What is Lightspeed POS? A Comprehensive Overview
Lightspeed POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed for retail and hospitality businesses, including restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels, with a strong presence in Australia. Known for its versatility, Lightspeed powers over 100,000 businesses globally, offering robust features to streamline operations. Its key features include:
Online ordering and delivery tools through Lightspeed Ordering and Delivery, allowing seamless multi-channel sales with integrations like Uber Eats.
Inventory management with real-time stock tracking, automated reordering, stock alerts, and multi-location visibility.
Customer engagement tools such as built-in loyalty programs, customer profiles with purchase history, and marketing integrations.
Pricing starts at $89/month for the Basic plan (billed annually), with Core at $149/month and Plus at $289/month, plus transaction fees (e.g., 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person payments via Lightspeed Payments). Hardware costs vary (e.g., $329 for a countertop reader).
Lightspeed POS is praised for its user-friendly interface, extensive integrations (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, OpenTable), and 24/7 support. However, some users report a steep learning curve for advanced features, high costs (especially with add-ons), forced payment processing (or additional fees), and inconsistent support experiences.
PushPOS vs. Lightspeed POS: Why PushPOS is the Better Choice for Hospitality
When comparing Lightspeed POS and PushPOS, PushPOS stands out as a strong alternative for hospitality businesses like restaurants and cafes in Australia, particularly for those seeking simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Here’s how they compare:
Online Ordering
Lightspeed POS offers robust online ordering and delivery tools, with integrations like Uber Eats, ideal for multi-channel sales.
PushPOS provides fully integrated online ordering tailored for hospitality, syncing dine-in and takeout to reduce errors by 15% based on user feedback.
Inventory Management
Lightspeed POS features real-time stock tracking with automated reordering and multi-location visibility, suited for larger operations.
PushPOS adds food cost tracking, a critical tool for smaller hospitality businesses managing perishables and optimizing menu profitability.
Customer Engagement Tools
Lightspeed POS includes loyalty programs, customer profiles, and marketing integrations for personalized customer experiences.
PushPOS offers gratuity management and guest tracking, optimizing hospitality-specific experiences like tracking repeat diner preferences.
Support
Lightspeed POS provides 24/7 support via phone, email, and chat, but some users report inconsistent experiences, long wait times, and unhelpful responses.
PushPOS delivers 24/7 remote support with dedicated account managers, ensuring quick, consistent resolutions without delays.
Why PushPOS Wins
Specialized hospitality features like table management and kitchen sync make PushPOS ideal for restaurants.
No forced payment processing or long-term contracts, with transparent pricing.
More consistent support tailored to Australian hospitality needs.
For Australian hospitality businesses, particularly smaller venues, PushPOS offers a more tailored and cost-effective alternative to Lightspeed POS.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lightspeed POS and PushPOS Comparison
What is Lightspeed POS?
Lightspeed POS is a cloud-based POS system for retail and hospitality, featuring online ordering, inventory management, and customer engagement tools.
How does Lightspeed POS compare to PushPOS?
Lightspeed POS is versatile for larger operations, but PushPOS excels for smaller Australian hospitality businesses with specialized features and better support.
What is the pricing for Lightspeed POS?
Pricing starts at $89/month for the Basic plan, with Core at $149/month and Plus at $289/month, plus transaction fees of 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person payments.
What kind of support does Lightspeed POS offer?
Lightspeed POS offers 24/7 support via phone, email, and chat, though some users report inconsistent experiences and long wait times.
How does PushPOS handle support?
PushPOS provides 24/7 remote support with dedicated account managers for efficient issue resolution.
Is PushPOS a good alternative to Lightspeed POS?
Yes, especially for smaller hospitality businesses in Australia, with better-suited tools, transparent pricing, and consistent support.
How easy is it to switch from Lightspeed POS to PushPOS?
PushPOS ensures a smooth transition with team assistance for data transfer and system setup.
Ready to Push Your Business to New Heights?
Schedule a demo with PUSHPOS today and see how we can revolutionize your business operations. Contact us to experience a POS system that doesn't just meet your needs but exceeds them.
