Lightspeed Review

You can also add optional accessories like barcode scanners. Thinking Lightspeed might be right for your business? Here’s what you need to know.

What You’ll Need for Lightspeed POS

In order to use Lightspeed as your POS system and to take credit cards, you’ll need the Lightspeed software, compatible hardware like an iPad, iPod touch, or iPhone, and a merchant account with a compatible credit card processor. In the US, that means using Lightspeed Payments, launched in early 2019, or an account with Cayan or Vantiv. 

Alternately, you can use other processors if you'd like, but it will be "non-integrated" processing, meaning you won't handle the payment through the POS system.

Lightspeed POS Features

The Lightspeed system is customizable, featuring different options for retail, restaurant, or ecommerce. The company boasts easy-to-use software that is always online and ready to go. The software can be used on iPads for portability, or on desktop computers. Lightspeed supports multiple users, and you can set staff permissions on individual accounts to ensure employees can only see what they need for their jobs.

Customizable Floor Planning

Restaurateurs will appreciate the ability to change the layout of a room with a quick swipe of the finger. Arrange for large dinners and parties or small date nights - anything is possible.

Build a Menu Online

Another customizable option, the Lightspeed POS allows you to upload photos, set prices, and name dishes with ease. Because the software is cloud-based, updates can be made from anywhere you can access the Internet - so that’s just about everywhere!

Printing Options

Particularly helpful for restaurants, Lightspeed offers multiple printing options. You can install printers at the sales counter, in a kitchen or at the bar, or even provide your staff with portable printers so they can create receipts from anywhere in your business.

Centralized Purchasing

This system also allows for inventory/supply purchasing anywhere at any time. The software is integrated with over 3,000 product catalogues if needed. Otherwise, planned purchases or on the fly grabs can be made from regular vendors via the actual hardware or remotely.

Lightspeed POS Accessories

Lightspeed offers loads of different hardware accessories to help your business grow and function. This includes barcode scanners, credit card readers, and even kitchen buzzers. The e-commerce system also offers scores of apps and plug-ins to help track and communicate with potential and past customers.

Reporting

Lightspeed POS generates over 40 unique reports, from sales to marketing to staffing. An advanced reporting dashboard has everything you need in one easy-to-use place online. View timesheets, store analytics, or trending menu items in real-time to make informed business decisions.

Lightspeed POS for Credit Card Processing

In early 2019, Lightspeed announced the introduction of Lightspeed Payments for integrated processing.

Prior to that, Lightspeed integrated with suggested partners Cayan, Mercury, and Moneris. Lightspeed confirmed that restaurants in the US can still utilize Cayan or Vantiv as their integrated credit card processor. 

In any event, if you choose not to use Lightspeed Payments but want to continue using your Lightspeed POS system, you can do so - but your payments won't go through the POS system. Instead, you'll need a countertop credit card machine to process card transactions. These payments won't automatically record in the POS. 

Lightspeed POS Pricing

Lightspeed is priced at different membership levels, starting at around $76 per month. This includes access to all software, one register, five employee access cards, and basic reporting. Prices go up from there, with the mid-range package costing $128/month and the large package coming in at $222/month.

These costs are separate from any charges for credit card processing, including monthly processor charges. Pricing subject to change.

Lightspeed Payments Pricing

Now that it provides processing directly, Lightspeed Payments sets pricing for your credit card transactions. 

For businesses processing less than $250,000, rates are as follows:

• Swiped cards: 2.6% + 10 cents per transaction
• Keyed cards: 2.6% + 30 cents per transaction

Businesses processing more than $250,000 can request a custom quote. Pricing subject to change. 

These rates are similar to the pricing for integrated POS processing through competitors like Square, but is more expensive than other solutions that use more competitive pricing models. 

How does this compare to those other options? Find out using CardFellow's free price comparison tools. Get started!