Choosing the right point of sale system is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a festival organiser, F&B lead, or vendor. The right POS can unlock faster service, real-time data, and happier guests. The wrong one? Downtime, chaos, and lost revenue.
Before you sign a contract or commit to a platform, make sure you’ve asked the right point of sale system questions - especially if you're operating in high-pressure, live event environments.
Here are 25 essential questions you should be asking any POS provider before making your decision.
💡 Why Asking the Right POS Questions Matters
From cashless festivals to pop-up bars and multi-vendor events, your POS needs to do more than just take payments. It should power your operations, provide critical data, and work without fail - even if the internet drops.
Asking the right questions upfront helps you avoid common pitfalls and ensures your POS supports both front-of-house speed and back-of-house control.
📋 25 Must-Ask Point of Sale System Questions
🔧 System Setup & Hardware
Is the POS system designed specifically for live events or hospitality?
Does it work offline in case of poor connectivity?
What hardware is included (e.g. terminals, printers, scanners)?
Can I use the POS on mobile devices or tablets?
Is the hardware durable for outdoor or high-volume use?
Can the system support multiple locations or vendors simultaneously?
🔗 Learn why an offline-ready POS is essential for festivals and remote event sites.
💳 Payments & Processing
What payment types are supported (card, mobile wallet, RFID, QR codes)?
Are payments integrated with the POS, or processed via a third party?
What are the transaction fees? Are there any hidden costs?
How fast are transactions processed during peak hours?
How long does it take for funds to settle into my account?
📊 Reporting & Analytics
Does the system offer real-time reporting during the event?
Can I view performance by location, item, or team member?
Is post-event reporting available for reconciliation and insights?
Can traders or partners access their own dashboards securely?
🛠️ Usability & Support
Is the system easy to use for non-technical staff?
How long does it take to train a team to use the POS?
What support is available during the event (on-site, remote, phone)?
How fast is issue resolution during critical times?
💼 Contracts & Scalability
Is there a long-term contract or can I use the system per event?
Are there setup or subscription fees?
Can I scale the system up or down for different events or seasons?
Do you offer multi-vendor support for large event sites?
🎯 Company Reputation & Specialisation
Do you have experience working with events like mine (size/type)?
Can you provide case studies or references from similar clients?
💡 Bonus Tip: Choose a POS System Built for Festivals
Generic POS platforms often fail under festival conditions - signal drops, large queues, and multi-vendor complexity. At NOQ, we’ve built a festival POS system from the ground up to handle the speed, scale, and unpredictability of live events.
We support:
Fast, offline transactions
Real-time dashboards for organisers and vendors
POS + payments in one device
Full pre-event setup, training and on-site support
Multi-vendor management
✅ Final Thoughts
Before choosing your next POS provider, make sure you're equipped with the right point of sale system questions - and confident that your provider can deliver, rain or shine, signal or no signal.
Whether you’re planning a 1,000-person local event or a 50,000-person music weekend, the right POS is a revenue driver, not just a transaction tool.
📞 Ready to ask us your questions?
At NOQ, we don’t just sell POS systems - we build long-term partnerships with vendors and organisers. If you're evaluating new systems for the season ahead, let’s chat about how we can support your goals.
