Vend – Services, pricing, comparisons and reviews

Last updated on 26 June 2023

Vend by Lightspeed is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and retail management software designed to simplify sales, inventory management and customer engagement. This article provides a comprehensive review of the services, pricing, comparisons and reviews of Vend by Lightspeed.

Compare options for taking card payments
Video: Card readers and payment machines explained

Headline numbers

  • Used by over 25,000 retailers in 140+ countries
  • More than 300 million customers served
  • Processing over £10 billion in sales annually
  • Fees table for Vend by Lightspeed

Vend fees and charges

FeatureCost
EPOS system nameVend by Lightspeed
Contract length12 months
Terminal cost£49 to £89 per month, depending on the plan
Consumer card fees1.2% + 20p per transaction
Business card fees1.9% + 20p per transaction
Card not present (CNP) fees2.5% + 20p per transaction
Minimum monthly charge£49
Refund feesNo additional charge
Chargebacks£15 per instance
Replacement reader£59
Receipt rolls£12.99 for a pack of 20
Paper billing (optional)Not available
PCI complianceIncluded
Early terminationNo early termination fees, monthly contracts can be cancelled any time
Vend fees and charges

Company information

DetailData
Founded (date, location)2010, Auckland, New Zealand
Website URLwww.vendhq.com
Phone number+64 9 886 5682
FSCS protected?No
FCA regulated?No
Vend company information

Pros and cons of Vend

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Extensive integrations with e-commerce platforms
  • Robust inventory management features

Cons:

  • High cost for premium features
  • Limited customisation options
  • Reports could be more detailed

Vend products and services

Vend POS

A comprehensive cloud-based POS system that helps streamline retail operations. Features include sales, inventory management, customer profiles, and analytics. Pricing ranges from £49 to £89 per month, per register, depending on the chosen plan.

Vend E-commerce

This is an integrated e-commerce platform allowing for seamless online and in-store operations. It includes product listing, stock control, and order management. Pricing is included in the Vend POS packages.

Vend Reporting and Insights

Vend’s Reporting and Insights tools provide valuable data to businesses. They offer detailed analytics and real-time reporting on sales, products, and staff performance, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions. This is included within all Vend POS packages.

Vend Customer Management

This feature helps businesses manage customer relationships effectively. It enables the creation of customer profiles, tracks purchase histories, and manages loyalty programmes. This feature is included within all Vend POS packages.

Vend Multi-Outlet Retail

For businesses with multiple locations, Vend’s Multi-Outlet Retail feature offers comprehensive support for managing all stores from a single account, making it easy to track inventory, sales, and customers across all locations. Pricing is included in the Vend Pro and Enterprise POS packages.

Vend On-the-Go

Vend On-the-Go allows businesses to sell anywhere, anytime, from any device. It offers a mobile POS system that integrates with the rest of Vend’s services, providing flexibility and convenience for businesses. Pricing is included in all Vend POS packages.

Vend reviews

SourceRating
TrustPilot4.3/5
Google Reviews4.1/5
Reviews.io3.8/5
Average4.07/5
Vend reviews

Alternatives to Vend

Competitors to Vend by Lightspeed in the POS market include Square, Shopify, and Epos Now. All these alternatives also offer POS and inventory management systems, with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Additional considerations

Before choosing Vend by Lightspeed, businesses should consider the scale and nature of their operations, as well as their budget and specific needs. While Vend offers a comprehensive range of features, it may not be cost-effective for smaller businesses.

Vend company history

Vend was founded in 2010 in New Zealand, aiming to simplify retail management for businesses of all sizes. In 2021, the company was acquired by Lightspeed, a global leader in cloud-based commerce platforms, further enhancing its product offering and global reach.

FAQ

Is Vend by Lightspeed suitable for small businesses?

Yes, Vend offers plans suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Does Vend integrate with other software?

Yes, Vend integrates with numerous other applications, including e-commerce platforms and payment providers.

Can I use Vend on mobile devices?

Yes, Vend is compatible with various devices, including iPads, Macs, and PCs.

How does Vend handle inventory management?

Vend offers a robust inventory management system that allows retailers to easily add, remove and adjust stock levels. It also supports product variations like size, colour, and material, and allows for easy import and export of product lists.

Can Vend support multiple store locations?

Yes, Vend allows you to manage multiple store locations from a single account. You can track inventory, sales, and customers across all your locations.

What customer support options does Vend offer?

Vend offers a range of customer support options, including 24/7 phone and online support, a comprehensive online resource library, and onboarding assistance for new customers.

Is there a contract or minimum term for using Vend?

Vend offers both monthly and annual billing options. While there’s no minimum term for using Vend, you can save money by opting for the annual plan.

Does Vend offer a trial period?

Yes, Vend offers a 14-day free trial that allows you to test the platform before making a commitment.

Can I use my own hardware with Vend?

Yes, Vend is compatible with a wide range of point-of-sale hardware, allowing you to use your existing equipment. However, it’s important to check the specific hardware requirements on the Vend website to ensure compatibility.

Compare ⓘ

Reviewed by , Managing Director

Important

Business Financed provides general information, but not financial advice. Always speak to a qualified expert to get personalised advice for your business.

Advertising disclosure

We may be paid a commission by our FCA-regulated partners when you click on the links in our articles. This does not affect our independent journalism.

Learn more

You can learn more about how this website operates by clicking here.