Toast and Clover are two of the most heavily marketed restaurant POS systems in the country. And they’re both good products — with sophisticated features, large sales teams, and significant brand recognition. But the pricing model for both systems has layers that aren’t always clear at the point of sale (no pun intended).
This guide breaks down what you actually pay with these systems and how that compares to the bundled SpotrOS model.
The Toast Cost Structure
Toast’s pricing is tiered:
- Starter (free): $0/month for basic POS, but 2.99% + $0.15 processing rate — significantly above industry standard
- Point of Sale ($69/month): Drops processing to 2.49% + $0.15, but now you’re paying monthly
- Build Your Own ($110+/month): Adds online ordering, delivery management, and other modules — each priced separately
- Enterprise (quote-based): Multi-location pricing negotiated directly
Hardware is an additional cost: a Toast terminal runs $627 and up. A basic setup for one counter with a printer and cash drawer can easily run $1,500–$2,500 in hardware alone. Toast also has an early termination fee if you cancel before your 2-year contract is up.
Estimated annual cost for a single-location restaurant on Toast Point of Sale plan: $828 software + $3,600–$7,200 in processing fees (on $150k–$300k annual revenue) + hardware amortization = $5,000–$10,000+ per year.
The Clover Cost Structure
Clover’s pricing model is slightly different — and it varies significantly depending on which bank or ISO you get Clover through. This is one of the most confusing aspects of the Clover ecosystem.
- Clover hardware is sold by Clover directly and through thousands of resellers (banks, ISOs, agents)
- Processing rates vary by reseller — anywhere from 2.3% to 3.5%+ depending on who sold you the device
- Software plans range from $14.95/month (basic register) to $94.85/month (full restaurant plan)
- Clover devices are locked to their original payment processor — switching processors means buying new hardware
The processor lock-in is the biggest hidden cost with Clover. If you switch payment processors (to get a better rate), your hardware becomes a paperweight. You have to buy new devices.
Estimated annual cost for a single-location restaurant on Clover’s restaurant plan: $1,138 software + processing fees + hardware = $5,000–$12,000+ per year.
How the SpotrOS Model Is Different
SpotrOS operates on a fundamentally different model:
- No upfront hardware cost: Hardware is included in the monthly service bundle — no $1,500–$3,000 out of pocket on day one
- Dual pricing / cash discount program: Rather than charging you a processing fee, we help you implement a dual pricing program that passes card fees to card-paying customers. Many SpotrOS clients effectively eliminate their processing costs entirely.
- All-in-one bundle: POS, digital signage, and website services are bundled — not sold as separate modules with separate invoices
- Month-to-month flexibility: No long-term contracts with early termination fees
For a restaurant doing $200,000 in annual card revenue, eliminating a 2.6% processing fee saves $5,200 per year. That’s often more than the entire SpotrOS monthly service fee — meaning the system effectively pays for itself.
The Right Choice for Your Business
Toast and Clover are solid systems. If you’re already on one of them and happy, staying put may make sense. But if you’re evaluating options — especially if you’re opening a new location or signing your first POS contract — it’s worth understanding the full cost picture before you commit.
Get a free cost comparison from SpotrOS — we’ll show you exactly what your total annual cost would be with our system vs. what you’re currently paying.