Restaurants: Deciding Between Toast and Clover for Your Business

In the competitive restaurant industry, choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system is crucial for efficient operations and customer satisfaction. Two of the most prominent POS providers in the market are Toast and Clover. This comprehensive guide analyzes the key features, benefits, and drawbacks of Toast vs. Clover to help restaurateurs make an informed decision.

Features

Toast

• Cloud-based system with online ordering, loyalty programs, and analytics
• Intuitive user interface designed for easy navigation
• Advanced reporting and data management tools
• Integration with third-party applications, including reservation systems and accounting software
• Contactless payment options and mobile ordering

Clover

• All-in-one hardware and software solution
• Customizable hardware with built-in printers and payment terminals
• In-house payment processing with no monthly fees
• Extensive app marketplace for additional functionality
• Employee management features, including time tracking and payroll

Benefits

Toast

• Flexibility: Cloud-based architecture allows for remote access and updates.
• Scalability: Can be customized to meet the needs of growing businesses.
• Data-driven insights: Provides detailed analytics and reporting to optimize operations.
• Enhanced customer experience: Offers online ordering, loyalty programs, and contactless payment options.
• Integration: Seamlessly connects with various third-party applications.

Clover

• Convenience: All-in-one solution eliminates the need for separate hardware and software.
• Affordability: No monthly payment processing fees and customizable hardware options.
• Customization: Hardware can be tailored to specific business requirements.
• App marketplace: Extends functionality with additional apps from a wide selection.
• Employee management: Streamlines employee scheduling, payroll, and performance tracking.

Drawbacks

Toast

• Monthly subscription fees: Requires ongoing payments for software and hardware.
• Limited hardware options: Does not offer customizable hardware like Clover.
• Potential for software updates: Cloud-based systems may require regular updates that can interrupt operations.
• Third-party integration costs: Additional charges may apply for integrating with certain applications.
• Data security concerns: Cloud-based systems may raise security concerns regarding data storage.

Clover

• Hardware costs: All-in-one hardware can be more expensive than separate components.
• Payment processing limitations: In-house payment processing may not support all payment types or integrations.
• Limited reporting capabilities: May not offer as robust reporting and analytics as Toast.
• App marketplace fees: Some apps in the marketplace may require additional fees.
• Customer support: May not provide the same level of customer support as Toast.

Pricing

Toast

• Monthly subscription plans starting at $79 per month for basic features.
• Additional fees for hardware, online ordering, and other add-ons.
• Payment processing fees charged separately.

Clover

• All-in-one hardware and software packages starting at $1,349.
• No monthly fees for payment processing.
• Additional fees for apps and certain add-ons.

Customer Support

Toast

• 24/7 phone and email support
• Online knowledge base and documentation
• Dedicated account managers for enterprise customers

Clover

• Phone and email support during business hours
• Online help center and user forums
• Limited customer support for hardware issues

Integrations

Toast

• Integrations with over 100 third-party applications, including:
• Reservation systems (OpenTable, Resy)
• Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero)
• Loyalty programs (Loyalzoo, Punchpass)

Clover

• App marketplace with over 300 apps, including:
• Inventory management (BinWise, Vend)
• Employee management (Homebase, When I Work)
• Marketing and CRM (Mailchimp, Constant Contact)

Which One Is Right for Your Restaurant?

The decision between Toast and Clover depends on the specific needs and budget of your restaurant.
Consider Toast if:

• You want a cloud-based system with advanced analytics and integration capabilities.
• You have a large volume of online orders or loyalty program members.
• You have a growing business and need a scalable POS system.

Consider Clover if:

• You prefer an all-in-one hardware and software solution.
• You want to avoid monthly payment processing fees.
• You need customizable hardware options to meet your specific business requirements.
• You have a limited budget and prioritize affordability.

Alternatives to Toast and Clover

In addition to Toast and Clover, there are other POS systems available for restaurants:

• Square: Cloud-based system with affordable pricing and a user-friendly interface.
• Shopify POS: Ideal for restaurants with an online presence and a need for e-commerce integration.
• NCR Silver: Enterprise-level POS system with robust features and high customization options.

In a nutshell: Toast vs. Clover for Restaurants

Toast and Clover offer comprehensive POS solutions tailored to the needs of restaurants. By carefully evaluating the features, benefits, drawbacks, pricing, and support options of each system, restaurateurs can make an informed decision that aligns with their business goals. Whether you prioritize flexibility, affordability, or customization, there is a POS system that can meet your requirements and enhance your restaurant operations.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. Which POS system is more affordable, Toast or Clover?
Clover is generally more affordable than Toast, as it offers all-in-one hardware and software packages with no monthly payment processing fees.
2. Which POS system has better reporting and analytics capabilities?
Toast offers more robust reporting and analytics features, including detailed insights into sales, inventory, and customer behavior.
3. Which POS system is easier to use?
Both Toast and Clover have intuitive user interfaces designed for easy navigation, making them suitable for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
4. Which POS system offers more integrations?
Toast has a wider range of integrations with third-party applications, including reservation systems, accounting software, and loyalty programs.
5. Which POS system provides better customer support?
Toast offers 24/7 phone and email support, as well as dedicated account managers for enterprise customers. Clover provides phone and email support during business hours and online help resources.