Choosing the right POS is key to any business. Shopify vs TouchBistro is a common debate for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations. Here’s the full comparison to help you decide.
I’ve used these systems for multiple clients, trained many staff members and even used them in my own businesses.
So, let’s get into the world of POS systems.
Quick Verdict
If you want the TL;DR version here it is: I generally recommend Shopify POS for most businesses. It’s versatile, user friendly and integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s e-commerce platform.
But TouchBistro has found a sweet spot in the restaurant industry. If you’re running a food service business and don’t need e-commerce then TouchBistro might be your golden ticket.
Shopify vs Touchbistro: Pros and Cons
Shopify Pros and Cons
Pros 👍
- E-commerce tools.
- Multi-channel selling.
- User friendly.
Cons 👎
- More expensive for advanced features.
- Limited restaurant features.
TouchBistro Pros and Cons
Pros 👍
- Designed for restaurants.
- Table and menu management.
- Great support.
Cons 👎
- Limited e-commerce.
- More expensive for multiple locations.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an ecommerce platform for businesses of all sizes. It has all the tools to help entrepreneurs set up, manage and grow their online stores. Easy to use and feature rich, Shopify is the go to choice for retailers looking to expand and streamline their operations.
Shopify Features
Ecommerce Integration
Shopify is e-commerce integration heaven. Create a fully functional online store with custom themes, secure payment gateways and mobile optimised design. Manage all your online sales from one place.
Inventory Management
Inventory management is a breeze with Shopify. Real time tracking, automatic updates and reporting. Keep track of stock levels, avoid overselling and make informed purchasing decisions.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Shopify’s CRM tools help you manage customer interactions. Track purchase history, send targeted marketing campaigns and provide personalized shopping experiences to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Multi-channel Selling
Shopify supports multi-channel selling. Sell across multiple platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Amazon and eBay. Reach more customers and tap into different markets.
Analytics and Reporting
Detailed analytics and reporting is available in Shopify. Monitor sales performance, track customer behaviour and generate reports to get insights into your business.
Shopify Pricing
Shopify has several pricing plans to suit different business needs. Here’s a breakdown:
- Basic Shopify: $29/month – For new businesses.
- Shopify: $79/month – For growing businesses.
- Advanced Shopify: $299/month – For scaling businesses with advanced needs.
Additional fees apply for transaction fees, credit card rates and app charges. Each plan has its own features and limitations so choose the one that suits your business goals.
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Shopify Integrations
Shopify has a vast number of integrations with third party apps. Some popular ones are:
- Mailchimp for email marketing.
- QuickBooks for accounting.
- Oberlo for dropshipping.
And an API for custom integrations so you can tailor the platform to your business needs.
Shopify Support
Shopify has great support through:
- 24/7 live chat
- Email support
- Phone support
The support team is super responsive and helpful. Plus Shopify has extensive documentation, tutorials and a community forum to help you out.
TouchBistro Overview
TouchBistro is a POS system for the restaurant and food service industry. It has features tailored to the needs of restaurants so it’s the go to choice for food service businesses looking to streamline their operations.
TouchBistro Features
Table Management
TouchBistro’s table management allows restaurants to arrange tables, manage reservations and track table status in real time. Table turnover and customer satisfaction will be improved.
Menu Management
Menu management is a breeze with TouchBistro. Update menu items, change prices and create specials. The system also has customizable menu layouts so you can present your offerings to customers.
Staff Management
TouchBistro has robust staff management tools. Schedule shifts, track hours and manage payroll effortlessly. Reduce administrative tasks and smooth staff operations.
Payment Processing
TouchBistro’s payment processing is comprehensive. It supports credit cards, debit cards and mobile payments. Secure and fast transactions.
Reporting and Analytics
TouchBistro has reporting and analytics to help restaurants make informed decisions. Track sales, monitor inventory and analyse customer behaviour. These insights will help you optimise operations and increase profit.
TouchBistro Pricing
TouchBistro has several pricing plans for different types of restaurants:
- Solo: $69/month – For single location restaurants.
- Dual: $129/month – For small chains or medium sized restaurants.
- Team: $249/month – For larger restaurants with multiple locations.
Additional fees may apply for hardware, integrations and premium support. Each plan has a set of core features for restaurant management.
TouchBistro Integrations
TouchBistro has integrations to extend its functionality. Some popular ones are:
- QuickBooks for accounting.
- 7shifts for staff scheduling.
- Square for payment processing.
And an API for custom integrations so you can tailor the POS to your business needs.
TouchBistro Support
TouchBistro has great support:
- 24/7 live chat
- Email support
- Phone support
The support team is knowledgeable about restaurant operations. TouchBistro also has extensive documentation, video tutorials and a community forum to help you out.
Read more:
Shopify vs TouchBistro Comparison
Features
When comparing Shopify vs TouchBistro, you need to look at the features each has. Shopify is great for ecommerce so it’s perfect for retail businesses looking to go online. It has inventory management, multi-channel selling and CRM.
TouchBistro is for restaurants. Its features like table management, menu management and staff scheduling are designed for restaurant operations.
Pricing
Shopify has several pricing plans from $29 to $299 per month for different business sizes and needs. TouchBistro’s pricing is slightly different with plans starting at $69 per month for single location restaurants.
The choice between Shopify and TouchBistro depends on your business needs. For e-commerce and retail, Shopify is the better value. For restaurants, TouchBistro’s features justify the price.
User Experience
Both Shopify and TouchBistro have user friendly interfaces. Shopify’s setup is easy and dashboard is intuitive so retailers can manage their online store easily.
TouchBistro also has an interface designed for restaurant staff. Table management and menu customisation is easy to use so restaurant operations are smooth.
Support Comparison
Support is a big factor when choosing a POS. Shopify has 24/7 support via chat, email and phone and is known for fast and helpful responses.
TouchBistro has 24/7 support via similar channels. The support team is especially knowledgeable about restaurant specific issues which is a big plus for food service businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better for small business, Shopify or TouchBistro?
It depends on your business. Shopify is better for small retail business and those that focus on e-commerce. TouchBistro is for small restaurants and food service business.
Can I use Shopify for restaurants?
Shopify can be used for online orders and retail part of a restaurant but it doesn’t have restaurant specific features like table management and menu customisation which is available in TouchBistro.
Does TouchBistro integrate with Shopify?
Yes, TouchBistro can integrate with Shopify through third party apps so restaurants can manage both online and offline sales.
How do I choose between Shopify and TouchBistro?
Assess your business needs. If you’re a retailer or e-commerce business, Shopify is the better choice. For restaurants and food service business, TouchBistro has more relevant features.
Are there any extra fees with Shopify or TouchBistro?
Both have transparent pricing but extra fees can be transaction fees, payment processing fees and fees for premium integrations or support.
Shopify vs TouchBistro: Final Verdict
After years of testing both systems, if I had to choose one, I'd go with Shopify POS for most businesses. Its versatility, ease of use, and integration with a robust e-commerce platform make it a winner in my book. The pricing structure is more straightforward, and you get a lot of value even with the basic plan.
That said, if you're running a full-service restaurant and don't need e-commerce capabilities, TouchBistro is worth a serious look. Its restaurant-specific features are impressive and could streamline your operations significantly.
Remember, though, that this is just my opinion based on my experiences. Every business is unique, and what works best for one might not be ideal for another. I always recommend taking advantage of free trials (both Shopify and TouchBistro offer them) before making a final decision.
In the end, both Shopify POS and TouchBistro are solid options that can help take your business to the next level. The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term business goals. Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your vision for your business's future.
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