Finding the right point of sale (POS) system can make all the difference in how smoothly your business runs. Whether you operate a small venue, attraction, or experience-based business, having a reliable, easy-to-use POS system will help you streamline your sales, give your customers the best experience, and make sure you keep your operations as efficient as possible.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best POS system, the key features to look for, and what industry-specific considerations you need to make to help you make the right choice.
What is a POS system?
A POS system is like a smart cash register. When you buy something—like a ticket to a theme park or a snack at the counter—the POS system takes your payment, gives you a receipt, and keeps track of what was sold. It can use a card reader, a tablet, or even a touchscreen kiosk where you tap to pay. Businesses use it to make sure everything runs smoothly, and they know what’s selling best!
How POS systems work
A POS system processes payments and tracks sales in real time. It can include:
- Card readers: Accepts credit/debit cards and contactless payments.
- Mobile POS: Tablet-based checkouts for faster, on-the-go transactions.
- Self-serve kiosks: Allows guests to purchase tickets or reload game cards independently.
- Cloud-based management: Access sales data, reports, and inventory from anywhere.
What businesses use POS systems?
POS systems are essential for practically every business that wants to have an efficient payment system, including:
- Retail and gift stores: To manage sales and track their inventory.
- Attractions and theme parks: To sell tickets, food, and merchandise seamlessly.
- Online ticketing: Allows your guests to book in advance to ensure you can fill up your venue during certain periods.
- Event venues: To process entry fees, concessions, and merchandise sales.
The right POS system is going to keep transactions (and managing guests) simple, should help you speed up your service, make life easier for your staff, and give you lots of data to help you make improvements in your business.
What makes the best POS system?
The best POS system isn’t just about processing payments—it should make running your business easier. Look for a system that’s easy to use, with mobile functionality for both on-site and remote transactions. It should be scalable, growing with your business as you expand.
You’ll want plenty of integration capabilities, like seamless connections with bookings, ticketing, and CRM tools. Reporting and analytics are what’s going to help you keep track of sales and customer trends, while security and compliance features ensure safe, PCI-compliant transactions. Some even come with built-in fraud prevention. A great POS system works for you, not the other way around!
For attractions, the best POS system is one that integrates ticketing, guest management, and reporting—just like ROLLER’s powerful and easy-to-use venue management software.
Choosing the right POS system for your venue
Not all POS systems are built the same— you’ll need a specific POS system to suit your venue’s needs that comes with features unique to your operations. Here’s what to look for when choosing your POS system:
- Amusement and theme parks handle thousands of guests daily, so a fast, reliable POS system with ticketing, contactless entry, and mobile payments is essential to keep lines moving and improve the guest experience.
- Trampoline and adventure parks rely on membership management, online booking, and real-time occupancy tracking to manage peak hours and ensure smooth check-ins.
- Water parks and zoos juggle ticketing, concessions, and season passes, making an integrated food and beverage POS, group ticketing, and season pass handling must-have features.
- Family entertainment centers (FECs) and arcades need reloadable game cards, self-serve kiosks, and revenue analytics to increase guest spending and optimize gameplay.
Choosing an optimized POS system can make a massive difference in daily operations, improving efficiency and enhancing guest satisfaction. ROLLER’s POS system is purpose-built for attractions, giving you all the tools you need to manage your venue with ease and deliver an unforgettable experience for guests.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best POS system for attractions and entertainment venues?
The best POS system makes running your venue a breeze—quick checkouts, easy ticketing, and seamless guest management. Look for one that’s fast, mobile-friendly, and grows with your business.
What should an amusement park look for in a POS system?
A great amusement park POS should handle fast ticketing, contactless entry, season passes, and real-time sales tracking so guests spend less time in line and more time having fun.
How can a POS system improve guest experience?
A smooth POS system means faster check-ins, quick payments, self-serve kiosks, and personalized perks—giving guests more time to enjoy the fun and less time waiting.
What is the best cloud-based POS system for attractions?
A great cloud-based POS offers mobile access, real-time updates, and easy integration with ticketing and memberships—so you can manage sales from anywhere.
What POS features help venues increase revenue?
Integrated upselling, dynamic pricing, online booking, membership perks, and self-serve kiosks are all designed to boost guest spending while making their experience even better.
Ready to adopt the best POS solution for your venue?
The best POS system is the one that fits your business—whether you're running a theme park, trampoline park, or a family entertainment center. Keep an eye out for scalability and app integrations – and don’t forget to ask what kind of support the company you choose has on offer. Choosing a system that grows with you means smoother operations, better sales tracking, and what you want the most — happier guests.
Ready to see ROLLER in action? Book a demo of our powerful POS system and discover how it can streamline your venue!
