ARI
ARI provides specialized dealer management software and digital marketing services designed to help powersports, marine, and outdoor equipment dealers increase sales and manage their entire business operations efficiently.
Lightspeed
Lightspeed provides a unified commerce platform that simplifies inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement for ambitious retail and hospitality businesses looking to scale their operations globally.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ARI | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
| Website | arirms.com | lightspeedhq.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $89/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1981 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee, USA | Montreal, Canada |
Overview
ARI
ARI provides a comprehensive suite of tools specifically built for dealers in the powersports, marine, and outdoor power equipment industries. You can manage your entire storefront and back-office operations through a single platform that connects your physical inventory to a high-performing digital presence. The software focuses on helping you move units faster by automating lead management and keeping your online catalogs updated with the latest OEM data.
Beyond simple inventory tracking, you can build professional, mobile-responsive websites that integrate directly with your showroom floor. The platform solves the common headache of manual data entry by providing access to massive libraries of parts and accessories diagrams. Whether you are running a single-location repair shop or a multi-brand dealership, you can streamline your sales process and improve customer retention through built-in marketing and service tools.
Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a comprehensive commerce platform designed to help you run your entire business from a single interface. Whether you manage a high-end retail boutique or a busy multi-location restaurant, you can sync your physical inventory with an online store, track sales in real-time, and manage staff schedules effortlessly. It eliminates the friction between offline and online selling by providing a centralized hub for all your data.
You can leverage advanced reporting to identify your best-selling products and optimize your stock levels across multiple locations. The platform also includes built-in payment processing and customer loyalty tools to help you build lasting relationships. It is specifically built for mid-market and enterprise-level businesses that require sophisticated features like multi-currency support and complex inventory matrixing to fuel their growth.
Overview
ARI Features
- Smart Inventory Management Showcase your units with automated data feeds and high-quality images that sync across your website and third-party marketplaces.
- PartStream Diagrams Let your customers find the exact parts they need using interactive OEM diagrams that simplify the ordering process.
- Lead Management Capture and track every inquiry from your website so you can respond faster and close more unit sales.
- E-commerce Integration Sell parts, garments, and accessories online with a secure shopping cart that handles shipping and tax calculations automatically.
- Service Management Schedule repair jobs and track technician productivity to ensure your service department remains profitable and organized.
- Responsive Websites Launch a professional dealership website optimized for mobile devices to reach customers wherever they are searching.
Lightspeed Features
- Multi-Location Inventory. Track and move stock across all your physical stores and warehouses from one central dashboard in real-time.
- Integrated Ecommerce. Launch your online store automatically synced with your physical inventory to prevent overselling and simplify order fulfillment.
- Advanced Reporting. Access deep insights into your margins, unit costs, and employee performance to make data-driven decisions for your business.
- Lightspeed Payments. Accept all major payment types with transparent pricing and built-in hardware that integrates directly with your POS system.
- Customer Loyalty. Create custom rewards programs and targeted email campaigns to keep your customers coming back for more.
- Supplier Network. Order stock directly from thousands of integrated suppliers within the platform to streamline your procurement process.
Pricing Comparison
ARI Pricing
Lightspeed Pricing
- Retail POS terminal
- Lightspeed Payments
- One-on-one onboarding
- 24/7 customer support
- Basic reporting
- Integrated ecommerce
- Everything in Lean, plus:
- Accounting integrations
- Advanced ecommerce features
- Serial number tracking
- Work orders and repairs
- Additional payment options
Pros & Cons
ARI
Pros
- Industry-leading library of OEM parts diagrams
- Seamless integration between physical inventory and website
- Strong focus on niche industries like marine and powersports
- Reliable lead generation tools for unit sales
Cons
- Learning curve for complex backend configurations
- Customization options can be limited on standard templates
- Pricing is not transparent without a sales consultation
Lightspeed
Pros
- Excellent inventory management for complex product catalogs
- Clean and modern user interface is easy to navigate
- Reliable 24/7 customer support for technical issues
- Seamless integration between physical and online stores
Cons
- Higher starting price compared to basic POS systems
- Additional fees for extra registers can add up
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting features