Use the most powerful, and overlooked digital business-enabling tool everyone has
Everyone has a powerful yet often overlooked digital tool, smartphones, credited for the rapid digitalization across the world. With its ever-expanding range of features and capabilities, the smartphone will eventually replace the need for a laptop or computer. With recent events, online transactions and activity have significantly increased.
However, many retail/F&B businesses are slow on the uptake of digitalization. Often, business owners take a “wait and see” approach when digital tools are made available to them, and losing out on potential revenue their competitors are making. Another key factor for the slow digitalization of small businesses would be the misconception that digitalization requires huge investments on hardware like immobile servers and IT infrastructure, which is not true. Here are some ways to digitalize your retail/F&B business without heavy hardware and infrastructure investment.
Reach out to your customers digitally
A big part of running an F&B or retail business is about customer acquisition. Traditional methods such as print advertising and flyers are certainly an effective outreach channel but come at a high cost. Small businesses may not be able to upkeep such outreach methods consistently enough to reap the benefits.
Digital marketing is a much cheaper and effective outreach method. Effective simply because most consumers are constantly on their smartphones, scrolling through social media or browsing websites of interest.
Therefore digital marketing is a means for you to get your brand and products in front of consumers, where they are spending a bulk of their time. For digital marketing tips, click here!
Set up your own website
A business website should be one of your priorities if you have not set one up yet. Research from Blue Corona shows that 90% of consumers will check a company’s website before emailing or calling them. While it may seem like an uphill task to set up your own website, many platforms like duda.co
provide a modern, stylish and customisable template for you to build your website. Spend some time on these website development platforms and choose one which you are most comfortable building your website with.
Your website plays a big role in attracting customers. Design wisely.
Turn to Digital Ordering
With the recent occurrence of the pandemic, most consumers are turning to order food and products online. This consumer trend will be here to stay. Hence, it is important to meet your customers where they are buying.
Digital ordering solutions like iMakan, will help F&B businesses go online, tapping into a lucrative online market.
Meanwhile, retail business owners can use tools like Shopify
to build their own e-commerce sites to let consumers buy from you online.
Manage your business from anywhere
You may always have to be at a hundred places at once. However, this can be a source of concern for small business owners. A great solution for this is to get a POS solution, like MEGAPOS, with cloud-based backend, allowing you to see insights and manage your business at your fingertips from anywhere.
Lumpsum or subscription payment
Gone are the days of pouring a huge amount of cash to invest in IT Infrastructure and hardware for digitalization. Cloud-based solutions these days usually allow subscription-based payments, making it easier for you to kick off your digital journey.
To conclude, we are all going digital some way or another in our lives. Therefore, business owners like you, have to evolve to keep up with the times.
To find out more about iMakan digital ordering solution, contact us at (+65) 6271 5788 for more information, or leave us your contact details below and we will be in touch with you.

Ask any café owner or restaurant operator in Singapore, and you’ll hear the same challenge—rental prices are sky-high. For small F&B startups, this can make profitability feel like a distant dream. The good news? You can fight back using the right mix of technology and smart operations. Here’s how to keep your costs low, efficiency high, and customers happy—even with expensive rent. 1. Rethink Location and Shift Budget to Marketing A prime location isn’t always the best decision for a new F&B brand. Not just due to the high rentals, but when operating in prime locations you are likely to be competing directly with well established F&B brands. Pick a slightly less central area to save on rent Invest those savings in branding and promotions Use delivery apps as customer acquisition tools—promote aggressively so people discover your food first online, then offline 2. Cut Manpower Dependency with Automation Labour costs are climbing. Self-ordering kiosks and QR code menus help you: Operate with fewer service staff Speed up order processing Improve order accuracy Create a seamless customer experience 3. Control Inventory Like a Pro Throwing away expired food is like throwing away cash. POS-linked inventory systems let you: Track stock in real time Predict demand accurately Avoid over-purchasing and wastage 4. Fill Empty Seats During Off-Peak Hours With yield management strategies, you can keep the business flowing throughout the day. Flash deals via Instagram or TikTok Loyalty perks for off-peak diners Special menus available only between 3–5pm 5. Make Your POS the Heart of Your Operations A fully integrated POS can help you: Manage dine-in, takeaway, and delivery orders in one place Monitor sales trends Sync loyalty programs automatically Make faster business decisions based on live data While rental prices in Singapore won’t drop overnight, the right tech approach lets F&B startups run more efficiently, keep costs under control, and compete with bigger players. If you are looking for F&B solutions such as F&B POS systems, Self ordering kiosks, QR ordering, online ordering and CRM solutions, click here to enquire!

Launching a new café or restaurant in Singapore? One of your first major investments will be a Point-of-Sale (POS) system. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest POS package, smart F&B owners know better: not all POS systems are built the same. Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Better Budget POS solutions often cut corners on hardware quality, software flexibility, and customer support. You might get a basic tablet with limited features and little support when things go wrong. These systems may be fine for weekend hobbyists, but if you're planning to scale and operate seriously, you need something more durable and reliable. What to Look For in a Reliable POS Rugged hardware that withstands busy kitchens & long operating hours Responsive local support for peace of mind Features that matter: table management, self-ordering, CRM, inventory Easy integrations with accounting, delivery, and payment platforms The Long-Term Advantage Investing in a reputable POS vendor ensures you won’t need to replace or switch systems as you grow. You also benefit from software updates, technical support, and scalability from day one. Your POS system is the heartbeat of your F&B business. Choose wisely, and it’ll help you run smoother, serve better, and scale faster. Looking for F&B solutions? Click here to contact us!

In Singapore’s fast-paced F&B industry, reaching your customers with the right message at the right time can be the difference between a packed house and a slow day. For years, email marketing has been the go-to method for loyalty engagement—but today, WhatsApp is emerging as a powerful contender. So which channel delivers better results for F&B businesses? Let’s break it down. Why More F&B Brands Are Choosing WhatsApp 1. Significantly Higher Open Rates WhatsApp messages boast open rates of over 90%, while email struggles to break 25–30%. This means more eyes on your promotions, event invites, or new product launches. 2. Real-Time Engagement Whether you’re pushing a lunch promo or a last-minute reservation slot, WhatsApp delivers instant visibility. Customers receive and act on messages within minutes, making it perfect for time-sensitive offers. 3. Mobile-First and Personal Almost every Singaporean checks WhatsApp multiple times a day. Messages arrive directly on the home screen—no inbox clutter or spam folders to worry about. The format also feels more personal, increasing engagement. 4. Great for Vouchers & Loyalty Promotions Sending eVouchers, birthday rewards, or exclusive member discounts via WhatsApp makes redemption easy. Customers just click and go—no need to dig through emails or apps. When Email Still Shines 1. Long-Form Content & Storytelling Emails are perfect for more detailed updates like a new seasonal menu, chef’s notes, or an outlet anniversary event. You have more space to build a narrative and showcase visuals. 2. Automation and Segmentation Email tools allow automated drip campaigns, customer lifecycle journeys, and membership renewals—ideal for maintaining long-term engagement. 3. Official Communications Invoices, reservation confirmations, newsletters, and account updates are still best suited for email, where they feel more formal and can be archived. Best Practice: Use Both, Together Forward-thinking F&B brands in Singapore don’t choose one over the other—they use both channels strategically. Use WhatsApp to push flash deals, eVouchers, and member reminders. Use Email to tell your brand story, build loyalty, and deliver richer content. Connect both through a unified CRM-POS platform like MEGAPOS to sync data, automate engagement, and track performance. Final Thoughts If you're only using email to engage your customers, you're leaving money on the table. WhatsApp provides the speed and reach modern diners expect, while email helps nurture deeper, longer-term relationships. The smartest F&B operators are combining both—powered by integrated POS and CRM tools that make outreach effortless and effective. Interested in trying to engage with your members through WhatsApp messaging campaigns, click here !

With all the hype about QR ordering, food delivery apps, and self-ordering kiosks, you might wonder— “Do I even still need a POS system for my café or restaurant?” Short answer? Yes. Absolutely. Even with all the fancy tech popping up, your POS system is still the beating heart of your F&B operations in Singapore. Here’s why. POS Systems Have Grown Up Gone are the days when POS just meant a cash register that printed receipts. Today’s POS is: Touchscreen, sleek, and fast Cloud-based (yes, you can check sales from your phone) Integrated with QR ordering and food delivery platforms Capable of syncing loyalty programmes, CRM, and even kitchen printers But What About QR Ordering and Delivery Apps? Great question. And yes, those tools are super useful, especially post-COVID. But they work better when they’re connected to your POS system. Think of it like this: Your POS is the central brain QR orders? Sent through the POS Grab or Foodpanda orders? Tracked and tallied in POS Payment? Handled by POS—cash, PayNow, NETS, e-wallet, you name it Why Singapore F&B Owners Still Choose POS in 2025 ✅ Everything in one place – orders, payments, and reports ✅ Live dashboards – check your shop’s sales from your phone ✅ Cut down on mistakes – no more handwritten orders or missed items ✅ Easy for staff to learn – training new hires is faster ✅ Membership and CRM – turn first-time customers into loyal regulars ✅ Inventory tracking – say goodbye to “Oops, we ran out of chicken wings again…” From Hawker Stalls to High-End Restaurants Whether you’re selling bubble tea at a kiosk or running an omakase spot in the CBD, a good POS system scales with you. Many brands in Singapore use cloud-based POS with self-ordering kiosks and QR so they can operate smoother and faster—especially during peak hours. Final Thoughts If you're planning to reduce manpower , increase efficiency , or grow your F&B brand , your POS should be doing more than just taking orders. It should support your entire ecosystem—from sales and staff to customers and kitchen operations. Need help choosing the right POS system for your F&B business? We’ve helped hawkers, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants across Singapore modernise with hybrid POS + QR solutions. Click here to contact us and find out more.

In Singapore's food and beverage industry, running an outlet efficiently means staying ahead with the right tools. A modern F&B POS system offers much more than just payment processing—it helps managers make smart decisions, improve daily operations, and increase customer satisfaction. Here are seven essential POS features every F&B outlet manager should be using: 1. Real-Time Sales Analytics Understanding what's happening in your business at any moment is powerful. Real-time reporting gives outlet managers instant visibility into sales trends, top-performing menu items, and hourly revenue. This lets you quickly adjust staffing, pricing, or promotions—especially during peak hours or slow periods. 2. Stock & Inventory Tracking Manual stocktaking is time-consuming and error-prone. A good restaurant POS automatically updates inventory levels with each order, alerts managers when stock is low, and helps prevent wastage. It ensures the kitchen runs smoothly while improving your food cost control. 3. QR & Digital Ordering With manpower challenges in Singapore, QR ordering reduces the need for floor staff while enhancing order accuracy. A cafe POS system that supports self-ordering and mobile payments also increases table turnover and improves customer experience. 4. Staff Productivity Metrics Tracking staff performance within your POS system allows you to see who's upselling successfully, managing tables efficiently, or lagging behind. Managers can use this data to reward top staff, improve team training, and maintain consistent service standards. 5. CRM & Loyalty Programmes POS-integrated CRM tools make it easy to run customer loyalty programs. Offer points, cashback, or birthday vouchers to build long-term customer relationships. This feature is especially valuable in Singapore's competitive cafe and casual dining scene. 6. Multi-Outlet Control Managing more than one outlet? A centralised POS system for F&B chains lets you monitor each branch’s performance, stock, and staff in real-time from a single dashboard—perfect for owners and regional managers who want visibility without micromanaging. 7. Delivery Platform Sync A great F&B POS system should integrate directly with platforms like GrabFood, Deliveroo, or Foodpanda. Orders flow straight to the kitchen or kitchen display system (KDS), minimising human error and speeding up prep during busy delivery hours. Conclusion A feature-rich POS system empowers outlet managers to run their operations more effectively. If you want to reduce costs, boost efficiency, and keep your staff and customers happy—start with the right POS technology. Need help upgrading your POS or training your team to use it better? Contact us by clicking here today.

In today’s F&B market, efficiency is everything. Without a smart F&B POS system , you may be missing critical opportunities to improve operations and sales. One feature that leading restaurants and chains rely on is real-time sales reporting. 1. Real-Time Sales = Real-Time Control Know what’s selling best, what needs restocking, and when your busiest hours are—all instantly from your POS system dashboard . No more guesswork, just data-driven control. 2. Manage Chains Easily from One System For multi-outlet operators, real-time sales reporting allows instant tracking across every branch. You can compare outlet performance, adjust stock levels, and deploy manpower where needed—all from a single platform. 3. Improve Operational Speed When you know your top-selling items and peak periods, you can prepare your kitchen, front-of-house, and staff shifts ahead of time—improving service speed and reducing order mistakes. 4. Boost Profit Margins Effortlessly A smart restaurant POS helps you cut unnecessary expenses, reduce over-ordering, and prevent dead stock—all based on real-time sales performance. Why This Matters for Singapore’s F&B Sector In a competitive market like Singapore’s, small improvements in operational efficiency can make a big difference. A well-equipped F&B POS system with live data gives you that edge. Ready to Upgrade? Contact us by clicking here to learn how our all-in-one POS solutions can deliver real-time sales insights for your cafe, kiosk, or restaurant chain.

Mastering Difficult Customer Situations in Singapore’s F&B Industry No matter how good the food or service, F&B outlets in Singapore will inevitably encounter difficult customers. The key is turning conflict into customer satisfaction through skilled, polite service. Here’s a quick guide to train your outlet staff on handling challenging situations : 1. Listen Without Interrupting Let the customer fully explain their concern. Active listening makes them feel valued and reduces anger. 2. Stay Polite and Apologetic Even if the customer is wrong, respond with kindness: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience, let us fix this.” 3. Offer Fair Compensation Train staff to offer simple compensations—like a free drink or quick dish replacement—without needing manager approval. This keeps service efficient and customers satisfied. 4. Recognize When to Escalate Some cases require supervisor handling. Make sure staff know when to escalate politely. 5. Follow Up After Incident Use customer feedback logs and review responses to close the loop, ensuring issues don’t repeat. Why This Matters for F&B businesses ✔ Reduces bad reviews on Google and online platforms ✔ Improves team confidence ✔ Keeps customer loyalty high even after mistakes If you are interested in self ordering solutions for your F&B businesses such as self ordering kiosks , and QR ordering , click here to contact us and find out more!

In Singapore's bustling F&B scene, quick-service beverage outlets like bubble tea shops, coconut drink stalls, and fruit juice bars face the challenge of serving a high volume of customers efficiently while maintaining personalized service. Integrating self-ordering kiosks, QR ordering, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can revolutionize operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth. 1. Flexible Order Customization Beverage kiosks often offer a variety of customization options—sugar levels, ice preferences, toppings, and more. Self-ordering kiosks and QR ordering systems allow customers to easily select their preferences through intuitive interfaces, reducing errors and ensuring orders are prepared to exact specifications. This precision enhances customer satisfaction and streamlines the ordering process. 2. Reduced Manpower Requirements By enabling customers to place orders directly through kiosks or their smartphones, staff can focus on preparing beverages rather than taking orders. This shift not only reduces the need for additional manpower but also accelerates service during peak hours, improving overall efficiency. 3. Increased Average Bill Size Self-ordering systems can be programmed to suggest add-ons or upgrades, encouraging customers to explore additional options. This automated upselling strategy has been shown to increase average order values, with some establishments reporting a 15–30% boost in sales. 4. Enhanced Customer Loyalty through CRM Implementing a CRM system allows beverage kiosks to track customer preferences and purchase history, enabling personalized marketing and loyalty programs. Offering rewards, cashback, or point-based incentives encourages repeat visits and fosters a loyal customer base. 5. Real-Time Menu Management With integrated systems, menu updates and item availability can be managed in real-time across all outlets. This centralized control ensures consistency, reduces the risk of selling unavailable items, and allows for quick adjustments based on inventory or promotions. 6. Data-Driven Insights Collecting data through QR ordering and CRM systems provides valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. Analyzing this data helps in tailoring offerings, optimizing inventory, and designing targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and boosting sales. 7. Improved Order Accuracy Allowing customers to input their orders directly minimizes miscommunication and errors. Accurate orders lead to higher customer satisfaction and reduce waste from incorrect preparations. 8. Streamlined Operations Integrating self-ordering kiosks, QR ordering, and CRM systems creates a cohesive operational flow. Orders are processed efficiently, customer data is centralized, and staff can focus on delivering quality products, resulting in a more streamlined and effective business model. By embracing these technologies, quick-service beverage outlets in Singapore can enhance operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth. Implementing self-ordering kiosks, QR ordering, and CRM systems positions businesses to meet modern consumer expectations and thrive in a competitive market.