ChowNow
ChowNow is an online ordering and marketing platform that helps independent restaurants build their own branded digital storefronts to take commission-free orders directly from their customers.
SpotOn
SpotOn provides a unified business management and payments platform designed to help restaurants and retail businesses streamline operations, accept payments, and enhance customer engagement through integrated software.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ChowNow | SpotOn |
|---|---|---|
| Website | chownow.com | spoton.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has 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 | 2011 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, USA | San Francisco, USA |
Overview
ChowNow
ChowNow provides you with the tools to take control of your restaurant's digital presence and eliminate high third-party delivery fees. You can launch your own branded ordering system across your website, social media profiles, and a custom-built mobile app. This allows you to keep 100% of your profits on every order while capturing valuable customer data that third-party apps usually keep for themselves.
The platform focuses on sustainable growth by providing you with automated marketing tools and a dedicated success manager to help increase your order volume. Whether you run a single local eatery or a growing regional chain, you can manage your entire digital menu and track sales performance through a centralized dashboard. It integrates directly with your existing POS system to keep your kitchen operations running smoothly without manual data entry.
SpotOn
SpotOn is an all-in-one hardware and software solution that helps you run your business more efficiently by combining payment processing with industry-specific management tools. Whether you operate a fine-dining restaurant, a quick-service counter, or a retail boutique, you can manage your entire operation from a single dashboard. You can handle everything from point-of-sale transactions and integrated seat management to digital loyalty programs and online ordering without toggling between different vendors.
The platform solves the headache of disconnected systems by syncing your front-of-house sales directly with back-of-house reporting and labor management. You get access to real-time data that helps you track labor costs, monitor inventory levels, and understand customer spending habits. By integrating your marketing and review management directly into your payment flow, you can build stronger relationships with your guests and grow your brand through automated tools.
Overview
ChowNow Features
- Commission-Free Ordering Keep every dollar you earn from your online orders instead of paying 15-30% in fees to third-party delivery platforms.
- Branded Mobile Apps Launch your own custom-branded iOS and Android apps so your customers can order directly from their home screens.
- OrderBetter Network Get discovered by new diners through a network of high-traffic sites like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor with integrated ordering.
- Automated Marketing Send automated email campaigns and push notifications to your customers to drive repeat business and increase order frequency.
- POS Integrations Sync your online orders directly with your existing point-of-sale system to eliminate manual entry and reduce kitchen errors.
- Customer Data Ownership Access your own customer database including email addresses and order history to power your personalized marketing efforts.
SpotOn Features
- Omnichannel Payments. Accept payments anywhere your customers are, including in-person, online, or via mobile handheld devices with flat-rate processing.
- Integrated Online Ordering. Take orders directly through your website and sync them with your kitchen display system to eliminate manual entry errors.
- Labor Management. Build employee schedules, track clock-ins, and manage tip distribution directly through your point-of-sale system to save time.
- Customer Loyalty Tools. Create custom rewards programs and automated email campaigns to keep your customers coming back for more.
- Inventory Tracking. Monitor your stock levels in real-time and receive alerts when items are low so you never miss a sale.
- Reporting and Analytics. Access detailed sales reports and labor data from any device to make informed decisions about your business operations.
Pricing Comparison
ChowNow Pricing
- Commission-free ordering
- Ordering on your website
- Google Search & Maps ordering
- Digital menu management
- Standard payment processing
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Custom-branded mobile app
- Automated email marketing
- Dedicated Success Manager
- Loyalty program tools
- Advanced data reporting
SpotOn Pricing
- No monthly software fee
- Cloud-based POS software
- Integrated payment processing
- Basic reporting tools
- 24/7/365 support
- Full-service POS software
- Floor plan management
- Menu management
- Labor management tools
- Advanced reporting suite
Pros & Cons
ChowNow
Pros
- Eliminates expensive per-order commissions entirely
- Provides full ownership of customer contact data
- Responsive customer support and dedicated success managers
- Easy-to-use interface for updating menus quickly
Cons
- Initial setup fees can be high
- Requires your own staff for local delivery
- Limited customization options for the mobile app
SpotOn
Pros
- Highly responsive 24/7 technical support team
- Intuitive interface is easy for staff to learn
- Robust reporting provides deep insights into sales
- Seamless integration between hardware and software
Cons
- Long-term contracts can be difficult to exit
- Hardware costs can be high for large venues
- Occasional delays in software updates during peak hours