Four products make up the Lightspeed platform. The first, Lightspeed OnSite, is a desktop application, while the Lightspeed Restaurant platform is a point-of-sale system for restaurants. Retail businesses use the Lightspeed Retail system, which is entirely cloud-based. We’ll go over those briefly, but the main platform we’ll be looking at today is Lightspeed eCommerce, their online store solution.
Although the Lightspeed company is based in the United Kingdom, they provide support to clients in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Lightspeed has a unique set of tools for online businesses, including a gorgeous backend interface and a robust app/theme marketplace. Lightspeed provides the user experience required for beginners, but it may also be useful to more expert developers.
Lightspeed Ecommerce Review: Pros and Cons
Lightspeed began as a startup that provided retail POS system technology to businesses. In the shape of Lightspeed retail, LightspeedHQ.com continues to provide these retail solutions. However, the business now has its eCommerce platform.
The Lightspeed eCommerce system works in tandem with the POS solution to let businesses effortlessly expand their operations into the digital realm. The user interface is intuitive and modern, with a wide range of customization options.
There are, however, a few problems to iron out.
Pros
- Customization choices are plentiful.
- Integrations with other Lightspeed tools are fantastic.
- Integrations with third-party programs that are useful
- The free trial option is convenient.
- Excellent inventory management at the backend
- Coupons and discount codes
- One-click import of physical store inventory to eCommerce
- Easy and quick mass updates
- Mobile-friendly themes
- Customer loyalty requires lightspeed loyalty.
- Returns and shipping are simplified.
- Tracking codes for shipments
- Email and social media cross-channel marketing
- SEO and marketing tools built-in
- With many languages and currencies, we have a global footprint.
Cons
- Some eCommerce solutions are slightly more expensive.
- There are a few small software problems to work around.
- It’s difficult to break out of a lock-in contract.
- For new users, there is a learning curve.
Lightspeed Features: Inventory Management and Shipping
Over the years, Lightspeed Ecommerce has received several interesting enhancements to make the platform more engaging and feature-rich for today’s business owners. Companies can discover everything they need to keep stock moving and enhance sales on the site.
Inventory Management
This device gathers all of your products in one place and allows you to import and export items from different commerce platforms. Returns are automated in the order processing system, making it easier to deal with clients who wish to send something back.
Businesses can import tools from a physical store into an eCommerce environment with a single click using inventory management systems. There are additional discount code choices, and mass update features for enhancing conversions.
Integrated Ecommerce Shipping
The hassle-free shipping truly connects you to all of the world’s shipping providers. This means you won’t have to worry about one of the most frustrating aspects of ecommerce. You won’t have to go to the post office with the one-click shipping labels, and your customers will receive their orders sooner.
Furthermore, shipping prices are computed automatically for your consumers, and tracking emails are provided without your involvement.
A full back-office environment makes viewing, amending, and organizing shipping procedures simple. With shipment tracking codes, you can also give your clients up-to-date reports on their packages.
ShipStation and EasyPost are two popular shipping solutions that Lightspeed works with.
Lightspeed Features for Customer Experience
It takes more than knowing how to manage your inventory and resources to run a successful internet business. Today, customers seek businesses that understand how to provide the greatest possible experiences. As a result, Lightspeed Ecommerce includes several customer management solutions.
The Lightspeed customer experience features are designed to help you engage with your customers deeper by transforming your website into a store that customers want to buy from. You can access various other UX tools and more than fifty professional themes to customize the checkout experience.
Business leaders, for example, can show off their products in high definition and provide cutting-edge navigation. There’s also the possibility of designing checkouts that are mobile-friendly. The more pleasant your checkout process is, the more likely you will make a transaction.
Sales, Promotions, and Discounts
The Lightspeed interface appears to be focused on attracting more customers, as it includes capabilities for setting up flash deals, BOGOs, discounts, and more. Give out free things, offer limited-time deals, and free shipping whenever you want.
Lightspeed offers a variety of techniques to improve client happiness in addition to sales and discounts. For example, you can convert any frequent customer into a devoted advocate with the Lightspeed loyalty service. Lightspeed Loyalty comprises a customer-facing app, a point tracker, and a tailored rewards program.
With the loyalty program, you may build automatic emails and SMS campaigns using a marketing tool. The Lightspeed dashboard also provides behind-the-scenes insights regarding customer spending behaviours. Aside from Lightspeed loyalty, there are simple returns and exchange methods and the ability for clients to create support tickets directly from their profile.
With the option to add things to a Wishlist, businesses may increase the likelihood of customers checking out later.
A Customizable Checkout
Because of the platform you chose, you may find yourself stuck with a checkout module. Lightspeed is different since it allows you to choose from various checkout options.
Lightspeed’s customizable checkout takes simple sales to the next level. You may appeal to an international clientele by allowing your audience to choose from various currencies. There’s also the opportunity to connect tools like PayPal Express checkout for those in a rush. It’s much easier to increase your chances of earning more lightspeed payments when you can change your checkout whenever you choose.
You can also get your money quickly once you’ve set up your ideal checkout with Lightspeed. You can assure that you get your money quickly since you get to determine how your checkout operates and which payment processors you employ.
An A/B testing module determines which of the three options is best for your business.
Access to Crucial Customer Data
The lightspeed eCommerce service works in tandem with your point-of-sale software and retail POS to assist businesses in maximizing their online sales strategy. Lightspeed claims access to all of the information small businesses need to make sales as a handy alternative to existing programs like Shopify.
Weekly, daily, and monthly sales reports can track your online success. You may also use your site and loyalty program to keep track of customer support tickets and see whether your team is providing the best solutions to your audience. You may also use order status reports to correct errors and conversion reports to see if your online store requires assistance.
With analytical statistics, Lightspeed assists small business owners in growing their brand and accepting more credit card payments.
Features for Marketing and Growth
Lightspeed not only assists you in keeping track of things like payment processing and pop-up checkout experiences, but it also helps businesses unleash new types of growth. Lightspeed can assist you in taking your retail business to the next level.
Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can be linked to your account. You can also integrate your online store with your preferred POS system and cash register. Lightspeed sells its point-of-sale software and hardware. You can even buy a dedicated restaurant POS if you’re in the food industry.
In addition, there are built-in tools for things like Google search engine optimization and email marketing. This implies you’ll have more chances to attract clients and convert leads into sales.
Multiple Languages, Currencies, and Tax Support
Although international selling requires an Advanced plan, it’s simple to connect with clients who don’t speak your language or use your currency once you’ve reached that level. Taxes are calculated in the appropriate currencies, and you can even communicate with people in their native tongue. Everything is converted into the ideal customer experience.
Lightspeed Ecommerce Integrations
As we’ve already mentioned, Lightspeed Ecommerce includes a slew of internal integrations. From Vantiv payment systems to your POS solution and loyalty program, this Montreal-based company can help. However, the more extra features you want, the more you’ll have to pay.
Lightspeed offers a variety of connectors with third-party services and allows you to build and expand your business capabilities with its tools. For example, you may use Mailchimp in conjunction with your website to create effective marketing campaigns. There’s also a connection with Order Alert for real-time order notifications.
For all-in-one order synchronization, feed management, and PPC solutions, Lightspeed interfaces with Channable. Additionally, Inventory Alarm can help you enhance sales and avoid “out-of-stock” situations.
Lightspeed’s applications page makes it simple to sift through various integrations to meet various needs. After selecting a category, you can filter your apps by price, relevancy, or rating. Alternatives include:
Gift Up! gift cards and MultiSafepay payments for peace of mind are two examples of sales tools that can help you convert more customers.
Other alternatives include feedback and review applications, as well as dedicated rewards programs, in addition to Lightspeed’s loyalty app.
Accounting: Lightspeed works with various accounting software, including QuickBooks, to help you keep track of your finances.
Payment processors: To help clients check out faster, you may add items like PayPal Express to your Lightspeed website.
Validators for VAT numbers are tools that help validate VAT numbers.
Add-ons for social media: You may sell more on social media or invite customers to post their purchases on their profiles.
Dropshipping and shipment apps: With shipping services and dropshipping tools, you can open up a world of new business prospects.
Customer service: Improve the customer experience with live chat and sales ticket apps. Some apps send you rapid notifications anytime an order is completed. That way, you can automatically send a thank-you message.
Because Lightspeed is both a POS and an ecommerce solution, you can combine your online and offline businesses. When you take your business offline, you can use the Lightspeed POS to turn any Mac or computer into a checkout counter.
Smaller businesses will find it much easier to participate in events, expos, and pop-up shop selling opportunities due to this.
Lightspeed Pricing
You might be perplexed by the Lightspeed Ecommerce pricing plans at first.
Lightspeed’s Ecommerce costs aren’t as evident as those of other ecommerce site builders. On the website, you can discover a price list for on-site retail. However, there isn’t a section dedicated to ecommerce.
On Lightspeed’s website, click the Pricing page to view a range of rates that appear to contain only the retail POS. If you scroll down, though, you’ll discover that some of the slightly more expensive systems include Lightspeed Ecommerce.
We haven’t been able to locate a way to get Lightspeed Ecommerce without also getting Lightspeed Payments (for offline purchases) and Lightspeed Retail POS.
However, the Lightspeed website suggests that you talk to the team about your specific alternatives. If you don’t want an offline pricing bundle, requesting a custom quote may assist.
Customers who wished to test the functioning of Lightspeed’s Ecommerce service before investing money had no option in the past. Before you pay, you may take advantage of a fourteen-day free trial. That’s an excellent approach to ensure you receive your money’s worth.
The following are the current Lightspeed Ecommerce pricing plans:
Lightspeed Standard: $119/month (annual payments) or $139/month (monthly payments) (paid monthly). This bundle contains Retail POS for your offline business and Lightspeed Payments, which includes a free terminal. Accounting features and the opportunity to incorporate your existing accounting software (such as Quickbooks) are included.
$169 per month (annual payments) or $189 per month (monthly payments) (paid monthly). This bundle is designed for businesses that are experiencing increased sales. It includes everything from the normal Lightspeed package and Lightspeed Loyalty. If you want Loyalty with your package but not Lightspeed POS, you’ll need to contact the support staff for a special price.
Lightspeed Pro costs $229 per month (paid annually) or $259 per month (paid monthly) (paid monthly). This is Lightspeed’s most comprehensive pricing package right now. It includes all Lightspeed Advanced’s features, including the Loyalty points program. On the other hand, Pro comes with its powerful reporting and analytics solution. This means you’ll have a greater understanding of what’s going on behind the scenes in your firm.
Lightspeed Ecommerce costs vary depending on the size and type of business. You’ll need to acquire a separate quote if you have many locations. Remember that picking an annual plan over a monthly plan will save you money. It’s also worth noting that you can save money on hardware if you buy your terminals and devices from Lightspeed.
Lightspeed Support
The Lightspeed team uses a blog and knowledge base to provide help. It’s one of the greatest knowledge areas bases we’ve seen, with lovely icons and headers for quickly navigating topics like marketing, orders, settings, and items. You can also contact the company through social media, and the phone lines are constantly available depending on the market you’re working in.
Furthermore, you can send an email or submit a support request at any time. Our favourite feature is the live chat assistance, which is something you won’t find at all other ecommerce sites.
Ease of Use and Hardware
Because Lightspeed Ecommerce is a website construction service, no specific hardware is required. However, when Lightspeed POS and Ecommerce are combined, you get a far better overall experience. If you have an online and offline firm, your Ecommerce system and POS hardware might complement one another.
Lightspeed can provide you with everything from a receipt printer and iPad sales system to a cash drawer, Bluetooth scanner, and more, depending on your demands and POS solution. There’s even a desktop hardware kit for those who prefer a computer to a tablet.
Companies that require a combination of Lightspeed Ecommerce and retail can purchase a hardware bundle from the company or purchase equipment separately.
The ability to instantly update your Ecommerce store and inventory information with your POS and retail tools makes inventory and stock levels much easier to keep track of. Lightspeed’s in-depth connectors are part of what makes the system so simple to use.
Lightspeed also combines its great customer service and support strategy with FAQs that assist you in more directly answering any issues you may have. Many articles and tools are available to help you figure out which payment choices are accessible or how to improve your Ecommerce site. You do not need to wait for the Lightspeed support team to become available.
Who Should be Using Lightspeed?
POS, cloud, or desktop solutions may appear appropriate if you own or operate a restaurant or retail establishment. For companies searching for a genuine omnichannel experience, we appreciate the ecommerce system. Lightspeed is a good option for a brick-and-mortar company that wants to integrate with an internet store. Your sales and inventory are all connected, and you get some great deals on the whole package. It’s a fantastic system for a solo ecommerce solution.
Lightspeed is an effective tool for businesses looking to expand their revenue options. Lightspeed allows business owners to connect their online and offline selling tactics quickly and effortlessly. This implies that new clients will never be turned away from your shopping cart.
Although it isn’t the most well-known inventory management and Ecommerce software, Lightspeed may make business owners’ lives much easier. You get a site where you can acquire everything from marketing tools to shipping and reports all in one spot. Furthermore, Lightspeed’s great service is frequently praised when it comes to customer care.
