Employee theft is a serious problem in the restaurant industry. According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurants lose billions of dollars every year due to employee theft. One common way that employees steal from restaurants is by using voids and comps. In this article, we will explore how employees can use voids and comps to steal, and how a POS system can help prevent this.
Voiding and Comping
Voids and comps are two features of a point of sale (POS) system that allow employees to cancel orders or give items away for free. Voids are used to cancel an order that has been entered into the POS system. Comps, on the other hand, are used to give an item away for free. Both of these features can be used legitimately, but they can also be used to steal from the restaurant.
How Employees Steal
There are several ways that employees can use voids and comps to steal from the restaurant. One way is by voiding an order and then pocketing the cash. For example, an employee may enter a customer's order into the POS system, but then void the order and keep the cash. This is especially easy to do if the employee is the only one working the register.
Another way that employees can steal is by giving items away for free using comps. For example, an employee may give a free meal to a friend or family member, but then mark the meal as a comp in the POS system. This way, the employee does not have to pay for the meal, but the restaurant still loses money.
The Importance of a POS System
A POS system can help prevent employee theft by tracking voids and comps. With a POS system, every transaction is recorded, and managers can easily see which employees are voiding orders or using comps. This makes it more difficult for employees to steal, as they know that their actions are being monitored.
In addition, a POS system can also be set up to require a manager's approval for voids and comps. This adds an extra layer of security, as employees cannot void or comp items without a manager's authorization.
In conclusion, employee theft is a serious problem in the restaurant industry, and voids and comps are two common ways that employees steal. A POS system can help prevent this by tracking transactions and requiring manager approval for voids and comps. As diners, we can also do our part by being vigilant and using coupons and vouchers properly. By working together, we can help prevent employee theft and ensure the success of our favorite restaurants.