectivity issues, which can disrupt operations.
Scalability
The POS system is designed to accommodate businesses of various sizes, from single-location retailers to multi-location enterprises. Its cloud-based infrastructure allows for easy addition of new terminals and locations, ensuring that the system grows alongside the business.
User Experience
The user-friendly interface simplifies training for new staff, reducing onboarding time. Features like customizable menus and quick access buttons streamline operations, allowing employees to focus more on customer service. However, the extensive feature set may be overwhelming for some users, necessitating thorough training to utilize the system effectively.
Integration Capabilities
Revel offers robust integration options, allowing businesses to connect with various third-party applications such as accounting software, CRM systems, and e-commerce platforms. This flexibility enables businesses to create a cohesive ecosystem tailored to their specific needs.
Revel’s POS system delivers strong performance with its responsive interface, reliable operations, and scalable design. While there are areas for improvement, particularly concerning occasional system stability issues, its comprehensive feature set and integration capabilities make it a compelling choice for businesses seeking a versatile point-of-sale solution.
Ease Of Use:
Revel POS offers a wide and flexible solution for businesses seeking an integrated Point of Sale system. Despite a potentially complex initial setup, the system’s comprehensive features and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for efficient retail management.
System Architecture and Data Synchronization
Revel POS operates as a hybrid system, combining local and cloud-based functionalities. During my evaluation, I set up the software on an iPad, which served as the primary interface for transactions. All data entered was seamlessly synchronized to Revel’s cloud storage, ensuring real-time updates and secure backups. This architecture provides the reliability of local operations with the flexibility and accessibility of cloud-based data management.
Setup Complexity and User Interface
I found the initial setup of the Revel POS system to be intricate, often necessitating assistance from Revel’s technical support team. However, once configured, the application proved user-friendly. The front-end interface is intuitive, allowing staff to navigate through various menus effortlessly. Employees can access system settings using a pre-set PIN, streamlining operations. Upon logging in, the dashboard displays clear product tables and order summaries, with product quantities and applicable discounts prominently featured.
Backend Functionality and Customization
Exploring the backend, I observed that certain advanced functions might require training to utilize effectively. Fortunately, Revel offers comprehensive resources to facilitate this learning curve. The system allows for the deactivation of features that may not be pertinent to specific business operations, enabling a tailored experience that focuses on relevant functionalities.
‘Always On’ Mode and Payment Processing
Revel’s ‘Always On’ mode is a notable feature that maintains system operations during internet outages. In my tests, the POS system continued to function smoothly offline. However, it’s important to note that while transactions can be processed without an internet connection, credit card payment authorizations may not be completed until connectivity is restored. Businesses should be aware of this limitation when accepting card payments during such periods.
Hardware Requirements and Compatibility
To fully leverage Revel’s capabilities, specific hardware is required. Revel provides a range of durable equipment, including Apple iPads, stands, payment processing devices, barcode scanners, printers, networking hardware, cash drawers, and tills. While it’s possible to source compatible hardware from third-party vendors, ensuring compatibility is crucial for optimal performance. Acquiring hardware directly from Revel can simplify the setup process and ensure seamless integration with the POS software.
Here’s a useful Revel POS demo:
Uniqueness:
Revel POS stands out with its iPad-based hybrid system, offering both cloud and local data storage for reliability. Its customizable loyalty programs enhance customer retention, while comprehensive employee management tools optimize workforce performance. The system’s offline mode ensures uninterrupted operations during internet outages, and extensive third-party integrations allow businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs.
Verdict:
In summary, Revel is an excellent POS system that outperforms its competitors. It boasts many valuable features that foster business growth but may be too costly for an average business. Small businesses may never get to exhaust its endless features and may waste resources in acquiring this system. However, if you run a medium-scale business and you’re out to find a system that will actively handle your orders, customers, inventory, and reporting, you’ve arrived at the right destination. Also, remember that you must commit to their 3-year contract and use up to 2 POS terminals at a time. We recommend Revel POS for businesses of all sizes with a large budget that can pay higher monthly fees in addition to the setup cost.
FAQ
Q: What is Revel Systems POS?
A: Revel Systems is an iPad-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed primarily for the restaurant and retail industries. It’s a cloud-based platform offering features like order management, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, customer relationship management (CRM), detailed reporting, and integrated payment processing.
Q: How much does Revel Systems POS actually cost per month?
A: Revel’s pricing usually starts advertised around $99 per month per terminal, but this typically requires annual billing and a multi-year contract. The actual monthly cost is often much higher once you factor in mandatory hardware, required implementation fees (often $674+), payment processing via Revel Advantage, charges for essential software add-ons (like loyalty, online ordering), and potentially optional premium support subscriptions like Revel+.
Q: What are the biggest complaints people search for about Revel POS?
A: The most searched complaints involve difficulty canceling long-term contracts (typically 3 years) and facing very high early termination fees (ETFs). Other common issues found in searches and forums include mandatory use oftheir Revel Advantage payment processing,inconsistent or hard-to-reach standard customer support, software bugs/glitches, and aggressive sales tactics.
Q: Do I absolutely have to use Revel’s payment processing (Revel Advantage)?
A: Yes, for new customers, it’s almost always mandatory. Revel operates an integrated system and generally requires youto use Revel Advantage (often processed via Worldpay/FIS). Trying to use an outside processor is typically not allowed or heavily penalized, limiting your ability to negotiate rates.
Q: How hard is it really to cancel a Revel POS contract? What are the fees?
A: User reports indicate it is very difficult and expensive. Revel contracts are usually 3 years long and often auto-renew if not canceled properly months in advance using specific methods. The Early Termination Fee (ETF) is frequently the full amount remaining on the contract, which can easily be thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Q: Does Revel POS work if my internet goes down?
A: Yes, Revel has an offline mode called “Always On Mode”. If your internet connection drops, the iPads can continue operating locally, allowing you to take orders and queue credit card transactions securely. These transactions sync back up and are processed once the internet is restored. However, some real-time cloud features (like cross-device syncing or certain reports) won’t work offline.
Q: Can I use my own iPad with Revel, or is the hardware proprietary?
A: Revel’s software runs exclusively on Apple iPads. You can often use your own iPads if they meet Revel’s specifications (check their current requirements). However, essential peripherals like payment terminals (specificallyfor Revel Advantage), printers, stands, and scanners typically must be purchased through Revel or their specific approved list to ensure compatibility and support.
Q: How is Revel’s standard customer support? Is it easy to get help?
A: Standard support experiences are very mixed, leaning towards challenging. While 24/7 support is offered, users frequently search for solutions to problems like long wait times, difficulty reaching support agents who can actually fix technical bugs, getting passed between departments, and inconsistent follow-up. Finding effective, quick help for urgent issues via standard channels is a common pain point, which may lead users to consider paid support options.
Q: What is Revel+? Is it required?
A: Revel+ is an optional, paid add-on subscription service (around $11.99/month based on recent info) that offers benefits like access to premium support channels (potentially faster or more knowledgeable), discounts, and early access to new products. It’s not required, but it’s an extra monthly cost for users seeking better support than the standard offering.
Q: Revel vs Toast: Which do restaurant owners complain about less regarding contracts?
A: Both Revel and Toast receive significant complaints regarding their long-term contracts and high early termination fees. Neither is generally seen as easy to leave mid-contract. The choice often comes down to specific features rather than contract flexibility, as both tend to lock users in for multiple years.
Q: Are there unexpected or “hidden” fees with Revel POS?
A: Users should be prepared for costs beyond the advertised monthly software fee. Common extras include mandatory installation/onboarding fees ($674+), monthly charges for add-on software modules (loyalty, online ordering, etc.), potential fees for premium support subscriptions (like Revel+), hardware shipping/replacement costs, and the substantial Early Termination Fees if breaking the contract. Always get a fully itemized quote detailing all potential charges.
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