SpotOn has emerged as a powerful competitor in both the restaurant and retail POS markets. With no monthly fees on the basic plan and transparent processing, SpotOn offers excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
What’s New in SpotOn for 2025
- SpotOn Reserve – Advanced reservation and waitlist management
- Enhanced Marketing Suite – Automated campaigns and loyalty programs
- SpotOn Teamwork – Integrated payroll and scheduling
- QR Code Ordering – Contactless ordering for dine-in
- Review Management – Monitor and respond to online reviews
SpotOn Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start | $0/mo | 1.99% + 25¢ |
| Counter-Service | $99/mo | Custom rates |
| Full-Service Restaurant | $135/mo | Custom rates |
| Retail | $99/mo | Custom rates |
Why Choose SpotOn
- Transparent, competitive processing rates
- No long-term contracts required
- Excellent customer service reputation
- All-in-one solution (POS, payments, marketing, payroll)
- Works for both restaurants and retail
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free starter plan available
- Transparent pricing
- Excellent customer support
- Versatile for multiple business types
- Integrated marketing tools
Cons
- Hardware requires upfront investment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Less brand recognition than Toast/Square
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
SpotOn is an excellent all-around POS that works well for both restaurants and retail. Its transparent pricing and strong customer service make it a top alternative to industry giants like Toast and Square.
Quick Facts: General POS
Expert Tips for Choosing a POS System
Start with a Free Trial
Never commit to a POS system without testing it first. Most reputable providers offer 14-30 day free trials. Use this time to run real transactions, train your staff, and identify any workflow issues before signing a contract.
Calculate Total Cost of Ownership
The monthly software fee is just the beginning. Factor in hardware costs, payment processing fees, add-on modules, support tiers, and potential early termination fees. A "$0/month" system might cost more than a $100/month system when you add everything up.
Prioritize Integration Capabilities
Your POS should connect with your accounting software, e-commerce platform, delivery apps, and loyalty program. Poor integrations lead to manual data entry, errors, and wasted time. Ask vendors about their API and native integrations.
New to POS Systems?
Start with our quick guide for business owners
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
A cash register simply records sales and stores money. A POS (Point of Sale) system is a comprehensive business management tool that processes payments, tracks inventory, manages employees, generates reports, and integrates with other business software. Modern POS systems provide data-driven insights that help you make better business decisions.
POS costs vary widely. Software ranges from $0-$200+ per month. Hardware costs $500-$2,000 for a basic setup. Payment processing fees are typically 2.3%-2.9% plus $0.10-$0.30 per transaction. Consider the total cost of ownership over 3 years, including add-ons and upgrades.
Some POS systems are processor-agnostic, allowing you to choose your payment processor. Others require you to use their integrated processing. Locked-in processing can be convenient but may limit your ability to negotiate rates. Always ask about processing flexibility before committing.
Data portability varies by provider. Most systems allow you to export sales history, customer data, and inventory lists. However, the format may not be directly importable to a new system. Always ask about data export options and consider this when choosing a POS.
