When running a café or coffee shop, choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system is crucial for streamlining operations, enhancing customer experience, and ultimately driving sales. SumUp and Zettle (formerly known as iZettle) are two prominent players in the POS market, each offering unique features tailored to different business needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the specifics of SumUp and Zettle, examining their features, pricing, ease of use, customer support, and suitability for your café or coffee shop.
Overview of SumUp and Zettle
SumUp:
SumUp is a European-based fintech company that provides a range of financial services, including card readers and POS systems. Known for its simplicity and affordability, SumUp caters primarily to small and medium-sized businesses. Its products are designed to facilitate easy and quick transactions, making it a popular choice among café and coffee shop owners.
Zettle:
Zettle, a Swedish company acquired by PayPal in 2018, offers a comprehensive POS solution that includes card readers, POS software, and additional business tools. Zettle is celebrated for its robust features and seamless integration with various platforms, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes, including cafés and coffee shops.
Features Comparison
Card Readers
SumUp:
SumUp offers several card reader models, including SumUp Plus and SumUp Solo. These readers support contactless payments, chip and PIN, and magnetic stripe transactions. These models connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, as well as some models have built-in SIM cards for standalone use, allowing for more flexibility.
Zettle:
Zettle provides the Zettle Reader and Zettle Terminal, a sleek and compact device that supports contactless payments, chip and PIN, and magnetic stripe transactions. The Zettle Reader connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Zettle also offers a docking station for charging the reader, ensuring it is always ready for use.
POS Software
SumUp:
SumUp’s POS software is designed with simplicity in mind. It includes essential features such as inventory management, sales reporting, and employee management. SumUp also offers a web-based dashboard that allows you to monitor your business performance in real-time. However, compared to Zettle, SumUp’s POS software might lack some advanced features.
Zettle:
Zettle’s POS software is more comprehensive, offering a range of features that cater to the needs of a busy café or coffee shop. These include inventory management, sales reporting, employee management, and customer relationship management (CRM). Zettle’s software also integrates with various accounting and e-commerce platforms, providing a seamless experience for business owners.
Payment Processing
SumUp:
SumUp charges 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person, 3.5% + 15¢ for online and manually entered and 2.9% + 15¢ for invoicing. This simplicity is advantageous for business owners who prefer predictable costs. SumUp supports payments from major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Maestro.
Zettle:
Zettle charges a variable transaction fee starting at 1.75% per transaction, with the rate decreasing as your sales volume increases. However their US pricing does differ from their European pricing. This tiered pricing model can be beneficial for cafés and coffee shops with higher transaction volumes. Zettle also supports payments from major credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Pricing
SumUp:
SumUp’s pricing is straightforward. The SumUp Plus card reader costs around $59, the SumUp Solo is priced at $99, and the SumUp Solo Printer Bundle is priced at $169. There are no monthly fees, and you only pay the transaction fee for each sale.
Zettle:
Zettle’s pricing is slightly higher. The Zettle Reader starts from £29, and the Zettle Payment Terminal starts from £149 in the UK. US pricing is similar at $29 and $199 respectively. Similar to SumUp, Zettle does not charge monthly fees, and you pay a transaction fee based on your sales volume.
Ease of Use
SumUp:
SumUp is known for its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process. The card readers are easy to pair with your smartphone or tablet, and the POS software is intuitive, requiring minimal training for staff. This makes SumUp an excellent choice for small cafés and coffee shops that prioritize simplicity and efficiency.
Zettle:
Zettle’s setup process is also straightforward, and its POS software is designed with a focus on usability. However, due to the more extensive range of features, there might be a slightly steeper learning curve compared to SumUp. Nevertheless, Zettle provides comprehensive guides and customer support to assist with any challenges.
Customer Support
SumUp:
SumUp offers customer support through email, phone, and live chat. They also provide a comprehensive help center with articles and tutorials to assist with common issues. SumUp’s customer service is generally well-regarded, with prompt and helpful responses.
Zettle:
Zettle provides customer support via email and phone, with dedicated support lines for different regions. They also offer an extensive online help center with articles, videos, and tutorials. Zettle’s support is known for being responsive and knowledgeable, helping business owners navigate any issues they might encounter.
Suitability for Your Café or Coffee Shop
Choosing between SumUp and Zettle depends largely on the specific needs and priorities of your café or coffee shop. Here are some factors to consider:
SumUp Might Be Better If:
- You Prefer Simplicity: SumUp’s straightforward pricing and easy-to-use interface make it an ideal choice for small cafés that do not require advanced POS features.
- You Need Affordable Hardware: SumUp’s card readers are generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for new or small businesses.
- You Value Flexibility: The SumUp Plus and Solo models offer standalone use, which can be advantageous for businesses that need mobility.
Zettle Might Be Better If:
- You Require Comprehensive Features: Zettle’s robust POS software offers more advanced features, such as CRM and extensive integration options, making it suitable for larger or growing cafés.
- You Have High Transaction Volumes: Zettle’s tiered transaction fee structure can be more cost-effective for businesses with higher sales volumes.
- You Need Extensive Integration: If your café or coffee shop uses various accounting or e-commerce platforms, Zettle’s seamless integration capabilities can streamline your operations.
Conclusion
Both SumUp and Zettle offer compelling POS solutions for cafés and coffee shops, each with its own set of advantages. SumUp stands out for its simplicity, affordability, and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for small businesses that prioritize ease of use. On the other hand, Zettle’s comprehensive features, advanced integrations, and tiered pricing model make it a better fit for larger or growing businesses that require more robust POS capabilities.
When deciding which POS system to choose, consider the specific needs of your café or coffee shop, including your budget, desired features, and transaction volume. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the POS system that best aligns with your business goals and helps you deliver an exceptional customer experience.
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