Epos Now
Epos Now provides a cloud-based point of sale solution that helps you manage inventory, process payments, and track customer data across retail and hospitality businesses of all sizes.
Toast
Toast is an all-in-one point of sale and restaurant management platform designed to help you streamline operations, increase sales, and create better guest experiences through integrated technology.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Epos Now | Toast |
|---|---|---|
| Website | eposnow.com | toast.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $39/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2011 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Norwich, UK | Boston, USA |
Overview
Epos Now
Epos Now is a flexible point of sale platform designed to help you run your retail or hospitality business more efficiently from a single cloud-based interface. You can manage your entire operation—from tracking stock levels and processing secure payments to generating detailed sales reports—whether you are working from a physical storefront or managing multiple locations remotely.
The software adapts to your specific industry needs, offering specialized tools for table management in restaurants or barcode scanning for retail shops. By centralizing your data, you can identify your best-selling products, manage staff schedules, and build customer loyalty programs that keep people coming back. It works on any device, including Mac, PC, and tablets, giving you the freedom to choose your own hardware or use their dedicated systems.
Toast
Toast is a comprehensive restaurant management platform that unifies your front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest engagement tools. Instead of juggling multiple disconnected systems, you can manage your entire operation—from tableside ordering and integrated payments to kitchen displays and inventory—through a single, purpose-built interface. It helps you speed up service, reduce manual errors, and gain deeper insights into your restaurant's performance.
You can adapt the platform to fit your specific service model, whether you run a fine-dining establishment, a quick-service cafe, or a multi-location franchise. Beyond the point of sale, you can handle complex tasks like automated payroll, team scheduling, and loyalty programs. The software is designed to keep your business running even if your internet goes down, ensuring you never miss a sale during peak hours.
Overview
Epos Now Features
- Real-time Inventory Track your stock levels in real-time and set up automated alerts so you never run out of your best-selling items.
- Cloud Reporting Access your sales data and performance metrics from any device, anywhere in the world, through a secure web-based dashboard.
- Customer Loyalty Build your own loyalty programs and store customer profiles to offer personalized discounts and track individual spending habits.
- Staff Management Monitor employee performance, track working hours, and set specific permission levels to keep your business data secure.
- Multi-channel Selling Sync your physical store with your online shop to ensure your inventory and sales records stay accurate across all platforms.
- Table Management Manage your floor plan visually, track table status, and send orders directly to the kitchen to speed up your service.
Toast Features
- Tableside Ordering. Take orders and accept payments directly at the table with handheld devices to increase table turnover and improve accuracy.
- Kitchen Display System. Connect your front-of-house directly to the kitchen with digital screens that track prep times and notify servers when food is ready.
- Online Ordering. Take control of your takeout and delivery business with a branded online ordering site that integrates directly with your POS.
- Menu Management. Update your menu across all devices and online platforms instantly from any location to keep your offerings and pricing current.
- Automated Payroll. Sync your employee hours directly from the POS to payroll to ensure accurate paychecks and simplify your tax filings.
- Inventory Tracking. Monitor your stock levels in real-time and track food costs to identify waste and improve your overall profitability.
- Guest Loyalty Programs. Create custom rewards and marketing campaigns to turn first-time visitors into regulars and grow your customer database.
- Real-time Reporting. Access detailed sales and labor reports from your phone or computer to make data-driven decisions for your business.
Pricing Comparison
Epos Now Pricing
- Cloud-based POS software
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Over 100 standard reports
- Email support
- Basic stock management
- Customer loyalty features
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Advanced stock control
- Unlimited users
- Priority phone support
- Personalized onboarding
- Advanced reporting suite
Toast Pricing
- Cloud-based POS software
- Payment processing integration
- Standard reporting
- Menu management
- Real-time fraud monitoring
- Everything in Quick Start, plus:
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- 24/7 customer support
- Gift card management
- Access to 100+ integrations
- Employee management tools
Pros & Cons
Epos Now
Pros
- Highly customizable interface fits many different business types
- Extensive AppStore allows for deep third-party integrations
- Easy to set up and train new staff members
- Cloud access lets you check sales from your phone
Cons
- Customer support response times can vary during peak hours
- Hardware costs can be high if not buying bundles
- Occasional software glitches after major system updates
Toast
Pros
- Reliable offline mode keeps you running during outages
- Intuitive interface makes training new staff quick
- Seamless integration between front and back of house
- Hardware is specifically built for harsh kitchen environments
- Regular software updates add useful new features
Cons
- Requires use of Toast for payment processing
- Hardware costs can be high for multiple terminals
- Add-on features can significantly increase monthly costs