Movie theaters have long held a special place in people’s hearts worldwide and are where the magic of cinema comes to life. We laugh, we cry, we root for the underdog, and we cheer when the hero saves the day.
Yet, despite the role cinemas have traditionally played as a premiere entertainment hub in American society, the industry has taken consistent hits in recent years that have significantly undermined profitability and stability.
The rise of streaming services has shortened the time from when a movie debuts in theaters to when audiences can watch it at home from six months to a few weeks. The pandemic dealt the theater industry a substantial blow, causing it to lose 73% of its revenue in 2020. Since then, revenues have continued to fall at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% through the end of 2024. While audiences have returned to fill seats, the industry has yet to recapture the same level of profitability since before the pandemic.
In addition to declining profits, theaters have struggled to find enough staff to fill critical positions. The industry employs 12% fewer people today than before 2019.
A combination of trying to woo back audiences already overwhelmed by entertainment options while dealing with staffing shortages has left the theater industry searching for digital solutions to improve the customer experience while improving profits.
Continue reading as we explore the advances in cinema POS systems and how moving away from cash handling and embracing digital technologies may be the solution the theater industry has been searching for to fully recover from the pandemic.
What are Cinema POS Systems?
A movie theater point of sale (POS) system refers to any software or hardware that allows theaters to process online or in-person transactions. As tickets and concessions are purchased, theater operators need a solution that enables them to track these relevant data points to make real-time decisions on everything from showtimes and staffing to how much popcorn to pop.
Cinema POS systems can take different forms but typically include digital software and physical hardware. These systems generally feature some combination of the following features:
- Ticketing software
- Digital options for ordering
- POS system integration with existing software
- Self-service cinema kiosks
- Payment processing options
Through a combination of online and in-lobby accessibility, these systems can help theater operators streamline efficiency, improve the customer experience, and increase sales.
The Advantages of Innovative POS Solutions
To woo audiences back to their seats, theater operators need to create an enjoyable, hassle-free experience that places the focus firmly on the magic of cinema rather than reinforce the idea that customers are better off waiting to watch movies at home. Unfortunately, staffing shortages make meeting customer expectations difficult when faced with long lines and inattentive service.
Movie POS systems are revolutionizing the cinema experience by enabling theater operators to offer more customized services that tailor every trip to the theater to the customers’ preferences. Let’s look at how innovative POS solutions create a more streamlined moviegoing experience that meets the demands of the modern consumer.
Simplified Ticketing
Purchasing a ticket and selecting a seat should be the easiest part of seeing a movie. No one wants to wait in line to buy a ticket only to find the movie sold out or that not enough seats remain for a group to sit together. A cinema POS system removes any doubt about ticket availability or where audiences will be able to sit. From having the option to purchase online to being able to print their tickets at the theater, the right POS system will reduce the need for customers to stand in line, increasing their overall satisfaction.
Convenient Concessions
Concessions play a critical role in theater operations, both in their ability to increase profitability and in satisfying customers’ nostalgia for freshly popped popcorn and other tasty treats they associate with seeing a movie on the big screen. By integrating concession purchases into the same system as ticketing, cinema operators can simplify their operations into a single platform that improves efficiency.
Rather than standing in line waiting to order, customers can place their orders through an app, online portal, or lobby kiosk and pick up their concessions once they are ready. This will shorten wait times and allow staff to focus only on filling orders rather than taking orders and completing transactions.
It doesn’t take much to imagine how this streamlined approach can improve the customer experience if they can enter the theater with tickets in hand, seats selected, and concessions waiting to be picked up.
Improved Inventory and Staff Management
Cinema POS systems provide theater operators with the type of real-time data needed to make informed decisions. From keeping enough cups and straws in stock to scheduling staff during peak hours, operators won’t be caught unprepared when crowds swell after the next major blockbuster hits the big screen.
Seamless Integration
POS system integration with other existing theater software, such as loyalty programs and mobile apps, allows information to flow between systems. This can reduce reconciliation work and eliminate the need for staff to process information manually, allowing them to spend more time focusing on improving the customer experience.
Eliminate the Hassles of Cash Handling
Managing cash in movie theaters can be incredibly inefficient. It involves extended staff training, longer lines for customers, and extra tasks like reconciling sales at the end of the day.
Cinema POS systems that enable cash-to-card conversions provide a practical solution to these problems. Customers can convert their cash into prepaid cards, enabling faster and more efficient transactions. Theaters can still accommodate the payment preferences of all guests without expending the time, money, and energy required to process cash payments.
By eliminating the need for staff to handle cash directly, theaters cut down on transaction times, so lines move more quickly, and the overall customer experience improves.
Ready Credit Can Help Theaters Embrace Innovative POS Solutions
Movie theaters have always been a cherished part of our entertainment culture, but recent challenges have made it clear that adapting to new technologies is essential for survival. The rise of streaming services, the impact of the pandemic, and ongoing staffing shortages have all underscored the need for innovative solutions.
Cinema POS systems, including cash-to-card kiosks, offer a practical way to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and improve profitability. By reducing the hassles of cash handling, theaters can focus on what they do best—creating magical movie experiences for their audiences.
Ready to transform your theater operations? Contact the Ready Credit team today to learn more about how our digital solutions can help you overcome current challenges and pave the way for further success.