How Much Can F&B Businesses Really Save With Self-Ordering Kiosks?

With rising wages, CPF contributions, levies, and manpower shortages, staffing has become one of the biggest cost pressures for F&B businesses in Singapore. Many operators are asking the same question: Is there a way to reduce manpower costs without sacrificing service quality?

One solution that has gained rapid adoption is self-ordering kiosks, often paired with POS and QR ordering systems. The numbers show why.

The True Cost of One Service Staff in Singapore

Hiring just one service staff can cost an F&B business approximately:

• $2,340 per month
• $28,080 per year
  (Based on a $2,000 salary + 17% CPF contribution)

This cost repeats every year and increases over time due to wage inflation and tighter labour regulations.

Comparing Staff Cost vs Self-Ordering Technology

When comparing manpower cost to technology adoption, the difference becomes clear.

POS + QR Ordering

• Estimated Year 1 cost: ~$3,500
• Year 1 savings: ~$24,500
• Payback period: ~1.5 months
• Year 2 monthly cost: ~$100
• Estimated monthly savings from Year 2: ~$2,240

Self-Ordering Kiosk

• Estimated cost: from ~$2,800
• Year 1 savings: from ~$25,200
• Payback period: 1.2–1.5 months
• Year 2 monthly cost: ~$150
• Estimated monthly savings from Year 2: ~$2,190

POS + Self-Ordering Kiosk + QR Ordering

• Estimated Year 1 cost: ~$5,500
• Year 1 savings: ~$22,500
• Payback period: ~2.4 months
• Year 2 monthly cost: ~$180
• Estimated monthly savings from Year 2: ~$2,160

In most cases, the system pays for itself within 1–2 months, after which the savings continue every single month.

Why Self-Ordering Kiosks Save More Than Just Salary Costs

The benefits go beyond replacing one staff member:

• Faster order taking during peak hours
• Reduced order errors, lowering rework and wastage
• Consistent upselling, increasing average order value
• Less dependency on manpower, especially during staff shortages
• Scalable operations without increasing headcount

Instead of having staff tied up taking orders, teams can focus on food preparation, quality control, and customer experience.

A Long-Term Investment That Pays Back Fast

Unlike manpower costs that rise year after year, self-ordering systems are a one-time investment with minimal recurring costs. From Year 2 onwards, many F&B operators save over $2,000 per month, per outlet savings that go straight back into profit.

Conclusion: Pays Back in Months, Saves for Years

For F&B businesses facing rising manpower costs, self-ordering kiosks are no longer a “nice to have” — they are a strategic tool to stay profitable and competitive.

With a payback period of just 1–2 months, self-ordering kiosks allow F&B operators to:

• Reduce manpower dependency
• Control operating costs
• Improve service speed
• Increase revenue through upselling

Pays back in 1–2 months. Saves for years.

Interested in finding out more about how self ordering can help you earn more and reduce costs? Click here to find out more!