Toast POS

Launched in 2013, Toast is a cloud-based POS system for Android tablets. Toast is specifically designed for merchant accounts in the restaurant industry and is built to be an all-in-one solution with integrated hardware and software for food service merchants. To this end, the company offers a bundled credit card processing service and cannot be paired with a third-party restaurant-focused payment processor, although the company will match a merchant’s existing rates.

In 2022, Toast acquired Sling (employee management software) and in 2023 they acquired Delphi Display Systems.

Point of Sale

Toast offers a range of point-of-sale (POS) devices, including desktop terminals, handheld systems, pay-at-the-table devices, kitchen displays, and self-ordering kiosks. These systems support in-store ordering, online ordering, takeout, delivery services, third-party delivery integration, back-of-house and back-office management, inventory management, multi-location management, payroll, and guest engagement.

Order Management

Toast POS excels in order management, allowing staff to quickly enter and modify orders based on customer requests. Orders can be sent directly to the kitchen from the table-side or counter.

Payment Processing

Toast POS provides a secure and efficient payment process, accepting various payment methods including credit and debit cards, mobile payments, and gift cards. The system also supports bill splitting and easy tipping.

Inventory Management

A key feature of Toast POS is its inventory management capability, which tracks ingredient usage in real-time.

Labor Management Services

Toast POS includes labor management tools that help restaurants schedule staff, monitor labor costs, and track employee hours.

Reporting and Analytics

Toast POS offers comprehensive reporting and analytics, providing insights into sales trends, menu performance, and customer preferences.

Online Ordering and Delivery

In response to the increasing demand for digital ordering and delivery services, Toast POS supports online ordering and delivery management.

Customer Relationship Management

Toast POS includes Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools that help businesses create loyalty programs, send targeted marketing campaigns, and offer gift cards.

Growing Complaint Total for Toast POS

At present, there are over 50 negative Toast reviews found on various platforms. While the number is notable, it doesn’t categorize Toast as a ripoff or a scam. Considering the company’s expansion, the volume of negative reviews isn’t disproportionately high. Common complaints highlight issues like high product costs, the need for frequent system restarts, difficulties with printer communication, and limited customer support. On the other hand, a substantial number of positive testimonials, including a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Google Play Store, offer a different perspective. Satisfied users often commend Toast for its affordable hardware, continuously evolving feature set, and user-friendly interface. Assessing all Toast POS reviews suggests that the experiences described in positive reviews currently provide a more comprehensive reflection of the product’s value. However, as Toast services a relatively niche market segment, the overall sentiment in reviews may evolve over time.

Toast POS Lawsuits

Toast faced a lawsuit in late 2022 concerning potential securities law violations. The outcome of this lawsuit is still pending. For those who prefer non-litigious means to address their grievances, it is recommended to report issues to the relevant supervisory organizations.

PaymentPop Rating for Toast POS

Toast POS BBB Rating

Toast POS currently has a “B” rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been BBB-accredited since July 2016. The company has received 171 complaints in less than three years of having a BBB profile, which is a massive uptick from our last review. 86 of these 171 complaints were resolved by the company to the satisfaction of the merchant. The remaining 85 were resolved to the dissatisfaction of the merchant or received no final response. Toast POS has a 1.31 out of 5 star rating based on 84 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.

Toast has also received 37 informal reviews. Only 2 of the reviews are positive. One recent review describes issues with the Toast pay card and customer service:

Clients should review the best providers for customer service before entering into any contract as well as the reputation of a company’s sales tactics.

A “B” Performance

Given Toast’s low complaint total and positive resolution record, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time.

Trustpilot Rating for Toast POS

Toast has a 3.2 out of 5 star rating based on 1,158 user reviews on Trustpilot.

Multiple Monthly Plans

Toast offers a standard monthly fee of $79 for its payment processing services, with an additional charge of $50 for each extra device running its software. Businesses on a larger scale are encouraged to discuss enterprise pricing options to reduce costs for additional devices. For those looking to purchase hardware, Toast provides starter bundles priced between $450 and $899, featuring 0% financing options. The company also offers installation services starting at $499. Additional features such as inventory management, gift cards and online ordering, and loyalty programs can be added for $75, $50, and $25, respectively.

Toast Credit Card Processing Fees

Clients incur per-transaction fees for credit card payments processed via Toast. The company claims to match the processing fees of a business’s current system if they decide to switch to Toast, yet specific rates are not listed on its website, challenging direct cost comparisons. Previously, Toast’s FAQ mentioned a transaction fee of 1.8% plus $0.15 for swiped transactions, a competitive rate among tablet-based POS providers. It’s essential to verify if this rate remains applicable.

One-Year Contracts

Due to the absence of specific per-transaction fee details on Toast’s website, it’s inferred that the company tailors its fees to the unique needs of each business based on size, type, and operational history. Toast guarantees rate matching for clients switching to their service, potentially preventing increased processing costs. Contracts with Toast auto-renew for one year, as seen in the merchant agreement available here, though the document does not define a standard contract duration.

No Contract Complaints

Currently, there are no public complaints specifically addressing the terms of Toast’s merchant account, suggesting general customer satisfaction with the company’s pricing and fee structure. If you possess details about the typical Toast contract, including any early termination or PCI compliance fees, sharing in the comments section could provide valuable insights for potential users.

Inside Sales Team

Toast POS primarily markets its service through referral partnerships, online advertising, and inbound sales. There is no evidence that the company employs a team of independently contracted sales reps at this time, which is consistent with other tech-forward POS providers. Toast lists its pricing tiers on its website, but it does not disclose its specific processing fees. There are no Toast POS reviews that describe misrepresentation or nondisclosure by Toast’s sales team, so it seems that its fees are fairly quoted at some point during signup.

No Deceptive Quotes

Toast does not publish the fees associated with its merchant account, which means that merchants likely won’t encounter any misleading rate quotes. Toast offers to match business’ current pricing when they switch to Toast. This option enables merchants to limit their exposure to hidden costs. If you suspect, however, that Toast is overcharging you, you can double-check your monthly bill with a third-party statement audit.

Toast is recognized as a dependable and cost-effective POS and credit card processing solution optimized for Android tablets. The platform is often commended for its affordability, particularly in terms of hardware costs, making it an accessible choice for small to mid-sized restaurants and cafes. Toast offers robust customer support that users find helpful and responsive, which is crucial for businesses that rely on continuous system uptime. The platform also continues to enhance its feature set, incorporating advanced order management, real-time reporting, and integrated online ordering capabilities, which significantly add to its appeal.

Our current rating for Toast reflects its strong market performance but remains open to adjustment as the company actively expands its services and market reach. Toast’s ongoing development and introduction of new features could further influence its standing in the industry. For businesses committed to using Apple devices for their POS needs, it is advisable to explore iPad-based POS systems, which may offer different advantages such as a wider range of apps and integrations tailored to the iOS ecosystem. These alternatives may better align with certain operational preferences or business models, especially in environments where Apple’s ecosystem is already entrenched.