Switching to the right POS system isn’t just a decision—it’s a game-changer for your restaurant’s growth. For three restaurateurs, making the leap from Clover to Lavu wasn’t just about functionality; it was about unlocking $100k in new revenue opportunities.
This post dives into their journey: the challenges they faced, the decisions they made, and how Lavu’s tailored solutions helped them cut costs, streamline operations, and achieve remarkable growth. Whether you’re rethinking your current POS or exploring how to maximize efficiency, their stories might just inspire your next move.
Let’s explore how choosing Lavu transformed their businesses.
Choosing the right POS system for your restaurant? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Lavu: Tailored for restaurants, uses iPads, supports dual pricing, integrates with Uber Eats and QuickBooks. Starting at $9.99/month. User rating: 4.9/5.
- Clover: Serves multiple industries, offers proprietary hardware, focuses on ease of use and customer engagement tools. Pricing customized via consultation. User rating: 1.4/5.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Lavu | Clover |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Restaurants | Multiple industries |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive iPad interface | Simple but hardware-specific |
| Key Features | Dual pricing, Uber Eats integration | Customer database, analytics |
| Support Quality | 24/7 availability | Mixed reviews |
| Hardware | iOS hardware | Proprietary system |
| Pricing | Starts at $9.99/month + 2% Processing | Custom pricing |
Takeaway:
- Lavu is ideal for restaurants needing affordability. flexibility and service.
- Clover suits all sorts of small and medium sized businesses prioritizing analytics.
Upgrading from Clover to Lavu
Comparing Features of Lavu and Clover
Features of Lavu
Lavu’s iPad POS system is tailored for restaurant operations. It supports dual pricing, letting restaurants set separate prices for dine-in and takeout orders to better manage revenue. The cloud-based platform ensures consistent performance, even during busy hours.
With its kitchen display system (KDS), communication between front-of-house and kitchen staff becomes smoother. Lavu also includes tools for payroll management, helping track employee hours and control labor costs. Its inventory tracking features are solid and integrate with platforms like Uber Eats and QuickBooks, simplifying delivery and accounting tasks.
Features of Clover
Clover blends restaurant-focused tools with flexible business features. It supports various ordering methods, such as click-to-pickup and curbside options, along with robust payment processing for different transaction types.
The inventory management system syncs directly with the POS, offering real-time stock updates as orders come in. Clover also stands out with built-in customer engagement tools, including a client database and features for managing customer relationships. Its payment processing provides detailed insights into transactions.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
| Feature Category | Lavu | Clover |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Engagement & Ordering Features | Integration with Uber Eats, basic loyalty programs | Online ordering with alerts, advanced customer database |
| Inventory Management | Customizable with third-party integrations | Built-in system with real-time updates |
| Payment Processing | Multiple payment options, QuickBooks integration | Smooth processing with detailed reporting |
| Hardware Compatibility | iOS devices and third-party hardware | Proprietary hardware system |
| Kitchen Integration | Advanced KDS with customizable displays | Basic kitchen display functionality |
Clover currently holds a higher user satisfaction score of 4.9 from 22 reviews, compared to Lavu’s 1.4 from 17 reviews. These ratings highlight differences in how users perceive each system’s reliability and feature performance in restaurant settings.
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Pricing and Plans: Lavu vs Clover
Lavu Pricing Breakdown
Lavu keeps things simple with a tiered pricing model tailored to different restaurant needs. The Freedom plan starts at $9.99 per month, covering essentials like order management and payment processing. This is ideal for restaurants like cafes, and larger restaurants that restaurant specific POS features. Lavu keeps everything included in the price – including order management, loyalty, gift, API and dual pricing.
Clover Pricing Breakdown
Clover’s pricing structure includes hardware, subscription fees, payment processing, and optional integrations. Costs are tailored to each business, but you’ll need proprietary hardware like the Clover Station for full-service restaurants or Clover Flex for mobile setups.
One downside? Clover doesn’t publish its pricing upfront, which might be frustrating for smaller businesses looking for transparency. On the flip side, this approach allows Clover to customize solutions based on specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison Table
| Cost Factor | Lavu | Clover |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Monthly Cost | $9.99 (Freedom Plan) | Pricing available via consultation |
| Mid-Tier Monthly Cost | $129 (Advanced Plan) | Varies by Package |
| Enterprise Solutions | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| Hardware Requirements | Works with iOS devices and third-party hardware | Proprietary hardware system required |
| Integration Costs | Additional fees for certain integrations | Variable fees based on selected features |
| Payment Processing | Multiple provider options | Built-in processing with specific rates |
| Contract Terms | Monthly subscription | Varies by package and agreement |
When comparing the two, Lavu offers more predictable pricing, making it a good choice for restaurants with tight budgets. Clover, on the other hand, is better suited for businesses that need a tailored, flexible setup. Don’t just focus on the monthly fees – think about long-term costs like hardware, integrations, and payment processing rates. And remember, factors like ease of use and customer support can be just as important as pricing when choosing the right POS system.
Ease of Use and Support: Lavu vs Clover
Using Lavu in Restaurants
Lavu’s iOS-based system is simple to set up, making it manageable for most restaurant staff without needing advanced technical skills. Its iPad interface is designed to be intuitive, making tasks like menu updates and daily operations smoother. Servers can easily modify orders, split checks, and process payments with minimal training time.
Using Clover in Restaurants
Clover offers a broad range of features, but it can take more time to learn. It’s not purpose built for restaurants. While it includes tools like advanced analytics and multi-location management, these can feel overwhelming for staff, especially during busy shifts. Additionally, Clover’s proprietary hardware means restaurants must adjust to using specific equipment, which might require extra effort.
Clover supports various ordering options, such as click-to-pickup, curbside service, and traditional dine-in, and is well-equipped to handle special guest requests. However, its usability can depend heavily on the quality of customer support.
Customer Support for Lavu and Clover
Lavu provides 24/7 support, which is especially helpful during late-night hours or emergencies when quick assistance is essential. Their team is responsive, helping restaurants resolve issues promptly to keep operations running smoothly during busy times.
Clover’s support, on the other hand, has received mixed feedback. Clover’s customer service has been criticized for slower responses and less effective problem resolution.
| Support Feature | Lavu | Clover |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 Support | Limited hours |
| Response Time | Quick initial response | Variable response times |
| Support Channels | Phone, email, chat | Multiple channels but less responsive |
| User Satisfaction | 91 NPS score | Mixed reviews |
| Technical Assistance | Direct troubleshooting | Often requires escalation |
When choosing between the two, consider both how quickly your staff can adapt to the system and the quality of ongoing support. Lavu’s simple setup and reliable support make it a good fit for restaurants needing fast onboarding.
Conclusion: Finding the Right POS System for Your Restaurant
Strengths of Lavu
Lavu offers a customizable POS system with strong integration options. Its cloud-based iPad setup ensures reliable service, making it suitable for restaurants of all sizes. With 24/7 customer support and an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 91, it clearly prioritizes customer satisfaction.
Strengths of Clover
Clover features an easy-to-use interface and a well-rounded set of tools. While its proprietary hardware requires upfront investment, this guarantees consistent performance across the system. The advanced analytics it provides are particularly helpful for larger operations looking to make data-driven decisions.
Which POS System is Best for Your Restaurant?
| Restaurant Type | Recommended System | Key Deciding Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Small Independent Restaurants | Lavu | Affordable pricing, compatibility with third-party hardware, easy setup |
| Multi-Location Operations | Lavu | Advanced analytics, multi-location management, detailed reporting |
| High-Volume Quick Service | Lavu | Fast order handling, reliable performance, kitchen display integration |
| Full-Service Restaurants | Lavu | Guest management, in-depth analytics, flexible payment solutions |
For restaurants focused on affordability and flexibility, Lavu stands out with its ability to adapt to different needs. Its free tier lets businesses try the system before committing financially.
On the other hand, if your not a restaurant and need in-depth analytics and you’re comfortable with a more complex pricing model, Clover’s advanced features and positive user feedback make it a strong contender.
Trying a demo is the best way to see how each system fits your specific needs.