How much does restaurant management software cost in Australia?
Restaurant software has three main costs: the subscription, the hardware, and set-up and training time. Figures vary by supplier and module, so get each quote in writing before you sign.
Short answer
- Restaurant software is usually a monthly or annual subscription, priced by module.
- Floor devices and kitchen screens are a separate cost, to be confirmed with the supplier.
- Set-up and staff training are the costs most often missed.
- Compare two or three written quotes for the same modules, and work out the first-year total.
- Ask in writing whether GST is included in the quoted price.
What you pay for
The cost components of restaurant software
| Component | Online application | Installed on site |
|---|---|---|
| Platform and hosting | Monthly subscription for the online application | A separate licence, plus your own server and backups |
| Restaurant modules | Bookings, recipe-card menu, kitchen orders and stock, in one application | Modules depend on the supplier |
| Hardware | Floor devices and kitchen screens, bought separately | The same hardware, plus a dedicated computer |
| Training and set-up | Staff training and menu set-up, confirmed in the quote | Arranged separately with the supplier |
| Maintenance and backups | The vendor's responsibility, confirmed in the contract | On you, or on an IT contractor |
What the rules say
- Keep sales records for the period your accountant advises, generally five years for the ATO.
- Software does not change your GST, payroll or other tax obligations. Check them with your accountant.
- Menus must show accurate prices and allergen information for non-prepacked food.
Practical example
Hypothetical example: a 50-seat bistro with floor devices and a kitchen screen. The subscription covers bookings, the QR menu, kitchen orders, stock and reports.
Work out the first-year cost: monthly fee times 12, plus hardware and set-up. Compare that with your annual turnover.
Common mistakes
- Comparing only the base subscription, ignoring the modules you need.
- Forgetting hardware and set-up costs, which are paid once but add up quickly.
- Paying for an implementation you do not need. Ask what the quote includes.
- Picking the cheapest quote without checking which modules and hardware it covers.
How 4restaurants.net helps
- One monthly subscription for an online application, with the costs itemised in the quote.
- Bookings, menu, kitchen orders, stock and shift clock-in in one account.
- You set up the menu and recipe cards in the application as you prepare them.