We are grateful to the retailers who have switched from Lightspeed Commerce POS software to our Tower Systems POS software. Enquiries have increased, for which we are also grateful. Many of these conversations stem from a common point of friction: a shift in how some software providers are structuring their fees and payment processing requirements.
At Tower Systems, we believe in transparency – see our approach to pricing for a good example of this. To be clear, we have never used Lightspeed ourselves, and we don’t spend our time dissecting their code. We can’t offer a feature-by-feature technical breakdown of their software versus ours. However, we can speak to the fundamental differences in business philosophy, and how those differences can impact the bottom line of an independent retail business.
If you are currently using Lightspeed POS software in your shop and evaluating your POS options, here is what we believe sets Tower Systems apart as a viable alternative.
1. Payment independence vs. transaction fees
The most significant feedback we hear from Lightspeed users relates to “Lightspeed Payments.” By integrating their own payment platform, the software provider takes a percentage of every sale you make.
Tower systems has offered POS software integrated payments for close to 20 years. BUT, with us you can choose the payments platform that best suits your needs.
From our perspective, your POS provider shouldn’t be a “silent partner” in your revenue. We view a per-transaction fee as a tax on your growth—the more successful you become, the more you pay them.
The Tower Approach: We have no requirement regarding which payment platform you use. You are free to negotiate the best possible rate with your bank or any third-party provider (we’ve seen customers secure rates at 1% or lower). We don’t take a cut of your sales. We believe our job is to develop great software, not to clip the ticket on your hard-earned turnover.
2. Built for the specialist, not the “Big Box”
Lightspeed has publicly stated they target businesses with significant annual turnovers (often cited around US$500,000). Their trajectory suggests a focus on larger entities and franchise networks.
At Tower Systems, our focus remains exactly where it started: local, independent specialty retailers. We serve niche markets like:
Jewellers and Gift Shops
Garden Centres and Produce stores
Bike, Fishing, and Outdoor shops
Toy and Hobby stores
Pet shops and Firearms dealers
We don’t chase massive corporate contracts. Because we don’t prioritise “big” business, every customer, no matter their size, has an equal voice in our software enhancement process.
3. Local support, human connection
In an era of automated tickets and overseas call centres, we remain committed to human-to-human contact. Tower Systems develops its software locally in Australia and New Zealand, and our support team is based here too.
When you call us, you speak to a person who understands the local retail landscape. We also operate a transparent enhancement process where every customer gets to vote on future software updates. Your feedback directly shapes the tools you use every day.
Is Tower Systems right for you?
We aren’t here to tell you that we are the only choice. Let’s talk, find out what matters to you and see whether what we offer is a viable solution. No pressure from us. If you use Lightspeed today, let us know what you love and what you’re not a fan of. We can see how we step up to each of these.
If our solution isn’t the right fit for your specific operational needs, we will tell you so. But if you are looking for a system that offers flexibility, local accountability, and a predictable cost of ownership, we would love to chat.
Would you like to see how we compare to Lightspeed? Contact us for a no-obligation demonstration. You can reach the team on 1300 662 957 or via email at sales@towersystems.com.au.
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