Mad Mobile Review
Mad Mobile is our choice for the best point-of-sale (POS) system for efficiency, whether you’re running a small donut shop or a fine-dining establishment. While our review focuses primarily on Mad Mobile as one of the best restaurant POS systems, it also offers robust retail mobile POS solutions. Mad Mobile’s proprietary hardware can handle up to 3,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs) and is available in two colors. Its hardware is commercially graded and specifically designed to withstand the wear and tear of the restaurant industry. Mad Mobile’s iPad functionality makes the platform easy to learn and highly efficient. For example, its Guest Manager program offers detailed analytics on returning customers, optimizes seating decisions with real-time floor maps and provides text-based notifications.
Mad Mobile
The Verdict
Mad Mobile is our choice for the best POS for efficiency, particularly for restaurants. From ordering food to paying bills, Mad Mobile's customer-facing touch displays create a seamless experience. And it's so easy to use that you'll be up and running quickly.
Mad Mobile also provides mobile POS solutions if you need a flexible retail POS system.
Mad Mobile POS Editor’s Score: 9.4/10
Price/value | 9.5 |
|---|---|
Features | 9.3 |
Customizations, add-ons and integrations | 9.0 |
Ease of use | 9.8 |
Customer service | 9.4 |
Why We Chose Mad Mobile as Best for Efficiency
While testing Mad Mobile (previously known as CAKE), we were impressed by its efficiency compared to the POS system competitors we reviewed. We especially liked that customers can access easy-to-use terminals in the form of mini iPads that let them see their orders as they’re being built. The devices have the same look and feel as the restaurant staff’s hardware, making successful onboarding exceptionally easy.
We also liked Mad Mobile’s unique Guest Manager program. With Guest Manager, customers can communicate with the host via text. Adding modifiers like food allergies or recipe alterations to a customer’s order is straightforward through the system’s backend.
We like that Mad Mobile’s system has assigned user roles with specific access depending on duties. For example, if a staff member doesn’t require discount authorization as part of their role, they won’t be able to provide discounts. We were also impressed that you can customize floor maps and seating arrangements on the fly. This is especially useful if a restaurant is expecting a large group at a specific time.
Mad Mobile utilizes cloud-based POS software, so you can pull up reporting and analytics from anywhere with an internet connection.
Mad Mobile’s Guest Manager helps you seat more guests, reduce no-shows and make better seating decisions. Image source: Mad Mobile
What We Like About Mad Mobile POS
- Customers and staff will find the system very easy to navigate and use.
- An implementation team will walk you through the training process after signing up with Mad Mobile.
- Mad Mobile’s pricing system provides discounts for each terminal you purchase after the first one.
- If your company runs into internet issues, an offline mode allows you to continue accepting payments.
What We Don’t Like About Mad Mobile POS
- Creating daily management reports could use some functionality upgrades.
- Sometimes the iPad minis experience a bit of lag while navigating menus.
- There isn’t much flexibility with plan options.
Ease of Use
We were impressed by Mad Mobile’s ease of use, which, in our opinion, sets it apart from competitors. If you’re familiar with iPhones, you’ll have no trouble navigating Mad Mobile’s devices. Your staff should be able to learn Mad Mobile’s iPad POS system in under an hour and log in to their accounts effortlessly with a dedicated PIN. After signing in, we liked the quick-serve screen’s organized layout, which can be customized to a different default screen. For example, your staff can change the quick-serve screen’s layout to an open order list screen if they prefer.
We really like how easy Mad Mobile makes splitting individual checks. Manual check-splitting can be quite a pain, but Mad Mobile takes care of bill-splitting on the spot. Mad Mobile also makes it easy to compare sales versus labor with data analytics, allowing you to ensure adequate staff during busy times.
Mad Mobile’s tableside payments allow for effortless bill-splitting. Image source: Mad Mobile
Mad Mobile POS Features
Mad Mobile’s excellent feature set sets it apart from the pack and makes it the best POS for efficiency, particularly for restaurants. Here are a few standout features.
Orders
We like that orders taken by servers are sent directly to the kitchen, eliminating the need to run back and forth, which often increases customer wait times. In some restaurant settings, customers can even build their own orders on Mad Mobile’s devices. Customers can check their order status, including when it’s being made and how long it’ll take to receive it. We also appreciate that Mad Mobile supports online ordering – another example of the system’s efficiency. Customers can click on a website link that brings up a restaurant menu and build their order from there.
Check out our TouchBistro review if you’d like to evaluate a POS explicitly designed for restaurants.
Payment Processing
When it comes to payment processing, we like that Mad Mobile lets you accept payments electronically in-store or online via Google Pay, Apple Pay, and all types of credit cards. We were also impressed by how easy and efficient the self-checkout experience is for customers who prefer to pay on their devices.
For customers who aren’t familiar with self-directed payment methods, each device comes with a card reader. Servers can close out a tab at the table, so customers don’t have to come to the front till.
Functionality and Integrations
Compared to some of the other POS platforms we reviewed, we like the overall functionality of Mad Mobile for customers and restaurant staff. Platforms must be self-explanatory, especially for first-time customers, and Mad Mobile does an excellent job with straightforward navigation. It also provides self-service kiosks that streamline ordering, take the pressure off staff and reduce wait times.
Regarding integrations, Mad Mobile doesn’t have as many integrations as some other competitors we reviewed. It does integrate with QuickBooks and Xero for accounting, as well as scheduling platforms like 7shifts and payment platforms like Ingenico. (If you’re looking for a POS system with extensive integrations, check out our review of Epos Now.)
To learn more about the accounting software with which Mad Mobile integrates, read our review of QuickBooks Online and our Xero review.
Mad Mobile’s self-service kiosks integrate with its restaurant POS systems and provide additional flexibility. Image source: Mad Mobile
Inventory Management
Apart from the restaurant industry, Mad Mobile also excels in retail because of its excellent inventory management capabilities. We especially like Mad Mobile’s Endless Aisle feature. Customers can use this feature to locate sale items that aren’t available at a specific store but are available at another store. They can save the item on sale and purchase it from the store where it’s in stock.
If you’re looking for a POS system with more extensive inventory management features, check out our review of GoDaddy.
Mad Mobile’s Endless Aisle feature helps customers find an item in another store, warehouse or online and save the sale. Picture credit: Mad Mobile
Mad Mobile POS Pricing
We like that Mad Mobile offers easy-to-understand pricing plans businesses can get started with quickly. It offers a main POS bundle plan for its restaurant POS.
Here’s a breakdown of Mad Mobile’s POS system costs:
Plan | Starting price (monthly) | Features and services |
|---|---|---|
All-In-One POS | $69 |
|
Enhance and Extend | $20 |
|
Custom | Requires contacting the company for a proposal |
|
We appreciate that Mad Mobile’s startup plan costs are straightforward. At $69 per month, you’ll get a full POS bundle with software, support and a terminal. This bundle is ideal if you’re starting a restaurant or starting a business in retail. For each additional terminal you require, the price drops to $49 per month. If you want more functionality, your monthly price will jump to $79. At that price, you’ll get Guest Manager.
Guest Manager also has two pricing options:
- Guest Manager Option 1: $199 (includes software license, training courses, Mad Mobile University and 24/7/365 support)
- Guest Manager Option 2: $299 for everything in Option 1, plus a custom floor build
Implementation and Onboarding
We really liked that Mad Mobile provides an implementation team to help you get started. This is a unique feature many competitors don’t offer. When you sign up, your implementation team will schedule your cloud-based training. Some people learn the platform at a much quicker pace than others, and some like to take a slower approach and learn at their own speed. For this reason, we were impressed that Mad Mobile has a multi-resource approach to teaching people in various ways. We also like that new employee onboarding is straightforward; employees can customize their dashboards to see precisely what they need to see while working.
We like that Mad Mobile doesn’t just throw resources in front of you and expect you to learn on your own. Your implementation team is always available and willing to step in and provide helpful information.
Customer Service
Mad Mobile’s customer support significantly differentiates the platform from some of its competitors. We like that each Mad Mobile customer gets a dedicated customer success representative for the life of their account. Real humans are available for support 24/7, 365 days a year – a valuable service unusual in the industry.
Additional customer support features that impressed us include the following:
- Post-monitoring software: Mad Mobile has post-monitoring software that updates every two minutes, so if your system runs into a glitch or error, the problem can be solved before it gets worse.
- Mad Mobile University: Mad Mobile’s University also impressed us. This learning resource is especially beneficial for getting new hires trained and onboarded quickly. Courses are assigned online and take about 45 minutes to complete.
- Keyword search feature: If you ever forget how to do something on the Mad Mobile platform, type in a keyword. Based on that keyword, the system will bring you to the topic and walk you through a step-by-step process.
- Dedicated menu team: We really liked that Mad Mobile has a dedicated menu team that helps set up your menus. You’ll get a 1.5-hour consultation to customize your menu workflow for optimal functionality. You’ll get revisions, maintenance and a full training session.
- Mad Mobile Resource Center: We were also impressed that the Mad Mobile website includes extensive information in its Resource Center for new restaurant and retail business owners unfamiliar with industry topics like the following:
- QR code ordering
- Benefits of a cloud-based POS
- Retail and restaurant trends information
- Upgrading from a cash register to a POS
Mad Mobile’s Resource Center is a digital library of white papers, e-books, case studies and videos to help restaurants and retail businesses grow. Image source: Mad Mobile
Check out various types of POS systems before committing to determine if the solution you choose fits your needs and budget.
Limitations
While Mad Mobile has many upsides, we discovered some limitations, including the following:
- Cumbersome POS reports: Some customers mentioned that running POS reports can be a bit cumbersome at times. Every business is unique, and may require detailed, customized reports. However, Mad Mobile’s reports tend to be quite basic compared to some of the competitors we reviewed. The system will appeal to more businesses if the company adds more reporting features. (If you’re looking for a POS with excellent reporting functionality, check out our Toast review.)
- Pricing inflexibility: Another drawback we found with Mad Mobile is that there isn’t much flexibility with the pricing options. While various add-ons and integrations exist, the All-In-One POS bundle is the most advertised plan. Not all businesses want to spend time contacting a vendor for fully customized plans without transparent or upfront pricing.
- Laggy iPad minis: We found that sometimes the iPad mini devices experience some lag in certain menu screens. This can cause frustration for restaurant servers during a busy shift. While this may be device-specific, it’s an issue worth considering.
Methodology
We researched and analyzed dozens of POS systems to identify the top industry solutions to help businesses choose the right POS system for their needs. We examined customer service, payment processing, integrations, must-have POS features, reports, pricing and hardware. We contacted the companies, watched videos, viewed POS system demonstrations and got hands-on experience with demos when possible. When looking for the best POS solution for efficiency, we prioritized ease of use, customer service, onboarding and implementation.
Mad Mobile POS FAQ
What is a restaurant POS system?
A restaurant POS system streamlines restaurant functionality and management. A good restaurant POS system manages inventory, analytics, sales, payments and guests.
What kinds of restaurants use POS systems?
All types of restaurants can use POS systems, especially those wanting to stay up to date with recent technology. Restaurant POS systems simplify business operations, improving the overall customer experience.
Bottom Line
We recommend Mad Mobile for:
- Companies that want a straightforward POS with easy onboarding.
- Companies that appreciate support and guidance when getting a POS system set up and running.
- Restaurants and retailers that want a reliable and efficient POS system to improve operations management.
We do not recommend Mad Mobile for:
- Companies seeking various pricing plans for different needs.
- Companies that want a vast range of detailed reports and analytics for every aspect of operations.
Mad Mobile
The Verdict
Mad Mobile is our choice for the best POS for efficiency, particularly for restaurants. From ordering food to paying bills, Mad Mobile's customer-facing touch displays create a seamless experience. And it's so easy to use that you'll be up and running quickly.