Lavu POS Review

Pros

• Highly niche food industry features
• Easy to customize POS solution
• Open API access

Cons

• Extra fee to use a third-party payment processor
• Frequent software glitches
• No pricing transparency

What Is Lavu POS?

Lavu POS is a restaurant POS system offering an á la carte mix-and-match POS solution so that restaurant owners of all sizes can get only the features they need.

With open API access, business owners with some developer knowledge can connect Lavu to several third-party apps and add tons of custom functionalities to this POS system.

Lavu POS Pricing

Lavu offers three pricing plans ranging from $59/month - $388/month, with the ability to add specific options. One area where Lavu loses points for us is in its lack of transparency about its pricing plans. It’s difficult to receive a quote and plans can vary wildly, which makes it hard for us to recommend Lavu with full confidence.

All plans come with one register included. All plans also include the built-in payment processor Lavu Pay and Dual Pricing (cash discount program) capabilities. You will have to sign a contract for 3 years when signing up for any of the following plans.

The lack of transparency makes it hard for us to attest to whether or not Lavu is competitive when it comes to the price of restaurant POS systems.

Lavu POS Starter Plan

The Lavu POS Starter plan includes:

• POS terminal
• Lavu Pay
• Dual Pricing capability
• Real-time reporting app (Lavu Pilot)
• Loyalty program app (Lavu Loyalty)
• Team management
• Inventory management
• Reporting
• Bluetooth scale plug-in
• 24/7 customer support

Lavu POS Growth Plan

The Growth plan includes everything in the Starter plan, plus:

• Gift card capabilities
• MenuDrive online ordering system
• DoorDash delivery integration
• QR code ordering and payments
• Open API access (so you can connect any third-party software to your POS)

Lavu POS Optimize Plan

The Optimize plan includes everything in the Growth plan, plus:

• Tableside ordering for up to five devices
• Kitchen display system (KDS)
• Sourcery accounts payable automation software
• QuickBooks/Xero integration

Extra Lavu POS Costs & Fees

Lavu is a highly customizable solution with á la carte add-ons. The idea is for you to tailor your solution to your needs. There may be times when the price of an add-on is high enough that it makes more sense to just upgrade your monthly plan instead of paying the extra expense.

Best Suited For…

Lavu is suitable for businesses that need affordable, niche features and integrations. With both the open API access and existing third-party app integrations, Lavu is best suited for restaurants looking for flexibility and features they just can’t find with other POS systems.

If you’re a business that needs to be able to work offline — like a food truck or caterer — Lavu isn’t going to be the best pick for you due to its lack of offline capabilities. The price for the monthly add-ons can grow quickly. Businesses either just starting out or on a shoestring budget might want to look elsewhere for their POS needs.

Lavu POS Features

Lavu caters to several restaurant niches, which is why Lavu’s software offers the following features:

Here’s a breakdown of Lavu’s standout features.

Third-Party App Integrations

Lavu currently has dozens of third-party app integrations available, including the following popular restaurant apps:

• Accounting: QuickBooks, Restaurant365, Shogo, Paychex, Xero, ADP
• Payment Processing & Ordering: Up’n Go, CheckPlease
• Loyalty: OpenTable, LoyaltyMatch, Pepper
• Online Ordering: Chowly, DoorDash, EZ-Chow, Otter, Grubhub, Uber Eats, FlipDish, Checkmate, Open Dining
• Liquor & Beer Control Systems: Bar-i Liquid Accounting, Digital Pour
• Restaurant Management: Marketman, CheddarSuite
• Employee Management: Dolce, Gusto
• Inventory Management: Sourcery

Lavu also offers open API access (an additional $30/month on the Starter plan, included in higher pricing plans), so you can integrate any third-party app you’d like into your POS.

In-Store Features

Some of the best features Lavu POS has to offer for in-store use include:

• Full Cash Management: Track incoming and outgoing cash flow for non-sale items like petty cash, paying the band, etc. Credit card tips are automatically tracked and subtracted from the till count for end-of-day reporting.
• Integrated Scale: Lavu’s scale makes it easy for frozen yogurt shops and deli owners to charge by weight instead of item.
• Gift Card Management: It’s easy to sell and redeem gift cards through Lavu Gift, which can be used with or without credit card integration.
• Hold & Fire: This feature allows servers to set unique hold times on an item-by-item basis from the Order Screen or send items for immediate firing to the kitchen.
• Digital Menu Boards: Create eye-catching, easy-to-change menus that make it easy for customers to order at the counter.
• Customer-Facing Display: This allows customers to see their order as you’re ringing them up, pay, and sign a digital receipt — all without you having to flip the screen around. This cuts down on mistakes and awkward lost time during your order-taking process.
• Kiosks: The Lavu Kiosk add-on allows you to set up additional iPads for self-service. It does, however, require that you use the PayPal payment gateway and the PayPal Here Chip and Tap Reader for payment processing.
• Tableside Functionality: Servers can travel to and from tables without needing to stop in between to send orders to the kitchen via a shared computer. Lavu POS syncs wirelessly to the kitchen and allows for increased mobility.
• Customizable Table Layout & Menus: Create specific multiroom layouts with the ability to assign seats and course numbers to make it look like your actual restaurant versus a basic list or graph.
• Order Taking Modes: Switch between Table (best for full-service restaurants), Tab (best for bars), and Quick Serve (best for fast food and cafes) layouts depending on your needs. Assign customer receipts and orders for the kitchen to specific printers. Combine multiple orders while still maintaining separate checks.

An example of the Quick Serve check splitting feature available through Lavu POS

Menu Management

These features make Lavu a great option for both in-restaurant and online ordering:

• Custom Modifiers: When a customer orders through your (customizable) digital menu, they are walked through multiple modifiers (gluten-free, remove condiments, steak preference, etc.) that can be created quickly and make ordering easier for your customers and staff.
• Custom Discounts: Order too many potatoes this week? Push items that use potatoes by creating custom discounts for specific items or tabs. You can also create access levels for certain types of discounts, which makes it easy for your staff to add quick discounts without needing a manager’s approval.
• Secondary Detours: If a customer selects a “forced” modifier option like “Salad”, you can customize a secondary detour to trigger like “salad dressing”.
• Pizza Creator: Similar to the secondary detour, if you choose this add-on app, a customer will be redirected to the creator after clicking “pizza”. They can then choose crust type, size, and toppings all on one screen. This app also assists with easy cooking, pricing, and delivery for pizza shops.

Tech Features

Lavu implemented these features to make your life easier as a restaurant owner:

• Kitchen Display System (KDS): Lavu allows you to sync a customizable, fully integrated KDS system. Give your kitchen staff real-time updates and help your servers manage expectations with accurate order times.
• Lavu Pilot: This free iPhone dashboard app allows you to monitor basic POS data, including labor reports, in real time. You can also use this app to compare your current reports with last year’s.
• Lavu Local Server (LLS): This server works as an in-house backup in case you use your wireless connection with the cloud. The LLS connects to your router using an Ethernet cable so you can still operate your POS during a power outage. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to process credit cards during this downtime and the system is not designed to handle prolonged usage without a wireless connection.
• Lavu Loyalty: This add-on mobile customer loyalty app allows frequent customers to earn rewards based on accumulation of points. It can also help encourage your less frequent customers to return with special discounts and deals.

General Restaurant Management

• Employee Management: Employees can clock in and out using either the main countertop iPad or one you specify for employee use in the break room using their unique ID numbers. You can then calculate employee overtime/double time based on daily, weekly, and holiday hours.
• Inventory Management: Along with creating purchase orders/invoices, Lavu POS allows you to mass import your inventory which will save you considerable time. You can track inventory by individual ingredients or complete dishes. Plus, you can manage inventory levels from both the back office and the front-end register.
• Multi-Location Management: Lavu allows you to maintain multiple tax profiles, inventories, menus, discounts, reporting groups, manager groups, user groups, restrictions, and more per location.
• Routing & Delivery Management: This add-on allows you to easily create orders, assign drivers, mark deliveries as completed, and track your customer’s information. Routing features will group two or more orders and determine the most efficient route for your drivers to take with turn-by-turn directions.
• Accounting: Lavu’s in-house accounting app integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero.

Ease Of Use

Lavu has a sleek, attractive interface that’s largely user-friendly. The front end has all the shiny appeal of a well-made iOS app: modern-looking, responsive, and fluid in its execution. The learning curve is a little steeper than that of some other iPad restaurant POS systems, but generally, you should be able to learn all the features in a day or two.

The back end is accessible via any web browser and is laid out well with persistent menus across the side of the window. Upon first logging into the back office, Lavu’s Guided Setup presents you with an extensive step-by-step guide to quickly get you up to speed. It’s a nice feature, as your first time through may take some time and concentration; Lavu is not quite as intuitive as some other systems. However, once the Guided Setup has held your hand through the process, it will be a lot easier to use.

Customer Service & Support

Lavu offers a wide variety of support options for Lavu users.

• Phone Support: Phone support is available 24/7 for all Lavu users.
• Email Support: Another form of 24/7 support, you can email a representative at the support email address.
• Live Chat: Live chat is accessible from anywhere on the Lavu site. Like most live chats, you’re unlikely to get in touch with someone immediately, but you can close out of the chat window, and your question will automatically become a support ticket, which will get answered over email.
• Free Restaurant Guides & Tools: Lavu’s free resources include a POS system buyer’s guide, cash discounting, and dual pricing guide, tips for improving operations, restaurant business plan outlines, and other helpful guides for new and experienced business owners alike.
• Knowledge Base: The Lavu support page consists of FAQs, articles on new features, and various troubleshooting and how-to articles. You also have the option to submit a specific request for support from Lavu’s customer service team.
• YouTube: The company’s well-developed YouTube channel has a multitude of comprehensive videos on everything from basic settings to printer setups.
• Blog: Lavu’s blog is updated frequently and not just with nonsense chatter: Legitimate things are happening with the company, and its growth is well documented there.
• Onboarding Help: You can receive direct onboarding assistance through Lavu, as well as help with installation. They can help with hardware setup, staff training, and menu building.
• Social Media: Of course, there are obligatory Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, and LinkedIn presences.

Payment Processing With Lavu POS

Lavu offers a built-in payment processing solution, Lavu Pay. You must request a rate quote to get an idea of your payment processing fees.

You may choose not to use Lavu Pay, but you will pay extra to do so. Shop around and get some other quotes before approaching Lavu. You may find that the difference in payment processing fees is well worth paying the extra money.

Lavu directly integrates with third-party payment processors, such as BridgePay, Heartland, PayPal, Square, and Moneris.

You will not find Lavu’s payment processing fees anywhere on its site. Its model is the Dual Pricing program, which allows it to eliminate most credit card fees. If you choose not to take advantage of Dual Pricing, you will be looking at fees for every card transaction you process through Lavu Pay.

Lavu POS Contract & Commitment

All Lavu plans require a contract of 3 years. Lavu offers an “industry-leading risk-free satisfaction guarantee,” which has mixed reviews among users.

If your account has no activity for 180 days, Lavu reserves the right to suspend or deactivate your account without notice. Lavu offers no refunds for software subscriptions. You will be automatically charged for another subscription period unless you call a customer support representative.

If Lavu increases pricing during your subscription period, you will be automatically charged a higher subscription price upon account renewal.

You may request a refund for the purchase of any Lavu hardware for up to 30 days after receiving the product.

If you do not report a discrepancy or unusual activity within seven days of the date of the occurrence, Lavu is not liable for the activity.

The company may suspend or terminate your account if Lavu cannot process your subscription payment.

Lavu POS Reviews

Lavu has overall positive reviews, but like any product, there are negative reviews and unfavorable experiences users report.

Here is what Lavu users have to say about the product.

Negative Lavu POS Reviews & Complaints

• Shutdowns During Peak Times: Multiple customers complained of occasional system outages/shutdowns, which interrupted their business and cost them money. To be fair to Lavu, all internet-based POS systems are prone to occasional shutdowns. You can avoid losing sales during these times by having a backup server or an alternate way to take credit card payments.
• Costly Glitches & Accounting Errors: Some common glitches and errors include incorrect overtime calculation, items dropped from tickets, customers over or under-billed, issues with tips (such as gratuities being added twice), and discrepancies between the credit card report from Lavu and the credit card batch report from the credit card company. Some unhappy customers also said Lavu’s end-of-day batching process doesn’t always occur.
• Tedious Processes: Some Lavu users report that inventory and other back-office functionalities are tedious or clunky. There are also complaints from users about a long check-out process and updates that cause the software to run slower.

Positive Lavu POS Reviews & Testimonials

• Great For Line Busting: Gone are the days when you have a line of people at the register waiting to pay and leave. Because everything is totaled up in the system and the POS is entirely mobile, business owners say that service runs much faster and more smoothly.
• Ease Of Use: Many reviewers note how easy Lavu is to use and how this has allowed for greater accuracy, faster service, enhanced customer satisfaction, and a better overall experience. While several reviewers note that Lavu has a somewhat moderate learning curve, they say it is easy to work with once you learn the features.
• Good Customer Service: Though some reviewers complain about the level of customer support, others praise it, describing the support staff as friendly, knowledgeable, and patient.
• Frequent Updates: Many issues customers have reported in the past, such as inadequate inventory features and lack of an offline mode, have been addressed with software updates. It’s always a good sign when companies truly support their product and work hard to fix, add, and improve features.
• Global Reach: Lavu has 26 language packs and a dedicated Spanish version of the POS. Lavu also has built-in currency conversion and international offices in Mexico and India.

Getting Started With Lavu POS

Starting on a plan with Lavu POS is about as easy as it gets. When you visit the website, you’ll see the option to get a free demo or get a quote.

To receive a custom quote, you don’t have to give more than your contact information, but we’d recommend filling out the number of terminals, monthly card transaction volume, and restaurant name to make sure your quote is as accurate as possible.

The free demo is a meeting with a Lavu sales representative where you can share your business goals and get a comprehensive walkthrough of the features that best fit your needs. You can also use this demo to ask questions, get a customized quote, and learn more about Lavu’s support services.

Alternatives To Lavu POS

Square and Lightspeed are some of the best-known restaurant POS systems in the game. Let’s go over the differences between them and Lavu.

Lavu POS VS Square

Square is arguably the most popular low-cost, low-commitment POS system for restaurant, retail, and service-based businesses. Compared to Lavu, Square offers a free plan and app that is easy to use and has a large number of add-on features available for a low price. Square is going to be a better option for businesses looking to save money. Square for Restaurants is a great option if you’re looking for a versatile POS system with a built-in payment processor for little to no cost. Square is also extremely transparent and upfront about any fees you may have to pay when using its services.

There are a couple of areas where Lavu POS beats out Square. While both POS systems only include their loyalty programs as paid add-ons, Lavu POS is much less expensive. Users also commonly report fund holds from Square that disrupt their business dealings and keep money tied up for long periods, whereas Lavu POS doesn’t have the same problems reported.

Lavu POS VS Lightspeed

Lightspeed is another great restaurant and retail business POS system. With an advanced reporting system, B2B and B2C customer management, a customizable loyalty program, and an open API for software integrations, Lightspeed Restaurant POS is a force to be reckoned with.

However, Lightspeed is expensive when compared with Lavu unless you have a multitude of add-ons. Its proprietary hardware can get pricey for business owners as well. There are also issues reported with poor customer service and software glitches that take too long to solve. Lavu POS has a leg up on Lightspeed in this regard because of the smaller user base.

Final Verdict Of Lavu POS

Both small and mid-sized restaurants can benefit from Lavu’s numerous features, many of which cater to niche restaurants such as frozen yogurt shops and cafeterias. If there’s something more you’re looking for from Lavu, chances are the company is actively working on it. Plus, with open API access, innovative business owners can create what they need themselves. This makes Lavu POS one of the best restaurant POS systems.

Lavu POS is also one of the best quick-serve POS systems because of the customizable fast-casual user interface, designed so that employees can take orders very quickly. Also, Lavu offers numerous customer-centric add-ons, such as self-serve kiosks and the Lavu ToGo takeout app, to get people in and out of the door as fast as possible.

Restaurant POS Review Methodology

We evaluate and test each software system that we review at Merchant Maverick, placing special emphasis on certain key software characteristics in order to generate our granular product ratings.

For restaurant POS software in particular, we have a 56-point rubric we use to evaluate the system in terms of its pricing, ease of use, features, and user reviews. These points are based on attributes relevant to the restaurant or foodservice POS niche—such as the availability of features like online ordering, ingredient inventory, table management, tipping, and others.

Our rating system also takes into account attributes that are desirable for POS systems and cloud-based software in general, such as the availability of monthly pricing plans, free trials, and transparent software contracts.

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Square is an industry-leading point-of-sale and payment processing provider. Sign up for a free account and get a complimentary card reader for use with Square POS. Start For Free.