What is Toast POS? A Comprehensive Overview
Toast POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed exclusively for the food service industry, serving restaurants, bars, cafes, and food trucks, primarily in the U.S. With over 127,000 restaurants using Toast, it offers a robust platform to streamline operations. Its key features include:
Online ordering and delivery integration with Toast Order & Pay and partnerships like DoorDash, allowing seamless multi-channel sales.
Inventory management with real-time stock tracking, cost management, and stock alerts, ideal for complex restaurant inventories.
Customer engagement tools such as loyalty programs, gift cards, and customer data analytics for personalized marketing.
Pricing starts with a free Quick Start Bundle ($0/month, $0 upfront with higher processing fees), while paid plans like Core begin at $69/month and Growth at $165/month, plus hardware costs (e.g., Countertop Starter Kit at $1,024.20). Transaction fees are 2.49% + $0.15 for in-person payments (new customers, single location).
Toast POS is praised for its user-friendly interface, durable Android-based hardware, and extensive integrations (e.g., OpenTable, QuickBooks). However, it requires a two-year contract, lacks iPad support, and has drawn criticism for poor customer support, high transaction fees, and payroll issues.
PushPOS vs. Toast POS: Why PushPOS is the Better Choice for Hospitality
When comparing Toast POS and PushPOS, PushPOS stands out as the better fit for hospitality businesses such as restaurants and cafes in Australia. Here’s how they compare:
Online Ordering
Toast POS offers robust online ordering with Toast Order & Pay and DoorDash integration, enabling contactless ordering and delivery.
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
Toast POS features real-time inventory tracking with cost management and stock alerts, ideal for larger operations.
PushPOS adds food cost tracking, a critical tool for hospitality businesses managing perishables and optimizing menu profitability.
Customer Engagement Tools
Toast POS includes loyalty programs, gift cards, and detailed customer analytics for personalized marketing.
PushPOS offers gratuity management and guest tracking, enhancing hospitality-specific experiences like tracking repeat diner preferences.
Support
Toast POS provides 24/7 phone support across all plans, but users frequently report poor support, with long wait times, unhelpful responses, and payroll issues causing significant problems.
PushPOS delivers 24/7 remote support with dedicated account managers, ensuring quick resolutions without delays.
Why PushPOS Wins
Specialized hospitality features like table management and kitchen sync make PushPOS ideal for restaurants.
No long-term contract requirement and transparent pricing without high transaction fees.
Reliable, consistent support tailored to Australian hospitality needs.
For Australian hospitality businesses, PushPOS outperforms Toast POS with tailored tools, better support, and flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toast POS and PushPOS Comparison
What is Toast POS?
Toast POS is a cloud-based POS system designed for restaurants, featuring online ordering, inventory management, and customer engagement tools.
How does Toast POS compare to PushPOS?
Toast POS is robust for larger operations, but PushPOS excels in hospitality with specialized features and better support for Australian businesses.
What is the pricing for Toast POS?
Pricing starts at $0/month for the Quick Start Bundle, with paid plans from $69/month; hardware costs (e.g., $1,024.20) and transaction fees (2.49% + $0.15) apply.
What kind of support does Toast POS offer?
Toast POS offers 24/7 phone support, but users often report long wait times, unhelpful responses, and payroll issues.
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 Toast POS?
Yes, especially for hospitality in Australia, with better-suited tools, no long-term contracts, and consistent support.
How easy is it to switch from Toast 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.
