Sick of Calling Your POS a Piece of S#@*? Check Out the Most Popular Systems for South East QLD Businesses!

I get asked a lot about POS systems by café, restaurant, and retail owners who are looking for the best fit for their business. A good POS system can make a world of difference—streamlining operations, improving customer service, and offering valuable insights to help your business thrive. To make things easier, I’ve compiled a list of the most popular POS systems available to businesses in South East Queensland, comparing their features, advantages, disadvantages, operating costs, and overall performance.

1. Square POS

Main Features:

• User-friendly interface and setup.

• Integrated payment processing with no monthly fees.

• Inventory management and real-time reporting.

• Works on iPads and Android devices.

Advantages:

• Affordable for small businesses.

• Wide range of add-ons, including loyalty programs and online ordering.

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Disadvantages:

• Limited advanced features for larger businesses.

• Higher transaction fees (starting at 1.6% per transaction).

Operating Costs:

• Free basic plan; transaction fees apply.

• Add-ons start at $25/month.

  
  

Overall Score: 8/10Great for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a simple, affordable solution.

2. Lightspeed POS

Main Features:

• Advanced inventory and supply chain management.

• Customizable for retail, hospitality, and restaurants.

• Cloud-based with offline mode.

Advantages:

• Highly scalable for growing businesses.

• Robust reporting and analytics tools.

• Integrates with major delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than some competitors.

• Steeper learning curve for new users.

Operating Costs:

• Starts at $99/month for the basic plan.

• Add-ons and payment processing fees are extra.

  
  

Overall Score: 9/10Ideal for larger businesses or those planning to scale operations.

3. Toast POS

Main Features:

• Designed specifically for the hospitality industry.

• Table management and online ordering capabilities.

• Advanced kitchen display systems.

Advantages:

• Tailored to restaurants and cafes.

• Excellent customer support and training resources.

• Seamless integration with kitchen operations.

Disadvantages:

• Limited availability in Australia; support may be slower.

• Requires proprietary hardware.

Operating Costs:

• Starts at $69/month per terminal.

• Additional costs for hardware and payment processing.

  
  

Overall Score: 7.5/10A strong contender for restaurants that need specialized features, but limited availability can be a drawback.

4. Vend by Lightspeed

Main Features:

• Cloud-based system designed for retail and hospitality.

• Loyalty programs and customer relationship management (CRM).

• Works with various payment processors.

Advantages:

• Easy to set up and use.

• Extensive third-party integrations.

• Flexible payment options.

Disadvantages:

• Limited advanced features for large-scale operations.

• Higher costs for premium plans.

Operating Costs:

• Starts at $119/month for the Pro plan.

• Hardware and payment processing fees are extra.

  
  

Overall Score: 8.5/10A reliable choice for retail and smaller hospitality businesses.

5. Revel Systems POS

Main Features:

• Comprehensive restaurant management tools.

• Real-time analytics and detailed reporting.

• Hybrid system with offline functionality.

Advantages:

• Highly customizable for large operations.

• Strong multi-location management capabilities.

• Excellent data security.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive compared to competitors.

• Longer setup and training period.

Operating Costs:

• Starts at $99/month per terminal.

• Setup fees and hardware costs can be high.

  
  

Overall Score: 8/10Best for large, multi-location restaurants or chains that need advanced features.

Each of these POS systems has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your business’s size, needs, and budget. Here’s our quick recommendation:

• Small Cafés or Startups: Square POS for its affordability and ease of use.

• Growing Businesses: Lightspeed POS or Vend by Lightspeed for scalability and advanced features.

• Restaurants: Toast POS or Revel Systems POS for their industry-specific tools.

  
  

Investing in the right POS system can save time, reduce errors, and help your business thrive.

Let us know in the comments if there is a better system you think should be rated here.