Question 1

What is Fiest?

Accepted Answer

Fiest is a comprehensive all-in-one restaurant management platform that handles everything from point of sale and kitchen management to analytics and automated reporting. Unlike other systems, Fiest is completely custom-built (not white-label software) and designed specifically for restaurants of all sizes.

Question 2

Why choose a restaurant-specific POS instead of a general system?

Accepted Answer

General POS systems are designed to sell anything—retail goods, services, products. Fiest is purpose-built for restaurants with features that matter to your business: kitchen display systems, table management, menu engineering, and order workflows designed for hospitality. You get tools that fit how restaurants actually operate, not a generic cash register adapted for food service.

Question 3

How is Fiest really free? What's the catch?

Accepted Answer

There's no catch. Fiest charges €0/month with no fixed-term contracts. We only make money when you do—through transparent payment processing fees of 0,70% for POS payments and 1,99% for online orders. This commission-based model means our success is directly tied to yours.

Question 4

What devices does Fiest work on?

Accepted Answer

Fiest works on both mobile and desktop devices, automatically adapting to your screen size. You can run it on tablets, phones, and computers. Being cloud-based, it's accessible through your web browser without any software installation.

Question 5

Do I need to install any software?

Accepted Answer

No, Fiest is a cloud-based platform accessible through your web browser, so there's no software to install or maintain. Simply log in from any device with an internet connection and you're ready to go.

Question 6

How is Fiest different from Restolution, Kassatiimi, or Flatpay?

Accepted Answer

Unlike generalist systems like Flatpay (built for any business), Fiest is purpose-built for restaurants. Compared to restaurant POS providers like Restolution and Kassatiimi: €0/month vs. €50-200/month, setup in under 10 minutes vs. days/weeks, completely custom-built software (not white-label), no contracts or cancellation fees, and significantly lower transaction fees (0,70% vs. 2,6%+). Our platform updates continuously based on customer feedback, while larger providers move slower with legacy systems.

Question 7

What makes Fiest's software 'custom-built' and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Unlike our competitors who use white-label software (repackaged generic solutions), every feature and component in Fiest is built by us from scratch. This means we can iterate quickly on features, provide better customization for your specific needs, and deliver updates faster without being constrained by third-party limitations.

Question 8

What happens if my internet goes down?

Accepted Answer

While Fiest is cloud-based and requires internet connectivity for full functionality, we're continuously working on offline capabilities. For critical operations, we recommend maintaining a backup internet connection (like a mobile hotspot) to ensure business continuity.

Question 9

Can I try it before committing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We offer live demos where we can walk you through the platform and show you how it works for your specific restaurant type. Contact us to schedule a personalized demo, and since there are no setup fees or contracts, you can also start using Fiest risk-free.

Question 10

Who is Fiest best suited for?

Accepted Answer

Fiest works for all types of food service businesses: restaurants, cafés, bistros, bars, wineries, food trucks, and pop-up stands. Whether you're a small café or a multi-location restaurant, our platform scales with your needs. It's particularly ideal for businesses that want modern technology without the complexity and high costs of traditional POS systems.

Question 11

Is Fiest available outside Helsinki/Finland?

Accepted Answer

Currently, Fiest primarily serves restaurants in Helsinki and the greater Finland area. We're continuously expanding our reach and can discuss serving restaurants in other locations. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Question 12

How long does setup take?

Accepted Answer

Once your payment provider KYC has been approved, the basic process is around 10 minutes. You can start taking orders almost immediately. Our guided onboarding walks you through menu setup, payment integration, and basic settings. For more complex setups with extensive menus or custom configurations, it may take a few hours, but we provide hands-on support throughout the process.

Question 13

What hardware do I need?

Accepted Answer

Fiest runs on devices you likely already have: tablets, smartphones, or computers with a web browser. For payment processing, you'll need a compatible payment terminal from Stripe or SumUp. For printing receipts or kitchen tickets, we support most thermal printers and Star Micronics for cloud printing. We also provide all the necessary hardware for restaurants in need. We can also recommend specific hardware configurations based on your needs.

Question 14

Can I import my existing menu and data?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We can help you migrate your existing menu, product data, and customer information from your current system. We support various import formats and provide assistance during the migration process to ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime.

Question 15

Do I need technical skills to set up Fiest?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Fiest is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Our setup wizard guides you through each step with clear instructions. If you can use a smartphone or browse the web, you can set up Fiest. We will also personally onboard your restaurant and make sure everything is up and running smoothly. Plus, our support team is always available to help if you get stuck.

Question 16

Can I use my existing payment terminal?

Accepted Answer

If you're currently using a Stripe or SumUp terminal, you can integrate it with Fiest. We support both payment processors seamlessly. If you're using a different provider, contact us to discuss compatibility and migration options.

Question 17

How do I migrate from my current POS system?

Accepted Answer

We make migration easy: First, we'll help you export your data from your current system. Then, we'll import your menu, products, and settings into Fiest. We'll run parallel systems during a transition period if needed, and provide training for your staff. Most restaurants complete migration within a day with minimal disruption to operations.

Question 18

Does Fiest have a kitchen display system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Kitchen View provides multiple viewing modes (Orders, Tables, or Items view) to help your kitchen staff track and manage food preparation efficiently. Orders automatically progress through preparation stages, and servers are notified when dishes are ready for pickup.

Question 19

Can I print orders to the kitchen wirelessly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Fiest supports cloud printing with Star Micronics printers, allowing you to send orders wirelessly to kitchen printers. You can configure different printers for different stations (e.g., hot kitchen, cold station, bar) to optimize your workflow.

Question 20

Can I have multiple menus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can create and manage multiple menus (e.g., lunch menu, dinner menu, brunch menu, seasonal specials) and easily switch between them. You can also set specific menus for online ordering and schedule when different menus are active.

Question 21

Can customers customize their orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can create item options for menu items (like size choices, add-ons, cooking preferences, dietary modifications) with custom pricing for each option. This gives customers flexibility while ensuring your kitchen receives clear, accurate order details.

Question 22

How does Fiest handle tabs for dine-in customers?

Accepted Answer

You can open tabs assigned to tables or customer names, add items throughout the meal, and process payment later. Tabs sync in real-time between all devices. You can also merge tabs and split bills when needed.

Question 23

Can customers split bills?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Fiest offers both equal bill splitting (dividing evenly among diners) and custom splitting where you can assign specific items to individual customers. You can also split payments across multiple payment methods (card, cash, etc.).

Question 24

Can I track past orders and issue refunds?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Past Orders feature lets you search, filter, and view all orders with detailed information including items, payment method, timestamp, and customer details. You can also process full or partial refunds directly from the system with complete audit trails.

Question 25

What kind of analytics does Fiest provide?

Accepted Answer

Fiest provides top-of-the-line analytics and insights designed specifically for restaurants. Our comprehensive analytics include sales trends, payment method distribution, order types, peak hours analysis, top-selling items, revenue by category, average order value, and customer preferences. All analytics are available in real-time dashboards and can be exported to Excel for further analysis. We also provide a PDF summary with all necessary financial information precalculated, making it easy for your business to use for accounting and reporting.

Question 26

Can I automate my reporting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can set up automatic weekly or monthly sales reports to be emailed to your accountant or management team. Reports include detailed breakdowns of sales, taxes, payment methods, and other key metrics you need for accounting and business analysis.

Question 27

Does Fiest track order status in real-time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, orders sync between the POS and Kitchen View in real-time. Staff can see order status updates instantly, and customers ordering online receive notifications when their orders are being prepared and ready for pickup. Everything stays synchronized across all devices.

Question 28

What payment methods does Fiest support?

Accepted Answer

Fiest supports card payments (via Stripe or SumUp terminals), cash, lunch cards, and alternative payment methods including QR code scanning for mobile payments. For online orders, we support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major credit cards. You can also split payments across multiple methods.

Question 29

Can I accept Finnish lunch benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our system is fully compatible with Finnish lunch benefits. We support ePassi, Smartum, Edenred, and Zevoy, making it easy for your customers to use their lunch benefits at your restaurant.

Question 30

What payment processing fees do you charge?

Accepted Answer

Fiest charges 0,70% for POS (point-of-sale) payments and 1,99% for online orders (delivery, takeaway, and table ordering). These fees are exclusive of VAT (25,5%) and are in addition to payment processor fees from Stripe or SumUp. There are no monthly fees, setup fees, or hidden charges.

Question 31

Are there any hidden fees or contracts?

Accepted Answer

No hidden fees whatsoever. You pay €0/month, no cancellation fees, and no fixed-term contracts. Our only charges are the transparent commission fees (0,70% for POS, 1,99% for online) plus standard payment processing fees from your payment processor. You can cancel anytime with no penalties.

Question 32

Do you integrate with Stripe and SumUp?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We support both Stripe and SumUp as payment processors. You can choose the one that works best for your business, or use both. Integration is seamless, and we'll help you set up whichever processor you prefer during onboarding.

Question 33

How does commission-free online ordering work?

Accepted Answer

Unlike third-party delivery platforms that charge 15-30% commission, Fiest's online ordering is built into your €0/month platform. You only pay our standard 1,99% platform fee plus payment processing fees. This means you keep significantly more of your revenue compared to using external ordering platforms.

Question 34

When do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Payment timelines depend on your payment processor (Stripe or SumUp). Typically, funds are transferred to your bank account within 1-2 business days for card payments. Your payment processor provides detailed transaction reporting and transfer schedules.

Question 35

Can I accept Apple Pay and Google Pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes! These payment methods are supported through our Stripe and SumUp integrations. Customers can pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major credit cards both in-person (via terminal) and online through your digital menu.

Question 36

How do I get support?

Accepted Answer

Our dedicated support team provides immediate assistance via email at support@fiest.io or by phone during business hours. You can also reach out through the contact form on our website. We provide personalized support to ensure you get the help you need right away.

Question 37

What are your support hours and response times?

Accepted Answer

Our support team is available during Finnish business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM) with immediate assistance. For urgent issues during business hours, we provide instant support. For standard inquiries, we typically respond within a few hours. We also provide email support for after-hours questions.

Question 38

Do you integrate with delivery platforms like Wolt and Foodora?

Accepted Answer

We're continuously expanding our integration ecosystem. Contact us to discuss your specific delivery platform integration needs. Our platform is designed to work seamlessly with various third-party services, and we're actively building partnerships with major delivery platforms.

Question 39

Can Fiest integrate with my accounting software?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Fiest can export detailed sales reports compatible with most accounting software. We provide automated reporting that can be sent directly to your accountant, and we're continuously adding direct integrations with popular accounting platforms. Contact us to discuss your specific accounting software requirements.

Question 40

How often do you release new features?

Accepted Answer

We release updates and new features regularly, often on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Because we build everything custom (not white-label), we can iterate quickly and respond to customer feedback. All updates are automatic and free—you'll always have access to the latest features.

Question 41

Can I request custom features?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We love hearing from our customers and prioritize feature requests. Our agile development process means we can often implement requested features quickly. If you have a specific need or workflow requirement, contact us—we're super fast at coding and can usually find a solution.

Common Questions We Get

Common Questions We Get