Quick Answer for Lavu Vs Square: 

• Lavu is built for restaurants and is ideal for full-service restaurants with complex needs, offering advanced features like dual pricing, contactless payments, payroll, kitchen display systems, real-time inventory tracking, and 24/7 support.
• Square is better for small businesses like flower shops or specialty stores, thanks to its simple setup, and basic tools for payment and inventory management.

Key Differences:

• Focus: Lavu specializes in restaurants; Square caters to general small businesses, including restaurants.
• Pricing: Lavu has tiered plans; Square charges takes a large percentage of transactions.
• Setup: Lavu offers white glove support and in-person install; Square ships in the mail and has self-service setup.
• Support: Lavu offers 24/7 assistance; Square provides business-hours support and self-help tools.

Lavu vs Square: Comparison Table

Feature	Lavu	Square
Primary Focus	Purpose built for Restaurants	All small businesses, including restaurants
Pricing	$39 / month with 2% processing; dual pricing allows you restaurants to save money	High transaction-based
Setup	Customizable, takes longer	Quick and easy
Inventory	Advanced tracking, alerts	Basic tools
Support	24/7 technical support, ranked #1 for service	Standard hours, self-service options

Bottom Line: Choose Lavu for advanced restaurant operations and growth. Opt for Square if you’re not a restaurant and or need a pop up system and don’t mind paying higher fees.

Features and Tools Comparison

Lavu‘s Features for Restaurants

Lavu’s POS system is tailored for the unique demands of restaurant operations. It offers advanced tools like dual pricing for dine-in and takeout, along with integration with kitchen display systems to improve communication and reduce mistakes. Its inventory management feature provides real-time tracking and sends automated low-stock alerts. Lavu also connects directly with major delivery platforms, making it easy to manage orders across multiple channels.

“Wilde Hospitality Group has seen significant improvements in operational efficiency since implementing Lavu. The system’s comprehensive reporting and growth management capabilities have been instrumental in our expansion”, shares a testimonial from the restaurant group.

Square’s Features for Small Businesses

Square is designed to meet the basic needs of small restaurants, offering an easy-to-use platform with no monthly fees. It provides flexible payment options and basic inventory tracking, making it a practical choice for smaller operations. Square also includes tools for marketing, gathering customer feedback, and managing employees. While it integrates with third-party apps, its restaurant-specific integrations are not as extensive as Lavu’s. However, its simplicity makes it a great fit for small businesses with straightforward requirements.

Lavu vs Square: Feature Comparison Table

Here’s a quick look at how Lavu and Square stack up:

Feature Category	Lavu	Square
Payment Processing	Dual pricing, multiple payment options	Simple payment processing, no monthly fees
Inventory Management	Real-time tracking, automated alerts, detailed reports	Basic inventory tracking, simple menu tools
Online Ordering	Direct integration with Uber Eats, custom platform	Third-party app integrations
Kitchen Management	Built-in KDS, order routing, meal coursing	Basic order management
Reporting Capabilities	Detailed restaurant analytics	Standard sales and inventory reports
Customer Management	Loyalty programs, detailed customer profiles	Basic directory, feedback tools
Technical Support	24/7 support, 99.99% uptime	Self-service resources, standard hours

Your choice between Lavu and Square depends on your restaurant’s size and needs. Lavu is better suited for full-service restaurants with complex operations, while Square is a solid option for smaller businesses or those just starting out.

Cost and Pricing Breakdown

Lavu Pricing Plans

Lavu offers pricing options tailored to meet the needs of various restaurant sizes and operations. There are three main tiers: Basic, Advanced, and Enterprise. To get exact pricing, you’ll need to connect with Lavu’s sales team, but here’s a breakdown of what each plan includes:

• The Basic plan covers core POS features, such as payment processing and menu customization.
• The Advanced plan adds tools like inventory management and detailed reporting.
• The Enterprise plan caters to larger businesses, offering custom integrations and dedicated support.

Lavu also supports third-party hardware, which can help restaurants save on upfront costs. However, they also provide their own equipment for those who want a more streamlined setup.

Square’s Pricing Structure

Square keeps it simple with no monthly fees and clear transaction costs: 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person payments and 2.9% + $0.30 for online payments. This setup is especially appealing to small restaurants and startups. Restaurants can also opt for extra features, like advanced inventory tools or loyalty programs, on a pay-as-you-go basis. This flexibility ensures you’re only paying for what you need.

Pricing Comparison Table

Cost Component	Lavu	Square
Monthly Base Fee	$39 / month	No monthly fee
Transaction Fees	None, uses Dual Pricing	2.6% + $0.10 (in-person), 2.9% + $0.30 (online)
Hardware Compatibility	Supports third-party hardware	Works with Square and select third-party hardware
Add-on Features	Extra cost for integrations	Pay-as-you-go for premium features
Contract Requirements	Flexible terms	No long-term contracts required
Support Level	24/7 support included	Standard hours, with premium support available

“The pricing structures of both systems can significantly impact restaurant profitability”, says Gladys McKinney, Controller at Wilde Hospitality Group. “Lavu’s extensive features might be worth the cost for larger businesses, while Square’s simpler fee model is better suited for small restaurants with tighter budgets.”

Lavu POS Review

Ease of Use and Setup Process

When looking at Lavu and Square, the main difference is how they approach setup: Lavu emphasizes customization for restaurants, while Square keeps things simple small pop-ups.

Lavu’s Setup and Customization

Lavu offers a setup process tailored to meet the unique needs of restaurants. It operates on iOS devices, making it convenient for teams familiar with Apple products. While the setup can take longer due to its wide range of features, Lavu provides 24/7 technical support to assist users and ensures 99.99% uptime for dependable performance.

The system integrates smoothly with third-party hardware like KDS and POS stands, allowing restaurants to use specialized equipment. This customization may require more time for staff training, but it creates a system tailored to your restaurant’s needs.

Some key areas Lavu allows you to configure include:

• Menu layouts and pricing
• Staff permissions and access
• Payment processing choices
• Inventory tracking settings

Square’s Simple Setup

Square, on the other hand, is all about simplicity. Its setup process is quick and straightforward, perfect for businesses that want to get started fast. This makes it a great option for smaller restaurants with limited technical expertise.

Square’s plug-and-play system allows you to start processing orders within hours. While its hardware is standardized for ease of use, this limits the flexibility available compared to Lavu.

Setup Aspect	Lavu	Square
Initial Setup Time	2-3 days on average	2-4 hours on average
Hardware Flexibility	High (supports third-party)	Moderate (Square-only gear)
Technical Support	24/7 dedicated help	Standard business hours
Customization Depth	Detailed, restaurant-specific	Basic customization
Training Required	Moderate (feature training)	Minimal (user-friendly)

“The key difference between these systems lies in their approach to setup and customization”, says Sarah Chen, Restaurant Technology Consultant at Hospitality Tech Solutions. “Lavu’s customization options take more time but suit larger restaurants. Square’s simplicity works well for smaller operations focused on quick deployment.”

Your choice between Lavu and Square will depend on what matters most to your business: advanced customization or fast setup. Each system brings distinct advantages to the table.

Customer Support and System Reliability

Running a restaurant means you need dependable support and stable systems to keep things running smoothly. Here’s how Lavu and Square approach these critical areas.

Lavu’s 24/7 Support and High Satisfaction Scores

Lavu shines with its 24/7 customer support and an impressive 91 Net Promoter Score (NPS), reflecting high customer satisfaction. Their support features include:

• A dedicated emergency support line
• Personalized account managers
• Comprehensive online guides and FAQs
• Technical assistance included with all pricing plans

Square’s Support Options

Square offers a different setup, focusing on flexibility through various support channels. Their options include:

• Phone and email support during business hours
• A detailed knowledge base and active community forums for self-help
• 24/7 self-service resources, so you can troubleshoot anytime

Beyond support, the reliability of the systems themselves plays a big role in keeping restaurant operations running without interruptions.

System Uptime and Reliability

Downtime can cause major issues, disrupting orders, payments, and overall service, especially during busy hours. Both Lavu and Square prioritize reliability but take slightly different paths.

Lavu boasts 99.99% uptime, ensuring your system stays up and running. Square also offers strong reliability but doesn’t publicly disclose specific uptime figures. Both platforms rely on cloud-based backups, with Square adding local backup options for added security.

If your restaurant operates 24/7 or you need guaranteed anytime support, Lavu’s comprehensive setup might be a better fit. On the other hand, if your business runs mainly during standard hours and you’re comfortable using self-service tools, Square could meet your needs.

Aspect	Lavu	Square
Uptime Rate	99.99% guaranteed	Not publicly specified
Emergency Response	24/7 dedicated line	Business hours support
System Monitoring	Continuous	Regular
Backup Systems	Cloud-based redundancy	Local and cloud backup
Support Coverage	All features included	Varies by plan

Conclusion: Picking the Right POS for Your Restaurant

Key Points to Remember

We’ve broken down the features, pricing, and usability of these POS systems to help you decide which one suits your restaurant best. Here’s how they stack up:

• Lavu is tailored for full-service restaurants, especially those looking to expand. Its specialized tools and detailed operational controls make it a great fit for established businesses with complex needs.
• Square, on the other hand, is a straightforward option for smaller setups like specialty stores. Its easy-to-use platform make it ideal for businesses just starting out.

To make your decision easier, consider these practical steps:

Factor to Evaluate	What to Do
Budget	Account for total expenses, including hardware, payment processing fees, and integrations.
Future Growth	Check if the system can handle your business’s growth over the next three years.
Tech Setup	Ensure compatibility with your current hardware and other tools.
Support	Confirm the system’s support hours align with your operating schedule.

Final Tips for Choosing Your POS System

Your choice ultimately depends on your restaurant’s size, stage, and needs:

• If you’re managing a growing restaurant with intricate operations, Lavu is worth the investment. Its advanced tools can help you handle busy service periods with ease.
• For new ventures, Square is a simpler, budget-friendly option. Its transparent pricing and user-friendly design make it easy to get started.

Before committing, take advantage of demos and test each system during your restaurant’s busiest times. This will give you a clear idea of how well it handles your day-to-day operations.

FAQs