Finding the cheapest POS (Point of Sale) system for restaurants in Canada depends on several factors, including the size of your restaurant, the specific features you need, and your budget for both upfront costs and ongoing fees. Here’s a detailed overview of some of the most affordable POS systems available in Canada, with considerations for different types of restaurants.
1. Square POS
Overview: Square POS is one of the most popular and affordable POS systems globally, and it has a significant presence in Canada. Square is known for its simplicity, ease of use, and low cost, making it ideal for small to medium-sized restaurants, cafes, and food trucks.
Pricing:
- Software: Free (basic POS app).
- Hardware:
- Square Reader: CAD 59.
- Square Stand (for iPads): CAD 199.
- Square Terminal: CAD 439.
- Square Register: CAD 799.
- Transaction Fees: 2.65% per tap, dip, or swipe transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction.
Pros:
- No monthly fees for the basic POS app.
- Easy to set up and use, even for those without technical expertise.
- Flexible hardware options, including affordable card readers.
- Integrated payment processing with transparent fees.
- Suitable for a wide range of restaurant types.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features in the free version; some advanced features may require additional paid subscriptions.
- Not as customizable as some other POS systems.
Best For: Small to medium-sized restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and pop-up restaurants looking for an affordable and straightforward POS solution.
2. Lightspeed Restaurant
Overview: Lightspeed is a more feature-rich POS system that offers a good balance between affordability and functionality. It’s particularly popular in Canada and offers advanced inventory management, reporting, and integrations, making it suitable for full-service restaurants.
Pricing:
- Software: Starts at CAD 99/month for the Essentials plan.
- Hardware:
- iPad Kit: CAD 550+ (including iPad, stand, and card reader).
- Other hardware options vary based on needs.
- Transaction Fees: Custom rates depending on payment processing provider.
Pros:
- Highly customizable with a range of features for restaurant management.
- Strong inventory management capabilities.
- Integrates with various third-party apps and services.
- Cloud-based with offline mode for uninterrupted service.
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs compared to simpler systems like Square.
- May be overkill for very small or low-volume restaurants.
Best For: Medium to large-sized restaurants, full-service restaurants, and those needing robust inventory management and reporting features.
3. Shopify POS
Overview: Shopify is widely known for its eCommerce platform, but it also offers a POS solution that integrates seamlessly with its online store. This makes it an excellent choice for restaurants that also sell products online or offer online ordering.
Pricing:
- Software:
- Shopify Lite: CAD 9/month (basic features, limited functionality).
- Shopify POS Pro: CAD 89/month.
- Hardware:
- Shopify POS Go: CAD 399.
- Other hardware packages start at CAD 249.
- Transaction Fees:
- Basic Shopify: 2.7% per transaction.
- Shopify: 2.6% per transaction.
- Advanced Shopify: 2.4% per transaction.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Shopify’s eCommerce platform.
- Flexible hardware options.
- Robust reporting and analytics.
- Suitable for restaurants with retail components or online sales.
Cons:
- Monthly fees can add up, especially with the Pro plan.
- Focused more on retail; some restaurant-specific features may be lacking.
Best For: Restaurants with an online store or those looking to integrate their in-person and online sales seamlessly.
4. TouchBistro
Overview: TouchBistro is a Canada-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, making it a strong contender for Canadian restaurateurs. It offers a wide range of features tailored to the restaurant industry, including menu management, table management, and staff scheduling.
Pricing:
- Software: Starts at CAD 69/month per license.
- Hardware:
- iPad POS kit: CAD 500+ (including iPad, stand, and card reader).
- Other hardware depends on specific needs.
- Transaction Fees: Varies depending on payment processor integration.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for restaurants with industry-specific features.
- User-friendly interface with easy menu and table management.
- Strong customer support and training options.
- Integrated with various payment processors and third-party apps.
Cons:
- Slightly higher monthly fees compared to simpler systems.
- Additional features may require extra costs.
Best For: Full-service restaurants, bars, and cafes looking for a POS system with robust restaurant-specific features.
5. Clover POS
Overview: Clover POS is a versatile and scalable POS system that offers several different hardware options and pricing plans. It’s suitable for a wide range of restaurant types, from quick-service to full-service establishments.
Pricing:
- Software:
- Clover Go: CAD 10/month.
- Register Lite: CAD 14.95/month.
- Register: CAD 44.95/month.
- Hardware:
- Clover Go: CAD 99.
- Clover Flex: CAD 499.
- Clover Mini: CAD 749.
- Clover Station: CAD 1,349.
- Transaction Fees:
- Register Lite: 2.7% + 10¢ per transaction.
- Register: 2.3% + 10¢ per transaction.
Pros:
- Multiple hardware options to suit different restaurant types.
- Scalable, with various plans to accommodate growth.
- Robust features for inventory, employee, and customer management.
- Easy to set up and use.
Cons:
- Transaction fees can be higher than some competitors.
- Monthly fees for advanced features.
Best For: Small to medium-sized restaurants looking for a flexible and scalable POS system.
6. Vend (Now Lightspeed Retail)
Overview: Vend, now part of Lightspeed, is primarily a retail POS but can be adapted for quick-service restaurants and cafes. It’s known for its simplicity and affordability, especially for businesses that need basic POS features without extensive restaurant-specific tools.
Pricing:
- Software: Starts at CAD 69/month for the Lean plan.
- Hardware:
- iPad or computer-based setup, costs vary.
- Transaction Fees: Varies by payment processor.
Pros:
- Affordable for basic POS needs.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Integrates well with other Lightspeed products.
- Cloud-based with strong customer support.
Cons:
- Not as feature-rich for full-service restaurants.
- Lacks some advanced restaurant-specific features.
Best For: Quick-service restaurants, cafes, or food trucks looking for an affordable, no-frills POS solution.
Key Considerations When Choosing a POS System
- Initial Costs: Consider both the upfront costs of hardware and any setup fees. Some POS systems offer bundled hardware packages, while others require purchasing components separately.
- Ongoing Fees: Monthly software subscription costs and transaction fees can add up. Be sure to calculate these ongoing expenses to understand the true cost of ownership.
- Features: Make sure the POS system offers the features you need, such as menu management, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and reporting. Some systems offer basic features for free or at a low cost, while advanced features may require higher-tier plans.
- Integration: Consider whether the POS system integrates with other tools and platforms you use, such as accounting software, online ordering systems, or customer loyalty programs.
- Scalability: If you plan to expand your restaurant or open additional locations, choose a POS system that can grow with your business.
- Customer Support: Good customer support is crucial, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. Look for a POS provider with strong support options, including phone, email, and chat support.
Conclusion
For restaurants in Canada looking for the cheapest POS system, Square POS stands out as the most affordable option, especially for small to medium-sized establishments. Its free software, low-cost hardware, and transparent transaction fees make it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget. However, for restaurants needing more advanced features or those in a growth phase, options like TouchBistro, Lightspeed, or Clover POS offer a balance between affordability and functionality.
Ultimately, the “cheapest” POS system will depend on your restaurant’s specific needs, so it’s important to carefully evaluate each option based on your operational requirements and long-term goals.