You want a cheaper alternative to Lightspeed POS after surprise fee hikes that hurt your bakery or takeaway. One user saw Lightspeed monthly payments rise from $240 to $750 in six months, so many look for Lightspeed POS Alternatives. This post compares Square POS, Shopify POS, Epos Now, Toast, Clover and more, and it checks payment processing, inventory management, iPad POS software, QuickBooks Online sync and hardware needs. Read on to find a better point of sale for your shop.
Key Takeaways
- Lightspeed POS raised fees sharply for some users. One bakery’s monthly cost went from $240 to $750 in just six months, prompting many shops to seek cheaper options.
- Square POS offers easy setup with free basic software and a card reader. It suits small bakeries but charges flat rates which may become expensive as you sell more.
- Epos Now is popular among UK bakeries, starting at about £100 per month. It gives flexible hardware choices, hundreds of integrations, and fast setup without large upfront costs.
- Toast and TouchBistro focus on food service needs like kitchen displays and tips management. Both score over 4 stars in user reviews (Toast: 4.1/554; TouchBistro: not specified) but can be costly or lock you into their systems.
- Shopify POS links online and shop sales smoothly for retailers using e-commerce. Korona POS lets users pick payment processors freely to avoid extra fees; both rate highly with users (Shopify: 4.6/248).
Square POS: A Flexible and Affordable Option
Square offers simple setup, with basic software free and attractive hardware, you can start operations within an afternoon. Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey founded Square, aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. The basic card reader is free in the US and links to iOS or Android phones, making it a handy mobile POS and point-of-sale system. Square Point of Sale holds a 4.6 rating from 3,034 reviews, and it provides both a free trial and a free version.
Fast setup, clear pricing. Square for Restaurants uses flat processing rates, which can grow costly as sales volume rises. Inventory tools sit behind paid tiers, and full POS systems carry higher price tags, while some cloud-based software features remain locked unless you upgrade. Sellers who need stronger stock control or lower fees may look for a lightspeed alternative or a different payment processor.
Toast: Tailored for Food Service Businesses
This POS targets restaurants, bakeries and takeaways. It holds a 4.1 rating from 554 reviews. The system offers strong hardware, kitchen display systems, kitchen dockets and tableside ordering. Staff can send orders to kitchen screens and manage tips from the tablet. The software links to a payment processing service, but it may force you to use its own payments. Many users praise its hospitality features, yet they note limits in flexibility and higher costs.
You will not find a free trial, but a free version does exist. Some shops find the platform expensive, and some feel locked into the vendor ecosystem. The provider ranks as a top alternative to lightspeed retail and lightspeed payments for hospitality POS needs. The package works with point of sale software tools such as payment terminals and order displays, and it suits takeaways that need fast, reliable service.
Clover: Comprehensive Features for Small Businesses
Clover launched in 2010 and serves mainly the US market from California. Users rate it 3.8 from 581 reviews, and the company offers a free trial but no free version. The platform pairs with hardware from a chip reader up to a touchscreen terminal, cash drawer and receipt printer. The basic package limits inventory management, and shops often buy accessories to add features.
Clover keeps data on cloud servers, which can raise control concerns for some owners. Merchants can choose processors, which avoids vendor lock-in and echoes points raised in Lightspeed comparisons with revel and toast pos. Clover appears in many lists next to touchbistro, korona pos, epos now pro+, woocommerce integrations and php point of sale tools for omnichannel retail and ecommerce platform strategies. Forbes Advisor and software advice comparisons often list it with retail automation software and other specialty retailers systems.
TouchBistro: Designed Specifically for Restaurants and Cafés
TouchBistro stands out as a great option for restaurants and cafés. It focuses on the specific needs of food service businesses. With features like table tabs and kitchen docket printing, it makes operations smoother. Staff can manage hospitality tabs easily, which improves communication in the kitchen. The user interface is clear and intuitive.
This helps staff learn quickly, making training simple. TouchBistro works well for both single-location shops and those with many sites. The software allows split checks too, so managing bills is hassle-free. In summary, TouchBistro combines efficiency with ease of use perfect for any busy café or restaurant. The simpler you make it for your team, the better they serve your customers.
Epos Now: User-Friendly and Scalable for Bakeries
Epos Now is a strong choice for bakeries. Established in 2011, this company aimed to help smaller businesses with their point of sale needs. Bakers can use Epos Now without worrying about high costs. The complete solution has no upfront fees, just a small subscription payment monthly. With it, users get a touchscreen, cash drawer, card machine and receipt printer all included. Flexibility stands out with Epos Now. It lets bakers customise the system to fit their business needs perfectly. This software works on Windows, iOS and Android devices too—making it easy for bakery owners to keep using their current hardware while switching systems.
Hundreds of integrations are available through the AppStore as well; this helps create smooth workflows for muffin shops or cake creators alike. Almost 729 reviews give Epos Now an average rating of 3.8; many users enjoy how fast they could set up operations after leaving Lightspeed at around £100 per month!
Shopify POS: Seamless Integration with E-commerce
Shopify POS offers a strong link between online and offline sales. This point-of-sale system is perfect for businesses that need to connect with their Shopify website. It allows easy syncing of inventory from both the online store and the physical shop. With a rating of 4.6 based on 248 reviews, it stands out in user satisfaction.
Shops using Shopify can manage their stock smoothly across different channels. A business without much e-commerce might find Shopify’s platform clunky though. Still, the integration lets bakeries and takeaways expand into e-commerce easily, making it an excellent choice for growth-oriented shops looking to enhance their presence in retail and online spaces alike.
Revel Systems: Customisable Solutions for Takeaways
Revel Systems offers flexible solutions for takeaway businesses. Their POS system is easy to customise, allowing each business to create a setup that fits its needs. You can adjust the interface and workflow, which helps speed up service during busy hours. This is especially useful for fast-casual or quick-service environments. The software integrates with various accounting and delivery apps too. It supports real-time sales tracking across multiple locations, making management simpler.
Menu items and modifiers can be configured quickly, helping staff serve customers without delays. With Revel’s range of hardware packages, from iPads to full cash systems, it easily scales as your business grows—making it a smart choice for any takeaway operation looking for efficient support in managing their orders and sales efficiently.
Korona POS: Budget-Friendly with Advanced Features
Korona POS is a great choice for businesses that want strong features without high costs. This system is budget-friendly, perfect for bakeries and takeaways. It allows users to pick their own payment processors, avoiding vendor lock-in. Many systems restrict you to one provider. Korona gives flexibility in payment options, which can save money over time.
The software includes useful tools like inventory control features. Users receive low-stock alerts and can create purchase orders easily. Its reporting functions help track sales and manage stock efficiently. Businesses appreciate its ease of integration with accounting tools too; it fits well with many existing systems. For those looking to control costs while enjoying advanced features, Korona POS stands out as an excellent option in the market today.
POSApt: Point Of Sale Software For Hospitality
POSApt is a great choice for hospitality businesses. It helps cafés, bakeries, and takeaways manage their operations smoothly. Its features work well in places needing staff clock-in tools and integration with accounting software like Xero or MYOB. The advanced inventory management system includes low-stock alerts and automatic purchase orders.
This keeps businesses stocked without the hassle. Sales reports provide clear insights into performance. An offline mode ensures service doesn’t stop, even during internet issues. POSApt supports online booking widgets too; this makes scheduling easier for customers and staff alike.
It’s known for quick onboarding and reliable support, which means new users get help fast when they need it most. With its focus on flexibility, it’s becoming popular among UK-based food venues looking to streamline operations efficiently while managing sales effectively through its point of sale software.
Conclusion
Finding the right POS system is key for bakeries and takeaways. Options like Square, Toast, and Clover offer features that fit diverse needs. Testing these platforms can reveal which one suits you best. Explore affordable solutions like Epos Now or Korona POS too; they could save you money while providing great service. Choose wisely to help your business thrive!
FAQs
1. What are good Lightspeed POS alternatives for bakeries and takeaways?
Look at options like microbiz cloud, jovvie, phorest, retailedge, meevo, aestheticspro, rain pos, and paypal point of sale. Some link well to an e-commerce platform. Bizprint and bizswoop can help with receipts and promotions. Datascan pharmacy software is built for pharmacies, but some features may be useful, if you need them.
2. Which systems work best for a small bakery?
Pick a system that is simple, fast, and stable. microbiz cloud and rain pos work well for small shops. retailedge adds stock control. bizprint helps print labels and slips. Jovvie and meevo add online order features. Avoid pure salon tools like phorest or aestheticspro, they add extra steps.
3. Can these alternatives handle online orders and payments?
Yes, many do. Paypal point of sale links payments fast. Jovvie, meevo, and retailedge offer online order or delivery plugs. An e-commerce platform can link your site to the till. Bizswoop helps with online menus and promos. Check each system for payment and delivery apps.
4. How should I choose and roll out a new POS?
List your needs first, stock, online orders, and printing. Try demos, run a short trial, and test payments. Ask about integration with bizprint and your e-commerce platform. Check if the vendor will move your data. Train staff, keep human checks, and monitor sales and customer feedback.