Quick Summary: What's the Difference Between ordd.io and Toast?

ordd.io is a QR code ordering system that adds mobile ordering to your existing setup. It costs $249/month with no hardware required and no commission on orders. Customers scan a QR code at their table, order from their phone, and pay directly.

Toast is a full POS system replacement that includes hardware, software, payment processing, and optional QR ordering. Toast starts at $69/month for software but requires purchasing proprietary hardware ($799+) and typically involves annual contracts.

Key difference: ordd.io adds QR ordering without replacing your existing systems. Toast replaces your entire POS infrastructure.

Feature ordd.io Toast
Monthly Software Fee $249/month $69+/month (Starter)
Hardware Required No - works on any device Yes - proprietary ($799+)
Commission on Orders 0% 0%
Payment Processing 2.9% + $0.30 (Stripe) 2.49% + $0.15
Contract Length Month-to-month Annual typical
Setup Time 20 min - 1 day 1-4 weeks
White-Glove Setup Included free Additional cost
QR Table Ordering Core feature Add-on module
Full POS System No (add-on to existing) Yes (complete system)
Works with Existing POS Yes No (replacement)

What is ordd.io?

ordd.io is a QR code mobile ordering system for restaurants and bars. It lets customers scan a table QR code, view your digital menu, place orders, and pay from their phones. Orders go directly to your kitchen display system or bartender screen. ordd.io works alongside your existing systems—you don't need to replace your POS.

ordd.io costs $249/month with zero commission on orders. There's no hardware to buy. Setup takes 20 minutes for self-service or 3-5 days with white-glove setup (included free).

What is Toast?

Toast is a complete restaurant management platform that includes POS hardware, software, payment processing, payroll, and various add-ons including mobile ordering. Toast is designed to replace your entire restaurant technology stack.

Toast pricing starts at $69/month for the software, but the total cost is higher when you factor in required hardware purchases ($799+ for a basic terminal setup), installation fees, and add-on modules. Most Toast customers are on annual contracts.

Pricing Comparison

Here's what you'd actually pay with each system:

ordd.io Total First-Year Cost:

  • Monthly fee: $249 × 12 = $2,988/year
  • Hardware: $0
  • Setup fee: $0 (white-glove included)
  • Commission: $0
  • Total: ~$2,988/year + payment processing

Toast Total First-Year Cost:

  • Monthly fee: $69+ × 12 = $828+/year (Starter plan)
  • Hardware: $799+ (each - basic terminal kit)
  • Installation: Varies ($0-$500+)
  • QR ordering add-on: Additional monthly fee ($69+ x 12 = 828+/year)
  • Total: ~$2,955+/year + payment processing (assuming 1 terminal)

Toast's Starter plan may look cheaper, but it has significant limitations and the QR ordering capability requires upgrading to higher tiers or adding modules.

Hardware Requirements

ordd.io: No hardware required. Works on any smartphone, tablet, or computer with a web browser. Use devices you already own for the kitchen display system. Customers use their own phones to order.

Toast: Requires proprietary Toast hardware. You cannot use Toast software on your own devices. Hardware must be purchased or leased from Toast, creating vendor lock-in.

Setup and Implementation

ordd.io: Self-service setup takes about 20 minutes. With white-glove setup (included free), you send your menu and ordd.io digitizes it within 24 hours. You're typically live within 3-5 days. A dedicated specialist is on-call during your first service.

Toast: Implementation typically takes 1-4 weeks including hardware delivery, installation, configuration, and training. Setup complexity increases with the number of features and integrations.

Contract Terms

ordd.io: Month-to-month billing. Cancel anytime with no penalties. 7-day free trial to test with real customers.

Toast: Most customers sign annual contracts. Early termination may involve fees. Hardware purchase creates additional lock-in.

When Should You Choose Each?

Choose ordd.io if:

You want to add QR code table ordering without replacing your existing POS system. You don't want to buy new hardware. You want a simple, flat monthly fee with no commission. You prefer month-to-month billing with no long-term commitment. You want to be up and running quickly.

Choose Toast if:

You need a complete POS system replacement. You're opening a new restaurant and need everything from scratch. You want an all-in-one platform with payroll, inventory, and other features integrated. You're willing to invest in proprietary hardware and longer-term commitment for a fully integrated system.

Bottom Line:

If your main goal is adding QR code ordering to your existing restaurant operation, ordd.io is simpler, faster to implement, and doesn't require replacing your current systems. If you need to rebuild your entire technology stack, Toast offers a comprehensive (but more expensive and complex) solution.

See also: ordd.io vs DoorDash | ordd.io vs Square

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