Operating a business today requires more than simply offering great products. You also need the correct tools. Shopify, and Lightspeed are two of the most common platforms for selling both online and in a physical store.
Both provide point-of-sale (POS) systems and inventory management, among other features. But they’re for different kinds of businesses. Some tools make you grow faster.
Still others facilitate the everyday work. It all depends on your needs. Let’s compare the two companies’ offerings in this Shopify vs Lightspeed post. This will allow you to determine which is best for the business with Shopify vs Lightspeed.
Ease Of Setup And Use
Shopify’s ease of setup continues to shine. Anyone — even a complete novice with no experience — can open a shop in a single day. It takes users through the process, each step of which is a screen, with helpful information presented in a series of tips.
No coding is required. Business owners can now spend time selling instead of dealing with tech. Lightspeed, however, is not as quick to set up. Its capabilities are profound and can seem intricate initially. It’s best suited for people with some tech experience, or those willing to learn.
For the dashboard, Shopify takes the prize yet again. Its design is sharp, simple, and easy to read. Adding products, following sales and everything in between is a few clicks away.
Lightspeed comes with even more sophisticated tools, although the menu might seem cramped. Some users may require training to use it effectively. If we go by who’s faster and easier though, Shopify is definitely the best in this department.
Features That Drive Sales
Shopify was designed for eCommerce. It provides some awesome tools for increasing sales online. You can include product reviews, upsell recommendations and marketing apps with ease.
It’s also compatible with 100+ payment gateways. It means customers can pay for your product the way they want to, which means more sales for you.
Lightspeed is more powerful for physical stores. Its features are better suited to restaurants and retail businesses. This contains advanced inventory management, customer profiles and custom workflows.
This makes it easier to upsell and provide customer service in the store. Although it does accommodate eCommerce, its internet tools are not as nimble as Shopify’s.
If your primary concern is e-commerce, Shopify provides more depth. If you’re helping people in person make their purchases, Lightspeed helps you do it better. It just matters how you sell it.
Management Of Both Inventory And Product
Content management Shopify offers something more basic for their products. You can organize categories, price and track stock. It refreshes inventory in real time. And if a person does buy something online, that shows up instantly. This avoids overselling.
Lightspeed goes deeper. It enables more complicated product options, such as bundles and serial numbers. You can create rules by which the stack will be reordered.
You can even track inventory across multiple stores. This works well for expanding retail shops or restaurants with a lot of locations. Shopify works best for businesses in search of slightly less complex inventory.
It saves time and hassle. Lightspeed is more suited for businesses with a lot of products to manage or particular tracking demands. The answer depends upon how you handle your stock.
Cost And Pricing Plans
Like the QuickBooks Solution Provider, there are three top pricing plans provided by Shopify. Each one adds extra features as you spend more. Basic is good for newbies. The upper levels come with deeper reports and lower fees for payment. There’s also Shopify Plus for large businesses.
You also have to pay for Lightspeed in stages. It has separate ones for retailers and restaurant operators. All include features such as staff management, reporting and loyalty programs. But it generally has a higher starting price than Shopify does. Some tools also require paid add-ons.
Shopify offers more flexibility across different budgets. Its offerings cater to the requirements of small to large businesses. Lightspeed can provide more in some areas, but it is frequently more expensive. Before you settle on it, compare the tools you need.
Conclusion
Both Shopify and Lightspeed have solid business-running platforms. Shopify is the right choice for online merchants and those who prefer easy-to-use tools. Lightspeed is better suited for stores and restaurants with more complex needs.
It helps you micromanage your staff and inventory. Consider how and where you sell. And think about your budget and your comfort using tech tools. There are advantages to each platform.
Picking the best can save you time, reduce your stress, and accelerate your business’s growth. Take your time to try out both and use the one that feels best.
