Spatula vs Toast

A better deal than Toast.

Toast locks you into multi-year contracts, proprietary hardware, and 3.5% processing on every online order. Spatula is flat-rate, hardware-free, and contract-free.

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The maths

What each really costs

Toast$300-$2,000+/mo all-in (software + processing + hardware)

Spatula$99/mo flat, no hardware, no contracts, no processing fees

Software (Starter)	$0/mo
Software (Standard)	$69/mo per terminal
Online ordering add-on	~$75/mo
Online processing	3.50% + 15c/order
Hardware (terminals)	$494-$1,034 each
Early termination fee	$1,000-$5,000+

Feature by feature

Feature	Spatula	Toast
Zero per-transaction fees	✓	✗
No hardware required	✓	✗
No long-term contracts	✓	✗
Custom domain	✓	✗
True white-label	✓	✗
Full customer data ownership	✓	✗
Built-in merchant app (PWA)	✓	Proprietary app
Group ordering	✓	✓
Scheduled orders with smart prep time	✓	✗
Half-and-half pizza builder	✓	✓
Meal deal / combo builder	✓	✗
Built-in loyalty program with tiers	✓	Paid add-on ($175/mo)
Real-time order tracking + chat	✓	Tracking only
Menu import from competitors	✓	✗
Customer allergen profiles	✓	✗
Honest deal detection	✓	✗
Daily specials system	✓	✗
Australian market support	✓	✗
Kitchen display system	Thermal printing	✓
Integrated POS	✗	✓

Why restaurants switch

Proprietary hardware lock-in

Toast requires its own terminals ($494-$1,034 each) that don't work with any other system. If you leave Toast, your hardware investment is worthless.

3.50% + 15c on every online order

Toast's online processing rate is higher than most competitors. On $20k/mo in online orders, that's $730/mo in processing fees, and Toast can raise rates mid-contract with just 30 days notice.

Multi-year contracts with steep exit fees

Toast typically requires 2-3 year commitments with early termination fees of $1,000 to $5,000+. You're locked in even if the platform doesn't work for you.

Your customer data feeds their marketplace

Toast operates the Toast TakeOut app, a marketplace that uses your customer data to drive orders across all Toast restaurants. Your data isn't exclusively yours.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Toast really cost?

A typical Toast setup costs $300-$2,000+/month when you factor in terminal fees, online ordering add-on, processing fees (3.50% + 15c on online orders), and hardware payments. Spatula is $99/mo flat — no commission, no per-order fees, no hardware to buy.

What happens to my Toast hardware if I switch?

Toast terminals are proprietary, they only work with Toast. If you leave, they become expensive paperweights. Spatula runs on any device you already own, phone, tablet, or Sunmi terminal.

Can I get out of my Toast contract?

Toast contracts typically have early termination fees of $1,000-$5,000+. Check your agreement for specifics. Spatula has no contracts and no cancellation fees, cancel anytime.

Does Spatula replace Toast completely?

Spatula replaces Toast's online ordering, website, and order management. If you need a full POS for in-person payments, you can pair Spatula with any POS you choose, you're not locked into one ecosystem.

Does Toast work in Australia?

No. Toast is US-only with no Australian support. Spatula is purpose-built for Australian restaurants with GST handling, local payment methods, and support in your timezone.