What Are Modifiers?
Modifiers are custom options you can add to items in a POS system. They let staff capture customer preferences or variations – like size, preparation method, or add-ons without needing to create a separate item for every possible combination.
They typically appear as selectable options that are linked to a base menu item during the order entry process.
Where Modifiers Are Used
Modifiers are a core feature in any business where products are customized or have variations. They are a staple in:
Food Service: In a restaurant, modifiers are used for details like preparation method (“medium rare,” “no onions”), substitutions (“side salad instead of fries”), or add-ons (“add bacon,” “extra cheese”).
Cafés and Bars: Modifiers are essential for drink customization, such as selecting milk type (“oat milk,” “almond milk”), adding extra shots of espresso, or choosing a flavor (“sugar-free vanilla syrup”).
Retail: In a retail context, modifiers can be used for variations like size (“small,” “large”), color (“blue,” “red”), or material, allowing a single product entry to cover all variations without creating duplicate Stock Keeping Units (SKUs).
Service-Based Businesses: A salon might use modifiers for an extra service, such as adding a deep conditioning treatment to a haircut, or a bicycle shop might use them for a specific installation request on a new bike.
How Modifiers Improve Workflows
The use of modifiers significantly streamlines operations and improves efficiency at the point of sale:
Simplifies Menus: By grouping all variations under a single base item, modifiers keep the product list clean, organized, and easy for staff to navigate. This prevents clutter and confusion on the POS screen.
Speeds Up Ordering: Staff can quickly and accurately apply common requests with a few taps, rather than having to search for a separate item. This is especially important during peak business hours.
Improves Order Accuracy: Modifiers capture customization notes and attach them directly to the item, which is then communicated clearly to the kitchen, barista, or fulfillment team via a printed ticket or digital display. This reduces miscommunication and the risk of errors.
Supports Flexible Pricing: Modifiers can be set up to have an additional charge. This makes it easy to handle upsells (e.g., “$0.50 for avocado”) or apply discounts for removals (e.g., “-$0.25 for no cheese”), ensuring accurate pricing on every custom order.
How They’re Tracked
Most advanced POS systems include robust reporting features for modifiers. This allows businesses to gain valuable insights by tracking:
Popularity: Reports can show which modifiers are used most frequently, which helps businesses understand customer preferences and spot trends in demand.
Upsell Opportunities: Analyzing which add-on modifiers are popular can help a business train staff on specific upsell opportunities, increasing average order value.
Menu Optimization: The data can inform decisions about which modifiers should become permanent menu items, or which ones are rarely used and could be removed.
Costing and Profitability: By linking costs to modifier add-ons, businesses can accurately track the profitability of customized orders.
Modifiers make it easy to customize items, keep operations smooth, and deliver exactly what the customer wants.
