Choosing between Vend and Cloud Retailer for your business? Both are popular retail solutions, but they serve different needs. Vend starts at $89/month and is Cloud retail POS now integrated into Lightspeed., while Cloud Retailer starts at $69/month and is Cloud POS for convenience and liquor stores. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: Vend vs Cloud Retailer
| Feature | Vend | Cloud Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Retail | Retail |
| Starting Price | $89/month | $69/month |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility | Convenience stores and liquor stores |
Vend Overview
Vend, now part of Lightspeed Retail, is a cloud-based retail POS offering inventory management, customer loyalty, and multi-store capabilities. Known for ease of use and works on iPad, Mac, and PC.
Vend is offered by Lightspeed Commerce (founded 2010) based in Auckland, New Zealand. The system focuses on Retail, Fashion, Electronics, Home Goods.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based POS
- Inventory management
- Customer loyalty
- Multi-store support
- eCommerce integration
- Reporting
Cloud Retailer Overview
Cloud Retailer is a cloud-based POS system for convenience stores, liquor stores, and small retailers. Features inventory management, age verification, and lottery integration.
Cloud Retailer is offered by Cloud Retailer (founded 2015) based in United States. The system focuses on Convenience Stores, Liquor Stores.
Key Features:
- Cloud POS
- Inventory
- Age Verification
- Lottery Integration
- Tobacco Scan Data
- Reporting
Feature Comparison
Vend Features:
- Cloud-based POS
- Inventory management
- Customer loyalty
- Multi-store support
- eCommerce integration
Cloud Retailer Features:
- Cloud POS
- Inventory
- Age Verification
- Lottery Integration
- Tobacco Scan Data
When comparing features, Vend stands out with Multi-platform (iPad/Mac/PC), while Cloud Retailer differentiates itself with C-store expertise. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Vend | Cloud Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $89/month | $69/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Free Trial | Available | Available |
| Free Version | No | No |
Both systems offer competitive pricing for their respective feature sets. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Vend
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Works on any device
- Strong inventory features
- Good customer support
- Now backed by Lightspeed
Cons:
- Limited restaurant features
- Pricing increased after Lightspeed acquisition
- eCommerce requires add-on
Cloud Retailer
Pros:
- C-store specialization
- Age verification built-in
- Lottery features
- Cloud flexibility
Cons:
- Niche market
- Less known brand
- Limited reviews
Who Should Choose Vend?
Vend is ideal for Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Fashion, Electronics, Home Goods.
However, Vend may not be the best fit for Restaurants, large enterprises.
Who Should Choose Cloud Retailer?
Cloud Retailer is ideal for Convenience stores and liquor stores. The system is particularly well-suited for Convenience Stores, Liquor Stores.
However, Cloud Retailer may not be the best fit for Restaurants or general retail.
Our Recommendation
Both Vend and Cloud Retailer are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Vend if you’re Retail stores wanting easy setup and multi-device flexibility. Choose Cloud Retailer if you’re Convenience stores and liquor stores. Vend has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.1). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.